Remembering Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips: Beloved Actress from “White Christmas”

Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips, cherished for her role as Susan Waverly in the holiday classic White Christmas, has passed away at the age of 85. Her acting journey began at just seven years old, and she leaves behind a legacy that spans over 60 films and TV shows.

Anne’s breakout role as the granddaughter of General Waverly in White Christmas remains iconic. Beyond that, she graced screens in popular TV series like Rawhide, Gunsmoke, and Adam-12, as well as TV movies such as Quarterback Princess and The Six Million Dollar Man. Her final acting appearance was in the 1999 film Cookie’s Fortune.

Tragically, Anne’s life ended due to an accident while she was walking in her Yakima, Washington, neighborhood on February 15, 2024. She was transported to Valley Memorial Hospital, where she passed away after her family said their goodbyes. Despite being active and healthy,this unforeseen event has left her loved ones and fans in mourning.

Anne was married twice. Her first marriage to Frederick Roy Schiller lasted from 1958 to 1969, and they had two children. She later married John Foltting Phillips in 1976, with whom she had one child before divorcing in 2008. Anne is survived by her three children and seven grandchildren, who remember her as a loving mother and grandmother.

This past holiday season, Anne celebrated the 70th anniversary of White Christmas by watching the film with her family—a testament to how much this beloved movie remained a part of her life.

Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips will always be remembered for her warmth, talent, and contributions to the entertainment world. May her legacy live on in the hearts of those who loved her and in the countless fans who will continue to cherish her work.