Samantha Eggar, Oscar-Nominated Star of ‘The Collector,’ Dies at 86
Samantha Eggar, the British actress who earned an Academy Award nomination for her haunting performance in 1965’s The Collector and enjoyed a prolific career spanning film and television, has died at the age of 86. Her daughter, Jenna Stern, confirmed her passing on Wednesday, October 15, at her home in Sherman Oaks, California.
Eggar’s daughter shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing her mother as “Beautiful, intelligent and tough enough to be fascinatingly vulnerable.” Stern wrote that Eggar passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, and that being present during her final moments was “a privilege.”
The actress first gained international recognition for her role in The Collector, opposite Terence Stamp, who himself passed away in August. The film, directed by William Wyler, proved to be a challenging experience, as Eggar recalled in a 2014 interview. She described the director’s intense approach, stating, “If the tension wasn’t there — if I didn’t exude precisely what he wanted — well, Willie just poured cold water over me.” She further elaborated on the immersive nature of the shoot, noting the physical demands of her role and the blurring of lines between performance and reality on set.
A year after her breakthrough, Eggar shared the screen with screen icon Cary Grant in Walk, Don’t Run, which marked Grant’s final film appearance. She also showcased her versatility by appearing in the musical Doctor Dolittle alongside Rex Harrison, demonstrating her talents in singing and dancing.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Eggar carved a niche for herself in the horror genre, appearing in films such as The Dead Are Alive!, A Name for Evil, The Uncanny, and Curtains. She also delivered a memorable performance in David Cronenberg’s early work, The Brood (1979), a film that continues to resonate with genre fans. One fan on social media noted that The Brood remains a favorite among Cronenberg’s early films, praising Eggar’s contribution to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.
Eggar’s career extended well beyond the big screen, with notable television roles including Captain Picard’s sister-in-law on Star Trek: The Next Generation, the spy Charlotte Devane on All My Children, and the wife of the Speaker of the House on Commander in Chief.
News of Eggar’s death prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans. One individual shared on Facebook their fondness for her work with Yul Brynner in Anna and the King and alongside Cary Grant in Walk Don’t Run, describing her as “a very mesmerising presence.” Another fan highlighted her beauty and radiance in the lesser-known film The Light at The Edge of The World, co-starring Kirk Douglas and Yul Brynner. Many simply remembered her as “a fine actress” who delivered compelling performances in both The Collector and The Walking Stick.
Samantha Eggar’s career spanned decades and genres, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of film and television. Her talent, versatility, and dedication to her craft will be remembered by audiences for years to come.
