American movie stars died at 54

Here are 9 famous actors from United States of America died at 54:

Ed Wood

Ed Wood (October 10, 1924 Poughkeepsie-December 10, 1978 North Hollywood) also known as Edward Davis Wood, Jr., Edward Davis "Ed" Wood, Jr., Ed Woods, Akdon Telmig, Dick Trent, Don Miller, E.D. Wood, Daniel Davis, Akdov Telmig, Edward Everett, Pete LaRoche, Edw. D. Wood Jr., Flint Holloway, Ed Wood Jr., Eddie, Edward D. Wood Jr., The World's Worst Director or Woody was an American author, screenwriter, film producer, film director, actor, writer and film editor. His child is Kathleen Emily Wood.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Ed Wood is best known for his low-budget films, which were made in the 1950s and 60s. He is often referred to as the "The World's Worst Director" due to the poor quality of his films, which were characterized by bad acting, cheap sets, and terrible special effects. Despite this, his films have gained a cult following, with many fans appreciating his unique style and creativity.

Wood's most famous film is "Plan 9 from Outer Space," which is often cited as one of the worst films ever made. The film tells the story of aliens who come to Earth to stop humans from building a doomsday weapon. Despite its poor quality, the film has become a cultural icon and is widely celebrated for its unintentional humor.

In addition to his work in film, Wood was also a prolific author, writing over 80 books in his lifetime. He served in the US Marine Corps during World War II and was later awarded the Purple Heart for his service. Wood was posthumously awarded the Golden Turkey Award for "Worst Director of All Time" in 1980.

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Luther Vandross

Luther Vandross (April 20, 1951 New York City-July 1, 2005 Edison) also known as Luther Ronzoni Vandross, Luther Ronzoni Vandross Jr., Vandross, Luther or Luther Vandeross was an American singer, record producer, singer-songwriter, musician, composer and actor.

He died in myocardial infarction.

Vandross was a vocal powerhouse and his music career spanned over three decades, earning him numerous awards, including eight Grammy Awards. He began his career as a session vocalist, working with numerous artists such as David Bowie, Diana Ross, and Quincy Jones. In the 1980s, he embarked on a successful solo career, with hits such as "Never Too Much", "Here and Now", and "Power of Love/Love Power". He also collaborated with other artists, such as Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Janet Jackson. Vandross was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2014.

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John Ritter

John Ritter (September 17, 1948 Burbank-September 11, 2003 Burbank) also known as Johnathan Southworth Ritter, Johnny Ritter, John, John S. Ritter or Jonathan Southworth "John" Ritter was an American comedian, actor and voice actor. His children are Jason Ritter, Carly Ritter, Stella Ritter and Tyler Ritter.

He died as a result of cardiovascular disease.

John Ritter was the son of the country western singer, Tex Ritter, and actress Dorothy Fay. He attended Hollywood High School and later went on to study at the University of Southern California. He began his acting career in the 1970s with guest appearances on several television shows, including “Hawaii Five-O” and “M*A*S*H”. His breakout role came in 1977 when he played the character Jack Tripper on the television series “Three’s Company”. Ritter won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his performance on the show. He also starred in numerous films throughout his career, including “Problem Child” and “Sling Blade”. In addition to his acting work, Ritter was also an advocate for heart health and served as a spokesperson for the American Heart Association.

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Michael Landon

Michael Landon (October 31, 1936 Forest Hills-July 1, 1991 Malibu) also known as Eugene Maurice Orowitz, Mike, Emo, Mike Landon or Landon, Michael was an American actor, screenwriter, television producer and television director. His children are called Jennifer Landon, Shawna Landon, Leslie Landon, Mark Landon, Christopher B. Landon, Michael Landon, Jr., Sean Matthew Landon, Josh Fraser Landon and Cheryl Ann Pontrelli.

He died caused by pancreatic cancer.

During his long career, Michael Landon became a household name for his roles in several popular television shows, including "Bonanza", "Little House on the Prairie", and "Highway to Heaven". He also served as executive producer and director for many of the shows he starred in, showcasing his versatility and talent as a multi-faceted entertainer.

Despite his success on-screen, Landon was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly in his efforts to raise awareness and funds for cancer research following his own diagnosis. In 1991, at the age of 54, Landon passed away from pancreatic cancer, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most beloved stars and a champion for those fighting against illness.

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Lex Barker

Lex Barker (May 8, 1919 Rye-May 11, 1973 New York City) also known as Alexander Crichlow Barker Jr., Alexander Crichlow Barker, Jr., Sexy Lexy, Alex Barker, Alexander Chrichlow BARKER Jr or Lex BARKER was an American actor. His children are Christopher Barker, Lynn Thurlow Barker and Alexander Crichlow Barker III.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Barker is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Tarzan in the 1950s, appearing in five films as the famous jungle hero. Prior to his acting career, Barker served in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After the war, he began his career in Hollywood, appearing in various films and television shows. In addition to his work as an actor, Barker was also a skilled athlete, competing in the 1948 Olympics as a pole vaulter. He was married five times throughout his life, including to actresses Arlene Dahl and Lana Turner. Despite his success on screen, Barker's personal life was often tumultuous, and he struggled with alcoholism.

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Michael O'Donoghue

Michael O'Donoghue (January 5, 1940 Sauquot-November 8, 1994 New York City) a.k.a. Michael Henry Donohue, Michael. O'Donoghue, Mr. Mike, Michael 'Bud' O'Donoghue or Edith Wharton was an American writer, journalist, screenwriter, editor, actor, television producer, playwright, songwriter and composer.

He died caused by cerebral hemorrhage.

Michael O'Donoghue was best known for being one of the original writers on the popular American sketch comedy television show, Saturday Night Live. He was known for his dark, edgy and often controversial humor, and was considered to be a major influence on alternative comedy in the 1970s and 80s. O'Donoghue also wrote for magazines such as Esquire and National Lampoon, and wrote several plays and screenplays. He was posthumously inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.

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Michael Clarke Duncan

Michael Clarke Duncan (December 10, 1957 Chicago-September 3, 2012 Los Angeles) also known as Michael C. Duncan, Michael 'Big Mike' Duncan, Big Mike, Hollywood, Michael Clark Duncan, Michael Duncan, Big Mike Duncan, Papa Bear, 마이클 클락 던칸 or Michael Duncan Clarke was an American actor, bodyguard, voice actor and model.

He died caused by myocardial infarction.

Duncan was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, and had a difficult childhood due to being bullied for having a speech impediment. He later attended Alcorn State University on a basketball scholarship, but his dreams of playing professionally were cut short by a knee injury.

After working as a ditch digger and bouncer, Duncan landed his first acting role in the film "Armageddon" in 1998. He then went on to star in numerous films, including "The Green Mile," for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

In addition to his acting career, Duncan also worked as a bodyguard for celebrities such as Will Smith and Jamie Foxx. He also lent his deep, booming voice to a number of animated films and television shows, including "Kung Fu Panda" and "Family Guy."

Duncan was known for his imposing size and gentle nature, and was beloved by fans and colleagues alike. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 54, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most memorable actors of his generation.

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J. T. Walsh

J. T. Walsh (September 28, 1943 San Francisco-February 27, 1998 Lemon Grove) a.k.a. James Patrick Walsh, James Thomas Patrick Walsh, James Thomas Patrick "J.T." Walsh, J.T. Walsh, JT or J. P. Walsh was an American actor. He had one child, John West.

He died caused by myocardial infarction.

J.T. Walsh began his acting career on stage and later transitioned to film and television. He appeared in over 80 films and television shows throughout his career, earning critical acclaim for his memorable character roles. Some of his most notable performances include "A Few Good Men," "Sling Blade," "Good Morning, Vietnam," and "Pleasantville." Walsh was known for bringing a sense of depth and complexity to his characters, portraying them with a blend of intensity and vulnerability. He was also a gifted character actor who excelled in playing complex and challenging characters. Despite his untimely death, J.T. Walsh's contributions to the entertainment industry continue to be recognized and celebrated to this day.

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Mack Gordon

Mack Gordon (June 21, 1904 Warsaw-March 1, 1959 New York City) a.k.a. Morris Gittler was an American songwriter, composer, lyricist, film score composer and actor.

From an early age, Gordon showed a keen interest in music and musical theater. He began his career in the music industry as a sheet music salesman, and later went on to work as a pianist and lyricist. His big break came when he was hired by Paramount Pictures in the 1930s to write songs for their films.

Over the years, Gordon worked on many hit songs, including "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "At Last", and "I Had the Craziest Dream". He collaborated with some of the most famous composers and lyricists of the time, including Harry Warren, Johnny Mercer, and Harold Arlen.

Gordon was also a prolific film score composer, and wrote music for more than 100 films. He received several Oscar nominations for his work, including for the song "The More I See You" from the film "Diamond Horseshoe" in 1945.

In addition to his work in the music industry, Gordon also made several appearances as an actor in films and television shows. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972, and his contributions to the music industry continue to be celebrated today.

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