Here are 17 famous actresses from United States of America died at 66:
Alla Nazimova (June 3, 1879 Yalta-July 13, 1945 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Mariam Edez Adelaida Leventon, Alia Nasimoff, Nazimova, Mariam Leventon, Miriam Edez Adelaida Leventon, Alla Lavendera, Peter M. Winter or "Madam" was an American pin-up girl, screenwriter, actor and film producer.
She died caused by coronary thrombosis.
Alla Nazimova was born in Yalta, Russian Empire (now Ukraine) and began her career as a stage actress in Moscow and St. Petersburg before immigrating to the United States in 1905. She quickly became a star of the American stage, known for her avant-garde performances and innovative productions.
She transitioned to film in the 1910s, starring in movies such as "War Brides" and "Stronger Than Death." She also became a successful film producer, founding her own production company, Nazimova Productions.
Nazimova was known for her flamboyant lifestyle and was a fixture of Hollywood's bohemian scene in the 1920s. She was openly bisexual and had relationships with several notable women, including actresses Eva Le Gallienne and Greta Garbo.
Despite her early success, Nazimova's career declined in the 1930s, and she struggled with financial difficulties. She died in Los Angeles in 1945 at the age of 66, leaving behind a legacy as a groundbreaking performer and filmmaker.
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Anita Stewart (February 7, 1895 Brooklyn-May 4, 1961 Beverly Hills) otherwise known as Anna May Stewart, Anna M. Stewart, Anna Stewart or Anna Stuart was an American actor and film producer.
She died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Anita Stewart was one of the leading ladies of American silent films, with over 70 films to her credit. She began her career as a stage actress before transitioning to the film industry. Stewart was known for her versatility and starred in a wide range of films, from comedy to drama.
In addition to acting, Stewart was also a successful film producer, heading her own production company, Anita Stewart Productions. She was one of the few women in Hollywood who owned and operated her own production company during that era, and her contributions to the film industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Stewart was also an advocate for women's rights, and was involved in various feminist organizations throughout her life. She was a strong supporter of the National Women's Party and was a close friend of suffragist leader Alice Paul.
Overall, Anita Stewart was a trailblazer in the film industry, a talented actor, producer, and a pioneer for women's rights.
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Glenda Farrell (June 30, 1904 Enid-May 1, 1971 New York City) was an American actor. She had one child, Tommy Farrell.
She died in lung cancer.
Farrell began her acting career in vaudeville and made her film debut in 1929. She appeared in over 100 films during her career, often playing tough-talking, fast-talking dames or wisecracking reporters. Some of her notable films include "Little Caesar" (1931), "I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" (1932), and "Torrid Zone" (1940). Farrell also appeared on Broadway and in television shows such as "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "77 Sunset Strip." In addition to acting, Farrell was involved in charities supporting the fight against cancer, after her husband and son were both diagnosed with the disease.
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Jean Wallace (October 12, 1923 Chicago-February 14, 1990 Beverly Hills) also known as Jean Walasek was an American actor. She had three children, Thomas Jefferson Tone, Pascal Franchot Tone and Cornel Wallace Wilde Jr..
She died in gastrointestinal bleeding.
Jean Wallace began her acting career in the 1940s and appeared in several films and television shows throughout her career. She is best known for her roles in the films "The Big Combo" (1955) and "The Man Who Died Twice" (1958). Wallace was married to fellow actor Cornel Wilde from 1943 until their divorce in 1981. In addition to her acting career, Wallace was also an avid equestrian and competed in horse shows. She passed away in 1990 at the age of 66.
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Jill Clayburgh (April 30, 1944 New York City-November 5, 2010 Lakeville) was an American actor. She had two children, Lily Rabe and Michael Rabe.
She died in leukemia.
Jill Clayburgh rose to prominence in the 1970s with her powerful performances in films like "An Unmarried Woman" and "Starting Over." She received critical acclaim for her work in both film and theater, earning four Tony Award nominations throughout her career for her work on the stage. Clayburgh was known for her naturalistic acting style and her ability to portray complex and nuanced characters. In addition to her acting work, she was an outspoken advocate for women's rights and was known for her support of various feminist causes. Her legacy continues to influence the world of film and theater to this day.
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Louise Fazenda (June 17, 1895 Lafayette-April 17, 1962 Beverly Hills) was an American actor, humanitarian and art collector. She had one child, Brent Wallis.
She died in cerebral hemorrhage.
Fazenda got her start in the entertainment industry as a vaudeville performer, and eventually transitioned to silent film in the 1910s. She quickly became a popular comedic actress, known for her physical humor and scene-stealing performances. Fazenda appeared in over 300 films throughout her career, including several with legendary comedian Harold Lloyd.
Off-screen, Fazenda was known for her philanthropic work and dedication to various charities, including the Motion Picture Relief Fund and the Women's Christian Temperance Union. She was also an avid art collector, with a particular passion for the works of noted Chinese artist Wu Hufan.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Fazenda remained humble and down-to-earth throughout her life, often stating that she simply loved making people laugh. She is remembered as one of the most beloved character actresses of the silent film era, and a true pioneer of comedy in American cinema.
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Marcia Strassman (April 28, 1948 New York City-October 25, 2014) otherwise known as Marcia A. Strassman was an American actor, singer, activist and model. Her child is called Elizabeth Collector.
She died caused by breast cancer.
Strassman began her career as a musician, performing with the band "The Honey Bees" as a teenager. She made her first television appearance in an episode of "The Patty Duke Show" and went on to star in several popular TV shows and films throughout the 1970s and 80s, including "Welcome Back, Kotter," "M*A*S*H," and "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids." In addition to her acting career, Strassman was also an advocate for breast cancer research and served on the board of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. She was married twice, first to the actor and director Bob Collector and later to the composer and musician Robert S. Collector.
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Minnie Maddern Fiske (December 19, 1865 New Orleans-February 15, 1932 Queens) was an American actor.
She died as a result of cardiovascular disease.
Minnie Maddern Fiske was known for her pioneering work in the world of theater. She was one of the first actresses to bring a naturalistic style of acting to the stage and was a major force in the movement to elevate the status of theater in America. Fiske was also a champion of women's rights and was an advocate for social causes throughout her life. She is best known for her roles in plays such as "Hedda Gabler," "The Doll's House," and "Mary of Magdala." In addition, she was also a successful producer and director, and her influence on American theater can still be felt today.
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Nita Naldi (November 13, 1894 New York City-February 17, 1961 New York City) a.k.a. Nonna Dooley, Mary Dooley or Mary Nonna Dooley was an American actor.
She died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Nita Naldi was known for her femme fatale roles in silent films during the 1920s. She starred alongside Rudolph Valentino in the films "Blood and Sand" (1922) and "Cobra" (1925). Her exotic looks and sultry demeanor made her a popular actress of the era. After the advent of sound in the late 1920s, Nita Naldi's career waned and she began to appear on stage and in small film roles. She also worked as a drama teacher in her later years. Despite her once prominent career, Nita Naldi's contributions to film have largely been forgotten.
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Roxie Roker (August 28, 1929 Miami-December 2, 1995 Los Angeles) also known as Roxie Albertha Roker was an American actor. Her child is called Lenny Kravitz.
She died caused by breast cancer.
Roxie Roker began her acting career in New York City during the 1960s, appearing in several off-Broadway productions. She is best known for her role as Helen Willis on the popular sitcom "The Jeffersons," which aired from 1975 to 1985. Roker's portrayal of Helen Willis, a half of the first mixed-race couple to be shown on a television series, broke barriers and opened doors for many actors of color to come. Her son, Lenny Kravitz, is a Grammy award-winning musician, singer and actor. In addition to her acting work, Roker was also an activist and fought for social justice causes throughout her life. She was a member of the board of directors of the New York chapter of the Screen Actors Guild and was involved in numerous civil rights organizations, including the NAACP. Her legacy continues to inspire actors and activists.
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Tallulah Bankhead (January 31, 1902 Huntsville-December 12, 1968 New York City) a.k.a. Tallulah Brockman Bankhead, Tallu, Bankhead, Tallulah or Miss Tallulah Bankhead was an American radio personality and actor.
She died as a result of emphysema.
Bankhead was born into a prominent Alabama political family and made her way to New York in the 1910s, where she soon established herself as a leading Broadway actress. She is best known for her role in the 1939 play "The Little Foxes," which she reprised on film two years later. Bankhead was a larger-than-life personality known for her wit, charm, and often scandalous behavior. She was a staunch supporter of civil rights and LGBT rights and was known for her close friendships with artists and bohemians of all kinds. In addition to her work on stage and screen, Bankhead was a frequent guest on radio shows and served as one of the original panelists on the popular game show "What's My Line?"
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Thelma Ritter (February 14, 1902 Brooklyn-February 5, 1969 New York City) was an American actor. She had one child, Monica Moran.
She died in myocardial infarction.
Thelma Ritter began her career as a stage actress in the 1920s and went on to appear in over 70 films, often playing supporting roles. Her notable film credits include "All About Eve" (1950), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, "Rear Window" (1954), and "Pillow Talk" (1959). Ritter was known for her sharp wit, distinct New York accent, and natural acting style. In addition to her film work, she was also a frequent guest on television shows such as "The Jack Benny Program" and "The Red Skelton Hour." Ritter was admired by her colleagues in the industry and her performances are still celebrated by fans of classic cinema today.
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Virginia Gilmore (July 26, 1919 El Monte-March 28, 1986 Santa Barbara) also known as Sherman Virginia Poole or Ginny was an American actor. Her child is called Yul 'Rock' Brynner II.
She died caused by emphysema.
Virginia Gilmore began her acting career in the 1930s, with a small role in the film "Artists and Models." She went on to appear in over 30 films, including "The Big Store," "Sun Valley Serenade," and "The Falcon's Brother." In the 1940s, she transitioned to television and appeared in several popular shows, such as "I Love Lucy," "The Twilight Zone," and "Perry Mason." Despite her success in acting, she decided to retire from show business in the mid-1950s to focus on her family. Gilmore was married to actor Yul Brynner from 1944 to 1960, and they had one child together. After their divorce, she remarried twice before her death in 1986.
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Norma Donaldson (July 8, 1928 New York City-November 22, 1994 Los Angeles) was an American singer and actor.
She died in cancer.
Norma Donaldson was well-known for her extensive work in the music industry during the 1950s and 1960s. She began her career as a jazz singer in New York City's vibrant music scene, performing at popular clubs and venues such as the Apollo Theater and the Village Vanguard. She soon made waves in the recording industry, recording singles and albums for various labels including Savoy Records and Bethlehem Records.
In addition to her music career, Norma Donaldson also had success in acting, appearing in a number of films and television shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She had roles in popular movies such as "The Learning Tree" and "WUSA," as well as in TV series such as "The Mod Squad" and "Marcus Welby, M.D."
Despite her successes, Norma Donaldson faced numerous challenges throughout her life, including racism and health problems. However, her talent and perseverance inspired many and she remains a respected figure in the jazz and entertainment communities.
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Juanita Hansen (March 3, 1895 Des Moines-September 26, 1961 Los Angeles) also known as Juanita C. Hansen, The Queen of Thrills, Juanita Parsons, Wahnetta Hanson or Wahneta Hanson was an American actor.
She died as a result of cardiovascular disease.
Juanita Hansen was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1895. She started her acting career in the early 1910s, making her debut in the film industry with the Essanay Studios. Hansen became a popular actress during the silent film era, appearing in over 300 films throughout her career. She was known for playing femme fatale and seductive characters, and was often dubbed "The Queen of Thrills" for her daring performances.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Hansen struggled with alcoholism and drug addiction throughout her career. She was arrested multiple times for drug-related offenses and was eventually blacklisted by several studios due to her erratic behavior.
In the late 1920s, Hansen's film career started to decline, and she began working in vaudeville shows and traveling theater troupes. She made her last film appearance in 1931's "The Living Ghost," and retired from acting shortly thereafter.
Hansen's personal life was also tumultuous, and she was married several times throughout her life. She died in Los Angeles in 1961, at the age of 66, due to cardiovascular disease. Despite the difficulties she faced in her personal life, Hansen is remembered as one of the pioneering actresses of the silent film era, and her legacy continues to be celebrated by film historians and enthusiasts.
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Beryl Wallace (April 5, 2015 Brooklyn-June 17, 1948 Aristes) also known as beryl_wallace or Beryl Heischuber was an American actor, singer and dancer.
She died as a result of aviation accident or incident.
Wallace began her career as a chorus girl and later became a featured performer on Broadway. She is best known for her role as the character "Billie Bendix" in the original production of the musical "Anything Goes" in 1934. Wallace also appeared in films such as "Carnival in Flanders" (1935) and "The Big Broadcast" (1936). She was married to comedian and actor Johnny Bright until his death in 1940. In 1948, Wallace was one of the passengers on the United Airlines Flight 624, which crashed in Pennsylvania, ultimately causing her death at the age of 83.
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Edith Massey (May 28, 1918 San Francisco-October 24, 1984 Los Angeles) also known as Massey, Edith, Egg Lady, The or Edie the Egg Lady was an American singer, actor and dancer.
She died as a result of cancer.
Massey was known for her unique looks and quirky style. She gained cult status through her roles in underground filmmaker John Waters' movies, including "Pink Flamingos" and "Female Trouble". Massey also had a music career, recording a single called "Big Girls Don't Cry" and performing with the band Edie and the Eggs. Despite her limited acting ability, she became a beloved figure in the punk and avant-garde scene for her offbeat charm and eccentric personality.
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