Anne Edwards, known as “The Queen of Biography,” recently passed away on January 20th, 2022, at the age of 96. Her daughter revealed that Edwards succumbed to lung cancer while residing at a senior living facility in Beverly Hills, California. Throughout her illustrious career, Edwards garnered acclaim for her best-selling celebrity biographies, with notable subjects such as Vivien Leigh, Katharine Hepburn, Maria Callas, Ronald Reagan, Barbra Streisand, and Diana, Princess of Wales. However, her literary contributions extended beyond biographies, as she also ventured into writing novels, children’s books, memoirs, and even screenplays.
Before delving into the realm of writing, Edwards showcased her talent as a child performer on radio and stage. At the age of 22 in 1949, she achieved her first breakthrough by selling her screenplay for “Quantez,” a western film starring Fred MacMurray, which was eventually released in 1957. This initial success propelled her further into the world of literature, with her debut novel, “The Survivors,” being published in 1968. Four years later, in 1972, Edwards released her first biography, centered around the iconic Judy Garland.
Throughout her career, Edwards displayed an unwavering dedication to her craft, resulting in an extensive body of work. Notably, her biography titled “Vivien Leigh: A Biography” achieved significant commercial success and spent an impressive 19 weeks on The New York Times’ hardcover best-seller list in 1977. This accomplishment solidified Edwards’ status as a skillful biographer and further propelled her career forward. In addition to her numerous biographies, Edwards authored eight novels, three children’s books, two memoirs, and one autobiography. Her versatility as a writer shone through as she seamlessly transitioned between different genres, consistently captivating her readers.
One of Edwards’ notable novels, “Haunted Summer,” published in 1974, delved into the lives of author Mary Shelley and poet Lord Byron. This compelling narrative was later adapted into a film in 1988, further showcasing Edwards’ ability to craft intriguing stories that resonated with audiences across various mediums.
Edwards’ connection to the world of Hollywood was twofold. Firstly, it was through her own literary works, which explored the lives of beloved celebrities and provided an intimate look into their personal journeys. Secondly, her family’s relocation to California in the late 1930s allowed her to be surrounded by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. This move was made at the invitation of her uncle, Dave Chasen, who owned the iconic West Hollywood restaurant, Chasen’s, a favored spot among celebrities.
Anne Edwards is survived by her daughter, Catherine Edwards Sadler, her son, Michael Edwards, three grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She was also married to author and songwriter Stephen Citron, who sadly passed away in 2013. While she may no longer be with us, Edwards’ impact on the world of literature and biography will continue to inspire and captivate future generations. Her ability to bring untold stories to life through her eloquent prose and meticulous research solidifies her place as a true legend in the realm of biography. Anne Edwards’ legacy will forever be remembered and cherished for her indomitable spirit and remarkable contributions to the literary world.