Dayle Haddon, a renowned actress and former supermodel, graced the pages of Vogue alongside Blake Lively in a memorable photoshoot just months before her untimely passing. This collaboration, titled “The Heist of the Heart,” became her final major modeling appearance.
The September 2024 issue of Vogue featured this cinematic photoshoot, directed by Baz Luhrmann and inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s To Catch a Thief. Lively starred as “The Cat,” a captivating cat burglar, with Hugh Jackman playing her charming costar, L’Ombre. Haddon joined Lively in a striking casino scene, exchanging chips at a gambling table.
Haddon shared this poignant photograph on Instagram in August, accompanied by behind-the-scenes footage and a heartfelt message celebrating her colleagues. She described the experience as “wonderful” and praised Luhrmann’s brilliance, creativity, and inclusivity as a director. Haddon also expressed her delight in working with Lively, whom she found “absolutely delightful, funny, and mischievous.”
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Beyond their on-screen chemistry, Haddon shared a touching anecdote about Lively’s kindness behind the scenes. She recounted how Lively, “beautiful inside and out,” would adjust her dress and Cartier jewels, ensuring she was “shining” throughout the shoot. Haddon’s gratitude extended to stylist Tonne Goodman, who recruited her, and Jackman, whom she described as “elegant and witty.” She even mentioned Jackman playfully channeling his Wolverine persona to entertain Lively’s children.
Haddon tragically passed away at her son-in-law’s Pennsylvania home on December 27, 2024, at the age of 76. Authorities suspect carbon monoxide poisoning as the cause of death. First responders found Walter Blucas, her son-in-law, unconscious on the first floor and rushed him to a nearby hospital for treatment. Haddon was discovered deceased in a second-floor bedroom. A toxicology report is pending to confirm the official cause of death.
Initial investigations point to a faulty flue and exhaust pipe in the gas heating system as the source of the carbon monoxide leak. This tragic incident cut short the life of a remarkable woman who left a lasting impression on the fashion world and touched the lives of those she worked with. Haddon’s final Vogue appearance serves as a poignant reminder of her talent, grace, and the genuine connections she forged throughout her career.
