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Samantha Eggar, the renowned English actress known for her powerful performances in film and television, has passed away at the age of 86. She died on a quiet Wednesday evening in Los Angeles, surrounded by her family. Her daughter, Jenna Stern, shared a poignant message on Instagram, recalling the intimate moment as the family gathered to say goodbye.
She described it as a beautiful experience, highlighting the love that enveloped Eggar in her final moments.
Eggar began her career in the entertainment industry in England, performing with various Shakespearean companies. Her breakthrough came with the 1965 film The Collector, directed by William Wyler.
This film earned her an Oscar nomination and solidified her status as a significant talent in Hollywood. The plot centers on a man, played by Terence Stamp, who kidnaps Eggar’s character, leading to a disturbing exploration of obsession and captivity.
Rise to prominence in cinema
Following the success of The Collector, Eggar starred alongside Cary Grant in the romantic comedy Walk, Don’t Run (1966), which marked Grant’s final film. Set during the Tokyo Olympics, Eggar portrayed a young woman caught in a matchmaking scheme, demonstrating her ability to transition effortlessly between genres.
Critics acknowledged her performance, noting how the film’s script and direction complemented her engaging screen presence.
Iconic roles and varied performances
Eggar’s career continued to thrive as she embraced diverse roles in high-profile projects. She starred in the musical adaptation Doctor Dolittle (1967) with Rex Harrison, portraying Emma Fairfax, the charming love interest.
This role highlighted her vocal talents and further established her reputation as a versatile actress. She later appeared in Martin Ritt’s gritty drama The Molly Maguires (1970), alongside Sean Connery and Richard Harris, allowing her to explore more serious themes.
In 1970, Eggar also captivated audiences in the British film The Walking Stick, where she played a woman dealing with the emotional scars of childhood polio. This performance showcased her depth as an actress and her capability to portray complex characters. Her involvement in Anatole Litvak’s final film, The Lady in the Glasses With a Gun, further demonstrated her versatility in the industry.
Return to horror and voice work
Eggar made a notable return to the horror genre with her role in David Cronenberg’s 1979 psychological thriller The Brood. Critics praised her performance, describing her character as a “bravura matriarch” and highlighting the film’s surreal and haunting imagery. Eggar’s ability to embody such a visceral character left a lasting impression on both audiences and critics.
In the early 1990s, Eggar ventured into voice acting, contributing to various animated projects. She voiced Hera, the queen of the gods, in Disney’s Hercules (1997) and reprised the role for the subsequent ABC series. Earlier, she voiced Queen Guinevere in the animated series The Legend of Prince Valiant, showcasing her adaptability across different media formats.
Television appearances and later years
Eggar’s television career featured notable guest appearances in various series, including her role as Captain Picard’s sister-in-law in Star Trek: The Next Generation and a recurring role on Commander in Chief alongside Geena Davis. Her versatility ensured her continued relevance in both film and television, resulting in a diverse body of work.
Born Victoria Louise Samantha Marie Elizabeth Therese Eggar in Hampstead, London, she started her film career with roles in 1962’s Young and Willing. She continued to build her resume with films like Psyche 59 and Return From the Ashes. Eggar was married to actor Tom Stern from 1964 to 1971 and is survived by her daughter Jenna Stern and son Nicolas Stern, a film producer.
