American movie stars died in 1996
Here are 50 famous actors from United States of America died in 1996:
Ross Hunter
Ross Hunter (May 6, 1920 Cleveland-March 10, 1996 Los Angeles) also known as Martin Fuss was an American film producer, actor, theatrical producer and theatre director.
He started his career as an actor in theater productions before transitioning to film production. Hunter produced several successful films throughout his career including "Pillow Talk" (1959) and "Airport" (1970), both of which were nominated for Academy Awards. Hunter also worked extensively in television, producing several popular TV movies and series such as "The Colbys" and "Burke's Law". In addition to his work in film and television, Hunter was also a successful theatrical producer and director, producing and directing numerous successful stage productions. He was known for his lavish and glamorous productions, and was often referred to as one of the "last movie moguls". Hunter passed away in 1996 at the age of 75.
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David Opatoshu
David Opatoshu (January 30, 1918 New York City-April 30, 1996 Los Angeles) also known as David Opatosky, David Opatovsky, David Opatashu or Ted Cassidy was an American actor and screenwriter. His child is called Danny Opatoshu.
David Opatoshu was best known for his roles in film and television, including "Exodus," "Torn Curtain," and "Star Trek." He was also a successful stage actor, appearing in productions of plays such as "Clash by Night" and "The Diary of Anne Frank." In addition to acting, Opatoshu wrote several screenplays, including "The Dove," which he also directed. He was an active member of the Jewish community and often portrayed Jewish characters on screen. Opatoshu was married to Lillian Weinberg and had two children, Danny and Naomi. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 78.
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Mark Herron
Mark Herron (July 8, 1928 Baxter-January 13, 1996 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Truman Herron was an American actor.
He was best known for his roles in notable films such as "Marnie", "The Cobweb", and "Take the High Ground!". Herron was also famous for his marriages, which included brief stints with three famous actresses, Judy Garland, Carole Landis, and Sharon Tate. Despite his successful career, Herron's life was plagued by personal struggles, including drug addiction and legal issues. He died at the age of 67 from lung cancer in Los Angeles.
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Herbert Huncke
Herbert Huncke (January 9, 1915 Greenfield-August 8, 1996 Manhattan) was an American writer, sailor and actor.
He is best known for his association with the Beat Generation and for his contributions to literature through his memoirs and poetry. Huncke was also a self-proclaimed hustler, whose experiences as a petty criminal and a drug addict heavily influenced his writing. He was a close friend of Beat luminaries such as William S. Burroughs, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac, who immortalized Huncke in his novel "On the Road." In addition to his writing, Huncke was also an accomplished sailor who spent much of his life traveling the world by boat. He also appeared in a number of independent films later in life. Despite living a somewhat nomadic existence, Huncke always remained a potent and influential voice in the counterculture movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
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Don Simpson
Don Simpson (October 29, 1943 Seattle-January 19, 1996 Bel-Air) also known as Don, Donald Clarence "Don" Simpson, Donald C. Simpson or Donald Clarence Simpson was an American screenwriter, actor and film producer.
Simpson started his career in the entertainment industry as a screenwriter before transitioning to producing films. He is best known for producing blockbuster hits such as "Flashdance," "Beverly Hills Cop," and "Top Gun" alongside his producing partner Jerry Bruckheimer. Simpson's films were known for their high-octane action sequences and memorable soundtracks.
Despite his professional success, Simpson had a notoriously tumultuous personal life, struggling with drug addiction and numerous failed marriages. He died of a heart attack at the age of 52. Simpson's legacy as a film producer continues to be celebrated in Hollywood, with several of his films being considered classics of their respective genres.
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Guy Madison
Guy Madison (January 19, 1922 Pumpkin Center-February 6, 1996 Palm Springs) also known as Robert Ozell Moseley was an American actor, soldier and film producer. He had four children, Bridget Catherine Madison, Dolly Ann Madison, Erin Patricia Madison and Robert Madison.
Madison began his acting career in 1944 and became a popular leading man in Western films during the 1950s. He starred in popular movies such as "The Command" and "The Hard Man." Madison also appeared in several television shows including "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok" and "The Virginian." In addition to acting, he also produced and directed films. Madison served in World War II as a combat engineer in the United States Army. He was also involved in various charitable organizations such as the Desert Palm Springs Police Performance Fund and the Desert Blind and Handicapped Workshop.
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Vito Scotti
Vito Scotti (January 26, 1918 San Francisco-June 5, 1996 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Vito Giusto Scotti, Vitto Scotti, Vito G. Scotti, Vito Giusto Scozzari or Vito Giusto Scozarri was an American actor and voice actor. His children are called Ricardo Scotti and Carmen Scozzari.
During his career, Vito Scotti appeared in over 200 film and television productions. He was known for his comedic roles, often playing characters with strong Italian accents. Some of his most famous film roles include "The Godfather" (1972) and "The Godfather Part II" (1974), in which he played various minor characters. Scotti also appeared in several popular television series such as "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and "Hogan's Heroes." In addition to his acting work, Scotti also provided voice overs for a number of animated films including "The Aristocats" (1970) and "Robin Hood" (1973). He passed away on June 5, 1996 at the age of 78.
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Harvey Vernon
Harvey Vernon (June 30, 1927 Flint-October 9, 1996 Sun Valley) a.k.a. Chet Smith was an American actor.
He started his career as a stage actor on Broadway before making his Hollywood debut in the 1950s. Vernon went on to have a successful career in film and television, appearing in over 100 productions. Some of his most notable roles include playing Coach Mazzetti in "The Bad News Bears" and Captain Styles in "Dirty Harry." In addition to acting, Vernon was also a talented voice actor, lending his voice to various animated shows and movies, including "The Transformers" and "The Jetsons." Vernon passed away in 1996 at the age of 69.
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Jack Weston
Jack Weston (August 21, 1924 Cleveland-May 3, 1996 New York City) also known as Jack Weinstein or Jack Western was an American actor.
He began his career in the 1950s in live television productions before transitioning to film roles. Weston appeared in numerous popular movies such as "Wait Until Dark", "Dirty Dancing", and "Short Circuit". He was also a prolific character actor on television, making guest appearances on shows like "The Twilight Zone", "The Love Boat", and "Murder, She Wrote". Despite struggling with health issues later in life, Weston continued to act until his death in 1996 at the age of 71.
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Haing S. Ngor
Haing S. Ngor (March 22, 1940 French Indochina-February 25, 1996 Los Angeles) also known as Hains S. Ngor, Dr. Haing S. Ngor, Haing Ngor, Haing Somnang Ngor, Dr. Haing S Ngor or Dr. Haing Somnang Ngor was an American physician, actor and author.
Haing S. Ngor was born in French Indochina, which is now known as Cambodia. He studied to become a doctor and, before becoming an actor, he worked as a physician in Cambodia. In 1975, he was imprisoned by the Khmer Rouge and survived four years in labor camps, where he was tortured and witnessed the deaths of his wife and child.
In 1980, Haing S. Ngor moved to the United States and began working as an actor. He is best known for his role as Dith Pran in the movie "The Killing Fields", which is based on his experiences during the Khmer Rouge regime. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Dith Pran in the movie.
Aside from acting, Haing S. Ngor was also an author. He wrote a memoir titled "Haing Ngor: A Cambodian Odyssey", which tells the story of his life before and after he became an actor. The book details his experiences living under the Khmer Rouge regime and his journey from Cambodia to the United States.
Haing S. Ngor's life was tragically cut short when he was murdered in 1996 during a robbery outside his home in Los Angeles. He was 55 years old.
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Herk Harvey
Herk Harvey (June 3, 1924 Windsor-April 3, 1996 Lawrence) was an American film director and actor.
He is best known for his cult classic horror film "Carnival of Souls" (1962), which he produced, directed, and co-wrote. The film was made on a low budget and largely unnoticed upon its release, but has since gained a following and is now considered a landmark of independent horror cinema. Harvey also made educational and industrial films throughout his career, working for the Centron Corporation in Lawrence, Kansas. He continued to work in the film industry until his death in 1996, though he never achieved the same level of success as he did with "Carnival of Souls."
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William Prince
William Prince (January 26, 1913 Nichols-October 8, 1996 Tarrytown) a.k.a. William LeRoy Prince was an American actor. He had four children, Dinah Prince, Nicholas Prince, Liza Alldredge Prince and Jeremy Prince.
Prince began his acting career in 1943 and became well-known for his roles in both film and television. Some of his memorable roles include "And Now Tomorrow," "The Young Savages," and "The Great White Hope." Prince also made numerous television appearances in popular shows like "The Twilight Zone," "The Untouchables," and "The Fugitive." In addition to his acting career, Prince served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. Prince had a long and successful career in the entertainment industry before passing away in 1996 at the age of 83.
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Bunny Breckinridge
Bunny Breckinridge (August 6, 1903 Paris-November 5, 1996 San Francisco) also known as John Cabell "Bunny" Breckinridge, John Breckinridge or John Cabell Breckinridge was an American actor.
He was best known for his role in the cult-classic film "Plan 9 From Outer Space" directed by Ed Wood. Breckinridge also appeared in a minor role in the film "The Killing" by Stanley Kubrick. Apart from acting, he was also a socialite and an underground figure in San Francisco's LGBTQ+ community. Bunny Breckinridge was the descendant of the 14th Vice President of the United States, John C. Breckinridge, who served under President James Buchanan.
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Hilliard Gates
Hilliard Gates (December 14, 1915-November 21, 1996) was an American actor.
He is best known for his recurring role as announcer and director on the television program The Lawrence Welk Show from 1955 to 1982. Gates was born and raised in San Francisco, California and began his career as a radio announcer during the 1930s. He later transitioned to television and worked on a number of shows before joining The Lawrence Welk Show. In addition to his work on the program, Gates also appeared in a handful of films and television series throughout his career. After retiring from The Lawrence Welk Show, he lived a quiet life out of the public eye until his death in 1996.
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Timothy Leary
Timothy Leary (October 22, 1920 Springfield-May 31, 1996 Beverly Hills) otherwise known as Dr. Timothy Leary, Timothy Francis Leary or Dr Timothy Leary was an American psychologist, writer, actor, screenwriter, teacher, stand-up comedian and consultant. His children are called Zach Leary, Jack Leary and Susan Leary.
Leary became known for his research on psychedelics in the 1960s, particularly LSD, and his advocacy for their use as a tool for exploring consciousness and personal growth. He famously coined the phrase "turn on, tune in, drop out" to encourage people to embrace the counterculture movement and reject mainstream values.
Leary was a controversial figure and his work with psychedelics ultimately led to his arrest and imprisonment on drug charges. Despite this, he remained a prominent counterculture icon and continued to write and speak about his beliefs on consciousness and spirituality until his death in 1996. He is remembered as a pioneer of the psychedelic movement and an influential figure in the cultural revolution of the 1960s.
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Ray Combs
Ray Combs (April 3, 1956 Hamilton-June 2, 1996 Glendale) also known as Raymond Neil Combs, Jr. or Ray Jr. was an American comedian, actor and presenter. His children are called Raymond Neil Combs III, Whitney Nicole Combs, Kelly Jo Combs, Chelsy Jae Combs, Kirby Lee Combs and Cody Ryan Combs.
Combs is best known for hosting the popular game show "Family Feud" from 1988 until 1994, and then again in 1994 and 1995. Prior to his career in television, Combs worked as a stand-up comedian, touring clubs across the United States. He also appeared on several TV shows, including "The Tonight Show" and "Late Night with David Letterman".
Tragically, Combs suffered from depression and took his own life in 1996 at the age of 40. His legacy lives on through his work in comedy and television, and his family has worked to raise awareness about depression and suicide prevention in his memory.
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Bob Flanagan
Bob Flanagan (December 26, 1952 New York City-January 4, 1996 Long Beach) also known as Flanagan, Bob or Robert Flanagan was an American writer, songwriter, comedian, actor, poet and musician.
Flanagan was known for his subversive and controversial style, often incorporating themes of sadomasochism, disability, and illness into his work. He was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a young age and used his art as a way to cope with his illness and express his unique perspective on life.
Throughout his career, Flanagan collaborated with a variety of artists and performers, including his longtime partner and collaborator, Sheree Rose. Together, they created many boundary-pushing performances and installations that challenged societal norms and expectations.
One of Flanagan's most well-known works is his memoir "The Pain Journal," in which he documents his experiences living with chronic pain and navigating the healthcare system as a person with a disability.
Flanagan's life was cut short when he passed away from cystic fibrosis at the age of 43, but his legacy lives on through his impactful and thought-provoking art.
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Herb Edelman
Herb Edelman (November 5, 1933 Brooklyn-July 21, 1996 Woodland Hills) also known as Herbert Edelman, Herb, Hâbu Ederuman, Herbert Edleman or Herbert "Herb" Edelman was an American actor. His children are called Jacy Edelman and Briana Edelman.
With a career spanning over four decades, Herb Edelman was best known for his roles in the popular TV shows "The Golden Girls" and "The Odd Couple". He appeared in many films as well, including "The Way We Were", "Barefoot in the Park" and "The Odd Couple II". Edelman began his career in the early 1960s and quickly became a sought-after character actor, known for his unique blend of humor and drama. In addition to his acting work, Edelman was also a talented voice actor and lent his voice to many animated shows and films, such as "Hey Arnold!" and "The Little Mermaid". Despite his many successes, Herb Edelman suffered from depression and ultimately took his own life in 1996.
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Mel Allen
Mel Allen (February 14, 1913 Birmingham-June 16, 1996 Greenwich) also known as Melvin Allen Israel, The Voice of the Yankees or Melvin Allen was an American journalist, sports commentator, announcer, actor and screenwriter.
Mel Allen is most famous for his work as a play-by-play announcer for the New York Yankees baseball team. He was the voice of the Yankees for 25 years, and his signature phrase "How about that?" became a catchphrase among fans. He also narrated many baseball documentaries and hosted the popular TV show "This Week in Baseball" for 21 years.
Before his career in broadcasting, Allen worked as a sports writer and journalist for various newspapers and magazines. He also dabbled in acting and screenwriting, appearing in several films and writing scripts for a few as well.
Despite his success, Allen was controversially fired by the Yankees in 1964, which led to outrage among fans and a dip in team ratings. However, he continued to work as a sports commentator for various networks and remained a beloved figure in the world of baseball until his death in 1996.
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Lash LaRue
Lash LaRue (June 15, 1917 Gretna-May 21, 1996 Burbank) also known as Alfred LaRue, Alfred "Lash" LaRue, Al LaRue, Al La Rue, Al 'Lash' La Rue, Alfred La Rue, 'Lash' La Rue, 'Lash' LaRue or Alfred Wilson LaRue was an American actor and film producer.
He was best known for his roles in Western films, where he played the hero with his signature whip. LaRue started his career as a musician, playing the guitar and the fiddle. He later joined the rodeo circuit and developed his skills as a trick roper and horseman. LaRue made his film debut in 1944 in "Song of the Range." He went on to star in over 40 Western films in his career. In 1966, he retired from acting and worked as a film producer. LaRue was also a member of the Cowboy Hall of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 78.
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John Panozzo
John Panozzo (September 20, 1948 Chicago-July 16, 1996) also known as Styx, Panozzo or John was an American drummer and actor.
He was a founding member of the rock band Styx along with his brother Chuck Panozzo and vocalist/keyboardist Dennis DeYoung. John Panozzo was known for his powerful and intricate drumming style which helped shape Styx's signature sound. He played on all of the band's albums from their debut in 1972 through to their 1983 release "Kilroy Was Here". John Panozzo was also an actor, appearing in the films "Wild Life" and "The Best of Times". Unfortunately, he struggled with alcohol addiction and ultimately passed away in 1996 at the age of 47 due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver. He remains a beloved and respected figure in the music world.
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Dean Harens
Dean Harens (June 30, 1920 South Bend-May 20, 1996 Van Nuys) was an American actor.
He started his acting career in the 1940s, but his breakout role came in the 1950s when he played the lead role in the TV series "Terry and the Pirates". Harens also appeared in several movies, including "Oklahoma!", "The Lone Ranger", and "Gunsmoke". He remained active in the entertainment industry throughout the 1960s, appearing in various TV shows and films. In the 1970s, Harens shifted his focus to voice acting, lending his voice to various animated TV shows and films. He continued to work in voice acting until his death in 1996.
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Greg Morris
Greg Morris (September 27, 1933 Cleveland-August 27, 1996 Las Vegas) a.k.a. Francis Gregory Alan Morris, Francis Gregory Alan "Greg" Morris, Gregg Morris or Greg was an American actor. He had three children, Phil Morris, Iona Morris and Linda Morris.
Greg Morris was best known for his role as Barney Collier in the popular television series "Mission: Impossible" which aired from 1966 to 1973. He appeared in over 70 episodes of the show and was a fan favorite. Morris also appeared in several other television shows including "The Dick Van Dyke Show," "The Twilight Zone," and "Diagnosis: Murder." Outside of acting, Morris was a member of the United States Army and served in the military police during the Korean War. He was also an accomplished musician and played the drums. Morris passed away in 1996 at the age of 62 due to a heart attack.
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John Beradino
John Beradino (May 1, 1917 Los Angeles-May 19, 1996 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Johnny Berardino, John Berardino, John Baradino, John Barardino, John Barradino, John Bernadino, Bernie or Giovanni Berardino was an American baseball player and actor.
He played for 10 seasons as a shortstop in Major League Baseball with the St. Louis Browns and Cleveland Indians. He appeared in over 170 movies and television shows, most notably as Dr. Steve Hardy on the soap opera "General Hospital." Beradino was also a decorated World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Navy as a gunnery officer. In addition to his acting and baseball career, he was also a successful restaurateur, owning several establishments in the Beverly Hills area. Beradino was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1981.
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Dudley Manlove
Dudley Manlove (June 11, 1914 Alameda County-April 17, 1996 San Bernardino County) a.k.a. Dudley Devere Manlove was an American actor and announcer.
He is best known for his role as the alien leader in the 1956 sci-fi classic "Plan 9 from Outer Space." He also had roles in other notable films such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "The Wild One." Manlove started his career in the 1930s as a radio announcer and later began appearing in films and television shows. He was credited in more than 70 films throughout his career. Manlove died in 1996 at the age of 81 from complications of congestive heart failure. Despite his contributions to cinema, he remained largely unknown outside of sci-fi and cult movie circles.
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McLean Stevenson
McLean Stevenson (November 14, 1927 Normal-February 15, 1996 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Edgar McLean Stevenson Jr. or Mac was an American actor. He had three children, Jeff MacGregor, Lindsey Stevenson and Jennifer Stevenson.
Stevenson's career in entertainment started as a writer for "The Red Skelton Show" in the 1950s. He later went on to become a stand-up comedian and an actor, most notably known for his role as Lt. Colonel Henry Blake on the television series "M*A*S*H". He left the show after three seasons due to contract disputes and was replaced by the character's death. Stevenson went on to star in his own short-lived sitcoms, including "The McLean Stevenson Show" and "Condo". Apart from acting, he also hosted and appeared on various game shows such as "Match Game" and "The Hollywood Squares". Stevenson suffered a heart attack at the age of 68 and passed away in 1996.
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Melvin Belli
Melvin Belli (July 29, 1907 Sonora-July 9, 1996 San Francisco) a.k.a. Melvin M. Belli was an American lawyer, actor and author.
Belli was widely known as the "King of Torts" for his success in personal injury cases. He represented clients in several high-profile cases, including the defense of Jack Ruby, the man who shot Lee Harvey Oswald, and the Rolling Stones in a copyright infringement lawsuit. Belli was also a published author, writing several books such as "The Belli Files" and "My Life on Trial." In addition to his legal career, he dabbled in acting, appearing in films such as "The Magnificent Seven" and on television shows like "Perry Mason." Belli was a unique character known for his flamboyant style, extravagant lifestyle, and love of attention. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 88.
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Bryant Haliday
Bryant Haliday (April 7, 1928 Albany-July 28, 1996 Paris) also known as Bryant Halliday was an American actor.
He started his career in the 1950s in the UK, where he appeared in numerous television shows, including "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "Dixon of Dock Green". Haliday gained fame for his work in horror films such as "Devil Doll" and "The Projected Man", both of which were produced by his own company, Vulcan Productions.
In addition to his work in horror films, Haliday also acted on stage and in films directed by notable directors such as Stanley Kubrick in "Lolita" and Ken Russell in "The Lair of the White Worm". He later moved to France and continued to act in films until his death in 1996.
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Gerry Mulligan
Gerry Mulligan (April 6, 1927 Queens Village-January 20, 1996 Darien) otherwise known as Garry Mulligan, Gerald Joseph "Gerry" Mulligan, Gerald Mulligan, Joseph Mulligan, Gerald Joseph Mulligan, Jeru or Gerry Mullingan was an American composer, saxophonist, clarinetist, music arranger and actor. He had one child, Reed Brown Mulligan.
Mulligan is considered to be one of the most prominent baritone saxophonists in the history of jazz, known for his unique sound and improvisational style. He began his career in the 1940s, playing with various bands and orchestras, including the big band of Gene Krupa.
In the 1950s, Mulligan became a prominent figure in the West Coast jazz movement, working closely with trumpeter Chet Baker on several acclaimed collaborations. He also formed his own quartet, which became known for its innovative, cool jazz sound.
Mulligan continued to perform and record throughout his career, working with a variety of jazz luminaries including Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, and Stan Getz. He was also known for his work as a composer and arranger, creating some of the most enduring jazz standards of the 20th century.
In addition to his musical career, Mulligan also appeared in a handful of films and television shows, including The Subterraneans and The Match Game. He remained an active performer and educator until his death in 1996 at the age of 68 due to complications from cancer.
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Joe Seneca
Joe Seneca (January 14, 1919 Cleveland-August 15, 1996 Roosevelt Island) a.k.a. Joel McGhee was an American actor, songwriter and singer.
Seneca began his career as a songwriter, writing hits for artists such as Brook Benton and Dinah Washington. He later transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as "The Cotton Club" and "Malcolm X." Seneca also appeared on television shows like "The Cosby Show" and "Law & Order." In addition to his career in entertainment, Seneca was also a civil rights activist and a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) during the 1960s.
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Gene Nelson
Gene Nelson (March 24, 1920 Astoria-September 16, 1996 Los Angeles) also known as Leander Eugene Berg, Gene Berg, Eugene E. Nelson, Eugene A. Nelson or Eugene Berg was an American actor, dancer, television director, screenwriter, musician, composer, film director and teacher. He had three children, Chris Nelson, Douglas Nelson and Victoria Gordon.
Nelson initially trained as a dancer and began his career as a member of the chorus in several musical films in the 1940s. He was eventually given leading roles in films such as "Tea for Two," "Lullaby of Broadway," and "The West Point Story." In addition to his film career, Nelson also worked in television as both an actor and director. He appeared in shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Murder, She Wrote" and directed shows such as "I Love Lucy" and "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis." After his acting and directing career slowed down, Nelson turned to teaching and spent several years teaching musical theater at various colleges and universities. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 76 due to cancer.
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Lonne Elder III
Lonne Elder III (December 26, 1927 Americus-June 11, 1996) also known as Lonne Elder was an American actor and playwright. His children are called Christian Edward Elder, Lonnie Christine Elder and David Elder.
Lonne Elder III was best known for his play "Ceremonies in Dark Old Men," which first premiered in 1969 and was later adapted into a television movie in 1975. He received critical acclaim and multiple awards for his work as a playwright, including the New York Drama Critics Circle Award, a Tony Award nomination, and the Drama Desk Award.
Aside from his career in theater, Elder was also an accomplished actor and appeared in films such as "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" and "Sounder." He was also a founding member of the Negro Ensemble Company, which helped to promote the work of black playwrights and actors.
Elder was born in Americus, Georgia and raised in Harlem, New York. He received his education from the American Theatre Wing and Columbia University. He passed away in June of 1996 in New York City at the age of 68.
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Faron Young
Faron Young (February 25, 1932 Shreveport-December 10, 1996 Nashville) also known as Young Faron, Faronyoung, Farron Young, Young, Faron, The Singing Sheriff, The Young Sheriff or The Hillbilly Heartthrob was an American singer, singer-songwriter and actor. His child is called Robyn.
Young began his music career in the early 1950s, and by the end of the decade, he had become a successful country music artist with several chart-topping hits, including "Sweet Dreams," "Alone with You," and "Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young." He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
Aside from his music career, Young also had an acting career, appearing in several films and television shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He also owned a music publishing company and was known for his support of new and upcoming country music artists.
Unfortunately, Young struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout his life, and he tragically took his own life in 1996 at the age of 64. Despite his personal struggles, he left behind a lasting legacy in the world of country music.
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Adam Roarke
Adam Roarke (August 8, 1937 Brooklyn-April 27, 1996 Euless) also known as Richard Jordan Gerler, Jordan Grant or Richie was an American actor and film director. He had one child, Jordan Gerler.
Roarke began his career as an actor in 1960s, appearing in multiple films such as "Hells Angels on Wheels" and "Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry". He was often cast as the tough guy or rebel character due to his rugged looks and intense acting style. Later on in his career, he also directed and produced several films, such as "Cindy and Donna" and "The Savage Seven". Despite being a successful actor, Roarke struggled with drug addiction and legal troubles throughout his life. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 58 due to a heart attack. Roarke's contributions to the film industry continue to be remembered and celebrated by his fans and peers.
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Jason Bernard
Jason Bernard (May 17, 1938 Chicago-October 16, 1996 Burbank) was an American actor and voice actor. His child is called Jason Bernard.
Jason Bernard began his acting career in the 1970s and appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The White Shadow," "Miami Vice," and "L.A. Law." He was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to various characters in animated shows such as "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Gargoyles."
In addition to his acting work, Bernard was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on its board of directors. He was also a founding member of the Black Actors' Workshop in Chicago.
Bernard passed away in 1996 at the age of 58 from a heart attack. His legacy lives on through his impressive body of work and his dedication to the acting community.
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Morey Amsterdam
Morey Amsterdam (December 14, 1908 Chicago-October 28, 1996 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Moritz Amsterdam or The Human Joke Machine was an American comedian, actor and screenwriter. He had two children, Gregory Amsterdam and Cathy Amsterdam.
Morey Amsterdam began his career as a jazz pianist before transitioning to comedy. He was a writer for several popular comedians in the 1940s, including Bob Hope and Milton Berle. In the 1950s, Amsterdam rose to fame as part of the cast of the television show "The Dick Van Dyke Show," in which he played the character Buddy Sorrell.
Amsterdam continued to work in television throughout his career, making regular appearances on shows such as "Hollywood Squares" and "The Love Boat". He also performed as a stand-up comedian and in musical theater productions.
Along with his successful career in entertainment, Morey Amsterdam was known for his philanthropic efforts. He was a dedicated supporter of various charitable organizations, including the City of Hope cancer center and the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
He passed away in 1996 at the age of 87 due to a heart attack.
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Wesley Addy
Wesley Addy (August 4, 1913 Omaha-December 31, 1996 Danbury) also known as Robert Wesley Addy or Wes Addy was an American actor.
He began his career in radio before transitioning to Broadway in the 1940s. Addy went on to appear in numerous films and television shows throughout his career, including "The Boston Strangler," "Network," and "Murder, She Wrote." He was also a founding member of the Actors Studio and served as its president from 1967 to 1971. Addy was known for his versatility as an actor, portraying a wide range of characters on stage and screen.
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Whit Bissell
Whit Bissell (October 25, 1909 New York City-March 5, 1996 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Whitner Nutting Bissell, Whitner Bissell, Whit Bissel or Whitt Bissell was an American actor and character actor.
He appeared in over 300 films and television shows during his career. Bissell often played roles as scientists, doctors, and other authority figures. He was also known for his appearances in several classic science fiction films, including "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "Creature from the Black Lagoon". Bissell studied at Yale University and later attended the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre in New York. He began his career in the theater before transitioning to film and television. Bissell was married to Mary Lorraine Lange, with whom he had two children. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 86.
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Tommy Rettig
Tommy Rettig (December 10, 1941 Jackson Heights-February 15, 1996 Marina del Rey) a.k.a. Thomas Noel Rettig, Tom Rettig, Tom Rerttig, Thomas Noel "Tommy" Rettig or Tommy was an American businessperson, actor, software engineer and author. He had one child, Mason Storm.
Tommy Rettig is best known for playing the role of Jeff Miller in the popular American TV series "Lassie" from 1954-1957. He also appeared in several films, such as "River of No Return" alongside Marilyn Monroe and Robert Mitchum. After his acting career, Rettig excelled in the field of software engineering and co-founded a multimedia software company called Boffo Games. He authored a book titled "Protectors of the Earth! Adventures of the Galaxy Rangers" and was dedicated to environmental activism. Besides being a successful businessman, actor, and author, Rettig was also an avid pilot and owned a Cessna 150. He died in 1996 due to complications from heart surgery.
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Charlie Neal
Charlie Neal (January 30, 1931 Longview-November 18, 1996 Dallas) was an American baseball player and actor.
He played as a second baseman in Major League Baseball for the Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Mets, and the Cincinnati Reds from 1956 to 1963. After his baseball career, Neal became an actor, appearing in several films and TV shows, including "The Brady Bunch" and "My Three Sons." He also appeared in the 1967 film "The Dirty Dozen." Neal was known for his adaptability on the field and his positive attitude, which made him a beloved figure among his teammates and fans. He passed away in Dallas after battling complications from diabetes.
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Jack Nance
Jack Nance (December 21, 1943 Boston-December 30, 1996 South Pasadena) a.k.a. Marvin John Nance or John Nance was an American actor.
He studied theatre at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City and later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career on screen. Nance is best known for his collaboration with director David Lynch, appearing in several of his films including "Eraserhead," "Blue Velvet," and "Twin Peaks." Nance was also a frequent collaborator with cult director and fellow Lynch collaborator, Monty Montgomery. In addition to his film work, Nance also appeared in several television shows and had a successful stage career in Los Angeles. Tragically, he died in 1996 following a brawl outside of a Pasadena restaurant. Despite his untimely death, Nance's legacy continues to live on through his memorable performances and the admiration of his many fans.
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Mark Venturini
Mark Venturini (January 10, 1961 Illinois-February 14, 1996 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
Venturini is best known for his roles in horror films such as "Friday the 13th: A New Beginning" (1985) and "Return of the Living Dead" (1985). He also appeared in a number of television shows such as "The A-Team" and "T.J. Hooker". In addition to acting, Venturini was a writer and wrote several screenplays. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 35 due to complications from AIDS.
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Martin Balsam
Martin Balsam (November 4, 1919 The Bronx-February 13, 1996 Rome) a.k.a. Martin Henry Balsam or The Bronx Barrymore was an American actor. He had three children, Talia Balsam, Zoe Balsam and Adam Balsam.
Martin Balsam had a prolific career in both film and television, appearing in over 100 movies and numerous TV shows. He is perhaps best known for his role as Detective Arbogast in Alfred Hitchcock's classic film Psycho (1960), for which he earned a Golden Globe Award. He also received an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in A Thousand Clowns (1965) and was nominated for the same award for his roles in Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) and The Onedin Line (1971).
Balsam's acting career began on the stage, appearing in Broadway productions in the 1940s and 1950s such as A Flag is Born and The Liar, before transitioning to film and television. He had memorable roles in films such as 12 Angry Men (1957), Cape Fear (1962), and All the President's Men (1976), playing important supporting characters alongside the likes of Marlon Brando, Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier, and Robert Redford.
Balsam also had a successful career on television, appearing in popular shows such as The Twilight Zone, The Untouchables, and The Fugitive. He received an Emmy Award for his role in the TV movie David (1988).
Aside from acting, Balsam was also a director, with credits including episodes of Archie Bunker's Place and The Twilight Zone. In addition, he was a respected acting teacher and mentor, teaching at the HB Studio in New York for over 20 years.
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Gene Kelly
Gene Kelly (August 23, 1912 Highland Park-February 2, 1996 Beverly Hills) also known as Eugene Curran Kelly or Eugene Curran "Gene" Kelly was an American singer, dancer, actor, film director, choreographer, film producer and television producer. He had three children, Kerry Kelly, Bridget Kelly and Timothy Kelly.
Gene Kelly is known for his energetic and athletic dancing style, which was showcased in numerous films, most notably in "Singin' in the Rain" (1952). He also received an Academy Award for Best Actor nomination for his role in "An American in Paris" (1951). In addition to his work in Hollywood, Kelly was a major figure in the development of ballet in the United States, co-founding the American School of Ballet and serving as its director. He was also a decorated veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy. Throughout his career, Kelly received numerous accolades, including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award.
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Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur (June 16, 1971 East Harlem-September 13, 1996 Las Vegas) a.k.a. 2Pac, 2 PAC, Tupac Amaru Shakur, 2 Pac Fe. Dr. Dre, TuPac, Lesane Parish Crooks, Makaveli, 2pac (Makaveli the Don), 2 Pac Shakur or Pac was an American record producer, poet, songwriter, social activist, rapper, actor, dancer, screenwriter and writer.
He was born in New York City to Black Panther activists and moved around the country frequently in his youth. Tupac began his music career in the late 1980s, but it wasn't until the release of his solo album "2Pacalypse Now" in 1991 that he gained mainstream success. Tupac's music often dealt with themes of social injustice, racism, and inner-city life. He was known for his aggressive yet intelligent rhymes and remains one of the most influential and respected figures in the history of rap music. Tupac's life was cut tragically short when he was shot and killed in Las Vegas in 1996 at the age of 25. His murder remains unsolved and continues to be the subject of much speculation and controversy.
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Howard Rollins
Howard Rollins (October 17, 1950 Baltimore-December 8, 1996 New York City) also known as Howard Ellsworth Rollins, Jr., Howard E. Rollins Jr., Howard Rollins Jr., Howard E. Rollins, Howard E. Rollings, Jr. or Ho Ro was an American actor.
He was best known for his roles in the 1981 film "Ragtime" and the television series "In the Heat of the Night," for which he earned an Emmy nomination. Rollins also appeared in several other popular TV shows, including "The Edge of Night" and "Miami Vice," and movies such as "A Soldier's Story" and "The House of God." Additionally, he was a classically trained stage actor, performing in productions of "Othello" and "The Mighty Gents." Rollins battled drug addiction throughout his career, which ultimately led to his premature death from complications of AIDS in 1996.
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Vince Edwards
Vince Edwards (July 9, 1928 Brooklyn-March 11, 1996 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Vincent Edward Zoino, Vincent Edwards or Vincent Edward Zoine was an American singer, actor and television director.
He is best known for his role in the popular 1960s medical drama television series "Ben Casey" as the title character, neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Casey. Prior to his acting career, Edwards was a successful nightclub singer and even released several albums. He also had a brief stint as a professional boxer. Throughout his career, Edwards appeared in numerous films and television series, including "The Killing", "The Desperate Hours", "Police Story", and "Murder, She Wrote". In addition to acting, he worked as a television director, helming episodes of "Matt Houston" and "Scarecrow and Mrs. King" among others. Edwards was married five times and had three children. He passed away in 1996 at the age of 67 due to pancreatic cancer.
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Charlie Barnett
Charlie Barnett (September 23, 1954 Bluefield-March 16, 1996 Flushing) a.k.a. The Late Great Charlie Barnett was an American actor and comedian.
Born in Bluefield, West Virginia, Charlie Barnett moved to New York City in the 1970s to pursue his dream of becoming a comedian. He quickly gained attention with his high-energy and unorthodox style, becoming a regular performer at comedy clubs such as The Improv and Catch a Rising Star.
Barnett's comedic talent led to appearances on a number of popular TV shows such as "Miami Vice," "The Cosby Show," and "Law & Order." He also appeared in several movies, including "House Party 2" and "Mo' Better Blues."
In addition to his acting career, Barnett was an advocate for children and frequently visited schools to speak about the importance of education. He was diagnosed with liver cancer in 1991 and passed away in 1996 at the age of 41. His legacy as a trailblazing comedian and actor continues to inspire many in the entertainment industry today.
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Phil Regan
Phil Regan (May 28, 1906 Brooklyn-February 11, 1996 Santa Barbara) also known as The Singing Cop or Philip Joseph Christopher Aloysius Regan was an American actor. He had four children, Marilyn Regan, Joan Regan, Philip Regan and Joseph Regan.
Regan began his career as a singer and began performing at local venues in Brooklyn. He then moved to Manhattan and worked as a singing waiter before making his way into radio broadcasts. Regan soon after became a singer for NBC radio and gained popularity with his performances on the popular show The Ford Sunday Evening Hour. In the late 1930s, Regan transitioned into acting and appeared in numerous films, including Stage Door Canteen (1943) and This is the Army (1943). Regan continued his acting career throughout the 1950s and 1960s, mostly in television shows and movies. He retired from acting in 1968 and moved to Santa Barbara, California, where he spent the rest of his life.
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William Colby
William Colby (January 4, 1920 Saint Paul-April 27, 1996 Rock Point, Maryland) also known as William Egan Colby, William E. Colby or Director William Colby was an American actor. He had one child, Carl Colby.
Actually, William Colby was not an actor but an intelligence officer who served as the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) from 1973-1976. He first joined the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II, and later became a CIA officer. During his career, he worked on various covert operations, including the Phoenix Program in Vietnam, which aimed to eliminate the Viet Cong infrastructure. As DCI, Colby oversaw major reforms within the CIA, but his tenure was also marked by controversy, particularly the publication of the "Family Jewels" report, which exposed the CIA's involvement in various illegal activities. Later in life, Colby became an advocate for transparency and accountability in the intelligence community. Sadly, he died in a boating accident in 1996.
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