American movie stars died at 78
Here are 17 famous actresses from United States of America died at 78:
Esther Rolle
Esther Rolle (November 8, 1920 Pompano Beach-November 17, 1998 Culver City) was an American actor.
She died as a result of diabetes mellitus.
Rolle was best known for her role as Florida Evans in the television sitcoms "Maude" and "Good Times". She was a prominent figure in the civil rights movement and often used her platform to speak out against racial injustice. Prior to her acting career, Rolle was a prominent member of the Negro Ensemble Company in New York City. She also founded the Community Ensemble Theatre in Los Angeles. Rolle's legacy extends beyond her acting career, as she was a dedicated activist and humanitarian until her death in 1998.
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Beverly Sills
Beverly Sills (May 25, 1929 Brooklyn-July 2, 2007 New York City) also known as Belle Miriam Silverman or Sills, Beverly was an American singer and actor.
She died caused by lung cancer.
Sills gained fame as an opera singer and was renowned for her impressive vocal range and virtuosic coloratura soprano technique. She performed at major opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where she appeared in over 200 performances.
In addition to her singing career, Sills also served as the general manager of the New York City Opera and was a well-respected advocate for the arts. She was also a beloved public figure and made numerous television appearances, including hosting her own talk show in the 1970s.
Sills was honored with many awards and accolades throughout her career, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. She was also inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame and the American Classical Music Hall of Fame.
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Dorothy Loudon
Dorothy Loudon (September 17, 1925 Boston-November 15, 2003 New York City) a.k.a. Loudon, Dorothy or Dotty was an American singer and actor.
She died caused by cancer.
Loudon began her career as a nightclub performer and made her Broadway debut in 1962 in the musical "Nowhere to Go But Up". She is best known for her Tony Award-winning performance as Miss Hannigan in the original Broadway production of "Annie" in 1977. Loudon appeared in numerous productions on and off Broadway, including "The Fig Leaves Are Falling", "Ballroom", and "Noises Off". She also had a successful television career, appearing on several shows including "The Garry Moore Show", "The Dean Martin Show", and "Love, American Style". Despite her success in show business, Loudon was known for her private and reclusive personality.
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Ruth Brown
Ruth Brown (January 12, 1928 Portsmouth-November 17, 2006 Henderson) also known as Ruth Alston Weston, The Girl With the Tear In Her Voice, Miss Rhythm or Queen of R&B was an American record producer, actor and singer-songwriter. She had one child, Ronnie McPhatter.
She died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Ruth Brown was one of the most successful R&B singers of the 1950s, known for hits such as "5-10-15 Hours" and "Mama He Treats Your Daughter Mean." She was also a trailblazer for African-American artists as one of the first to cross over into the mainstream music market.
After a successful career in music, Brown became an activist for musicians' rights and was instrumental in the passage of the Music Modernization Act of 2018. She also acted in several films, including "Hairspray" and "Blues Brothers 2000."
Throughout her career, Brown received numerous accolades and awards, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award.
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Alice White
Alice White (August 24, 1904 Paterson-February 19, 1983 Los Angeles) also known as Alva White was an American actor, singer and secretary.
She died in stroke.
Alice White began her career as a secretary before being discovered by a talent scout who recognized her screen potential. She went on to star in many successful films during the 1920s and 1930s, often playing spunky, flapper-style characters. White was also a talented singer and performed in a number of musicals throughout her career. Despite her success in Hollywood, she eventually retired from acting in the 1940s to focus on her family. Throughout her life, White was known for her vivacious personality and infectious sense of humor. She remains a beloved figure in the history of American cinema.
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Betty Furness
Betty Furness (January 3, 1916 New York City-April 2, 1994 New York City) a.k.a. Elizabeth Mary Furness was an American actor, commentator, advocate, model and politician. Her child is Babbie Green.
She died as a result of stomach cancer.
Betty Furness had a long career in various fields. She started her career as a model, working for top fashion brands and magazines in the 1930s. She then ventured into acting, appearing in more than 20 films in the 1930s and 1940s. She later became a television personality and commentator, working for CBS and NBC. She was a valuable asset to the TV shopping pioneer, Westinghouse, hosting its initial live promotional broadcast in April 1949 on WABD-TV.
Apart from her work in the entertainment industry, Betty Furness was also an advocate for consumer rights. She served as the Special Assistant for Consumer Affairs to U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson from 1966-1969. In this role, she worked to improve product safety standards and to provide consumers with better information about the products they buy.
In addition, Betty Furness was also a successful politician. She was a member of the Democratic Party and served on the New York State Consumer Protection Board and as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.
Betty Furness passed away in 1994 due to complications from stomach cancer. Her legacy as a multifaceted personality and advocate for consumer rights continues to inspire many people today.
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Elsie Ferguson
Elsie Ferguson (August 19, 1883 New York City-November 15, 1961 New London) also known as Elsie Louise Ferguson or "The Aristocrat of the Screen" was an American actor.
Ferguson began her career on the Broadway stage before transitioning to silent films in the early 1910s. She quickly became a popular leading lady known for her grace, beauty, and sophistication on and off screen. Some of her notable films from this time include "The Witness for the Defense" (1919) and "The Bat" (1926).
In the late 1920s, Ferguson successfully transitioned to talking films, but her popularity began to fade in the 1930s. She continued to act sporadically in films and on stage throughout the 1940s, but retired from acting altogether in 1950.
Outside of her acting career, Ferguson was known for her philanthropic work and humanitarian efforts. She was particularly invested in animal welfare and spent much of her time and money supporting various animal charities.
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Jeanne Crain
Jeanne Crain (May 25, 1925 Barstow-December 14, 2003 Santa Barbara) also known as Jeanne Elizabeth Crain or Hollywood's Number One party girl was an American actor. Her children are Michael Brinkman, Maria Brinkman, Christopher Brinkman, Timothy Brinkman, Jeanine Brinkman, Lisabette Brinkman and Paul F. Brinkman Jr..
She died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Jeanne Crain was born in Barstow, California on May 25, 1925. She was the third of seven children and grew up in Los Angeles. She began her acting career in the 1940s and quickly became known for her beauty and charisma.
Over the course of her career, she appeared in dozens of films, including "State Fair," "A Letter to Three Wives," and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1949 film "Pinky."
In addition to her acting work, Crain was also known for her charity work and was involved with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the March of Dimes. She was married to Paul Brinkman, with whom she had seven children.
Crain passed away on December 14, 2003 at the age of 78 in Santa Barbara, California. She was survived by her children and grandchildren.
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Lenore Ulric
Lenore Ulric (July 21, 1892 New Ulm-December 30, 1970 Orangeburg) also known as Lenore Ulrich, Leonore Ulrich or Leonora Ulrich was an American actor.
She died as a result of heart failure.
Lenore Ulric began her acting career on Broadway and later became a prominent silent film actress. She appeared in over 30 films, including the 1923 film "The Phantom Fortune," where she starred opposite Lon Chaney. Ulric was known for her dramatic performances and her ability to convey emotion in her roles. After the transition to sound films, Ulric continued to act but also began directing and producing plays. In addition to her work in film and theater, Ulric was also a writer and artist. She published a collection of her poetry and was known for her illustrations, which were featured in several magazines. Ulric was a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, known for her talent and dedication to her craft.
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Louise Brooks
Louise Brooks (November 14, 1906 Cherryvale-August 8, 1985 Rochester) also known as Mary Louise Brooks, Scrubbie, Lulu or Brooksie was an American actor, dancer, model and politician.
She died caused by myocardial infarction.
Born and raised in Kansas, Brooks was known for her iconic bob haircut and her roles in silent films during the 1920s and 1930s. She began her career on Broadway before transitioning to film and quickly rose to fame with her breakout performance in the film "Pandora's Box" in 1929.
Despite her success, Brooks struggled with depression and alcoholism throughout most of her life. She retired from acting in the early 1930s and spent many years living and working in Europe. In the 1950s, she returned to the United States and briefly worked as a radio and television personality.
Later in life, Brooks became involved in politics and unsuccessfully ran for a seat in the Kansas House of Representatives in 1950. She also authored several books, including her autobiography "Lulu in Hollywood" which was published in 1982.
Today, Louise Brooks is remembered as a pioneering figure in film history and a symbol of the Roaring Twenties. Her legacy continues to inspire modern filmmakers and fashion icons.
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Marian Nixon
Marian Nixon (October 20, 1904 Superior-February 13, 1983 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Marion Nixon, Maria Nissinen or Marian Nissinen was an American actor and dancer. She had one child, Christopher N. Seiter.
She died caused by surgical complications.
Marian Nixon began her career as a dancer in the Ziegfeld Follies in New York City. She moved to Hollywood in the late 1920s and began working in film. She appeared in over 60 films in her career, including "The Big House" (1930), "The Mysterious Island" (1929) and "The Florodora Girl" (1930). She primarily played supporting roles throughout her career.
Nixon retired from acting in the 1940s and focused on raising her son. She later worked as a real estate agent. In her later years, she was a member of the Motion Picture and Television Country House and Hospital, a retirement community for people who worked in the entertainment industry.
Nixon was married twice, first to director, producer, and writer Benjamin H. Kline, and later to producer Harry Kurnitz.
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Miyoshi Umeki
Miyoshi Umeki (May 8, 1929 Otaru-August 28, 2007 Licking) otherwise known as Umeki, Miyoshi was an American singer and actor.
She died caused by cancer.
Umeki was born in Hokkaido, Japan, but later immigrated to the United States. She began her career as a nightclub singer in the late 1940s and early 1950s, before transitioning to acting. Umeki gained widespread recognition for her role as Mei Li in the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical "The Flower Drum Song," for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1961. She also appeared in several other films and TV shows, including "Sayonara," "The Courtship of Eddie's Father," and "Hawaii Five-O." Outside of her acting career, Umeki was an advocate for Asian-American representation in the entertainment industry.
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Raquel Torres
Raquel Torres (November 11, 1908 Hermosillo-August 10, 1987 Los Angeles) also known as Paula Marie Osterman or Paula Osterman was an American actor.
She died caused by myocardial infarction.
Raquel Torres was a Mexican-American film actress who rose to fame during the silent film era. She started her career as a stage actress in Mexico before making her way to Hollywood in the early 1920s. Torres acted in numerous silent films and early talkies, including the 1929 film "The Bridge of San Luis Rey", which earned her critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress.
After a successful career in Hollywood, Torres decided to retire from acting in the mid-1930s and focused on her personal life. She went on to marry a wealthy businessman and moved to Spain, where she lived for several years before returning to the United States.
While Torres' career was relatively short-lived, she remains a prominent figure in the history of Mexican-American actors in Hollywood. Her talent and beauty captivated audiences during the golden age of cinema and her legacy continues to inspire young actors today.
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Gloria Winters
Gloria Winters (November 28, 1931 Los Angeles-August 14, 2010 Vista) also known as Gloria Carolyn Hirst was an American actor.
She died in pneumonia.
Gloria Winters was best known for her role as Alice, the secretary on the popular television show "Sky King." She began her acting career at a very young age, starting out in small roles in films such as "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Bishop's Wife." However, it was her role on "Sky King" that gave her the most recognition and made her a beloved figure among fans of the show.
After "Sky King" ended, Winters continued to act in a variety of television shows, including "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" and "The Lone Ranger." She also worked as a voiceover artist, lending her voice to numerous animated series such as "The Gumby Show" and "Johnny Quest."
In addition to her acting work, Winters was also an accomplished singer, releasing several singles including "Johnny Gaucho" and "Wait for Me."
Despite her success as a performer, Winters remained grounded and dedicated to her family. She was married to Jack Winters and together they had five children.
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Nora Denney
Nora Denney (September 3, 1927 Kansas City-November 20, 2005 Crestline) also known as Dolores Teachenor, Dodo Denney, Nora "Dodo" Denney, Dodo, Dodo Denny, Nora Denny or Do Do Denny was an American actor. She had two children, Dix Denney and John Denney.
She died in cancer.
Nora Denney began her career in entertainment in the 1950s, primarily as a stage actress. She appeared in many Broadway productions, including "My Fair Lady" and "The Music Man." She later transitioned to television and film, appearing in popular shows like "The Twilight Zone," "I Dream of Jeannie," and "The Brady Bunch." Denney is perhaps best known for her role as Mrs. McGarrity in the 1971 film "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory." In addition to her acting work, Denney was also a teacher and mentor to young actors, and was known for her warm and generous spirit.
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Arlene Martel
Arlene Martel (April 14, 1936 The Bronx-August 12, 2014 Los Angeles) a.k.a. The Chameleon, Arline Sax, Arline Greta Sax, Arlene Martell, Tasha Martell, Arlene Martell Martin, Arlene Sax, Arline Martel or Tasha Martel was an American actor and acting coach. She had three children, Jodaman Douglas, Avra Douglas and Adam Palmer.
She died caused by myocardial infarction.
She was best known for her work on television series, including "Star Trek," "The Twilight Zone" and "The Monkees." Martel played T'Pring, the Vulcan fiancée of Mr. Spock in the popular "Star Trek" episode, "Amok Time." Her other television credits included "Gunsmoke," "Rawhide," "Bewitched" and "The Wild Wild West." In addition to her acting career, Martel was also a noted acting coach, having taught many aspiring actors over the years. She was deeply committed to the craft of acting and was highly respected in the industry for her talent and dedication. Despite her many stage and screen credits, Martel remained humble and approachable throughout her career, and was beloved by her colleagues and students alike.
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Anita King
Anita King (August 14, 1884 Michigan City-June 10, 1963 Hollywood) otherwise known as Anna Keppen or The Paramount Girl was an American race car driver, actor and model.
She died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Anita King began her career in the early 1900s as a race car driver, participating in numerous competitions across the country. She then transitioned into acting, starting with silent films and eventually becoming a prominent character actress in the 1930s and 1940s. King also worked as a model and was known for her striking beauty, becoming a sought after model for popular magazines of the time. She appeared in over 150 films over the course of her career, working with some of Hollywood's biggest stars. In addition to her acting and modeling work, she also co-wrote several films and authored a book about her experiences as an actress in Hollywood. Despite her success, King's contributions to the film industry were often overlooked and she struggled to find work in her later years.
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