The White Christmas star Anne Whitfield has died.

She was 85 years old.

Her sad family said that the veteran actress died in a “unexpected accident” while she was out for a walk near her home in Washington, D.C.

The 1954 holiday classic White Christmas starred Whitfield as Susan Waverly.

Valley Memorial Hospital in Yakima, Washington, was where she died. Her family was there with her.

They wrote: “‘The life of Anne Langham Whitfield Phillips was a beautiful one, with every second used to uplift the world and those around her.”

Through the kindness of neighbours who provided expert medical support, family had the gift to say goodbye and express love and gratitude, a gift we will always cherish.”

“Just this past December during the holidays, Annie was able to watch White Christmas with her family on the movie’s 70th anniversary,” says Whitfield’s obituary.

Annie was a talented actor, but Los Angeles didn’t have enough trees for her, so in the 1970s she left Hollywood for a new life “up north.”

“Annie became dedicated to causes that promote peace and protect nature during this time of change.”

Annie worked hard as an activist and community organizer after she “retired,” right up until the day she died.