Pacific / Samoa

Samoan resort the final resting place for US actress

10:23 am on 18 July 2019

The remains of the late American actress, Roberta Haynes, have arrived at the Samoan resort named after the movie she starred in which was filmed at Lefaga beach 66 years ago.

The family of Roberta Haynes arrive in Samoa with her ashes Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia

Haynes, who died in Florida in April at the age of 91, was in the 1953 Hollywood movie 'Return to Paradise' opposite Gary Cooper.

Her ashes are being interred at a chapel at the Return to Paradise resort.

Haynes' son, Jonathan Ward, brought his mother's ashes to Samoa and was welcomed by staff and management of the resort yesterday.

He says his mother had many fond memories of Samoa and its people.

"It was her wishes to come back to Samoa and I spent several visits with her in the past. She came back with me on the 25th anniversary of the making of 'Return to Paradise' and there I got to meet some of her friends she had made in the movie."

A memorial service will be held for Haynes next week with Samoa's Deputy Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata'afa expected to make an address at the event.

Fiame's grandfather the late Le Mamea Matatumua, was also in the film.

Roberta Haynes Photo: robertahaynes.com