American movie stars died in 1989
Here are 50 famous actors from United States of America died in 1989:
John Cassavetes
John Cassavetes (December 9, 1929 New York City-February 3, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as John Nicholas Cassavetes or Nick Colasanto was an American film director, actor, screenwriter, television director, film editor and film producer. He had three children, Nick Cassavetes, Alexandra Cassavetes and Zoe Cassavetes.
Cassavetes is considered a pioneer of American independent cinema due to his improvisational approach to filmmaking and his dedication to creating films on his own terms, outside of the Hollywood studio system. He directed and starred in several influential films, including "Shadows", "Faces", and "A Woman Under the Influence", which earned an Academy Award nomination for its female lead, Gena Rowlands, who was also Cassavetes' wife. In addition to his work in films, Cassavetes acted in numerous television shows and movies, including "The Dirty Dozen" and "Rosemary's Baby". He passed away in 1989 from cirrhosis of the liver.
Read more about John Cassavetes on Wikipedia »
Roland Winters
Roland Winters (December 22, 1904 Boston-October 22, 1989 Englewood) also known as Roland Winternitz was an American actor.
He started his acting career on stage and appeared in several Broadway productions in the 1930s and 1940s. In the 1950s, he transitioned to film and television, appearing in popular shows such as "Perry Mason," "77 Sunset Strip," and "Dragnet." Winters is best known for his portrayal of Charlie Chan in six films produced by Monogram Pictures in the late 1940s. He also appeared in a number of films released by Columbia Pictures, including "Jungle Menace" and "Susie Steps Out." Winters retired from acting in the 1960s and passed away in 1989 at the age of 84.
Read more about Roland Winters on Wikipedia »
Ernie Morrison
Ernie Morrison (December 20, 1912 New Orleans-July 24, 1989 Lynwood) otherwise known as Frederick Ernest Morrison, Sunshine Sambo, Little Sambo, Sambo, Sunshine Sammy Morrison, Sunshine Sammy Morrisson, Sunshine Sammy, Sammy Morrison, Smiling Sambo, L'Afrique, Ernest Fredric "Ernie" Morrison, Ernest Fredric Morrison or Ernest Morrison was an American actor and child actor.
He began his acting career in the 1919 silent film "The Gulf Between" and went on to appear in numerous films throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Morrison was best known for his role as "Sunshine Sammy" in the "Our Gang" comedy series, which he appeared in from 1922 to 1924. He was one of the first African American child actors to achieve success in Hollywood. After leaving the film industry, Morrison became a union organizer and a civil rights activist. He co-founded the group "Conference of Minority Transportation Officials" and worked to promote equal employment opportunities for minorities in the transportation industry. Despite his contributions to civil rights, Morrison's acting career remains his most notable legacy.
Read more about Ernie Morrison on Wikipedia »
William Murphy
William Murphy (January 9, 1921 Sacramento-November 6, 1989 Sacramento) a.k.a. William “Bill” Murphy, William Joseph Murphy, Bill Murphy, William 'Red' Murphy, Bill 'Red' Murphy or Red Murphy was an American actor.
He was born in Sacramento, California in 1921, and began his acting career in the 1940s. Murphy appeared in over 100 films throughout his career, including "To Have and Have Not" (1944) and "The Wild One" (1953). He was also a regular on the television series "The Adventures of Kit Carson" in the 1950s. Murphy was known for playing tough, no-nonsense characters in Westerns and crime dramas. He passed away in his hometown of Sacramento in 1989, at the age of 68.
Read more about William Murphy on Wikipedia »
Christopher Bernau
Christopher Bernau (June 2, 1940 Santa Barbara-June 14, 1989) was an American actor.
He attended Yale School of Drama and made his Broadway debut in the play "Halfway up the Tree" in 1967. Bernau is best known for his role as Alan Spaulding on the soap opera "Guiding Light" for which he received two Daytime Emmy nominations. He also appeared on the soap operas "Another World" and "All My Children." In addition to his soap opera work, Bernau had a successful career in theater and appeared in numerous television shows and films. Bernau died from complications related to AIDS in 1989 at the age of 49.
Read more about Christopher Bernau on Wikipedia »
Douglass Watson
Douglass Watson (February 24, 1921 Jackson-May 1, 1989 Arizona) also known as Larkin Douglas Watson III or Douglas Watson was an American actor.
He was best known for his role as Mac Corey in the soap opera "Another World" which he played from 1974 until his death in 1989. Watson also had a successful career on Broadway with roles in "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Price." Additionally, he appeared in various films including "Rachel, Rachel" and "The Money Pit." In 1983, Watson received a Daytime Emmy Award for his outstanding performance in "Another World." He was married three times and had four children.
Read more about Douglass Watson on Wikipedia »
Sam Melville
Sam Melville (August 20, 1936 Fillmore-March 9, 1989 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Samuel Gardner Melville or Bear was an American actor.
Melville is best known for his role as Officer Mike Danko in the popular TV series "The Rookies." He appeared in numerous other television shows and films throughout his career, including "The Twilight Zone," "The F.B.I.," "Hawaii Five-O," and "Big Wednesday."
Melville was also an activist who was involved with the radical leftist group, the Weather Underground. In 1969, he participated in the "Days of Rage" riots in Chicago, where he was arrested and spent several months in jail.
Despite his success as an actor, Melville struggled with personal demons and battled alcoholism throughout his career. He died in 1989 in a fire at a halfway house where he was staying to recover from alcohol addiction.
Read more about Sam Melville on Wikipedia »
Onest Conley
Onest Conley (December 6, 1906 Evanston-October 8, 1989 Los Angeles County) also known as Onest Conly or Ernest A. Conley was an American actor.
He started his acting career in the 1930s and appeared in more than 70 film and television productions. Conley was known for his work as a character actor with supporting roles in popular movies of the time, such as "Gone with the Wind" (1939), "The Roaring Twenties" (1939), and "Yankee Doodle Dandy" (1942). He also made several TV appearances, including "The Donna Reed Show" (1959) and "Perry Mason" (1963-1966). In addition to acting, Conley was a skilled musician and played in bands in his spare time. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 82.
Read more about Onest Conley on Wikipedia »
Lee Van Cleef
Lee Van Cleef (January 9, 1925 Somerville-December 16, 1989 Oxnard) a.k.a. Clarence Leroy Van Cleef, Jr., Lee Van Cleff, Lee VanCleef, Clarence Leroy Van Cleef Jr. or Clarence Leroy "Lee" Van Cleef, Jr. was an American actor, soldier and accountant. He had four children, Deborah Van Cleef, Alan Van Cleef, David Van Cleef and Denise Van Cleef.
Lee Van Cleef was best known for his roles in Western films, playing memorable characters such as Angel Eyes in "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly" and Judge Roy Bean in "The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean". He began his acting career in the early 1950s, working mostly in small television roles and uncredited film appearances. However, it wasn't until the mid-1960s when he gained recognition as a talented character actor in Western films.
Before pursuing acting, Van Cleef served in the United States Navy during World War II, where he earned a bronze star for heroism in combat. After the war, he worked as an accountant before deciding to pursue acting full-time.
Van Cleef continued to act in films and television throughout the 1970s and 1980s, although he often struggled to find roles that matched his success in the Western genre. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 64, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most iconic character actors in American cinema.
Read more about Lee Van Cleef on Wikipedia »
Cornel Wilde
Cornel Wilde (October 13, 1912 Prievidza-October 16, 1989 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Cornelius Louis Wilde, Kornel Lajos Weisz, Jefferson Pascal, Clark Wales or Kornél Lajos Weisz was an American actor, film director, film producer and screenwriter. He had two children, Cornel Wallace Wilde Jr. and Wendy Wilde.
Wilde was born in Prievidza, which was then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Slovakia). He emigrated to the United States with his family in 1920, where they settled in New York City. Wilde initially worked as a fencing instructor and later pursued a career in acting, landing his first Broadway role in 1935. He made his film debut in 1940 in the movie "High Sierra".
Throughout his career, Wilde appeared in over 50 films and also directed and produced several movies. He received critical acclaim for his performances in "Leave Her to Heaven" (1945), "A Song to Remember" (1945), and "Shockproof" (1949). He received an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay of the movie "The Naked Prey" (1966).
Wilde was also known for his athletic abilities, particularly in fencing. He implemented his skills into some of his film roles, performing his own stunts in movies such as "The Bandit of Sherwood Forest" (1946) and "The Greatest Show on Earth" (1952).
Wilde passed away in Los Angeles in 1989 at the age of 77 due to leukemia.
Read more about Cornel Wilde on Wikipedia »
Jim Backus
Jim Backus (February 25, 1913 Cleveland-July 3, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as James Gilmore Backus, James G. Backus, James Backus or James Gilmore "Jim" Backus was an American actor, voice actor and writer.
Backus had a long and successful career in Hollywood, appearing in over 100 films and numerous television shows. He is best known for his role as Thurston Howell III on the classic TV series "Gilligan's Island," as well as for providing the voice of the character Mr. Magoo in the animated television series of the same name.
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Backus got his start in acting during his time at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. He began his career in radio and made his film debut in the 1948 film "Easy Living."
Outside of acting, Backus was also a talented writer and wrote several screenplays and books, including his autobiography "Only When I Laugh." He was also active in politics and was a strong supporter of the Democratic Party.
In his personal life, Backus was married to his wife Henny for over 46 years and the couple had four children together. He passed away from pneumonia in 1989 at the age of 76.
Read more about Jim Backus on Wikipedia »
Paul Shenar
Paul Shenar (February 12, 1936 Milwaukee-October 11, 1989 West Hollywood) also known as Albert Paul Shenar was an American actor, theatre director, teacher and voice actor.
He is probably best known for his role as Alejandro Sosa, the Bolivian drug lord in the movie "Scarface" (1983). Shenar was a graduate of the Theater Department at Carnegie Mellon University and went on to have a successful career acting in theatre, film, and television. He appeared in several Broadway plays including "The Great White Hope" and "The Visit." Shenar also provided the voice of the main villain in the animated movie "The Transformers: The Movie" (1986). In addition to his acting career, Shenar also taught at several universities and directed plays in Los Angeles. He died in 1989 of AIDS-related pneumonia at the age of 53.
Read more about Paul Shenar on Wikipedia »
Richard Quine
Richard Quine (November 12, 1920 Detroit-June 10, 1989 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Dick was an American film director, actor, screenwriter, military officer, film producer, television director and television producer. He had three children, Katherine Quine, Victoria Quine and Timothy Richard Quine.
Throughout his career, Richard Quine directed more than twenty-five films, including "My Sister Eileen" (1955), "The Solid Gold Cadillac" (1956), and "Bell, Book and Candle" (1958). He also acted in several films and TV shows, including "Drive a Crooked Road" (1954) and "The Twilight Zone" (1963). Additionally, Quine produced and directed numerous television programs, such as "The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis" (1959-1963) and "The Munsters" (1964-1966).
Before entering the film industry, Quine served in World War II as a pilot for the United States Army Air Forces. He received several awards and medals for his service, including the Air Medal and the Purple Heart.
Despite his many accomplishments, Quine's life ended tragically when he committed suicide in 1989 at the age of 68.
Read more about Richard Quine on Wikipedia »
Billy Lee
Billy Lee (March 12, 1929 Indiana-November 17, 1989 Beaumont) a.k.a. William Lee Schlensker, William Lee Schlenaker, Billy Lee Schlenaker or William Schlenaker was an American actor.
He began his acting career in the 1950s and appeared in numerous films and TV shows throughout his career. Some of his notable film credits include "The Aliens", "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" and "The Ten Commandments". He also had recurring roles on popular TV series such as "The Fugitive" and "The Wild Wild West". In addition to acting, Lee was also a talented musician and played the guitar and piano. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 60 from complications related to heart surgery.
Read more about Billy Lee on Wikipedia »
John Matuszak
John Matuszak (October 25, 1950 Oak Creek-June 17, 1989 Burbank) also known as John Daniel Matuszak, Tooz, Tooz Matuszak, John Daniel "Tooz" Matuszak or John Daniel Tooz Matuszak was an American american football player and actor.
Matuszak played at defensive end for the Houston Oilers, Kansas City Chiefs, Washington Redskins, and the Oakland Raiders where he won two Super Bowls. He was known for his imposing size and strength, as well as his colorful personality both on and off the field.
After retiring from football, Matuszak pursued an acting career and appeared in several films including "The Goonies" and "One Crazy Summer." He also had a recurring role on the popular television show "The A-Team."
Tragically, Matuszak passed away in 1989 at the age of 38 due to an accidental overdose of prescription medication. He is remembered as a beloved and larger-than-life figure in the worlds of both football and entertainment.
Read more about John Matuszak on Wikipedia »
Merritt Butrick
Merritt Butrick (September 3, 1959 Gainesville-March 17, 1989 Hollywood) otherwise known as Richie or Merritt R. Butrick was an American actor.
He was best known for his roles in popular films such as "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" and "Star Trek III: The Search for Spock". Butrick also made several appearances on popular television shows like "Square Pegs", "Cagney & Lacey", and "The A-Team". Despite his promising career, Butrick struggled with drug addiction, which ultimately led to his untimely death at the age of 29. He was survived by his parents and three siblings. Butrick's contributions to the world of entertainment are still revered by many fans.
Read more about Merritt Butrick on Wikipedia »
Robert Ondine
Robert Ondine (June 16, 1937 Queens-August 28, 1989 Queens) also known as Robert Olivo or Pope Ondine was an American actor.
He was a frequent collaborator with artist Andy Warhol and a member of the influential art collective, The Factory. Ondine achieved notoriety for his role in Warhol's film, "Chelsea Girls" and was a regular performer in Warhol's stage productions. He was known for his unique and dynamic performances, as well as his sharp wit and biting humor. Ondine also had a brief career as a playwright, with his most notable work being the play "The Life of Juanita Castro." Despite his success in the art world, Ondine struggled with addiction and died of liver failure at the age of 52.
Read more about Robert Ondine on Wikipedia »
George O'Hanlon
George O'Hanlon (November 23, 1912 Brooklyn-February 11, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as O'Hanlon, George S. O'Hanlon or Joe McDoakes was an American comedian, actor, screenwriter, voice actor, film director and writer. He had two children, George O'Hanlon Jr and Laurie O'Hanlon.
O'Hanlon was best known for his role as the voice of George Jetson in the popular Hanna-Barbera animated television series, The Jetsons. He also appeared in numerous films throughout his career, including Three Little Pirates and Three Loan Wolves. O'Hanlon began his career as a screenwriter, penning scripts for films like The Siege of the Alamo and The Lost Planet. He later transitioned into acting, and eventually found success as a voice actor. In addition to his work in film and television, O'Hanlon was a talented writer, and authored several books, including The Jetsons: How to Draw, The Jetsons: Sunday Afternoon on the Moon, and The Jetsons: The Big Space Race. O'Hanlon passed away in 1989 at the age of 76.
Read more about George O'Hanlon on Wikipedia »
Jack Starrett
Jack Starrett (November 2, 1936 Refugio-March 27, 1989 Sherman Oaks) also known as Claude Ennis Starrett Jr., Claud Ennis or Claude Ennis Starrett, Jr. was an American actor, film director and television director. He had one child, Jennifer Starrett.
Starrett was born in Refugio, Texas and raised in the nearby town of Yorktown. He attended Texas A&M University where he played football for the Texas A&M Aggies. After college, he served in the United States Army as a paratrooper and a member of the Army's legendary Green Berets.
He began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in movies such as "The Wild Angels" and "Hells Angels on Wheels." In the 1970s, he transitioned to directing, helming several action and exploitation films such as "Cleopatra Jones," "Race with the Devil" and "A Small Town in Texas." He also directed several episodes of popular television shows including "Knight Rider" and "The A-Team."
Starrett passed away in 1989 at the age of 52 due to cancer.
Read more about Jack Starrett on Wikipedia »
Lindsay Crosby
Lindsay Crosby (January 5, 1938 Los Angeles-December 11, 1989 Calabasas) also known as Lindsay Harry Crosby, Lindsey Crosby, The Crosby Brothers, Lin Crosby or Lindsay Harry Chip Crosby, Sr. was an American singer and actor. He had five children, L. Chip Crosby Jr., David Crosby, Sean Crosby, Adam C. Crosby and Kevin Crosby.
Lindsay Crosby was the youngest son of legendary crooner Bing Crosby, and followed in his father's footsteps by embarking on a singing career of his own. He started performing with his brothers at a young age, and the group became known as "The Crosby Brothers" or "The Crosby Boys". They toured extensively and even had their own television program for a short time.
In addition to singing, Lindsay Crosby also pursued acting, appearing in several films and television shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Some of his notable credits include "The Big Circus" (1959), "The Night of the Quarter Moon" (1959), and "The Wild Wild West" (1966).
Despite his early success, Lindsay Crosby struggled with alcoholism and personal issues throughout his life. He died in 1989 at the age of 51 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Read more about Lindsay Crosby on Wikipedia »
Jeff Richards
Jeff Richards (November 1, 1924 Portland-July 28, 1989 San Bernardino) also known as Richard Mansfield Taylor, Richard Taylor or Dick Taylor was an American baseball player and actor.
Jeff Richards played in the Major League Baseball as an outfielder for the Detroit Tigers from 1950-1951. After his baseball career, he transitioned to acting and appeared in several films and TV shows including "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show", "The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit" and "77 Sunset Strip". He also had a recurring role as Sheriff Andy Anderson on the TV series "The Adventures of Spin and Marty". Richards passed away in 1989 from complications of AIDS.
Read more about Jeff Richards on Wikipedia »
H. B. Halicki
H. B. Halicki (October 18, 1940 Dunkirk-August 20, 1989 Tonawanda) was an American actor.
He was also a producer, director, and stunt driver known for his work on the film "Gone in 60 Seconds". Born in Dunkirk, New York, Halicki developed a love for cars at a young age and began working as a tow truck driver before moving into the film industry. He originally intended to create a low-budget film to showcase his driving skills, but it turned into a cultural phenomenon upon its release in 1974. Halicki continued to make films, including "The Junkman" and "Deadline Auto Theft", until his untimely death in a stunt accident while filming his final movie "Gone in 60 Seconds 2". Despite his short career, Halicki left a lasting impact on the film and stunt driving industries.
Read more about H. B. Halicki on Wikipedia »
Milton Frome
Milton Frome (February 24, 1909 Philadelphia-March 21, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as Milt Frome was an American actor. He had one child, Michael Frome.
Milton Frome had a prolific career in Hollywood, appearing in over 300 films and TV shows. He typically played small roles, often as a character actor or comedic sidekick. Frome made his film debut in the 1947 crime drama "Killer McCoy" and went on to appear in numerous films throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Anatomy of a Murder," "The Great Race," and "Guns of the Magnificent Seven."
In addition to his film work, Frome was also a frequent guest star on television shows such as "Leave It to Beaver," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and "The Andy Griffith Show." He was known for his comedic timing and larger-than-life personality, often stealing scenes with his energetic performances.
Later in his career, Frome became a familiar face in commercial advertisements, appearing in commercials for products such as Alka-Seltzer and Nestle's Quik. He continued working in the entertainment industry up until his death in 1989 at the age of 80.
Read more about Milton Frome on Wikipedia »
Jock Mahoney
Jock Mahoney (February 7, 1919 Chicago-December 15, 1989 Bremerton) a.k.a. Jacques O'Mahoney, Jock O'Mahoney, Jack O'Mahoney, Jock O'Mahomey, Jack Mahoney, Jocko or Jacques Joseph O'Mahoney was an American actor and stunt performer. He had three children, Kathleen O'Mahoney, Jim O'Mahoney and Princess O'Mahoney.
Mahoney started his career as a stuntman in Hollywood in the late 1940s, and he performed stunts in numerous films and TV shows, including "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "How the West Was Won." He eventually transitioned to acting and appeared in over 70 films, often in westerns and action movies. Some of his most notable roles include the lead in "Tarzan Goes to India" and supporting roles in "North to Alaska" and "The Alamo."
Mahoney was also an accomplished athlete and served in the Marines during World War II. Outside of his career in entertainment, he was a skilled martial artist and even opened his own martial arts school in Los Angeles.
Mahoney passed away in 1989 at the age of 70 due to complications from a stroke.
Read more about Jock Mahoney on Wikipedia »
Hiram Sherman
Hiram Sherman (February 11, 1908 Boston-April 11, 1989 Springfield) also known as Chubby was an American actor.
He had a long and successful career in theatre, film, and television, appearing in over 70 films and numerous Broadway shows. Sherman was considered a versatile character actor, known for his comedic timing and ability to play a range of roles.
His film credits include "The Apartment," "The Little Prince," "The Great White Hope," and "The Sunshine Boys," among many others. On television, he appeared in popular shows like "The Twilight Zone," "The Patty Duke Show," and "All in the Family."
Sherman also had a successful career on stage, appearing in productions of plays by William Shakespeare, George Bernard Shaw, and Neil Simon, among others. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the Broadway production of "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."
Throughout his career, Sherman was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his professionalism, kindness, and dedication to his craft. His contributions to theatre, film, and television continue to be celebrated today.
Read more about Hiram Sherman on Wikipedia »
Morton DaCosta
Morton DaCosta (March 7, 1914 Philadelphia-January 26, 1989 Redding) also known as Morton Da Costa, Morton Tecosky or Tec was an American film director, actor, film producer, theatre director and writer.
DaCosta was best known for his work in theatre, directing and producing numerous successful Broadway shows, including the original productions of "Auntie Mame" and "The Music Man." He also directed the film adaptations of both of these productions.
DaCosta began his career as an actor, but soon moved behind the scenes to work as a stage manager and director. In addition to his work on Broadway, he also directed productions for opera and television, and later in his career, he taught at the Yale School of Drama.
Throughout his career, DaCosta received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including several Tony Awards for Best Direction of a Musical. Despite his success in theatre, however, his film career was relatively limited, and he is primarily remembered today for his contributions to the world of live theatre.
Read more about Morton DaCosta on Wikipedia »
Buddy Noonan
Buddy Noonan (April 9, 1937 Los Angeles-July 3, 1989 Los Angeles) was an American journalist, cinematographer and actor.
He began his career as a journalist, working for the Los Angeles Times and the San Francisco Examiner. His reporting often focused on social justice issues, particularly in the African American community.
Noonan later shifted his focus to filmmaking and worked as a cinematographer on several notable films, including Arthur Penn's "Night Moves" and Hal Ashby's "Being There". He also acted in a number of films, including "The Godfather Part II", "The Deer Hunter", and "The Big Red One".
In addition to his work in film, Noonan was an accomplished sailor and spent many years racing boats. He competed in several major regattas, including the Transpacific Yacht Race from Los Angeles to Hawaii.
Noonan died in 1989 of complications from AIDS. He was 52 years old.
Read more about Buddy Noonan on Wikipedia »
William Forrest
William Forrest (October 10, 1902 Cambridge-January 26, 1989 Santa Monica) also known as Bill Forrest was an American actor.
He appeared in over 250 films and TV shows during his career, spanning five decades. Forrest started his acting career in the 1920s, playing minor roles in silent films. He then went on to become a popular character actor in the 1930s and 1940s, appearing in films such as "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) and "Now, Voyager" (1942). In the 1950s, he transitioned to television, where he appeared in numerous popular shows including "Perry Mason," "The Twilight Zone," and "The Andy Griffith Show." Despite his prolific career, Forrest never achieved major stardom but was highly respected in the industry for his versatility and dependable talent.
Read more about William Forrest on Wikipedia »
Lee Roberts
Lee Roberts (June 17, 1913 Ohio-April 24, 1989 San Joaquin) a.k.a. Robert Allen, Lee J. Roberts or Robert R. Allen was an American actor.
He began his career in the 1930s with small roles in films such as "Charlie Chan in Shanghai" and "My Man Godfrey". However, he is best known for his work in western films, appearing in over 40 of them throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Some of his notable westerns include "The Lone Ranger", "Buffalo Bill Rides Again", and "The Cisco Kid". Roberts was also a prolific television actor, appearing in many popular shows such as "Gunsmoke", "The Twilight Zone", and "Bonanza". In addition to his work in front of the camera, Roberts also dabbled in producing and directing. He retired from acting in the 1970s and relocated to San Joaquin, California, where he passed away in 1989 at the age of 75.
Read more about Lee Roberts on Wikipedia »
William Ching
William Ching (October 2, 1913 St. Louis-July 1, 1989 Tustin) also known as William Brooks, Bill Ching or William Brooks Ching was an American actor.
Ching appeared in over 60 films and television shows throughout his career, including roles in the films "The Stranger" (1946), "Sands of Iwo Jima" (1949), and "The Searchers" (1956). He also had a recurring role as Tom Lee in the TV series "China Smith" in the 1950s. Ching initially studied architecture at Washington University in St. Louis before pursuing acting, and he served in the Army during World War II. In addition to acting, Ching was also an accomplished guitarist and songwriter, and he recorded and performed with several bands throughout his life.
Read more about William Ching on Wikipedia »
Vic Perrin
Vic Perrin (April 26, 1916 Menomonee Falls-July 4, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as Victor Perrin, Victor H. Perrin or Victor H. "Vic" Perrin was an American actor and voice actor.
He was best known for his deep and resonant voice, which he lent to many iconic characters across television and film, including the Control Voice in the original sci-fi series "The Outer Limits." Perrin was active in Hollywood from the 1950s until his death in 1989, amassing over 300 credits across film and television. He also lent his voice to various video games, radio shows, and commercials. In addition to his work in entertainment, Perrin was a veteran of World War II and served in the United States Army. He is remembered as a talented and versatile performer and a respected member of the acting community.
Read more about Vic Perrin on Wikipedia »
Bob Haymes
Bob Haymes (March 29, 1923 White Plains-January 27, 1989 Hilton Head Island) also known as Robert Haymes, Robert Stanton or Bob Stanton was an American songwriter, actor, singer and presenter.
Bob Haymes was born into a musical family, with his brother Dick Haymes also becoming a famous singer. Bob Haymes wrote songs for several popular films and television shows, including "The Joker is Wild" and "Sing Along with Mitch". He also acted in a few films and had his own television show called "The Bob Haymes Show". Additionally, Haymes was a popular nightclub performer and recorded several albums throughout his career. Despite his success, Haymes struggled with alcoholism and died at the age of 65.
Read more about Bob Haymes on Wikipedia »
Anthony Teague
Anthony Teague (January 4, 1940 Jacksboro-June 2, 1989 Ashland) a.k.a. Scooter Teague, Anthony Scott Teague, Edwin Ardell Teague, Tony Alec, Alec, Scooter or Anthony Scott was an American actor and dancer. He had two children, Christian Teague and Kendall Teague.
Teague was best known for his work as a dancer and actor in a number of popular movies and TV shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. He got his start as a dancer in Las Vegas before transitioning to acting. Some of his most notable roles include appearances in films like "The Graduate" and "Barefoot in the Park," as well as guest spots on TV shows like "The Mod Squad" and "The Streets of San Francisco." Outside of his acting career, Teague was also a skilled horseman and competed in rodeos. Unfortunately, he passed away at the relatively young age of 49 due to complications from AIDS.
Read more about Anthony Teague on Wikipedia »
Jack Beutel
Jack Beutel (September 5, 1915 Dallas-June 27, 1989 Portland) a.k.a. Jack Buetel or Warren Higgins was an American actor and clerk.
He is best known for his role as the outlaw Billy the Kid in the 1943 classic Western film "The Outlaw" directed by Howard Hughes. Despite the controversial marketing of the film - which emphasized the sexual allure of co-star Jane Russell's cleavage - Beutel's performance was well-received and helped cement his place in Hollywood. However, his career stalled in the following years and he eventually left acting to pursue a career as a clerk. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 73 in Portland.
Read more about Jack Beutel on Wikipedia »
Tim Hovey
Tim Hovey (June 19, 1945 Los Angeles-September 9, 1989 Watsonville) was an American actor, audio engineer and road manager.
He started his career as an actor and appeared in several films, including "The Savage Seven" and "The Glory Stompers." Later on, Hovey shifted to audio engineering and worked as a sound technician for various musicians, including the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Starship. He was a part of the crew that engineered the Grateful Dead's legendary "Wall of Sound" concert system. Hovey's expertise in audio engineering also earned him a place as a road manager for the band Journey during their early years. Sadly, Tim Hovey passed away in a car accident in Watsonville, California in 1989, leaving behind a legacy in both the film industry and music industry.
Read more about Tim Hovey on Wikipedia »
Bill Shirley
Bill Shirley (July 6, 1921 Indianapolis-August 27, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as Shirley, Bill or William Shirley was an American actor, voice actor and singer.
Shirley began his career on Broadway in the 1940s, appearing in productions such as "Show Boat" and "South Pacific". He later transitioned to Hollywood, where he starred in films such as "Oklahoma!" (1955) and "Carousel" (1956). Shirley also had a successful career as a voice actor, providing the singing voice for Prince Phillip in Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" (1959) and for the title character in "Peter Pan" (1953). In addition to his work in film and theater, Shirley also recorded several albums of popular songs and operatic arias. He passed away in 1989, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and versatile performer.
Read more about Bill Shirley on Wikipedia »
Joe Spinell
Joe Spinell (October 28, 1936 Manhattan-January 13, 1989 Queens) also known as Joseph J. Spagnuolo, Joe Spinnel, Joe 'Maniac' Spinell, Joe Spinnell, Joseph Spinell or Joe "Maniac" Spinell was an American film producer, actor and screenwriter.
He appeared in over 80 films during his career, including iconic movies such as "The Godfather," "Rocky," and "Taxi Driver." Spinell was known for his versatile acting range, often portraying tough, gritty, and sometimes violent characters. In addition to his acting work, he also wrote and produced several movies, including the horror classic "Maniac." Despite his success in the film industry, Spinell struggled with drug addiction and died of a heart attack in 1989 at the age of 52.
Read more about Joe Spinell on Wikipedia »
Richard Alexander
Richard Alexander (November 19, 1902 Dallas-August 9, 1989 Woodland Hills) also known as Dick Alexander was an American actor.
He began his acting career in the 1920s, appearing in stage productions before transitioning to film in 1929. Over the course of his career, he appeared in over 200 films and television shows, often playing supporting roles. Some of his notable film credits include "The Killers" (1946), "Ace in the Hole" (1951), and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" (1963). He also made numerous appearances on TV shows such as "Perry Mason" and "Gunsmoke." Alexander was known for his versatile acting skills and his ability to portray a variety of characters. He continued to act well into his seventies, with his final on-screen performance in the TV movie "Case Closed" in 1988.
Read more about Richard Alexander on Wikipedia »
John Payne
John Payne (May 23, 1912 Roanoke-December 6, 1989 Malibu) also known as John Howard Payne was an American actor, singer, television producer, screenwriter and film producer. He had three children, Julie Payne, Thomas John Payne and Kathleen Hope Payne.
Payne was best known for his appearances in classic Hollywood films, including "Miracle on 34th Street" (1947), "To the Shores of Tripoli" (1942), and "The Razor's Edge" (1946). He was also a popular leading man in musical films, and starred in movies such as "Sun Valley Serenade" (1941) and "Hello, Frisco, Hello" (1943).
During World War II, Payne served in the United States Army Air Forces and received a Purple Heart for his service. He later returned to acting and appeared in several successful television series such as "The Restless Gun" and "The Virginian."
In addition to his acting career, Payne also wrote and produced for television. He was a producer on the popular western series "The Rebel" and wrote the teleplay for the film "Hondo" (1953).
Payne passed away in 1989 at the age of 77 due to heart failure. Despite his success as an actor and producer, he is often remembered for his hit song "Moonlight Bay," which was later popularized in the film "On Moonlight Bay" (1951).
Read more about John Payne on Wikipedia »
Frank M. Thomas
Frank M. Thomas (July 13, 1889 Saint Joseph-November 25, 1989 Tujunga) a.k.a. Frank Thomas, Frank Thomas Sr. or Frank Marion Thomas was an American actor. He had one child, Frankie Thomas.
Frank Thomas began his acting career in 1916, working in silent films. He transitioned to talkies and continued acting in films throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Some of his notable roles include playing Detective O'Hara in the 1931 film "Little Caesar," and Doc Thorpe in the 1939 film "Only Angels Have Wings," among others.
In the 1940s, Thomas shifted his focus to working as a screenwriter for Disney Studios. He was involved in the production of several classic Disney animated films including "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Pinocchio," and "Bambi." He was also part of the team that created the "Disney Villains" such as Cruella De Vil and the Wicked Queen.
In addition to his work in the film industry, Thomas was also an accomplished painter, and his artwork was displayed in galleries throughout California. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 100.
Read more about Frank M. Thomas on Wikipedia »
Robert J. Wilke
Robert J. Wilke (May 18, 1914 Cincinnati-March 28, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as Robert Joseph Wilke, Bob Wilke, Robert Wilke, Bob Wilkie or Robert Wilkie was an American actor.
He appeared in over 400 films and television shows. Some of his notable film credits include "The Magnificent Seven", "The Ten Commandments", "High Noon", and "Days of Heaven". Wilke was known for his versatility, playing a variety of roles including cowboys, gangsters, and military officers. He was also a frequent collaborator with director Sam Peckinpah, appearing in several of his films such as "The Wild Bunch" and "Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid". In addition to acting, Wilke was a skilled pilot and served as a flight instructor during World War II. He passed away in 1989 at the age of 74.
Read more about Robert J. Wilke on Wikipedia »
Victor French
Victor French (December 4, 1934 Santa Barbara-June 15, 1989 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Uncle Eddie or Victor Edwin French was an American actor, television director and stunt performer.
French is best known for his roles as Mr. Edwards on the television series Little House on the Prairie and as Mark Gordon on the series Highway to Heaven. He also appeared in several notable films during his career, including Charley Varrick, The Mechanic, and The Magnificent Seven Ride! Prior to his work in television and film, French worked as a stunt performer and director of action sequences, including the fight scenes in the classic western film Rio Bravo. French was also a military veteran, having served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He passed away at the age of 54 from lung cancer.
Read more about Victor French on Wikipedia »
William Challee
William Challee (April 6, 1904 Chicago-March 11, 1989 Woodland Hills) otherwise known as William John Challee, Bill Challee, William Chalee or William Challe was an American actor.
Challee began his acting career in the early 1930s and appeared in over 200 films and TV shows throughout his career. He is perhaps best known for his supporting roles in films such as "High Sierra" (1941) and "The Big Sleep" (1946), both directed by John Huston. Challee also appeared in several westerns, including "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance" (1962) and "The Magnificent Seven" (1960). In addition to his acting work, Challee also served as a member of the Screen Actors Guild board of directors for several years. He passed away in 1989 in Woodland Hills, California at the age of 84.
Read more about William Challee on Wikipedia »
George Weidler
George Weidler (January 11, 1926 Los Angeles-December 27, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as George W. Weidler or George William Weidler was an American saxophonist, actor and songwriter.
He grew up in a family of musicians and began playing the saxophone at a young age. He was a member of numerous jazz bands in his early career, including Benny Goodman's band. Weidler made his acting debut in the 1943 film "Presenting Lily Mars" and went on to appear in over 30 films and television shows. He is best known for his roles in "The Clock" (1945) and "The Bishop's Wife" (1947). Weidler also had success as a songwriter, co-writing the hit song "Close Your Eyes" in 1948. He continued to perform and compose music throughout his life, and was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1986.
Read more about George Weidler on Wikipedia »
Robert Foulk
Robert Foulk (May 5, 1908 Philadelphia-February 25, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as Johannson, Robert Foulke, Bob Faulk, Robert Faulk, Robert C. Foulk, Bob Foulk or Bob was an American actor.
Foulk appeared in more than 360 films and TV series during his career, playing a wide range of characters, from cops to cowboys to judges. He started his acting career in the 1940s, often playing uncredited roles, before making his breakthrough as a supporting actor in films such as "Abbott and Costello Meet the Mummy" and "Giant Gila Monster" in the 1950s. Foulk also appeared in many popular TV shows of the 50s, 60s and 70s, including "The Andy Griffith Show," "The Twilight Zone," and "Gunsmoke." He worked in the television until his last acting role in 1988. Foulk was a favorite of director Roger Corman, and appeared in over 30 of his films.
Read more about Robert Foulk on Wikipedia »
Guy Williams
Guy Williams (January 14, 1924 New York City-May 7, 1989 Buenos Aires) a.k.a. Armando Joseph Catalano, "the Comb", Guido or Armando was an American model and actor. He had two children, Steven Catalano and Toni Catalano.
Guy Williams began his career as a fashion model and later transitioned into acting. He is best known for his role as Zorro in the 1950s television series of the same name, which brought him international fame. He also appeared in several films, including "Damon and Pythias" and "Captain Sindbad". Williams was multilingual, speaking five languages fluently, and his proficiency in fencing and horseback riding made him a natural fit for the swashbuckling role of Zorro. In later years, Williams retired from acting and moved to Buenos Aires, where he lived until his death in 1989.
Read more about Guy Williams on Wikipedia »
Abbie Hoffman
Abbie Hoffman (November 30, 1936 Worcester-April 12, 1989 Solebury Township) also known as abbie_hoffman, Abbott Howard Hoffman, Abbot Howard "Abbie" Hoffman or Hoffman, Abbie was an American writer, social activist, actor and psychologist. He had three children, Andrew Hoffman, Amy Hoffman and America Hoffman.
Hoffman was known for his active involvement in political and social movements during the 1960s and 1970s, particularly as a member of the countercultural movement. He was one of the co-founders of the Youth International Party, also known as the Yippies, and was a prominent member of the anti-Vietnam War movement. He was also involved in numerous civil rights and anti-capitalist campaigns.
Hoffman authored several books, including his influential autobiography "Revolution for the Hell of It", outlining his experiences within the Yippies and his radical activism. Additionally, he was an actor and starred in a handful of feature films, such as "Steal This Movie!" which tells the story of his own life.
Hoffman struggled with bipolar disorder throughout his life, and tragically took his own life in 1989 at the age of 52. Despite his controversial legacy, he remains an important figure in American counterculture and is remembered for his dedication to advocating for social change through non-violent means.
Read more about Abbie Hoffman on Wikipedia »
Mel Blanc
Mel Blanc (May 30, 1908 San Francisco-July 10, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as Melvin Jerome "Mel" Blanc, The Man of 1000 Voices, M. Mel Blanc, Blanc, Melvin Jerome Blank, The Man of a Thousand Voices, Melvin Jerome Blanc or Mel was an American comedian, voice actor and actor. He had one child, Noel Blanc.
Blanc is best known for his work voicing iconic characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and many more in over 1,000 animated productions. He began his career in radio, providing voices for various shows such as 'The Jack Benny Program'. His talent for vocal mimicry led to his success in the animation industry, where he became a legend. Blanc's voice talents were not limited to cartoons; he also provided voices for commercials, video games, and even Disneyland attractions. His talent earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. Blanc's legacy continues to live on in the world of animation, where his iconic characters remain beloved by audiences of all ages.
Read more about Mel Blanc on Wikipedia »
Joe Silver
Joe Silver (September 28, 1922 Chicago-February 27, 1989 Manhattan) also known as Joseph Silver was an American actor and voice actor. His children are called Christopher Silver and Jennifer Silver.
Silver began his career in the 1950s, appearing in various TV shows and films such as "Kojak" and "The Godfather Part II". He also lent his voice to numerous cartoon characters such as "The Pink Panther" and "Scooby-Doo". In addition to his acting career, he was also a writer, penning several episodes of TV shows in the 1960s and 1970s. Silver was married to actress Barbara Eda-Young until his death in 1989.
Read more about Joe Silver on Wikipedia »
Bill Stout
Bill Stout (September 4, 1927 Illinois-December 1, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as William Job Stout was an American actor.
He appeared in over 100 television shows and films throughout his career, often portraying tough-guy characters. Some of his notable roles include Sgt. Rizzo in the TV series "The New Breed" and Harry Thompson in the film "Bullitt". In addition to acting, Stout was also a voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated series such as "The Transformers" and "G.I. Joe: A Real American Hero". He passed away at the age of 62 due to a heart attack.
Read more about Bill Stout on Wikipedia »