Her film work included roles in such classics as The Day the Earth Stood Still, The Subject Was Roses, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Harm’s Way. Even throughout the Seventies up until the Nineties, she continued working in television and in film after overcoming adversity.

While Neal’s private life was filled with devastating loss including the death of her daughter Olivia to measles, the actress always had a fighting spirit. Her most overwhelming battle came after a series of strokes left her unable to speak and walk, nearly ending her career, yet she never gave up. With the help of her then-husband, Roald Dahl, she was able to learn to walk and speak again.

On Sunday, at age 84, Neal lost her final battle to lung cancer. After a lifelong struggle against tragedy and heartbreak, she will always be remembered for her strength, courage and talent.

Thankfully, we are left with her cinematic legacy.

Source: LA Times