Broadway Star and Oscar-Winner Celeste Holm Dies at 95

Celeste Holm, best known for her role in the original 1943 production of Roger and Hammertein’s Oklahoma!, as well as an Oscar-winning turn in Gentleman’s Agreement, died on Sunday from a heart attack brought on by severe dehydration at the age of 95. Holm’s acting career spanned more than 70 years, and though she experienced a great deal of early success (including a studio battle fought on her behalf by legendary director Elia Kazan), the end of her life was marked by money troubles and estrangement from her sons. Of Holm’s unique talent, Miles Krueger, president of the Institute of the American Musical, said, “Any good actress can play a man-crazy hoyden but Celeste Holm played Ado Annie with a sly wink-in-the-eye that made her character irresistible.”

Celesete Holm, Broadway star in ‘Ohlahoma!’ and Oscar-winner, dies [L.A. Times]