Anne Baxter was one of Hollywood’s most talented and versatile actresses, known for her striking beauty, dynamic performances, and a career that spanned five decades. Born on May 7, 1923, in Michigan City, Indiana, Baxter rose to prominence during the Golden Age of Hollywood, captivating audiences with her roles in a wide range of films, from melodramas to historical epics. With an Academy Award win and several unforgettable performances, Baxter left an indelible mark on the film industry, becoming a beloved star of her era.
Her career highlights include iconic roles in films such as All About Eve, The Razor’s Edge, and The Ten Commandments, each of which showcased her incredible acting range. Baxter’s personal life was as colorful as her professional one, with a family history steeped in literature and a spirit of independence that guided her throughout her life.
Early Life and Hollywood Beginnings
Anne Baxter was born into a well-connected family in Michigan City, Indiana. Her mother, Catherine Wright, was the daughter of Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the most famous architects of the 20th century. Baxter’s ties to the world of art and culture were evident early on, and she was encouraged to pursue her passions. She moved to New York City at the age of 11, where she began taking acting lessons.
Baxter made her Broadway debut at the age of 13 in the play Seen but Not Heard (1936), which put her in the spotlight at a very young age. Hollywood soon beckoned, and at just 16 years old, she signed a contract with 20th Century Fox in 1939. Her early years in Hollywood saw her take on a variety of supporting roles, with her youthful beauty and undeniable talent quickly making her one of the most promising young actresses in the industry.
Breakthrough Role: The Magnificent Ambersons and The Razor’s Edge
Anne Baxter’s big break came in 1942 when she was cast in Orson Welles’ critically acclaimed film The Magnificent Ambersons. In this film, Baxter portrayed the sweet and innocent Lucy Morgan, a performance that garnered her widespread praise. The role allowed her to show her ability to embody complex, multi-layered characters, and it helped cement her reputation as a rising star in Hollywood.
However, it was her role in The Razor’s Edge (1946) that truly launched her into the upper echelons of Hollywood stardom. In this film, based on the novel by W. Somerset Maugham, Baxter played Sophie MacDonald, a tragic woman who struggles with addiction and heartbreak. Her raw and emotionally charged performance earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. This role established Baxter as one of the most talented actresses of her generation, capable of delivering emotionally complex and devastating performances.
All About Eve: The Role That Defined a Career
Although Anne Baxter had already won an Oscar by the time she starred in All About Eve (1950), it was her portrayal of the ambitious and manipulative Eve Harrington that truly defined her career. Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, All About Eve is a sharp and insightful look at the inner workings of show business, focusing on the cutthroat world of theater.
Baxter played Eve Harrington, a seemingly innocent young woman who works her way into the life of the successful actress Margo Channing (played by Bette Davis). Eve’s charm and ambition hide her true intentions: to dethrone Margo and take her place as the star of the stage. Baxter’s portrayal of Eve was masterful, as she deftly balanced the character’s vulnerability and cunning, creating one of the most memorable and complex female characters in film history.
The role of Eve Harrington earned Baxter her second Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Actress. Although she did not win, her performance became iconic and remains one of the most celebrated in Hollywood history. All About Eve won six Academy Awards, and the film is widely regarded as one of the greatest American films of all time.
The Ten Commandments: A Historical Epic
Anne Baxter’s versatility as an actress was again on display in 1956 when she took on the role of Nefretiri in Cecil B. DeMille’s biblical epic The Ten Commandments. Playing opposite Charlton Heston’s Moses, Baxter portrayed the seductive and manipulative Egyptian queen who is torn between her love for Moses and her loyalty to the Pharaoh.
The Ten Commandments was a massive success at the box office and became one of the most iconic films of the 1950s. Baxter’s performance as Nefretiri allowed her to showcase her talent for playing strong, complex women, and her chemistry with Charlton Heston added a romantic tension to the film that helped make it one of the most memorable historical epics ever made.
Later Career: Television and Theater
In the 1960s and 1970s, Anne Baxter transitioned to television and theater, further proving her versatility as a performer. She made numerous guest appearances on television shows such as The Twilight Zone, Batman, and Marcus Welby, M.D., adapting easily to the small screen. Her move to television allowed her to maintain a strong presence in the entertainment world, even as the Hollywood landscape changed.
Baxter also returned to her roots in the theater, performing in various stage productions, including a stint as Margo Channing in the stage version of All About Eve—a full-circle moment for the actress, as she played the character who had originally been her rival on screen.
Baxter continued to act in both television and film throughout the 1970s and 1980s. One of her notable later roles was in the television drama Hotel, in which she played Victoria Cabot. This series gave Baxter a steady presence on TV and introduced her to a new generation of viewers.
Personal Life and Legacy
Anne Baxter’s personal life was as dynamic as her career. She was married three times and had three children. Her third marriage, to Australian rancher David Klee, was tragically cut short when Klee died just months after their wedding in 1977.
Baxter was known for her independent spirit and intelligence, traits that helped her navigate the challenges of being a woman in Hollywood during an era when the film industry was still very much dominated by men. She was never afraid to take on roles that pushed boundaries or defied conventional expectations, and she continued to work in the industry up until her death.
On December 12, 1985, Anne Baxter passed away at the age of 62 after suffering a brain aneurysm while walking down Madison Avenue in New York City. Her death marked the end of an illustrious career, but her legacy continues to live on through her body of work.
Influence on Film and Television
Anne Baxter’s influence on Hollywood is undeniable. She broke through the barriers of typecasting, proving that she could excel in a variety of roles—from melodrama to historical epics, to sharp, biting satire. Her performances in films like All About Eve and The Ten Commandments remain timeless, and she paved the way for future generations of actresses who sought to combine beauty with talent and intelligence.
In a career that spanned five decades, Anne Baxter showcased a remarkable ability to evolve with the changing film and television landscape. Her fearless approach to acting, along with her memorable performances, ensured that she would remain an iconic figure in Hollywood history. Today, she is remembered as one of the Golden Age’s most talented and respected actresses, a star who left an indelible mark on the entertainment world.