American movie stars died in 1969
Here are 23 famous actresses from United States of America died in 1969:
Sharon Tate
Sharon Tate (January 24, 1943 Dallas-August 9, 1969 Benedict Canyon) also known as Sharon Marie Tate or Sharon was an American actor and model.
She began her career in the late 1950s as a television actress and became a sought-after model in the early 1960s. Tate's breakout film role came in the 1967 film "Valley of the Dolls" which earned her critical praise and nationwide attention. She went on to make several more films including "The Fearless Vampire Killers" and "Don't Make Waves".
Tragically, Tate was murdered at the age of 26 by the Manson Family, a cult group led by Charles Manson. The murder of Sharon and four others at her home in Benedict Canyon sent shockwaves through Hollywood and the world, and is still remembered as one of the most brutal and infamous crimes in American history. Tate's legacy lives on through her work as an actor and model, as well as the many films and documentaries made about her life and death.
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Judy Garland
Judy Garland (June 10, 1922 Grand Rapids-June 22, 1969 Chelsea) otherwise known as Frances Ethel Gumm, Joots, Frances Gayne, Alice Gumm, Judy, Baby Gumm, Frances Gumm, Gracie Gumm, Miss Show Business, Marie Gumm or The Garland Sisters was an American singer, actor and vaudeville performer. Her children are called Lorna Luft, Liza Minnelli and Joey Luft.
Judy Garland rose to fame in the 1930s as a child actor in films such as "The Wizard of Oz," "Meet Me in St. Louis," and "The Harvey Girls." She later transitioned to a successful music career, recording hit songs like "Over the Rainbow" and "The Trolley Song."
Throughout her life and career, Garland struggled with addiction and personal issues, which were exacerbated by the pressures of Hollywood and performing. She was married five times, including to director Vincente Minnelli and actor Mark Herron.
Despite her struggles, Garland is remembered as one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century, with a career spanning over 45 years. She received numerous awards, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and was posthumously awarded the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "A Star is Born" (1954).
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Thelma Ritter
Thelma Ritter (February 14, 1902 Brooklyn-February 5, 1969 New York City) was an American actor. She had one child, Monica Moran.
Thelma Ritter was known for her roles in more than 70 films, including "All About Eve" and "Miracle on 34th Street." She was nominated for six Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress, but never won. Ritter was also a respected stage actress and made appearances on television. Despite her success, she remained humble and down-to-earth, often refusing to move to Hollywood and instead commuting from her home in New York City for filming. She passed away from a heart attack at the age of 66.
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Mildred Davis
Mildred Davis (February 22, 1901 Philadelphia-August 18, 1969 Santa Monica) also known as Mildred Hillary Davis or Mid was an American actor. Her children are called Harold Lloyd Jr., Marjorie Elisabeth Lloyd and Gloria Lloyd.
Mildred Davis began her acting career in the silent film era, and became best known as the leading lady and wife of comedian Harold Lloyd, whom she married in 1923. She appeared in many of his most famous films including "Safety Last!", "The Freshman", and "Girl Shy". After the birth of their three children, Davis reduced her workload and made fewer films, but continued to act in a variety of genres. She was also a talented writer and served as an uncredited screenwriter on some of her husband's films. Later in life, Davis and Lloyd were active philanthropists, donating to various causes and organizations. Davis passed away in 1969 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
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Madge Blake
Madge Blake (May 31, 1899 Kinsley-June 19, 1969 Pasadena) also known as Madge Cummings Blake was an American actor.
She began her career on Broadway in the 1920s and subsequently transitioned to film and television in the 1940s. Blake is perhaps best known for her role as Aunt Harriet Cooper in the TV series Batman, which she portrayed from 1966 until her death in 1969. She also appeared in numerous other television programs such as The Real McCoys, The Donna Reed Show, and The Addams Family. In addition to her acting career, Blake was also involved in philanthropy work and was a founding member of the Pasadena Playhouse.
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Barbara Pepper
Barbara Pepper (May 31, 1915 New York City-July 18, 1969 Panorama City) a.k.a. Marion Pepper or Barbara P. Enfield was an American actor. She had two children, John Reynolds and Dennis Reynolds.
Pepper began her career as a Ziegfeld Follies dancer before transitioning to film in the 1930s. She appeared in over 100 films throughout her career, often playing comedic roles or sassy sidekicks. Some of her notable film roles include as Doris Upson in "Auntie Mame" (1958) and as Mrs. Merkle in "That Touch of Mink" (1962). Pepper also made frequent appearances on television shows such as "The Beverly Hillbillies," "Perry Mason," and "Bewitched."
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Sigrid Gurie
Sigrid Gurie (May 18, 1911 Brooklyn-August 14, 1969 Mexico City) a.k.a. The Norwegian Garbo or Sigrid Gurie Haukelid was an American actor. She had one child, Knut Haukelid.
Sigrid Gurie was born in Brooklyn to Norwegian parents. She began her acting career in the late 1930s and appeared in several films during the 1940s, including "Algiers" (1938) and "The Adventures of Marco Polo" (1938). She was praised for her beauty and often compared to legendary actress Greta Garbo.
In 1942, Gurie married Knut Haukelid, a member of the Norwegian resistance during World War II. The couple later had one child together. After the war, Gurie and her husband moved to Mexico City, where she continued to act in films and on stage. She also became a successful businesswoman and opened a clothing boutique.
Gurie died in Mexico City in 1969 at the age of 58. Despite her relatively short career, she remains a celebrated figure in Hollywood history and is remembered for her stunning on-screen presence.
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Barbara Bates
Barbara Bates (August 6, 1925 Denver-March 18, 1969 Denver) a.k.a. barbara_bates was an American actor and pin-up girl.
She began her career in Hollywood during the 1940s, appearing in multiple films such as "The Inspector General" and "All About Eve." Bates was known for her striking beauty and often appeared as a pin-up girl in magazines such as Yank and Esquire. Her career was cut short in the mid-1950s due to mental health struggles. She spent time in and out of psychiatric hospitals and took her own life in 1969 at the age of 43. Despite her short-lived career, Bates is remembered for her memorable performances and iconic pin-up photos.
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Bess Meredyth
Bess Meredyth (February 12, 1890 Buffalo-July 13, 1969 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Helen Elizabeth MacGlashen, Bess Meredith, Meredith Beth or Bess Curtiz was an American screenwriter, actor and writer. She had one child, John Meredyth Lucas.
Meredyth started her career in the entertainment industry as an actress, appearing in several silent films such as "Spotlight Sadie" and "The County Fair" in the early 1910s. However, she soon transitioned to screenwriting, and became one of the most prolific female screenwriters in Hollywood during the silent era, writing for studios such as Universal and Warner Bros.
Meredyth worked on a wide range of films, including westerns, comedies, and dramas, and was known for her ability to craft strong and complex female characters. Her most famous works include "The Mark of Zorro" (1920), "The Sea Hawk" (1924), and "The Bat Whispers" (1930).
Meredyth was also married to film director Michael Curtiz for over 20 years, and worked closely with him on several films, including the classic "Casablanca" (1942), for which she contributed to the screenplay.
In addition to her work in Hollywood, Meredyth was also a writer and poet, and published several collections of her work throughout her life. She was a member of the Hollywood Women's Press Club and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
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Natalie Talmadge
Natalie Talmadge (April 29, 1896 Brooklyn-June 19, 1969 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Nate was an American actor. She had two children, Bob Talmadge and Buster Keaton Jr..
Natalie Talmadge was part of a notable acting family, with her sisters Norma and Constance also making names for themselves on the silver screen. She began her acting career in silent films during the early 1920s, often appearing in comedies alongside her soon-to-be husband, Buster Keaton. The two became the darlings of Hollywood and worked on several successful films together, including "Our Hospitality" and "The Navigator."
Despite their onscreen chemistry, Keaton and Talmadge's marriage was tumultuous and ultimately ended in divorce in 1932. Talmadge retired from acting shortly after their divorce and settled into a quieter life, dedicating her time to raising her two sons. She remained close with Keaton until his death in 1966, and devoted herself to preserving his legacy in the decades that followed.
In addition to her acting career, Talmadge was known for her philanthropy and activism. She was a passionate advocate for animal rights and supported several charitable organizations throughout her life. After passing away in 1969, she was interred next to her beloved Buster Keaton at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
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Constance Dowling
Constance Dowling (July 24, 1920 New York City-October 28, 1969 Los Angeles) was an American model and actor. She had five children, Steven Tors, David Tors, Peter Tors, Alfred Ndwego and Michael Tors.
Dowling began her career as a model before moving on to acting. She appeared in several Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s, including "Boston Blackie Booked on Suspicion" (1945) and "The Black Arrow" (1948). She also had a starring role in the film noir classic "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) as Joel Cairo's (Peter Lorre) assistant, but her performance was edited down to a smaller role in the final cut.
Dowling's personal life was marked by tragedy. Her first husband, Ivan Tors, was a Hungarian writer and film producer who died in a plane crash in 1983. Her fourth child, Alfred Ndwego, was killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
Despite her early success as an actress, Dowling struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues later in life. She died of a heart attack in 1969 at the age of 49.
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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 began her career in entertainment as a child performer in vaudeville and on Broadway, and soon transitioned to films. She appeared in over 40 films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, often playing spunky, plucky young girls. Her most notable roles include the title character in "Little Orphan Annie" (1932), Penny in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" (1938), and as the teenage daughter in "The Women" (1939). Green also had a successful career on radio, appearing on programs such as "The Rudy Vallee Show" and "The Eddie Cantor Show". Despite her early success, her career declined in the 1950s and she eventually retired from acting. She passed away from heart failure at the age of 48.
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Ella Logan
Ella Logan (March 6, 1913 Glasgow-May 1, 1969 Burlingame) a.k.a. Georgina Allan, Ella Allan, Ina Allan or Logan, Ella was an American singer and actor.
She was born in Glasgow, Scotland and moved to the United States as a young child. Logan started her career in entertainment as a singer in vaudeville and on Broadway. She was best known for her performances in the original productions of "Finian's Rainbow" and "Fanny." In addition to her stage work, Logan also appeared in several films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. She even had her own television show, "The Ella Logan Show," in the 1950s. Logan continued to perform on stage and screen throughout her career, but tragically died at the age of 56 due to complications from cirrhosis of the liver.
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Lucy Payton
Lucy Payton (October 12, 1877 Kansas-January 15, 1969 Louisiana) also known as L. Payton, Miss Payton or Lucy Peyton was an American actor.
She began her career in entertainment as a vaudeville performer, but eventually transitioned to the film industry. Payton appeared in a number of films throughout the 1910s and 1920s, working with well-known actors and directors of the time. She was known for her versatility, able to play comedic, dramatic, and romantic roles with ease. Despite her success in the industry, Payton eventually retired from acting in the early 1930s. She lived a quiet life until her death in 1969 at the age of 91. Today, she is remembered as a pioneer of early Hollywood cinema.
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Pauline Bush
Pauline Bush (May 22, 1886 Lincoln-November 1, 1969 San Diego) a.k.a. The Madonna of the Movies or Pauline Elvira Bush was an American actor.
Pauline Bush began her career in vaudeville before transitioning to silent films in the 1910s. She became known for her "girl next door" persona and appeared in over 200 films throughout her career. Some of her notable roles include "The Adventures of Tarzan" (1921) and "The Last of the Mohicans" (1920). Bush retired from acting in 1929 and went on to work in public relations for various companies. She was briefly married to silent film director George Loane Tucker.
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Kathryn Minner
Kathryn Minner (January 3, 1892 New York City-May 26, 1969 Van Nuys) also known as Kathryn Elizabeth Minner, Katherine Minner or Kathryn Elizabeth White was an American actor. She had three children, Samuel Raymond Minner, Rita Virginia Minner and William James Minner.
Kathryn Minner began her acting career in vaudeville and made her film debut in 1926 with "The Saddle Tramp." She appeared in numerous films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, often playing supporting roles in Western films. She is best known for her role as Grandma in the film "White Heat" (1949), opposite James Cagney.
In addition to her acting career, Minner was also a vaudeville comedian and worked as a radio personality. She was known for her comedic wit and was a regular on the popular radio show "It Pays to Be Ignorant" in the 1940s.
Minner continued to work in Hollywood into the 1960s, appearing in films such as "The Red Skelton Hour" (1963) and "The Twilight Zone" (1964). She passed away in Van Nuys, California in 1969 at the age of 77.
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Edith Johnson
Edith Johnson (August 10, 1894 Rochester-September 6, 1969 Los Angeles) also known as Miss Johnston or Miss Johnson was an American actor.
Edith Johnson began her acting career in the 1920s, appearing in a number of silent films during Hollywood's Golden Age. She is known for her roles in films such as "The Love Bug" (1925), "The Perfect Clown" (1925), and "The Heart of a Siren" (1925). Johnson was also a talented singer and dancer, and her skills were often showcased in her films.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Johnson faced many challenges as a black woman in the industry. She was often limited to playing stereotypical roles, and her opportunities were limited by discrimination and prejudice. Nevertheless, she continued to work in the industry and paved the way for other black actors and performers.
Beyond her acting career, Johnson was also involved in civil rights and activism. She was a vocal advocate for racial and social justice, and worked with organizations such as the NAACP and the National Urban League. Johnson passed away in 1969, but her legacy as a talented actor and a courageous activist lives on today.
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Sara Berner
Sara Berner (January 12, 1912 Albany-December 19, 1969 Van Nuys) a.k.a. Sarah Berner or Lillian Herdan was an American actor and voice actor.
Her trademark was a high-pitched voice, which she used in many of her roles. She appeared in over 75 films and television shows, including the voice of the cat in the Tom and Jerry cartoons, and was also a regular performer on The Jack Benny Program. Berner began her career in vaudeville and radio before transitioning to film and television. In addition to her work as an actor, she was also a prolific voice actor for commercials, doing voiceovers for many well-known brands. Despite her success, Berner struggled with alcohol abuse throughout her life and died of cirrhosis at the age of 57.
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Ruth White
Ruth White (April 24, 1914 Perth Amboy-December 3, 1969 Perth Amboy) also known as Ruth Patricia White was an American actor.
She began her career as a stage actress, performing in both Broadway productions and regional theater. White made her film debut in 1953 with a small role in "The Member of the Wedding" and went on to appear in over 50 films, including "The Nun's Story" and "To Kill a Mockingbird." She was also a prolific television actress, appearing in shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Fugitive." In addition to her acting work, White was a vocal supporter of civil rights and worked with organizations such as the NAACP. Despite her success, she struggled with alcoholism and died in her hometown at the age of 55.
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Claire Whitney
Claire Whitney (May 6, 1890 New York City-August 27, 1969 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
She appeared in over 70 films in a career that spanned over three decades. Whitney began her career in silent films, and successfully transitioned to talkies. Some of her notable films include "The Big Trail" (1930), "Horse Feathers" (1932), and "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" (1938). Whitney retired from acting in 1942 and focused on her family life.
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Carol Thurston
Carol Thurston (September 27, 1923 North Dakota-December 31, 1969 Hollywood) a.k.a. Elizabeth or Betty Lou Thurston was an American actor. Her child is called Amanda Lycklyn Thayer.
Thurston began her career in the entertainment industry during the 1940s as a model and Broadway actress. She made her film debut in 1945 in the film "The House on 92nd Street." Throughout her career, she appeared in more than 30 films, often playing supporting roles. Some of her notable film credits include "The Dark Mirror," "The Walls of Jericho," and "The Reckless Moment."
In addition to her work in films, Thurston also appeared in numerous television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Perry Mason," "The Twilight Zone," and "The Andy Griffith Show."
Tragically, Thurston passed away from a heart attack at the age of 46, leaving behind her husband, daughter, and a legacy in the entertainment industry.
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Erika Mann
Erika Mann (November 9, 1905 Munich-August 27, 1969 Zürich) a.k.a. Erika Julia Hedwig Mann or Eri was an American screenwriter, actor, comedian, writer and journalist.
She was the daughter of the renowned German author Thomas Mann and was known for her writings on political and social issues. Erika was an open lesbian and one of the leading figures of the gay rights movement in the 1920s and 1930s. She founded the political cabaret "Die Pfeffermühle" (The Pepper Mill) with her brother Klaus Mann in 1933 to protest against the rise of fascism in Germany. After the Nazi takeover, she emigrated to Switzerland and later to the United States, where she became a prominent anti-fascist activist, giving lectures and publishing articles. In 1952, she became a naturalized US citizen. Erika Mann also worked as a screenwriter for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in Hollywood, where she wrote the screenplays for several successful films. She died of a heart attack in 1969, at the age of 63.
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Cristina Montt
Cristina Montt (May 10, 1895 Talcahuano-April 22, 1969 Hollywood) also known as Christine Montt was an American actor.
She was born in Chile and immigrated to the United States with her family as a child. Montt began her acting career in the early 1920s, appearing in numerous silent films. She continued to act in films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, and was known for her roles in Westerns and adventure films.
In addition to her acting career, Montt was also a talented painter and sculptor. She exhibited her artwork in galleries both in the United States and abroad.
Montt retired from acting in the 1950s and focused on her art. She passed away in 1969 in Hollywood at the age of 73.
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