Jon Kay and Sally Nugent were back on the red sofa for the latest edition of BBC Breakfast
Jon Kay returned to screens on Wednesday(Image: BBC)
The hosts of BBC Breakfast shared some sad news this week.
Jon Kay and Sally Nugent were back in the studio on Wednesday (October 7) to deliver the latest headlines from across the UK and around the world. Later in the show, the presenters announced the death of an acting legend.
Eva Marie Saint, one of the last survivors of Hollywood’s golden age of the 1940s and 50s, has died at the age of 102. Her work on screen spanned six decades. She made her screen debut alongside Marlon Brando in On the Waterfront, and also starred in North by Northwest and Superman Returns.
Representatives of the star said that she died on Tuesday (October 6) of natural causes at her Los Angeles home, surrounded by her loved ones. Sharing the news on BBC Breakfast, Sally said: “Tributes have been paid to one of the last stars of Hollywood’s golden age, the American actor Eva Marie Saint, who has died at the age of 102.”
Jon added: “In a career spanning nine decades, the oldest surviving Oscar winner became best known for her roles in the 1954 hit On the Waterfront with Marlon Brando, and later with Cary Grant in the spy thriller North by Northwest.” BBC culture correspondent Charlotte Gallagher then looked back on Eva’s life.
In the pre-recorded tribute, Charlotte said: “Eva Marie Saint, the ice-cool femme fatale, who meets Cary Grant on a train in Alfred Hitchcock’s Cold War spy classic North by Northwest. She seduces him, betrays him, but ultimately falls in love, after a terrifying escape from enemy spies across Mount Rushmore.”
Eva was the daughter of a tyre salesman from New Jersey. She initially thought of becoming a teacher, but modelling led to a small part in television, alongside former silent screen legend Lillian Gish.
As her acting career took off, Eva became known for appearing in Exodus, The Sandpiper, 36 Hours, and Grand Prix. She soon won a Primetime Emmy Award and an Academy Award.
Back in the studio, Sally then said, “Eva Marie Saint, whose death has been announced. The star of so many incredible films.”
Jon went on to say, “True end of an era stuff,” before Sally agreed, “Yeah.” The hosts then continued with their bulletin.
Tributes have flooded in for Eva, following the news of her death. “Oh no… But what a magnificent life!” one person wrote on X.
Another added: “No! I was just talking about how amazing it was that she was over 100 to my father yesterday!” A third said: “This is such sad news, what a wonderful actress and beautiful lady she was, RIP Eva Marie.”
Someone else echoed the sentiment, saying: “Damn. Not many left. Enjoyed her on Turner Classic. Great actress.” A fifth fan shared: “They just don’t make them like that anymore. What a loss.”
BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am