American actresses died in Suicide
Here are 50 famous actresses from United States of America died in Suicide:
Wendy O. Williams
Wendy O. Williams (May 28, 1949 Webster-April 6, 1998 Storrs) also known as Wendy Orlean Williams, Wendy Williams, W.o.W., Wendy Orleans Williams or Williams, Wendy O. was an American singer, musician and actor.
She was best known as the lead singer of the punk rock band The Plasmatics, which was known for their outrageous and controversial live performances. Williams was known for her wild stage persona, incorporating elements of performance art into her shows, such as destroying televisions and cars with sledgehammers. In addition to her music career, Williams also acted in a number of films and television shows, including the 1986 film " Reform School Girls" and the TV series "MacGyver." Williams was also a vocal animal rights activist, and later in life became a vegetarian and advocate for the vegan lifestyle. She unfortunately suffered from depression and committed suicide in 1998.
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Dana Plato
Dana Plato (November 7, 1964 Maywood-May 8, 1999 Moore) also known as Dana Michelle Plato or Dana Michelle Strain was an American actor. She had one child, Tyler Lambert.
Dana Plato is best known for her role as Kimberly Drummond in the popular TV show, “Diff’rent Strokes.” She starred in the show from 1978 to 1984, earning critical acclaim for her performance. After “Diff’rent Strokes,” Plato struggled to find steady work in Hollywood and turned to drugs and alcohol. She also had a string of legal issues, including a robbery conviction in 1991. Plato tragically passed away in 1999 from a drug overdose at the age of 34. Despite her struggles, she remains a beloved figure in the hearts of many “Diff’rent Strokes” fans.
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Jean Seberg
Jean Seberg (November 13, 1938 Marshalltown-August 30, 1979 Paris) also known as Jean Dorothy Seberg was an American actor. She had two children, Alexandre Diego Gary and Nina Hart Gary.
Seberg rose to fame with her starring role in the iconic film "Breathless" (1960), directed by Jean-Luc Godard. She quickly became a fashion icon and appeared in numerous films such as "Lilith" (1964), "Moment to Moment" (1965), and "Airport" (1970).
In addition to her acting career, Seberg was also a political activist and outspoken supporter of various civil rights causes. She was involved in the Black Panther Party and was later targeted by the FBI's COINTELPRO program, leading to intense surveillance and harassment that greatly impacted her mental health.
Tragically, Seberg died by suicide at the age of 40 in Paris, where she was living at the time. Her legacy as a brave and talented performer, as well as her activism and persecution by the government, continue to be remembered and celebrated today.
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Margaux Hemingway
Margaux Hemingway (February 16, 1954 Portland-July 1, 1996 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Margot Louise Hemingway, Margot Hemingway or Margaux Louise Hemingway was an American model and actor.
She was the granddaughter of author Ernest Hemingway and the sister of actress Mariel Hemingway. Margaux became famous in the 1970s as a fashion model and graced the covers of numerous magazines such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Harper's Bazaar. She then transitioned to acting and landed major roles in films such as "Lipstick" and "Killer Fish". Despite her success, Hemingway battled with depression, addiction and bipolar disorder throughout her life. She tragically took her own life at the age of 42.
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Florence Lawrence
Florence Lawrence (January 2, 1890 Hamilton-December 28, 1938 Beverly Hills) also known as Florence Annie Bridgwood, Queen of the Screen, Biograph Girl, The First Movie Star, The Imp Girl, The Girl of a Thousand Faces, Baby Flo, the Child Wonder, The Biograph Girl or Baby Flo, the Child Wonder Whistler was an American actor, inventor and child actor.
She began her acting career at the age of four and went on to become a popular silent film actress in the early 1900s. She gained fame for her work with the Biograph Studios, where she starred in hundreds of productions. Beyond acting, Lawrence was also an inventive mind, receiving a patent in 1914 for a mechanical signaling arm for automobiles that would eventually be used as the basis for the turn signal. Unfortunately, she did not receive proper recognition and compensation for her invention. Lawrence's career began to decline in the 1910s, and she struggled to find work in the transition to sound films. She tragically died by suicide at the age of 48, and her death went largely unnoticed by the public until many years later, when film historians rediscovered her contributions to the early days of cinema.
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Maggie McNamara
Maggie McNamara (June 18, 1929 New York City-February 18, 1978 New York City) also known as Marguerite McNamara or Marguerite "Maggie" McNamara was an American model, actor and scribe.
She grew up in New York and trained as a dancer before turning to modeling and eventually acting. McNamara is best known for her role in the 1953 film "The Moon Is Blue" opposite William Holden, which was highly controversial at the time due to its references to premarital sex. Despite the controversy, the film was a commercial success and McNamara was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance. McNamara continued to act in films and television throughout the 1950s and 1960s, but her career was cut short by personal and financial difficulties. She attempted suicide several times and died of an overdose in 1978 at the age of 48.
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Elizabeth Hartman
Elizabeth Hartman (December 23, 1943 Youngstown-June 10, 1987 Pittsburgh) a.k.a. Mary Elizabeth Hartman, Biff or Bliff Hartman was an American actor, singer and voice actor.
She is best known for her role as the young housekeeper in the 1965 film "A Patch of Blue" for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Hartman also appeared in other films such as "The Group" (1966), "Walking Tall" (1973) and "The Beguiled" (1971). Additionally, she had a successful career in theater, starring in the Broadway production of "You Can't Take It with You" in the late 1980s. Hartman struggled with mental illness throughout her life and tragically took her own life by jumping out of a window in 1987.
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Inger Stevens
Inger Stevens (October 18, 1934 Stockholm-April 30, 1970 Hollywood Hills) otherwise known as Inger Stensland was an American actor.
She was born in Stockholm, Sweden but moved to the United States as a child. Stevens began her acting career in the late 1950s with appearances on television shows such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone". She also had film roles in "The Buccaneer" (1958) and "Man on Fire" (1957).
Stevens became known for her role as Katy Holstrum on the television series "The Farmer's Daughter" (1963-1966) for which she was nominated for an Emmy Award. She continued to work in both television and film throughout the 1960s, including a starring role in the film "A Guide for the Married Man" (1967).
Tragically, Stevens died in 1970 at the age of 35 from a self-inflicted injury. She was posthumously nominated for a Golden Globe for her role in the TV miniseries "The Best Place to Be" (1979).
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Carole Landis
Carole Landis (January 1, 1919 Fairchild-July 5, 1948 Pacific Palisades) a.k.a. Frances Lillian Mary Ridste, carole_landis, The Chest, The Blonde Bomber or The 'Ping' Girl was an American pin-up girl and actor.
She began her career in show business as a nightclub singer and later appeared in a number of successful films. Landis was known for her beauty and charisma as well as for her talent on the big screen, appearing in over 40 movies throughout the 1940s. Some of her most notable roles included films like "Topper Returns" (1941), "Moon Over Miami" (1941), and "Four Jills in a Jeep" (1944). In addition to acting, Landis was a tireless supporter of the US war effort during World War II and was known for performing for American soldiers overseas. Tragically, Landis passed away at the age of 29, reportedly taking her own life due to personal and professional issues. Despite her early and untimely death, Landis remains an icon to this day, remembered for her talent, beauty, and contributions to the entertainment industry.
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Mary Kay Bergman
Mary Kay Bergman (June 5, 1961 Los Angeles-November 11, 1999 Venice) also known as Shelley Marsh, Stan's Sister, Sharon Marsh, Sheila Broflovski, Wendy Testaburger, Liane Cartman, Ms. McCormick, Shannen Cassidy, Mary-Kay Bergman, Mark Kay Bergman or Shannon Cassidy was an American voice actor, teacher, actor and comedian.
Bergman was known for providing voiceover work for numerous popular animated series, such as "South Park," "The Simpsons," "Hey Arnold!," "The Fairly OddParents," and "Extreme Ghostbusters." She was highly regarded for her ability to perform various accents and impersonations, which earned her roles in video games and commercial advertisements as well. Bergman was a graduate of UCLA and later went on to teach voice acting at the university. Despite her success, Bergman struggled with depression and tragically took her own life in 1999 at the age of 38. Her death sent shockwaves through the voice acting community and led to increased awareness of mental health issues in the entertainment industry.
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Lois Hamilton
Lois Hamilton (October 14, 1952 Philadelphia-December 23, 1999 Rio de Janeiro) a.k.a. Lois Areno, Lois I. Aurino or Lois Aurino was an American model, pilot, author, actor, artist, sculptor, painter and visual artist.
Hamilton began her modeling career at the age of 12 and was featured in various fashion magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. She also appeared in several TV commercials, including one for Coca-Cola.
Hamilton's passion for flying led her to become a licensed pilot at the age of 17. She later wrote a book called "Hostile Skies" about her experience as a female pilot in a male-dominated industry.
In addition to her work as a model and pilot, Hamilton pursued a career in acting, appearing in films such as "The Great Texas Dynamite Chase" and "Heart Like a Wheel." She also had a small role on the TV series "Hart to Hart."
Hamilton was also a talented artist, creating sculptures and paintings that were featured in galleries around the world.
Sadly, Hamilton's life came to a tragic end when she passed away at the age of 47 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She was found dead in her apartment, and her death was ruled a suicide.
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Ona Munson
Ona Munson (June 16, 1903 Portland-February 11, 1955 New York City) a.k.a. Owena Wolcott was an American actor.
She began her career in vaudeville and later transitioned to film, receiving critical acclaim for her roles in "The Shanghai Gesture" (1941) and "The Red House" (1947). Munson was also a noted stage performer, appearing in productions such as "No, No, Nanette" and "The Women."
In addition to acting, Munson was an accomplished writer and painter. She published several novels and was known for her abstract paintings, one of which was exhibited in the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Sadly, Munson's career was cut short when she took her own life in 1955. She was 51 years old.
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Alex Jordan
Alex Jordan (September 20, 1967 California-July 2, 1995 Marina del Rey) also known as Alex Jordon or Karen Elizabeth Mereness was an American pornographic film actor and actor.
Jordan began her career in the adult film industry in the late 1980s and quickly gained popularity due to her natural look and ability to perform in a variety of genres. She appeared in over 200 films during her career, working with some of the most well-known studios in the industry.
In addition to her work in adult films, Jordan also made appearances in mainstream movies and television shows, including "Married... with Children" and "NYPD Blue." She was known for her outgoing personality and willingness to speak openly about her life and experiences in the industry.
Tragically, Jordan passed away in 1995 at the age of 27 from complications related to AIDS. Her death sparked a conversation about HIV/AIDS in the adult film industry and led to increased awareness and advocacy for safer practices on set.
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Barbara Bates
Barbara Bates (August 6, 1925 Denver-March 18, 1969 Denver) a.k.a. barbara_bates was an American actor and pin-up girl.
She began her career in Hollywood during the 1940s, appearing in multiple films such as "The Inspector General" and "All About Eve." Bates was known for her striking beauty and often appeared as a pin-up girl in magazines such as Yank and Esquire. Her career was cut short in the mid-1950s due to mental health struggles. She spent time in and out of psychiatric hospitals and took her own life in 1969 at the age of 43. Despite her short-lived career, Bates is remembered for her memorable performances and iconic pin-up photos.
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Diana Barrymore
Diana Barrymore (March 3, 1921 New York City-January 25, 1960 New York City) a.k.a. Diana Blanche Barrymore Blythe or Diana Blanche Barrymore was an American actor and pin-up girl.
She was the daughter of acclaimed actor John Barrymore and his second wife, poet Blanche Oelrichs. Diana followed in her father's footsteps and pursued a career in acting, appearing in a number of films in the 1940s and 1950s. She is best known for her roles in movies like "Nightmare" (1942) and "Between Two Worlds" (1944).
Despite her success on screen, Diana's personal life was tumultuous. She struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction, and was known for her turbulent relationships with men. She was married and divorced four times, including to fellow actor Bramwell Fletcher and tennis player John Howard.
Diana's life was cut short at the age of 38 due to heart failure brought on by her years of substance abuse. Her tragic story has been chronicled in numerous books and films, and she remains a fascinating and complex figure in Hollywood history.
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Irene
Irene (December 8, 1900 Baker-November 15, 1962 Los Angeles) also known as Irene Gibbons or Irene Lentz was an American costume designer and actor.
She began her career as a fashion illustrator for the Bullocks Wilshire department store in Los Angeles before transitioning to costume design for films in the 1930s. Irene designed costumes for over 300 films, including classics such as "The Philadelphia Story," "To Catch a Thief," and "An American in Paris." In addition to her work in film, Irene also designed costumes for Broadway productions and for high society clients. She was known for her elegant and sophisticated designs and is considered one of the most influential costume designers in Hollywood history. Irene was also briefly an actor, appearing in several films in the 1920s, before focusing primarily on costume design.
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Bella Darvi
Bella Darvi (October 23, 1928 Sosnowiec-September 11, 1971 Monte Carlo) a.k.a. Bayla Wegier was an American actor.
She was best known for her performances in films such as "The Egyptian" (1954) and "Hell and High Water" (1954). Darvi was born in Poland and grew up in France, where she began her career as a model. She was discovered by the film director Otto Preminger and brought to Hollywood to star in "The Egyptian". Despite her promising debut, Darvi's acting career did not take off in the way she had hoped. She continued to work in films and television throughout the 1950s, but struggled with personal issues and a difficult reputation in Hollywood. Darvi died in 1971 at the age of 42, reportedly by suicide.
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Elizabeth Cooper
Elizabeth Cooper (January 15, 1914 Manila-June 29, 1960) a.k.a. Isabel Rosario Cooper, Isabel Cooper, Dimples or Dimples Cooper was an American actor.
She was initially discovered as a chorus dancer in the 1930s before transitioning into acting. She quickly gained recognition for her commanding screen presence and her stunning beauty. Throughout her career, Cooper appeared in a variety of films and television shows, including "The Red Dragon" (1945), "Nora Prentiss" (1947), and "Bright Victory" (1951). In addition to her acting work, Cooper was also an accomplished singer, songwriter, and pianist. Despite her success, her life was not without tragedy; she died by suicide in 1960, reportedly due to personal difficulties and health problems. Nevertheless, Cooper's contributions to the entertainment industry and her charismatic, unforgettable performances continue to be admired by many today.
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Brenda Benet
Brenda Benet (August 14, 1945 Hollywood-April 7, 1982 West Los Angeles) also known as Brenda Ann Nelson or Brenda Benét was an American actor. Her child is called Christopher Bixby.
Brenda Benet began her career in the entertainment industry as a model before transitioning to acting in the 1960s. She appeared in a number of popular television shows during that time, including "The Donna Reed Show," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and "Days of Our Lives," which earned her a Daytime Emmy nomination. Benet's film credits included "Walking Tall" and "The Savage Bees."
In addition to her acting career, Benet was also known for her high-profile marriages. She was wed to actor Paul Petersen, with whom she had a daughter named Petra. She later married and divorced actor and musician Bill Bixby, with whom she had a son named Christopher.
Sadly, Brenda Benet's life came to a tragic end when she died by suicide in 1982. She was only 36 years old. Despite her short life, Benet left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and will always be remembered for her beauty, talent, and contributions to film and television.
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Marie McDonald
Marie McDonald (July 6, 1923 Burgin-October 21, 1965 Hidden Hills) a.k.a. Marie MacDonald, Cora Marie Frye, The Body or The Body Beautiful was an American actor and singer. Her child is called Tina Marie McDonald.
Marie McDonald began her career as a chorus girl under the name Cora Marie Frye. She eventually moved to Hollywood and signed a contract with Paramount Pictures in 1940. She appeared in over 40 films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including roles in the films "Going My Way" and "The Geisha Boy". She was also a talented singer and recorded several albums throughout her career.
McDonald was known for her beauty and her glamorous persona, earning her the nickname "The Body" or "The Body Beautiful." She had a tumultuous personal life, including multiple marriages and struggles with alcoholism. She died at the age of 42 from an apparent drug overdose.
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Marion Aye
Marion Aye (April 5, 1903 Chicago-July 21, 1951 Hollywood) was an American actor.
She began her career in silent films during the 1910s, appearing in over 70 films. Aye was known for her work in films such as "The Ten Commandments" (1923), "The Sea Hawk" (1924), and "The Plastic Age" (1925). Despite her success in Hollywood, Aye's career began to decline in the late 1920s due to her struggles with alcoholism. She continued to act in small roles until her retirement in the early 1940s. Tragically, Aye's life ended in suicide in 1951, reportedly due to financial difficulties and health problems.
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Lillian Sinnott
Lillian Sinnott (November 27, 1890-January 5, 1914 New York City) was an American actor.
She began her career in vaudeville and later transitioned to silent films in the early 1910s. Sinnott was known for her energetic and comedic performances on stage and on camera. She appeared in over 30 short films during her short career, often playing the lead in comedies and dramas. In 1913, Sinnott was diagnosed with tuberculosis, and she died the following year at the age of 23. Despite her brief time in the spotlight, Lillian Sinnott left a significant impact on early American cinema, and her contributions are remembered today.
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Patterson Dial
Patterson Dial (May 19, 1902 Madison-March 23, 1945 Los Angeles) also known as Elizabeth Patterson Dial was an American actor and writer.
She is best known for her role as Mrs. Trumbull, the lovable neighbor of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo on the hit television series, "I Love Lucy." Dial appeared in a total of 30 episodes throughout the show's six-year run. Prior to her acting career, she worked as a journalist and wrote articles for various publications such as The New York Sun and McCall's Magazine. Dial also published two novels, "The Fourth Wiseman" and "The Wild Rue." She passed away in 1945 at the age of 42 due to a heart attack.
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Helen Twelvetrees
Helen Twelvetrees (December 25, 1908 Brooklyn-February 13, 1958 Middletown) a.k.a. Helen Marie Jurgens was an American actor. Her child is called Frank Woody Jr..
Between 1929 and 1936, Helen Twelvetrees appeared in over 75 films. She was known for her leading roles in Pre-Code Hollywood films. Twelvetrees became a popular leading lady in the early sound era, often playing the role of the suffering, self-sacrificing woman who falls for a man from the wrong side of the tracks.
In addition to her film career, Twelvetrees had a successful stage career in the 1930s, performing in Broadway productions such as "The Social Register" and "The Shanghai Gesture."
Twelvetrees struggled with personal problems, including alcoholism, throughout her career. She eventually retired from acting in the mid-1930s and lived a quiet life until her death in 1958 at the age of 49.
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Phyllis Hyman
Phyllis Hyman (July 6, 1949 Philadelphia-June 30, 1995 New York City) also known as Phyllis Linda Hyman, Phyllis Alexander, Red, Queenie, Ms. Phyllis, Love Goddess, The Sophisticated Lady or Pepper was an American singer-songwriter and actor.
She rose to fame in the late 1970s with her soulful vocals and powerful performances. Throughout her career, she recorded several hits including "You Know How to Love Me," "Living All Alone," and "Don't Wanna Change the World." Hyman also acted in various films and television shows, including "School Daze" and "The Cosby Show." Despite her success, Hyman struggled with personal issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, and substance abuse, which ultimately led to her untimely death by suicide at the age of 45. Despite this, her music continues to inspire and influence many artists today.
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Aleta Freel
Aleta Freel (June 17, 1907 Jersey City-December 7, 1935 Los Angeles) also known as Aleta Friele was an American actor.
She was best known for her work in early Hollywood films, particularly for her roles in western films. Freel began her career as a dancer in Broadway musicals before transitioning to acting in films. She appeared in over 30 films throughout her short career and was known for her beauty and charm on-screen.
Despite her promising career, Freel struggled with personal issues and suffered from depression. On December 7, 1935, at the young age of 28, she committed suicide by jumping from a window of a Hollywood apartment building.
However, her legacy lives on through her work in films such as "Fighting with Kit Carson" (1933), "The Adventures of Rex and Rinty" (1935), and "The Fighting Marines" (1935). Today, she is remembered as a talented actor whose life was cut short far too soon.
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Florence Deshon
Florence Deshon (July 19, 1893 Tacoma-February 4, 1922 New York City) also known as Florence Deschon or Florence Danks was an American actor.
Florence Deshon began her career on the stage and appeared in a number of Broadway productions before transitioning to films. She made her feature film debut in 1915 and went on to star in over 70 films throughout her career. Deshon was known for her beauty, charisma, and versatility as an actress, appearing in a wide range of genres including comedy, drama, and action. She starred opposite some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Charlie Chaplin, Harry Houdini, and Douglas Fairbanks. Despite her success, Deshon's life was tragically cut short at the age of 28 when she was shot and killed by her ex-lover in a New York City hotel room.
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Evelyn Hoey
Evelyn Hoey (December 15, 1910 Minneapolis-September 11, 1935 Chester County) was an American singer and actor.
She is best known for her roles in several Broadway productions, including "Jumbo" and "The Band Wagon." Hoey began her career as a chorus girl before being cast in leading roles. She also appeared in films such as "Good News" and "Sing, Baby, Sing." Hoey was known for her vocal range and her ability to perform dance numbers with ease. Tragically, Hoey's promising career was cut short when she died in a car accident at the age of 24. Her legacy continues to live on through her work in theater and film.
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Leona Hutton
Leona Hutton (April 8, 1892 Saint Joseph-April 1, 1949 Toledo) also known as Mrs. Mary Epstein was an American actor.
Leona Hutton appeared in over 180 films throughout her career in Hollywood in the 1920s and 1930s. She began her career playing small roles in silent films, and later transitioned to talking pictures. Hutton often played supporting roles, and was known for her versatility and ability to bring depth to her characters. She worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including John Wayne and Shirley Temple, and was a regular performer in western films. Despite her success in the film industry, Hutton struggled with personal issues throughout her life, including a battle with alcoholism. She passed away in Toledo, Ohio in 1949 at the age of 56.
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Jeanette Loff
Jeanette Loff (October 9, 1906 Orofino-August 4, 1942 Los Angeles) also known as Janette Lov was an American actor and singer.
She began her show business career as a vaudeville performer, and later transitioned to movies in the 1920s. Loff appeared in more than 30 films, often playing the female lead in musicals and comedies. She was known for her beautiful voice and charming on-screen persona. Sadly, Loff's career was cut short when she died at the young age of 35 due to heart failure. Nonetheless, she remains an important figure in the history of early Hollywood cinema.
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Dorothy Abbott
Dorothy Abbott (December 16, 1920 Kansas City-December 15, 1968 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Dorothy E. Abbott or Dorothy E. Diaz was an American actor.
Abbott began her career in the entertainment industry as a dancer before transitioning to acting. She made her Broadway debut in "Cabin in the Sky" and went on to appear in several films such as "The Lost Moment" and "Borderline". Abbott was particularly well-known for her work in black cinema, appearing in films like "Miracle in Harlem" and "Murder with Music". She was often typecast as a sidekick or best friend character due to her race, but was praised for her natural acting abilities. Sadly, Abbott's life was cut short when she died from cancer at the age of 47, just one day shy of her 48th birthday. Despite her relatively short acting career, she made a significant impact on the film industry as one of the few African American actresses of her time.
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Adele Blood
Adele Blood (April 23, 1886 Alameda-September 13, 1936 Harrison) was an American actor.
She appeared in over 50 films during the 1910s and 1920s, working primarily in the silent era. She began her acting career on stage before transitioning to film, and was known for her versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters. Blood was also active in the film industry behind the scenes, serving as a screenwriter and assistant director. Despite her success, she retired from acting in the late 1920s to focus on her family life. Tragically, she died at the age of 50 due to complications from diabetes.
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Marie Walcamp
Marie Walcamp (July 27, 1894 Dennison-November 17, 1936 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
She was a pioneering silent film actress and one of the leading ladies of the early Western film genre. Walcamp appeared in over 100 films during her career, working with some of the biggest names in the industry at the time. Despite her success, she struggled with addiction and financial difficulties in her later years. Walcamp died tragically in a house fire at the age of 42. Her contributions to early Hollywood continue to be celebrated and remembered today.
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Lisa Howard
Lisa Howard (April 24, 1930 United States of America-July 4, 1965 East Hampton) also known as Lisa K. Howard or Dorothy Jean Guggenheim was an American journalist and actor. She had one child, Fritzi Lareau.
Howard began her acting career in the 1950s, appearing in various television shows and movies, including "The Twilight Zone" and "The Fugitive." However, she became more noteworthy for her work as a journalist, particularly in her coverage of the Cuban Revolution. Howard interviewed Fidel Castro multiple times, becoming the first American journalist to secure an interview with the Cuban leader. She used her platform to advocate for better relations between the United States and Cuba, leading to her involvement in back-channel negotiations between the two countries.
Unfortunately, Howard's life was cut tragically short when she died in a plane crash in 1965 at the age of 35. Her legacy as a journalist and advocate for peace lives on, however, and her interviews with Castro are still considered some of the most insightful and revealing glimpses into the Cuban leader's mindset during a turbulent time in history.
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Laurie Bird
Laurie Bird (September 26, 1953 Long Island-June 15, 1979 New York City) also known as Lauri Bird was an American photographer and actor.
Bird was born and raised on Long Island, New York. She began her career as a model before transitioning into photography, where she captured portraits of actors and musicians. Bird's work as a photographer caught the attention of director Monte Hellman, who cast her in her first film role in "Two-Lane Blacktop" (1971). She went on to appear in two more of Hellman's films, "Cockfighter" (1974) and "The Shooting" (1966).
Bird also appeared in a number of other films, including "Annie Hall" (1977), "Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made" (1981), and "Eat My Dust" (1976). However, she is perhaps best known for her relationship with musician Art Garfunkel. The two met on the set of "Bad Timing" (1980) and dated until Bird's untimely death in 1979 at the age of 25. Bird's death was ruled a suicide.
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Clara Blandick
Clara Blandick (June 4, 1880 Hong Kong-April 15, 1962 Hollywood) a.k.a. Clara Dickey was an American actor.
She appeared in over 80 films, including her memorable role as Auntie Em in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939). Blandick began her acting career on stage before transitioning to film. She often played maternal and grandmotherly roles, and was known for her warm and caring demeanor. Despite her successful career, Blandick suffered from depression and loneliness in her later years. In 1962, she died by suicide in her Hollywood home at the age of 81.
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Pepi Lederer
Pepi Lederer (March 18, 1910 Chicago-June 11, 1935 Los Angeles) also known as Josephine Rose Lederer or Peppy was an American writer and actor.
She was the daughter of newspaper advice columnist Ann Landers and was part of the famous Lederer family, which included her aunt, playwright and screenwriter Frances Marion, and her cousin, writer and actor Charles Lederer.
Pepi began her career as a writer, working for publications such as the Chicago Tribune and the New York Post. She later moved to Hollywood where she began acting in films, appearing in minor roles in movies such as "Murder by Death" and "The Women."
Despite her promising career, Pepi struggled with alcoholism and personal issues, which ultimately led to her premature death at the age of 25. Her death was ruled a suicide by overdose, but her family and friends maintained that it was accidental.
Pepi's legacy lives on through her work and her connections to the famous Lederer family.
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Gia Scala
Gia Scala (March 3, 1934 Liverpool-April 30, 1972 Hollywood) a.k.a. Giovanna Scoglio, Josephine Giovanna Scoglio, La Scala or D'Gia Scala was an American actor.
Gia Scala began her career as an actor in British films before moving to Hollywood in the mid-1950s. She appeared in several successful films of the era, including "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) and "The Two-Headed Spy" (1958). Scala was known for her stunning looks and was often compared to screen icons like Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly.
Despite her early success, Scala struggled with personal demons, including a battle with alcoholism. She experienced several tragic events in her personal life, including the suicide of her fiancé and the death of her father.
After several attempts to get her career back on track, Scala passed away at the age of 38 from an overdose of barbiturates. She left behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most enigmatic and talented actors of the 1950s and 1960s.
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Debbie Weems
Debbie Weems (February 3, 1951 Houston-February 22, 1978 New York City) was an American singer and actor.
She began her career as a backup singer for various artists and eventually signed with RCA Records in 1975. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1976 and included the hit single "Never Gonna Let You Go." Weems also acted in various television shows and movies such as "The Wiz" and "Saturday Night Fever." Tragically, she passed away at the young age of 27 due to complications from a rare blood disorder. Despite her short career, Weems made a lasting impact on the music industry and continues to be remembered for her soulful voice and charismatic performances.
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Libby Holman
Libby Holman (May 23, 1904 Cincinnati-June 18, 1971 Stamford) a.k.a. Holman, Libby was an American actor.
In addition to being an actor, Libby Holman was also a singer and a performer. She made her Broadway debut in 1925 and became known for her sultry voice and performances. She was also known for her personal life, which often made headlines. Holman was involved in a scandalous love affair with the married heir to a tobacco fortune, which resulted in the man's death and a highly publicized trial. Despite these controversies, Holman continued to perform and was considered a pioneering figure in the world of cabaret and nightclub entertainment. She was also an advocate for civil rights and used her platform to raise awareness about social justice issues.
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Mary Jane Irving
Mary Jane Irving (October 20, 1913 Columbia-July 17, 1983 Los Angeles) also known as Jane Irving was an American actor.
She began her career in the 1930s with her first major role in the film "The Prisoner of Shark Island" (1936). In the following years, she appeared in several films such as "The Adventures of Marco Polo" (1938) and "Intermezzo" (1939). However, Irving became more known for her work in television. She appeared in various TV shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s including "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "The Twilight Zone," and "Perry Mason." Irving was also a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild and actively fought for better wages and working conditions for actors.
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Robin Stille
Robin Stille (November 24, 1961 Philadelphia-February 9, 1996 Burbank) was an American actor.
She is best known for her role as Valerie "Val" Bates in the horror-comedy film "Slumber Party Massacre" (1982) and its sequels "Slumber Party Massacre II" (1987) and "Slumber Party Massacre III" (1990). Stille began her acting career in the early 1980s, mainly appearing in low-budget horror films. Apart from her work in the Slumber Party Massacre series, she also appeared in films such as "The Concrete Jungle" (1982), "Death Wish 3" (1985), and "Sorority House Massacre" (1986). In addition to her acting work, Stille was also a licensed optician, and she owned her own business in Burbank. She tragically passed away in 1996 from mesothelioma, a rare and deadly form of lung cancer that is often linked to asbestos exposure.
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Dorothy Hale
Dorothy Hale (January 11, 1905 Pittsburgh-October 21, 1938 New York City) was an American actor.
She appeared in several Broadway productions and also had a few small roles in films such as "Murder on a Bridle Path" (1936). However, she is perhaps best known for her tragic death at the age of 33. Hale had been going through a difficult time in her personal life and had reportedly been struggling with depression. In October of 1938, she fell to her death from a high floor of the Hampshire House hotel in New York City. It was later revealed that she had written a suicide note, expressing her desire to be "buried in Ernie's arms," referring to her close friend and mentor, the artist and photographer Man Ray.
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Kitty McHugh
Kitty McHugh (October 3, 1902 Harmony-September 3, 1954 North Hollywood) also known as Katherine McHugh or Katherine "Kitty" McHugh was an American actor.
Throughout her career, McHugh appeared in over 90 films and television series. She began acting in silent films in the early 1920s and transitioned to talkies in the 1930s. Some of her notable roles were in the films "Sullivan's Travels" (1941), "The More the Merrier" (1943), and "The Babe Ruth Story" (1948).
McHugh had a talent for comedy and was often cast in supporting roles as a wisecracking best friend or maid. She was also known for her memorable performances in musical comedies, such as "42nd Street" (1933) and "Gold Diggers of 1933" (1933).
Aside from her acting career, McHugh was also a skilled singer and dancer. She often performed in vaudeville shows and on Broadway in the 1920s and 1930s.
Tragically, McHugh passed away at the age of 51 from liver cancer. Despite her relatively short life, she left a lasting impression on the entertainment industry and is remembered as a talented and versatile performer.
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Dorothy Dandridge
Dorothy Dandridge (November 9, 1922 Cleveland-September 8, 1965 West Hollywood) also known as Dorothy Danridge, Dorothy Jean Dandridge, Miss D, Dottie, Dottie Mae, Bessie Mae, Dorothy Daindridge, The Dandridge Sisters, Dorothy Dandridge-Nicholas, Dorothy Nicholas, Dorothy Dandridge-Denison or Dorothy Denison was an American singer, actor and pin-up girl. Her child is called Harolyn Suzanne Nicholas.
Dandridge began her career as a performer at an early age, often performing with her sister, Vivian, as part of a vaudeville act called The Wonder Children. In the early 1940s, she gained national attention as a vocalist in some of the top nightclubs in the country. In 1954, Dandridge became the first African American woman to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film "Carmen Jones."
Despite her success, Dandridge faced significant discrimination and struggled to find work in Hollywood. She also faced financial troubles that plagued her throughout her life. Dandridge died tragically at the age of 42, and it wasn't until decades later that she began to receive recognition for her contributions to the entertainment industry and for breaking barriers for Black performers. Today, she is remembered as an icon and trailblazer in American entertainment.
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Barbara Read
Barbara Read (December 29, 1917 Port Arthur-December 12, 1963 Laguna Beach) a.k.a. Barbara Reed was an American actor. She had two children, William Whitney Talman III and Barbie Talman.
Read began her acting career in 1939, appearing in the film "Charlie Chan in Reno." She went on to appear in numerous films throughout the 1940s, including "The Sea Hawk" and "Sahara." In the 1950s, she transitioned to television, appearing in shows such as "Dragnet" and "The Lone Ranger."
Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Read's personal life was troubled. She struggled with alcoholism and her marriage to actor William Talman was rocky. Talman filed for divorce in 1955, but the couple ultimately reconciled.
Tragically, Read died in 1963 at the age of 45 due to complications from alcoholism.
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Sheila Terry
Sheila Terry (March 5, 1910 Warroad-January 19, 1957 New York City) also known as Kay Clark was an American actor and model.
Sheila Terry began her career as a model before transitioning to acting in films in the late 1920s. She starred in a variety of films in the 1930s, including "The Strange Case of Clara Deane" and "The Phantom of Crestwood". In 1933, she played the lead role in the film "King Kong", portraying the character of Ann Darrow.
Terry's acting career began to decline in the late 1930s and she made her last film appearance in 1941. After retiring from acting, she worked as a journalist and wrote articles for several publications.
She married the film producer and director, Tom Gallery, in 1936 and the couple had two children together. Sheila Terry passed away in 1957 from cancer, at the age of 46.
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Marvel Rea
Marvel Rea (November 9, 1901 Ainsworth-June 17, 1937 Los Angeles) also known as Marvel L. Wilkinson or Marvel Luciel Rea was an American actor.
Rea began her acting career in the 1920s, and appeared in numerous films throughout her career including "Hold 'em Jail" (1932), "Reducing" (1931), "Handy Andy" (1934), and "King of Burlesque" (1936). She was often cast in supporting roles, and was known for her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles.
In addition to acting, Rea was also a trained singer and dancer, and performed in several musicals on Broadway in the 1920s. She was a popular performer in vaudeville as well, often appearing in comedy sketches and musical acts.
Despite her career successes, Rea struggled with personal issues throughout her life, and died at the young age of 35 from an overdose of sleeping pills. Her tragic death cut short what could have been a brilliant career in Hollywood.
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Eve Miller
Eve Miller (August 8, 1923 Los Angeles-August 17, 1973 Van Nuys) a.k.a. Eve Turner was an American actor.
She began her career as a model and chorus girl before transitioning to acting in films in the late 1940s. Miller appeared in over 30 films throughout her career, including "The Big Trees" (1952), "The Bigamist" (1953), and "The Rookie" (1959). She often played supporting roles and was known for her beauty and grace on screen.
In addition to her film work, Miller also appeared on television, guest starring on popular shows such as "Perry Mason," "77 Sunset Strip," and "Bonanza."
Sadly, Miller's career and life were cut short by a battle with cancer. She passed away at the age of 50, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Hollywood.
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Jiah Khan
Jiah Khan (February 20, 1988 New York City-June 3, 2013 Juhu) also known as Nafisa Khan or Jiah Nafisa Khan was an American actor and model.
Jiah Khan made her debut in Indian cinema in 2007 with the film Nishabd, which was directed by Ram Gopal Varma. She received critical acclaim for her performance as the 18-year-old character who falls in love with her father's friend, played by Amitabh Bachchan. She also appeared in several other Bollywood films, including Ghajini, Housefull, and the biopic documentary The Life and Death of a Porn Star.
Aside from acting, Jiah Khan was also a trained opera singer and had received formal training in the art. She also had a degree in interior design from the London School of Fashion. Khan was known as an outspoken and bold actress and often spoke her mind about various social issues.
Jiah Khan's life came to a tragic end in 2013 when she was found hanging in her apartment in Mumbai. Her death was initially ruled as suicide, but her family later alleged that she was murdered and pushed to suicide. The case remains under investigation.
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