American movie stars died in 1976
Here are 26 famous actresses from United States of America died in 1976:
Clara Horton
Clara Horton (July 29, 1904 Brooklyn-December 4, 1976 Encino) also known as Clara Marie Horton or The Eclair Kid was an American actor.
She began her career as a child actress, appearing in silent films such as "The Kid," alongside Charlie Chaplin. As she grew older, she continued to act in films, but also ventured into television, appearing on popular shows such as "Perry Mason" and "Bonanza." In addition to her acting career, Horton was also a talented athlete, and was known for her skill as a horseback rider. She even participated in rodeos, winning several awards for her performances. Despite her success as an actor and athlete, Horton's later years were not without struggle. She suffered from arthritis, and struggled with alcoholism. She passed away in 1976, at the age of 72. Despite her challenges, Horton is remembered as a talented and accomplished performer, whose impact on film and television continues to be felt today.
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Doris Hill
Doris Hill (March 21, 1905 Roswell-March 3, 1976 Kingman) was an American actor and vaudeville performer.
Born and raised in Roswell, New Mexico, Hill began her career as a vaudeville performer in the 1920s, performing alongside her sister in various theaters across the country. In the late 1920s, she transitioned to acting and appeared in several films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. She was best known for her roles in comedies and musicals, and often played the feisty sidekick or the brassy dame.
In addition to her acting career, Hill was also an active member of the Hollywood community, and was well-known for her philanthropic work. She often volunteered her time and resources to various charities, and was particularly passionate about helping underprivileged children.
Hill retired from acting in the 1950s, but continued to be involved in various Hollywood organizations and charities throughout the remainder of her life. She passed away in 1976 in Kingman, Arizona at the age of 70.
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Lucile Browne
Lucile Browne (March 18, 1907 Memphis-May 10, 1976 Lexington city) a.k.a. Lucille Brown or Lucille Browne was an American actor. Her child is called William James Flavin.
Lucile Browne began her acting career in the 1920s, appearing in silent films. She later transitioned into sound films and became a popular supporting actress in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. Some of her notable films include "Topper" (1937), "The Mad Miss Manton" (1938), and "The Return of Frank James" (1940). In addition to her acting career, Lucile Browne also worked as a talent agent.
Browne was married to actor James Flavin from 1931 until his death in 1976. They had a son together, William James Flavin, who also became an actor. Lucile Browne passed away just a few months after her husband, on May 10, 1976, in Lexington City, Virginia.
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Ruth McDevitt
Ruth McDevitt (September 13, 1895 Coldwater-May 27, 1976 Hollywood) also known as Ruth Thane Shoecraft, Ruth Mc Devitt or Ruth Thane McDevitt was an American actor.
Born in Coldwater, Michigan, Ruth McDevitt moved to New York City in 1923 to pursue a career on the stage. She began performing in Broadway plays before transitioning to television and film in the 1950s. McDevitt's most notable film appearances include roles in "The Birds" (1963) and "Angel in My Pocket" (1969), while she also appeared in several popular TV shows such as "The Twilight Zone," "Perry Mason," and "Gunsmoke." Despite her success as an actor, McDevitt was known for her humble personality and lived a simple life in Hollywood until her death in 1976.
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Cathy Downs
Cathy Downs (March 3, 1924 Port Jefferson-December 8, 1976 Los Angeles) was an American actor and model.
She was born in Port Jefferson, Long Island, New York, and began her career as a model before transitioning to acting in the 1940s. Downs is perhaps best known for her role as the female lead in the classic film "My Darling Clementine" (1946), in which she starred opposite Henry Fonda. She also appeared in several other notable films during her career, including "The Dark Corner" (1946), "Three Little Words" (1950), and "The Big Night" (1951).
After a successful career in film, Downs made the transition to television in the 1950s, appearing in several popular shows such as "The Lone Ranger" and "The Adventures of Kit Carson". She continued to act sporadically in films and television throughout the 1960s, before retiring from the industry in the early 1970s.
Downs was married twice during her lifetime, first to actor Joe Kirkwood Jr. and later to businessman Joe Solomon. She passed away in Los Angeles in 1976 at the age of 52 from complications following a stroke.
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Dorothy Devore
Dorothy Devore (June 22, 1899 Fort Worth-September 10, 1976 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Alma Inez Williams, Dorothy De Vore or Inez Williams was an American actor and comedian.
Devore began her acting career in the late 1910s, appearing in silent films alongside famous actors such as W.C. Fields and Rudolph Valentino. She became known for her comedic timing and was often cast in comedic roles. Devore starred in over 200 films throughout her career, but her popularity began to wane with the advent of sound in the film industry. She made her last film appearance in 1930 and retired from acting shortly after. In her later years, Devore worked as a real estate broker and a member of the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital.
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Miriam Cooper
Miriam Cooper (November 7, 1891 Baltimore-April 12, 1976 Charlottesville) a.k.a. Marian Cooper, Mariam Cooper or Marion Cooper was an American actor and writer. Her children are called Jackie Walsh and Bobbie Walsh.
Cooper began her career in the film industry as a secretary for the Vitagraph Company before being cast in her debut film, "The Battle of Hearts", in 1916. She went on to star in over 50 silent films, including the iconic "Birth of a Nation" and "Intolerance" directed by D.W. Griffith. Cooper was known for her striking beauty and natural acting style, which made her a popular leading lady during the silent era.
In addition to her acting career, Cooper also wrote several screenplays and even formed her own production company, which produced the film "The Woman Conquers" in 1928. After the advent of sound in film, Cooper struggled to find work and eventually retired from acting in 1930. She then worked in publishing and eventually settled in Virginia, where she lived until her death in 1976.
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Anissa Jones
Anissa Jones (March 11, 1958 West Lafayette-August 28, 1976 Oceanside) a.k.a. Mary Anissa Jones was an American actor.
She is most well-known for her role as Buffy Davis on the popular television sitcom Family Affair which aired in the late 1960s through early 1970s. Jones began her career as a child model and made her acting debut in the film The Trouble with Angels in 1966. She went on to act in other films, including Walt Disney’s The Ugly Dachshund (1966) and in the television movie The Great White Hope (1970). Sadly, Jones died at the young age of 18 due to a drug overdose.
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Rosalind Russell
Rosalind Russell (June 4, 1907 Waterbury-November 28, 1976 Beverly Hills) also known as Rosalind Russell Brisson, C.A. McKnight, Roz or Catherine Rosalind Russell was an American singer, actor, screenwriter and model. Her child is called Lance Brisson.
Rosalind Russell began her acting career on Broadway, making her debut in the play "The Garrick Gaieties" in 1925. She continued to act in numerous Broadway productions throughout the 1920s and 1930s, earning critical acclaim for performances in shows such as "The Women" and "Wonderful Town."
In 1934, Russell made her film debut in the movie "Evelyn Prentice." She went on to star in over 70 films, including "His Girl Friday," "Auntie Mame," and "Gypsy," earning four Academy Award nominations for her performances.
In addition to her acting career, Russell was also involved in various charitable causes, including serving as the national chairman for the Women's Division of the John F. Kennedy 1960 Presidential Campaign. She was also a published author, writing an autobiography titled "Life is a Banquet" in 1977.
Rosalind Russell passed away in 1976 at the age of 69 from breast cancer. She is remembered as one of Hollywood's greatest leading ladies and a trailblazer for strong female roles in film and theater.
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Mabel Julienne Scott
Mabel Julienne Scott (November 2, 1892 Minneapolis-October 1, 1976 Los Angeles) also known as Mabel Julian Scott, Mabel Juliene Scott or Mabel Juline Scott was an American actor.
Scott began her acting career in vaudeville before transitioning to silent films in the 1910s. She became a popular supporting player in the 1920s and went on to appear in over 100 films, often playing roles as a supportive mother or society matron. One of her most memorable performances was in the film "Our Daily Bread" (1934), a socially-conscious drama about life during the Great Depression.
In addition to her film career, Scott was also a prolific radio actress, and was known for her role as the matriarch in the radio soap opera "Lorenzo Jones". Scott was also involved in various charitable organizations, including the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Women's Christian Temperance Union.
She continued to act in films until the 1950s, and made her final screen appearance in 1959's "The Hangman". Scott passed away in 1976 at the age of 83, in Los Angeles.
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Mary Nash
Mary Nash (August 15, 1884 Troy-December 3, 1976 Brentwood) a.k.a. Mary Ryan was an American actor.
Nash appeared in over 30 films throughout her career, including the role of Aunt Pittypat in the classic film Gone with the Wind. She also acted in many Broadway productions and was a founding member of the Actors' Equity Association. Nash began her career as a theater actor in the early 1900s and continued to act on stage throughout her life. She was known for her versatility and ability to play a wide range of characters. Nash was also a champion of animal rights and founded the Mary Nash Foundation, which provided support for animal welfare organizations.
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Connee Boswell
Connee Boswell (December 3, 1907 Kansas City-October 11, 1976 New York City) a.k.a. Constance F. Boswell, Connie Boswell, Boswell, Connee or Constance Foore Boswell was an American singer and actor.
She rose to fame in the 1930s as the lead singer of the close harmony group, The Boswell Sisters, with whom she recorded numerous hits such as "Mood Indigo" and "Sleepy Time Gal". After the group disbanded in 1936, Boswell continued her solo career and became a popular solo artist, known for her smooth jazz and big band style. She recorded with renowned jazz musicians such as Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw, and was also a regular on radio shows and appeared in films. Boswell was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999.
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Barbara Nichols
Barbara Nichols (December 10, 1928 Queens-October 5, 1976 Hollywood) also known as Barbara Marie Nickerauer, barbara_nichols or Barbara Nickerauer was an American actor.
She began her career as a model before transitioning into acting in the 1950s. She appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career and was known for her sultry, blonde bombshell persona. Some of her most notable film credits include "Sweet Smell of Success" (1957), "Pal Joey" (1957), and "The Pajama Game" (1957). She also appeared in several popular television series such as "The Twilight Zone," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and "Batman." Despite her success in Hollywood, Nichols struggled with alcoholism and died at the age of 47 due to liver disease.
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Lily Pons
Lily Pons (April 12, 1898 Draguignan-February 13, 1976 Dallas) also known as Alice Josephine Pons or Pons, Lily was an American singer and actor.
Lily Pons was renowned for her coloratura soprano vocal range, which made her one of the most celebrated opera stars of the 20th century. She began her career in Europe, and after moving to the United States in the 1930s, she became the principal soprano at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. Throughout her career, Pons performed in numerous operas and also appeared in films, including the 1940 musical comedy "That's Right - You're Wrong". In addition to her artistry as a singer, Pons was known for her glamorous style and her commanding stage presence. Despite her success, she retired from performing in 1959 and devoted the rest of her life to environmental activism and animal welfare causes.
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Roxana McGowan
Roxana McGowan (March 15, 1897 Chicago-November 22, 1976 Santa Monica) was an American comedian and actor. She had four children, C. Ray Stahl, Albert Ray, Roxana Ray and Roxana Ray Stahl.
McGowan began her career in vaudeville before transitioning to film in the 1910s. She appeared in over 35 films throughout her career, often playing comedic roles. Some of her most notable films include "The Scrapper," "The Average Woman," and "My Wife's Relations."
McGowan also continued to perform on stage throughout her career, appearing in Broadway productions such as "Best Years" and "The Boys in Blue."
Outside of her career, McGowan was known for her philanthropy work. She was involved in various charities, including ones focused on supporting veterans and animal welfare.
McGowan passed away in 1976 at the age of 79 due to complications from pneumonia.
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Ellinor Vanderveer
Ellinor Vanderveer (August 5, 1886 New York City-May 27, 1976 Loma Linda) also known as Elinor Vandivere, Elinor Vanderveer, Ellinor Van der Veer or The queen of the dress extras was an American actor.
She began her acting career in silent films and worked as a dress extra for various movie studios, including MGM, Warner Bros., and Paramount Pictures. She was known for her ability to quickly change into different costumes for multiple roles in a single film.
In addition to her work in films, Vanderveer also worked on stage and in radio. She appeared in several Broadway productions, including a production of "The Man Who Came Back" in 1916. She also appeared in various radio programs in the 1940s and 1950s.
Vanderveer continued to work as an actor throughout her life, appearing in films such as "Boys Town" (1938) and "The Thrill of It All" (1963), as well as TV shows like "Perry Mason" and "The Beverly Hillbillies". She died in Loma Linda, California at the age of 89.
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Ruth Gillmore
Ruth Gillmore (October 26, 1899 London-February 1, 1976 New York) a.k.a. Ruth Emily Gillmore or Ruth Gillmore Sonino was an American actor. She had one child, Mildred Sonino.
Gillmore began her career as a stage actress, making her Broadway debut in 1917. She went on to appear in numerous productions over the next few decades, including "Skylark," "Little Women," and "Springtime for Henry."
In addition to her work on stage, Gillmore also appeared in a number of films, including "The Time of Your Life" and "Ninotchka." She was known for her ability to portray strong, confident women on both stage and screen.
Gillmore was married three times, first to actor J. Louis Johnson, then to director Howard Lindsay, and finally to actor Edgar Kent. She passed away in 1976 at the age of 76.
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Frances Howard
Frances Howard (June 4, 1903 Omaha-July 2, 1976 Beverly Hills) also known as Frances Holyoke Howard was an American actor. She had two children, Samuel Goldwyn, Jr. and Hugh Howard Stevenson.
Howard began her acting career in the 1920s and appeared in over 60 films throughout her career. She is best known for her roles in "The Penalty" (1920), "The Sea Hawk" (1924), and "Dangerous Innocence" (1925). Howard often played supporting roles and was praised for her beauty on screen.
In addition to her acting career, Howard was also a noted socialite and philanthropist. She was involved in various charities and social organizations, and was a supporter of the arts. Howard was married to film producer Samuel Goldwyn from 1925 until their divorce in 1945.
After her divorce, Howard retired from acting and became a full-time mother to her two children. She remained active in charity work and continued to support the arts until her death in 1976.
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Judith Lowry
Judith Lowry (July 27, 1890 Fort Sill-November 29, 1976 New York City) also known as Judith Ives or Judith Lowery was an American actor.
She appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout her career. Lowry's acting career began in the early 1900s when she joined the Stuart Walker Company. One of her most notable roles was as Mother Dexter on the popular television show, "The Beverly Hillbillies." In addition to her work as an actor, Lowry co-founded the nonprofit organization The Actors' Fund of America. She was also an advocate for animal welfare and an active member of the Sierra Club. Despite receiving minor recognition for her work, Lowry never achieved the level of fame that many of her contemporaries did. Nevertheless, she is remembered as a talented and dedicated performer who left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
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Maudie Prickett
Maudie Prickett (October 25, 1914 Portland-April 14, 1976 Pasadena) also known as Maude Prickett, Maude Merrie Doyle or Maud Prickett was an American actor.
She began her career in the 1940s with small roles in films such as "The Invisible Woman" and "Dangerous Blondes". In the 1950s, she transitioned to television and became a popular character actor, appearing in shows like "The Beverly Hillbillies", "Bewitched", and "The Dick Van Dyke Show". She is perhaps best known for her recurring role as Rosie, the telephone operator, on "Hazel". On the big screen, she appeared in films such as "Paris When It Sizzles" and "The Shakiest Gun in the West". Prickett continued to work steadily up until her death in 1976 at the age of 61.
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Gloria Hope
Gloria Hope (November 9, 1901 Pittsburgh-October 29, 1976 Pasadena) a.k.a. Olive Beech Francies or Olive Frances was an American actor. She had two children, Isabel Francies Hughes and Donald Reid Hughes.
Gloria Hope began her acting career on Broadway in the 1920s before transitioning to film in the 1930s. She appeared in over 30 films throughout her career, often playing small roles or uncredited parts. Some of her notable film appearances include "The Petrified Forest" (1936), "Nothing Sacred" (1937), and "The Women" (1939).
In addition to her work in film and theater, Hope was also a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. She participated in the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, and was an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Later in life, Hope continued to act on stage and in television shows such as "Perry Mason" and "Gunsmoke." She passed away in 1976 at the age of 74.
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Ethel Shutta
Ethel Shutta (December 1, 1896-February 5, 1976 New York City) also known as Ethel Shuttá or Ethel was an American singer and actor.
She began her career in vaudeville and later transitioned to Broadway, where she appeared in several musicals including "The Ziegfeld Follies of 1923" and "Follow Through". Shutta was known for her comedic timing and brassy voice.
In the 1930s, Shutta made the transition to film and appeared in several Hollywood movies including "Hollywood Party" and "Moulin Rouge". She also continued to perform on the radio and made appearances on shows such as "The Rudy Vallee Hour" and "The Fred Allen Show".
Throughout her career, Shutta was regarded as a talented performer and won critical acclaim for her work on stage and screen. She retired from performing in the early 1960s and lived out the rest of her life in New York City.
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Linda Watkins
Linda Watkins (May 23, 1908 Boston-October 31, 1976 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Linda Mathews Watkins was an American actor. She had three children, Thomas B., Elizabeth B. and Adam Hess.
Linda Watkins began her career as a stage actor, performing in various productions before making her way to Hollywood to pursue a career in film. She appeared in over 30 films throughout her career, including "The Parent Trap" and "The Day the Earth Stood Still."
Watkins also had a busy career in television, appearing in numerous popular shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She had guest roles on shows such as "Gunsmoke," "Perry Mason," and "The Twilight Zone."
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Watkins was also an accomplished painter, and her artwork was exhibited in several galleries. She was also a member of the National Council of Catholic Women and worked as a volunteer for various charitable organizations throughout her life.
Linda Watkins passed away in Los Angeles in 1976 at the age of 68.
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Gladys Leslie
Gladys Leslie (March 5, 1899 New York City-October 2, 1976 Boynton Beach) also known as Gladys Leslie Moore or The Girl with the Million Dollar Smile was an American actor.
She began her career as a child model and worked as a chorus girl before entering films in 1918. Leslie appeared in over 70 films during the silent era, quickly becoming known for her bubbly personality and vivacious energy on-screen. She shared the screen with some of the biggest stars of the era including Rudolph Valentino and Douglas Fairbanks.
Leslie's popularity waned with the introduction of sound in films, and she retired from acting in 1931. In later years, she became an active member of the Palm Beach community and was involved in various charitable organizations. Leslie passed away in 1976 at the age of 77.
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Claire Merritt Ruth
Claire Merritt Ruth (September 11, 1897 Athens-October 25, 1976) a.k.a. Claire Merritt Hodgson Ruth, Claire Ruth, Claire Hodgson Ruth, Clara Mae Merritt, Mrs. Ruth, Mrs. Babe Ruth or Claire Merritt Hodgeson was an American actor and model. She had one child, Julia Ruth Stevens.
Claire Merritt Ruth was born in Athens, Georgia, and later moved to New York City where she worked as a model and actress in the 1920s and 1930s. She appeared in several films, including "The Lion's Den" and "Manhattan Serenade", and modeled for Vogue magazine.
Claire met her future husband, baseball legend Babe Ruth, on a blind date in 1923. They were married the following year and remained together until Babe's death in 1948. Claire was known to be a devoted wife and spent much of her time supporting Babe's baseball career, often attending games and entertaining his teammates.
After Babe's death, Claire continued to advocate for his legacy, working with various charities and organizations focused on cancer research, a disease which had claimed Babe's life. She also remained involved in the baseball world, serving as an honorary member of the Baseball Writers Association of America and attending events such as the unveiling of Babe Ruth's statue at Yankee Stadium in 2009.
Claire Merritt Ruth passed away in 1976 at the age of 79. Her daughter, Julia Ruth Stevens, became a vocal advocate for the Babe Ruth Foundation and worked tirelessly to preserve her father's legacy until her own death in 2019.
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Imogen Cunningham
Imogen Cunningham (April 12, 1883 Portland-June 24, 1976 San Francisco) was an American photographer, artist, actor and visual artist. Her children are called Rondal Partridge, Gryffyd Partridge and Padraic Partridge.
Cunningham was one of the pioneering female photographers in the United States and played a significant role in the development of modern photography. She started her career as a portrait photographer and went on to experiment with different genres including botanical photography and nudes, often featuring friends and family members as her subjects. Cunningham was a member of the California-based photography group f/64 and exhibited her work extensively throughout her career. She was also the recipient of numerous awards and honors. In addition to her photography, Cunningham was also an accomplished painter, sculptor, and writer. She continued to work and inspire other artists until her death at the age of 93.
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