In Memoriam: Prolific Biographer Anne Edwards, ‘The Queen of Biography,’ Passes Away at 96
Famed biographer Anne Edwards, widely recognized as ‘The Queen of Biography’ for her bestselling works on iconic figures like Vivien Leigh and Katharine Hepburn, has died at the age of 96 in Beverly Hills, California. Her daughter confirmed that Edwards succumbed to lung cancer at a senior care facility.
In addition to her well-regarded biographical works, Edwards showcased her versatility as an author, contributing to literature with eight novels, three children’s books, two memoirs, and an autobiography. Her journey in the literary world began after selling her first screenplay in 1949, with the release of the western film ‘Quantez,’ starring Fred MacMurray, in 1957.
Edwards, who started her career as a child actor on radio and stage, published her debut novel, ‘The Survivors,’ in 1968, followed by her inaugural biography, ‘Judy Garland,’ in 1975. One of her notable achievements includes the 1977 release of ‘Vivien Leigh: A Biography,’ which spent an impressive 19 weeks on The New York Times’ hardback best-seller list.
The prolific biographer also delved into the lives of other prominent figures, such as Maria Callas, Ronald Reagan, Barbra Streisand, and Princess Diana. Beyond her literary pursuits, Edwards contributed to the film industry, with scripting credits for productions like the British thriller ‘A Question of Adultery’ (1958) and early drafts of the screenplay for ‘Funny Girl’ (1968), which she co-wrote with Sidney Buchman.
Edwards’ novels, including ‘Haunted Summer’ (1974), explored historical narratives and were adapted into films, such as the 1988 production centered around author Mary Shelley and poet Lord Byron.
Born in the late 1930s, Edwards’ family relocated to California at the request of her uncle, Dave Chasen, the owner of the renowned celebrity hotspot restaurant, Chasen’s, located in West Hollywood.
Survivors include her daughter, Catherine Edwards Sadler, a son, Michael Edwards, three grandsons, and three great-grandchildren. Her third husband, Stephen Citron, an author and songwriter whom she married in 1980, passed away in 2013.
