Celeste Holm, who became famous for her role in Broadway’s Oklahoma!, died last Sunday at the age of 95. Dying in her apartment near New York City’s Central Park, Holm has been in the hospital for dehydration just about two weeks before she died after a fire broke out in her building. The fire was said to have come from Robert De Niro’s apartment. Amy Phillips, her great-niece, said that the actress was surrounded by her husband, Frank Basile, and other family members and friends when she died. She assumes:
I think she wanted to be here, in her home, among her things, with people who loved her.
Aside from her role as Ado Annie on Broadway, Holm was also known for winning an Oscar Best Supporting Actress for 1947’s Gentleman’s Agreement. Holm married five times, with opera singer Basile being her last. They married on her 87th birthday. She left two sons and three grandchildren.
She will always be remembered by both Hollywood and Broadway. Condolences to her family in this difficult time.
Photo: Wikipedia