American movie stars died at 72

Here are 19 famous actresses from United States of America died at 72:

Elżbieta Czyżewska

Elżbieta Czyżewska (May 14, 1938 Warsaw-June 17, 2010 Manhattan) also known as Elzbieta Czyzewska, Elzbieta Justyna Czyzewska, Elizbieta Czyzewska, Elżbieta Justyna Czyżewska, Elka, Ela or Elżbieta J. Czyżewska was an American actor.

She died as a result of esophageal cancer.

Czyżewska was born in Warsaw, Poland, and started her acting career at the National Theatre in Warsaw. She gained recognition for her roles in films such as "Knife in the Water" and "The Eighth Day of the Week". She was also a political activist and was involved in the anti-Communist movement in her home country. Czyżewska emigrated to the United States in the 1970s and continued to act on stage and in films. She also taught acting at Columbia University, The New School and HB Studio in New York City. Czyżewska was married to actor and director, Maciej Slesicki, and they had two children together.

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Irna Phillips

Irna Phillips (July 1, 1901 Chicago-December 23, 1973 Chicago) was an American writer, screenwriter, actor and tv program creator.

Often referred to as the "Mother of the Soap Opera," Irna Phillips is credited with creating some of the most iconic daytime dramas in television history, including "Guiding Light," "As The World Turns," and "Days of Our Lives." Prior to her success in television, Phillips got her start in radio, writing and acting in serialized dramas that would eventually became a staple of daytime radio programming. Known for her ability to create relatable characters and compelling storylines, Phillips revolutionized the soap opera genre and set the standard for decades to come. In addition to her work in television, she was also a prolific author, penning several novels and plays throughout her career.

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Marcia Lewis

Marcia Lewis (August 8, 1938 Melrose-December 21, 2010 Brentwood) also known as Marcia Lewis Bryan was an American singer, actor and registered nurse.

She began her career in showbusiness as a performer in Broadway musicals, and went on to receive a Tony Award nomination for her role in the 1970 play "Hello, Dolly!". Later on, she also starred in productions such as "Chicago", "Annie Warbucks", and "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife".

In addition to her work in musical theater, Lewis was a registered nurse and worked in the healthcare industry for many years. She appeared on various TV shows as well, including "E.R.", "Law & Order" and "Ugly Betty".

Throughout her career, Lewis was known for her powerful voice and vibrant personality, and was beloved by audiences and peers alike. Sadly, she passed away in 2010 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a dedication to both the arts and healthcare.

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Pearl Bailey

Pearl Bailey (March 29, 1918 Southampton County-August 17, 1990 Philadelphia) otherwise known as Pearl Mae Bailey, Pearly Mae or Dickie was an American singer, actor and voice actor. She had two children, Dee Dee Belson and Tony Bellson.

She died in cardiovascular disease.

Pearl Bailey was born into a large family of entertainers and started performing at a young age. She gained national attention for her work in the New York City nightclub scene and appeared in several Broadway productions. Bailey was lauded for her unique vocal style and charismatic stage presence. She also made appearances on several television shows and in films, including the adaptation of “Hello, Dolly!” in 1969. In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Bailey was an advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, and was appointed by President Richard Nixon as the US ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1979. Bailey remains a beloved and influential figure in American entertainment history.

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Susan Glaspell

Susan Glaspell (July 1, 1876 Davenport-July 27, 1948 Provincetown) also known as Susan Keating Glaspell or Susie was an American writer, novelist, actor, film director, biographer, poet, journalist and playwright.

She died caused by viral pneumonia.

Glaspell started writing at an early age and worked as a journalist before becoming a successful author and playwright. She was a prominent member of the Provincetown Players, a group of writers who focused on producing experimental plays. Her most famous play, "Trifles," addressed issues of gender inequality and was based on a real-life murder case she covered as a journalist. In addition to her work as a writer, Glaspell also co-founded the Provincetown Players and directed some of their productions. She published several novels during her career, including "The Glory of the Conquered" and "Brook Evans," and received the Pulitzer Prize for her play "Alison's House" in 1931. Glaspell's work has continued to be studied and performed throughout the decades due to its relevance and powerful themes.

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Helen Mack

Helen Mack (November 12, 1913 Rock Island-August 13, 1986 Beverly Hills) also known as Helen McDougall or Helen Macks was an American actor, writer, film director and film producer.

She died as a result of cancer.

Throughout her career, Helen Mack appeared in over 70 films and television shows, working with notable directors such as Frank Capra and John Ford. Some of her most notable roles include her performance in the 1933 film "Son of Kong" and her portrayal of the female lead in the 1936 film "His Brother's Wife".

In addition to her work in front of the camera, Mack also had a successful career behind the scenes. She wrote screenplays for films such as "The Crime Doctor's Diary" and "She's Working Her Way Through College", and produced the 1950 film "The White Tower".

Mack was also involved in several charitable organizations throughout her life, including the Motion Picture and Television Fund and the Hollywood Democratic Committee. Despite facing personal challenges and tragedies, including the death of her daughter, Mack remained committed to her work in the entertainment industry and to making a positive impact in her community.

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Isabel Withers

Isabel Withers (January 20, 1896 Frankton-September 3, 1968 Hollywood) also known as Isabelle Withers or Isobel Withers was an American actor.

She trained in New York and made her Broadway debut in 1916. Withers later transitioned to film and appeared in over 100 movies and television shows throughout her career. Some of her notable films include "The Big Heat," "I Remember Mama," and "The Lemon Drop Kid." In addition to her acting work, Withers also taught acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York for many years. Her contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

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Janice Rule

Janice Rule (August 15, 1931 Norwood-October 17, 2003 Manhattan) otherwise known as Mary Janice Rule was an American actor and psychologist. Her children are called Elizabeth Gazzara and Kate Thom Fitzgerald.

She died caused by cerebral hemorrhage.

Janice Rule was born in Norwood, Ohio, and began her acting career in New York in the 1950s. She made her Broadway debut in the play "The Flowering Peach" in 1954. She also appeared in several off-Broadway productions, including "The Lady from the Sea" and "The Three Sisters."

In 1961, Rule gained national attention for her role in the film "The Chase," opposite Marlon Brando. She went on to appear in numerous films and TV shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including "Bell, Book and Candle," "The Ambushers," "The Swimmer," and "Law & Order."

Aside from her acting career, Rule had a keen interest in psychology and earned a degree in the field. Later on, she became a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing in Los Angeles.

Unfortunately, Rule suffered from health problems and passed away in Manhattan in 2003 due to a cerebral hemorrhage. She left behind two daughters, Elizabeth Gazzara and Kate Thom Fitzgerald.

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Leila Hyams

Leila Hyams (May 1, 1905 New York City-December 4, 1977 Bel-Air) was an American actor and model.

She began her career as a model in the early 1920s and soon transitioned into acting. Hyams appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, primarily in the 1920s and 1930s, working with notable directors such as Tod Browning and King Vidor. She was known for her versatile acting abilities, which included both comedic and dramatic roles. One of her most famous performances was in the 1932 horror classic, "Freaks." Hyams retired from acting in the mid-1930s and then focused on her family life. She was married to her husband, Phil Berg, for over 40 years and together they had three children. Hyams remained out of the public eye until her death in 1977 at the age of 72.

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Lila Lee

Lila Lee (July 25, 1901 Union Hill-November 13, 1973 Saranac Lake) also known as Augusta Appel, Cuddles or Augusta Wilhelmena Fredericka Appel was an American actor. She had one child, James Kirkwood Jr..

She died in stroke.

Lila Lee began her career in Hollywood at the young age of 15, appearing in small roles in silent films. Her break came when she was cast as a leading lady in 1920's "The Cruise of the Make-Believes". Over the course of her career, Lee appeared in over 70 films, including "Blood and Sand" (1922) and "Show Boat" (1929). She also had a successful stage career, performing on Broadway in shows such as "Good News" and "The League of Frightened Men". After her retirement from acting in the 1930s, Lee became a successful real estate agent. Despite her early success in Hollywood, Lee's contributions to the film industry have often been overlooked.

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Martha Sleeper

Martha Sleeper (June 24, 1910 Lake Bluff-March 25, 1983 Beaufort) was an American actor, comedian, author, jeweler and businessperson. She had one child, Victoria Albright.

Martha Sleeper started her career in the entertainment industry as a child actor on Broadway in the 1920s. She later transitioned into film, appearing in several popular movies of the 1930s like "The Big Broadcast" and "Goodbye Love". Sleeper also dabbled in radio and television during her career.

Apart from her work in entertainment, Sleeper was also an accomplished author, publishing several books including her autobiography "Wide-Eyed in Babylon". She also owned a jewelry store and was involved in various business ventures.

Sleeper retired from acting in the 1950s and moved to South Carolina with her husband. She passed away in 1983 at the age of 72.

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Maxine Elliott

Maxine Elliott (February 5, 1868 Rockland-March 5, 1940 Cannes) was an American businessperson and actor.

She was born as Jessie Dermot in Rockland, Maine and raised in Massachusetts. After her first marriage at a young age, she adopted the name Maxine Elliott and pursued a career in acting. She quickly achieved success and became one of the most prominent and well-respected actresses of her time.

Elliott eventually transitioned from acting to business and became a successful theater owner and producer. She owned the Maxine Elliott Theatre in New York City and produced several successful plays, including "Mr. Wu" and "The Miracle." She was known for her keen business sense and her ability to spot talent, often giving up-and-coming actors their big break.

Elliott was also known for her philanthropy and donated a significant portion of her wealth to various charitable causes, including education and the arts. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and worked tirelessly throughout her life to promote equality and fairness.

Elliott lived a glamorous and exciting life, traveling the world and mingling with some of the most famous people of her era. She passed away in Cannes, France at the age of 72.

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Ruth Draper

Ruth Draper (December 2, 1884 New York City-December 30, 1956 New York City) was an American actor and playwright.

She is best known for her solo performances in which she portrayed multiple characters, often from different social classes and nationalities. Draper's performances were highly acclaimed and she toured extensively in the United States and Europe. She also wrote and directed her own plays, which were often inspired by her travels and observations of people. In addition to her stage work, Draper also appeared in a few films and on radio broadcasts. She was considered a pioneer in the field of solo performance and her legacy has influenced many actors and performers who followed in her footsteps.

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Virginia Pearson

Virginia Pearson (March 7, 1886 Anchorage-June 6, 1958 Hollywood) also known as Virginia Belle Pearson was an American actor.

She began her career on Broadway in the early 1900s before transitioning to silent films in 1910. Pearson quickly became one of the most influential actresses in the industry, known for her dramatic roles in films such as "The House of Darkness" (1913) and "Where Are My Children?" (1916). She was also one of the few actresses of her time who had creative control over her films, producing and writing screenplays for several of her projects. Pearson's career began to decline in the late 1920s, and she made her last film appearance in 1931. Despite her retirement, she remained an active member of the film industry, serving on the Board of Directors for the Screen Actors Guild. Pearson passed away in 1958 at the age of 72.

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Susie Garrett

Susie Garrett (December 29, 1929 Detroit-May 24, 2002 Southfield) was an American actor and singer.

She died in cancer.

Garrett was best known for playing Nurse Laguerta in the medical drama series "ER" and the role of Rosa Lee Cunningham in ABC's sitcom "Growing Pains". She started her career in the 1950s, working in Broadway plays and musicals. She also appeared in various TV shows such as "The Love Boat", "Night Court", and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air", and received an Emmy nomination for her guest role in "Seinfeld". Garrett was also a talented singer and recorded several albums throughout her career.

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Dorothy Kelly

Dorothy Kelly (February 12, 1894 Philadelphia-May 31, 1966 Minneapolis) was an American actor. Her children are called Ann Hevenor and Bessie Hevenor.

She died caused by cerebral hemorrhage.

Dorothy Kelly began her career in the entertainment industry as a member of a vaudeville troupe before entering the film industry in the early 1920s. She appeared in supporting roles in numerous films, including "The Ten Commandments" (1923), "The Freshman" (1925), and "Glorifying the American Girl" (1929). Kelly's career slowed down in the 1930s, and she retired from acting in the mid-1940s. In addition to her work in film, she also appeared in several Broadway productions, including "Musical Review" (1926) and "Funny Face" (1927).

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Alice Lake

Alice Lake (September 12, 1895 Brooklyn-November 15, 1967 Hollywood) was an American actor.

She died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Alice Lake was born on September 12, 1895, in Brooklyn, New York. She began her career in vaudeville and then moved on to silent films in the early 1910s. Alice worked with some of the most prominent actors and directors of her time, including Charles Chaplin, Mack Sennett, and Cecil B. DeMille. Her filmography includes over 150 credits, and she played a wide range of roles, from leading ladies to supporting characters. Despite her prolific career in the silent film era, Alice's career declined with the advent of sound in the late 1920s. She made her final film appearance in 1936 in the film "Girls' Dormitory." Alice died on November 15, 1967, in Hollywood, California, due to a myocardial infarction.

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Marian McCargo

Marian McCargo (March 18, 1932 Pittsburgh-April 7, 2004 Santa Monica) also known as Marian Moses, Marian McCargo Bell or Marion Moses was an American actor, tennis player and politician. Her children are called William R. Moses, Graham Moses, Harry Moses and Rick Moses.

She died caused by pancreatic cancer.

Marian McCargo started her acting career in the late 1950s, appearing in various TV shows such as "The Millionaire," "Perry Mason" and "Wagon Train." She landed her breakthrough role in the 1963 film "The Chapman Report," which got her noticed by renowned directors such as Alfred Hitchcock and Otto Preminger.

Aside from her successful acting career, McCargo was also a skilled tennis player. She won several regional tournaments in California and even played in a professional tournament in Las Vegas. She was also actively involved in politics and served on the Santa Monica City Council from 1990 to 1994.

In her personal life, McCargo was married to actor and producer Kent Bell for 33 years until his death in 1984. They had four children together, including actor William R. Moses. She continued to act in various TV shows and films until her retirement in the mid-1990s. McCargo passed away in 2004 at the age of 72 due to pancreatic cancer.

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Lillian Hayman

Lillian Hayman (July 17, 1922 Baltimore-October 25, 1994 Hollis) was an American actor and singer.

She died caused by myocardial infarction.

Lillian Hayman was best known for her work on Broadway, where she appeared in a number of productions throughout her career. She made her Broadway debut in 1952 in the musical revue, "John Murray Anderson's Almanac." She went on to appear in several other Broadway shows, including "Fiorello!," "A Family Affair," and "Oh, Kay!"

Hayman also had a successful career in film and television. She appeared in a number of popular TV shows, including "The Patty Duke Show," "The Twilight Zone," and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents." Hayman also had a recurring role on the soap opera "All My Children."

In addition to her acting work, Hayman was also an accomplished singer. She performed in several nightclubs and cabarets throughout her career, and recorded a number of albums. Hayman was known for her powerful, soulful voice, and was often compared to other great female vocalists of the time.

Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Hayman remained down-to-earth and widely admired by her colleagues. She was known for her warmth, humor, and generosity, and was beloved by many.

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