Here are 27 famous actors from United States of America died at 78:
Don Siegel (October 26, 1912 Chicago-April 20, 1991 Nipomo) also known as Donald Siegel, Allen Smithee or Don was an American film director, film producer, television director, actor, screenwriter and television producer. He had five children, Kristoffer Tabori, Nowell Siegel, Katherine Dorothy Salvaderi, Jack Siegel and Anney Mary Margaret Siegel.
He died in cancer.
Don Siegel had an extensive career in the entertainment industry that spanned over four decades. He began his career as a film editor in the 1930s before transitioning to directing in the 1940s. Siegel worked on a variety of projects throughout his career, ranging from Westerns to war dramas to science fiction films.
Some of his most notable films include "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956), "Dirty Harry" (1971), and "Escape from Alcatraz" (1979), all of which have become classics in their respective genres. Siegel was also known for his work on numerous television series, including "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits."
Throughout his career, Siegel received numerous accolades for his work, including several awards and nominations from the Directors Guild of America. He was also inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers in 1968.
Despite his success, Siegel was known for his often contentious relationships with actors and crew members on set. He was known for his gruff demeanor and blunt communication style, which sometimes caused clashes with collaborators. Nevertheless, his impact on the entertainment industry remains significant to this day.
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Charles Boyer (August 28, 1899 Figeac-August 26, 1978 Phoenix) otherwise known as the last of the cinema's great lovers was an American actor, television producer and film producer. He had one child, Michael Charles Boyer.
He died in drug overdose.
Charles Boyer was born in France and began his acting career in the French theater before transitioning to Hollywood films. He was known for his suave and sophisticated performances, often portraying romantic leads opposite actresses such as Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman. Boyer received several Oscar nominations throughout his career, including for his work in "Algiers" and "Gaslight." In addition to his acting work, Boyer also served as a producer on several films and television shows. Sadly, Boyer struggled with depression and reportedly died by suicide via a drug overdose at the age of 78.
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Bud Abbott (October 2, 1895 Asbury Park-April 24, 1974 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. William Alexander Abbott, Abbott, Abbott & Costello, Abbott and Costello or William Alexander "Bud" Abbott was an American comedian, actor, film producer and vaudeville performer. His children are called Bud Abbott Jr. and Vickie Abbott.
He died caused by cancer.
Bud Abbott was best known as the straight man of the famous comedy duo, Abbott and Costello, which he formed with his friend Lou Costello. Together, they starred in many successful films and television shows throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including the classic comedy routines "Who's on First?" and "The Lemon-aid Stand." Abbott was also a talented producer, having produced several films for his own production company, which he formed with Costello. In addition to his career in entertainment, Abbott also served in the United States Army during World War I. After his retirement from show business, he settled down in California with his wife, where he lived until his death in 1974. Despite his passing, his contribution to American comedy and entertainment lives on through his timeless performances and influence on future comedians and entertainers.
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Steve Allen (December 26, 1921 New York City-October 30, 2000 Los Angeles) also known as Stephen Valentine Patrick William Allen, Steven Allen or Stephen Valentine Patrick William "Steve" Allen was an American writer, comedian, talk show host, actor, screenwriter, musician, composer, television producer, film score composer and tv personality. His children are called David Allen, Bill Allen, Steve Allen Jr. and Brian Allen.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Steve Allen was one of the pioneers of modern television and is credited with creating the first late-night television talk show, "The Tonight Show". His career spanned over five decades, and he wrote over 50 books and composed over 8,500 songs in his lifetime. He was also a champion of the civil rights movement and used his platform to promote diversity and equal rights. In addition to his comedic and writing talents, Allen was also an accomplished jazz pianist and recorded several albums throughout his career. His influence on American popular culture is immeasurable, and he will always be remembered as one of the great entertainers of his time.
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Dean Martin (June 7, 1917 Steubenville-December 25, 1995 Beverly Hills) also known as Dino Paul Crocetti, Dino Martini, King of Cool, Kid Crochet, Martin & Lewis, Dino, King Leer, Dino Crocetti or The King of Cool was an American singer, comedian, actor, professional boxer, film producer, musician, songwriter, presenter, radio personality and businessperson. His children are called Deana Martin, Gina Martin, Dean Paul Martin, Ricci Martin, Claudia Martin, Craig Martin, Sasha Martin and Barbara Gail Martin.
He died caused by lung cancer.
Dean Martin began his career as a nightclub singer before branching out into comedy and acting. He was best known for his smooth, relaxed singing style and his partnership with comedian Jerry Lewis, with whom he performed in several successful comedy films. Martin also had a successful solo career, producing a number of hit songs including "That's Amore," "Memories Are Made of This," and "Everybody Loves Somebody." In addition to his work in entertainment, Martin was a shrewd businessman and invested in a number of successful ventures, including a successful television production company. Despite his public image as a carefree playboy, Martin was a devout Catholic who was deeply devoted to his family.
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Zeppo Marx (February 25, 1901 New York City-November 30, 1979 Rancho Mirage) also known as Herbert Marx, Zep, Herbert Manfred Marx, Herbert Manfred "Zeppo" Marx or Marx Brothers was an American comedian, inventor, actor and talent agent.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
Zeppo was the youngest of the Marx Brothers and appeared in the first five Marx Brothers' films. However, he left the group in 1933 to pursue a career as a talent agent. He went on to represent some of Hollywood's biggest names, including Jack Benny, Lana Turner, and Milton Berle. In addition to his comedy career and talent agency work, Zeppo was also an inventor and held several patents, including one for a wristwatch with a heart-monitoring device.
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Marion Barry (March 6, 1936 Itta Bena-November 23, 2014) also known as Marion S. Barry Jr., Marion Shepilov Barry, Jr., Marion Berry, Mayor Marion Barry Jr., Mayor Marion Berry or Mayor Marion was an American politician and actor. He had one child, Marion Christopher Barry.
He died in cardiac arrest.
Barry began his career as a civil rights activist in the 1960s, working with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. He later served as the first chairman of the DC City Council and was twice elected mayor of Washington, D.C. In the early 1990s, Barry was caught on tape smoking crack cocaine and subsequently served six months in prison. Despite this, he was re-elected to the D.C. Council in 1992 and completed his fourth and final term as mayor in 1999. Barry was also known for his efforts to promote economic development in low-income neighborhoods, as well as his controversial comments on race relations. In addition to his political career, Barry appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Wire."
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Buddy Hackett (August 31, 1924 Brooklyn-June 30, 2003 Malibu) also known as Leonard Hacker, Hackett, Buddy or Lenny Hacker was an American comedian, actor and voice actor. He had three children, Sandy Hackett, Ivy Julie Hackett and Lisa Jean Hackett.
He died in diabetes mellitus.
Throughout his career, Buddy Hackett became a well-known comedian and actor, known for his unique brand of humor that often included telling stories and jokes with a mix of both traditional and risque material. In addition to his successful stand-up career, Hackett also appeared in numerous films, including "The Love Bug" and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Later in his career, he also became a popular voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated films such as "The Little Mermaid" and "A Bug's Life." Hackett was known for his quick wit, improvisational skills, and charisma, and his legacy continues to influence the world of comedy today.
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Billy Eckstine (July 8, 1914 East Liberty-March 8, 1993 Pittsburgh) also known as Billie Eckstine, Billy Eckstien, William Clarence Eckstein or Eckstine, Billy was an American singer and actor. His children are Ed Eckstine, Gina Eckstine and Guy Eckstine.
Eckstine was widely regarded as an influential jazz ballad singer and bandleader during the 1940s and 1950s. With a distinctive rich and mellow baritone voice, he recorded several hit songs such as "I Apologize," "My Foolish Heart," and "Everything I Have is Yours". Eckstine also played a significant role in breaking down racial barriers in popular music during the 1940s, as he became the first black male singer to receive a contract with a major white-owned record label.
Aside from his music career, Eckstine also appeared in several films such as "Rhythm in a Riff" and "Make Mine Music," and made numerous television appearances throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Later in life, he returned to his roots in jazz music and in 1984 he was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame. Despite being plagued by health issues, Eckstine continued to perform until shortly before his death in 1993 at the age of 78.
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Brock Peters (July 2, 1927 New York City-August 23, 2005 Los Angeles) also known as George Fisher or Broc Peters was an American actor and voice actor. He had one child, Lise Jo Peters.
He died in pancreatic cancer.
Peters began his acting career in the late 1940s in New York City, performing in various theatre productions. He made his Broadway debut in 1953 in the play "On Strivers Row." In 1962, he gained widespread recognition for his performance as Tom Robinson in the film adaptation of Harper Lee's novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." He went on to appear in several other films, including "The Pawnbroker," "Soylent Green," and "Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home."
Aside from his work in film, Peters was also known for his prolific voice acting career, lending his voice to various animated television series such as "The Transformers" and "Gargoyles," as well as video games including "Kingdom Hearts II" and "Halo 2."
Throughout his career, Peters was also an advocate for civil rights, and worked with organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Civil Rights Congress.
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Jason Robards Jr. (July 26, 1922 Chicago-December 26, 2000 Bridgeport) also known as Jason Nelson Robards Jr., Jason Nelson Robards, Jr., Jason, Jr, Jason Robards Sr. or Jason Robards was an American actor and voice actor. He had six children, Sam Robards, Jake Robards, Jason Robards III, Shannon Robards, Sarah Louise Robards and David Robards.
He died in lung cancer.
Robards had a prolific career in both theater and film, earning two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for his roles in "All the President's Men" and "Julia." He was also nominated for three other Oscars and won four Tony Awards for his work on Broadway. Robards was known for his versatility as an actor, from portraying historical figures like Benjamin Bradlee and Abraham Lincoln, to complex characters in dramas like "Long Day's Journey Into Night" and "A Thousand Clowns." In addition to his acting work, Robards also served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
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Robert Novak (February 26, 1931 Joliet-August 18, 2009 Washington, D.C.) also known as The Prince of Darkness, Bob Novak, Robert David Sanders Novak, Robert David Sanders "Bob" Novak, Bob Novack or Baby Jesus was an American journalist, tv personality, commentator, author and actor. His children are called Zelda Novak and Alex Novak.
He died caused by cancer.
Novak began his journalism career as a reporter for the Associated Press before becoming the Washington correspondent for the Wall Street Journal. He later joined the conservative publication, National Review and co-hosted the political talk show, The Capital Gang, on CNN for 17 years.
Novak was known for his conservative views and reporting on political scandals, including the Valerie Plame CIA leak case in which he played a controversial role. He wrote several books, including "The Prince of Darkness: 50 Years Reporting in Washington" and "The Great American House Price Bubble: The Road to Collapse".
Aside from his journalism career, Novak also appeared in several Hollywood films, including "Superman II" and "The War of the Roses". He was also a member of the Catholic Church and a co-founder of the now-defunct anti-abortion group, Empower America.
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Donald O'Connor (August 28, 1925 Chicago-September 27, 2003 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Donald O'Conner, David Dixon Ronald O’Connor, Donald David Dixon Ronald O'Connor or O'Connor, Donald was an American singer, actor, television director, television producer and dancer. He had four children, Donald Frederick O'Connor, Donna O'Connor, Kevin O'Connor and Alicia O'Conner.
He died in cardiovascular disease.
O'Connor began his career in entertainment as a child vaudeville performer alongside his siblings. He later transitioned to film and starred in many classic musicals, including "Singin' in the Rain" with Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds. O'Connor also had his own television show, "The Donald O'Connor Show," and earned an Emmy award for his appearance on "The Colgate Comedy Hour." Additionally, he made guest appearances on a variety of shows including "The Love Boat" and "The Twilight Zone." Later in life, O'Connor continued performing on stage and in films, and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Huntz Hall (August 15, 1920 New York City-January 30, 1999 North Hollywood) a.k.a. Henry Richard Hall, Henry Hall, Henry Richard "Huntz" Hall or Huntz was an American comedian and actor. He had one child, Gary Hall.
He died as a result of cardiovascular disease.
Huntz Hall is best known for his role as one of the members of the Dead End Kids/East Side Kids/Bowery Boys series of films in the 1930s and 1940s. He appeared in over 100 movies throughout his career, including the 1960s TV series "The Bowery Boys." Hall began his acting career at the age of 5, when he appeared in a silent film, and continued working in the industry for over six decades. He also appeared in Broadway productions, including "Dead End" and "Swan Song". Throughout his life, he remained an active member of the Screen Actor's Guild and was involved in charity work for children.
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Chester Lauck (February 9, 1902 Arkansas-February 21, 1980 Seal Beach) a.k.a. Chester "Chet" Lauck, Chet, Lum, Chester H. Lauck or Harris Chester "Chet" Lauck was an American actor.
Chester Lauck was best known for creating and portraying the character of "Lum" Edwards in the popular American radio program, "Lum and Abner". He co-starred with his friend and radio partner Norris Goff who played "Abner". The duo met while working as salesmen in Arkansas, and they began imitating the local townspeople and politicians for fun during their downtime. Their comedic skits soon became popular, and the pair eventually moved to Chicago to pursue a career in radio. "Lum and Abner" aired from 1931 to 1954, and the show's success led to several films and television shows featuring the characters. In addition to his work as an actor and writer, Lauck was also a skilled pilot and owned several planes. He passed away in 1980 at the age of 78.
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William Beaudine (January 15, 1892 New York City-March 18, 1970 Canoga Park) also known as William Washington Beaudine, W.W. Beaudine, William W. Beaudine, One-Shot, Beau, William Beaudine Sr., Bill, William X. Crowley, W. W. Beaudine, William "One-Shot" Beaudine, William Beaudine Jr., Billy Beaudine or WIlliam Crowley was an American film director, actor, screenwriter, television director, film producer and writer. He had three children, William Beaudine Jr., Margaret Beaudine and Helen Beaudine.
He died in acute kidney injury.
William Beaudine began his entertainment career as an actor in silent films, then transitioned into directing in the 1910s. He directed hundreds of films in his career, ranging from silent comedies to Westerns to horror movies. Beaudine was known for his fast-paced style and efficiency, earning the nickname "One-Shot" because he often filmed scenes in a single take.
In the 1950s, Beaudine began working in television, directing episodes of popular shows like "Lassie" and "The Lone Ranger." He continued to work in TV throughout the 1960s, directing episodes of "Perry Mason" and "The Green Hornet," among others.
Beaudine was married to actress Marguerite Fleischer, and their son William Beaudine Jr. also had a career in the entertainment industry as a producer and director.
Despite his prolific career, Beaudine's work was often underappreciated by critics and he was sometimes dismissed as a "journeyman" director. However, many of his films and TV episodes are now considered cult classics.
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Jean Shepherd (July 26, 1921 Chicago-October 16, 1999 Sanibel) otherwise known as Jean Parker Shepherd, Shep, J. Shepherd, Jean Shepard, Frederick R. Ewing, Shepherd, Jean or Jean Parker Shepherd, Jr. was an American writer, radio personality, author, actor, screenwriter and raconteur. He had two children, Randall Shepherd and Adrien Shepherd.
He died caused by natural causes.
Jean Shepherd is best known for his work in the field of radio broadcasting. He hosted a nightly radio show called "The Jean Shepherd Show" on WOR in New York City from 1956 to 1977, where he entertained audiences with his unique blend of humor and storytelling. He also wrote several books, including "In God We Trust, All Others Pay Cash," which was later adapted into the classic holiday film "A Christmas Story." In addition to his writing and radio work, Shepherd also appeared in several films and TV shows throughout his career. He was a member of the Screen Actors Guild and appeared in films such as "The Phantom of the Open Hearth" and "My Summer Story." Despite his fame and success, Shepherd remained a private person throughout his life, and little is known about his personal beliefs or relationships.
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Garry Moore (January 31, 1915 Baltimore-November 28, 1993 Hilton Head Island) a.k.a. Thomas Garrison Morfit, III, or Thomas Garrison Morfit was an American game show host, tv personality, comedian and actor.
He died caused by emphysema.
Moore began his career as a radio personality on Baltimore's WBAL, and later moved to television in New York City. He gained national attention as the host of several popular game shows, including "I've Got a Secret" and "To Tell the Truth". In addition to his game show hosting duties, Moore also starred in his own variety show, "The Garry Moore Show", which aired from 1950 to 1967. He was known for his warm and affable personality, as well as his quick wit and sense of humor. Moore won several Emmy Awards throughout his career, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1992.
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Gene Wood (October 20, 1925 Quincy-May 21, 2004 Boston) also known as Eugene Edward Wood or Eugene Edward "Gene" Wood was an American announcer, game show host, actor, writer and television producer.
He died as a result of cancer.
Wood began his career in radio, working as an announcer and disc jockey. He then moved into television, where he became best known as the announcer for popular game shows such as "The Dating Game," "Family Feud," and "Card Sharks."
In addition to his work as an announcer, Wood also appeared on camera as a game show host, hosting shows such as "Beat the Clock" and "Anything You Can Do." He also worked as a writer and producer on various television programs, including "The Carol Burnett Show" and "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson."
Despite his success in television, Wood remained humble and approachable. He was known for his warm and friendly personality, and for always making time to talk to fans and aspiring voice actors.
Today, Gene Wood is remembered as a beloved figure in the world of television and game shows. His contributions to the industry continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
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James Wheaton (January 11, 1924 Meridian-June 9, 2002 Los Angeles) also known as James Lorenzo Wheaton or James Lorenzo was an American actor. He had one child, Frank K. Wheaton.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Wheaton began his acting career in the early 1950s and appeared in many notable films and television shows throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his roles in "Blacula" (1972), "The Serpent and the Rainbow" (1988), and "M.A.S.H." (1974-1981). Wheaton also had a successful career as a stage actor, performing in productions across the United States, including at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and the Yale Repertory Theatre. Despite his success, Wheaton faced discrimination and limited opportunities as a Black actor during the 1950s and 1960s. He later became an activist and was involved in various civil rights organizations. In his later years, Wheaton also taught at the American Film Institute and the University of Southern California.
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Sidney Blackmer (July 13, 1895 Salisbury-October 6, 1973 New York City) also known as Sydney Blackmer, S.A. Blackmer or Sidney Alderman Blackmer was an American actor. He had two children, Jonathan Blackmer and Brewster Blackmer.
He died as a result of cancer.
Blackmer began his acting career in the 1910s, mostly on stage productions. He gained critical acclaim for his role in the play "Abie's Irish Rose" in 1924. He made his first film appearance in "The Face Behind the Mask" in 1938, and went on to appear in over 150 films throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his role as Roman Castevet in Roman Polanski's 1968 film "Rosemary's Baby". Blackmer was also a vocal advocate for nuclear disarmament and was a member of the Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy.
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George Kirgo (March 26, 1926 United States of America-August 22, 2004 Santa Monica) a.k.a. George Blumenthal was an American writer, actor, film producer, screenwriter and author. He had three children, Dinah Kirgo, Julie Kirgo and Nick Kirgo.
He died in renal failure.
Kirgo was best known for his work as a screenwriter in the 1950s and 1960s. He began his career as a writer for the television series "Playhouse 90" and went on to write for other popular shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Gunsmoke". Kirgo also wrote several feature films, such as "Valley of the Dolls" and "Red Sky at Morning".
Aside from his work in writing, Kirgo was also an accomplished producer. He served as co-producer for the film "The Secret of NIMH" and produced the television series "The Edge of Night". In addition, he wrote several mystery novels under the pseudonym George Blumenthal.
Throughout his career, Kirgo was a member of various writers' organizations, including the Writers Guild of America and the Mystery Writers of America. He received several awards and nominations for his work, including an Emmy nomination for his writing on "The Defenders".
Kirgo's legacy continues to live on through his extensive contributions to film and television.
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Al Freeman, Jr. (March 21, 1934 San Antonio-August 9, 2012 Washington, D.C.) a.k.a. Albert Cornelius Freeman, Jr., Albert Cornelius Freeman Jr., Jr. Albert Cornelius Freeman, Al Freeman, Albert C. Freeman Jr., Albert Cornelius "Al" Freeman, Jr. or Professor Albert C. Freeman, Jr. was an American actor, television director and educator.
He is best known for his portrayal of Elijah Muhammad in Spike Lee's film "Malcolm X" and for his role as Police Captain Ed Hall on the soap opera "One Life to Live," for which he won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1979. Freeman also appeared in many other film and television productions, including "Amistad," "The Cosby Show," and "Law & Order." In addition to his acting career, Freeman was a professor of theater arts at Howard University for over 20 years. He was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1989.
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Franklin Pierce Adams (November 15, 1881 Chicago-March 23, 1960 New York City) a.k.a. Franklin P. Adams or F.P.A. was an American journalist and actor.
He was best known for his witty columns in the New York newspapers, which chronicled the social and cultural scene in the city during the 1910s and 1920s. Adams was a prolific writer and also wrote books, plays, and screenplays. He was an early member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and intellectuals who met regularly at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. In addition to his writing career, Adams also had a successful career as a character actor, appearing in films such as It Happened One Night and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. He was known for his distinctive voice and often played politicians or other authority figures. Adams was a beloved figure in New York City during his lifetime and was mourned by many when he passed away in 1960 at the age of 78.
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William Pierson (July 17, 1926 Brooklyn-August 27, 2004 Newton) also known as William H. Pierson was an American actor.
He died caused by respiratory failure.
Pierson began his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career. Some of his most notable film credits include "The Cincinnati Kid," "Parrish," and "The Hallelujah Trail." He also had recurring roles on television shows such as "The Big Valley" and "Route 66."
In addition to his work as an actor, Pierson also served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1981 to 1985. He was actively involved in the guild for many years and worked to improve the working conditions and wages for actors in the industry.
Pierson was married to actress Mitzi Hoag for over 40 years until her death in 2005. They had two children together. Pierson was also an avid golfer and played in numerous celebrity tournaments over the years.
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William Marshall (August 19, 1924 Gary-June 11, 2003 Los Angeles) also known as William Horace Marshall, Bill Marshall or Wiliam Marshall was an American actor and opera singer. His children are called Gina Loring, Tariq Marshall, Claude Marshall and Malcolm Juarez.
He died caused by alzheimer's disease.
Marshall began his career on Broadway, debuting in 1944 in the production of Carmen Jones. He then went on to perform in numerous operas throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including Porgy and Bess and Othello. Marshall is also known for his work in film and television, including his portrayal of the title character in the blaxploitation film Blacula (1972). In addition to his acting career, Marshall was a prominent activist and supporter of civil rights causes. In 1972, he co-founded the Watts Repertory Company in Los Angeles, which provided acting opportunities for African American performers.
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Ben Lyon (February 6, 1901 Atlanta-March 22, 1979 Honolulu) also known as Ben Lyon, Jr. was an American actor. He had two children, Barbara Lyon and Richard Lyon.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Ben Lyon began his acting career in the silent film era, and continued to act in films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He also had a successful career on radio and television, hosting the popular show "Life with the Lyons" with his wife Bebe Daniels. During World War II, Lyon served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was awarded the Air Medal for his service. After the war, he continued to act in films and on television, appearing in shows such as "77 Sunset Strip". Despite his success on screen, Lyon was also known for his philanthropic work, particularly his support of the March of Dimes.
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