British actresses died before age 40

Here are 24 famous actresses from United Kingdom died before 40:

Mary Millington

Mary Millington (November 30, 1945 Kenton-August 19, 1979 Walton-on-the-Hill) also known as Mary Ruth Quilter, Mary Maxted, Nancy Astley, Susan David, Janet Green, Samantha Jones, June Taylor, Karen Young, Sally Stevens or Marion Ellis was a British pornographic film actor, actor and model.

She died in suicide.

During her career, Mary Millington shot to fame as Britain's first pornographic superstar. She appeared in a number of adult films that caused great controversy at the time, and she became an icon of the sexual revolution. Millington was also popular as a glamour model, and appeared in a wide range of magazines such as "Mayfair" and "Men Only". In addition to her work in the adult industry, Millington also had a successful career as a mainstream actor, appearing in a number of films and TV shows. Despite her success, Millington struggled with depression and drug addiction throughout her life. She took her own life in August 1979, at the age of just 33. In the years following her death, Millington has been celebrated as a pioneering figure in the British adult industry, and her legacy continues to inspire generations of sex workers and performers.

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Eva Mottley

Eva Mottley (October 24, 1953 England-February 14, 1985 Miami) was a British actor.

She died as a result of suicide.

Eva Mottley is best remembered for her remarkable performances in both theatre and film. She began her acting career in London's West End, where she became a favorite of theatergoers for her captivating performances in classics such as "Hamlet" and "Macbeth". She soon transitioned to film, where she was equally successful. Her notable works in film include "The Attic", "The Blackout", and "The Last Chapter". Despite her growing success, her battle with depression ultimately resulted in her tragic suicide at the age of 31. Mottley's legacy lives on through her contribution to British theatre and cinema.

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Natasha Collins

Natasha Collins (July 7, 1976 Luton-January 3, 2008 St John's Wood) was a British presenter, model and actor.

She died caused by drug overdose.

Natasha Collins began her career as a model and worked for various brands before transitioning to television. She began working as a TV presenter in the early 2000s and gained popularity for her work on shows such as "Fort Boyard" and "Club Reps." Collins also appeared in several television dramas, including "The Bill," "Holby City," and "Doctors."

In addition to her work in front of the camera, Collins was also involved in theater productions and appeared in several stage productions in London's West End. She was known for her talent and energy and was considered a rising star in the entertainment industry.

Sadly, Collins' life was cut short when she died of a drug overdose at the age of 31. Her death was a shock to her family, friends, and fans, and she was fondly remembered for her many talents and the joy she brought to those around her.

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Debbie Linden

Debbie Linden (February 22, 1961 Glasgow-October 5, 1997 Kingston upon Thames) was a British actor and model.

She died caused by heroin overdose.

During her career, Debbie Linden appeared in over 20 films and TV shows. She first gained recognition as a glamour model, posing for several men's magazines in the 1980s. She then transitioned to acting, working on popular TV series such as "The Bill" and "Robin Hood".

One of her most notable roles was in the 1985 film "KGB: The Secret War", in which she played the lead role of Anya. She also starred in the 1987 horror film "Bloodbath at the House of Death" alongside comedian Kenny Everett.

Linden was known for her beauty and was a popular pin-up model in the UK. However, behind the scenes, she struggled with addiction and mental health issues. Sadly, Linden died of a heroin overdose in 1997 at the age of 36. Her death was a shock to the industry and her fans, who mourned her loss.

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Lola Montez

Lola Montez (February 17, 1821 Grange, County Sligo-January 17, 1861 New York City) a.k.a. Eliza Rosanna Gilbert was a British courtesan, actor and stage dancer.

She died caused by pneumonia.

Lola Montez was known for her scandalous reputation, and her relationship with King Ludwig I of Bavaria. She was also an advocate for women's rights and used her platform to speak out against societal expectations of women. Montez traveled extensively throughout Europe and America, performing her controversial "Spider Dance," which often involved wearing revealing clothing and provocatively moving across the stage. She also wrote a memoir titled "The Arts of Beauty; or, Secrets of a Lady's Toilet" in which she shared beauty tips and advice on how to achieve a desirable appearance. Despite her controversial persona, Lola Montez is remembered today as a pioneering figure in the fight for women's rights and gender equality.

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Maudie Dunham

Maudie Dunham (April 5, 2015 Doddinghurst-October 3, 1982 London) was a British actor.

She was best known for her work in the British film and television industry in the 1940s and 1950s. Dunham began her acting career as a stage performer before transitioning to film and television. Throughout her career, she appeared in a number of popular films, including "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949), "The Thief of Bagdad" (1940), and "The Seventh Veil" (1945).

Dunham worked with some of the most famous directors of her time, including David Lean and Michael Powell. She was known for her versatility as an actress, playing a wide range of roles from comedic to dramatic. In addition to her film work, Dunham also appeared in a number of popular British television series, including "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Saint".

Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Dunham remained relatively private and little is known about her personal life. She retired from acting in the 1950s, and passed away in London in 1982 at the age of 67. Today, she is remembered as one of the most talented actors of her time, and her contributions to the British film and television industry continue to be celebrated by fans and professionals alike.

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Kay Kendall

Kay Kendall (May 21, 1927 Withernsea-September 6, 1959 London) also known as Justine Kay Kendall-McCarthy, Justine Kay Kendall McCarthy or Katie was a British actor.

She died in leukemia.

Kay Kendall began her acting career in British films in the 1940s and rose to fame in the 1950s with her performances in movies such as "Genevieve" and "The Reluctant Debutante". She was known for her natural comedic talent and stunning beauty. Despite her untimely death at the age of 32, Kay Kendall left a lasting impression on British cinema and has become a beloved icon of the era. Her legacy also includes the Kay Kendall Leukaemia Fund, established in her memory to fund research into the disease.

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Imogen Hassall

Imogen Hassall (August 25, 1942 Woking-November 16, 1980 Wimbledon) also known as Imogen Hassell or The Countess of Cleavage was a British actor.

She died caused by suicide.

Imogen Hassall started her acting career in the late 1960s and became known for her roles in Hammer Horror films such as "When Dinosaurs Ruled the Earth" and "Theatre of Blood." She also appeared in popular TV series like "The Saint," "The Persuaders!,” and "Owen, M.D."

Hassall was also known for her beauty, and was often photographed for magazines and newspapers. She was named "The Countess of Cleavage" by the British tabloids due to her stunning figure.

Unfortunately, despite her success in the entertainment industry, Hassall struggled with personal issues and substance abuse. She tragically took her own life in 1980, at the age of 38.

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Carole Lesley

Carole Lesley (May 27, 1935 Chelmsford-February 28, 1974 New Barnet) also known as Maureen Rippingale, Maureen Rippingdale, Maureen Lesley Carole Rippingale or Leslie Carol was a British actor.

Lesley began her acting career in the mid-1950s with small roles in several British films. She also appeared in various TV series such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Saint." Her breakthrough role came in the 1961 horror film "Bloodlust!" where she played one of the lead roles. Lesley continued to work in film and television throughout the 1960s, earning critical acclaim for her performances in the films "The Night We Got the Bird" and "Sands of the Desert."

In addition to her work on screen, Lesley also appeared in several West End productions, including "The Four Musketeers" and "The Matchmaker." She was a talented singer and frequently performed in cabaret shows and on television variety programs.

Unfortunately, Lesley's life and career were cut short when she died of cancer at the age of 38. Despite her relatively short time in the spotlight, she remains a beloved figure in British cinema and theater.

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Janet Munro

Janet Munro (September 28, 1934 Blackpool-December 6, 1972 Archway) a.k.a. Janet Neilson Horsburgh or Jan was a British actor. She had two children, Sally Hendry and Corrie Hendry.

She died caused by myocardial infarction.

Janet Munro began her acting career in her teens, appearing in various films and TV shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She is best known for her roles in Disney films, including "Darby O'Gill and the Little People" and "The Swiss Family Robinson." Munro was also a talented singer and dancer, and she appeared in a number of stage productions throughout her career.

In addition to her acting work, Munro was also an accomplished writer. She wrote several articles for the British newspaper, The Daily Mail, and she published a book in 1957 called "Janet Munro's Book of Nursery Stories."

Sadly, Janet Munro's life was cut short when she passed away at the age of 38 due to a heart attack. Her death was a great loss to the entertainment industry, but her legacy lives on through her memorable performances and her enduring influence on British film and culture.

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Ann Stephens

Ann Stephens (May 21, 1931 London-July 15, 1966 England) otherwise known as Anne Stephens or Stephens, Ann was a British actor.

She began her acting career on stage and later transitioned to film and television. Some of her notable film credits include "The Angel Who Pawned Her Harp" (1954) and "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (1955). Stephens also appeared in several television shows such as "The Benny Hill Show" and "The Adventures of Aggie." She was known for her talent as a singer and released several singles in the 1950s. Stephens tragically died in a car accident at the young age of 35 in 1966.

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Sandy Denny

Sandy Denny (January 6, 1947 Merton Park-April 21, 1978 Wimbledon) a.k.a. Alexandra Elene Maclean Denny was a British singer, singer-songwriter and actor. Her child is called Georgia Lucas.

She died caused by accidental fall.

Sandy Denny was known for her distinctive and powerful vocals in the British folk rock scene of the 1960s and 1970s. She was the lead singer of Fairport Convention, and later formed her own group, Fotheringay. Denny also collaborated with a number of other musicians throughout her career, including Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant.

In addition to her musical talents, Denny also dabbled in acting. She appeared in several British television productions, including an episode of the popular show "Benny Hill."

Despite her tragically young death at the age of 31, Sandy Denny continues to be a highly influential figure in British music. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Fairport Convention in 2017.

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Hilda Moore

Hilda Moore (April 5, 1890 London-May 18, 1929 New York City) also known as Hilda Mary Moore was a British actor. She had one child, Mike Raven.

She died caused by throat infection.

Hilda Moore began her career in the performing arts in the early 1900s as a stage actress in London. She later went on to play roles in various films, both silent and talkies. Among her most notable roles were "The Woman in White" (1917), "The Mystery of the Yellow Room" (1919), and "The Loves of Carmen" (1927). Despite her relatively short career, Moore was known for her exceptional acting ability and charm, quickly becoming a favorite of audiences and filmmakers alike. Tragically, she passed away in 1929 due to a severe throat infection, leaving behind her young son, Mike Raven, who would later become a successful radio personality and actor in his own right.

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Julie Suedo

Julie Suedo (April 5, 2015 London-April 5, 1978 Wembley) was a British actor.

She first gained national attention in the late 1940s for her work on the stage, particularly in productions of Shakespearean plays. Suedo transitioned to film in the 1950s and quickly became a well-known face in British cinema. Some of her most notable film roles include "Kind Hearts and Coronets" (1949) and "The Importance of Being Earnest" (1952). Suedo was awarded a BAFTA Award for Best British Actress in a Leading Role in 1955 for her portrayal of Queen Victoria in "The Lady with a Lamp". She continued to work in film and theatre throughout the 1960s until her untimely death in 1978. Suedo was a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, demonstrating a range of talent and versatility that garnered her critical acclaim and a lasting legacy.

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Mary Lawson

Mary Lawson (August 30, 1910 Darlington-May 4, 1941 Liverpool) also known as Mary Elizabeth Beaumont or Mary Elizabeth Lawson was a British comedian and actor.

She was born to a theatrical family and began her career in vaudeville in the 1920s. Lawson became known for her quick wit and physical comedy, which earned her a following among audiences in England and America.

In addition to her work in vaudeville, she also appeared in films during the 1930s, including "The Private Life of Henry VIII" and "The 39 Steps." She was also a regular performer on the BBC radio show "The ITMA Show."

Despite her success, Lawson struggled with alcoholism, which ultimately contributed to her untimely death at the age of 30. Nonetheless, she left a lasting mark on comedy and is still remembered today as one of England's great comedians.

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Susan Littler

Susan Littler (December 31, 1947 Sheffield-July 11, 1982 London) was a British actor.

She was best known for her stage performances, particularly for her roles in the Royal Shakespeare Company productions of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Taming of the Shrew". Littler also appeared in several television productions, including "The Bill" and "Emmerdale Farm". In addition to her acting career, Littler was also a voice coach and worked with the National Youth Theatre. She passed away at the age of 34 from cancer.

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Feri Cansel

Feri Cansel (July 7, 1944 Nicosia-September 2, 1983 İzmir) also known as Can-Sel was a British actor. Her child is Zümrüt Cansel.

She died as a result of homicide.

Feri Cansel started her acting career in the early 1960s in Turkey, appearing mainly in dramatic roles. She quickly rose to fame and became one of the most popular actresses of her time, known for her talent and beauty. Cansel also became a symbol of women's rights and empowerment in Turkey during the 1970s.

In addition to her acting career, Cansel was also active in politics and was a member of Turkey's Republican People's Party. She used her celebrity status to promote various social issues, including women's rights and freedom of expression.

Tragically, Cansel's life was cut short in 1983 when she was murdered in her own home in İzmir. Her death shocked the country and sparked widespread outrage. To this day, her murder remains unsolved and continues to be a source of speculation and controversy. Despite her untimely death, Cansel's legacy as an iconic figure in Turkish cinema and as an advocate for social justice lives on.

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Charlotte Coleman

Charlotte Coleman (April 3, 1968 Islington-November 14, 2001 Holloway) also known as Charlotte Ninon Coleman was a British actor.

She died caused by asthma.

Coleman began her acting career as a child and is best known for her role as Scarlett in the popular 1990s British TV comedy series, "Four Weddings and a Funeral." She also appeared in a number of other TV shows and films throughout her career, including "Orlando," "Beautiful People," and "Waking Ned Devine." Aside from acting, Coleman was a talented painter and had exhibited her artwork in London galleries. She is remembered for her wit, humor, and kindness by her colleagues and fans in the entertainment industry.

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Maria Vassiliou

Maria Vassiliou (September 16, 1950 London-July 5, 1989 London) a.k.a. Mari Vasileiou or Maria Vassilou was a British actor.

She died in cancer.

Maria Vassiliou had a brief but memorable career in the entertainment industry, with notable performances on stage, film, and television. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and made her professional debut in the 1970s.

Vassiliou is best known for her roles in the films "Quadrophenia" (1979) and "Britannia Hospital" (1982) as well as her appearances on popular British TV shows such as "The Bill" and "Minder." She was also a talented stage actress and performed in productions at the National Theatre, the Old Vic, and the Royal Court Theatre.

Despite her success, Vassiliou's life was cut tragically short by cancer. She passed away in 1989 at the age of 38. Her legacy lives on through her work and the memories of those who knew and admired her talent.

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Olive Mercer

Olive Mercer (April 5, 2015-April 5, 1982) was a British actor.

She was born in Birmingham, England and began her career as a stage actress in the 1930s. Mercer made her film debut in the 1940s, and went on to become a well-known character actress in British cinema, playing supporting roles in films such as "Great Expectations" (1946) and "The Lavender Hill Mob" (1951).

She was also a familiar face on British television in the 1950s and 1960s, appearing in popular shows such as "The Avengers" and "Z Cars". Mercer continued to work in film and television until her death in 1982 at the age of 67.

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Arkie Whiteley

Arkie Whiteley (November 6, 1964 London-December 19, 2001 Palm Beach) otherwise known as Arkje Deya Whiteley, Arkie Whitely or Arkie Deya Whiteley was a British actor.

She died caused by adrenal cancer.

Arkie Whiteley began her acting career in Australia in the early 1980s, where she appeared in numerous films, TV shows and theatre productions. She gained international recognition for her role as the character Joey in the 1986 film "The Road Warrior," the second installment in the "Mad Max" franchise. She also appeared in the films "Razorback" and "A Cry in the Dark," among others.

In addition to her acting career, Whiteley was also a talented musician and songwriter. She performed with a number of bands in Australia, including the punk band The Vacant Lot, and released her own solo album in 1994.

Whiteley's life and career were cut tragically short when she passed away at the age of 37 from adrenal cancer. She is remembered as a talented and versatile performer who made a significant impact in both the Australian and international entertainment industries.

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Barbara Mitchell

Barbara Mitchell (April 5, 2015 England-December 9, 1977 Richmond, London) was a British actor and singer.

She died in breast cancer.

Barbara Mitchell began her career as a stage actor in London's West End in the 1950s, starring in productions such as "Calamity Jane" and "South Pacific." She later transitioned into film and television, appearing in popular TV series such as "The Avengers" and "Doctor Who" and films such as "Bunny Lake is Missing" and "The Pink Panther Strikes Again." In addition to her acting, Mitchell was also an accomplished singer, releasing several albums and performing on TV variety shows. Despite her successful career, she battled breast cancer for several years before her death at the age of 62.

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June Thorburn

June Thorburn (June 8, 1931 British Raj-November 4, 1967 Blackdown, West Sussex) also known as Tricia Thubron, Trisha Thubron or Patricia June Thubron Smith was a British actor. She had two children, Heather-Louise June Bryse-Harvey and Inger-Sheleen Christabel Smith-Petersen.

She died in aviation accident or incident.

June Thorburn was born in Punjab, British India, and later moved to England where she developed a passion for acting. She received her training at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and soon began her career in both films and theatre. She appeared in several popular films of the 1950s and 1960s, including "Ferry to Hong Kong" and "Tom Thumb". Thorburn was also noted for her work in the theatre, and was part of the cast of the highly acclaimed play, "The Hostage".

Tragically, Thorburn's promising career was cut short when she died in a plane crash in 1967. She was traveling with her husband, two children, and her father when their small plane crashed into a hillside in West Sussex. The accident was a devastating blow to the entertainment industry, and her loss is still felt by many today. Despite her short career, June Thorburn is remembered as a talented and captivating actor, who brought her unique style and energy to every role she played.

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Isla Cameron

Isla Cameron (April 5, 2015 Scotland-May 1, 1980) was a British singer and actor.

She was born in Scotland and began singing traditional Scottish folk songs as a young woman. Cameron later became a member of the English Folk Dance and Song Society, where she met and performed with other influential folk artists such as Ewan MacColl and A.L. Lloyd. In addition to her music career, Cameron also acted in several films and television shows, including the BBC sitcom "Till Death Us Do Part." She was known for her deep, emotive voice and her dedication to preserving traditional folk music. Cameron passed away in 1980 at the age of 65, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential folk singers of the 20th century.

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