Here are 32 famous actresses from United States of America died in 1966:
Julia Faye (September 24, 1892 Richmond-April 6, 1966 Hollywood) also known as Julia Faye Thomas was an American actor.
She began her career in the silent film era, working alongside stars such as Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford. Faye quickly rose to become one of the most popular leading ladies in Hollywood during the 1920s, appearing in films such as "The Sheik," "The Son of the Sheik," and "The Mark of Zorro."
After the transition to sound, Faye continued to act in films and also expanded her career to include radio and television appearances. She appeared in multiple episodes of "Perry Mason" and "Gunsmoke," among other popular programs.
In addition to her acting career, Faye was active in the Hollywood community, serving as a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild and a board member of the Motion Picture Relief Fund. She was also an advocate for animal rights and was known for her love of pets.
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June Walker (June 14, 1900 Chicago-February 3, 1966 Los Angeles) was an American actor. Her child is called John Kerr.
June Walker began her acting career on Broadway in the 1920s and made her film debut in 1932. She appeared in various films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, including "The Great Ziegfeld" and "Stage Door Canteen". Later on, she became known for her performances on television, appearing in shows such as "Studio One" and "The United States Steel Hour". Outside of her acting career, Walker was also an accomplished writer and authored several books, including the memoir "Some Are Born Great". She was married twice, first to actor John Cromwell and later to Broadway producer Edgar MacGregor. June Walker passed away in 1966 at the age of 65.
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Minerva Urecal (September 22, 1894 Eureka-February 26, 1966 Glendale) otherwise known as Minerva Holzer was an American actor.
She appeared in over 200 movies and TV shows in her career, frequently playing stern and cantankerous older women. Urecal began her acting career in vaudeville and appeared in a number of Broadway productions in the 1920s and 1930s. She made her film debut in 1927 and continued to work steadily in movies for the next 30 years. Some of her most notable film roles include Mrs. Wilberforce in "The Ladykillers" (1955) and Mrs. Haggerty in "The Parent Trap" (1961). Urecal also appeared in several popular TV shows of the 1950s and 1960s, including "Lassie," "Perry Mason," and "The Beverly Hillbillies."
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Peggy Allenby (February 14, 1901 New York City-March 23, 1966 New York City) otherwise known as Eleanor Byrne Fox was an American actor.
She began her acting career on Broadway in the early 1920s and eventually made her way to Hollywood in the 1930s. Some of her notable film appearances include "The House Across the Bay," "The Mysterious Mr. Moto," and "My Favorite Wife."
In addition to her acting career, Allenby was also a skilled musician and songwriter. She wrote the lyrics for several popular songs of the 1920s, including "Sweetheart of Sigma Chi" and "I'm Gonna Meet My Sweetie Now."
Allenby was also involved in activism throughout her life, particularly in the fight for women's rights. She served on the board of the National Women's Party and was a vocal advocate for women's suffrage.
Allenby retired from acting in the 1940s and returned to New York City, where she continued to write music and remain active in social advocacy until her passing in 1966.
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Gertrude Berg (October 3, 1898 Manhattan-September 14, 1966 Manhattan) a.k.a. Gertrude Edelstein or Tillie Edelstein was an American writer, screenwriter and actor.
She is best known for creating, writing, and starring in the radio and television show "The Goldbergs". The show was a hit and became one of the first popular television sitcoms in America. Berg played the lead role of Molly Goldberg, a Jewish housewife and mother in a Bronx tenement. She won the first-ever Emmy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her work on "The Goldbergs" in 1950. Berg was also one of the first women to create, write, produce, and star in her own show. In addition to her work in television and radio, she also acted in films including "The Shining Hour" and "Make a Wish". Berg was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1988, over twenty years after her death.
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Alice Calhoun (November 21, 1900 Cleveland-June 3, 1966 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
Calhoun was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She began her career in theater before transitioning to film in the 1920s. She appeared in over 40 films, often playing supporting roles or in uncredited parts.
Despite not achieving major stardom, Calhoun was well-regarded by her peers and known for her professionalism and versatility. Some of her notable film credits include "The Man Who Came Back" (1931), "The Three Musketeers" (1935), and "The Big Sleep" (1946).
Calhoun was married to producer-director Sidney Lanfield from 1934 until his death in 1972. She passed away in 1966 at the age of 65 in Los Angeles, California.
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Natacha Rambova (January 19, 1897 Salt Lake City-June 5, 1966 Pasadena) also known as Winifred Shaughnessy, Winifred Kimball Shaughnessy, Winifred Hudnut, Wink, Natasha Rambova or Peter M. Winters was an American writer, screenwriter, actor, costume designer, set designer, film art director, fashion designer, film producer, historian, ballet dancer, businessperson and teacher.
She was best known for her work as a costume and set designer in the silent film era, most notably on Rudolph Valentino's films such as "The Sheik" and "Blood and Sand". Rambova was also known for her marriage to Valentino and their collaboration on several film projects. In addition to her work in the film industry, Rambova was also a respected historian and author, publishing a book on ancient Egypt as well as several articles on the history of dance. She was an accomplished ballet dancer and later taught dance and stagecraft. Rambova was also a successful fashion designer, launching her own clothing line in the 1920s. She was a true Renaissance woman, with a wide range of talents and accomplishments throughout her life.
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Hedda Hopper (May 2, 1885 Hollidaysburg-February 1, 1966 Hollywood) also known as Elda Furry, Elda Curry, Ella Furry, Mrs. De Wolf Hopper, Elda Millar, Mrs. DeWolf Hopper or Elda Milar was an American actor and gossip columnist. She had one child, William Hopper.
Hopper began her career as an actor in the early 1900s, appearing in numerous stage productions before transitioning to the film industry. She starred in over 120 films, often playing supporting or minor roles.
In the 1930s, Hopper began writing a gossip column which appeared in several newspapers around the country, including the Los Angeles Times. Known for her biting commentary and acerbic wit, Hopper's column was widely read and had a significant influence on Hollywood's power players.
Hopper was a staunch conservative and vocal opponent of the communist movement in Hollywood during the 1950s. She was also a supporter of Senator Joseph McCarthy's anti-communist crusade and testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1952.
Despite her controversial opinions, Hopper remained a prominent figure in Hollywood until her death in 1966.
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Seena Owen (November 14, 1894 Spokane-August 15, 1966 Hollywood) otherwise known as Signe Auen or Seena was an American actor, writer and screenwriter. She had one child, Patricia Walsh Noonan.
Seena Owen started her professional career as a model and a chorus girl, before making her way into the film industry. Her breakthrough role came in the 1916 film "The Keystone Hotel." She gradually rose to fame and starred in numerous films in the silent era, including "The Son of the Sheik" alongside Rudolph Valentino. She also acted in the first version of "The Ten Commandments" as well as in "The King of Kings" by Cecil B. DeMille.
Apart from acting, Owen was also interested in screenwriting and penned a few screenplays such as "Helen of Troy" and "The Garden of Eden." She continued to act in films during the transition from silent to talkies but did not achieve the same level of success as she enjoyed in the silent era.
In her personal life, Seena Owen was married twice - to actor, writer and director Edmund Goulding, and then to Walter Morosco, a film producer. She was an active member of the Hollywood Women's Club and died in 1966 at the age of 71.
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Ethel Clayton (November 8, 1882 Champaign-June 6, 1966 Oxnard) otherwise known as ethel_clayton was an American actor.
She began her career in vaudeville before transitioning to silent films in the early 1900s. Clayton's breakout role came in the 1914 film "The Easiest Way," which propelled her to stardom. Throughout her career, she appeared in over 200 films and was known as one of the great beauties of the silent era. Clayton was also a pioneer of the filmmaking industry, serving as one of the founding members of both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Screen Actors Guild. Despite her success, Clayton retired from acting in the 1920s and lived a quiet life in Southern California until her death in 1966 at the age of 83.
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Claire McDowell (November 2, 1877 New York City-October 23, 1966 Hollywood) also known as Claire MacDowell, Doris Carlton or Clare Mc Dowell was an American actor. She had two children, Robert Mailes and Eugene Mailes.
McDowell began her acting career in 1908, working for D.W. Griffith's Biograph Company. She appeared in over 350 films throughout her career, with her most notable roles being in silent films such as "The Birth of a Nation", "Intolerance", and "The Mark of Zorro". McDowell was highly regarded for her versatility and was often cast in both dramatic and comedic roles.
In addition to her film career, McDowell was also heavily involved in the Screen Actors Guild and was among the members who helped establish the organization. She also acted as a mentor to many aspiring actors and actresses throughout her career.
McDowell's career continued well into the sound era, with her final on-screen appearance coming in the film "The Silver Treasury" in 1935. She retired from acting shortly after but maintained close connections to the film industry until her death in 1966.
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Sophie Tucker (January 13, 1887 Russia-February 9, 1966 New York City) a.k.a. Sophie Kalish was an American singer, comedian and actor.
She was best known for her powerful voice and bawdy sense of humor, which helped make her a popular performer in vaudeville, burlesque, and later on radio and television. Tucker began her career at the age of 16 and quickly became one of the most successful entertainers of her time, appearing in numerous Broadway shows and films. She was also a philanthropist and advocate for women's rights, supporting causes such as birth control and equal pay for women. In 1963, Tucker made history by becoming the first woman to perform at New York's Copacabana nightclub. She continued to perform well into her 70s, and was still making appearances on television and in films up until her death in 1966.
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Verna Felton (July 20, 1890 Salinas-December 14, 1966 North Hollywood) also known as Verna Arline Felton was an American actor, voice actor and character actor. She had one child, Lee Millar.
Felton began her career performing in vaudeville and on radio before transitioning to film and television. She appeared in over 250 films, often playing wise or matronly figures. Some of her notable film roles include Mrs. Day in "Picnic" (1955), Mrs. Merkle in "Don't Give Up the Ship" (1959), and Mrs. Potts in "Mary Poppins" (1964).
In addition to her film work, Felton also had a successful career as a voice actor. She voiced characters in numerous Disney animated films, including the Fairy Godmother in "Cinderella" (1950), the Queen of Hearts in "Alice in Wonderland" (1951), and Flora in "Sleeping Beauty" (1959). She also provided the voice of Pearl Slaghoople in "The Flintstones" (1960-1965).
Felton was known for her warm and maternal persona both on and off screen. She passed away on December 14th, 1966, at the age of 76.
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Anne Nagel (September 29, 1915 Boston-July 6, 1966 Hollywood) a.k.a. Anne Dolan or Ann Nagel was an American actor and model.
Nagel began her career as a model in the mid-1930s, before transitioning to acting in films in 1936. She appeared in a variety of films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, including horror films and westerns. Nagel also worked on radio, appearing on shows such as The Abbott and Costello Show and The Lone Ranger.
In addition to her acting career, Nagel was known for her personal life. She was married three times and often surrounded by controversy. She was briefly involved with mobster Bugsy Siegel and her third husband was a convicted felon.
Nagel's career declined in the 1950s, and she made her last film appearance in 1958. She passed away in 1966 at the age of 50, after suffering a heart attack. Despite her relatively short career, Nagel left an impression on Hollywood and is remembered for her performances in classic films such as Sutter's Gold and Black Friday.
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Elizabeth Patterson (November 22, 1874 Savannah-January 31, 1966 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Mary Elizabeth Patterson or Patty was an American actor.
She was best known for her roles in silent films such as "The Conflict" (1916) and "So Big" (1924). Patterson began her acting career on the stage and appeared in various Broadway productions before transitioning to film in the 1910s. She worked with notable directors such as Cecil B. DeMille and D.W. Griffith. Throughout her career, Patterson acted in over 70 films, both silent and talkies. She retired from acting in the 1930s but returned briefly for a role in the 1948 film "June Bride". In addition to acting, Patterson was also an accomplished artist and sculptor.
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Carmelita Geraghty (March 21, 1901 Rushville-July 7, 1966 Manhattan) was an American actor.
She appeared in over 70 films between 1917 and 1940. Geraghty was a popular leading lady during the silent film era, often playing opposite stars such as Rudolph Valentino and John Barrymore. She transitioned to supporting roles in sound films and had memorable performances in movies such as "The Thin Man" and "The Roaring Twenties." Outside of acting, Geraghty was also a talented writer, penning multiple short stories and poems. She was married to fellow actor John Harrington until his death in 1956.
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Mary Newcomb (August 24, 1893 North Adams-December 26, 1966 Dorchester, Dorset) was an American actor.
She began her career in silent films in the 1910s, working for studios such as Fox and Pathé. She then transitioned to talkies, appearing in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Newcomb was known for her versatility, playing a wide range of roles across various genres, including dramas, comedies, and westerns. In addition to her work in film, she also had a successful stage career, performing on Broadway and in regional theaters across the United States. Newcomb's career spanned over four decades, and she remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry until her death in 1966.
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Dorothy Kelly (February 12, 1894 Philadelphia-May 31, 1966 Minneapolis) was an American actor. Her children are called Ann Hevenor and Bessie Hevenor.
Dorothy Kelly began her acting career in theater, performing in numerous productions on Broadway during the 1910s and 1920s. She later transitioned to film, appearing in various silent films before the advent of talkies. In the late 1930s and 1940s, Kelly continued to act in small roles in films, and also made appearances on radio programs.
In addition to her acting career, Kelly was also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in her home city of Philadelphia. She was a prominent supporter of charitable organizations and community initiatives, and was recognized for her contributions to the city's cultural life.
Kelly's daughters, Ann Hevenor and Bessie Hevenor, both followed in their mother's footsteps and pursued careers in the entertainment industry. Ann became an actor, while Bessie worked as a dancer and choreographer.
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Edna Flugrath (December 29, 1893 Brooklyn-April 6, 1966 San Diego) was an American actor.
She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career and was known for her supporting roles in movies such as "The Wolf Man" (1941), "Tortilla Flat" (1942), and "The Farmer's Daughter" (1947). Flugrath also had a successful career on stage, appearing in productions on Broadway and in touring companies. In addition to her acting work, she was also active in the Screen Actors Guild and was a strong advocate for actors' rights. Flugrath passed away in 1966 at the age of 72.
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Helen Menken (December 12, 1901 New York City-March 27, 1966 New York City) also known as Helen Meinken or Helen Mienken was an American actor.
Menken made her Broadway debut in 1923 and subsequently appeared in over a dozen plays throughout her career. She is perhaps best known for her performance in the original Broadway production of "The Philadelphia Story" in 1939, for which she was nominated for a Tony Award. Menken also had a successful film career, appearing in over two dozen movies including "Stage Door" (1937) and "She's No Angel" (1933). She was married four times, including to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Arthur Miller, from 1945 to 1955. In addition to her acting work, Menken was an avid supporter of animal rights and donated much of her time and money to various animal welfare organizations.
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Paula Strasberg (November 27, 2014 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.
Paula Strasberg was widely recognized as a leading acting coach in Hollywood and also in New York's theater scene. She is known for introducing the acting technique known as "The Method" to American actors, which relied on the actors' personal experiences to create a more authentic performance. Strasberg worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, including Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, and Al Pacino, and helped them achieve some of their most iconic roles. She also mentored many aspiring actors and helped them hone their craft. Strasberg was married to actor and director Lee Strasberg, who was also actively involved in reviving The Method in American theater.
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Gene Gauntier (May 17, 1885 Kansas City-December 18, 1966 Cuernavaca) also known as Genevieve Liggett, The Kalem Girl or Eugenia Gauntier Liggett was an American novelist, screenwriter and actor.
She was one of the pioneering women in the film industry, working for Kalem Company where she acted, wrote and directed films. She starred in over 75 films, including the first adaptation of "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1908). Gauntier also wrote over 25 screenplays, including the script for the first film version of "Ben-Hur" (1907). After leaving Kalem Company, she continued to act and write for various studios. In her later years, she moved to Cuernavaca, Mexico, where she continued to write novels until her death in 1966. Gauntier was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960 for her contributions to the film industry.
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Anne Nichols (November 26, 1891 Georgia-September 15, 1966 Englewood Cliffs) a.k.a. Anna Nichols was an American writer, playwright, actor and screenwriter. She had one child, Henry.
Nichols is best known for her play "Abie's Irish Rose," which premiered on Broadway in 1922 and became the longest-running non-musical play in Broadway history at the time. The play tells the story of a Jewish man and an Irish Catholic woman who fall in love and face opposition from their families. Despite receiving negative reviews from critics, "Abie's Irish Rose" was incredibly popular with audiences and ran for over five years.
In addition to "Abie's Irish Rose," Nichols wrote several other plays including "The Whole Town's Talking," "Fools Rush In," and "The Revolutionists." She also wrote screenplays for films such as "Stage Door Canteen" and "The Guilt of Janet Ames."
Nichols was a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, particularly in the male-dominated field of playwriting. She was also a member of the American Association of University Women and the Dramatists Guild, and was recognized for her contributions to the arts with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Helen Kane (August 4, 1904 The Bronx-September 26, 1966 Jackson Heights) a.k.a. Helen Schroeder or Helen Clare Schroeder was an American singer and actor.
She was known for her signature style of singing, which involved using a high-pitched, baby-like voice. This style inspired the character of Betty Boop, and Kane was often referred to as the "Boop-Boop-A-Doop Girl." Kane began her career as a vaudeville performer and went on to record popular songs such as "I Wanna Be Loved By You" and "That's My Weakness Now." She also appeared in several films, including the 1933 musical "Hollywood Party." Kane's career declined in the 1930s, and she struggled with personal and financial issues. However, her influence on popular culture continued, and her unique singing style has inspired many performers in the decades since her death.
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Christiane Delyne (September 3, 1902 Philadelphia-April 17, 1966 Paris) a.k.a. Evelyn Meyer was an American actor.
She began her career in Hollywood during the silent film era, appearing in films such as "The Temptress" (1926) and "Lilac Time" (1928). However, she later moved to Europe and became a prominent actress in the French film industry, appearing in over 40 films throughout her career. Delyne was known for her sultry voice and captivating on-screen presence. Some of her notable French films include "La Chienne" (1931), "Le Dernier Milliardaire" (1934), and "La Piste du Nord" (1939). Despite her success in Europe, Delyne's career was cut short when she was unable to obtain a work permit during World War II due to her American citizenship. She eventually settled in Paris and passed away there in 1966.
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Marjie Millar (August 10, 1931 Tacoma-April 16, 1966 San Diego) was an American actor.
She was best known for her roles in films such as "Tarzan's Hidden Jungle" and "The She-Creature". Millar also appeared on television shows like "Perry Mason" and "The Lone Ranger". Prior to her acting career, she worked as a model and was crowned Miss Navy Day in 1948. Millar's life was tragically cut short when she died at the age of 34 from a heart attack. Despite her brief career, she left an impression in the entertainment industry and is remembered by fans to this day.
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Miriam Snitzer (October 6, 1922 Ohio-September 6, 1966 California) also known as Miriam Jacqueline Snitzer or Miriam Snitzer Clark was an American actor.
She appeared in over 30 films and TV shows throughout her career, including the films "The Wild One" and "The Black Knight" and TV shows such as "Perry Mason" and "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet". Snitzer was known for her talent on both the stage and screen, and was a member of the Screen Actors Guild. She married fellow actor Fred Clark in 1952 and they remained together until her death in 1966 at the age of 43. Snitzer's legacy continues to be celebrated by film and theater enthusiasts alike.
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Gail Kane (July 10, 1885 Philadelphia-February 17, 1966 Augusta) also known as Abigail Kane was an American actor. She had one child, William Kane Ottman.
Gail Kane began her career on stage in the early 1900s, and soon after made her way to Hollywood to pursue film acting. She appeared in over 70 films throughout her career, including the silent film "The Miracle Man" and the first talkie version of "The Front Page." In addition to acting, Kane was also a screenwriter and producer. Later in her career, she returned to the stage and continued to perform on Broadway until the 1940s. She was also known for her philanthropic work, particularly her support of children's charities.
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Betty Arlen (November 27, 2014 Kentucky-August 4, 1966 United States of America) was an American actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s and appeared in several films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "Gangsters of the Frontier" and "The Range Busters". In addition to her film work, Arlen also appeared on Broadway in the early 1940s. She was known for her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. Arlen retired from acting in the early 1960s and passed away in 1966 at the age of 51.
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Bette Arlen (November 9, 1904 Providence-August 4, 1966 Farmington) also known as Betty Arlen was an American actor.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, Bette Arlen began her acting career in the 1920s, performing in vaudeville and on Broadway. She eventually made the transition to Hollywood and appeared in more than 60 films throughout her career. Arlen often played supporting roles, such as in the 1945 film "Mildred Pierce," but she also had leading roles in films like "The Lone Wolf Meets a Lady" (1940). In addition to film, Arlen worked in television and radio, including a role on the popular radio drama "Big Town." She was married to fellow actor Richard Denning from 1942 until her death in 1966.
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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.
Pearce began her career in entertainment as a singer and appeared in several musical stage productions. She later transitioned to television and film, where she is best known for her role as Gladys Kravitz on the hit sitcom "Bewitched" from 1964 until her death in 1966. Pearce was awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series posthumously for her role in "Bewitched". Pearce tragically passed away at the age of 48 due to ovarian cancer.
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Vera Steadman (June 23, 1900 Monterey-December 14, 1966 Long Beach) was an American actor.
She began her acting career in vaudeville before transitioning to film in the 1920s. Steadman appeared in over 100 films throughout her career, often playing supporting roles or bit parts. Some of her more notable film credits include "Strike Up the Band" (1940), "The Big Sleep" (1946), and "The Band Wagon" (1953). In addition to her film work, Steadman also appeared on television shows such as "The Jack Benny Program" and "I Love Lucy". She passed away in 1966 at the age of 66 due to a heart attack.
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