American movie stars died in 1972
Here are 28 famous actresses from United States of America died in 1972:
Helen Traubel
Helen Traubel (June 16, 1899 St. Louis-July 28, 1972 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Traubel, Helen or Helen Francesca Traubel was an American singer and actor.
She was best known for her powerful soprano voice and her roles in various musicals on both stage and screen. Traubel initially started as an opera singer, performing lead roles in some of the most prestigious opera houses in the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. In the 1940s and 1950s, she transitioned into musical theater, where she starred in productions such as "Show Boat" and "Annie Get Your Gun." Traubel also appeared in several films, including "Deep in My Heart" and "Call Me Madam." Besides her singing career, Traubel was also an advocate for civil rights and frequently performed for servicemen during World War II. She retired from show business in the early 1960s and passed away in 1972 at the age of 73.
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Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson (October 26, 1911 New Orleans-January 27, 1972 Evergreen Park) a.k.a. Mahalla Jackson, Mahilia Jackson, Mahaila Jackson, Mahallia Jackson, Halie Jackson, Jackson, Mahalia, Halie or Mahala Jackson was an American singer, musician and actor.
She is widely regarded as one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was known for her powerful voice and soulful delivery. Jackson first gained national attention in the 1940s and 1950s with her performances at churches and music festivals. Throughout her career, she recorded numerous albums, including "Silent Night," "Down by the Riverside," and "Come on Children Let's Sing," and won several Grammy Awards. In addition to her music, Jackson was also an advocate for civil rights and performed at several important events, including the March on Washington in 1963, where she sang her most famous song, "I Have a Dream." She continued to perform and tour until her death in 1972 from heart failure.
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Claire Windsor
Claire Windsor (April 14, 1892 Glade-October 24, 1972 Los Angeles) also known as Clara Viola Cronk, Ola, Clara Viola (Ola) Cronk, Ola Cronk or Clara Cronk was an American actor. Her child is called David William Bowes.
Her career spanned from the silent film era to the early talkies in the 1930s. She began her career as a model before catching the attention of movie producers. She made her film debut in the 1919 film "The Gun Woman" and went on to star in over 70 films throughout her career. Some of her notable films include "The Blot" (1921), "The Scarlet Letter" (1926), and "The Flying Fleet" (1929).
Windsor was known for her beauty and sophistication on screen, which earned her a large following of fans. However, she often struggled with the pressures of fame and the demanding nature of the film industry. She took a break from acting in the mid-1920s, but returned to the screen a few years later.
After retiring from acting in the 1930s, Windsor lived a private life and largely stayed out of the public eye. She passed away in 1972 at the age of 80 in Los Angeles. Today, she is remembered as one of the prominent actors of the silent film era.
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Gia Scala
Gia Scala (March 3, 1934 Liverpool-April 30, 1972 Hollywood) a.k.a. Giovanna Scoglio, Josephine Giovanna Scoglio, La Scala or D'Gia Scala was an American actor.
Gia Scala began her career as an actor in British films before moving to Hollywood in the mid-1950s. She appeared in several successful films of the era, including "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) and "The Two-Headed Spy" (1958). Scala was known for her stunning looks and was often compared to screen icons like Ava Gardner and Grace Kelly.
Despite her early success, Scala struggled with personal demons, including a battle with alcoholism. She experienced several tragic events in her personal life, including the suicide of her fiancé and the death of her father.
After several attempts to get her career back on track, Scala passed away at the age of 38 from an overdose of barbiturates. She left behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most enigmatic and talented actors of the 1950s and 1960s.
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Isabel Jewell
Isabel Jewell (July 19, 1907 Shoshoni-April 5, 1972 Los Angeles) also known as Isabel Jewel, Isobel Jewell, Babe, Isobel Jewel or Isabell Jewell was an American actor.
She was born in Shoshoni, Wyoming and was raised in Montana. Jewell began her acting career in the late 1920s and appeared in over 50 films throughout her career. She was known for her roles in classic films such as "Gone with the Wind" and "Marked Woman". In addition to her film work, Jewell also acted on stage and radio. She was an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and was involved in numerous philanthropic causes throughout her life. Jewell passed away in 1972 at the age of 64 due to pneumonia.
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Jessie Royce Landis
Jessie Royce Landis (November 25, 1896 Chicago-February 2, 1972 Danbury) a.k.a. Jessie Royce Medbury or Jessie Medbury was an American actor.
She began her career in theater and made her film debut in "A Lady Surrenders" (1930). Landis appeared in over 20 films including "To Catch a Thief" (1955), "North by Northwest" (1959), and "The Swan" (1956). She also appeared in several television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason". In addition to her acting career, Landis was known for her philanthropy and served on the board of several charities.
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Joi Lansing
Joi Lansing (April 6, 1928 Salt Lake City-August 7, 1972 Santa Monica) also known as Joyce Wassmansdorff, Joy Lansing, Joy Loveland, Joyce Renee Brown or Joy Brown was an American singer, pin-up girl, actor and model.
Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, Lansing moved to California in her early 20s to pursue a career in show business. She quickly gained popularity as a pin-up girl, with her photos appearing in calendars and men's magazines of the time.
In addition to her modeling work, Lansing had a successful career as a singer and actor. She appeared in several films and TV shows, including "The Bob Cummings Show," "The Adventures of Superman," and "The Beverly Hillbillies." She also released a number of music albums throughout the 1950s and early 1960s.
Despite her success, Lansing struggled with personal demons throughout her life. She was married several times, and battled depression and alcoholism. She passed away in 1972 at the age of 44, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most iconic pin-up girls and a talented performer in her own right.
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Marie Wilson
Marie Wilson (August 19, 1916 Anaheim-November 23, 1972 Hollywood) a.k.a. Katherine Elizabeth Wilson or Katherine Elisabeth Wilson was an American actor. Her child is called Gregson Fallon.
Marie Wilson began her acting career in radio and made her way onto Broadway where she performed in several productions. She later landed her breakout role in the film "The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex" (1939) opposite Bette Davis. Wilson is perhaps best known for her comedic roles, notably as the title character in the radio and television series "My Friend Irma" (1947-1954). She also appeared in over 40 films throughout her career, including "Angel on My Shoulder" (1946) and "Marjorie Morningstar" (1958). In addition to her acting career, Wilson was also known for her philanthropic work and was heavily involved in charitable organizations. She passed away in 1972 at the age of 56 due to complications from cancer.
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Marilyn Maxwell
Marilyn Maxwell (August 3, 1921 Clarinda-March 20, 1972 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Marvel Marilyn Maxwell, Marvel Maxwell, Maxwell, Marilyn or Mrs. Bob Hope was an American actor and singer. Her child is called Matthew Paul Davis.
Maxwell was born as Marvel Marilyn Maxwell and grew up in Clarinda, Iowa. She started her career as a band vocalist and was signed by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) in the 1940s. She went on to star in several films including "Lost in a Harem" (1944), "The Lemon Drop Kid" (1951), and "The Phantom Planet" (1961).
Maxwell was a popular performer in nightclubs and television, and she appeared on several variety shows including "The Red Skelton Show" and "The Ed Sullivan Show." She was also a regular on Bob Hope's USO tours during World War II and the Korean War.
In addition to her acting and singing career, Maxwell was also an accomplished horse breeder and owned a ranch in Malibu, California. She was married twice, first to actor John Conte and then to jazz pianist and composer Jerry Gray.
Maxwell passed away at the age of 50 due to heart failure while undergoing surgery in Beverly Hills.
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Miriam Hopkins
Miriam Hopkins (October 18, 1902 Savannah-October 9, 1972 New York City) a.k.a. Ellen Miriam Hopkins, Miriam or Mims was an American actor. Her child is called Michael Hopkins.
Hopkins had a successful career in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, starring in numerous acclaimed films such as "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "The Heiress." She was known for her versatility and ability to play both dramatic and comedic roles. In addition to her film work, she also had a successful career on stage, appearing in productions on Broadway and beyond.
Hopkins initially began her career in vaudeville and on Broadway, before transitioning to film. Despite her success, she often clashed with studio executives and was known for speaking her mind. She eventually left Hollywood in the 1950s and began working on television and stage productions.
Throughout her career, Hopkins was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role in "The Story of Temple Drake" (1933) and a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for "The Seven Year Itch" (1953). She passed away in 1972 at the age of 69.
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Rochelle Hudson
Rochelle Hudson (March 6, 1916 Oklahoma City-January 17, 1972 Palm Desert) a.k.a. Rochelle Elizabeth Hudson was an American actor.
She started her acting career at the age of 10, appearing in several silent films. She became a contract player at major studios in the 1930s, working with the likes of Shirley Temple and James Cagney. Hudson also had a successful career on radio and appeared in numerous television shows in the 1950s and 1960s. In addition to her acting career, she was also involved in animal welfare activism, and wrote a book on animal care. Hudson died of a heart attack at the age of 55.
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Irene Purcell
Irene Purcell (August 7, 1896 Whiting-July 9, 1972 Racine) also known as Irene Mary Purcell or irene_purcell was an American actor.
She was born in Whiting, Kansas and began her career as a stage actress after attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City. Irene Purcell made her Broadway debut in 1920 in the production of "The Willow Tree." She then went on to appear in several productions, including "The Ghost Train," "East of Suez," and "The Silent Partner."
In the 1930s, Purcell started her film career and appeared in several movies, including "One Hour Late," "The Lone Wolf Strikes," and "One Million B.C." She was known for her sophisticated and strong-willed characters.
During World War II, Purcell took a break from acting to work as a nurse's aide in a military hospital. She later returned to acting and continued to work in film and television until her retirement in the 1950s.
Irene Purcell was married twice, first to actor Douglas Gerrard in 1923 and then to businessman Frank T. Manley in 1938. She passed away in Racine, Wisconsin in 1972 at the age of 75.
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Betty Blythe
Betty Blythe (September 1, 1893 Los Angeles-April 7, 1972 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Elizabeth Blythe Slaughter was an American actor.
She began her career in the silent film era, appearing in over 80 films throughout the 1910s and 1920s. Blythe was known for her beauty and often played glamorous leading roles in films such as "The Queen of Sheba" and "She". In 1922, she was chosen as one of the WAMPAS Baby Stars, a promotional campaign featuring up-and-coming actresses. Blythe's career declined with the advent of sound in film, and she made her last film appearance in 1931's "White Shoulders". After retiring from acting, Blythe became a successful businesswoman and owned a successful cosmetics company. She was also involved in various philanthropic efforts throughout her life.
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Dorothy Dalton
Dorothy Dalton (September 22, 1893 Chicago-April 13, 1972 Scarsdale) also known as Dorothy Dalton Hammerstein was an American actor.
She began her career in silent films, making her debut in 1914 in the film "The Fourth Estate." She went on to star in over 90 films, including "Flaming Youth" (1923) and "The Framing of the Shrew" (1915). Dalton was known for her dramatic roles and her ability to convey complex emotions on screen. She retired from acting in 1932 and went on to become a successful businesswoman, opening her own antiques and art store. She also served as a volunteer for various charitable organizations. Dalton was married to Broadway producer and director Oscar Hammerstein from 1929 until his death in 1960.
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Adele DeGarde
Adele DeGarde (May 3, 1899 Brooklyn-November 1, 1972 Brooklyn) also known as Adelaide De Gard was an American actor. She had one child, Albert Jespersen.
DeGarde started her career in the entertainment industry as a vaudeville performer before transitioning into film acting in the 1920s. She appeared in more than 50 films and worked alongside notable actors such as Buster Keaton and Stan Laurel. DeGarde was known for her versatility as an actor and portrayed a range of characters from comedic roles to more serious dramatic parts.
Outside of her acting career, DeGarde was also an accomplished painter and sculptor. She exhibited her artwork at various galleries in New York City and received critical acclaim for her unique style.
DeGarde continued to act in films until the early 1950s before retiring from the industry. She passed away in Brooklyn in 1972 at the age of 73.
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Margaret Webster
Margaret Webster (March 15, 1905 New York City-November 13, 1972 Sydenham) was an American actor, theatrical producer and theatre director.
She was known for her innovative productions of Shakespeare's plays and was among the first to direct them with all-female casts. After studying theater in England, Webster went on to become a successful producer and director on Broadway, where she helped launch the careers of notable actors such as James Earl Jones and Eli Wallach. She also founded the American Repertory Theatre in New York City, which presented a wide range of classical plays with non-traditional casting. Throughout her career, Webster was an advocate for diversity in the theater and was a pioneering figure in the world of American theater.
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Lillian Miles
Lillian Miles (August 1, 1907 Oskaloosa-February 27, 1972 Yucca Valley) otherwise known as Lillian Bradley was an American actor.
Lillian Miles began her career in the film industry as a child actor in silent films around 1916. She then appeared in small roles in films such as "The Black Parade" and "Fighting Rookie." In the late 1920s, she transitioned to stage work, performing in various productions in New York City. Miles also had a successful career as a radio actress, appearing in several popular programs including "The Lone Ranger" and "Front Page Farrell." In the 1930s, she returned to Hollywood and appeared in several B-movies including "Midnight Morals" and "The Outlaw's Daughter." Miles retired from acting in the 1940s and lived the rest of her life in Yucca Valley, California.
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Gale Henry
Gale Henry (April 15, 1893 Bear Valley-June 17, 1972 Palmdale) a.k.a. Gale Trowbridge was an American actor and screenwriter.
She was one of the earliest female comedians in Hollywood and began her career in vaudeville. Gale Henry appeared in more than 130 films and wrote several screenplays in the silent film era. She was known for her comedic timing and facial expressions, and often played the role of the "sassy, wisecracking" friend. Some of her notable films include "The Kid" (1921), "The Gold Rush" (1925), and "The General" (1926), all directed by Charlie Chaplin. After the decline of silent films, she continued to work in the film industry as a bit player and extra. In addition to her work on screen, she wrote a book titled "How to Be a Movie Comedy Writer."
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Charlotte Merriam
Charlotte Merriam (April 5, 1906 Fort Sheridan-July 10, 1972 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
Merriam began her career on stage in the late 1920s before transitioning to film in the 1940s. She appeared in over 40 films throughout her career, including "The Devil and Miss Jones" (1941) and "The Fallen Sparrow" (1943). In addition to her film work, Merriam also appeared on television in the 1950s and 1960s, including guest roles on popular shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason." Along with her acting career, Merriam was also a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild and served as its secretary-treasurer during the 1930s. She passed away in 1972 at the age of 66.
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Alice Lewisohn
Alice Lewisohn (November 27, 1883 New York City-November 27, 1972 Zürich) otherwise known as Alice Lewisohn Crowley was an American actor.
She was born into a wealthy family and was educated at home before attending Barnard College. She then pursued an acting career and appeared in several Broadway productions. She also acted in a few silent films, including My Boy (1921) and The Ten Commandments (1923). In addition to acting, Lewisohn was a philanthropist and supported various causes, including women's rights and the arts. She was also the second wife of British occultist Aleister Crowley, with whom she had a son. Despite their unusual lifestyle, Lewisohn remained dedicated to Crowley until their divorce in 1929. She later lived in Europe and continued to support the arts until her death at the age of 89.
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Eve Southern
Eve Southern (October 24, 1898 Ranger-November 28, 1972 Santa Monica) also known as Elva L. McDowell or Elva McDowell was an American actor.
She started her career in silent films, appearing in her first film in 1915. Over the course of her career, she appeared in more than 80 films, including "The Midnight Girl" (1925) and "The Virgin Queen" (1955). She later transitioned to television, making appearances on shows such as "Perry Mason" and "Bonanza". Despite never achieving leading lady status, she was a dependable character actress and a familiar face to audiences of her time. In addition to her acting career, Southern was also an accomplished equestrian and a licensed pilot.
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Renee Whitney
Renee Whitney (February 9, 1912 Chicago-September 16, 1972 Los Angeles) also known as Bertha Renee Whitney was an American actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing in several Hollywood films including "Charlie Chan in Reno" (1939) and "The Great Lie" (1941). In 1943, she performed in the Broadway production of "Porgy and Bess" and later toured with the show. Whitney also had a notable career in television, with appearances on popular programs such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Perry Mason". Additionally, she was an active participant in the civil rights movement and used her platform to promote equality and justice for all. Whitney passed away in 1972 at the age of 60 from liver cancer.
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Edna Goodrich
Edna Goodrich (December 22, 1883 Logansport-May 26, 1972 New York City) a.k.a. Bessie Edna Stevens or Bessie Edna Stephens was an American actor and author.
She began her career as a stage actress at the age of 17, initially performing in stock companies before making her Broadway debut in 1902. Goodrich became known for her work in melodramas and comedies, earning critical acclaim for her performances in productions such as "The Little Minister" and "The Man Who Came Back."
In addition to her acting career, Goodrich was also a successful author, writing several books including "The Apple Tree and Other Plays," which was published in 1922. She also adapted and directed numerous plays throughout her career.
Goodrich continued to perform on stage and in films until the mid-1940s, when she retired from acting after a career that spanned over four decades. She passed away in New York City in 1972, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneering actress and writer in American theater.
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Margaret Dale
Margaret Dale (March 6, 1876 Philadelphia-March 23, 1972 New York City) was an American actor.
She began her career on stage during the early 20th century before transitioning to film in the 1920s. Dale appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, often playing supporting roles. Some of her notable works include "The Sea Wolf" (1920), "Papa's Sins" (1921), and "The Little Minister" (1922). Despite her lengthy filmography, Dale is perhaps best known for her work on stage. She was a member of New York's Neighborhood Playhouse and appeared in several plays both on and off Broadway. After retiring from acting, Dale worked as a teacher and opened her own acting school in New York City.
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Luba Lisa
Luba Lisa (November 27, 2014 Brooklyn-December 15, 1972 Colchester) also known as Luba Goodnick was an American actor and singer.
Luba Lisa began her career as an actor in the 1930s, appearing in a number of films and television shows. She also had a successful career as a stage performer, appearing in numerous Broadway productions throughout the 1950s and 1960s. In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Lisa was also an active member of the civil rights movement, participating in marches and protests alongside other prominent activists of the era. She passed away in 1972 at the age of 57, but her contributions to American culture and society live on.
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Ottola Nesmith
Ottola Nesmith (December 12, 1889 Washington, D.C.-February 7, 1972 Hollywood) also known as Tola Nesmith or Ollola Nesmith was an American actor. She had two children, Arnaud d'Usseau and Loring d'Usseau.
Nesmith began her acting career in the early 1900s under the stage name Ollola Nesmith. She later changed her name to Ottola Nesmith after she began to appear in films. She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, often playing supporting roles in movies from the 1910s through the 1930s.
Nesmith was also known for her work as a screenwriter, penning the scripts for several films including "The Love Master" (1924) and "The Lone Wolf Returns" (1935). She also wrote for the "Hollywood Citizen-News" and "Photoplay" magazine.
Aside from her career in entertainment, Nesmith was also an advocate for animal welfare and helped to establish the National Humane Society. She passed away in 1972 at the age of 82 in Hollywood, California.
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Carlena Beard
Carlena Beard (March 19, 1929 Los Angeles-February 23, 1972 Los Angeles) was an American actor, dancer and child actor.
She began her career as a child actor at the age of four and appeared in several films including "The Little Rascals" and "Our Gang" series. As she grew up, she transitioned to dancing and appeared in several Broadway productions including "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Can-Can". She also appeared in several films and television shows in the 1960s. Beard became known for her beauty and her talent for dancing. However, her career was cut short when she died at the age of 42 due to complications from diabetes. Despite her short career, Beard made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and is remembered as a talented actor, dancer and performer.
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Marcia Healy
Marcia Healy (March 7, 1904 New York City-October 31, 1972) a.k.a. Marcia Elizabeth Nash was an American actor.
She began her career on Broadway in the 1920s, appearing in several productions including "Porgy" and "The Vortex." In the 1930s, she made the transition to film, appearing in over 30 movies throughout her career. Some of her notable roles include Betty Grogan in "My Dear Miss Aldrich" (1937) and Molly J. Truesdale in "The Amazing Mrs. Holliday" (1943). Healy was also a member of the Screen Actors Guild, serving on the board of directors for several years. Off-screen, she was known for her philanthropy and her support of various charities.
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