American movie stars died at 44

Here are 6 famous actresses from United States of America died at 44:

Billie Holiday

Billie Holiday (April 7, 1915 Philadelphia-July 17, 1959 New York City) also known as Billy Holliday, Eleanora Fagan Gough, Elinore Harris, billie_holiday, Lady Day, Eleanora Fagan or Billie Holiday (feat. Teddy Wilson & His Orchestra) was an American singer, composer, musician, songwriter and actor.

She died caused by cirrhosis.

Holiday was one of the most influential jazz singers of all time, known for her unique vocal style and ability to improvise. She began her career in the 1930s, performing in nightclubs and eventually signing with Columbia Records. Some of her most famous songs include "Strange Fruit," "God Bless the Child," and "Gloomy Sunday." Despite facing racism and sexism throughout her career, Holiday continued to perform and record, and she became an icon in the jazz world. Her legacy continues to be celebrated by musicians and fans around the world.

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Maya Deren

Maya Deren (April 29, 1917 Kiev-October 13, 1961 Manhattan) also known as Eleanora Derenkowsky, Eleanora Derenkowskaia, Eleanora Derenkovskaya, Элеоно́ра Деренко́вская or Eleanora Solomonovna Derenkovsky was an American film director, artist, screenwriter, cinematographer, actor, author, choreographer, poet, writer, photographer, dancer, teacher and visual artist.

She died in cerebral hemorrhage.

Maya Deren is best known for her avant-garde films which she created in the 1940s and 1950s. Her most famous film, "Meshes of the Afternoon," which she made in collaboration with her husband Alexander Hammid, is considered a classic of American experimental cinema. Deren was also a pioneer of what is now known as "trance films," which feature dream-like sequences and explore the subconscious mind. Deren's work has had a lasting impact on the film industry and her legacy continues to influence artists today. In addition to her film work, Deren was also a prolific writer, publishing books on Haitian culture and religion, as well as essays on film theory and experimentation. She was also an accomplished photographer, and her work has been featured in galleries and museums around the world.

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Joi Lansing

Joi Lansing (April 6, 1928 Salt Lake City-August 7, 1972 Santa Monica) also known as Joyce Wassmansdorff, Joy Lansing, Joy Loveland, Joyce Renee Brown or Joy Brown was an American singer, pin-up girl, actor and model.

She died in breast cancer.

Joi Lansing began her career as a jazz singer before transitioning to acting. She appeared in many popular television shows of the 1950s and 60s such as "The Millionaire" and "The Beverly Hillbillies." Lansing also had small roles in films such as "Touch of Evil" and "The Brave One."

Off-screen, Lansing was known for her beauty and was often featured in magazines and as a pin-up girl. She was also briefly married to actor Lance Fuller in the 1940s.

Tragically, Lansing was diagnosed with breast cancer in the 1970s and passed away in 1972 at the age of 43. Despite her relatively short career, she remains a beloved icon of mid-century American pop culture.

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Dana Reeve

Dana Reeve (March 17, 1961 Teaneck-March 6, 2006 Manhattan) a.k.a. Dana Morosini, Dana Charles Morosini or Dana Morosini Reeve was an American singer, actor, presenter and author. She had one child, William Reeve.

She died in lung cancer.

Dana Reeve rose to prominence as an accomplished actress, appearing in numerous television shows and films throughout her career. She is perhaps best known for her role as Wendy, opposite Christopher Reeve's Superman, in the hit 1980 film "Superman II". She later went on to make guest appearances on popular television shows such as "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", "Oz", and "The Practice".

In addition to her acting work, Reeve was also a well-known advocate for individuals living with disabilities. Reeve's own husband, Christopher, was left paralyzed after a horse riding accident in 1995, and she worked tirelessly to raise awareness and funds for spinal cord injury research and treatment. After Christopher's death in 2004, Dana continued her advocacy work, serving as Chair of the Christopher Reeve Foundation until her own passing just two years later.

Reeve was a talented author as well, penning a memoir titled "Nothing is Impossible: Reflections on a New Life" in 2002, as well as numerous articles on spinal cord injury research and disability rights. Despite her own health challenges, she remained committed to her advocacy work until the end of her life, earning widespread admiration for her courage, strength, and dedication to social justice.

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Laurie Beechman

Laurie Beechman (April 4, 1953 Philadelphia-March 8, 1998 White Plains) also known as Laurie Hope Beechman or Beechman, Laurie was an American singer and actor.

She died caused by ovarian cancer.

Beechman began her career on Broadway in the early 1980s, appearing in productions such as "Annie" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." She is best known for her role as Grizabella in the original Broadway production of "Cats," a role she later reprised in the Los Angeles and Broadway productions of the show.

In addition to her work on stage, Beechman also appeared in several films, including "The Blues Brothers" and "Alphabet City." She also released several albums throughout her career, including "Listen to My Heart" and "No One is Alone."

After being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 1996, Beechman became an advocate for cancer research and awareness. She continued to perform throughout her battle with the disease, including a one-woman show titled "Time and Love" which chronicled her experiences with cancer.

Beechman's legacy continues through the Laurie Beechman Theatre in New York City, a performance space dedicated to showcasing new and upcoming talent in the performing arts.

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Bonnie Lee Bakley

Bonnie Lee Bakley (June 7, 1956 Morristown-May 4, 2001 Studio City) also known as Lee Bonny, Leebonny or Bonny Lee Bakely was an American actor and singer. She had four children, Holly Lee Gawron, Jeri Lee Lewis, Glenn Paul Gawron and Rose Lenore Sophia Blake.

She died as a result of homicide.

Bonnie Lee Bakley gained notoriety after marrying actor Robert Blake in 2000. Prior to their marriage, she had a history of pursuing relationships with celebrities and was known to have scammed men out of money by falsely claiming paternity of her children. Following her death, Robert Blake was acquitted of any involvement in the crime, but was later found liable for her wrongful death in a civil trial. Her murder remains unsolved.

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