Ann Blyth

Opera and music stage and film star, actress, humanitarian

Ann Blyth began her legendary singing career at an early age. A radio singer at age 5, American actress Ann Blyth studied for an operatic career, making her debut with the San Carlo Opera Company. At age 15, Ann's dramatic talents led her to play Paul Lukas' daughter in the Broadway production, Watch on the Rhine.Two years later she was under contract to Universal studios.

Ann Blyth showed her pervasive talents and was cast as Joan Crawford's hateful daughter,Veda, in Mildred Pierce (1945). For this performance, Ann was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress.

After recovering from a serious back injury, Ann Blyth worked in dozens of films, alternating between light parts to her tough dramatic portrayal of Regina Hubbard in Another Part of the Forest (1948).

Ann also played in fantasies, starring in Mr. Peabody and the Mermaid (1948). She further displayed her beautifully trained voice in such musicals as The Student Prince (1954), Rose Marie (1955) and Kismet (1956). She also played a real-life songstress in The Helen Morgan Story (1957). She is well remembered for her portrayal of the wife of the legendary opera star, in The Great Caruso (1951) with Mario Lanza. Here Ann introduced the beautiful song, It's the Loveliest Night of the Year. Time and space prevents noting all of Ann Blyth's many films.

In 1953, Ann wed Dr. James McNulty and had five children. Ann is a devout Roman Catholic which is shown throughout her film career and especially in the documentary Crusade for Prayer. Ann's later career led her back to the stage, onto television in the hit series, Wagon Train, in concerts and, in the late 1970s, she showed up as the surprisingly domesticated spokesperson for Hostess Cupcakes.

For generations Ann Blyth has brought us her classic beauty, musical and dramatic talents, and profound family values. Her legacy is enduring. Women's International Center is proud and delighted to present the 2003 Living Legacy Award to the multi-talented Ann Blyth.