Ann Blyth, the talented actress and singer, has passed away at the age of 98. Blyth was best known for her role as the evil daughter, Veda, in the classic 1945 film Mildred Pierce, for which she earned an Oscar nomination. Her portrayal of Joan Crawford's demon daughter showcased her range and versatility as an actress.
Blyth's career began at a young age, with her singing and reciting poetry on radio shows starting at just 6 years old. She performed with the San Carlos Opera Company and was discovered by writer Lillian Hellman and producer-director Herman Shumlin, who offered her a role in the Broadway play Watch on the Rhine. Blyth's talent was recognized early on, and she quickly rose to prominence in the entertainment industry.
One of her most memorable roles was playing the wife of Enrico Caruso (Mario Lanza) in The Great Caruso (1951), where she showcased her operatic soprano skills. She also starred in several other MGM musicals, including Rose Marie (1954), The Student Prince (1954), and Kismet (1955). Blyth's versatility extended beyond musicals, as she also portrayed Burt Lancaster's wife in the gritty prison drama Brute Force (1947) and a mermaid in the fantasy film Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid (1948).
After leaving MGM, Blyth hooked up with Warner Bros. and starred in two biopics in 1957: The Buster Keaton Story and The Helen Morgan Story. In The Helen Morgan Story, she played an alcoholic 1930s torch singer opposite Paul Newman, showcasing her ability to take on challenging and diverse roles.
Blyth's career was not without its challenges. She suffered a serious injury when she broke her back in a sledding accident near Lake Arrowhead, California, just five days after wrapping Mildred Pierce. This accident left her in a body cast for seven months and confined to a wheelchair for several more. Despite this setback, she managed to attend the 1946 Oscars, wearing a studio-designed gown that fit over her back brace.
In the 1970s, Blyth became a familiar face to TV viewers through her appearances in commercials for Hostess Cupcakes, pitching Twinkies, Crumb Cakes, and Ding Dongs. She also appeared in various TV shows, including Wagon Train, The Twilight Zone, The Name of the Game, Quincy M.E., and Murder, She Wrote.
Blyth's personal life was also noteworthy. She married Los Angeles obstetrician James McNulty, the brother of singer Dennis Day, in 1953. They had five children together and remained married until his death in 2007. Blyth's legacy extends beyond her acting career, as she left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry with her talent and dedication.
Ann Blyth's passing marks the end of a remarkable journey in the world of entertainment. Her contributions to film, television, and music will be remembered and celebrated by fans and critics alike. Blyth's ability to embody diverse characters and her enduring talent will ensure her place in the annals of Hollywood history.
