American movie stars died at 80
Here are 21 famous actors from United States of America died at 80:
Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock (August 13, 1899 Leytonstone-April 29, 1980 Bel-Air) a.k.a. Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, Hitch, The Master of Suspense, Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, Mr. Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, KBE or A. Hitchcock was an American film director, actor, film producer, screenwriter, television director, television producer, film art director, film editor and writer. His child is called Pat Hitchcock.
He died caused by renal failure.
Alfred Hitchcock was widely regarded as one of the most influential and iconic filmmakers in the history of cinema. He began his career as a silent film director in Britain before moving to Hollywood in 1939, where he directed some of his most acclaimed works including "Psycho", "Vertigo", and "North by Northwest". Hitchcock's films were known for their suspenseful plots, clever use of camera angles and lighting, and for his cameo appearances in many of his own films. He was a master of the thriller genre and created a recognizable style that was widely imitated in the years that followed. He received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award and the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award. His legacy as a filmmaker and his influence on the art of film continues to be celebrated around the world.
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Burt Lancaster
Burt Lancaster (November 2, 1913 Manhattan-October 20, 1994 Century City) also known as Burton Stephen Lancaster, Lancaster, Mr Muscles and Teeth or The Grin was an American actor, film producer, film director, circus performer, salesman, soldier and voice actor. He had five children, Bill Lancaster, Sighle Lancaster, Susan Lancaster, Joanna Lancaster and Jimmy Lancaster.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Lancaster began his career as a circus performer, working as an acrobat and eventually performing in vaudeville shows. He then went on to pursue acting, starting with small roles on Broadway before his breakthrough film role in "The Killers" in 1946. Lancaster went on to star in over 80 films throughout his career, including "Elmer Gantry", for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor.
Beyond acting, Lancaster was also a skilled producer and director, creating films such as "The Hallelujah Trail" and "The Midnight Man". He also served in the United States Army during World War II, earning the rank of sergeant.
In addition to his work in entertainment and military service, Lancaster was also a vocal advocate for social justice and civil rights. He was a close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and participated in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
Lancaster's legacy as an actor and artist continues to influence and inspire performers today.
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Brownie McGhee
Brownie McGhee (November 30, 1915 Knoxville-February 16, 1996 Oakland) also known as Walter "Brownie" McGhee, Walter Brown McGhee, Walter McGhee, Walter Brown ("Brownie") McGhee, Blind Boy Fuller No. 2. or Brownie McGee was an American singer, musician, actor and film score composer.
He died as a result of stomach cancer.
Brownie McGhee was a talented blues guitarist and singer, known for his intricate fingerpicking style and smooth vocals. He gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, performing with other blues legends such as Sonny Terry and Muddy Waters. McGhee also acted in several films and TV shows, including the 1961 movie "Angel Baby" and the 1986 miniseries "Crossings." In addition to his performance career, McGhee also composed music for films, including the soundtrack for the 1988 movie "Above the Law." Throughout his life, McGhee remained dedicated to the blues, even as the genre fell out of mainstream popularity. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1996, shortly after his death.
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Mack Sennett
Mack Sennett (January 17, 1880 Danville-November 5, 1960 Woodland Hills) also known as Michael Sinnott, Mack Sennet, Mr. Mack Sennett, Mikall Sinnott, Walter Terry or The King of Comedy was an American comedian, actor, film director, film producer, screenwriter, presenter, composer, cinematographer, film score composer, dancer, set designer, clown, singer and writer.
Sennett was best known for his work in silent comedy films, particularly creating and producing the Keystone Cops. Throughout his illustrious career, he produced over 1000 silent films, including some works that are now considered classics of early cinema. Sennett started his career as a performer in vaudeville before transitioning to filmmaking. He was an early pioneer of slapstick comedy and his movies were known for their fast-paced, chaotic nature. Sennett's legacy in the film industry earned him an Academy Honorary Award in 1937.
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Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 Omaha-July 1, 2004 Westwood) otherwise known as Marlon Brando, Jr., Bud, Mr. Mumbles or Marlon Brando Jr. was an American actor. He had 15 children, Christian Brando, Cheyenne Brando, Stephen Blackehart, Maimiti Brando, Ninna Priscilla Brando, Timothy Gahan Brando, Rebecca Brando, Myles Jonathan Brando, Dylan Brando, Simon Teihotu Brando, Miko Castaneda Brando, Raiatua Brando, Angelique Brando, Michael Gilman and Petra Brando-Corval.
He died in respiratory failure.
Marlon Brando is widely considered to be one of the greatest actors of all time. He rose to prominence in the 1950s with his performances in films such as "A Streetcar Named Desire", for which he received his first Academy Award nomination, and "On the Waterfront", for which he won his first Academy Award for Best Actor. Brando's unique and naturalistic acting style, which challenged traditional techniques, revolutionized the craft of acting and influenced generations of actors.
Aside from his acting career, Brando was also known for his political activism and social causes. He was an early supporter of the American Indian Movement and opposed the Vietnam War. Brando refused to accept his Best Actor Oscar for "The Godfather" in 1973 as a form of protest against the treatment of Native Americans in the film industry.
Brando's personal life was marked by numerous scandals and controversies, including his multiple marriages and affairs, allegations of violence and abuse, and the tragic death of his daughter Cheyenne in 1995. Despite his many flaws, Marlon Brando remains one of the most influential and enduring figures in the history of cinema.
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Otto Preminger
Otto Preminger (December 5, 1905 Vyzhnytsia-April 23, 1986 New York City) also known as Otto Ludwig Preminger or Otto the Ogre was an American film director, actor, film producer and theatre director. He had three children, Erik Lee Preminger, Victoria Preminger and Mark Preminger.
He died caused by alzheimer's disease.
Born in present-day Ukraine, Preminger immigrated to the United States in the early 1930s after fleeing Nazi persecution in Europe. He initially worked on Broadway as a theater director before transitioning to Hollywood as a film director in the 1940s. Preminger's career spanned over three decades, during which he directed classic films such as "Anatomy of a Murder," "Laura," and "Exodus."
In addition to his work as a director, Preminger also served as a producer on several of his own films, as well as on the Broadway productions of "The Moon is Blue" and "Porgy and Bess." He was known for his uncompromising and often controversial style, tackling taboo subjects such as drug addiction and homosexuality in his films at a time when such themes were still considered taboo by mainstream Hollywood.
Preminger received numerous accolades for his contributions to film and theater, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and nominations for multiple Academy Awards and Tony Awards. Despite his hard-nosed reputation, he was also known for mentoring and supporting young actors and directors, such as Clint Eastwood and William Friedkin.
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Jack Benny
Jack Benny (February 14, 1894 Chicago-December 26, 1974 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Benjamin Kubelsky, Ben K. Benny, Benny Kubelsky, Phil Abrams, Mr. Benny or Benny, Jack was an American comedian and actor. He had one child, Joan Benny.
He died as a result of pancreatic cancer.
Jack Benny first gained fame as a vaudeville comedian and went on to become a successful radio and television personality. His comedic style was known for his timing, deadpan delivery, and stingy persona. Benny was a beloved figure in American entertainment and won numerous awards throughout his career, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He also had a successful career as a musician, playing the violin in several of his performances. Benny was a trailblazer in breaking down racial barriers in entertainment and was known for his support of civil rights causes. He was married to his wife Mary Livingstone for over 40 years until her death in 1983.
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Melvyn Douglas
Melvyn Douglas (April 5, 1901 Macon-August 4, 1981 New York City) also known as Melvyn Edouard Hesselberg was an American actor. His children are Melvyn Gregory Hesselberg, Peter Gahagan Douglas and Mary Helen Douglas.
He died as a result of cardiac arrest.
Melvyn Douglas was born in Macon, Georgia, to parents from Kiev, Ukraine. He began his career as a theater actor in the 1920s and made his film debut in the 1931 film "Tonight or Never". He went on to star in numerous films, including "Ninotchka", "Hud", and "Being There", for which he won his second Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.
Douglas was known for his versatility as an actor, able to play both comedic and dramatic roles with equal skill. He was also a political activist and served as the president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. In addition to his two Oscars, Douglas also won a Primetime Emmy Award for his role in the television series "The Name of the Game".
Douglas was married twice, first to artist Rosalind Hightower and later to actress and director Helen Gahagan. He had three children, all of whom followed in his footsteps and became involved in the entertainment industry.
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Richard Farnsworth
Richard Farnsworth (September 1, 1920 Los Angeles-October 6, 2000 Lincoln) a.k.a. Dick Farnsworth, Bill Farnsworth or Richard W. Farnsworth was an American actor and stunt performer. He had two children, Diamond Farnsworth and Missy Farnsworth.
He died caused by suicide.
Farnsworth began his career as a stuntman in the 1930s before transitioning into acting in the 1960s. He is perhaps best known for his roles in "The Grey Fox" and "The Straight Story," both of which earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role. He continued to act in films and television throughout his career, with notable appearances in "Gone with the Wind," "The Natural," and "Anne of Green Gables." In addition to his acting work, Farnsworth was also an accomplished horse trainer and participated in rodeos.
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Joe Williams
Joe Williams (December 12, 1918 Cordele-March 29, 1999 Las Vegas) also known as Joseph Goreed, Williams, Joe or The Eddie Condon Jazz All-Stars was an American singer and actor.
Born in Georgia, Williams moved to Chicago as a young man where he began his singing career with the big bands of Jimmie Noone and Lionel Hampton. He gained widespread fame as the lead vocalist for the Count Basie Orchestra from 1954 to 1961, recording hits like "Every Day I Have the Blues" and "Alright, Okay, You Win." After leaving Basie's band, Williams continued to perform and record as a solo artist, collaborating with artists such as Ella Fitzgerald and Benny Carter. In addition to his music career, he also acted in films and television shows including "The Cotton Club" and "The Cosby Show." Williams was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1983.
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Leo Carrillo
Leo Carrillo (August 6, 1881 Los Angeles-September 10, 1961 Santa Monica) also known as Leopoldo Antonio Carrillo or Leo Carillo was an American actor, cartoonist and conservationist. He had one child, Marie Antoinette Carrillo.
He died caused by cancer.
Leo Carrillo was born into a prominent California family of Spanish and Mexican descent. He began his acting career in the silent film era and went on to appear in over 90 films and numerous television shows, including a role as Pancho in the popular 1950s Western television series "The Cisco Kid".
In addition to his acting career, Carrillo was an accomplished cartoonist and often contributed political cartoons to newspapers. He was also passionate about conservation and environmental issues, and helped establish several state parks in California including Leo Carrillo State Park, which was named after him.
Carrillo was a well-respected figure in Hollywood and was known for his philanthropy, regularly donating money to charitable causes. He was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry.
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Werner Klemperer
Werner Klemperer (March 22, 1920 Cologne-December 6, 2000 Manhattan) was an American actor and musician. His children are called Mark Klemperer and Erika Klemperer.
He died caused by cancer.
Werner Klemperer is best known for playing the role of Colonel Wilhelm Klink on the popular television series "Hogan's Heroes" which aired from 1965 to 1971. Klemperer won two Emmy Awards for his performance on the show. Prior to "Hogan's Heroes," Klemperer had a successful stage career, appearing in numerous Broadway productions. He also guest-starred on various television shows and had roles in several films.
Klemperer was born in Germany to a musical family. His father was the conductor Otto Klemperer and his mother was a soprano. He fled Germany with his family in 1935 due to the rise of the Nazi regime. Klemperer studied at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City and worked as a conductor and musical director before transitioning to acting. Klemperer was also an accomplished violinist and frequently incorporated music into his performances.
In addition to his entertainment career, Klemperer was also a passionate advocate for civil rights and was involved in several humanitarian efforts. He was an active member of the NAACP and supported various charitable organizations throughout his life.
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Patrick McGoohan
Patrick McGoohan (March 19, 1928 Astoria-January 13, 2009 Santa Monica) also known as Patrick Joseph McGoohan, Paddy Fitz or Joseph Serf was an American actor, television director, television producer and screenwriter. He had three children, Catherine McGoohan, Frances McGoohan and Anne McGoohan.
McGoohan was born in Astoria, Queens, New York City, but raised in Ireland and England. He began his acting career in the United Kingdom and gained fame for his role as John Drake in the spy series "Danger Man," which aired from 1960 to 1962. He later created and starred in the cult classic series "The Prisoner" (1967-68), which followed the story of a former secret agent who is imprisoned in a mysterious, Orwellian village.
In addition to his acting work, McGoohan also directed and produced several television shows and films, including an episode of "Columbo" and the movie "Catch My Soul." He won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on the television series "Columbo" and was also nominated for a Golden Globe for his performance in the movie "Braveheart."
McGoohan was known for his rigorous work ethic and his strong beliefs in individuality and freedom. He passed away in Santa Monica, California in 2009 at the age of 80.
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Busby Berkeley
Busby Berkeley (November 29, 1895 Los Angeles-March 14, 1976 Palm Desert) also known as William Berkeley Enos, Buzz or Busby Berkeley William Enos was an American film director, choreographer, television director and actor.
He died in natural causes.
Busby Berkeley is best known for his elaborate musical production numbers in films such as "42nd Street" and "Gold Diggers of 1933." He revolutionized the way dance was presented on film, using overhead shots and geometric patterns to create visually stunning sequences. Berkeley also directed and choreographed numerous Broadway musicals, including the original productions of "Babes in Arms" and "For Me and My Gal." In addition to his work in film and theater, Berkeley directed several popular television shows in the 1950s and 1960s. Despite his success, Berkeley struggled with alcoholism and financial troubles throughout his career.
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Mickey Hargitay
Mickey Hargitay (January 6, 1926 Budapest-September 14, 2006 Los Angeles) also known as Miklós Hargitay, Miklós Hargitay or Miklós "Mickey" Hargitay was an American bodybuilder and actor. His children are Mariska Hargitay, Zoltan Hargitay, Tina Hargitay and Mickey Hargitay Jr..
He died as a result of cancer.
Mickey Hargitay began his career as a bodybuilder, winning the Mr. Universe title in 1955. He then became a popular actor in the 1950s and 60s, appearing in films such as "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue" and "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" alongside Jayne Mansfield, whom he later married. Hargitay and Mansfield became one of the most iconic celebrity couples of the time, frequently appearing together in public and on screen. After Mansfield's tragic death in a car accident in 1967, Hargitay transitioned to a career in real estate, but remained involved in the entertainment industry through occasional film and TV appearances. Throughout his life, he remained close to his children, particularly his daughter Mariska Hargitay, who followed in his footsteps as an actor and is best known for her role as Olivia Benson on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit".
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Walter Brennan
Walter Brennan (July 25, 1894 Lynn-September 21, 1974 Oxnard) also known as Walter Andrew Brennan, Arthur Brennan, Walter Brennon, Walter Brenan, Another Poetry Fan or Walter Brennen was an American actor and singer. He had three children, Andy Brennan, Arthur Brennan and Ruth Brennan.
He died caused by emphysema.
Walter Brennan was born in Lynn, Massachusetts but grew up in Swampscott, Massachusetts. He was part of a large Irish Catholic family of ten siblings. He attended college at Rindge Technical High School in Cambridge and then went on to study at the Cambridge Latin High School.
After working a variety of jobs including a bank clerk and a stockbroker, Brennan decided to pursue a career in acting. He moved to California and began appearing in small roles in films in the 1930s. In 1936, he landed his breakthrough role in the film "Come and Get It" and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance.
Brennan is best known for his roles in Western films, often playing grizzled, old-timer characters. He appeared in over 200 films and television shows throughout his career, including "Red River," "Rio Bravo," and "The Guns of Will Sonnett," which earned him two additional Emmy Awards.
In addition to his acting career, Brennan was also a successful singer. He released several albums of country and western music, and his song "Old Rivers" reached #5 on the Billboard charts in 1962.
Brennan was married to his wife Ruth Wells for over 50 years before her death in 1974. He himself died just a few months later from complications related to emphysema. He is buried at San Fernando Mission Cemetery in Mission Hills, California.
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Jack Haley
Jack Haley (August 10, 1898 Boston-June 6, 1979 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Jack Haley Jr., John Joseph Haley, Jr., John Joseph Haley Jr., John Joseph "Jack" Haley or John Joseph Haley was an American actor, vaudeville performer, comedian and singer. He had two children, Jack Haley, Jr. and Gloria Haley.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Haley is best known for his role as the Tin Man in the 1939 film "The Wizard of Oz," where he sang the iconic song "If I Only Had a Heart". However, Haley had a long career in show business prior to the film, starting in vaudeville and later transitioning into films and television. He also appeared in "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" (1938), "Alexander's Ragtime Band" (1938), and "One Body Too Many" (1944). Haley was married twice, first to Florence McFadden and later to Martha Stewart. He was known for his kindness and generosity towards his co-stars on and off set.
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Buffalo Bob Smith
Buffalo Bob Smith (November 27, 1917 Buffalo-July 30, 1998 Hendersonville) also known as Robert Smith, Robert E. Smith, Buffalo' Bob Smith, Bob Smith, Robert Schmidt or Robert Emil Schmidt was an American actor and television show host. He had three children, Ronald Smith, Robin Smith and Christopher Smith.
He died in cancer.
Buffalo Bob Smith is best known for his role as the host of the children's television show, "The Howdy Doody Show." The show aired from 1947-1960 and featured a puppet named Howdy Doody, who became a beloved character among children across America.
Before his career in television, Smith worked as a radio announcer for stations in Buffalo and Cleveland. He also served in World War II as a fighter pilot.
After "The Howdy Doody Show" ended, Smith continued to work in television and radio, but none of his later projects achieved the same level of success as his iconic children's show.
In addition to his television work, Smith was also an advocate for wildlife conservation and founded the Buffalo Bob Smith Conservation Foundation.
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Lee Strasberg
Lee Strasberg (November 17, 1901 Budaniv-February 17, 1982 New York City) a.k.a. Israel Lee Strassberg or Israel Strassberg was an American actor, film director and acting coach. His children are called Susan Strasberg, John Strasberg, David Lee Strasberg and Adam Strasberg.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Lee Strasberg is famous for being the father of method acting in America. He was also one of the founders of The Group Theatre in New York which was a company that focused on naturalistic acting techniques. He taught acting through the Actor's Studio which he co-founded in 1947. Strasberg's teachings had a lasting influence on American acting, and his students included actors such as Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and Robert De Niro. In addition to his contributions to acting, Strasberg also directed a number of films, including "The Tablet" and "The Dress." He is often credited with revolutionizing the craft of acting and remains a significant figure in the history of American theater.
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Gary Owens
Gary Owens (May 10, 1934 Mitchell-February 12, 2015) also known as Gary Altman was an American announcer, actor, disc jockey and voice actor. He had two children, Christopher Dane Owens and Scott Owens.
He died as a result of complications of diabetes mellitus.
Gary Owens had a prolific career in the entertainment industry, working in radio and television for over four decades. He started his career as a disc jockey in the mid-1950s and became known for his unique comedic style and exaggerated announcing voice. He later transitioned into television, appearing on a variety of shows and hosting his own talk show, "The Gary Owens Show", in the 1960s.
Owens was also a talented voice actor and lent his voice to numerous cartoons and commercials. He is perhaps best known for his work on the hit animated series "Space Ghost Coast to Coast", where he provided the voice of the titular character. He also voiced characters in popular shows such as "Garfield and Friends" and "The Ren & Stimpy Show".
Throughout his career, Owens was recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 1995 and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980. Owens' legacy continues to be celebrated by fans of his work in radio, television, and animation.
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Bernard Punsly
Bernard Punsly (July 11, 1923 New York City-January 20, 2004 Torrance) was an American actor.
He died caused by cancer.
Bernard Punsly was best known for his work as a child actor in the Our Gang comedy film series, where he played the tough-talking character Froggy. As an adult, he went on to have a successful career as a character actor in films such as The Great Dictator (1940) and Angels in the Outfield (1951). In addition to his work on screen, Punsly also served in the US Navy during World War II. He was married to Margaret Draper Punsly and had three children.
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