American movie stars died in 1959
Here are 47 famous actors from United States of America died in 1959:
Lou Costello
Lou Costello (March 6, 1906 Paterson-March 3, 1959 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Louis Francis Cristillo, Abbott and Costello, Lou Cristillo, Sebastian Cristillo, Costello, Abbott & Costello, Louis Francis Cristillo "Lou Costello", Lou King or Louis Francis "Lou" Costello was an American comedian, actor, film producer, vaudeville performer, singer and businessperson. He had four children, Chris Costello, Patricia Costello, Carole Costello and Lou Costello Jr..
Along with his longtime partner Bud Abbott, Costello gained fame as part of the comedy duo Abbott and Costello. They first performed together in 1935 and went on to star in numerous movies and television shows such as "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" and "The Abbott and Costello Show."
Costello was known for his ability to play the bumbling, dim-witted character in their comedy sketches. In addition to his work with Abbott, Costello also appeared in several solo projects such as the film "The 30 Foot Bride of Candy Rock."
He was also involved in various business ventures, including owning a racehorse and a restaurant called "Kelly's Steakhouse." Costello passed away in 1959 at the age of 52 due to a heart attack. He was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
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Lafe McKee
Lafe McKee (January 23, 1872 Morrison-August 10, 1959 Temple City) also known as Lafe M. Kee, Lafayette Stocking McKee, L.S. McKee, Frank McKee, Lafayette S. McKee, Lafe M. McKee, Lafayette S. "Lafe" McKee, Lafayette Mckee or Luke McKee was an American actor. His children are called Joe McKee, Dick McKee and Lucille McKee.
Lafe McKee began his acting career in the early 1900s, appearing in numerous silent films. He appeared alongside well-known actors such as John Wayne and Harry Carey in several westerns. McKee often played supporting roles and sidekicks in these films. He also worked as a cattle rancher in his hometown of Morrison, Colorado.
In addition to his work in film, McKee was also a stage actor and director. He directed many plays for the Pasadena Playhouse in California. McKee continued acting until his death in 1959, having appeared in over 400 films throughout his career. Despite his extensive filmography, he is perhaps best remembered for his work in westerns.
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George Chesebro
George Chesebro (July 29, 1888 Minneapolis-May 28, 1959 Los Angeles) also known as George Chesbro, George Cheeseborough, Geo. Cheseboro, George Cheeseboro, George Cheseboro, George Cheesboro, George Chesborough, George Cheesebro, George Chesboro, Geo. Chesebro or George N. Chesebro was an American actor.
He appeared in over 400 films between 1913 and 1954, primarily in Western films. Chesebro was known for his versatility and ability to play both heroes and villains. He worked with notable actors such as John Wayne, Randolph Scott, and Roy Rogers. In addition to acting, Chesebro also worked as a stuntman and horse wrangler. He was a founding member of the Hollywood Stuntmen's Association and was inducted into the Hall of Fame for Western Performers in 1982. Chesebro continued to act in small roles until his death in 1959 at the age of 70.
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Carl Switzer
Carl Switzer (August 7, 1927 Paris-January 21, 1959 Mission Hills) also known as Carl Dean Switzer, Alfalfa Switser, Alfalfa Switzer, Alfy Switzer, Carl 'Alfalfa' Switzer, Alfie or Alfadoofus was an American actor, child actor, breeder and guide. He had one child, Lance Switzer.
Switzer is best known for his role as Alfalfa, in the "Our Gang" or "Little Rascals" short films from 1935 to 1940. He also appeared in various other films and TV shows throughout his career. In the late 1940s, he tried to transition to adult roles, but was not successful.
In addition to his acting career, Switzer was an avid hunter and breeder of hunting dogs. He also worked as a hunting guide, and was involved in various hunting-related businesses. Switzer's personal life was tumultuous, and he had several legal and financial issues.
Tragically, Switzer was shot and killed in a dispute over a $50 debt in 1959. He was 31 years old at the time of his death.
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Fred Stone
Fred Stone (August 19, 1873 Longmont-March 6, 1959 North Hollywood) otherwise known as Fred Andrew Stone or Fred A. Stone was an American actor and film producer. His children are called Paula Stone, Dorothy Stone and Carol Stone.
Stone began his career in vaudeville as a comedian and acrobat. He later transitioned to the stage, where he became known for his performances in musical comedies. Stone is perhaps best remembered for his portrayal of the Scarecrow in the original Broadway production of "The Wizard of Oz" in 1902. He had a long and successful career in theater before transitioning to the film industry. Stone appeared in several films throughout the 1910s and 1920s, and also produced and directed many of his own projects. In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Stone was also a philanthropist, donating his time and resources to various charitable causes. He passed away in 1959 at the age of 85.
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Grant Withers
Grant Withers (January 17, 1905 Pueblo-March 27, 1959 North Hollywood) also known as Granville G. Withers was an American actor, film producer, journalist and salesperson.
He began his acting career in the silent film era and appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, working with legendary directors such as John Ford and Howard Hawks. Some of his notable movie roles include "G-Men" (1935), "The Hurricane" (1937), and "Fort Apache" (1948). Withers also produced several films, including "Heart of the Rockies" (1951).
In addition to his work in cinema, Withers was a respected journalist and wrote for various newspapers including the Los Angeles Examiner and the Hollywood Citizen-News. He also worked as a salesperson for a time, selling real estate in the San Fernando Valley.
Despite his successful career, Withers struggled with personal challenges, including financial difficulties and a series of failed marriages. Tragically, he took his own life in 1959 at the age of 54.
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Ben Lackland
Ben Lackland (November 27, 2014-November 27, 2014) was an American actor.
Despite his extremely short life, Ben Lackland left a mark in the entertainment industry. He was born and passed away on November 27, 2014, in the United States. Lackland's parents were also involved in the entertainment industry, which could have influenced him to pursue acting at such a young age. He made his debut on-screen appearance in a commercial, which gained him some popularity. Lackland's brief career could have taken off if it were not for his sudden passing. His story has made an impact on many and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life.
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Victor McLaglen
Victor McLaglen (December 10, 1886 Royal Tunbridge Wells-November 7, 1959 Newport Beach) also known as Victor Everleigh McLaglen, Victor Andrew de Bier Everleigh McLaglen, Victor McLaglen-Academy Award Winner, Medals, Sharkey McLaglen, Victor McLagen or Paul Romano was an American professional boxer and actor. His children are called Andrew V. McLaglen and Sheila McLaglen.
After retiring from boxing, Victor McLaglen began a successful career in Hollywood and appeared in over 100 films. He is best known for his roles in films such as "The Informer" (1935), for which he won the Academy Award for Best Actor, and "The Quiet Man" (1952), in which he starred alongside John Wayne. McLaglen was known for his tough-guy personas and often played characters who were gruff but lovable. He passed away in 1959 at the age of 72 in Newport Beach, California.
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Errol Flynn
Errol Flynn (June 20, 1909 Hobart-October 14, 1959 Vancouver) a.k.a. Errol Leslie Thomson Flynn, Leslie Flynn, The Tasmanian Devil, Flynny, Rolly, Satan's Angel or The Baron was an American actor, film producer, screenwriter and writer. He had four children, Sean Flynn, Rory Flynn, Deirdre Flynn and Arnella Roma Flynn.
Flynn was best known for his swashbuckling roles in films such as "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "Captain Blood." He had a reputation as a ladies' man, which was heightened by his autobiography "My Wicked, Wicked Ways." In addition to acting, Flynn was also an adventurer, and he wrote about his experiences in his book "Beam Ends." He had a love for sailing and often piloted his own yacht, the Sirocco. Later in life, Flynn became a heavy drinker and drug user, which took a toll on his health. He died at the age of 50 from a heart attack. Despite his personal struggles, Flynn remains an icon in Hollywood history.
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George Reeves
George Reeves (January 5, 1914 Woolstock-June 16, 1959 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. George Keefer Brewer, George Bessolo, Sgt. George Reeves or Steve Reeves was an American actor.
He was best known for his role as Superman in the 1950s television series "Adventures of Superman." Reeves began his acting career in the 1930s, appearing in several films before serving in World War II. After the war, he returned to Hollywood and continued his career in both film and television. Despite his success playing Superman, Reeves struggled with typecasting and felt his talent was being overlooked. Unfortunately, Reeves died under mysterious circumstances in 1959, which some believe was a suicide, while others speculate foul play. Despite his untimely death, his legacy as Superman has lived on and continues to be celebrated by fans today.
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Max Baer
Max Baer (February 11, 1909 Omaha-November 21, 1959 Hollywood) otherwise known as Maximilian Adelbert Baer, The Livermore Larruper or Mad Cap Maxie was an American professional boxer and actor. He had three children, Max Baer, Jr., Maudie Marian Baer and James Manny Baer.
Baer was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but grew up in Livermore, California. He began his boxing career in 1929 and quickly rose to fame, winning his first 17 fights by knockout. In 1934, he defeated Primo Carnera to become the heavyweight champion of the world, but lost the title the following year to James J. Braddock.
Baer went on to have a successful acting career, appearing in films such as "The Prizefighter and the Lady" (1933), "The Human Comedy" (1943), and "Africa Screams" (1949). He also had a successful television career, hosting the game show "The Gold Rush" in the 1950s.
Despite his success, Baer's life was also marked by tragedy. His opponent, Frankie Campbell, died after their 1930 fight, and Baer was haunted by the memory for the rest of his life. He also lost both of his brothers in separate accidents, and his son Jimmy died at age 12 from complications related to a surgery.
Baer died in 1959 of a heart attack at the age of 50. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1995.
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James Gleason
James Gleason (May 23, 1882 New York City-April 12, 1959 Woodland Hills) also known as James Austin Gleason, Jimmy Gleason or Jimmie was an American actor, screenwriter, playwright and film director. He had one child, Russell Gleason.
After studying at Fordham University, Gleason made his theatrical debut in the play "The Merry Malones" in 1912. He went on to write and act in several Broadway productions, including "Is Zat So?" (1925) and "The Shannons of Broadway" (1927).
In the 1930s, Gleason became a prolific character actor in Hollywood, appearing in over 180 films including "Here Comes Mr. Jordan" (1941) and "The Bishop's Wife" (1947). He also wrote the screenplays for several films, including "The Clock" (1945) and "The Last Hurrah" (1958).
Gleason was a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and served as president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1940-1942. He died in 1959 at the age of 76 from a heart attack.
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Charlie Hall
Charlie Hall (August 19, 1899 Birmingham-December 7, 1959 North Hollywood) a.k.a. Charles Hall, The Little Nemesis, Charles Hill or Charley Hall was an American actor.
He appeared in over 250 films between 1920 and 1959 and was a member of the Our Gang comedy series in the 1920s. Hall was known for his small stature, which gave him the nickname of "The Little Nemesis". He began his career in vaudeville and later transitioned to films. Hall appeared in numerous films alongside Laurel and Hardy, including "Busy Bodies" and "The Music Box". He also appeared in several other notable films such as "Modern Times" with Charlie Chaplin and "You're Darn Tootin'" with Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy. In addition to his acting career, Hall was a successful screenwriter and wrote scripts for several films. He passed away in 1959 at the age of 60.
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Heinie Conklin
Heinie Conklin (July 15, 1889 San Francisco-July 30, 1959 Hollywood) also known as Charles John Conklin, Charles Lynn, Charlie Lynn, Charles Conklin, Hienie Conklin or Charles John "Heinie" Conklin was an American actor. He had three children, Thelma Conklin, Clifford Conklin and Charles Conklin.
Conklin began his career as a vaudevillian and worked in several stage productions before transitioning to films in the 1910s. He appeared in over 400 films over the course of his career, often playing comedic sidekick roles or henchmen in both silent and sound era films. He was perhaps best known for his work as one of the Keystone Cops in silent comedies. He also appeared in several Laurel and Hardy films in the 1930s.
Outside of acting, Conklin was an accomplished musician who played various instruments including the saxophone and clarinet. He also wrote several songs and composed music for films. Despite being a prolific actor, Conklin lived a relatively private life and not much is known about his personal life beyond the names of his children. He passed away in 1959 at the age of 70.
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Irving Cummings
Irving Cummings (October 9, 1888 New York City-April 18, 1959 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Irving Caminsky or Irving Camisky was an American film director, actor, film producer and screenwriter. He had one child, Irving Cummings Jr..
Cummings began his career as an actor in the silent film era and later transitioned into directing. He directed over 100 films over the course of his career, including Hollywood classics like "In Old Arizona" (1928), "The Story of Alexander Graham Bell" (1939), and "Belle Starr" (1941). He was also known for his work in the musical genre, directing films such as "Hollywood Cavalcade" (1939) and "Down Argentine Way" (1940), which starred Carmen Miranda in her breakout role. In addition to his directing career, Cummings was also a founding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He passed away in 1959 at the age of 70.
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Tiffany Thayer
Tiffany Thayer (March 1, 1902 Freeport-August 23, 1959 Nantucket) also known as Tiffany Ellsworth Thayer was an American writer, author and actor.
He was the founder and artistic director of the White Barn Theatre in Westport, Connecticut, and authored several plays and novels, including the popular novel "Thirteen Women", which was made into a film in 1932. Thayer also wrote on a variety of subjects, including art, literature, and politics, and was a regular commentator on radio. As an actor, he appeared in several Hollywood films, including "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) and "The Maltese Falcon" (1941). Thayer's theatrical and literary legacy continues to influence artists and audiences alike.
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Charles Halton
Charles Halton (March 16, 1876 Washington, D.C.-April 16, 1959 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
Halton began his acting career in the 1920s and appeared in over 200 films throughout his career. He was known for his character roles, often playing crabby or cantankerous men. Some of his notable films include "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" (1936), "My Favorite Wife" (1940), and "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946). In addition to his acting career, Halton was also a professor of drama at Fordham University. He retired from acting in 1950 and passed away in 1959 at the age of 83.
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Monte Montague
Monte Montague (April 23, 1891 Somerset-April 6, 1959 Burbank) also known as Monty Montague, Walter H. Montague or Monty Montegue was an American actor.
He appeared in over 200 films and television series throughout his career, which started in the silent era and lasted until his death in 1959. Montague often played tough guy roles in films such as "The Public Enemy" (1931) and "Angels with Dirty Faces" (1938), both classics of the gangster film genre. He also acted in Westerns, comedies, and dramas, working with directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Frank Capra, and John Ford. In addition to his acting career, Montague was a skilled boxer and served in World War I.
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Olin Howland
Olin Howland (February 10, 1886 Denver-September 20, 1959 Hollywood) otherwise known as Olin Howlin or Olin Ross Howland was an American actor, pilot and comedian.
He began his career on stage before transitioning to film in the 1920s. Howland appeared in over 300 films and television shows throughout his career, often playing comedic or character roles. Some of his notable film credits include "Cat People" (1942), "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946), and "Singin' in the Rain" (1952). In addition to his acting work, Howland was also a licensed pilot and served as a flight instructor during World War II. Overall, he had a successful career in both the entertainment and aviation industries.
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Russell Simpson
Russell Simpson (June 17, 1880 San Francisco-December 12, 1959 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Russell McCaskill Simpson or Russel Simpson was an American actor. His children are called Roberta Hope and Russell Simpson Jr..
Simpson began his acting career in the theater before transitioning to films in the silent era. He appeared in over 300 films throughout his career with his most notable roles being in westerns such as "The Grapes of Wrath", "Stagecoach," and "Gone with the Wind". Simpson was often cast as a good-natured and grizzled character and was well-known for his distinctive voice. In addition to his acting career, Simpson also worked as a screenwriter and director on a few films. Simpson passed away at the age of 79 in Woodland Hills, California.
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Lee Shumway
Lee Shumway (March 4, 1884 Salt Lake City-January 4, 1959 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Leonard C. Shumway, Lee C. Shumway, L. C. Shumway, L.C. Shumway, Leon C. Shumway or Leonard Charles Shumway was an American actor.
Lee Shumway appeared in over 500 films between 1909 and 1953. He began his acting career during the silent era, and he continued to act in sound films until his death in 1959. Shumway was known for his versatility as an actor and played a variety of roles, often portraying authority figures such as judges, military officers, and police officers. Some of his notable film appearances include "The Texan" (1930), "The Invisible Man" (1933), "Our Town" (1940), and "The War of the Worlds" (1953). In addition to his film work, Shumway also appeared in numerous radio dramas and television shows.
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Duke R. Lee
Duke R. Lee (May 13, 1881 Virginia-April 1, 1959 Los Angeles) also known as Duke Lee or Duke Regene Lee was an American actor. He had four children, Beatrice Lee, Duke Jr. Lee, John Gladstone and Virginia Lee.
Duke R. Lee began his acting career in 1908 with a small role in the silent film "At the Crossroads of Life". He went on to appear in over 300 films during the silent film era, playing a wide range of characters from villains to heroes. Lee is perhaps best known for his work with legendary film director John Ford, appearing in several of his films including "Stagecoach" (1939) and "The Searchers" (1956). Lee continued to act in films and television shows until his death in 1959 at the age of 77. In addition to his successful career in acting, Lee was also a well-respected photographer and avid horse breeder.
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Donald MacDonald
Donald MacDonald (March 13, 1898 Denison-December 9, 1959 New York City) also known as Don McDonald, D.A. MacDonald, Donald M. McDonald or Donald McDonald was an American film director and actor.
Throughout his career, MacDonald directed over 130 films and acted in over 80. He began his career as an actor in vaudeville before transitioning to film. MacDonald's directorial work included a variety of genres such as westerns, comedies, and dramas. He often worked for Poverty Row studios, which were small, low-budget production companies that churned out B-movies. MacDonald is perhaps best known for his work on the 1937 film "Guns in the Dark," which was his first sound film. Despite being a prolific and successful director, very little is known about MacDonald's personal life.
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James Mason
James Mason (February 3, 1889 Paris-November 7, 1959 Hollywood) otherwise known as James P. Mason, Jimmy Mason, James Mason, James P. "Jim" Mason or Jim Mason was an American actor.
He began his acting career on Broadway before transitioning to film in the 1930s. Some of his most memorable roles include Humbert Humbert in "Lolita," Captain Nemo in "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea," and Phillip Vandamm in "North by Northwest." Mason was known for his distinctive voice and suave demeanor, and was nominated for three Academy Awards throughout his career. In addition to his work on screen, he was also involved in political activism and served as the president of the Screen Actors Guild from 1957 to 1958.
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Charles Delaney
Charles Delaney (August 9, 1892 New York City-August 31, 1959 Hollywood) a.k.a. Charles E. Delaney or Chas. Delaney was an American actor.
He appeared in over 200 films, beginning his acting career in silent films and later transitioning to talkies. Some of his most notable roles include roles in "The Hurricane" (1937), "The Public Enemy" (1931) and "The Fighting 69th" (1940). In addition to his film career, Delaney also appeared on stage and radio programs. He was known for his versatility and ability to play a range of characters, from tough guys to sympathetic heroes. However, despite his long career and impressive body of work, Delaney never became a major box office draw and remained a character actor throughout his career.
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Harold Huber
Harold Huber (December 5, 1909 The Bronx-September 29, 1959 New York City) a.k.a. Harold Joseph Huberman or Harold Huberman was an American actor. His child is called Margaret Huberman.
Harold Huber is best known for his roles in films such as "Dead End" (1937), "The Roaring Twenties" (1939) and "Johnny Eager" (1941). He was often cast as a gangster or tough guy due to his tough looks and thick New York accent. Outside of his acting career, Huber was an accomplished boxer and often used his fighting skills in his film roles. He also served in the United States Navy during World War II. In addition to his daughter Margaret, Huber had two sons, David and James. He passed away at the age of 49 from lung cancer.
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Wayne Morris
Wayne Morris (February 17, 1914 Los Angeles-September 14, 1959 Oakland) a.k.a. Bert DeWayne Morris or Bert DeWayne Morris, Jr. was an American actor and pilot.
Morris was best known for his rugged, masculine roles in films such as "Kid Galahad" (1937) and "Paths of Glory" (1957). He also appeared in several war films during World War II and served as a fighter pilot for the U.S. Navy during the conflict. Morris continued to act in films and television shows throughout the 1950s, while also running his own aviation business. Sadly, Morris was killed in a plane crash in 1959 while piloting his own plane during a solo flight to attend a business meeting. He was 45 years old.
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Paul Douglas
Paul Douglas (April 11, 1907 Philadelphia-September 11, 1959 Hollywood) also known as Paul Douglas Fleischer was an American actor and radio personality. His children are called Margaret Field Douglas, Adams Douglas, Johnnie Douglas and Celia Douglas.
Paul Douglas began his career as a journalist and sports broadcaster before transitioning to acting on Broadway. He made his film debut in the 1949 film "It Happens Every Spring" and went on to appear in several notable films such as "Angels in the Outfield" and "The Bad and the Beautiful," for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Douglas also had a successful TV career, starring in the popular series "The Adventure of Ellery Queen" and hosting his own show, "The Paul Douglas Show." He was married to actress Jan Sterling for nine years before his untimely death in 1959 at the age of 52.
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Westcott Clarke
Westcott Clarke (September 27, 1886 Jersey City-January 26, 1959 Los Angeles) also known as Westcott Bailey Clarke, W.B. Westcott, Westcott B. Clarke or W.B. Clarke was an American actor.
Clarke began his career on the stage in vaudeville and stock theater before transitioning to silent films in the 1910s. He appeared in over 200 films throughout his career, often playing tough or villainous characters. Some of his notable roles include "The Great Train Robbery" (1919), "The Unholy Three" (1925), and "The Most Dangerous Game" (1932).
In addition to his acting work, Clarke was a writer and producer. He co-wrote and produced the film "The Right to Live" (1933), which was based on the true story of a young woman who was wrongly sentenced to death.
Clarke continued to act in films and on television into the 1950s, appearing in popular shows like "The Lone Ranger" and "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin." He passed away in Los Angeles in 1959 at the age of 72.
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Chester Gan
Chester Gan (July 4, 1908 San Francisco-June 29, 1959 San Francisco) a.k.a. Chester Gann was an American actor.
Chester Gan is best known for his roles in classic films such as "The Good Earth" (1937) and "The Shanghai Gesture" (1941). He began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to the silver screen, and went on to appear in over 70 films throughout the course of his career. In addition to his work in film, Gan was also a prolific radio performer, and appeared in a number of popular radio dramas throughout the 1940s. He was married to actress Lotus Long from 1936 until his death in 1959 at the age of 50.
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Nick De Ruiz
Nick De Ruiz (November 27, 1868 Santa Barbara-June 21, 1959 Los Angeles) also known as Nicholas De Ruiz or Nick de Ruiz was an American actor.
De Ruiz got his start in theater, performing in various productions in New York City and later in Los Angeles. He made his film debut in 1912, appearing in numerous silent films during the early years of Hollywood. Some of his notable roles include "The Masked Dancer" (1914), "A Woman's Loyalty" (1915), and "The Crimson Gardenia" (1919).
Despite his success in Hollywood, De Ruiz faced discrimination throughout his career due to his Mexican heritage. He often played stereotypical roles such as bandits and villains, reflecting the racial attitudes of the time. However, he continued to work and establish a successful career in film and theater, becoming one of the earliest prominent Latino actors working in Hollywood.
In addition to his acting career, De Ruiz was also a director and screenwriter. He directed two films, "The Deciding Kiss" (1918) and "A Mountain Romeo" (1919), and wrote several screenplays, including "The Yankee Way" (1917) and "Her American Husband" (1918).
De Ruiz retired from acting in the early 1930s, but remained involved in Hollywood as a writer and director. He passed away in 1959 at the age of 90.
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William Bishop
William Bishop (July 16, 1918 Oak Park-October 3, 1959 Malibu) a.k.a. William Paxton Bishop or Bill Bishop was an American actor.
He began his career in theater before transitioning to film in the late 1940s. Bishop's most notable film roles include "The Big Trees" (1952) alongside Kirk Douglas, "The Killer That Stalked New York" (1950), and "The High and the Mighty" (1954). He also made appearances on numerous television shows such as "Maverick," "The Adventures of Kit Carson," and "The Lone Ranger." Bishop was married to actress Dora McGuire and the couple had two children together. He tragically died in a plane crash along with actor Gary Cooper and producer Frank Capra, among others.
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Taylor Holmes
Taylor Holmes (May 16, 1878 Newark-September 30, 1959 Hollywood) was an American actor. He had three children, Phillips Holmes, Ralph Holmes and Madeleine Taylor Holmes.
Holmes began his career as a stage actor in the early 1900s, appearing in productions such as "The Prince and the Pauper" and "The Taming of the Shrew". He eventually transitioned to silent films, making his debut in 1914. He appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, often playing suave and sophisticated characters. Some of his notable roles included Professor Moriarty in the 1922 film "Sherlock Holmes", the Duke de Praslin in the 1933 film "Queen Christina", and J.J. Blake in the 1939 film "The Hound of the Baskervilles". In addition to his acting career, Holmes was also an accomplished painter and musician. He died in 1959 at the age of 81.
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Preston Sturges
Preston Sturges (August 29, 1898 Chicago-August 6, 1959 New York City) also known as Edmund Preston Biden was an American screenwriter, film director, film producer, playwright and actor. He had three children, Solomon Sturges IV, Thomas Preston Sturges and Preston Sturges Jr..
Sturges began his career as a playwright in the 1920s and later moved to Hollywood, where he became one of the most successful screenwriters and directors of the 1940s. He is known for his witty and sophisticated comedies, which often featured fast-paced dialogue and satirical takes on American society. Some of his most famous films include "The Lady Eve," "Sullivan's Travels," and "The Palm Beach Story." Sturges was also the first writer to win the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for three consecutive years, an achievement that has yet to be matched. However, by the 1950s, Sturges' career had declined due to personal and financial difficulties. Despite this, he remains one of the most influential filmmakers of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
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Maurice Bennett Flynn
Maurice Bennett Flynn (May 26, 1892 Greenwich-March 6, 1959 Camden) also known as M.B. Flynn, Maurice B. Flynn, Lefty Flynn, Maurice Flynn, Maurice 'Lefty' Flynn or 'Lefty' Flynn was an American actor and american football player. His children are called Barbara Flynn and Bud Palmer.
Maurice Bennett Flynn was born in Greenwich, Connecticut in 1892. He attended Georgetown University where he played football, earning the nickname "Lefty" for his left-handed throwing style. After college, he played professional football for teams including the Buffalo All-Americans and the Canton Bulldogs.
In addition to football, Flynn pursued a career in acting. He appeared in over 100 films between 1926 and 1956, often playing tough-guy roles in gangster movies. Some of his most notable film credits include "Little Caesar" (1931), "Angels with Dirty Faces" (1938), and "White Heat" (1949).
Flynn was married to actress Natalie Moorhead from 1929 until their divorce in 1940. They had two children together, daughter Barbara Flynn and son Bud Palmer, who also became a professional football player.
Flynn passed away in 1959 at the age of 66 in Camden, New Jersey. He was posthumously inducted into the Georgetown University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1997.
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Edmund Goulding
Edmund Goulding (March 20, 1891 Feltham-December 24, 1959 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Eddie was an American film director, writer, screenwriter, actor, film producer, film score composer and playwright.
Goulding had a successful career in Hollywood, directing over 80 films throughout the span of his career. Some of his famous works include "Grand Hotel" (1932), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, and "Of Human Bondage" (1934). Aside from directing and writing, Goulding was also an accomplished actor, appearing in a few films throughout the 1920s. He worked with many notable actors and actresses during his career, including Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford, and Humphrey Bogart. Goulding was known for his ability to navigate and bring out the best in his actors, often creating emotionally nuanced performances. He died at the age of 68 due to pneumonia.
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Harry Fox
Harry Fox (May 25, 1882 Pomona-July 20, 1959 Woodland Hills) also known as Arthur Carringford was an American dancer, comedian and actor.
Fox began his entertainment career as a vaudeville performer and later transitioned to Hollywood films in the 1920s. He is best known for his appearances in musical films such as "Sally" and "Sunny Side Up." Fox also popularized the dance style known as the Foxtrot and is credited with introducing it to the American public. In addition to his performing career, Fox was also a successful songwriter, with hits such as "The Original Fox-Trot" and "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover" to his credit. Despite his success, Fox experienced financial difficulties towards the end of his life and died in relative obscurity.
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Archie Gottler
Archie Gottler (May 14, 1896 New York City-June 24, 1959 Hollywood) also known as Mitchell and Gottler Conrad was an American film director, film score composer, actor and composer. He had one child, Jerome S. Gottler.
Gottler began his career in the entertainment industry as a vaudeville performer and pianist. He then transitioned to composing music, creating scores for films such as "The Road to Singapore" and "The Kid from Spain". In addition to composing music, Gottler also acted in a number of roles in silent films.
Gottler's directing career began in the late 1920s, where he worked on films such as "The Show of Shows" and "The Hollywood Revue of 1929". He later directed the Marx Brothers in their 1933 film "Duck Soup". During the 1930s, Gottler became known for his work as a second-unit director and for overseeing musical sequences in films.
In the 1940s, Gottler continued to compose music for films, including the Academy Award-nominated score for "Hit Parade of 1941". He also worked on the 1947 film "Fun and Fancy Free", providing the voice for the character Willie the Giant.
Throughout his career, Gottler was known for his contributions to the film industry and for his innovative approaches to music and directing.
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Arthur Q. Bryan
Arthur Q. Bryan (May 8, 1899 Brooklyn-November 18, 1959 Hollywood) a.k.a. Arthur Quirk Bryan, Arthur Bryan or Arthur O. Brian was an American comedian, actor and voice actor.
He is best known for being the voice of Elmer Fudd in the Looney Tunes cartoons. Bryan also had a successful career in radio, appearing on shows such as The Jack Benny Program and Fibber McGee and Molly. In addition to his work in entertainment, Bryan was a skilled musician, playing both the piano and saxophone. Bryan passed away in 1959 at the age of 60, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most recognizable voices in pop culture history.
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Cecil B. DeMille
Cecil B. DeMille (August 12, 1881 Ashfield-January 21, 1959 Hollywood) otherwise known as Cecil Blount DeMille, C.B., Cecil DeMille, DeMille or Cecil B. De Mille was an American film director, film producer, film editor, screenwriter and actor. His children are called Cecilia de Mille, John Blount Demille, Katherine DeMille and Richard de Mille.
DeMille is considered one of the founding fathers of the Hollywood film industry and is best known for directing and producing epic films such as The Ten Commandments, Cleopatra and Samson and Delilah. He began his career in the theater before transitioning to film in the early 1910s. DeMille was a pioneer in the use of elaborate sets, costumes and special effects in his films.
Throughout his career, DeMille won numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the film industry, including being awarded the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award in 1952. He also served as the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences from 1927 to 1929.
Despite being a prominent figure in Hollywood, DeMille was known for his conservative views and his outspokenness on political matters. He actively campaigned against communism in the film industry during the Red Scare of the 1950s.
DeMille passed away in 1959 at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time.
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Goebel Reeves
Goebel Reeves (October 9, 1899 Sherman-January 26, 1959 Long Beach) also known as Goebel Leon Reeves, Goeble Reeves, The Texas Drifter, The Yodelling Wrangler, George Riley; Bert Knowles, The Broadway Wrangler, The Yodelling Rustler, Johnny Fay, The Broadway Rustler, Louie Acker, Goebel Reeves The Texas Drifter, Geobel Reeves or Reeves, Goebel was an American singer, musician, composer and actor.
Born in Sherman, Texas, Reeves was known for his yodelling and his ability to play multiple instruments, including guitar, harmonica, and accordion. He began his music career performing on radio shows in the 1920s, and later toured across the country, performing in various venues and with different bands.
Reeves is best known for his hit song "Hobo's Lullaby," which was later covered by numerous other artists, including Woody Guthrie and Joan Baez. He also wrote and performed a number of other country and western songs throughout his career.
In addition to his music career, Reeves also appeared in several films in the 1930s and 1940s, including "Western Jamboree" and "Border Saddlemates."
Despite his success, Reeves struggled with personal demons throughout his life, including alcoholism and financial difficulties. He died in Long Beach, California in 1959 at the age of 59.
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Joe Cook
Joe Cook (March 29, 1890 Evansville-May 15, 1959 Clinton Hollow) also known as Joe Lopez was an American actor.
He was best known for his work in the vaudeville circuit, where he performed as a comedian, acrobat, and stunt performer. Cook's energetic and physical performances made him a popular act, and he quickly became a headliner in vaudeville houses across the United States. In addition to his work on stage, Cook also appeared in a number of films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He starred in several comedies, including "Rain or Shine" and "Sitting Pretty", and also worked as a writer and director. Despite his success, Cook's career declined in the 1950s, and he began to focus more on writing and producing. He died of a heart attack in 1959 at the age of 69. Cook was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1981.
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Hal Forrest
Hal Forrest (July 22, 1895 Philadelphia-November 27, 2014) was an American comics artist, actor and writer.
He was best known for creating the comic strip "Tailspin Tommy" in 1928, which featured a young pilot and his adventures. Forrest, who had a passion for flying, was able to incorporate his love for aviation in the strip and it quickly became popular with readers. In addition to creating "Tailspin Tommy," Forrest also worked on other comic strips such as "Dan Dunn" and "Secret Agent X-9." Outside of his career in comics, Forrest also made a name for himself as an actor, appearing in films such as "The Saint in New York" and "Frontier Horizon." Forrest passed away at the age of 119, becoming one of the oldest people in the world at the time of his death.
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Lock Martin
Lock Martin (October 12, 1916 Pennsylvania-January 19, 1959 Los Angeles County) also known as Joseph Lockard Martin, Jr., J. Lockard Martin, Junior Martin or The Gentle Giant was an American actor.
He was known for his tall stature, standing at 7 feet 7 inches (232 cm) and weighing over 300 pounds (136 kg), which made him one of the tallest actors in history. He started his career in the entertainment industry as a sideshow performer and later became a character actor appearing in films such as "The Day the Earth Stood Still" and "House of Wax". Despite his imposing appearance, Martin was known to be a gentle and kind man who often helped children who were bullied due to their size. He passed away at the age of 42 due to a heart attack.
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Mario Lanza
Mario Lanza (January 31, 1921 Philadelphia-October 7, 1959 Rome) a.k.a. MarioLanza, Lanza, Mario, The Tiger, The Service Caruso, Alfred Arnold Cocozza, Freddy, Alfredo Arnold Cocozza or Freddie was an American singer and actor. His children are called Damon Lanza, Colleen Lanza, Marc Lanza and Elisa Lanza.
Lanza began his career as an opera singer before transitioning to Hollywood films in the 1950s. He starred in several movies, including "The Great Caruso" and "Serenade." He was known for his powerful tenor voice and his ability to fuse classical music with popular music. In addition to his successful career in entertainment, Lanza was also a devoted family man. He married his wife, Betty Hicks, in 1945, and they had four children together. Lanza's sudden death in 1959, at the age of 38, was a shock to his fans and loved ones alike. He left behind a legacy as one of the most talented and admired performers of his time.
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Mack Gordon
Mack Gordon (June 21, 1904 Warsaw-March 1, 1959 New York City) a.k.a. Morris Gittler was an American songwriter, composer, lyricist, film score composer and actor.
From an early age, Gordon showed a keen interest in music and musical theater. He began his career in the music industry as a sheet music salesman, and later went on to work as a pianist and lyricist. His big break came when he was hired by Paramount Pictures in the 1930s to write songs for their films.
Over the years, Gordon worked on many hit songs, including "Chattanooga Choo Choo", "At Last", and "I Had the Craziest Dream". He collaborated with some of the most famous composers and lyricists of the time, including Harry Warren, Johnny Mercer, and Harold Arlen.
Gordon was also a prolific film score composer, and wrote music for more than 100 films. He received several Oscar nominations for his work, including for the song "The More I See You" from the film "Diamond Horseshoe" in 1945.
In addition to his work in the music industry, Gordon also made several appearances as an actor in films and television shows. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1972, and his contributions to the music industry continue to be celebrated today.
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George Archainbaud
George Archainbaud (May 7, 1890 Paris-February 20, 1959 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Georges Eugène Louis Marie Archainbaud was an American film director, television director, actor, film producer and writer.
Born in Paris, France, Archainbaud immigrated to the United States and became a naturalized citizen in 1928. He began his career in the film industry during the silent film era, directing his first film, "The Isle of Love," in 1923. He went on to direct over 150 films, including popular westerns such as "The Singing Vagabond" and "Man From Music Mountain."
In the 1950s, Archainbaud transitioned to television, directing episodes of popular series such as "The Lone Ranger" and "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin." He also produced and directed several television movies, including "The Human Jungle" and "The Ford Television Theatre."
In addition to his directing and producing work, Archainbaud also acted in several films, including "The Cat Creeps" and "The Red Riders." He also wrote screenplays for a few of his films.
Archainbaud passed away in Beverly Hills, California in 1959 at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy of contributions to the film and television industries.
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