For 65 unforgettable years, Oscar-winning actress Eva Marie Saint was deeply in love with her husband, Jeffrey Hayden. Their remarkable story began with a simple meeting on the New York City subway, blossoming into a lifetime of cherished moments and adventures. It's a tale of love, luck, and lasting companionship that continues to inspire.
That Fateful Encounter: How Eva Marie Saint Met Jeffrey Hayden
Back in her early days in the entertainment world, Eva found herself riding the NYC subway when she crossed paths with Jeffrey. It wasn’t love at first sight, but something about the moment stuck with them both. “I was carrying a modeling book with my name, Eva Marie Saint, in gold in little letters at the bottom. And the name intrigued him,” Eva reminisced in a candid 2014 interview with NPR. “He didn’t even see me from the front. Just the back of me, and the way I walked. That was the spark.”
They tied the knot in 1951, a year when Eva was shining brightly as a star in One Man’s Family. Jeffrey, ever the supportive partner, stood by her side as her career skyrocketed with roles like the iconic On the Waterfront in 1954. “A lot of being married a long time is just plain luck,” Eva once shared with The Washington Post in 1981. “You’ve got to get a good one, and I did.”
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Jeffrey Hayden: The Man Behind the Camera
Jeffrey wasn’t just a loving husband; he was also a respected name in Hollywood. Beginning his career in the late '40s, he carved out a niche as a talented TV and film director. His work on beloved shows like Dennis the Menace, The Andy Griffith Show, and Lassie left an indelible mark on the industry. Unfortunately, Jeffrey passed away on December 24, 2016, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 90.
Reflecting on her grief, Eva opened up to the Los Angeles Times in 2018. “It comes in waves,” she said, her voice tinged with emotion. “There are moments when it hits you hard, and then there are times when you feel grateful for what you had. But the love never fades.”
Family Ties: Did Eva Marie Saint and Jeffrey Hayden Have Children?
Eva and Jeffrey’s love story didn’t just stop at them; they created a beautiful family together. The couple welcomed two children—son Darrell Hayden and daughter Laurette Hayden. Eva famously attended the 1955 Academy Awards while nine months pregnant with her firstborn. That night, she took home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in On the Waterfront.
“Thank you, I’m so excited,” she told the audience, her voice filled with joy. “I may have the baby right here.” True to her word, Darrell was born just two days after the ceremony. He went on to found Speaking of Creative in 2010, a company that trains professionals in creative services. Laurette, meanwhile, earned credits as a producer before transitioning into psychotherapy, becoming a licensed psychotherapist.
Eva beams with pride when talking about her children and their accomplishments. “I take pride in being patient with my husband, my children, and grandchildren,” she shared with Los Angeles Magazine in 2014. “I believe that hard work and perseverance pay off. If I were out there every day making the rounds, something good would happen—and it did.”
