Here are 30 famous actresses from United States of America died in 1978:
Lynne Roberts (November 22, 1922 El Paso-April 1, 1978 Sherman Oaks) also known as Mary Hart, Theda Mae Roberts, Lynn Roberts or Theda May Roberts was an American actor. She had two children, Bill Englebert and Peri Margaret.
Lynne Roberts began her career in the 1930s as a child actor and appeared in over 60 films during the Golden Age of Hollywood. She often played the leading lady opposite popular stars such as Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and Johnny Mack Brown. In addition to her film work, Roberts also had a successful career in radio and television. She was a regular on the television series "Life with Elizabeth" and also appeared on popular shows such as "Perry Mason" and "The Lone Ranger." Despite her success, Roberts retired from acting in the early 1960s and devoted her time to her family. She passed away in 1978 at the age of 55.
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Salka Viertel (June 15, 1889 Sambir-October 20, 1978 Klosters) a.k.a. Salomea Steuermann, Salka Stenermann or Salka Steuermann was an American screenwriter and actor. Her children are called Thomas Viertel, Hans Viertel and Peter Viertel.
Viertel began her career in theater in Europe before moving to Hollywood in the 1920s. She worked as a screenwriter for various studios and collaborated on several notable films, such as "Ninotchka" and "Queen Christina" starring Greta Garbo. Viertel was also known for her friendships with notable figures in the entertainment industry, including Garbo, Charlie Chaplin, and F. Scott Fitzgerald. Her memoir, "The Kindness of Strangers," chronicles her experiences as an immigrant in Hollywood and her relationships with these influential friends. In addition to her work as a writer, Viertel also appeared in several films as an actor. Despite being blacklisted during the McCarthy era, Viertel continued to work in Hollywood and contributed to films, such as "The Way We Were" and "The Other Side of the Mountain."
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Blossom Rock (August 21, 1895 Philadelphia-January 14, 1978 Los Angeles) also known as Edith Marie Blossom MacDonald, Marie Blake or Blossom MacDonald was an American actor.
She started her career in vaudeville and later appeared in over 70 films and TV shows. Blossom was best known for her role as Grandmama on the TV series The Addams Family. She was the sister of actress Jeanette MacDonald and appeared with her in the film Three Daring Daughters. Blossom was also known for her unique voice which was often compared to that of a man's. She passed away at the age of 82 in Los Angeles.
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Kate Harrington (December 8, 1902 Boise-November 23, 1978 New York City) was an American actor.
She appeared in over 30 films throughout her career, including notable roles in "Of Human Bondage" (1934), "King of the Damned" (1935), and "The Shopworn Angel" (1938). Harrington was also active on the stage, performing on Broadway in productions such as "The Voice of the Turtle" and "The Heiress". In addition to her work in entertainment, she was a staunch advocate for animal rights and was actively involved in animal rescue organizations. Harrington never married and lived in New York City until her death in 1978 at the age of 75.
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Gloria Castillo (March 3, 1933 Belen-October 24, 1978 Los Angeles) also known as Gloria Castilo was an American actor. She had two children, Joshua Kadison and David Ricardo Kadison.
Gloria Castillo began her acting career in the early 1950s with her debut role in the film "Rebel Without a Cause" (1955) alongside James Dean. She continued to act in various films throughout the 1950s, including "The Night Runner" (1957) and "Johnny Trouble" (1957). In addition to her film work, Castillo also appeared in several TV shows during the 1950s and 1960s, including "Zane Grey Theater" and "The Twilight Zone".
Castillo's career was cut short when she died at the age of 45 from lung cancer. She was survived by her two sons, one of whom, Joshua Kadison, went on to become a successful musician in the 1990s. Despite her relatively short career, Gloria Castillo remains a respected figure in Hollywood history for her contributions to film and television during the mid-20th century.
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Astrid Allwyn (November 27, 1905 Manchester-March 31, 1978 Los Angeles) also known as Astrid Allyn or Astrid Allwyn Christofferson was an American actor. Her children are called Vicki Fee and Melinda O. Fee.
Allwyn began her career in the 1930s and appeared in over 40 films throughout her career. Some of her notable roles include playing the lead in the film "Halfway to Heaven" (1932) and portraying Nancy Drew in "Nancy Drew... Detective" (1938). She also appeared in several Western films, including "The Lone Prairie" (1942) and "The Cisco Kid and the Lady" (1939).
In addition to her film career, Allwyn also appeared on Broadway in the play "The First Apple" in 1929. She later went on to have a successful career in television, appearing in shows such as "The Jack Benny Program" and "Perry Mason."
Allwyn was married twice, first to Robert Kent and then to Charles O. Christofferson. She retired from acting in the 1950s and passed away in Los Angeles in 1978 at the age of 72.
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Florence Marly (June 2, 1919 Obrnice-November 9, 1978 Glendale) also known as Florence Marly von Wurmbrand, Hana Smekalova, Hanna Smekalova, florence_marly or Florence Marley was an American actor.
Florence Marly was born in Obrnice, Bohemia (now Czech Republic) in 1919. She grew up in Europe and studied acting in Vienna. After World War II, she immigrated to the United States and settled in Hollywood. Marly appeared in many films in the 1940s and 1950s, including "Joan of Arc" (1948), "The Big Night" (1951), and "The Blue Gardenia" (1953). In addition to her film work, Marly also appeared on stage and in television shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "Bonanza". She was known for her exotic looks and often played femme fatales. Marly was a talented artist as well, and she created many paintings and sculptures throughout her life. She passed away in Glendale, California in 1978 at the age of 59.
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Zara Cully (January 26, 1892 Worcester-February 28, 1978 Los Angeles) also known as Zara Frances Cully, Zara Cully Brown or Zara Frances Cully Brown was an American actor, character actor and teacher. She had three children, Polly Buggs, Emerson Brown and James M. Brown, Jr..
Zara Cully is best remembered for her role as Grandmama Addams on the popular television series, The Addams Family. Aside from her acting career, Cully was also a teacher and taught at the New York City High School of Music and Art. She was one of the first African-American women to teach in the New York City public school system. Before pursuing acting, Cully studied voice and performed in various productions on stage. She had a long and successful career in theater before transitioning to television and film. Despite experiencing significant racism and discrimination throughout her career, Cully remained a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and a beloved figure to many.
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Jean Acker (October 23, 1893 Trenton-August 16, 1978 Los Angeles) also known as Harriet Acker, Jean Mendoza or Mrs. Rudolph Valentino was an American actor.
Born in Trenton, New Jersey, Acker began her career as a chorus girl on Broadway before transitioning into silent films in the early 1910s. She appeared in over 70 films throughout her career, including notable roles in "The Lone Star Ranger" (1919) and "The Blood Ship" (1927).
Acker was famously married to actor Rudolph Valentino from 1919 until their divorce in 1923. Their tumultuous marriage was reportedly sparked by Acker locking Valentino out of their hotel room on their wedding night.
After her divorce from Valentino, Acker continued to work in Hollywood but never achieved the same level of success that she had during her marriage. She made her final film appearance in 1928 before retiring from acting to focus on her personal life.
Acker was married three times in total and had a daughter, though her personal life was often shrouded in mystery and controversy. She passed away in Los Angeles in 1978 at the age of 84.
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Maggie McNamara (June 18, 1929 New York City-February 18, 1978 New York City) also known as Marguerite McNamara or Marguerite "Maggie" McNamara was an American model, actor and scribe.
She grew up in New York and trained as a dancer before turning to modeling and eventually acting. McNamara is best known for her role in the 1953 film "The Moon Is Blue" opposite William Holden, which was highly controversial at the time due to its references to premarital sex. Despite the controversy, the film was a commercial success and McNamara was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance. McNamara continued to act in films and television throughout the 1950s and 1960s, but her career was cut short by personal and financial difficulties. She attempted suicide several times and died of an overdose in 1978 at the age of 48.
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Peggy Wood (February 9, 1892 Brooklyn-March 18, 1978 Stamford) also known as Margaret Wood, Mary Margaret Wood or Wood, Peggy was an American actor and singer. She had one child, David Weaver.
Peggy Wood began her career in theater, making her Broadway debut in 1911. She performed in numerous productions throughout the 1920s and 1930s, including the original Broadway productions of "The Threepenny Opera" and "Jumbo." In the 1940s, Wood began transitioning into film and television work, appearing in notable films such as "The Story of Ruth" and "The Sound of Music."
One of Wood's most famous roles was as "Mama" in the Broadway and film versions of "I Remember Mama" in the 1940s and 1950s. She also starred in her own television series, "The Peggy Wood Show," in the 1950s.
In addition to her acting work, Wood was also a talented singer, recording several albums of popular songs and show tunes. She was a member of the American Theatre Hall of Fame and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Wood passed away in 1978 at the age of 86.
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Ann Shoemaker (January 10, 1891 Brooklyn-September 18, 1978 Los Angeles) was an American actor. Her child is called Anne Hall.
Ann Shoemaker was born on January 10, 1891, in Brooklyn, New York. She began her career on the stage in the early 1900s and went on to perform in over 50 Broadway productions. In the 1930s, she transitioned to film and appeared in more than 60 movies, including Frank Capra's "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and "Meet John Doe," and Alfred Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt."
Shoemaker was also a prolific television performer, making appearances on popular shows like "The Twilight Zone," "Perry Mason," and "The Addams Family." She was known for playing strong and confident women, often in supporting roles.
Despite her success in Hollywood, Shoemaker remained committed to the theater, returning to Broadway throughout her career. She was recognized with a Tony Award nomination for her performance in "Morning Star" in 1941.
Ann Shoemaker passed away on September 18, 1978, in Los Angeles. Her daughter, Anne Hall, followed in her mother's footsteps and became an accomplished actor and acting teacher.
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Dorothy Shay (April 21, 1921 Jacksonville-October 22, 1978 Santa Monica) also known as Shay, Dorothy or Dorothy Sims was an American singer and actor.
Dorothy Shay gained popularity during the 1940s and 1950s for her comedic and sometimes risque songs. She often used a Southern accent and poked fun at stereotypes. She was affectionately nicknamed the "Park Avenue Hillbilly". Shay recorded numerous hits including "Feudin' and Fightin'", "Mountain Gal", and "Bedroom Blues". She also made appearances on television programs such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Milton Berle Show". After retiring from the entertainment industry, Shay moved to Santa Monica, California where she lived until her death.
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Dennie Moore (December 31, 1902 New York City-February 22, 1978 New York City) also known as Deena Rivka Moore was an American actor.
Moore started her career as a stage actress on Broadway, appearing in popular plays such as "The Women" and "Camille." She later transitioned to film and television, appearing in over 30 movies and numerous TV shows throughout her career. Some of her notable film credits include "Easy Living" (1937), "The Women" (1939), and "Gilda" (1946). On television, she appeared on various popular shows such as "Perry Mason," "Gunsmoke," and "The Beverly Hillbillies." In addition to acting, Moore was also a talented singer and dancer, and often showcased her skills in her performances. She was married to Arthur Gabel, a screenwriter and playwright, until his death in 1948.
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Sally Eilers (December 11, 1908 New York City-January 5, 1978 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Dorothea Sally Eilers was an American actor. Her child is called Harry Joe Brown Jr..
Sally Eilers started her career in show business as a child model before transitioning into acting. She landed her first film role in the silent film "The Red Kimona" in 1925. She went on to star in over 65 films throughout her career, including "The Black Camel" (1931), "Surrender" (1931), and "The Sin of Madelon Claudet" (1931), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
In addition to her acting work, Eilers was a philanthropist and was actively involved in various charitable causes. She also served on the board of directors for the Motion Picture and Television Fund.
After retiring from acting in 1959, Eilers remained involved in the film industry as a member of the Screen Actors Guild and as a television commentator for the Academy Awards.
Eilers passed away in 1978 at the age of 69.
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Ilka Chase (April 8, 1900 New York City-February 15, 1978 Mexico City) was an American actor and novelist.
Chase was born into a family of artists and writers, and her mother was a prominent suffragist who ran for Congress. She started her career as a stage actress in the 1920s and became well-known for her comedic timing and witty personality. In the 1930s, she transitioned to film and appeared in several Hollywood movies, including "Now Voyager" and "The Animal Kingdom."
Chase was also a successful author and wrote several books, including her memoir "Past Imperfect" and the popular novel "The Care and Feeding of Friends." She was known for her sharp wit, and her writing often reflected her distinctive sense of humor.
Throughout her life, Chase was also a prominent socialite and was well-connected within the New York City arts and culture scene. She was married three times and had two children. Chase passed away in Mexico City in 1978 at the age of 77.
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Wendy Barrie (April 18, 1912 Hong Kong-February 2, 1978 Englewood) also known as Marguerite Wendy Jenkin or Marguerite Wendy Jenkins was an American actor.
Wendy Barrie began her acting career in England and appeared in several British films before making her way to Hollywood in the 1930s. She signed a contract with MGM and went on to star in films such as "The Strange Case of Clara Deane" (1932), "The Private Life of Henry VIII" (1933), and "Scotland Yard" (1935).
Barrie was also known for her work on the radio, where she hosted a program called "Wendy Barrie's Scrapbook" and made regular appearances on shows like "The Abbott and Costello Show" and "The Fred Allen Show."
In addition to her acting career, Barrie was also an accomplished equestrian and owned a stable in New Jersey. After retiring from acting, she moved to Englewood, New Jersey, where she lived until her death in 1978.
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Dorothy Coburn (June 8, 1904 Great Falls-May 15, 1978 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
She began her career in silent films and later transitioned to sound films. She appeared in over 80 films throughout her career and was often cast as comedic supporting characters. Coburn was known for her distinctive voice and comedic timing. She worked with popular actors such as Laurel and Hardy, Charlie Chaplin, and Shirley Temple. In addition to her work in film, she also acted in theater productions and made guest appearances on television shows in the 1950s and 1960s. Coburn passed away in 1978 due to a heart attack.
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Ruth Etting (November 23, 1896 David City-September 24, 1978 Colorado Springs) also known as Sweetheart of Columbia Records or America's sweetheart of song was an American singer and actor.
Ruth Etting rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s with hits like "Ten Cents a Dance" and "Love Me or Leave Me." She made her Broadway debut in the Ziegfeld Follies in 1927 and appeared in several films during the 1930s, including "Gift of Gab" and "Roman Scandals." Her personal life was the subject of much attention, including her relationships with gangsters, including her husband, Marty Snyder. Despite the negative publicity, Etting continued to have a successful career and performed on radio and in nightclubs until the 1950s. In 1955, her life story was turned into a Hollywood movie, "Love Me or Leave Me," starring Doris Day as Etting.
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Queenie Rosson (February 24, 1889 Groton-December 19, 1978 West Palm Beach) a.k.a. Ethel Rosson, Ethel (Queenie) Rosson or Ethel Rosson Daly was an American actor.
Rosson began her acting career on Broadway in the early 1910s before making her way to Hollywood in silent films. She starred in a number of films during the 1920s, including "All the Brothers Were Valiant" (1923) and "A Slave of Fashion" (1925). Rosson transitioned successfully into talkies, appearing in films such as "The Forward Pass" (1932) and "Waikiki Wedding" (1937) with Bing Crosby. In addition to her acting career, Rosson was a philanthropist and co-founder of the Palm Beach Civic Association. She was also a leading member of the Palm Beach society scene alongside her husband, Paul I. F. Daly. Rosson passed away at the age of 89 in West Palm Beach, Florida.
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Odette Myrtil (June 28, 1898 Paris-November 18, 1978 Doylestown) a.k.a. Odette, Odette Myrtle, Odette Quignard or Odette Belza was an American actor, costume designer, singer, violinist, vaudeville performer and businessperson.
Born in Paris, Odette Myrtil began performing in vaudeville shows as a child with her family. She eventually made her way to the United States, where she continued performing in vaudeville and in films. Some of her most notable film roles include "The Razor's Edge" and "An American in Paris".
In addition to her successful acting career, Myrtil was also a talented musician and singer, playing the violin and performing in nightclubs. She even had her own nightclub in New York City called "Odette's".
Later in her career, Myrtil turned to costume design, creating costumes for films and stage productions. She also worked as a businesswoman, investing in real estate and other ventures.
Myrtil passed away in 1978 at the age of 80 in Doylestown, Pennsylvania. She is remembered for her versatility as a performer and her contributions to the entertainment industry.
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Kathryn McGuire (December 6, 1903 Peoria-October 10, 1978 Los Angeles) also known as Spike or Katherine McGuire was an American actor and dancer.
McGuire began her entertainment career as a chorus girl on Broadway but soon transitioned to film. She appeared in over 50 silent films, most notably co-starring with Harold Lloyd in classics such as "Safety Last!" and "Girl Shy." McGuire also worked with other notable comedians of the era, including Snub Pollard and Charley Chase.
After the transition to sound films, McGuire decided to focus on her dancing career and worked as a dance choreographer for films such as "You'll Never Get Rich" (1941) and "The Fleet's In" (1942). She also appeared as a performer in several films, including "The Pirate" (1948) and "The Kissing Bandit" (1948).
McGuire eventually retired from the entertainment industry and settled in Southern California. She passed away in 1978 at the age of 74.
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Winifred Westover (November 9, 1899 San Francisco-March 19, 1978 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Wini Wesson or Winnifred Westover was an American actor. Her child is called William S. Hart, Jr..
Winifred Westover began her career as an actor in 1918 and eventually starred in over 70 films between 1918 and 1926. She appeared in many western films and frequently played opposite her real-life husband, William S. Hart, a famous actor and director in the early silent film era. Westover retired from acting in 1926 when sound films emerged and Hart's popularity began to decline. After their divorce in 1927, Westover largely left the film industry and became an interior decorator. She lived a quiet life until her death in Los Angeles in 1978.
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Marian Winters (April 19, 1922 New York City-November 3, 1978 New York City) was an American actor.
She began her career as a theater actor and later moved to television and film. Winters appeared in several popular TV series of the 1950s and 60s, including "The Twilight Zone," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," and "The Fugitive." She also had supporting roles in a number of films, such as "The Manchurian Candidate" and "Toys in the Attic." Winters was known for her versatility as an actor, and her ability to portray a wide range of characters. In addition to her acting career, she was also an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on the board of the Actors' Equity Association. Winters passed away at the age of 56 due to cancer.
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June Martel (November 19, 1909 Chicago-November 23, 1978 Los Angeles County) also known as Martel-06- was an American singer and actor.
She was the daughter of a Chicago restaurateur and began her career in entertainment as a teenager, singing on local radio stations. In the 1930s, she moved to Hollywood to pursue a career as a film actress and appeared in a number of small roles in movies such as "The Great Waltz" and "My Sister Eileen."
Martel also had a successful career in radio, appearing on shows such as "The Eddie Cantor Show" and "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show." She was known for her versatile singing voice and could perform in a variety of styles, including jazz, swing, and pop.
In addition to her work in entertainment, Martel was active in community service and philanthropy. She was a supporter of several charities, including the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the March of Dimes.
Martel passed away in 1978 at the age of 69 in Los Angeles County, California. She is remembered for her contributions to both the entertainment industry and charitable causes.
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Felicia Montealegre (February 6, 1922 Chile-June 16, 1978 East Hampton) also known as Felicia Cohn Montealegre was an American actor. She had two children, Alexander Bernstein and Nina Maria Felicia Bernstein.
Montealegre was born in Chile but her family moved to United States when she was a child. She studied at the Yale School of Drama and eventually became an accomplished stage actor, known for her work with the New York City Opera, as well as her performances in other notable productions such as "The Sea Gull" and "The Three Sisters". Montealegre was also recognized for her involvement in civil rights and anti-war activism, she was a prominent figure in the 1963 March on Washington and was active in the anti-Vietnam War movement. Her career was cut short when she was diagnosed with cancer, which ultimately led to her death in 1978 at the age of 56. Montealegre is remembered as a talented performer and an important voice for social justice during a tumultuous period in American history.
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Myrtle Vail (January 7, 1888 Joliet-September 18, 1978 Kansas City) a.k.a. Myrtle Damerel or Myrt was an American actor, vaudeville performer and radio personality. She had one child, Donna Damerel.
Myrtle Vail started her career performing in vaudeville shows in the early 1900s. She went on to act in over 100 films, both silent and talkies, and many radio programs throughout her career. Some of her notable film credits include "The Little Shop of Horrors" (1960) and "The Great Rupert" (1950). On the radio, Vail was a regular presence in comedy shows such as "The Jack Benny Program" and "Fibber McGee and Molly". Her last on-screen appearance was in the film "Maryjane" in 1968. Aside from acting, Vail was also a playwright, and wrote numerous plays that were produced in theaters across the country.
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Queenie Smith (September 8, 1898 New York City-August 5, 1978 Burbank) was an American actor, dancer and teacher.
She was born as Harriet Queen Smith and began her career as a dancer in vaudeville during the 1910s. She later transitioned to acting and appeared in films from the 1920s through the 1940s, including "Hold Your Man" (1933) and "The Women" (1939).
In addition to her acting career, Smith was also a respected dance teacher, working with notable students such as Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. She was known for her strict teaching style and emphasis on discipline and technique.
Smith retired from acting in the 1940s and devoted herself to teaching full-time. She continued to teach dance until her death in 1978 at the age of 79.
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Debbie Weems (February 3, 1951 Houston-February 22, 1978 New York City) was an American singer and actor.
She began her career as a backup singer for various artists and eventually signed with RCA Records in 1975. Her self-titled debut album was released in 1976 and included the hit single "Never Gonna Let You Go." Weems also acted in various television shows and movies such as "The Wiz" and "Saturday Night Fever." Tragically, she passed away at the young age of 27 due to complications from a rare blood disorder. Despite her short career, Weems made a lasting impact on the music industry and continues to be remembered for her soulful voice and charismatic performances.
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Marie Bryant (November 6, 1917 Meridian-May 23, 1978 Los Angeles) also known as Bryant, Marie was an American exotic dancer and actor.
Marie Bryant was best known for her appearances in several Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s. She began her career as a dancer, performing in nightclubs and on Broadway before transitioning to film. She appeared in films such as "Stormy Weather" (1943), "Cabin in the Sky" (1943), and "Greenwich Village" (1944).
In addition to her work in entertainment, Marie Bryant was also an activist and advocate for civil rights. She was involved in the American Negro Theatre and supported the campaign for desegregation in the entertainment industry. She was also active in the civil rights movement and worked with organizations such as the NAACP and the Congress of Racial Equality.
Marie Bryant passed away in 1978 at the age of 60 in Los Angeles, California. Despite facing discrimination and obstacles throughout her career, she left a lasting legacy as a talented performer and passionate advocate for equal rights.
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