American movie stars died in 1975
Here are 29 famous actresses from United States of America died in 1975:
Lillian Walker
Lillian Walker (April 21, 1887 Brooklyn-October 10, 1975 Trinidad) also known as Miss Walker, Dimples Walker, Lillian Wolke, The Dresden Doll or Dimples was an American actor.
She began her career in entertainment in vaudeville as a child performer, and later transitioned to silent films in the early 1900s. Walker appeared in over 50 films, including The Thief of Bagdad (1924), The Wedding March (1928), and Show People (1928). She was known for her expressive face and her ability to convey emotion without words. In addition to her film work, she also performed on stage and radio. After retiring from acting, she moved to Trinidad where she lived until her death in 1975.
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Irene Hayes
Irene Hayes (November 27, 1896-September 16, 1975 Manhattan) was an American actor and businessperson.
Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Irene Hayes started her career as a stage actor, performing on Broadway in the 1920s and 1930s. She then transitioned to Hollywood and appeared in several films during the 1940s and 1950s, often in supporting roles.
After retiring from acting, Hayes became a successful businessperson and entrepreneur. She founded and ran a chain of women's clothing stores in Manhattan, which grew to become a multimillion-dollar enterprise.
Hayes was also a philanthropist and supported various charitable causes, particularly those related to women's health and education. She was active in the Women's National Republican Club and served on the board of directors of several organizations.
Throughout her life, Hayes remained committed to promoting women's empowerment and breaking down barriers for women in business and the arts. She passed away in Manhattan in 1975 at the age of 78.
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Sheila Ryan
Sheila Ryan (June 8, 1921 Topeka-November 4, 1975 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Katherine Elizabeth McLaughlin, Betty McLaughlin or Betty McLauglin was an American actor. Her child is called Kerry Buttram-Galgano.
Ryan started her career as a dancer before transitioning into acting. She appeared in over 60 films throughout the 1940s and 50s, including "Dillinger," "Song of the Thin Man," and "Canyon River." She also had roles on several television shows, including "Dragnet" and "The Lone Ranger."
Ryan was married to several notable actors, including James Craig and Allan Lane, before marrying actor Pat Buttram in 1962. After retiring from acting, Ryan devoted herself to philanthropy work, supporting various causes such as animal welfare and cancer research. She passed away in 1975 at the age of 54 from lung cancer.
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Moms Mabley
Moms Mabley (March 19, 1894 Brevard-May 23, 1975 White Plains) a.k.a. Loretta Mary Aiken was an American comedian, actor and entertainer. Her children are called Bonnie Aiken, Christine Aiken, Charles Aiken and Yvonne Ailey.
Moms Mabley was known for her distinct style of comedy which often revolved around commentary on issues such as sexuality, racism and poverty. She started her career on the chitlin' circuit, performing in clubs that catered to African American audiences, before gaining widespread popularity in the 1960s through her appearances on television variety shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show.
Mabley was a trailblazer for women in comedy, and she broke barriers by performing in male-dominated spaces and challenging gender norms. She was also a gay icon and discussed queer themes in her comedy, which was groundbreaking for the time.
In addition to her comedy work, Mabley released several successful albums, including "The Funniest Woman Alive" and "Live at the Apollo." She also acted in films such as "Amazing Grace" and "Killer Diller."
Mabley was a beloved and influential figure in the entertainment industry, and she paved the way for future generations of comedians.
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Evelyn Brent
Evelyn Brent (October 20, 1901 Tampa-June 4, 1975 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Mary Elizabeth Riggs, Bettie Riggs, Betty Riggs or Betty was an American actor.
She began her career in silent films in the 1910s and went on to star in over 120 films throughout her career. Some of her notable films include "Mamba" (1930), "Underworld" (1927), and "The Last Command" (1928). Brent was known for her versatility as an actor and was able to transition smoothly from silent films to sound films. In addition to her successful career in films, she was also a model and a talented dancer. After retiring from acting, Brent worked as a real estate agent. She passed away in 1975 at the age of 73.
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Gertrude Olmstead
Gertrude Olmstead (November 13, 1897 Chicago-January 18, 1975 Beverly Hills) also known as Gertrude Olmsted was an American actor.
She began her career in the silent film era, appearing in over 70 films from 1916 to 1935. Some of her notable roles include Dorothy in "Our Hospitality" (1923) and Mary Brown in "The Freshman" (1925). Olmstead was known for her natural beauty and charm on-screen, and was considered one of the top actresses of her time. After retiring from acting in the mid-1930s, she became a successful real estate agent in Beverly Hills. Olmstead was married once, to actor Harry Edwards, and they had one child together. She passed away at the age of 77 due to a stroke.
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Doro Merande
Doro Merande (March 31, 1892 Columbus-November 1, 1975 Miami) also known as Dora Matthews or Dorothy Matthews was an American actor.
She began her career in the 1930s and worked in numerous Broadway productions before transitioning to film and television. Merande is best known for her supporting roles in popular TV shows of the 1950s and 1960s, including "The Donna Reed Show," "Dr. Kildare," and "The Twilight Zone." She also appeared in several films, such as "The Great White Hope" and "The Hustler." Merande was known for her distinct voice and comedic timing, making her a recognizable and beloved character actor.
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Barbara Colby
Barbara Colby (July 2, 1939 New York City-July 24, 1975 Venice) was an American actor.
Barbara Colby began her acting career in the late 1960s, appearing in various TV series such as "Mission: Impossible" and "Ironside". She also had small roles in films such as "The Molly Maguires" and "The Great White Hope". In 1974, Colby earned critical acclaim for her performance in the off-Broadway play "Sally and Marsha".
Tragically, in 1975, Colby was fatally shot alongside actor James Kiernan while walking to their car after performing in a play at the Venice Boulevard Theater in Los Angeles. The case was never solved and remains a mystery to this day. Despite her short-lived career, Colby's talent and potential continue to be celebrated in the entertainment industry.
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Kathryn Sheldon
Kathryn Sheldon (September 22, 1879 Cincinnati-December 25, 1975 Los Angeles) also known as Katherine Sheldon or Kathrine Sheldon was an American actor.
She began her career in the silent film era, starring in numerous films such as "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1923), "The King on Main Street" (1925), and "The Bat" (1926). Sheldon was known for her ability to play a wide range of roles from comedic to dramatic.
During her career, she worked with some of the biggest names in Hollywood including Lon Chaney, John Barrymore, and Clara Bow. Sheldon also acted in several Broadway productions in the 1920s and 1930s.
After the transition to sound films, Sheldon's career began to decline, and she began working mostly in B-movies. She retired from acting in the 1940s and lived out the rest of her life in Los Angeles until her death in 1975 at the age of 96.
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Susan Hayward
Susan Hayward (June 30, 1917 Brooklyn-March 14, 1975 Hollywood) also known as Edythe Marrenner, Red or Edythe Marriner was an American model and actor. She had two children, Gregory Barker and Timothy Barker.
Despite a difficult childhood spent in poverty, Susan Hayward became an accomplished actress, receiving five Academy Award nominations and winning the Best Actress Oscar in 1959 for her role in "I Want to Live!". Some of her other memorable films include "Smash-Up, the Story of a Woman", "With a Song in My Heart", and "I'll Cry Tomorrow". Hayward also worked as a model early in her career, appearing in advertisements for products such as suntan lotion and Coca-Cola. She was known for her feisty personality and her dedication to her craft, often performing her own stunts in films. Hayward passed away in 1975 from brain cancer at the age of 57.
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Cass Daley
Cass Daley (July 17, 1915 Philadelphia-March 22, 1975 Hollywood) also known as Catherine Dailey was an American actor. Her child is called Dale Kinsella.
Cass Daley began her career in vaudeville and later transitioned to film and television. She was known for her comedic timing, zany personality, and trademark propeller beanie hat. Daley acted in films such as "Star Spangled Rhythm" and "The Fleet's In" and had a successful career in nightclub performances and radio shows. She also appeared on popular television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Red Skelton Show." Daley continued to perform until her sudden death in 1975 at the age of 59.
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Mary Philips
Mary Philips (January 23, 1901 New London-April 22, 1975 Santa Monica) otherwise known as Mary Phillips was an American actor.
She started her career as a stage actress before transitioning to film in the 1930s. She appeared in over 70 films during her career, often playing supporting roles. Some of her most notable films include "Three Smart Girls" (1936), "The Shop Around the Corner" (1940), and "It Happened on Fifth Avenue" (1947). She was known for her ability to play sharp-tongued, no-nonsense characters. In addition to her work in film, she also appeared on television and radio shows. In her personal life, she was married to actor and producer Humphrey Bogart's older brother, Leslie, from 1936 until his death in 1945. Mary Philips passed away in 1975 at the age of 74.
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Phoebe Foster
Phoebe Foster (July 9, 1895 Center Harbor-June 1, 1975 Boston) was an American actor.
She began her career on stage in the 1910s and later made her way to Hollywood. Foster appeared in dozens of films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, often playing supporting roles. Some of her notable works include "The Bat" (1926), "The Donovan Affair" (1929), and "The Farmer's Daughter" (1947). In addition to her film career, Foster also acted on television in the 1950s and 1960s. She was married to fellow actor and director Frank Borzage from 1927 until their divorce in 1941.
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Kay Johnson
Kay Johnson (November 29, 1904 Mount Vernon-November 17, 1975 Waterford) also known as Catherine Townsend, Kay, Catherine Townsend Johnson or Catherine Townsend "Kay" Johnson was an American actor. She had two children, James Cromwell and John Oliver.
Kay Johnson began her acting career on the stage in New York City in the 1920s, and made her film debut in the 1929 movie "In the Headlines." She worked with renowned director Cecil B. DeMille, appearing in several of his films including "Madam Satan," "The Sign of the Cross," and "Four Frightened People." Johnson also worked with the acclaimed director Ernst Lubitsch in his films "The Merry Widow" and "One Hour with You."
In addition to her successful film career, Johnson also dabbled in radio and television. She appeared on several radio shows in the 1940s, and made guest appearances on popular TV shows of the 1950s such as "Lux Video Theatre" and "The Loretta Young Show."
Johnson was married twice, first to writer John Cromwell and then to businessman Herman Citron. She had two sons, James Cromwell (who became an actor himself) and John Oliver. Johnson passed away in Waterford, Connecticut in 1975, a few weeks before her 71st birthday.
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Shirley Ross
Shirley Ross (January 7, 1913 Omaha-March 9, 1975 Menlo Park) otherwise known as Ross, Shirley, Bernice Gaunt or Bernice Maude Gaunt was an American singer, actor and pianist.
She began her career as a singer in the 1930s and quickly rose to fame, recording popular songs such as "The Very Thought of You" and "Blue Moon." In addition to her music career, Ross also acted in several films, including the classic Western movie "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine." She was known for her sultry voice and glamorous persona, which made her a popular performer in nightclubs and on the silver screen. Later in life, Ross taught music and also became involved in humanitarian causes, including the founding of the Shirley Ross Foundation, which helped child welfare organizations. Despite her success, Ross was plagued by personal struggles, including a difficult marriage and battles with alcoholism. She died in 1975 at the age of 62. Today, she is remembered as one of the great entertainers of the 20th century, known for her talent, beauty, and charisma.
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Marjorie Main
Marjorie Main (February 24, 1890 Acton-April 10, 1975 Los Angeles) also known as Mary Tomlinson, Mary Tomlinson Krebs or Mrs. Mary Tomlinson Krebs was an American actor.
She appeared in over 70 films and is best known for her role as Ma Kettle in the popular "Ma and Pa Kettle" film series. Main began her career on stage and made her film debut in 1931. She was often typecast as a tough and sassy character, but also showed her versatility in dramatic roles. In addition to her work in film, Main also appeared on television and radio. She was known for her no-nonsense attitude on set and her ability to steal scenes with her comedic timing. Despite struggling with health issues in her later years, Main continued to act until her death in 1975 at the age of 85.
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Ruth Lee
Ruth Lee (September 14, 1895 Minneapolis-August 3, 1975 Woodland Hills) was an American actor.
She started her career in the film industry in the 1910s, appearing in several silent films such as "The Eternal Mother" (1912) and "The Root of All Evil" (1913). She continued to act in films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, often playing supporting roles. Ruth Lee also appeared in some notable films such as "The Jazz Singer" (1927) and "Frankenstein" (1931). Later in her career, she transitioned to television and made appearances on shows such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone". Ruth Lee's career spanned over six decades, and she is remembered as a notable character actor of her time.
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Inez Courtney
Inez Courtney (March 12, 1908 New York City-April 5, 1975 Neptune City) a.k.a. Miss Courtney, Mosquito, St Vitis or Lightning was an American actor, dancer and singer.
She rose to fame in the 1920s as a chorus girl in various Broadway revues and vaudeville shows. Inez Courtney also appeared in several Hollywood films, such as "Moulin Rouge" (1928), "The Broadway Melody" (1929), and "The Great Ziegfeld" (1936). Besides acting, she also had a successful career as a singer. She recorded several songs for the NBC Radio Network in the 1930s and was a regular performer on Rudy Vallée's radio show. In the 1940s, Inez Courtney retired from show business and moved to New Jersey, where she lived until her death in 1975.
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Olive Ann Alcorn
Olive Ann Alcorn (March 10, 1900 Stillwater-January 8, 1975 Los Angeles) also known as Olive Acorn was an American actor, dancer and model.
Alcorn was born in Stillwater, Minnesota, and began her career as a dancer in the Ziegfeld Follies in New York City. She later transitioned to acting and appeared in several films and television shows. Her notable roles include Mary in the 1924 film "Back Pay" and Hazel in the 1955 TV series "Dragnet." Alcorn was also a successful model for various advertisements and magazines. She was married to fellow actor and dancer, James Cagney from 1922 to 1929. Alcorn retired from acting in the 1960s and passed away in Los Angeles in 1975.
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Violet Mersereau
Violet Mersereau (October 2, 1892 New York City-November 12, 1975 Plymouth) a.k.a. The Child Wonder was an American actor.
She began her career in the silent film era, with her first film appearance in 1910 at the age of 18. She played mostly childlike roles and quickly became known as The Child Wonder. Her most successful film during this period was the 1914 film adaptation of the play "Tess of the Storm Country" opposite Mary Pickford.
Mersereau continued to act in films throughout the 1920s and 1930s, and had a brief stint in vaudeville. However, by the mid-1930s her career had slowed down considerably. She made her final film appearance in the 1948 film "I Remember Mama".
Later in life, Mersereau moved to Plymouth, Massachusetts where she lived with her sister and brother-in-law. She worked as a secretary for a local police department and remained largely out of the public eye until her death in 1975 at the age of 83. Despite her relatively short career, Violet Mersereau remains an important and influential figure in the early days of American cinema.
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Minta Durfee
Minta Durfee (October 1, 1889 Los Angeles-September 9, 1975 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Araminta Estelle, Araminta Estelle Durfee, Minta Durfee Arbuckle or Minta Durffy was an American actor.
She began her career in showbusiness as a vaudeville performer before transitioning into films in 1911. Durfee became a regular collaborator of comedy icon Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, whom she would later marry in 1908. She appeared in supporting roles in many of Arbuckle's short silent films, helping to establish him as one of the biggest stars of the era.
Durfee also worked with other famous directors of the time such as D.W. Griffith and Mack Sennett, and appeared in over 100 films throughout her career. She often portrayed comedic characters and was known for her expressive face and physical humor.
After retiring from acting in the late 1920s, Durfee became a talent agent, representing actors and actresses in Hollywood. She remained married to Arbuckle until his death in 1933, and later remarried in 1945 to actor and writer Bernard P. Fineman.
Durfee passed away in 1975 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as one of early cinema's most beloved comedic performers.
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Barboura Morris
Barboura Morris (October 22, 1932 Los Angeles-October 23, 1975 Santa Monica) also known as Barboura O'Neill, Barboura O'Neal or The girl with the lovely smile was an American actor.
She began her acting career in the 1950s and appeared in various films and TV shows throughout the decade, including "The Brothers Rico" and "The Haunted Strangler." In the 1960s, Morris continued to work in film and TV, notably in popular shows such as "The Twilight Zone," "Batman," and "Bonanza." In addition to her acting work, Morris was also a singer and released a single in 1965. Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Morris struggled with personal demons and substance abuse. She tragically died of a drug overdose in 1975, one day after her 43rd birthday.
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Dagmar Godowsky
Dagmar Godowsky (November 24, 1897 Chicago-February 13, 1975 New York City) also known as Mercedes Dagmar Godowsky was an American actor.
Born to a wealthy family in Chicago, Dagmar Godowsky was drawn to the arts from a young age. She began her career as a stage actor, appearing in several successful production in the 1920s. She made her film debut in 1929, and quickly became known for her talent and versatility on screen. Over the course of her career, she appeared in over 30 films, including "Love Me Tonight" (1932), "Anything Goes" (1936), and "The Great Lie" (1941), for which she received critical acclaim.
In addition to her work as an actor, Dagmar Godowsky was also a talented vocalist and dancer, and often incorporated these skills into her performances. She was widely recognized as one of Hollywood's most glamorous leading ladies, and was known for her striking beauty and impeccable fashion sense.
Despite achieving great success on screen, Dagmar Godowsky retired from acting in the mid-1940s to focus on her family and personal life. She continued to be involved in the arts, however, and was a passionate supporter of the theater and other cultural institutions throughout her life. She died in New York City in 1975, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most talented and versatile performers.
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Margarita Fischer
Margarita Fischer (February 12, 1886 Missouri Valley-March 11, 1975 Encinitas) also known as Margurita Fisher, Margarieta Fisher, Margarite Fisher, Margarita Fisher or Margarita Ficher was an American actor.
Margarita Fischer began her acting career in 1910 with the Biograph Company under the direction of D.W. Griffith. She was known for her roles in silent films such as "The Girl of the Golden West" (1915), "The Silence Sellers" (1917) and "The Blue Envelope Mystery" (1916). Fischer also appeared in Broadway productions like "Stop Thief" (1918) and "My Maryland" (1927). In the 1930s, she moved to California and continued her career in supporting roles in films such as "The Bank Dick" (1940) and "The Postman Always Rings Twice" (1946). Outside of acting, Fischer was married to film director Harry Pollard and was actively involved in horse racing.
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Ada Williams
Ada Williams (June 2, 1913 Louisville-August 12, 1975 Blowing Rock) also known as Ada Ince was an American actor. She had two children, Diana Ada Dodge and Darlene Rae Dodge.
Ada began her acting career in the mid-1930s, appearing in various stage productions and radio dramas. She eventually made her way to Hollywood and appeared in several films during the 1940s and 1950s, including "The Merry Monahans" (1944), "The Big Sleep" (1946), and "The Kissing Bandit" (1948).
Despite her success in the film industry, Ada eventually returned to her true love of theater and became a respected stage actress. She performed in numerous productions on and off Broadway, including "The Glass Menagerie" and "A Streetcar Named Desire."
Ada was also an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on the board of directors from 1958 to 1960. She passed away in 1975 at the age of 62, leaving behind a legacy of talent and dedication to the arts.
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Julia Sanderson
Julia Sanderson (August 27, 1887 Springfield-January 27, 1975 Springfield) also known as Julia Ellen Sackett or Julia Sackett was an American singer and actor.
Sanderson began her career on the stage at a young age, performing in vaudeville shows and musical comedies. She gained popularity for her performances in several Broadway productions including "The Belle of Britanny" (1907), "The Merry Widow" (1908), and "The Red Mill" (1906) which solidified her status as a leading lady in musical theatre.
In addition to her stage work, Sanderson also appeared in several silent films in the 1910s and 1920s, including "The County Fair" (1917) and "When Love Comes" (1919). She was also a popular radio personality and recorded several records throughout the 1920s and 1930s.
Sanderson continued to perform on stage and in films throughout her career, and was known for her beautiful soprano voice and engaging acting style. She was married to actor Frank Craven and the two had four children together, including actor John Craven. Julia Sanderson passed away in 1975 at the age of 87 in her hometown of Springfield, Illinois.
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Madelyn Clare
Madelyn Clare (November 18, 1894 Cleveland-September 20, 1975 Raleigh) also known as Madeline Clare, Madelyn Klare or Madelyn Donovan was an American actor.
She appeared in over 70 films, mostly in supporting roles. Some of her notable works include "The Great McGinty" (1940), "The Razor's Edge" (1946), and "The Snake Pit" (1948). Clare began her career in vaudeville and on Broadway before transitioning to the silver screen. In addition to acting, she was also a playwright and wrote several successful plays in the 1920s and 30s. Clare was married to actor James Clare from 1923 until his death in 1949. She continued to act in film and television until her final role in the TV series "The Virginian" in 1970.
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Peggy Pearce
Peggy Pearce (June 4, 1894-February 26, 1975) was an American actor.
Peggy Pearce began her acting career in silent films of the 1910s, working primarily as a supporting actress. She transitioned smoothly into the sound era, amassing over 130 film and television credits throughout her career. Her most notable film appearances include "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1939), "The Bank Dick" (1940), and "Arsenic and Old Lace" (1944). Pearce also made guest appearances on popular TV series such as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet," "Perry Mason," and "The Twilight Zone." In addition to her prolific acting career, she also worked as a drama coach, training aspiring actors. Peggy Pearce retired from show business in the mid-1950s and passed away in 1975 at the age of 80.
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Phyllis Povah
Phyllis Povah (July 21, 1893 Detroit-August 7, 1975 Port Washington) was an American actor.
She began her career in the early days of silent films and later transitioned into talking films. Povah is most known for her performances on stage, including her appearance in the original production of "Dinner at Eight" by George S. Kaufman and Edna Ferber in 1932. She also appeared in several Hollywood films, including "The Thin Man Goes Home" and "She's Working Her Way Through College." Povah was a founding member of the American Theatre Wing and was also involved in the Actors' Equity Association. In addition to her acting career, she was also a playwright, writing several plays that were produced both on Broadway and off.
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