American movie stars died at 48
Here are 20 famous actresses from United States of America died at 48:
Wendy O. Williams
Wendy O. Williams (May 28, 1949 Webster-April 6, 1998 Storrs) also known as Wendy Orlean Williams, Wendy Williams, W.o.W., Wendy Orleans Williams or Williams, Wendy O. was an American singer, musician and actor.
She died in suicide.
Williams rose to fame as the lead singer for the punk rock band, The Plasmatics, in the late 1970s and continued to release albums as a solo artist into the 1990s. Known for her wild stage presence and controversial antics, Williams became an icon in the punk and metal music scenes. In addition to her music career, she appeared in films such as 'Reform School Girls' and 'Pucker Up and Bark Like a Dog'. Williams was also an animal rights activist and worked with organizations such as PETA to advocate for the ethical treatment of animals. Despite her tragic end, she remains a revered figure in the world of punk rock and a trailblazer for women in rock music.
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Eve Meyer
Eve Meyer (December 13, 1928 Griffin-March 27, 1977 Tenerife) otherwise known as Evelyn Eugene Turner or Eve Turner was an American nude glamour model and actor.
She died in aviation accident or incident.
Eve Meyer began her career as a pin-up model, appearing in magazines such as Playboy, Modern Man, and Adam. She later transitioned to acting, appearing in films such as "Operation Eichmann" and "How to Make a Monster." She also worked as a producer, producing the films "The Immoral Mr. Teas" and "Eve and the Handyman."
In addition to her successful career in the entertainment industry, Meyer was known for her entrepreneurial spirit. She founded the photography agency, "Eve Meyer and Associates," and later started her own film production company, "Eve Productions."
Tragically, Meyer's life was cut short when she died in a plane crash in Tenerife in 1977. She was one of the 583 people who lost their lives in what remains the deadliest aviation accident and incident in history. Despite her untimely death, Eve Meyer's legacy as a pioneering figure in glamour modeling, acting, and film production lives on.
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Alice Pearce
Alice Pearce (October 16, 1917 New York City-March 3, 1966 Hollywood) also known as Alicia Pearce or Alicia “Alice” Pearce was an American singer and actor.
She died caused by ovarian cancer.
Alice Pearce began her career as a singer, performing with the orchestras of Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey. She later transitioned to acting and appeared on Broadway in productions such as On the Town and The Music Man. She is best known for her role as Gladys Kravitz in the television series Bewitched, which she played from 1964 until her death in 1966. Pearce was awarded the posthumous Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her work on the show. In addition to her work on Bewitched, Pearce appeared on numerous other television shows and in films such as The Disorderly Orderly and The Glass Bottom Boat.
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Barbara Loden
Barbara Loden (July 8, 1932 Marion-September 5, 1980 New York City) was an American film director and actor. She had three children, Marco Joachim, Leo Kazan and Marco Kazan.
She died in breast cancer.
Barbara Loden is best known for her directorial debut of the 1970 film "Wanda", which she also wrote and starred in. The film received critical acclaim and was a breakthrough for independent cinema, particularly for women in the industry. Loden was hailed for her naturalistic and nuanced portrayal of the titular character, a working-class woman who drifts into a life of crime. Prior to her career in film, Loden worked in theater and had a successful career as a model. She was married to acclaimed director Elia Kazan until his death in 2003. Despite only directing one feature film, Loden's legacy as a pioneering female filmmaker continues to inspire future generations.
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Clara Ward
Clara Ward (April 21, 1924 Philadelphia-January 16, 1973 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Ward, Clara was an American singer, actor and music arranger.
She was also a gospel music legend, widely regarded as one of the most influential gospel singers of the 20th century. Ward was the lead singer of The Famous Ward Singers, a gospel group she founded with her mother and sisters in the 1930s. The group enjoyed immense success and popularity, performing for presidents and touring extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Ward was known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, and her performances were characterized by a unique blend of traditional gospel, blues, and jazz. She also acted in several films and wrote several gospel songs. Despite her success, Ward struggled with health problems and personal issues, and she passed away at the age of 48. Ward's legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of gospel and R&B artists today.
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Grace Moore
Grace Moore (December 5, 1898 Del Rio-January 26, 1947 Copenhagen) also known as Willie Grace Moore, Mary Willie Grace Moore, Miss Grace Moore or The Tennessee Nightingale was an American singer and actor.
She died as a result of aviation accident or incident.
Moore began her career as an opera singer and later transitioned to musical theater and film. She starred in various productions on Broadway and in Hollywood, including the film adaptation of the operetta "The Merry Widow." Moore was also known for her humanitarian efforts during World War II, performing for soldiers and raising money for the war effort. Her death at the age of 48 was a great loss to the entertainment industry, as she was considered one of the most talented performers of her generation.
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Gwen Guthrie
Gwen Guthrie (July 9, 1950 Okemah-February 3, 1999 Orange) also known as Guthrie, Gwen, Gwendolyn Guthrie or G. Guthrie was an American singer, songwriter, singer-songwriter and actor.
She died caused by uterine cancer.
Gwen Guthrie initially gained prominence as a backing vocalist for disco/funk artist Aretha Franklin, but went on to release several successful solo albums in the 1980s. Some of her most popular songs include "Ain't Nothin' Goin' on But the Rent," "Padlock," and "Seventh Heaven." Guthrie was also known for her songwriting skills, penning hit songs for other artists such as Roberta Flack, Ben E. King and Sister Sledge. In addition to her music career, Guthrie also ventured into acting, appearing in the Spike Lee film "School Daze" and on the television series "The Cosby Show."
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Trixie Smith
Trixie Smith (April 5, 1895 Atlanta-September 21, 1943 New York City) also known as Smith, Trixie was an American singer and actor.
She began her career as a vaudeville performer and later transitioned into recording blues and jazz music. In the late 1920s, she became a popular recording artist, best known for her hit song "My Man Rocks Me (With One Steady Roll)", which is considered a seminal recording in the development of rock and roll. Along with her music career, Smith was also an accomplished actor, appearing in several films and stage productions throughout the 1930s. Despite her success, she faced discrimination and segregation in both the entertainment industry and society at large due to her race. Smith's legacy continues to influence modern music and popular culture.
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Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston (August 9, 1963 Newark-February 11, 2012 Beverly Hills) otherwise known as Whitney Elizabeth Houston, Houston, Whitney, The Prom Queen of Soul, Nippy or The Voice was an American record producer, singer, model, songwriter, film producer, actor, musician, artist and music artist. Her children are called Bobbi Kristina Brown and Bobbi Kristina Brown.
She died caused by cocaine overdose.
Houston started her singing career in the church choir and later went on to release her debut album titled "Whitney Houston" which was certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Her second album "Whitney" featured the hit singles "I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)" and "Didn't We Almost Have It All". Houston's incredible vocal range, powerful voice and stage presence made her one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide.
Throughout her career, Houston won numerous awards including six Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, one Billboard Music Award and 22 American Music Awards. In addition to her music career, Houston also acted in several films including "The Bodyguard" alongside Kevin Costner.
Houston was plagued by personal struggles including drug addiction and a tumultuous marriage to singer Bobby Brown. Her death was a shock to the music industry and her fans around the world, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest voices of all time.
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Cleo Moore
Cleo Moore (October 31, 1924 Baton Rouge-October 25, 1973 Inglewood) also known as Cleouna Moore, Queen of the B Movie Bad Girls or Queen of the B-movie Film Noir was an American actor.
She died caused by myocardial infarction.
Moore started her career as a model and landed her first acting role in the film "Swamp Women" in 1956. She went on to star in various B movies throughout the 1950s and 1960s, often playing seductive and dangerous femme fatale characters. Some of her notable films include "One Girl's Confession," "Over-Exposed," and "Women's Prison." Despite the low-budget nature of her films, Moore's performances were praised for their intensity and conviction. Moore was also a talented singer and recorded a few songs in the 1950s. In addition to her acting career, Moore was involved in several charitable causes and was known for her generosity towards others in need.
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Fanny Davenport
Fanny Davenport (April 10, 1850 London-September 26, 1898 Duxbury) a.k.a. Fanny Lily Gipsy Davenport or Fannie Davenport was an American actor.
She began her career in New York City in the 1860s, often performing alongside her famous father, the actor Edward Loomis Davenport. Fanny Davenport was known for her dramatic roles, and she eventually became one of the most successful and celebrated actresses of her time. She toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, and her performances were always highly anticipated. In addition to her work on stage, she also appeared in a number of early films, including the 1895 film "The Widow Jones." Fanny Davenport was also a passionate collector of books and manuscripts, and her extensive library was later donated to the Boston Public Library after her death.
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Florence Lawrence
Florence Lawrence (January 2, 1890 Hamilton-December 28, 1938 Beverly Hills) also known as Florence Annie Bridgwood, Queen of the Screen, Biograph Girl, The First Movie Star, The Imp Girl, The Girl of a Thousand Faces, Baby Flo, the Child Wonder, The Biograph Girl or Baby Flo, the Child Wonder Whistler was an American actor, inventor and child actor.
She died in suicide.
Florence Lawrence began her career as a child actor, performing with various traveling theatrical companies. She eventually made her way to Hollywood and signed a contract with Biograph Studios. It was during her time at Biograph that she gained fame for her beauty and acting ability, and became one of the first actors to be publicly recognized as a movie star.
In addition to her acting career, Lawrence was also an inventor. She patented a signaling device for railway crossings, which was later adapted into the modern traffic signal. She also invented a device that was designed to help actors change costumes quickly during filming.
Unfortunately, Lawrence's career began to decline in the 1910s, and she struggled to find steady work. She was forced to declare bankruptcy in 1915, and her personal life was also tumultuous. She was married and divorced multiple times, and in 1938 she took her own life with an overdose of pills. Despite the tragic end to her life, Lawrence's legacy as one of the first movie stars in history endures.
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Maggie McNamara
Maggie McNamara (June 18, 1929 New York City-February 18, 1978 New York City) also known as Marguerite McNamara or Marguerite "Maggie" McNamara was an American model, actor and scribe.
She died caused by drug overdose.
Maggie McNamara began her career as a model in the late 1940s and appeared in a number of popular magazines at the time. She made her film debut in 1951 with a small role in the movie The Company She Keeps. Her breakthrough role came in the 1953 film The Moon is Blue, for which she earned critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress. She went on to star in several other films, including Three Coins in the Fountain (1954) and The Cardinal (1963).
In addition to her acting career, McNamara was an accomplished writer and wrote articles for several magazines. She also wrote a book, a memoir about her time in Hollywood, titled "The Silver Spooner". Sadly, McNamara struggled with mental health issues and addiction, which led to her tragic death at the age of 48. Despite her short career, McNamara remains an important figure in Hollywood history and is remembered for her talent and beauty on screen.
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Marion Aye
Marion Aye (April 5, 1903 Chicago-July 21, 1951 Hollywood) was an American actor.
She died in suicide.
Despite her untimely death, Marion Aye had a prominent career in Hollywood during the silent film era. She began her acting career at the age of 14, appearing in small roles before landing a major role in the film "The Birth of a Nation" in 1915. Aye went on to star in numerous films during the 1910s and 1920s, including "The Call of the Wild" (1923) and "Thundering Hoofs" (1924). She was often cast as the leading lady in romantic comedies and dramas.
Outside of her film career, Aye was also known for her beauty and glamour, and she frequently appeared in advertisements and on magazine covers. However, her personal life was troubled, and she struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction. Her suicide in 1951 was a tragic end to a promising career.
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Mitzi Green
Mitzi Green (October 22, 1920 The Bronx-May 24, 1969 Huntington Beach) also known as Elizabeth Keno, Mitze Green or Little Mitzi was an American actor.
She died in cancer.
Mitzi Green began her career in entertainment as a child actor on Broadway, making her debut at the age of nine. She went on to star in several successful plays and musicals, such as "Irma La Douce", "The Diary of Anne Frank", and "Fade Out - Fade In". Mitzi also appeared in several films, including "Tom Sawyer" and "Lost Horizon". She was known for her comedic and musical talents, and her performances were often praised by critics. In addition to her work on stage and screen, Mitzi Green also worked as a radio personality and a television host. Despite her success, she faced personal struggles, including a battle with alcoholism. Mitzi Green passed away in 1969 at the age of 48 due to cancer.
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Ruth Stonehouse
Ruth Stonehouse (September 28, 1892 Denver-May 12, 1941 Los Angeles) was an American actor, film director and screenwriter.
She died caused by cerebral hemorrhage.
Ruth Stonehouse began her career as an actor in vaudeville before moving on to act in silent films. She appeared in over 200 films during her career and later transitioned to directing and writing. Stonehouse is perhaps best known for her work directing the popular film serial "The Hazards of Helen" which starred Helen Holmes.
In addition to her film work, Stonehouse was also a successful stage actress and wrote several plays. She was also a founding member of the Women's Film Preservation Fund, which sought to preserve and restore early films directed by women.
Despite her success and contributions to the film industry, Stonehouse's legacy has been largely overshadowed by male directors of the time. However, her impact on the industry is still remembered by film historians and scholars today.
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Angelique Pettyjohn
Angelique Pettyjohn (March 11, 1943 Los Angeles-February 14, 1992 Las Vegas) also known as Dorothy Lee Perrins, Angelique, Heaven St. John, Angel St. John, Angelique Pettijohn or Ms. Pettyjohn was an American pornographic film actor, model and actor.
She died in cervical cancer.
Angelique Pettyjohn began her career as a model and actress in the mid-1960s, appearing in popular TV series such as "Batman," "Star Trek," and "The Green Hornet." She also had small roles in movies like "The Viking Queen" and "Hell's Belles."
In the 1970s, Pettyjohn transitioned to the adult film industry, appearing in numerous X-rated films such as "The Toy Box," "Body Talk," and "Undercover Widows."
Pettyjohn was known for her striking beauty and curvaceous figure, which made her a favorite among fans of the genre. However, her career was cut short by her battle with cervical cancer, which eventually claimed her life in 1992 at the age of 48.
Despite the controversial nature of her work, Pettyjohn remains a cult figure in both the mainstream and adult entertainment industries.
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Nancy Wickwire
Nancy Wickwire (November 20, 1925 Harrisburg-July 10, 1974 San Francisco) was an American actor.
She died in cancer.
Throughout her career, Nancy Wickwire acted in a variety of films and television shows. Her notable film appearances include "The Chapman Report" (1962), "Two Rode Together" (1961) and "The Young Savages" (1961). She also had guest appearances in popular TV series like "Perry Mason," "The Twilight Zone," and "The Fugitive."
Wickwire began her career as a stage actress, appearing in productions such as "The Rose Tattoo" and "Bus Stop." She also worked as a fashion model before transitioning to acting on screen. Wickwire was known for her natural acting abilities and often portrayed strong-willed characters.
Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Wickwire's life outside of work was troubled. She struggled with addiction and had a tumultuous relationship with her husband, actor Jack Kelly. In 1974, she passed away from cancer at the age of 48.
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Yvette Wilson
Yvette Wilson (March 6, 1964 Los Angeles-June 14, 2012 Los Angeles) also known as Annie Yvette Wilson or Yvette Renee Wilson was an American comedian and actor.
She died caused by cervical cancer.
Wilson gained fame for her role as Andell Wilkerson on the television sitcoms "Moesha" and its spinoff, "The Parkers." She began her career as a stand-up comedian before transitioning to acting. In addition to her television work, Wilson appeared in several films, including "House Party 3" and "Poetic Justice." Wilson was also actively involved in charitable work, serving as a mentor to at-risk youth and advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness. Despite her cancer diagnosis, she continued to work and remained optimistic about her prognosis, but ultimately succumbed to the disease at the age of 48.
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Paula Strasberg
Paula Strasberg (April 5, 2015 New York City-April 29, 1966 New York City) also known as Paula Miller, Paula Miller Strasberg or Paulina Miller was an American actor and acting coach. She had two children, Susan Strasberg and John Strasberg.
She died caused by cancer.
Paula Strasberg was best known for her work as the drama coach of the famous Actors Studio in New York City. Many actors who trained under her went on to great success, including Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Al Pacino. In addition to her work at the Actors Studio, Paula Strasberg also acted in a number of films and TV shows, including the 1955 film "Picnic" and the TV series "The Twilight Zone." Despite her success as a teacher and actress, Paula Strasberg was known for her controversial teaching methods and was often criticized for being too controlling and demanding.
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