American movie stars died at 64
Here are 23 famous actors from United States of America died at 64:
Lee Van Cleef
Lee Van Cleef (January 9, 1925 Somerville-December 16, 1989 Oxnard) a.k.a. Clarence Leroy Van Cleef, Jr., Lee Van Cleff, Lee VanCleef, Clarence Leroy Van Cleef Jr. or Clarence Leroy "Lee" Van Cleef, Jr. was an American actor, soldier and accountant. He had four children, Deborah Van Cleef, Alan Van Cleef, David Van Cleef and Denise Van Cleef.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Lee Van Cleef was best known for his roles in Western movies, and was often cast as a villain. He appeared in many films during his career including "High Noon," "For a Few Dollars More," and "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly." Prior to his acting career, Van Cleef served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and worked as an accountant. He began his acting career in the mid-1950s and quickly became a well-known character actor. Van Cleef was married twice, first to Patsy Ruth Kahle and later to Joan Drane. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.
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Waylon Jennings
Waylon Jennings (June 15, 1937 Littlefield-February 13, 2002 Chandler) also known as Waylon, Waylon Arnold Jennings, Jennings, Waylon, Hoss or Wayland Arnold Jennings was an American musician, singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, record producer, composer and disc jockey. His children are called Shooter Jennings, Terry Vance Jennings, Julie Rae Jennings, Buddy Dean Jennings, Deana Jennings and Tomi Lynne.
He died caused by diabetes mellitus.
Waylon Jennings was one of the pioneers of the Outlaw Country movement, which rebelled against the polished sound of mainstream country music in the 1970s. He began his music career in the 1950s as a bassist for Buddy Holly, and later embarked on a successful solo career. Some of his most famous hits include "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," "Luckenbach, Texas," and "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way." Jennings was also known for hosting a popular television show called "The Nashville Network," and for his collaborations with fellow Outlaw Country musicians Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Kris Kristofferson. Throughout his career, Jennings won several awards, including two Grammy Awards and four Country Music Association Awards. He was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2001.
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Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe (May 28, 1888 Pottawatomie County-March 28, 1953 Lomita) also known as Wathahuck-Brightpath, James Thorpe, James Francis Thorpe, James Francis "Jim" Thorpe or Jacobus Franciscus Thorpe was an American sailor, baseball player, american football player and actor. He had eight children, Jim Thorpe Jr., John "Jack" Thorpe, Gale Thorpe, William Thorpe, Charlotte Thorpe, Grace Thorpe, Carl Thorpe and Richard Thorpe.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Jim Thorpe is widely considered one of the greatest athletes of all time. Born in Oklahoma to a Native American father and a European-American mother, Thorpe grew up on the Sac and Fox Indian Reservation. He attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania, where he excelled in multiple sports including track and field, football, and baseball.
In 1912, Thorpe famously competed in the Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Sweden where he won two gold medals in the pentathlon and decathlon. These victories solidified his status as one of the world's best athletes.
Thorpe also played professional football, both for college teams and the Canton Bulldogs, which later became part of the NFL. He was elected as the first president of the NFL in 1920.
After his athletic career, Thorpe briefly pursued acting and even started his own traveling stage show. However, he struggled with alcoholism and financial difficulties for much of his later life.
In 1983, over 30 years after his death, the International Olympic Committee restored Thorpe's amateur status and returned his medals. Thorpe remains a legend in the world of sports, with numerous awards and honors named after him.
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George McFarland
George McFarland (October 2, 1928 Denison-June 30, 1993 Grapevine) also known as George Robert Phillips McFarland, Spanky, Sonny, McFarlane, George MacFarlane, 'Spanky' McFarland, Spanky McFarlane, Spanky McFarland or Our Gang was an American actor. He had one child, Emmett Vogan McFarland.
He died in cardiac arrest.
George McFarland was best known for his role as "Spanky" in the popular "Our Gang" series of comedic shorts in the 1930s. He appeared in over 80 films during this time, including "The Little Rascals" and "Three Men in a Tub." After the series ended in 1944, McFarland continued acting in various films and television shows. Later in life, he worked behind the scenes in the television industry as a production assistant and publicist. Despite his early fame, McFarland struggled with financial difficulties and legal battles throughout his life. He passed away at the age of 64 due to complications from a heart attack.
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Slim Pickens
Slim Pickens (June 29, 1919 Kingsburg-December 8, 1983 Modesto) also known as Louis Burton Lindley, Jr., Louis Burton Lindley Jr. or Louis Bert Lindley was an American actor, rodeo performer and rodeo clown. He had three children, Daryle Ann Lindley, Thom Pickens and Margaret Lou Pickens.
He died caused by brain tumor.
Slim Pickens was known for his distinct drawl and played a variety of iconic roles in film and television. He appeared in over 150 films throughout his career, including "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb," "Blazing Saddles," and "The Getaway." Prior to his acting career, Pickens was a rodeo performer and rodeo clown. He was also a US Army Air Forces veteran and served during World War II. Despite being diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1982, Pickens continued to work and act until his death in 1983. His legacy as an actor and performer continues to be celebrated in popular culture.
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Wallace Beery
Wallace Beery (April 1, 1885 Clay County-April 15, 1949 Beverly Hills) also known as Wallace Fitzgerald Beery, Mr. Wallace Beery or Wally was an American actor, film director, singer and screenwriter. His children are Carol Ann Beery and Phyllis Ann Beery.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Beery started his acting career in 1902 in a traveling theater troupe and later moved to Hollywood in 1913 to work in motion pictures. He became known for his tough-guy roles and was widely popular during the 1920s and 1930s, starring in films such as "The Champ" (1931) and "Treasure Island" (1934). He also appeared in several films with his frequent co-star, actor Marie Dressler.
In addition to his acting work, Beery also served as the director of several films in the 1930s. He received a Best Actor Oscar for his role in "The Champ" and was nominated again for "The Big House" (1930). Beery was known for his colorful personal life, which included several marriages and numerous affairs. He was also known for his love of animals, particularly horses and dogs.
Despite his success as an actor, Beery's reputation was tarnished by his involvement in a scandal in the early 1940s involving his adopted daughter, who accused him of physical and emotional abuse. Although the charges were ultimately dismissed, the scandal damaged Beery's career and personal life.
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Tiny Tim
Tiny Tim (April 12, 1932 Manhattan-November 30, 1996 Hennepin County) also known as Herbert Khaury, Herbert Buckingham Khaury or Tiny Tim (musician)m was an American archivist, singer, musician and actor. He had one child, Tulip Victoria.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Tiny Tim was known for his unique falsetto singing voice and his eccentric stage persona. He rose to fame in the 1960s with his hit song "Tip Toe Through the Tulips." Throughout his career, he recorded numerous albums and appeared on various TV shows and films, including "The Johnny Carson Show" and "Scooby-Doo Meets the Boo Brothers." Outside of his music career, Tiny Tim was also an avid collector and archivist of early American popular music. He was married three times, and his final marriage to Miss Vicki on "The Tonight Show" was watched by millions. Despite his success, Tiny Tim's career declined in the 1970s, and he struggled with his health and finances until his death at the age of 64. Despite his brief time in the limelight, Tiny Tim remains a beloved figure in popular culture, known for his unique charm and one-of-a-kind voice.
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Paul Winfield
Paul Winfield (May 22, 1939 Los Angeles-March 7, 2004 Los Angeles) also known as Paul Edward Winfield or Paul E. Winfield was an American actor.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Winfield began acting in the 1960s and gained recognition for his role as Homer Smith in the film adaptation of James Baldwin's novel "The Amen Corner" in 1963. He then went on to appear in various television shows, including "Star Trek: The Next Generation," and films such as "Sounder" (1972), for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Winfield also lent his voice to various animated projects, including the Disney animated film "The Lion King 2: Simba's Pride" (1998). In addition to his acting career, Winfield was also an advocate for HIV/AIDS and gay rights, as he himself was openly gay.
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Sammy Davis, Jr.
Sammy Davis, Jr. (December 8, 1925 Harlem-May 16, 1990 Beverly Hills) also known as Sammy Davis Jnr, Samuel George Davis, Jr., Samuel George Davis Jr., Davis, Sammy, Jr., Samuel George Davis, Sammy Davis, Will Mastin Trio, Will Maston Trio, Smoky, Mister Show Business, Samuel George "Sammy" Davis, Jr., Sammy or Silent Sammy, the Dancing Midget was an American singer, dancer, actor, musician, entertainer, film producer and television producer. He had four children, Tracey Davis, Mark Davis, Jeff Davis and Manny Davis.
He died in complication.
from throat cancer in 1990 at the age of 64. Davis began his career as a child performer, alongside his father and uncle, in the Will Mastin Trio. He quickly gained popularity for his tap dancing skills and eventually became a solo performer, releasing several albums and even earning a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Davis was also a civil rights activist, using his fame and platform to advocate for racial equality in the entertainment industry and beyond. He was a close friend and supporter of Martin Luther King Jr. and even performed at the March on Washington in 1963. Throughout his career, Davis appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions, including the original Broadway cast of "Mr. Wonderful" and in the film "Ocean's 11" with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.
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Coleman Hawkins
Coleman Hawkins (November 21, 1904 St. Joseph-May 19, 1969 New York City) also known as Coleman Randolph Hawkins, Coleman Hawkings, C . Hawkins, Hawkins, Coleman, Hawk or Bean was an American musician, actor and saxophonist.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
Hawkins was renowned for his stylistic innovations on the tenor saxophone, which elevated it from a supporting role to a prominent solo instrument in jazz. He began playing at a young age and quickly became a prominent figure on the jazz scene, playing with notable musicians such as Fletcher Henderson and Benny Carter.
In the 1930s, Hawkins was a key figure in the development of the swing style of jazz, and his 1939 recording of "Body and Soul" is considered a masterpiece of jazz improvisation. He continued to perform and record throughout his career, adapting to changing styles and collaborating with younger musicians in the bebop and hard bop movements.
In addition to his achievements as a musician, Hawkins appeared in several films, including The Strawberry Blonde and The Crimson Canary, and was a popular radio performer. He was also a key influence on later saxophonists, such as John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins, and remains a revered figure in the world of jazz.
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George M. Cohan
George M. Cohan (July 3, 1878 Providence-November 5, 1942 Manhattan) a.k.a. Cohan, George M., George Michael Cohan or Cohan was an American composer, singer, playwright, lyricist, theatrical producer and actor. His children are called Helen Cohan, Mary Cohan, Georgette Cohan and George M. Cohan Jr..
He died caused by cancer.
Cohan was known as the "Father of American Musical Comedy" due to his significant role in popularizing musical theatre in the United States. He wrote and composed over 50 plays and musicals during his career including his most famous work, "Yankee Doodle Dandy". He was also a proficient actor, appearing in films including "The Phantom President" and "The Seven Little Foys". Cohan revolutionized the way theatre was produced and marketed, employing innovative advertising techniques and being the first to use a full orchestra in a Broadway musical. In 1940, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for his contributions to American culture.
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Lorenzo Music
Lorenzo Music (May 2, 1937 Brooklyn-August 4, 2001 Los Angeles) also known as Gerald David Music, L. Muzic, Jerry Music or L. Music was an American musician, writer, television producer, actor, voice actor and screenwriter. His children are Fernando Music, Sam Music, Roz Music and Leilani Music.
He died as a result of bone cancer.
Lorenzo Music is best known for his work as a voice actor, having provided the voice for Garfield the Cat in a number of animated series and specials, as well as for the character Peter Venkman in the animated series "The Real Ghostbusters." He also voiced characters in other popular animated series such as "The Smurfs" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks."
Music began his career as a writer, penning scripts for "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "The Bob Newhart Show," and went on to produce and write for a number of other television shows. He also had a successful music career, performing with the comedy troupe The Second City and releasing his own comedy albums.
Music was married twice, first to Henrietta Music and later to Jennifer Music. He was widely respected in the entertainment industry, and his death was mourned by many of his colleagues and fans.
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James Kirkwood Jr.
James Kirkwood Jr. (August 22, 1924 Hollywood-April 21, 1989 Manhattan) also known as James Kirkwood, Jim Kirkwood, Goodman and Kirkwood, James Kirkwood, Jr., Jim Kirkwood Jr. or Jimmy Kirkwood was an American writer, novelist, playwright, actor and author.
He died caused by spinal cancer.
Kirkwood began his career in entertainment as an actor, with his first professional role being in the Broadway play, "Junior Miss." However, he began to gain recognition for his work as a writer, co-authoring the Tony Award-winning musical "A Chorus Line" with Nicholas Dante. Kirkwood also wrote several novels, including "There Must Be a Pony!" which was adapted into a television movie starring Elizabeth Taylor. In addition to his writing, Kirkwood was heavily involved in LGBT activism and wrote an autobiography titled "Diary of a Mad Playwright." He was also the longtime partner of photographer and director Edgar Rosenberg.
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Nelson Riddle
Nelson Riddle (June 1, 1921 Oradell-October 6, 1985 Los Angeles) also known as N. Riddle, Nelson Smock Riddle Jr., Nels or Nelson Smock Riddle, Jr. was an American sailor, trombonist, composer, music arranger, film score composer, orchestrator and actor. He had seven children, Rosemary Riddle, Maureen Alicia Riddle, Leonora Celeste Riddle, Bettina Riddle, Cecily Jean Riddle, Christopher Riddle and Nelson Riddle III.
He died caused by heart failure.
Nelson Riddle is perhaps best known for his work as an arranger and orchestrator for popular singers in the 1950s and 1960s, such as Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Nat King Cole. He was a frequent collaborator with Sinatra, arranging and conducting some of his most iconic recordings, including "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "Fly Me to the Moon." Riddle also composed scores for several films and television shows, including "The Great Gatsby" and "The Untouchables." In addition to his musical career, Riddle also appeared as an actor in several television shows and movies, including "Batman" and "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1985, shortly before his death.
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Dick Sargent
Dick Sargent (April 19, 1930 Carmel-by-the-Sea-July 8, 1994 Los Angeles) also known as Richard Cox, Richard Sargent, Richard Stanford Cox, Dick Sargeant or Richard Sargeant was an American actor.
He died as a result of prostate cancer.
Sargent is best known for his role as Darrin Stephens in the hit television series "Bewitched," which he starred in from 1969 to 1972. Prior to his role in "Bewitched," Sargent had a successful career in both television and film. He was a regular on the series "Broadside" and "The Tammy Grimes Show," and appeared in popular shows such as "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," "Dr. Kildare," and "The Virginian."
In addition to his acting career, Sargent was also a well-known advocate for gay rights. He publicly came out as gay in 1991, becoming one of the first celebrities to do so. He remained an active spokesperson for the gay community until his death in 1994. Sargent was praised for his bravery in coming out at a time when it was still considered a taboo subject in Hollywood.
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Hans Conried
Hans Conried (April 15, 1917 Baltimore-January 5, 1982 Burbank) otherwise known as Hans Georg Conried Jr., Hans Conreid, Hans Georg Conried, Jr or Hans Georg Conried, Jr. was an American actor, voice actor, comedian and character actor. His child is called Trilby Conried.
He died caused by cardiovascular disease.
Hans Conried was a talented performer who appeared in over 200 films, television shows, and Broadway productions throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for providing the voice of iconic cartoon villains, such as Captain Hook in Disney's "Peter Pan" and Snidely Whiplash in "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show". Additionally, he appeared in several well-known films, including "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T" and "The Tony Randall Show". Conried also had a successful career as a radio actor, with notable roles on "The Jack Benny Program" and "My Friend Irma". Outside of acting, he was an accomplished artist and author, publishing several books on art and etiquette. Despite his success, Conried struggled with alcoholism throughout his life and suffered from multiple heart attacks before passing away in 1982.
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Flip Wilson
Flip Wilson (December 8, 1933 Jersey City-November 25, 1998 Malibu) also known as Clerow Wilson Jr., Clerow Wilson, Wilson, Flip, Flip or Clerow Wilson, Jr. was an American comedian, actor and screenwriter. He had five children, David Wilson, Kevin Wilson, Tamara Wilson, Stacy Wilson and Michelle Trice.
He died caused by liver cancer.
Flip Wilson rose to fame during the 1970s for his variety show, "The Flip Wilson Show," which aired from 1970 to 1974. His comedic style and skillful impressions endeared him to audiences and made him a household name. Wilson also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "The Love Boat," "Fantasy Island," and "The Gong Show." He was the first African American to host a successful television variety show, paving the way for future black entertainers in the industry. Despite his success, Wilson battled drug addiction throughout his life, and eventually overcame it through rehabilitation. He was posthumously inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1999.
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Billy Higgins
Billy Higgins (October 11, 1936 Los Angeles-May 3, 2001 Inglewood) otherwise known as Higgins, Billy was an American drummer, musician, lyricist, actor and educator. He had six children, William Higgins, Joseph Higgins, David Higgins, Benjamin Higgins, Heidi Higgins and Rickie Wade Higgins.
He died in hepatitis.
Higgins was known for his unique style of drumming that blended bebop, funk and avant-garde jazz. He played with a range of prominent musicians including Ornette Coleman, Dexter Gordon, and Herbie Hancock. In addition to performing, he was also an educator and co-founded the World Stage, a non-profit organization in Los Angeles that provided a platform for young musicians to showcase their talent. Throughout his career, Higgins recorded more than 700 albums and made significant contributions to the development of jazz music. He continued to inspire and influence many younger generations of musicians even after his untimely death.
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Lee J. Cobb
Lee J. Cobb (December 8, 1911 The Bronx-February 11, 1976 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Leo Jacoby, Lee Jacoby, Lee Colt, Cpl. Lee Cobb, Lee Cobb, Leo Jacob or Leo Joachim Jacoby IV was an American actor. His child is Julie Cobb.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Lee J. Cobb had a prolific acting career, spanning across stage, film, and television. He began his career in the theater, where he was part of the original Broadway cast of Arthur Miller's "Death of a Salesman" in 1949, earning critical acclaim for his performance as Willy Loman's son, Biff. He also received a Tony Award for his work in the play.
Cobb's film work includes several notable roles, such as his portrayal of Johnny Friendly in "On the Waterfront" (1954) alongside Marlon Brando, for which he received an Academy Award nomination. He also appeared in "12 Angry Men" (1957), "The Brothers Karamazov" (1958), and "The Exorcist" (1973).
On television, Cobb starred in the hit series "The Virginian" in the 1960s, as well as "The Man from U.N.C.L.E." and "The Untouchables." He also made appearances in many other popular shows of the time, including "Gunsmoke" and "Perry Mason."
Outside of his acting career, Cobb was also politically active and supported various causes, including civil rights and the anti-Vietnam War movement.
Despite his successful career, Lee J. Cobb struggled with alcoholism and was known for his volatile personality. He passed away in 1976 at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented actors of his generation.
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Gig Young
Gig Young (November 4, 1913 St. Cloud-October 19, 1978 Manhattan) a.k.a. Byron Elsworth Barr, Gig, Byron Barr, Ronald Reed or Bryant Fleming was an American actor. He had one child, Jennifer Young.
He died in suicide.
Gig Young started his career on Broadway and made his film debut in the 1948 film "The Woman in White." He appeared in over 100 movies, including "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1969. Young also had a successful television career, starring in the television series "The Rogues" and "The Neon Ceiling." However, he struggled with alcoholism and depression throughout his life, which ultimately led to his suicide in 1978. Despite his personal struggles, Gig Young is remembered as a talented actor who left behind a significant legacy in film and television.
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Ernest Graves
Ernest Graves (May 5, 1919 Chicago-June 1, 1983 New York City) was an American actor.
He is best known for his work on Broadway where he appeared in over 20 productions throughout his career. Graves was also a prolific film and television actor, making appearances in popular shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Love Boat." He often played character roles and was known for his versatility in both dramatic and comedic performances. In addition to acting, Graves was passionate about education and was actively involved with various literacy programs throughout his life. He passed away at the age of 64 due to complications from lung cancer.
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Del Close
Del Close (March 9, 1934 Manhattan-March 4, 1999 Chicago) otherwise known as Del Clos or Del P. Close was an American actor, writer, teacher and voice actor.
He died in emphysema.
Del Close is best known for his work as an improv guru, having helped co-create the concept known as long-form improvisational theatre, which has been influential in the development of theatrical improvisation around the world. He has trained countless improvisers, including some of the biggest names in comedy including Tina Fey, Bill Murray, and Amy Poehler. Close was also a prolific writer and has contributed to several books on improvisation, including "Truth in Comedy" with Charna Halpern and Kim "Howard" Johnson. In addition to his work as an actor, writer and teacher, Close also lent his voice to several animated TV shows such as "The Simpsons" and "Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist."
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Aldo Ray
Aldo Ray (September 25, 1926 Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania-March 27, 1991 Martinez) a.k.a. Aldo DaRe, Aldo Da Re or Rugged Romeo was an American actor, police officer and voice actor. His children are Eric DaRe, Claire DaRe and Paul DaRe.
He died as a result of laryngeal cancer.
Starting his career in Hollywood, Ray acted in numerous films and television shows during the 1950s and 60s. Some of his most notable roles were in movies like "The Marrying Kind," "Pat and Mike," and "We're No Angels." He also served in the United States Navy during World War II and later, as a Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy. Besides his work in acting, Ray was also known for his distinctive voice and provided narration for several documentaries and commercials throughout his career. He was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960, recognizing his contributions to the film industry.
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