Let me tell you about Eva Marie Saint, the legendary Oscar-winning actress who has graced our screens for decades. In this article, she opens up about her incredible journey, sharing personal stories about working with Cary Grant, meeting her husband on the NYC subway, and much more. These five facts will give you a deeper understanding of who she truly is and the life she’s built both on and off the screen.
My All-Time Favorite Film: ‘North by Northwest’
Eva Marie Saint, at the ripe age of 99, still holds Alfred Hitchcock's 1959 thriller "North by Northwest" close to her heart. While she won an Academy Award for her role in "On the Waterfront," working with Hitchcock brought a unique excitement to her career. “It was a whole different experience,” she tells Closer. “I felt invigorated and thrilled by it.” One of her favorite memories from the set was when Cary Grant, the charming leading man, walked in with a lighthearted greeting: “Eva Marie, this is going to be fun. No tears!” Cary’s words were a playful nod to her previous roles where she had to shed a lot of tears. Eva laughed and replied, “Fine, sounds good to me!” This moment set the tone for what would become one of her most memorable experiences in film.
I Almost Passed on the Role That Changed Everything
When Eva Marie received the script for "North by Northwest," she was fresh off the birth of her second child and didn’t feel particularly inspired by it. She thought about turning it down, but then her husband, Jeffrey Hayden, stepped in. “I vividly remember him saying, ‘Honey, I’ll take care of the children, and I want you to really think about this and reread this script,’” she recalls. His encouragement made all the difference. “He was so right,” Eva says with a warm smile. That decision not only changed her career trajectory but also solidified her place in Hollywood history as one of the most iconic leading ladies.
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A Chance Encounter That Lasted a Lifetime
Eva Marie Saint’s meeting with her future husband, Jeffrey Hayden, was nothing short of serendipitous. It happened on the NYC subway back in 1949. “I was carrying a modeling book with my name in little gold letters at the bottom,” she recounts. “And the name intrigued him.” That small detail sparked a conversation that would lead to a 65-year-long marriage, filled with love and partnership. Jeffrey, a TV director, became her rock and best friend until his passing in 2016. Eva fondly remembers their life together, cherishing every moment they shared.
That Time I Nearly Gave Birth On Stage
Eva Marie Saint recalls the unforgettable moment she accepted her Oscar for "On the Waterfront" while nine months pregnant. “I said, ‘Thank you, I’m so excited. I may have the baby right here,’” she jokes. As it turns out, her prediction wasn’t far off—she gave birth to her son just two days later. It’s a story that perfectly encapsulates her wit and charm, showing how she handles life’s unexpected twists with grace and humor.
Fame Was Never My Goal
Despite her illustrious career, Eva Marie Saint has always valued privacy and normalcy over fame. “I know I couldn’t have coped with [major] fame. And I’ve never had it—thank the Lord!” she says with a laugh. For her, the opportunity to live a balanced life, where she could be both an actress and a mother, was far more important than the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. “People recognize me, but I wanted a normal life,” she explains. Her perspective serves as a reminder that success doesn’t always look the same for everyone.
