American movie stars died at 76
Here are 25 famous actors from United States of America died at 76:
Charles Nelson Reilly
Charles Nelson Reilly (January 13, 1931 South Bronx-May 25, 2007 Beverly Hills) otherwise known as Charles Nelson-Reilly, CNR or Chuck was an American comedian, actor, film director, voice actor, teacher, theatre director and television director.
He died in pneumonia.
He was born into an Irish Catholic family and raised in the Bronx. Reilly started his career in theater, working in various productions on and off-Broadway. He was also known for his appearances on television game shows, including "Match Game" and "The Hollywood Squares". In addition to his work in comedy and acting, Reilly also directed several successful plays on and off-Broadway. Reilly was openly gay and often used his sexuality as a source of humor in his work. He received a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award nomination for his role in the Broadway play "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying". Reilly's career in entertainment spanned several decades and he remained active in the industry until his death in 2007.
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Jack Lemmon
Jack Lemmon (February 8, 1925 Newton-June 27, 2001 Los Angeles) also known as John Uhler Lemmon III, John Uhler "Jack" Lemmon III or Jack was an American musician, actor and film producer. His children are Chris Lemmon and Courtney Lemmon.
He died as a result of bladder cancer.
Lemmon was born in Newton, Massachusetts and attended Harvard University before pursuing a career in acting. He first gained recognition for his roles in comedy films such as "Some Like It Hot" and "The Apartment," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Throughout his career, Lemmon appeared in over 60 films and worked with notable directors such as Billy Wilder and Blake Edwards. He also appeared in numerous stage productions and won a Tony Award for his role in the play "Long Day's Journey into Night." In addition to his successful acting career, Lemmon was also a talented musician and frequently incorporated music into his performances. He was known for his wit, charm, and versatility as an actor, and his performances continue to be celebrated and admired by audiences today.
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Bob Keeshan
Bob Keeshan (June 27, 1927 Lynbrook-January 23, 2004 Windsor) also known as Robert James Keeshan, Robert Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo or Bob Keeshen was an American actor and television producer.
Born in Lynbrook, New York in 1927, Bob Keeshan started his career in television as the beloved host of the children's show "Captain Kangaroo" which aired from 1955 to 1984. He created the character himself, and its innovative mix of education and entertainment made it an instant hit with children and adults alike. Over the course of his career, Keeshan won numerous awards including six Emmy Awards and three Peabody Awards for his work in children's programming. He also worked as a television producer and writer, creating and developing popular shows such as "Winky Dink and You" and "Mr. Mayor". After retiring from television, Keeshan devoted his time to advocating for children's education and literacy, receiving the Children's Miracle Award in 1989 for his efforts. He passed away in 2004 in Windsor, Vermont at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, creativity and dedication to promoting children's welfare.
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Lionel Barrymore
Lionel Barrymore (April 28, 1878 Philadelphia-November 15, 1954 Van Nuys) also known as Lionel Herbert Blythe or Lionel Blythe was an American actor, film director, graphic artist, screenwriter, author, film producer and film score composer. He had two children, Ethel Barrymore and Mary Barrymore.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Barrymore was born into a famous theatrical family, as the son of stage actors Georgiana Drew and Maurice Barrymore. He began his own acting career in 1893, and over the course of his long and varied career, he appeared in more than 200 films, including both silent and sound pictures. Some of his notable film roles include Mr. Potter in "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) and the villainous Henry Potter in "You Can't Take It with You" (1938).
Aside from his acting work, Barrymore was also a talented artist and composer. He studied painting in Paris, and later became an accomplished etcher and printmaker. He also composed music for several films, including "Romeo and Juliet" (1936) and "The Great Man Votes" (1939). In addition to his artistic pursuits, Barrymore was a prolific writer, publishing several books and articles throughout his life.
Barrymore was known for his versatility as an actor, and his ability to portray complex and nuanced characters on screen. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "A Free Soul" (1931), and was also nominated for his performances in "Viva Villa!" (1934) and "The Devil-Doll" (1936). Overall, he remains an important figure in the history of American cinema, and his contributions to both the arts and entertainment industries continue to be celebrated to this day.
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Clifton Webb
Clifton Webb (November 19, 1889 Indianapolis-October 13, 1966 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Webb Parmalee Hollenbeck was an American actor, singer and dancer.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Clifton Webb first gained fame for his roles on Broadway in the 1920s and 1930s. He transitioned to Hollywood in the 1940s and became known for his roles in films such as "Laura" (1944), "The Razor's Edge" (1946), and "Sitting Pretty" (1948). He received three Academy Award nominations for his performances and was known for his unique, dapper style both on and off screen. Additionally, Webb was one of the first Hollywood stars to publicly acknowledge his homosexuality, although he never went into detail about his personal life.
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Richard Crenna
Richard Crenna (November 30, 1926 Los Angeles-January 17, 2003 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Richard Donald Crenna, Dick Crenna or Richard McKenna was an American actor, film director, television director, television producer and voice actor. His children are called Richard Anthony Crenna, Maria Crenna and Seana Crenna.
He died caused by pancreatic cancer.
Crenna began his acting career in radio dramas and later moved to television and film. He is well-known for his role as Colonel Trautman in the Rambo film series where he starred alongside Sylvester Stallone. He also received critical acclaim for his role in the television series "The Real McCoys" where he played the lead character, Luke McCoy.
In addition to acting, Crenna also worked behind the scenes as a director and producer. He directed several episodes of popular television shows like "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Hawaii Five-O," and produced the television series "Slattery's People" and "The Smith Family."
Crenna was a versatile actor and played a wide range of characters throughout his career. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his supporting role in the film "The Sand Pebbles" and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Despite his success in Hollywood, Crenna remained a humble and grounded individual throughout his life. He was known for his kind and generous nature and was deeply respected by his colleagues and peers.
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George Plimpton
George Plimpton (March 18, 1927 New York City-September 25, 2003 New York City) otherwise known as George Ames Plimpton, Prince of Cameos or Beast Butler was an American journalist, writer, actor, editor and screenwriter. He had four children, Laura Dudley Plimpton, Medora Ames Plimpton Harris, Olivia Hartley Plimpton and Taylor Ames Plimpton.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Plimpton was known for his unique approach to journalism which involved him participating in the events he covered, such as training with a professional football team or performing with the New York Philharmonic orchestra. He authored several books, including "Paper Lion," which chronicled his experience as a third-string quarterback for the Detroit Lions. Plimpton also appeared in several films and television shows, often playing eccentric and comedic characters. He was the founding editor of The Paris Review, a prestigious literary magazine that has published works by many notable writers. Despite his many accomplishments, Plimpton was known for his humble and charming personality, and was beloved by many in the literary and entertainment worlds.
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Jim Backus
Jim Backus (February 25, 1913 Cleveland-July 3, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as James Gilmore Backus, James G. Backus, James Backus or James Gilmore "Jim" Backus was an American actor, voice actor and writer.
He died in pneumonia.
Backus began his acting career on radio in the 1940s and gained widespread recognition for his role as millionaire Thurston Howell III on the television show Gilligan's Island. He also provided the voice of the character Mr. Magoo in animated series and films. In addition to his work in film and television, Backus also co-wrote several movies with friend and collaborator, Charles H. Schneer. Despite his success, Backus was known for his down-to-earth personality and friendly demeanor. He was married to his wife, Henny, for over fifty years, and they had four children together. In his later years, Backus appeared in a number of television commercials, including a series of ads for KFC. He remained active in the entertainment industry up until his death in 1989.
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Carroll O'Connor
Carroll O'Connor (August 2, 1924 Manhattan-June 21, 2001 Culver City) also known as John Carroll O'Connor or Matt Harris was an American actor, television producer, television director, comedian and screenwriter. He had one child, Hugh O'Connor.
He died as a result of diabetes mellitus.
Carroll O'Connor is best known for his role as Archie Bunker in the 1970s sitcom "All in the Family," which earned him four Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. He also played the same character in the spin-off series, "Archie Bunker's Place."
Before his breakout role as Archie Bunker, O'Connor appeared in various television shows and films, including "Naked City," "Hawaii Five-O," and "In the Heat of the Night," in which he played police chief Bill Gillespie.
In addition to his acting career, O'Connor was also a passionate advocate for civil rights and social justice. He was known for his outspokenness on political and social issues, and was particularly active in the anti-war and anti-apartheid movements.
Later in life, O'Connor struggled with alcohol addiction and the tragic death of his son, Hugh, who committed suicide in 1995. Despite these challenges, he continued to act in various television shows and films until his death in 2001 at the age of 76.
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Jack Pepper
Jack Pepper (June 14, 1902 Palestine-April 1, 1979 Los Angeles) also known as Edward Jackson Culpepper, Jack Pepper and His Society Pets, Edward Jackson "Jack" (Cul) Pepper or Jack Culpepper was an American singer, musician, comedian, actor, vaudeville performer, businessperson and dancer. He had one child, Cynthia Pepper.
Pepper began his career in show business as a child performer, touring with his family's vaudeville act. He later became a popular radio personality and made numerous appearances in film, often playing comic sidekick roles. Pepper also had success as a businessperson, owning several nightclubs and restaurants in Los Angeles. He continued performing well into his later years, including a notable stint as a regular guest on The Hollywood Squares. Despite struggling with alcoholism throughout his life, Pepper remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and was known for his quick wit and infectious energy.
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William Kunstler
William Kunstler (July 7, 1919 New York City-September 4, 1995 Manhattan) also known as Kunstler, William, William Moses Kunstler, William M. Kunstler or Bill Kunstler was an American lawyer, writer, actor, activist and military officer. He had four children, Karin Kunstler Goldman, Jane Drazek, Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler.
He died in cardiovascular disease.
Kunstler was known for his high-profile clients and his controversial cases. He defended civil rights activists, anti-war protesters, and members of the Black Panther Party. Some of his most well-known cases include the Chicago Seven trial and representing Native American activists in the Wounded Knee trial.
Although he was known as a defender of civil rights, Kunstler also faced criticism for his defense of clients with questionable conduct, including alleged rapists and members of organized crime.
Kunstler was also a vocal activist and participated in numerous social justice movements throughout his career. He was a leading voice in the fight against the death penalty and police brutality.
In addition to his legal work, Kunstler was an actor and writer. He appeared in several films, including "The Boston Strangler" and "Philadelphia Experiment II." He also wrote several books, including his memoir "My Life as a Radical Lawyer" and "The Case for Courage: A Manifesto for Defending Democracy."
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William Colby
William Colby (January 4, 1920 Saint Paul-April 27, 1996 Rock Point, Maryland) also known as William Egan Colby, William E. Colby or Director William Colby was an American actor. He had one child, Carl Colby.
He died in drowning.
Sorry, but the information in the initial post is incorrect. William Colby was not an actor, but a prominent figure in the United States government. He was the Director of Central Intelligence from 1973 to 1976 and played a significant role in the Vietnam War. Colby was born in Saint Paul and attended Princeton University and Columbia Law School. He served in the Office of Strategic Services during World War II and later joined the CIA. In addition to his time as CIA director, Colby also served as ambassador to several countries. He died in a mysterious drowning accident while canoeing near his home in Rock Point, Maryland in 1996.
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Joseph Jefferson
Joseph Jefferson (February 20, 1829 Philadelphia-April 23, 1905 Palm Beach) also known as Joseph Jefferson III or Joe Jefferson was an American actor and screenwriter. He had four children, William Jefferson, Thomas Jefferson, Charles B. Jefferson and Margaret Jefferson.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
Jefferson was best known for his portrayal of the character Rip Van Winkle, which he popularized and brought to fame. He began his career in the theater at a young age, performing alongside his family in a traveling troupe. He eventually became a leading actor in many of the major theaters in the United States and Europe.
In addition to his successful acting career, Jefferson also wrote several plays and screenplays, including the popular stage adaptation of Rip Van Winkle. He was a member of several theater organizations, and helped to found the Players' Club in New York City.
Jefferson's legacy as an actor has endured through his influence on the development of American theater. He is remembered as one of the great performers of his time, and his contributions to the art form continue to be celebrated today.
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Jud Taylor
Jud Taylor (February 25, 1932 New York City-August 6, 2008 New York City) also known as Judson Taylor, Alan Smithee or Judson "Jud" Taylor was an American actor, television director, television producer, film producer and film director.
He began his career as an actor in the 1950s, appearing in films such as "The Black Shield of Falworth" and "Al Capone." However, he is best known for his work as a television director and producer, working on shows such as "The Fugitive," "Star Trek," and "The Twilight Zone." Taylor was also a founding member of the Directors Guild of America, and served as its president from 1987-1989. In addition to his work in television, he directed several films, including "The Organization" and "Summer of '42." Taylor was a highly respected figure in the entertainment industry, known for his professionalism and talent.
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Charles Drake
Charles Drake (October 2, 1917 New York City-September 10, 1994 East Lyme) also known as Charles Rupert or Charles Ruppert was an American actor.
He trained at the Pasadena Playhouse and began his career on stage before transitioning to films in the 1940s. Drake appeared in over 70 films, including "The Maltese Falcon," "Flying Tigers," "Harvey," "It Came from Outer Space," and "The Wild Bunch." He also made numerous television appearances in shows such as "The Twilight Zone," "Bonanza," and "Hawaii Five-O." Drake was a decorated veteran of World War II and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained during the war.
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Alan King
Alan King (December 26, 1927 New York City-May 9, 2004 New York City) also known as Irwin Alan Kniberg or The Last Angry Man of the Suburbs was an American comedian, actor, television producer, film producer, screenwriter, author, philanthropist, professional boxer and presenter. He had three children, Andrew King, Robert King and Elainie Ray King.
He died in lung cancer.
Alan King began his career in entertainment in the 1950s as a stand-up comedian, performing on television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show". Over the years, he became known for his sarcastic wit and observational humor. He also appeared in several films, including "Casino" and "The Sunshine Boys", which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In addition to his work in entertainment, King was a philanthropist, founding the Alan King Charitable Foundation to support various causes, including education and the arts. He was also a passionate advocate for boxing, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997 for his contributions to the sport.
Throughout his career, King received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He remained active in entertainment until his death in 2004, at the age of 76.
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Martin Ritt
Martin Ritt (March 2, 1914 New York City-December 8, 1990 Santa Monica) was an American film director, actor, playwright, television director, film producer and television producer.
Ritt was known for his politically charged films that often dealt with social issues such as racial injustice and unionization. He was a graduate of the prestigious Actors Studio and began his career as an actor in the 1940s. However, he found greater success as a director and producer, winning multiple awards for his work. Some of his most famous films include "Hud," "The Spy Who Came in from the Cold," and "Norma Rae." He was also a mentor to many actors, including Sally Field and Sidney Poitier, both of whom won Academy Awards for their performances in his films. Ritt was known for his uncompromising approach to filmmaking and his commitment to social justice, making him a pivotal figure in the development of American cinema.
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Billy Barty
Billy Barty (October 25, 1924 Millsboro, Pennsylvania-December 23, 2000 Glendale) a.k.a. William John Bertanzetti or Fairie was an American actor and voice actor. His children are Lori Barty and Braden Barty.
He died as a result of cardiovascular disease.
Billy Barty was born with a rare genetic condition called Cartilage–hair hypoplasia, which caused him to grow only to a height of 3 feet and 9 inches. However, he did not let his height hold him back from pursuing his dreams of becoming an actor. Barty began his career in Hollywood in the 1930s and became a well-known character actor, appearing in over 80 films and numerous television shows. Some of his notable movies include "The Wizard of Oz", "Willow", "Foul Play", and "UHF".
In addition to his acting career, Barty was also a co-founder of the advocacy group Little People of America. He was a strong advocate for the rights of little people and worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the social and economic challenges faced by people with dwarfism.
Barty also lent his voice to various animated characters, including Figment in the Disney World attraction "Journey Into Imagination", and several characters in the animated TV show "The Smurfs".
Throughout his life, Billy Barty received several honors and recognitions for his contributions to the entertainment industry and to the little people community. He was posthumously inducted into the Little People of America Hall of Fame in 2009.
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Martin Balsam
Martin Balsam (November 4, 1919 The Bronx-February 13, 1996 Rome) a.k.a. Martin Henry Balsam or The Bronx Barrymore was an American actor. He had three children, Talia Balsam, Zoe Balsam and Adam Balsam.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Martin Balsam was a highly respected character actor who appeared in over 150 films, television shows and stage productions during his career. He began his acting career in the 1940s, appearing on Broadway before transitioning to film and television.
Balsam won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 1965 film "A Thousand Clowns," and also received acclaim for his roles in films such as "12 Angry Men," "Psycho," "On the Waterfront," and "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three."
In addition to his successful acting career, Balsam also served in the military during World War II, and was a founding member of the Actors Studio in New York City.
Despite his success, Balsam maintained a low profile and was known for his quiet professionalism and dedication to his craft. He is remembered as one of the greatest character actors of his generation.
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George Jean Nathan
George Jean Nathan (February 14, 1882 Fort Wayne-April 8, 1958 New York City) otherwise known as George Nathan was an American actor, critic and editor.
Nathan started his career as a journalist at the New York Herald before becoming a theater critic. He was known for his sharp wit and his essays on theatre, published in The Smart Set and The American Mercury, were highly influential. Nathan co-founded Theatre Arts Monthly in 1916 and served as its editor until 1922. He co-wrote several plays with his long-time collaborator, H. L. Mencken, including the controversial play "The Tired Businessman." Nathan's contributions to American theatre were recognized with a special Tony Award in 1957.
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Santos Ortega
Santos Ortega (June 30, 1899 New York City-April 10, 1976 Fort Lauderdale) was an American actor.
Ortega had a long and illustrious career in both radio and television. He began his acting career in the 1930s and quickly made a name for himself as a versatile character actor in Hollywood. Ortega appeared in over 30 films throughout his career. Some of his most notable film appearances include "The Mark of Zorro" (1940), "The Sullivans" (1944), and "The Molly Maguires" (1970).
In addition to his film work, Ortega was also well-known for his work in radio, where he became one of the most recognizable voices in the industry. He appeared in numerous radio dramas, including "The Shadow," "Inner Sanctum Mysteries," and "The Lone Ranger."
Ortega continued to work in radio throughout the 1950s, but also began to shift his focus to television. He appeared in a number of popular television shows, including "Gunsmoke," "The Twilight Zone," and "Bonanza." However, he is perhaps best known for his role as Mr. Purdy in the hit television series "All in the Family."
Despite his success in Hollywood, Ortega remained humble and never forgot his roots. He was a lifelong supporter of The Actor's Fund, an organization that helps actors in need. He passed away in 1976 at the age of 76.
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Will Geer
Will Geer (March 9, 1902 Frankfort-April 22, 1978 Los Angeles) also known as William Auge Ghere, William Auge Geer, High Ghere or William Aughe Ghere was an American actor, botanist, singer and social activist. His children are Ellen Geer, Kate Geer and Thad Geer.
He died as a result of respiratory failure.
Geer began his acting career in theater and went on to achieve national recognition with his role as Grandpa in the TV series "The Waltons" for which he was nominated for an Emmy Award. He was also known for his roles in the films "Jeremiah Johnson" and "Nashville". In addition to acting, Geer was passionate about botany and was one of the founders of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, which combined his love for acting and botany. Geer was also a social activist and was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his left-wing politics. Despite this, he continued to act under the radar using a pseudonym for a period of time before being able to reclaim his name in the industry.
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Richard Kiley
Richard Kiley (March 31, 1922 Chicago-March 5, 1999 Warwick) also known as Richard David Kiley or Richard Paul Kiley was an American actor, voice actor and narrator. He had six children, David Kiley, Michael Kiley, Kathleen Kiley, Dorothea Kiley, Erin Kiley and Dierdre Kiley.
He died in bone marrow diseases.
Kiley's career spanned over four decades and he was known for his work on stage, television and film. He won two Tony Awards for his performances in the musicals "Redhead" and "Man of La Mancha". Kiley also appeared in several films including "The Thorn Birds" and "Jurassic Park" as the voice of the tour guide. He lent his voice to several documentaries and educational films, and was the narrator for the popular television series "The Joy of Painting" with Bob Ross. Kiley was admired for his deep, resonant voice and his ability to capture the essence of characters with his performances. He is remembered as one of the most versatile and talented actors of his generation.
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William Marshall
William Marshall (October 12, 1917 Chicago-June 8, 1994 Paris) also known as Billy Marshall, Bill Marshall or Gerard William Marshall was an American actor, singer, bandleader, film director and film producer. His children are called Tonie Marshall and Mike Marshall.
He died caused by natural causes.
William Marshall began his career in the entertainment industry as a singer and bandleader, performing with jazz greats like Duke Ellington and Count Basie. He transitioned into acting on both stage and screen, appearing in over 70 films and numerous TV shows throughout his career.
Marshall was also a trailblazer in the film industry, becoming the first African American to produce, direct, and star in a major motion picture with his film "DeVil in a Blue Dress" in 1995.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Marshall was also a civil rights activist, participating in the 1963 March on Washington and serving as a member of the Congress of Racial Equality.
Marshall's legacy lives on through his daughter, Tonie Marshall, who also became a successful filmmaker in France.
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Charles Bickford
Charles Bickford (January 1, 1891 Cambridge-November 9, 1967 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Charles Ambrose Bickford or Charlie was an American actor. He had two children, Doris Bickford and Rex Bickford.
He died as a result of sepsis.
Charles Bickford began his acting career on stage in the early 1900s, performing in productions both in the United States and in Europe. He made his transition to film in the 1920s, and went on to appear in over 80 films throughout his career. Bickford received critical acclaim for his performances in films such as "The Song of Bernadette" and "The Big Country," and was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. In addition to his film work, he also appeared in numerous television series in the 1950s and 1960s. Bickford was known for his intense and often dramatic performances, and was widely regarded as one of the greatest character actors of his time.
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