American movie stars died at 68
Here are 22 famous actors from United States of America died at 68:
Morton Downey, Jr.
Morton Downey, Jr. (December 9, 1932 Los Angeles-March 12, 2001 Los Angeles) also known as John Morton Downey, Jr., Mort the Mouth or Sean Morton Downey, Jr. was an American talk show host, singer, actor and disc jockey. He had three children, Melissa Downey, Kelli Downey Cornwell and Tracey Downey.
He died in lung cancer.
Downey first rose to fame as a controversial talk show host in the 1980s, known for his aggressive and confrontational style. His show, The Morton Downey Jr. Show, tackled controversial political and social issues of the time and often featured heated debates between guests. Downey's style paved the way for other confrontational talk show hosts like Jerry Springer and Maury Povich.
In addition to his talk show, Downey was also a talented singer and released several albums throughout his career. He also appeared in several films and television shows, including the movie Predator 2 and the TV series Miami Vice.
Despite his success, Downey's career was marred by controversy and personal struggles. He was involved in several lawsuits, including one in which he was sued for allegedly punching a guest on his show. Additionally, he struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for many years.
Downey's legacy was cemented by his impact on the talk show genre and his unique style of hosting. He remains a controversial figure to this day, remembered for his outspoken views and confrontational approach to discussing important issues.
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Richard Barthelmess
Richard Barthelmess (May 9, 1895 New York City-August 17, 1963 Southampton) a.k.a. Richard Semler Barthelmess, Mr. Richard Barthelmess, Richard S. Barthelmess, Dick, Corey or Richard Semler "Dick" Barthelmess was an American actor. He had one child, Mary Barthelmess.
He died caused by laryngeal cancer.
Barthelmess began his career as a silent film actor in 1916, and rose to fame in films such as "Broken Blossoms" (1919), "Way Down East" (1920), and "Tol'able David" (1921). He transitioned to sound films smoothly and continued to work in Hollywood, starring in films such as "The Dawn Patrol" (1930), "The Last Flight" (1931), and "Only Angels Have Wings" (1939). Despite his success on screen, Barthelmess was humble and shunned the Hollywood limelight. He retired from acting in the 1940s and devoted his time to aviation and philanthropy. During World War II, he served as a pilot and flew over 200 missions as a volunteer for the United States Army Air Forces. Barthelmess was also a generous philanthropist, donating money and time to various causes, including the American Red Cross, and was awarded the Medal of Merit in 1946 for his humanitarian efforts.
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Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson (March 31, 1878 Galveston-June 10, 1946 Franklinton) also known as Arthur John Johnson, John Arthur Johnson, Galveston Giant, Lil' Arthur, The Galveston Giant, John Arthur ("Jack") Johnson or Johnson, Jack was an American professional boxer and actor.
He died in traffic collision.
Jack Johnson was the first African American to win the world heavyweight boxing championship in 1908, a feat he accomplished by defeating the reigning champion, Tommy Burns. Johnson was known for his unorthodox fighting style and his ability to dodge punches. He faced controversy during his career due to his relationships with white women, which led to his arrest and eventual conviction under the Mann Act. Despite this, Johnson continued to fight and defend his title until he lost it to Jess Willard in 1915. After his boxing career, Johnson dabbled in acting and continued to be an outspoken figure for civil rights. He was posthumously pardoned by President Trump in 2018 for his Mann Act conviction.
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Redd Foxx
Redd Foxx (December 9, 1922 St. Louis-October 11, 1991 Los Angeles) otherwise known as John Elroy Sanford, Chicago Red, Zorro, Red, Foxx, Redd, King of the Party Records or The King of Comedy was an American comedian, actor and screenwriter. He had one child, Debraca Denise.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Redd Foxx began his career as a performer in the early 1940s, while serving in the US Army during World War II. After being discharged, he started performing in nightclubs under the stage name, "Chicago Red." In the early 1950s, he moved to Los Angeles and began performing stand-up comedy in nightclubs around the city.
Foxx rose to fame in the 1960s with the hit television show, "Sanford and Son," which aired from 1972 to 1977. Foxx played the character of Fred G. Sanford, a junk dealer in Watts, Los Angeles. The show was a huge success and earned Foxx an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 1976.
In addition to his television work, Foxx also appeared in several films, including "Cotton Comes to Harlem" (1970), "Norman... Is That You?" (1976), and "Harlem Nights" (1989). He also recorded several successful comedy albums, including "Laff of the Party" and "Dirty Redd."
Despite his success, Foxx also faced several obstacles, including financial troubles and legal issues. He filed for bankruptcy several times and was known for his gambling habit. He died of a heart attack while on the set of the television show, "The Royal Family," in 1991.
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John Lester Wallack
John Lester Wallack (January 1, 1820 New York City-September 6, 1888) was an American actor.
He came from a family of actors and was born into the theater world. Wallack began his career as a stage manager before transitioning to acting in the 1840s. He became known for his portrayal of dashing and romantic leading men in productions such as "The Corsican Brothers" and "The Romance of a Poor Young Man." Wallack also had success in England, where he performed at the renowned Drury Lane Theatre. He eventually retired from acting in 1864 and turned to theater management, running his own theater company. In addition to his contributions to the theater world, Wallack was also a writer and published several articles and books including a memoir, "Memories of Fifty Years."
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Tex Ritter
Tex Ritter (January 12, 1905 Murvaul-January 2, 1974 Nashville) a.k.a. Woodward Maurice Ritter or America's Most Beloved Cowboy was an American actor and singer. His children are John Ritter and Tom Ritter.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Tex Ritter was a prominent figure in the country music and western film industries. He started his career as a rodeo performer and later transitioned to singing and acting. Ritter recorded over 100 songs and starred in more than 80 films, including the famous musical western "High Noon" in 1952. He was known for his distinctive baritone voice and classic cowboy persona. In addition to his successful entertainment career, Ritter also served as the president of the Country Music Association from 1964 to 1965. After his death, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Western Music Association Hall of Fame.
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Barney Oldfield
Barney Oldfield (January 29, 1878 Wauseon-October 4, 1946 Beverly Hills) also known as Berna Eli "Barney" Oldfield or Berna Eli was an American race car driver and actor.
He began his career as a bicycle racer and later moved to motorcycles where he set multiple world records. He eventually transitioned to racing automobiles, becoming the first person to reach a speed of 60 miles per hour in a car. Oldfield became a household name in the early 1900s and was known for his flamboyant personality and showmanship on the track. He won numerous races and became one of the highest-paid drivers of his time. In addition to his racing career, Oldfield also appeared in several films and was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in 1990.
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Don LaFontaine
Don LaFontaine (August 26, 1940 Duluth-September 1, 2008 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Don La Fontaine, Donald Leroy La Fontaine, Thunder Throat, The King, The Voice of God, King of the Movie Trailers, Donald Leroy "Don" LaFontaine or Donald Leroy LaFontaine was an American voice actor, actor and film producer. He had three children, Skye LaFontaine, Christine LaFontaine and Elyse LaFontaine.
He died as a result of pneumothorax.
LaFontaine is most well-known for providing voiceovers for movie trailers, commercials, and television promos. He recorded over 5,000 film trailers and hundreds of thousands of TV advertisements during a career that spanned over four decades. He also appeared in a number of films and television shows in small roles, including "The Simpsons," "Santa vs. the Snowman 3D," and "The Proud Family Movie." Additionally, LaFontaine was a former president of the Hollywood Radio and Television Society and was inducted into the Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame in 2006.
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Ray Goulding
Ray Goulding (March 20, 1922 Lowell-March 24, 1990 Manhasset) a.k.a. Raymond Walter Goulding or Ray was an American comedian and actor.
He was best known for his partnership with Bob Elliott in the legendary comedy duo Bob and Ray, which spanned over five decades. The two were pioneers in radio comedy, and their deadpan style of humor was iconic in the industry. In addition to their radio show, they also had successful stints on television and Broadway. Goulding continued to work in television and film after the duo disbanded. He also authored several books, including the critically acclaimed "Bob and Ray, Keener Than Most Persons". Goulding passed away in 1990 at the age of 68.
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Cliff Arquette
Cliff Arquette (December 27, 1905 Toledo-September 23, 1974 Burbank) also known as Clifford Arquette, Clifford Charles "Cliff" Arquette, Clifford Charles Arquette, Charlie Weaver or Charley Weaver was an American comedian, actor, composer, pianist and songwriter. He had one child, Lewis Arquette.
He died as a result of cardiovascular disease.
During his career, Cliff Arquette appeared in several TV shows, movies, and Broadway productions. One of his most famous roles was as the character Charley Weaver, who he portrayed on various TV shows including "The Jack Benny Show," "The Hollywood Squares," and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson." He also contributed to the writing of many songs and composed several pieces of music.
Arquette began his career as a pianist in the 1920s, performing in jazz clubs and on the radio. He eventually shifted his focus to comedy and acting, appearing in several Hollywood films in the 1930s and 1940s. Later in his career, he returned to his roots in music and composed music for films like "The Stooge" and "Apache Uprising."
Arquette was married three times and had four children. His son Lewis Arquette followed in his footsteps and became a successful actor. Arquette's granddaughter, Patricia Arquette, also became a successful actress, winning an Academy Award for her role in the film "Boyhood" in 2015.
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Robert Preston
Robert Preston (June 8, 1918 Newton-March 21, 1987 Montecito) also known as Robert Preston Meservey or Pres was an American actor.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
Robert Preston was best known for his roles in musicals, notably originating the role of Harold Hill in the 1957 Broadway production of The Music Man and reprising the role in the 1962 film adaptation, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also starred in several other musicals such as Mame and Victor/Victoria. Preston began his career on stage and later transitioned to television and film, appearing in a variety of roles throughout his career. He was a decorated veteran of World War II and received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
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Maxie Rosenbloom
Maxie Rosenbloom (November 1, 1907 Connecticut-March 6, 1976 South Pasadena) also known as Max Everitt Rosenbloom, Maxie Rosenthal, Slapsy Maxie Rosenbloom, 'Slapsie Maxie' Rosenbloom, Slapsie Maxie Rosenbloom, 'Slapsie' Maxie Rosenbloom, 'Slapsy Maxie' Rosenbloom, 'Slapsie' Maxie Rosembloom, Maxie Rosenblum, Slapsie Maxie or Max 'Slapsie Maxie' Rosenbloom was an American actor, professional boxer and tv personality.
He died as a result of paget's disease.
Maxie Rosenbloom began his career as a boxer, winning the light heavyweight championship in 1932. He would go on to have a successful career in the ring, with a record of 207 wins, 39 losses, and 26 draws.
After his retirement from boxing, Rosenbloom pursued a career in acting, appearing in over 50 films including "Dead End," "The Asphalt Jungle," and "The Harder They Fall." He also had a role in the TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Gilligan's Island."
In addition to his successful boxing and acting careers, Rosenbloom was known for his wit and humor, and he often appeared on TV game shows, talk shows, and variety shows.
Sadly, Rosenbloom was diagnosed with Paget's disease, a rare bone disorder, and he passed away from complications of the disease in 1976. Despite his health struggles, he was remembered fondly for his contributions to the world of sports and entertainment.
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Alan Rubin
Alan Rubin (February 11, 1943 Brooklyn-June 8, 2011 Manhattan) also known as Mr. Fabulous, Al Rubin, A Rubin, Rubin, Al, The Blues Brothers Band, Alan 'Mr. Fabulous' Rubin, Alan P. Rubin or Howard Shore and His Band of Angels was an American musician and actor.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
Alan Rubin was best known as a trumpeter in the Blues Brothers band, with whom he toured and recorded for many years. Prior to his time with the Blues Brothers, he was a sought-after session musician and played on countless recordings with artists such as Frank Sinatra, James Taylor, and Eric Clapton. Rubin was also a member of the Saturday Night Live house band, appearing on the show in the 1970s and 80s. In addition to his work as a musician, he also appeared in several films, including The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters, and When Harry Met Sally. Rubin was widely respected in the music industry for his skill and versatility as a trumpeter, and he left an indelible mark on the world of music during his career.
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Alan Hale, Jr.
Alan Hale, Jr. (March 8, 1921 Los Angeles-January 2, 1990 Los Angeles) also known as Alan Hale Mackahan Jr., Alan Hale, Alan Hale Mackahan, Jr. or The Skipper was an American actor and businessperson. His children are called Alan Brian Hale, Chris Hale, Lana Hale and Dorian Hale.
He died caused by cancer.
Hale was best known for his role as Jonas Grumby or "The Skipper" in the television series Gilligan's Island, which aired from 1964 to 1967. He also played a leading role in the television series Biff Baker, U.S.A. and was a regular on the western series The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp. As a businessperson, Hale invested in real estate and owned several restaurants in the Los Angeles area. Additionally, he was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing. Hale was married three times during his life, and his second marriage was to Naomi Hale, with whom he had four children.
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Alfred Newman
Alfred Newman (March 17, 1901 New Haven-February 17, 1970 Hollywood) a.k.a. Pappy was an American conductor, film score composer, music arranger, composer and actor. His children are Thomas Newman, David Newman, Maria Newman and Tim Newman.
He died as a result of emphysema.
Alfred Newman was one of the most respected composers in Hollywood, having served as the music director at 20th Century Fox for over two decades. He was widely recognized for his contributions to the world of film, having composed music for more than 200 movies, including All About Eve, The Robe, and The Song of Bernadette. In addition to his work in film, Newman also composed works for orchestra, including symphonies, concertos, and other pieces. He was a dedicated family man, and his children have continued to carry on his legacy in the music industry. Alfred Newman was a true pioneer in the world of film scores and his contributions to the medium will forever be remembered.
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Frank Borzage
Frank Borzage (April 23, 1894 Salt Lake City-June 19, 1962 Hollywood) also known as Mr. Borzage was an American film director, actor, film producer and screenwriter.
He died in cancer.
Borzage directed over 100 films during his career, many of which were highly acclaimed and influential works in the film industry. He began his career as an actor in silent films before transitioning to directing and writing. Some of his most notable works include "Seventh Heaven" (1927), which won the first-ever Academy Award for Best Directing, and "A Farewell to Arms" (1932), which is considered a classic of the romantic drama genre. Borzage was known for his romantic and sentimental style, often incorporating themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption into his films. Despite his success, he faced some criticism in his later career for his more Idealized portrayals of love and relationships.
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James Avery
James Avery (November 27, 1945 Suffolk-December 31, 2013 Glendale) also known as James Avery, Sr., James L. Avery or James L. Avery, Sr. was an American actor, voice actor and soldier.
He died in surgical complications.
Avery is best known for his role as Uncle Phil Banks in the popular sitcom "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," which aired from 1990 to 1996. He also lent his voice to numerous animated series, including "The Prince of Egypt" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." Avery served in the Navy during the Vietnam War before pursuing a career in acting. In addition to his work on screen and as a voice actor, he was also a prolific stage actor and performed in many theater productions throughout his career. Avery was remembered by his colleagues and fans as a talented actor and a kind and generous person, and his presence in the entertainment industry is still celebrated today.
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Richard Quine
Richard Quine (November 12, 1920 Detroit-June 10, 1989 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Dick was an American film director, actor, screenwriter, military officer, film producer, television director and television producer. He had three children, Katherine Quine, Victoria Quine and Timothy Richard Quine.
He died in suicide.
Quine began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor, starring in films such as "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" and "Drive a Crooked Road." However, he found greater success as a director, helming over 30 films and TV shows throughout his career. Some of his notable works include "Bell, Book and Candle," "Sex and the Single Girl," and "How to Murder Your Wife."
In addition to his work in film and television, Quine also served in the military during World War II, and later became a producer for the Army's Pictorial Service. He was married twice, first to Susan Peters and later to Fran Jeffries, both of whom were actresses.
Despite his success, Quine struggled with depression and substance abuse throughout his life, and ultimately died by suicide in 1989.
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Bruce Cabot
Bruce Cabot (April 20, 1904 Carlsbad-May 3, 1972 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Etienne Pelissier Jacques de Bujac was an American actor. He had one child, Jennifer De Bujac.
He died in lung cancer.
Bruce Cabot appeared in over 80 films and is best known for his roles in classic films such as "King Kong" (1933), "The Last of the Mohicans" (1936), and "Gone with the Wind" (1939). He was also close friends with fellow actor John Wayne, and appeared alongside him in several films, including "Angel and the Badman" (1947) and "The Comancheros" (1961). Cabot began his career as a stage actor on Broadway before transitioning to film in the 1920s. In addition to his acting career, Cabot served as a naval intelligence officer during World War II.
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Robert Keith
Robert Keith (February 10, 1898 Fowler-December 22, 1966 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Robert Keith Richey, Rolland Keith Richey or Robert Keith Sr. was an American actor. His child is called Brian Keith.
Keith began his career as a stage actor in the 1920s before transitioning into film in the 1950s. He appeared in over 70 films, including "Guys and Dolls" (1955) and "The Wild One" (1953). He also had a recurring role on the television series "The Wild Wild West" (1965-1966) and "The Americans" (1961). Keith was known for his tough-guy persona and was often cast in crime and noir films. He was married twice and had three children, one of whom, Brian Keith, also became a successful actor. Keith passed away on December 22, 1966, at the age of 68, from a heart attack.
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McLean Stevenson
McLean Stevenson (November 14, 1927 Normal-February 15, 1996 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Edgar McLean Stevenson Jr. or Mac was an American actor. He had three children, Jeff MacGregor, Lindsey Stevenson and Jennifer Stevenson.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Stevenson started his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in various television shows and films. He gained widespread recognition for his role as Lt. Colonel Henry Blake in the TV series M*A*S*H in the 1970s. However, Stevenson left the show after three seasons, a move that was highly criticized at the time. He went on to star in other TV shows, such as The McLean Stevenson Show and Hello, Larry, but none reached the success of M*A*S*H.
Besides acting, Stevenson was also an accomplished writer and producer, working on several TV shows throughout his career. He was a frequent guest on talk shows and game shows, showcasing his talent for comedy and wit. He continued to work in the entertainment industry until his untimely death at age 68. Stevenson is remembered for his contributions to American television and his iconic role in M*A*S*H.
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Teenie Hodges
Teenie Hodges (November 16, 1945 Germantown-June 22, 2014 Dallas) also known as Mabon \"Teenie\" Hodges or Mabon Lewis "Teenie" Hodges was an American songwriter, musician, actor, film score composer and guitarist. He had eight children, Valencia Hodges, Reginald Hodges, Shonte Stokes, Sheila Hodges, Cherie Hodges, Tabitha Gary, Inga Black and Mabon L. Hodges II.
He died in emphysema.
Teenie Hodges was a highly respected guitarist and songwriter who made significant contributions to the sound of Memphis Soul music. Some of his most famous works include "Take Me to the River" and "Love and Happiness" which he co-wrote with Al Green. Hodges began his musical career in the 1960s as a member of the house band for Hi Records, where he worked with many notable artists including Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson, and Otis Clay. He was known for his distinctive style of playing guitar and was often sought after to provide the signature sound for recordings.
In addition to his work in the music industry, Teenie Hodges also acted in several films and TV shows, most notably in the 1980 hit movie "The Blues Brothers" where he played the role of lead guitarist in the fictional band for the movie. He was also a film score composer for various films like Mystery Train directed by Jim Jarmusch.
Teenie Hodges received many accolades for his contributions to music, including being inducted into the Memphis Music Hall of Fame in 2010. He was admired by many musicians, including Keith Richards of The Rolling Stones, who called him "one of the best guitarists in the world". Despite his death in 2014 due to emphysema, Teenie Hodges' legacy continues to inspire musicians to this day.
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