American movie stars died at 71

Here are 12 famous actresses from United States of America died at 71:

Nora Ephron

Nora Ephron (May 19, 1941 New York City-June 26, 2012 New York City) was an American writer, novelist, screenwriter, film director, film producer, author, actor, journalist, essayist and playwright. She had two children, Jacob Bernstein and Max Bernstein.

She died in leukemia.

Nora Ephron graduated from Wellesley College in 1962 and started her career as a journalist, writing for The New York Post and Esquire magazine. She later turned to screenwriting, penning hit films such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless in Seattle."

Ephron was known for her wit and humor, which she brought to her work in both film and writing. Her books include the novel "Heartburn" and the collection of essays "I Feel Bad About My Neck."

In addition to her successful writing and filmmaking career, Ephron was also involved in philanthropic work. She supported various charities, including the Women's Media Center and the New York Public Library.

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Virginia Bruce

Virginia Bruce (September 29, 1910 Minneapolis-February 24, 1982 Woodland Hills) otherwise known as Helen Virginia Briggs was an American singer and actor. Her children are Susan Ann Gilbert and Christopher Ruben.

She died as a result of cancer.

Virginia Bruce started her career as a singer in 1929, performing with Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians. She moved to Hollywood in 1930 and began a successful career in films. Some of her most notable films include "The Great Ziegfeld" (1936), for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, and "The Invisible Woman" (1940).

In addition to her film and singing career, Bruce was also involved in theater productions and made appearances on television shows in the 1950s and 1960s. She was married four times, including to the director J. Walter Ruben and the actor John Gilbert.

Despite her success, Bruce faced personal struggles throughout her life, including her battle with alcoholism. She eventually sought treatment and credited her faith in God for helping her overcome her addiction.

Overall, Virginia Bruce is remembered for her talent and beauty, and for her contribution to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

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June Elvidge

June Elvidge (June 30, 1893 Saint Paul-May 1, 1965 Eatontown) was an American actor.

June Elvidge began her acting career in the early 1910s, and quickly became a popular star during the silent film era. She appeared in over 70 films, including "The Tides of Barnegat" (1917), "The Black Panther's Cub" (1921), and "The Lone Star Ranger" (1923).

Despite her success, Elvidge's career declined in the late 1920s due to the advent of sound in film. She made her last film appearance in 1931 and retired from acting shortly thereafter.

Elvidge was known for her striking beauty and her ability to bring depth and emotion to her performances. Off-screen, she was known for her charitable work and her involvement in animal welfare causes.

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Gail Davis

Gail Davis (October 5, 1925 Little Rock-March 15, 1997 Los Angeles) also known as Betty Jeanne Grayson, Gale Davis or Bootsie was an American actor. Her child is Terrie Davis.

She died as a result of cancer.

Gail Davis was best known for her role as Annie Oakley in the television series of the same name, which aired from 1954 to 1957. Before landing the role of Annie Oakley, Davis appeared in several films and television shows. She retired from acting after the cancellation of Annie Oakley and went on to work in public relations. Additionally, she worked as a television producer and even had a brief stint as a country singer. In 1991, Davis was inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. Despite her brief career, she left a lasting impression on audiences and is still remembered as an icon of Western television.

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Madge Evans

Madge Evans (July 1, 1909 New York City-April 26, 1981 Oakland) a.k.a. Margherita Evans, Lovely Madge Evans or Baby Madge was an American actor and model.

She died in cancer.

Madge Evans began her acting career at the tender age of five and made her Broadway debut at the age of eight in the play "Peter Ibbetson". She went on to work in several films throughout her career and was a contract player for MGM. She was known for her performances in films such as "David Copperfield" (1935) and "The Women" (1939). In addition to her career in film and on stage, she was also a successful model and appeared in advertisements for various products. Her life off-screen was also noteworthy as she was married to Sidney Kingsley, the Tony Award-winning playwright.

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Nancy Marchand

Nancy Marchand (June 19, 1928 Buffalo-June 18, 2000 Stratford) was an American actor. Her children are called Katie Sparer, David Sparer and Rachel Sparer Bersier.

She died caused by lung cancer.

Nancy Marchand began her career in theater, making her Broadway debut in the 1950s. She later transitioned to television and film, appearing in numerous popular shows such as "The Sopranos," "Law & Order," and "Lou Grant." Marchand was a skilled character actor, winning four Emmy Awards over the course of her career.

One of Marchand's most memorable roles was as the matriarch of the Soprano crime family, Livia Soprano, which she played until her death. Marchand's performance in the series was widely acclaimed, and she was posthumously awarded an Emmy for her work on the show.

Outside of her professional life, Marchand was known for her humanitarian work and activism. She was involved with various organizations that focused on issues such as civil rights, education, and the environment. Additionally, Marchand was an advocate for women's rights, serving on the board of directors for the National Organization for Women.

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Patsy Kelly

Patsy Kelly (January 12, 1910 Brooklyn-September 24, 1981 Woodland Hills) otherwise known as Sarah Veronica Rose Kelly, Bridget Sarah Veronica Rose Kelly or Patsy was an American actor.

She died caused by cancer.

Patsy Kelly started her career in vaudeville in the 1920s and then transitioned into film in the 1930s. She worked as a character actress in over 70 films throughout her career, often playing comedic sidekicks and maids. Kelly is known for her scene-stealing performances in movies such as "Topper Returns" (1941) and "The Bad Seed" (1956). In the 1950s, she also appeared on several television programs, including "The Jack Benny Program" and "The Red Skelton Show". Despite facing discrimination because of her weight and perceived sexual orientation throughout her career, Kelly continued to work in the entertainment industry until her death in 1981. She is remembered for her sharp wit, comedic timing, and contributions to the golden age of Hollywood.

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Vanessa Brown

Vanessa Brown (March 24, 1928 Vienna-May 21, 1999 Woodland Hills) also known as Smylla Brind, Tessa Brind or Smylla Brynd was an American actor. She had two children, Cathy Sandrich and David Sandrich.

She died caused by breast cancer.

Vanessa Brown began her acting career as a child in her native Vienna, where she appeared in productions such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Pirates of Penzance". Her family fled from Austria to the United States in 1937, settling in Los Angeles where Brown continued to act on stage and eventually moved to film. She is best known for her roles in classic films such as "The Heiress" (1949), "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir" (1947), and "The Big Circus" (1959). Brown was also a successful author and illustrator of children's books. She wrote and illustrated four books, including "The Woodcarver's House" and "Beauty and the Beast", which were both selected for the prestigious Junior Literary Guild. Brown passed away in Woodland Hills, California in 1999, leaving behind a legacy as both an accomplished actor and writer.

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Lila Leeds

Lila Leeds (January 28, 1928 Iola-September 15, 1999 Canoga Park) a.k.a. Lila Lee Wilkinson was an American actor. Her children are called Ivan Leeds, Laura Leeds and Shawn Leeds.

Leeds began her career as a model before transitioning to Hollywood films. She rose to prominence for her role as a drug addict in the 1948 film "Reefer Madness". However, her success was short-lived as she was arrested for marijuana possession with Robert Mitchum, which resulted in a scandal that tarnished her image and stalled her acting career. Despite this setback, Leeds continued to act in small roles, primarily on television. She eventually retired from acting in the 1960s and became a real estate agent. Leeds passed away in 1999 at the age of 71.

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Minerva Urecal

Minerva Urecal (September 22, 1894 Eureka-February 26, 1966 Glendale) otherwise known as Minerva Holzer was an American actor.

She died as a result of myocardial infarction.

Minerva Urecal was best known for her roles in the classic horror film "The Invisible Ghost" (1941) and the popular television series "The Adventures of Superman" (1952-1958). She appeared in over 100 films and TV shows throughout her career, often portraying tough-talking characters with a no-nonsense attitude. Urecal's early career began in vaudeville, where she performed as a singer and dancer. She later transitioned to film and television, working steadily in the industry for several decades. Despite her success as an actor, Urecal remained a private person and little is known about her personal life.

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Diane Shalet

Diane Shalet (February 23, 1935 New York-February 23, 2006 Palm Springs) a.k.a. Diane Shalet Strong was an American novelist, actor and acting teacher.

She began her career on the New York stage, appearing in various productions such as "The Physicists" and "The School for Scandal". Shalet also acted in numerous television shows and films, including "Law & Order", "Sex and the City", and "The Devil's Advocate". As an acting teacher, she taught at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute and the HB Studio in New York City. Shalet authored several books, including "The Music of What Happens" and "Between Two Worlds". She passed away on her 71st birthday in Palm Springs, California.

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Doris Grau

Doris Grau (October 12, 1924 Brooklyn-December 30, 1995 Los Angeles) also known as Demonic Doris Grau was an American actor, voice actor and script supervisor.

Grau is best known for her role as Lunchlady Doris in the popular animated television series "The Simpsons". She worked on the show from its beginnings on "The Tracey Ullman Show" in 1987 until her death in 1995. In addition to her acting work, Grau was also a script supervisor for several television shows and movies including "Happy Days" and "The Love Boat". She also did voice work for other animated series such as "Pinky and the Brain" and "Dexter's Laboratory". Before her career in the entertainment industry, Grau worked as a waitress and a switchboard operator.

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