Diane Sayer was a versatile and talented woman who had a successful career as both an actress and a journalist. She was known for her roles in movies such as Kitten with a Whip, The Strangler, and Madigan, as well as for her work as a news anchor and television reporter. She died on March 26, 2001, at the age of 84, after a long battle with breast cancer. In this article, we will look at her life, achievements, and legacy.
Early Life and Education
Diane Sayer was born on February 22, 1938, in Los Angeles, California, USA. She was the daughter of a lawyer and a homemaker, and had two brothers. She attended Hollywood High School, where she was active in drama and journalism clubs. She graduated in 1956 and enrolled at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she majored in English and minored in theater. She also joined the campus radio station and became interested in broadcasting.
Acting Career
Diane Sayer started her acting career in the late 1950s, appearing in several television shows and commercials. She made her film debut in 1964, playing a rebellious teenager in Kitten with a Whip, opposite Ann-Margret and John Forsythe. The same year, she also starred in The Strangler, a thriller based on the Boston Strangler case, with Victor Buono and David McCallum. She continued to act in movies and TV shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s, working with directors such as Don Siegel, Sidney Lumet, and Robert Altman. Some of her notable films include Madigan, The Anderson Tapes, Nashville, and The Late Show. She also appeared in popular shows such as The Twilight Zone, The Fugitive, The Mod Squad, and Columbo.
Journalism Career
Diane Sayer switched to journalism in the early 1980s, after becoming disillusioned with the Hollywood industry. She joined ABC News as a correspondent and covered various topics, such as politics, social issues, health, and entertainment. She also hosted several documentaries and specials, such as The Diane Sayer Report, The American Agenda, and Turning Point. She was known for her investigative skills, her interviewing style, and her professionalism. She won several awards for her journalism, such as the Peabody Award, the Emmy Award, and the Edward R. Murrow Award.
Personal Life and Death
Diane Sayer was married to Jerry Shepard, a producer and director, from 1962 to 1998. They had two children, a son and a daughter, and four grandchildren. She was also involved in various charitable and humanitarian causes, such as the American Cancer Society, the World Wildlife Fund, and the United Nations Children’s Fund. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. She continued to work until her health deteriorated. She died on March 26, 2001, in Newport Beach, California, USA, surrounded by her family and friends. She was cremated and her ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.
Legacy and Influence
Diane Sayer was a pioneer and a role model for many women in the fields of acting and journalism. She was one of the first female news anchors in the US and one of the most respected and influential journalists of her time. She was also a versatile and talented actress who played a variety of roles, from comedy to drama, from romance to thriller. She was admired for her beauty, intelligence, charisma, and courage. She inspired many people with her passion, dedication, and integrity. She left behind a rich and diverse body of work that will be remembered and appreciated for generations to come.