A true legend has left us. Samantha Eggar, the talented British actress who graced our screens with her captivating performances, has passed away at the age of 86. Her journey, spanning just five years, left an indelible mark on the industry.
Eggar's career took off in 1965 with a string of remarkable roles. She mesmerized audiences as the innocent art student in 'The Collector,' a chilling film that showcased her ability to portray strength and vulnerability. But here's where it gets controversial: Natalie Wood was initially offered the role, but Eggar's interpretation stole the show, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
In an interview, Eggar recalled the intense filming process. She described how her co-star, Terence Stamp, fully embodied his psychotic character both on and off-camera. The director, William Wyler, pushed for realism, even going as far as dousing Eggar with cold water to heighten the tension.
Her versatility shone in 'Return From the Ashes,' where she played a scheming stepmother, and in the romantic comedy 'Walk, Don't Run,' opposite Cary Grant. She also showcased her musical talents in 'Doctor Dolittle.'
But it's her later works that truly showcase Eggar's range. In 'The Molly Maguires,' she fought for social justice alongside Richard Harris and Sean Connery. She took on an introverted role in 'The Walking Stick' and terrified audiences as a secretary in the thriller 'The Lady in the Car With Glasses and a Gun.'
Roger Greenspun, in his 'New York Times' review, praised Eggar's performance in 'The Lady in the Car,' calling her 'beautiful, intelligent, and tough.' He believed she was 'typecast into excellent roles,' and her performance in 'The Lady in the Car' was 'her best,' showcasing her ability to portray 'dim and half-felt areas where mysterious fate and the mysteries of personality touch and merge.'
Eggar's television career was no less impressive. She starred opposite Yul Brynner in 'The King and I' and took on the iconic role of Phyllis Dietrichson in a remake of 'Double Indemnity.' She also played the wife of Dr. Watson in 'The Seven-Per-Cent Solution.'
And let's not forget her foray into horror. Eggar became a fan favorite with roles in 'The Dead Are Alive!' and 'A Name for Evil.' Her most memorable horror role was in David Cronenberg's 'The Brood,' where she played a mental patient tricked into bearing devilish offspring. Eggar was fascinated by Cronenberg's unique concept and multilayered writing, which allowed her to revel in the richness of the character.
Born Victoria Louise Samantha Marie Elizabeth Therese Eggar on March 5, 1939, in Hampstead, England, her path to stardom was unconventional. Raised in the Buckinghamshire countryside, her father was a brigadier general in the British Army, and her mother served as an ambulance driver during WWII.
Despite receiving a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, her mother's disapproval led her to art school instead. It was only after graduation, when she was hired as a fashion artist, that her cousin intervened, encouraging her to pursue acting.
Eggar's career took off with roles in 'Young and Willing,' 'Doctor in Distress,' and 'Dr. Crippen.' She won awards for 'The Collector' but lost the Oscar to Julie Christie.
She moved to Los Angeles in 1972 and continued her film career with roles in 'Ragin' Cajun,' 'Dark Horse,' and 'The Astronaut's Wife.' She also appeared in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' and 'All My Children,' and lent her voice to 'Hercules' and James Bond video games.
Eggar is survived by her children, Jenna and Nicolas Stern, and an extended family. Her legacy as a versatile and talented actress will live on, inspiring future generations.
What do you think? Was Samantha Eggar's performance in 'The Collector' Oscar-worthy? And how do you feel about her lesser-known works? Let's discuss in the comments!
