American movie stars died at 72

Here are 23 famous actors from United States of America died at 72:

Isaac Asimov

Isaac Asimov (January 2, 1920 Petrovichi, Smolensk Oblast-April 6, 1992 Brooklyn) otherwise known as Paul French, Dr. "A", George E. Dale, H. B. Ogden, Asimov, isaac_asimov, The Human Typewriter, Isaak Judah Ozimov, Asimov, Isaac or Isaak Yudovich Ozimov was an American author, writer, science writer, novelist, biochemist, historian, essayist and actor. He had two children, David Asimov and Robyn Asimov.

He died as a result of renal failure.

Isaac Asimov was one of the most prolific writers of the 20th century, with over 500 works to his name including science fiction, non-fiction, and textbooks. He is best known for his Foundation and Robot series, which have been widely celebrated for their complex world-building and exploration of philosophical themes. Asimov was a highly educated individual and received a Ph.D. in chemistry from Columbia University. He was also a professor of biochemistry at Boston University for many years. As a science writer, Asimov had a talent for explaining complex scientific concepts to a wider audience, and his works continue to be widely read and influential in the field. In addition to his literary achievements, Asimov was also a frequent guest on television shows and appeared in several documentaries. Overall, he is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential figures in science fiction and popular science.

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John Wayne

John Wayne (May 26, 1907 Winterset-June 11, 1979 Los Angeles) also known as Marion Robert Morrison, Duke Morrison, Marion Mitchell Morrison, Marion Michael Morrison, Michael Morris, Marion Morrison, Duke, JW, Little Duke or The Duke was an American actor, film director, film producer and businessperson. He had seven children, Michael Wayne, Patrick Wayne, Ethan Wayne, Mary Antonia Wayne LaCava, Aissa Wayne, Melinda Wayne Munoz and Marisa Wayne.

He died as a result of stomach cancer.

John Wayne was one of the most popular film stars of the 20th century, known for his Westerns and war movies. He won his first Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in the 1969 movie "True Grit," and appeared in over 170 films throughout his career. Wayne was also a patriotic figure, serving as a spokesperson for the conservative politics of his day and supporting the Vietnam War. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1980, one year after his death. Today, Wayne is remembered as an American icon and remains a beloved figure among film fans around the world.

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John Frankenheimer

John Frankenheimer (February 19, 1930 Queens-July 6, 2002 Los Angeles) also known as Alan Smithee or John Michael Frankenheimer was an American film director, television director, film producer, soldier, television producer, actor and screenwriter. He had two children, Elise Frankenheimer and Kristi Frankenheimer.

He died as a result of stroke.

Frankenheimer was born in Queens, New York, and grew up in Queens and on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. He began his career in television in the 1950s, working on shows like "The Philco Television Playhouse" and "Playhouse 90." He directed his first feature film, "The Young Stranger," in 1957.

Over the course of his career, Frankenheimer directed many highly acclaimed films, including "The Manchurian Candidate," "Seven Days in May," "Birdman of Alcatraz," and "Black Sunday." He was known for his powerful and thought-provoking films, and often tackled political and social issues in his work.

In addition to his work in film directing and producing, Frankenheimer was also a talented actor and screenwriter. He appeared in several films throughout his career, including "The Train" and "Impossible Object," and wrote screenplays for movies like "Grand Prix" and "The Gypsy Moths."

Frankenheimer's legacy lives on in the many films he directed and produced, as well as the influence he had on the film industry. He was known for his innovative camera work, his ability to craft complex and nuanced characters, and his unwavering dedication to telling compelling stories.

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Robert Siodmak

Robert Siodmak (August 8, 1900 Dresden-March 10, 1973 Ascona) otherwise known as Siodmak was an American film director, screenwriter, film producer and actor.

He died caused by myocardial infarction.

Siodmak was born in Germany and began his career in the German film industry, but due to the rise of Hitler and the Nazi party, he fled to France and eventually ended up in the United States. As a director, he was known for his work in film noir, including classics like "The Killers" and "Criss Cross." He also worked in various genres, including horror with his film "The Spiral Staircase." Siodmak was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director for his film "The Great Sinner" but never won. In addition to directing, Siodmak also acted in several films and produced a few others. He is considered one of the pioneers of film noir and has had a significant impact on the genre.

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Nelson Algren

Nelson Algren (March 28, 1909 Detroit-May 9, 1981 Long Island) also known as Nelson Ahlgren Abraham was an American writer, novelist and actor.

He died in myocardial infarction.

Algren is known for his gritty, urban stories set in the working-class neighborhoods of Chicago. He won the National Book Award for Fiction in 1950 for his novel "The Man with the Golden Arm," which was later adapted into a movie starring Frank Sinatra. Algren also wrote "A Walk on the Wild Side" and "Never Come Morning," among other novels. He was a member of the Communist Party USA in the 1930s and 40s and his work often dealt with themes of social injustice and the struggles of the underclass. In addition to his writing, Algren also acted in a few films, including "Cry of Battle" and "The Last Clean Shirt."

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Richie Havens

Richie Havens (January 21, 1941 Brooklyn-April 22, 2013 Jersey City) also known as Rick Havens, Richie Heavens, Havens, Richie, Richie Haven, Richard Pierce Havens or Ritchie Havens was an American singer, musician, guitarist, songwriter and actor.

He died in myocardial infarction.

Richie Havens was best known for his intense and soulful performance at Woodstock in 1969, where he played for three hours straight after other performers were delayed. He also had a successful career in music, recording over 25 albums and collaborating with musicians such as Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, and Ringo Starr. In addition to his music career, Havens appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Who's Tommy" and "Law & Order." He was also an advocate for environmental and humanitarian causes, serving as an ambassador for UNICEF and founding the Northwind Undersea Institute, a foundation for marine conservation.

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Tennessee Ernie Ford

Tennessee Ernie Ford (February 13, 1919 Bristol-October 17, 1991 Reston) also known as Tennesee Ernie Ford, "Tennessee" Ernie Ford, Tennesse Ernie Ford, Ernest Jennings Ford, Ford, Tennessee Ernie or Tennessee Ernie was an American singer, actor, author, announcer, military officer and presenter. His children are Jeffrey Buckner Ford and Brion Leonard Ford.

Tennessee Ernie Ford's fame skyrocketed in the 1950s and 1960s as a musician, with hits such as "Sixteen Tons" and "The Ballad of Davy Crockett". He also appeared on several television shows and hosted his own show, "The Ford Show," which ran for five seasons. In addition, he recorded multiple gospel albums and was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. Ford was also known for his philanthropy and was actively involved with multiple charities throughout his life. Prior to his career in entertainment, he served in the United States Army during World War II and was later commissioned as a lieutenant in the California State Guard.

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James MacArthur

James MacArthur (December 8, 1937 Los Angeles-October 28, 2010 Jacksonville) also known as James Gordon MacArthur, James Mac Arthur, James Macarthur, Jim, JMac or Jimmy Mac was an American actor. He had four children, Charles MacArthur, Mary MacArthur, Jamie MacArthur and Juliette MacArthur.

He died as a result of natural causes.

James MacArthur was best known for his role as Danny "Danno" Williams in the television series Hawaii Five-O, which aired from 1968 to 1979. He appeared in over 90 films and television shows throughout his career, including The Untouchables, Battle of the Bulge, Spencer's Mountain, and The Love Bug. MacArthur also had a successful stage career, appearing in numerous Broadway productions. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987. In addition to his acting career, MacArthur was an advocate for environmental causes and was involved in various charitable organizations.

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James Tenney

James Tenney (August 10, 1934 Silver City-August 24, 2006 Valencia) a.k.a. Tenney, James, James Carl Tenney or Tenney was an American composer, music theorist, film score composer, actor and teacher.

He died in lung cancer.

Tenney grew up in Arizona and studied music at the University of Denver and the Juilliard School. He taught at numerous universities including the California Institute of the Arts and York University in Toronto. Tenney's compositions were notable for their use of just intonation and his interest in exploring perceptual phenomena in music. He was also a respected music theorist, contributing to the development of set theory and researching the works of Charles Ives. In addition to his work in music, Tenney appeared in several films including "The Exorcist" and "The Silence of the Lambs."

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George Pal

George Pal (February 1, 1908 Cegléd-May 2, 1980 Los Angeles) also known as György Pál Marczincsák or Julius György Marczincsak was an American animator, film director, film producer, cinematographer, screenwriter, film editor and actor. He had two children, Peter Marczincsák and David Marczincsák.

He died caused by myocardial infarction.

Pal was born in Cegléd, Hungary in 1908 and began his career in animation and puppetry in his early 20s. He eventually made his way to Hollywood in 1939, where he worked for major studios such as Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions. In the 1940s, he began producing his own films and became known for his innovative use of stop-motion animation.

Pal's most famous works include the Puppetoons series, and his films "The Time Machine" (1960) and "The War of the Worlds" (1953). He won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject in 1943 for his film "Target for Tonight". Pal was also a founding member of the Visual Effects Branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Despite facing financial and personal struggles throughout his career, Pal continued to push the boundaries of animation and filmmaking. He was inducted into the Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame in 1980, shortly before his death.

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Bert Lahr

Bert Lahr (August 13, 1895 Manhattan-December 4, 1967 New York City) also known as Irving Lahrheim, bert_lahr or Lahr, Bert was an American actor and comedian. His children are called John Lahr, Jane Lahr and Herbert Lahr.

He died caused by pneumonia.

Bert Lahr was best known for his portrayal of the Cowardly Lion in the 1939 film, "The Wizard of Oz". He began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to Broadway and eventually Hollywood. Lahr's comedic timing and physicality made him a beloved performer and earned him a Tony Award for his role in the musical "Foxy" in 1964. In addition to acting, Lahr was also a talented singer and dancer, and appeared in numerous stage productions throughout his career. Despite his success, Lahr was known for his humility and generosity towards his fellow actors.

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David Carradine

David Carradine (December 8, 1936 Hollywood-June 3, 2009 Bangkok) otherwise known as John Arthur Carradine, Jack Carradine, John A. Carradine, Mr. Cool or Jack was an American actor, martial artist, musician, singer-songwriter, television director, film producer, television producer, film director and voice actor. He had three children, Kansas Carradine, Calista Carradine and Tom Carradine.

He died in hanging.

David Carradine began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in various television shows and films such as "Wagon Train," "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour," and "Boxcar Bertha." However, he is perhaps best known for his role as Kwai Chang Caine in the 1970s television series "Kung Fu." Carradine also had notable roles in films such as "Bound for Glory," "Kill Bill," and "The Long Riders."

In addition to his acting career, Carradine was also a skilled martial artist and had trained in various disciplines throughout his life. He even wrote a book on Tai Chi.

Carradine's personal life was tumultuous at times, with numerous marriages and a history of substance abuse. His death in 2009 was ruled as accidental asphyxiation, but it remains a topic of controversy and speculation.

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Larry Fine

Larry Fine (October 5, 1902 Philadelphia-January 24, 1975 Woodland Hills) also known as Laurence Feinberg, Louis Feinberg, Fine and Howard Howard, Fine, Three Stooges, The 3 Stooges, The Three Stooges, Larry or Porcupine was an American comedian, actor, musician, violinist and professional boxer. His children are called John Fine and Phyllis Fine.

He died caused by stroke.

Larry Fine was best known for his role as the curly-haired member of the comedy team "The Three Stooges." Before turning to comedy, Fine pursued a career as a boxer under the name "Kid Roth." However, he soon realized his true talent was in entertainment and began performing as a musician and comedian in vaudeville shows. In the late 1920s, he joined the comedy team alongside Moe Howard and his brother Shemp, later replaced by Curly. The team gained popularity with their slapstick humor and physical comedy, appearing in numerous films and TV series throughout the 1930s and 1940s. After the death of Curly, Larry continued working with The Three Stooges until their retirement in the 1970s. Despite suffering from numerous health issues and injuries throughout his career, Larry was known for his professionalism and dedication to making audiences laugh.

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Lou Rawls

Lou Rawls (December 1, 1933 Chicago-January 6, 2006 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Lou Allen Rawls, Louis Allen Rawls, Rawls, Lou, Lou Rawles, Lou Rawis or Lou Ramls was an American singer, musician, voice actor, actor and film score composer. His children are called Aiden Allen Rawls, Lou Rawls Jr., Louanna Rawls and Kendra Rawls.

He died caused by lung cancer.

With a four-octave range, Lou Rawls was known for his soulful and smooth vocals which brought him commercial success and critical acclaim in the music industry. He worked as a backup singer early in his career before embarking on his solo career in the 1960s. Some of his popular hits include "Love Is a Hurtin' Thing", "Dead End Street", and "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine". Rawls also recorded several successful albums, including "Tobacco Road" and "All Things in Time". He won three Grammy Awards throughout his career for his soulful R&B and jazz music. Rawls was also a well-known actor, appearing in several television shows and movies such as "The Blues Brothers" and "Baywatch". He even lent his voice to various animated TV series and films like "Hey Arnold!" and "Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties". Rawls was a philanthropist and was actively involved in raising money for the United Negro College Fund.

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Matt Moore

Matt Moore (January 8, 1888 Kells, County Meath-January 21, 1960 Hollywood) also known as Matthew Moore was an American actor and film director.

He started his acting career in the silent film era and appeared in small roles in several films. Moore’s breakout performance came in the 1922 film adaptation of Edith Wharton’s novel “The Age of Innocence”. He went on to star in numerous films throughout the 1920s and 1930s including “The Divorcee” (1930) and “Arsène Lupin” (1932).

In addition to acting, Moore also directed several films including “The Perfect Flapper” (1924) and “The Desert Song” (1929). He was also involved in the production of several films including “The Scarlet Letter” (1934) and “The Picture of Dorian Gray” (1945).

Later in life, Moore worked in television and made appearances on shows such as “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” and “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet”. He passed away in 1960 at the age of 72.

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Nat Pendleton

Nat Pendleton (August 9, 1895 Davenport-October 12, 1967 San Diego) a.k.a. Nathaniel Greene Pendleton, Nat or Nathaniel Greene "Nat" Pendleton was an American actor, wrestler and writer.

He died in myocardial infarction.

Nat Pendleton was born on August 9, 1895, in Davenport, Iowa. He excelled in athletics from a young age and became an accomplished wrestler, eventually winning a silver medal in the heavyweight division at the 1920 Summer Olympics. After his wrestling career, he turned to acting and became a character actor, known for his roles in films such as "The Thin Man" and "The Great Ziegfeld." Pendleton also wrote several books on the subject of wrestling, including "How to Wrestle" and "The Complete Handbook of Wrestling." At the age of 72, Pendleton passed away from a heart attack on October 12, 1967, in San Diego, California.

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Levi Stubbs

Levi Stubbs (June 6, 1936 Detroit-October 17, 2008 Detroit) also known as Levi Stubbles, Stubbs, Levi or Levi Stubbs Jr was an American singer, actor and musician.

He died as a result of stroke.

Stubbs was the lead vocalist of the Four Tops, a Motown vocal group that rose to fame in the 1960s. The group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and sold over 50 million records worldwide. Stubbs was also involved in acting, lending his voice to the character of the man-eating plant Audrey II in the 1986 musical film adaptation of Little Shop of Horrors. He also appeared in the films Against All Odds and Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, as well as making guest appearances on several television shows. Stubbs was widely regarded as one of the greatest voices in soul music history.

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Frank Gorshin

Frank Gorshin (April 5, 1933 Pittsburgh-May 17, 2005 Burbank) also known as Frank John Gorshin Jr., Frank John Gorshin, Jr. or Frank J. Gorshin was an American comedian, actor, impressionist and soldier. He had one child, Mitchell Gorshin.

He died caused by pneumonia.

Frank Gorshin was best known for his work as an impressionist, particularly his spot-on impression of actor and comedian, James Cagney. He also had success as an actor, appearing in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. One of his most notable roles was as The Riddler in the 1960s TV series, Batman. Gorshin's career spanned several decades and he remained a popular performer until the end of his life. In addition to his work in entertainment, Gorshin served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

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Russell Means

Russell Means (November 10, 1939 Pine Ridge Indian Reservation-October 22, 2012 Porcupine) also known as Russell Charles Means, Wanbli Ohitika or Brave Eagle was an American writer, actor, politician, musician and voice actor. He had three children, Tatanka Means, Nataanii Nez Means and Scott Means.

He died in esophageal cancer.

Means was a prominent leader in the American Indian Movement (AIM) and served as its national director in the 1970s. He was involved in many civil rights protests and was an advocate for Native American rights, including the occupation of Wounded Knee in 1973. Means was also a prolific writer, penning books on a variety of topics including Native American history and culture, as well as his own life experiences. In addition to acting in films and television, he was also a musician and released several albums. Means was known for his strong personality and unwavering dedication to his beliefs.

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George Liberace

George Liberace (July 31, 1911 Menasha-October 16, 1983 Las Vegas) was an American actor and musician.

He died as a result of leukemia.

George was the older brother of well-known pianist and entertainer, Liberace. George's career included roles in films such as "The Alligator People" and "The Delicate Delinquent." He also played the accordion and provided musical accompaniment for his brother's shows. George was known for his sense of humor and his talent as a performer. Despite his successful career, he remained humble and dedicated to his family.

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Kenny Baker

Kenny Baker (September 30, 1912 Monrovia-August 10, 1985 Solvang) a.k.a. Kenneth Laurence Baker was an American singer and actor.

He died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Kenny Baker was best known for his work as a singer and actor in Hollywood films during the 1930s and 1940s. He started his career as a member of the California Collegians, a popular dance band, and later signed a contract with a major movie studio. He appeared in over 70 films, including many musical comedies and was a regular performer on several radio programs. Baker's signature song, "Love Walked In," became a hit in the 1930s and has since become a jazz standard. Despite his success, Baker retired from show business in the early 1950s and lived a relatively private life until his death in 1985.

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Mark Lenard

Mark Lenard (October 15, 1924 Chicago-November 22, 1996 New York City) also known as Leonard Rosenson was an American actor. His children are called Roberta Lenard and Catherine Lenard.

He died caused by multiple myeloma.

Mark Lenard was best known for his portrayal of Sarek, the father of Spock, in the popular sci-fi television series "Star Trek". He appeared in several episodes of the original series as well as in the films "Star Trek: The Motion Picture", "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock", and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home". Lenard also had a successful stage career, appearing in numerous Broadway productions throughout the 1950s and 1960s, as well as in several off-Broadway productions. In addition to his acting work, Lenard was also a decorated World War II veteran, having served in the United States Army for four years.

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Don Meredith

Don Meredith (April 10, 1938 Mount Vernon-December 5, 2010 Santa Fe) a.k.a. Joseph Don Meredith, don_meredith or Dandy Don was an American american football player, announcer and actor. He had three children, Heather Meredith, Mary Donna Meredith and Michael Meredith.

Meredith was a standout quarterback at Southern Methodist University before being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1960. He played for the Cowboys until 1968 and led the team to two NFL Championship games. After retiring from football, Meredith became a beloved broadcaster, most notably as an analyst on "Monday Night Football" from 1970 to 1984 alongside Howard Cosell and Frank Gifford. He also had several acting roles, including a memorable appearance in the film "The Longest Yard" (1974). Meredith was known for his folksy personality, quick wit, and colorful commentary, earning him the nickname "Dandy Don".

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