BBC Breakfast presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent returned to screens on Wednesday (October 7) to deliver the latest headlines. The hosts shared an update on death row inmate Christa Pike, who survived her execution last week, and reported on the Conservative Party conference. John Watson was also in the studio with sporting updates, including Lionel Messi's final game with Argentina.
Death of Eva Marie Saint announced
Later in the show, Sally announced the death of Hollywood acting legend Eva Marie Saint, who died at the age of 102. The actress died of natural causes at her home in Los Angeles on Tuesday (October 6), reports the Mirror.
A pre-recorded tribute to the star was played shortly after the announcement, with culture correspondent Charlotte Gallagher reflecting on Eva's life and career, from her humble beginnings in New Jersey to her arrival in Hollywood.
Tribute to a golden age star
After appearing on screen alongside Lillian Gish, Eva landed the role that changed her life. "Elia Kazan's On the Waterfront opposite Marlon Brando. At the Oscars, she won Best Supporting Actress, just days before her first child was born," Charlotte said in the clip.
"Her career never looked back, with the likes of Bob Hope, Montgomery Clift, and Paul Newman. She played Superman's mother in her 80s. But Eva Marie Saint will be remembered for those classic movies of the 1950s."
Charlotte concluded: "The oldest surviving Oscar winner and one of our last links to the golden age of Hollywood." Back in the studio, Jon noted that Eva's death marked the "end of an era", with Sally nodding in agreement.
Fans react to the news
Fans were left emotional after learning of Eva's death. One person wrote on X: "This is sad.. loved her in Nothing in Common as well as so many others.. she will be missed."
Another added: "RIP [heart emoji]. So many of the golden era movie stars lived very long lives." A third said, "What a legend! She was outstanding in her Oscar-winning role in On the Waterfront and had a stellar performance with Cary Grant in North by Northwest #restinpeace Angel."
Someone else echoed the sentiment, saying: "Gone too soon." A fifth fan shared: "Very sad news. She was one of the greatest."
The news of Eva's death comes just one day after BBC Breakfast paid tribute to bestselling author and former Tory MP Jeffrey Archer, who died suddenly on Monday (October 5). The news broke just hours before Jeffrey's final novel was due to be published. BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One at 6am.
