The death of Alicia Rhett was announced by a spokeswoman for the Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community in Charleston, South Carolina.
Rhett, who never married, had lived in the community since August 2002.
She was picked for the role in the multi-Oscar award winning film after being spotted in local theatre productions.
Originally Rhett was tested for the role of Melanie Wilkes by George Cukor, who was originally earmarked to direct the film.
But the part was given to Olivia de Havilland. Instead Rhett was cast as India Wilkes, the sister of Ashley Wilkes.
Despite the success of the film, a saga covering the American Civil War and its aftermath, Rhett – who was once described as a “sheltered southern type” – chose to return to her native Charleston.
It was to be her only film role.
Rhett was the great granddaughter of Senator Robert Rhett, who was known as the “Father of the Secession.”
A talented artist before she embarked on her brief film career, Rhett resumed her work as a painter as well as becoming a local radio personality.
Her works were put on display at the local library and plantations. Gone With the Wind won eight competitive and two honorary Oscars, with the 10 awards making it the most recognised film in the history of the Academy Awards until Ben Hur in 1960.
It was also the first colour film to win an Oscar.
