American movie stars died at 50
Here are 14 famous actors from United States of America died at 50:
Rod Serling
Rod Serling (December 25, 1924 Syracuse-June 28, 1975 Rochester) otherwise known as Rodman Edward Serling, Rodman Edward "Rod" Serling or John Phillips was an American television producer, actor, screenwriter, playwright, narrator and film producer. He had two children, Anne Serling and Jodi Serling.
He died in surgical complications.
Rod Serling is best known for his work as the creator, host, and executive producer of the television series The Twilight Zone. The show premiered in 1959 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon, exploring themes such as morality, the paranormal, and time travel.
Aside from The Twilight Zone, Serling also worked on other notable television shows such as Playhouse 90, Night Gallery, and The Loner. He was a prolific writer and received numerous awards during his career, including six Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award.
Serling was also known for his activism and outspokenness on social and political issues, particularly civil rights and anti-war movements. He was a combat veteran of World War II and often incorporated his experiences into his writing.
In addition to his television work, Serling also wrote several novels, short stories, and screenplays, including the screenplay for the original Planet of the Apes film.
Overall, Rod Serling's impact on American television and popular culture is still felt today, and he is remembered as one of the most influential writers and producers of his time.
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Steve McQueen
Steve McQueen (March 24, 1930 Beech Grove-November 7, 1980 Ciudad Juárez) also known as Terence Steven McQueen, Terrence Stephen McQueen, The King of Cool, Terence Stephen "Steve" McQueen, Steven McQueen, McQ, Mac, Bandito, Terence Stephen McQueen or Terence Steven "Steve" McQueen was an American actor and film producer. His children are called Chad McQueen and Terry McQueen.
He died caused by mesothelioma.
Steve McQueen was born in Beech Grove, Indiana, and raised in a tumultuous household with his mother and stepfather. He joined the Marines in 1947 and was honorably discharged in 1950. McQueen then pursued an acting career, and he gained recognition in the 1960s for his roles in films like "The Magnificent Seven," "The Great Escape" and "Bullitt."
In addition to acting, McQueen was also a skilled race car driver and motorcycle enthusiast. He competed in numerous races, including the 12 Hours of Sebring, and even drove the pace car at the Indianapolis 500 in 1972.
McQueen's personal life was just as eventful as his career. He was married three times and had a reputation as a ladies' man. He struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout his life and underwent multiple rounds of treatment.
In 1980, McQueen was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer often caused by asbestos exposure. He died in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, on November 7, 1980, at the age of 50, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's biggest stars.
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Herb Ritts
Herb Ritts (August 13, 1952 Los Angeles-December 26, 2002 Los Angeles) also known as Herbert Ritts or Ritts, Herb was an American photographer, music video director and actor.
He died in pneumonia.
Ritts is best known for his black-and-white photography and his portraits of famous people, especially celebrities in the entertainment industry. He worked with a wide range of clients, including magazines, fashion designers, and advertising agencies.
Throughout his career, Ritts had numerous exhibitions of his work in galleries and museums around the world. He also directed music videos for popular artists such as Madonna, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson.
Along with his photography work, Ritts also appeared in several films and television shows as an actor, including a recurring role on the popular TV series "Melrose Place."
Today, he is remembered as one of the most influential photographers of his generation, with his distinctive style and approach to portraiture having a lasting impact on the world of photography.
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Michael Jeter
Michael Jeter (August 26, 1952 Lawrenceburg-March 30, 2003 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Michael Jeeter, Mike Jeter or Jeter, Michael was an American actor.
He died caused by hiv/aids.
Michael Jeter was known for his versatile acting career that spanned over three decades. He appeared in numerous films, television shows, and stage productions. Jeter received critical acclaim for his role in the television series "Evening Shade," for which he won an Emmy Award in 1992.
He also starred in several hit movies such as "The Fisher King", "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", "The Green Mile", and "Jurassic Park III". Jeter's extensive work in theater included performances in Broadway productions such as "Grand Hotel", "Les Misérables", and "The Producers".
Aside from acting, Jeter was also an accomplished singer and dancer. He performed in various musicals throughout his career, including the revival of "Hello, Dolly!" in 1978, in which he played the role of Cornelius Hackl.
Jeter's personal life was also marked with challenges. He struggled with addiction and mental health issues, and in later years, was diagnosed with HIV. Jeter passed away in Los Angeles in 2003 at the age of 50. His legacy in the entertainment industry continues to be celebrated by fans and colleagues alike.
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Jim Varney
Jim Varney (June 15, 1949 Lexington-February 10, 2000 White House) otherwise known as James Albert Varney Jr., James Albert Varney, Jim Varnie, James Albert "Jim" Varney, Jr., Jim or James Albert Varney, Jr. was an American comedian, actor, writer, voice actor and musician.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
Varney is best known for his portrayal of the character Ernest P. Worrell, which he created and first played in a series of TV commercials before bringing the character to the big screen in movies like "Ernest Goes to Camp" and "Ernest Saves Christmas." He also lent his voice to the character Slinky Dog in the first two "Toy Story" movies.
In addition to his acting work, Varney was a skilled musician who played guitar and wrote songs. He also wrote several children's books and was an avid collector of classic cars.
Before achieving fame as an actor, Varney worked as a stand-up comedian and appeared on shows like "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." He also had a small role in the 1979 film "W.W. and the Dixie Dancekings."
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Max Baer
Max Baer (February 11, 1909 Omaha-November 21, 1959 Hollywood) otherwise known as Maximilian Adelbert Baer, The Livermore Larruper or Mad Cap Maxie was an American professional boxer and actor. He had three children, Max Baer, Jr., Maudie Marian Baer and James Manny Baer.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Baer was born into a family of boxers, with his father, brother, and uncle all being professional boxers. Baer turned professional in 1929 and won his first 13 fights by knockout. He won the heavyweight title in 1934 after defeating Primo Carnera in a controversial bout. Baer was known for his powerful right hand, colorful personality, and flashy style both in and out of the ring.
After retiring from boxing in 1941, Baer turned to acting and appeared in several films, including "The Prizefighter and the Lady" and "The Harder They Fall." Baer also worked as a referee and commentator for boxing matches. In addition, he worked as a restaurant owner and was involved in several business ventures.
Baer's personal life was marked by tragedy, including the death of his wife in 1937 and the accidental death of his mistress in 1958. He struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties throughout his life. Nonetheless, he remains a legendary figure in the world of boxing and is considered one of the sport's most colorful and flamboyant personalities.
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Alan Ladd
Alan Ladd (September 3, 1913 Hot Springs-January 29, 1964 Palm Springs) also known as Alan Walbridge Ladd, Laddie, Tiny or Allan Ladd was an American actor, film producer and television producer. He had three children, Alan Ladd, Jr., David Ladd and Alana Ladd.
He died caused by drug overdose.
Alan Ladd was best known for his roles in classic films such as "This Gun for Hire," "The Blue Dahlia," and "Shane." He had a successful career in Hollywood spanning over twenty years, and worked with directors such as George Stevens and Raoul Walsh. Ladd's charm, good looks, and understated style made him a popular leading man during his time. In addition to acting, Ladd also produced several films, including "The Deep Six" and "Drum Beat." However, Ladd struggled with addiction for much of his life and ultimately died tragically from an accidental overdose of alcohol and sedatives at the age of 50. Despite his personal struggles, Ladd's talent and contributions to the film industry have made him a beloved figure in Hollywood history.
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Bernie Mac
Bernie Mac (October 5, 1957 Chicago-August 9, 2008 Chicago) also known as Bernard Jeffrey McCullough, Mac-Man or Bernard Jeffrey "Bernie" McCullough was an American actor, screenwriter, comedian, television producer, voice actor and stand-up comedian. His child is Je'Niece Childress.
He died as a result of sarcoidosis.
Mac was born and raised on the south side of Chicago and began his career performing in small comedy clubs in his hometown. He gained national recognition when he appeared on the HBO series "Def Comedy Jam" in the early 1990s. Mac went on to star in his own comedy series, "The Bernie Mac Show," which aired from 2001 to 2006 on Fox. He also appeared in numerous films, including "Friday," "Guess Who," and the "Ocean's Eleven" trilogy. In addition to his work in entertainment, Mac was also known for his philanthropy. He founded the Bernie Mac Foundation, which raises awareness and funds for research into the disease that ultimately took his life.
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Frank Sutton
Frank Sutton (October 23, 1923 Clarksville-June 28, 1974 Shreveport) a.k.a. Frank Spencer Sutton was an American actor. He had one child, Joe Sutton.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Frank Sutton was best known for his role as Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter on the CBS television series Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of the tough yet lovable sergeant. Sutton began his acting career on stage and made his Broadway debut in the musicals The Time of Your Life and The Voice of the Turtle. He appeared in several films and television shows during his career and also served in the United States Army during World War II. In addition to his acting career, Sutton was also an accomplished singer and performed regularly in nightclubs and on variety shows.
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Jerry Wald
Jerry Wald (September 16, 1911 Brooklyn-July 13, 1962 Beverly Hills) otherwise known as Jerome Irving Wald was an American screenwriter, film producer, radio producer, film director and actor. He had three children, Andrew Wald, Robbie Wald and Jane Wald.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Wald started his career as a journalist and later worked as a press agent for Warner Bros. Pictures. He then worked as a screenwriter, writing for films such as "The Roaring Twenties" (1939) and "Dark Passage" (1947). In 1945, he became a producer and produced successful films like "Mildred Pierce" (1945), "Key Largo" (1948), and "An Affair to Remember" (1957), which became one of his biggest hits. He also produced many successful TV shows, including "The Lineup" and "The Untouchables". Wald's last project was the film "The Stripper" (1963), which was released posthumously. He was known for his ability to identify and develop talent, and for his keen sense of what would make a successful film.
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Wyatt Emory Cooper
Wyatt Emory Cooper (September 1, 1927 Pleasant Grove, Mississippi-January 5, 1978 New York City) also known as Wyatt Cooper was an American screenwriter, author and actor. He had two children, Anderson Cooper and Carter Vanderbilt Cooper.
He died in surgical complications.
Cooper rose to prominence in the entertainment industry during the 1950s and 1960s, where he wrote screenplays for top studios including Warner Bros. and Universal Pictures. He was also a successful author, having penned several books such as "The Glory Road" and "The Last of the Cowboys". In addition to his literary pursuits, Cooper was a popular actor, appearing on stage and screen in various productions throughout his career.
Despite his successful career in the entertainment industry, Cooper was known for his humility and his dedication to his family. He married Gloria Vanderbilt, an American socialite and fashion designer, in 1963 and the couple had two sons together. Tragically, Cooper's life was cut short when he passed away due to complications from heart surgery at the age of 50. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the arts and his impact on his family and those who knew him.
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David Graf
David Graf (April 16, 1950 Zanesville-April 7, 2001 Phoenix) also known as Paul David Graf was an American actor. He had two children, Daniel Graf and Sean Graf.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
David Graf was best known for his role as Sergeant Eugene Tackleberry in the Police Academy film series. He appeared in all seven films in the series and his portrayal of the character made him a fan favorite. Apart from the Police Academy series, he also appeared in several other films and TV shows, including The Brady Bunch Movie, Touched by an Angel, and The West Wing.
Graf was a talented stage actor as well, and he appeared in numerous productions throughout his career. He was a member of the prestigious Actors Studio and trained with legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg.
In addition to his acting career, David Graf was also a dedicated philanthropist. He was involved with several charitable organizations, including the Special Olympics, and was an advocate for children with disabilities.
After his death, his wife Kathy Graf established the David Graf Memorial Scholarship Fund at his alma mater, Ohio University, in his honor. The scholarship provides financial assistance to theater students who show exceptional talent and dedication.
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Richard Cromwell
Richard Cromwell (January 8, 1910 Long Beach-October 11, 1960 Hollywood) also known as LeRoy Melvin Radabaugh, Dick Cromwell, Dick, Roy Radabaugh or Roy was an American actor.
He died caused by liver tumour.
Richard Cromwell began his career on Broadway at the age of 19 and later transitioned to film, where he acted in over 40 movies throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his role in the 1937 film "Jezebel," in which he starred alongside Bette Davis. Despite his promising start in Hollywood, Cromwell's acting career declined in the late 1930s and he struggled to find work in the following decades. He eventually left acting behind and focused on writing and directing, but his work in these fields was largely unsuccessful. In addition to his on-screen work, Cromwell was known for his dapper style and was considered a fashion icon in his day.
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Millard Mitchell
Millard Mitchell (August 14, 1903 Havana-October 13, 1953 Santa Monica) was an American actor. He had two children, Margaret Mitchell and Mary Ellis Mitchell.
He died in lung cancer.
During his career, Millard Mitchell appeared in over 50 films and television shows. He is best known for his roles in the films "Singin' in the Rain," "My Six Convicts," and "The Naked Spur." Mitchell also appeared on Broadway, starring in the productions of "All the King's Men" and "Years Ago."
Before his acting career, Mitchell worked as a real estate agent and later a radio announcer. In the 1930s, he began performing on stage and eventually made his way to Hollywood. Mitchell was known for his versatility as an actor, playing a wide range of characters from comedic to dramatic roles.
In addition to his acting career, Mitchell was an avid golfer and even competed in the 1953 Pebble Beach Pro-Am tournament. Sadly, he was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly thereafter and passed away later that same year at the age of 50.
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