American movie stars died in 1980
Here are 36 famous actresses from United States of America died in 1980:
Virginia Brown Faire
Virginia Brown Faire (June 26, 1904 Brooklyn-June 30, 1980 Laguna Beach) a.k.a. Virginia Labuna, Virginia Faire Brown, Virginia Brown Fair or Virginia Faire was an American actor.
She started her career in films during the silent era and appeared in over 50 films. Some of her notable appearances include "The Black Cat" (1934) with Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, "The Virginian" (1929) with Gary Cooper and "The Three Musketeers" (1939) with Don Ameche. Faire was also a talented singer and dancer, and she showcased her skills in many of her films, including the musicals "Dames Ahoy!" (1930) and "The Show of Shows" (1929). In addition to her film career, Faire also appeared on Broadway in the musicals "Simple Simon" (1930) and "The Band Wagon" (1931). She retired from acting in the 1940s and lived a quiet life in Laguna Beach, where she passed away in 1980.
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Dorothy Phillips
Dorothy Phillips (October 30, 1889 Baltimore-March 1, 1980 Los Angeles) also known as Dorothy Gwendolyn Strible, Mary Gwendolyn Strible, Kid Nazimova or "The Kid Alla Nazimova" was an American actor.
Dorothy Phillips began her career as a child actor on the vaudeville stage. She made her film debut in 1911 in the silent film "The Diving Girl." Phillips became one of the most popular actresses of the silent era, starring in over 150 films between 1910 and 1930.
Some of her notable films include "The Cheat" (1915), "The Heart of Humanity" (1918), and "The Judgment of the Storm" (1924). She worked with many famous directors, such as D.W. Griffith, and was often praised for her naturalistic acting style.
Phillips retired from acting in 1931, but made a brief comeback in the early 1940s. She passed away in 1980 at the age of 90.
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Barbara Britton
Barbara Britton (September 26, 1920 Long Beach-January 17, 1980 New York City) also known as Barbara Brantingham was an American actor. Her children are called Christina Britton and Thedore Britton.
Barbara Britton started her career as a model before turning to acting in the 1940s. She made her film debut in "Secrets of a Co-Ed" (1942) and gained prominence for her roles in westerns such as "The Virginian" (1946), "Whispering Smith" (1948), and "The Cimarron Kid" (1952). Britton also appeared in a number of television series such as "Dragnet," "Perry Mason," and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."
In addition to her acting career, Barbara Britton was also a philanthropist and actively supported various charities. She was married to Dr. Eugene Czukor, a prominent New York City neurosurgeon, until his death in 1969. Britton passed away in 1980 at the age of 59 due to a heart attack.
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Victoria Vinton
Victoria Vinton (August 23, 1912 New Jersey-June 12, 1980 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Victoria Velnetta Yates or Victoria Velnette was an American actor.
Victoria Vinton began her acting career in the 1930s, appearing in several small roles in films such as "The Baroness and the Butler" (1938) and "The Return of Frank James" (1940). She continued to act throughout the 1940s and 1950s, appearing in films such as "Frances" (1950) and "Sabrina" (1954).
In addition to her film work, Vinton also appeared in several television series in the 1950s and 1960s, including "Perry Mason", "The Twilight Zone", and "Bewitched". She often played character roles, such as maids or secretaries.
Outside of acting, Vinton was involved in several charitable organizations, including the American Cancer Society and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. She passed away at the age of 67 due to complications from lung cancer.
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Iris Meredith
Iris Meredith (June 3, 1915 Sioux City-January 22, 1980 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Iris Shunn or Marie Shunn was an American actor.
She began her career in the entertainment industry as a chorus girl before transitioning to acting in films. She appeared in over 30 films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, including "King of the Zombies" (1941), "The Ghost and the Guest" (1943), and "Her Lucky Night" (1945).
Meredith was also a prolific voice actor, providing the voice for characters in popular radio shows such as "The Lone Ranger" and "The Green Hornet." In addition, she made guest appearances on various television programs in the 1950s and early 1960s, including "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" and "Perry Mason."
Meredith retired from acting in the mid-1960s and worked in real estate until her death in 1980 at the age of 64.
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Anne Cornwall
Anne Cornwall (January 17, 1897 Brooklyn-March 2, 1980 Van Nuys) a.k.a. Ann Cornwall was an American actor. She had one child, Peter Taylor.
Anne Cornwall began her acting career during the silent film era and transitioned seamlessly into talkies. She appeared in over 100 films throughout her career, often in supporting roles but also as the leading lady in several films. Some of her notable credits include "Linda" (1929), "The Life of vergie Winters" (1934), and "Behind the Headlines" (1937). Cornwall was also a talented singer, and she often incorporated her musical abilities into her film roles. In addition to her work in films, she appeared in a number of stage productions on Broadway. Cornwall retired from acting in 1956 and lived out the rest of her life in Van Nuys, California.
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Helen Gahagan Douglas
Helen Gahagan Douglas (November 25, 1900 Boonton-June 28, 1980 New York City) also known as Helen Gahagan was an American politician, actor and singer. Her children are called Peter Gahagan Douglas and Mary Helen Douglas.
During her acting career, Helen Gahagan Douglas appeared in several films and plays on Broadway. One of her most notable performances was in the 1933 film "She" in which she played the role of the villainous queen.
In 1944, Helen Gahagan Douglas became the first woman to win a major party nomination for the United States Senate. She ran as a Democrat in California but was defeated by her opponent Richard Nixon in a heated campaign that became known as the "Pink Lady" contest. After her defeat, she remained active in politics and worked to promote women's rights and progressive causes.
Helen Gahagan Douglas was married to the actor and producer Melvyn Douglas for over 50 years until his death in 1981. In addition to her political and acting careers, she was also an accomplished singer and recorded several albums of folk songs.
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Gale Robbins
Gale Robbins (May 7, 1921 Chicago-February 18, 1980 Tarzana) also known as Betty Gale Robbins or Gail Robbins was an American actor, singer and model.
She began her career as a model before transitioning to acting and singing. Robbins appeared in several Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s, including "Bells Are Ringing" and "The Barkleys of Broadway." She also starred in numerous stage productions such as "Pal Joey" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Despite her success in entertainment, Robbins is perhaps best known for her work as a philanthropist. She was active in several charities and was a beloved figure in many communities. Robbins passed away at the age of 58.
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Lillian Randolph
Lillian Randolph (December 14, 1898 Knoxville-September 12, 1980 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Castello Randolph was an American singer, actor, voice actor and teacher. She had two children, Barbara Randolph and Charles Randolph.
Randolph was known for her deep contralto voice and made a name for herself in the entertainment industry by performing in various radio shows, films, and TV shows. She started her acting career in 1935 with the film "She Married Her Boss", and appeared in more than 100 movies including "It's a Wonderful Life" and "The Bachelor and the Bobby-Soxer".
She was equally successful in the radio industry and became the first African American woman to have her own radio show, "Beulah", in 1947. The show was highly successful and ran for six years. Randolph was also a prolific voice actor and provided the voice of Mammy Two Shoes in the Tom and Jerry cartoons.
Despite her busy acting career, Randolph was passionate about education and taught drama at Los Angeles City College. She even established the Lillian Randolph Workshop for aspiring actors in Los Angeles. Randolph remained active in the industry until her death in 1980 at the age of 81.
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Mae West
Mae West (August 17, 1893 Bushwick-November 22, 1980 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Mary Jane West, West, Mae, "The Statue of Libido", "Queen of the World" or Jane Mast was an American singer, screenwriter, actor, playwright, pin-up girl and comedian.
She started her career in Vaudeville and worked her way to Broadway where she starred in her own plays such as "Sex" and "Diamond Lil". Mae West was known for her suggestive, sarcastic and irreverent wit, her hourglass figure, and her distinctive voice. She appeared in a number of successful films including "She Done Him Wrong" and "I'm No Angel" which cemented her status as a Hollywood legend. Throughout her career, West challenged social norms and censorship laws with her risqué jokes and unabashed sexuality, paving the way for future female entertainers. She was also an advocate for gay rights and supported the LGBTQ+ community during a time when it was highly taboo.
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Barbara O'Neil
Barbara O'Neil (July 17, 1910 St. Louis-September 3, 1980 Cos Cob) otherwise known as Barbara O' Neil or Barbara O'Neill was an American actor.
She began her acting career in the 1930s on stage and made her film debut in 1940. O'Neil appeared in a variety of films throughout her career, including the role of Ellen O'Hara in the iconic film "Gone with the Wind" (1939). She also acted in several television series in the 1950s and 1960s. In addition to her acting work, O'Neil was also an advocate for animal rights and supported various organizations. She retired from acting in the 1970s and passed away in 1980 at the age of 70.
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Frances Fuller
Frances Fuller (March 16, 1907 Charleston-December 18, 1980 New York City) was an American actor. She had one child, Peter Miner.
Frances Fuller began her career on stage in the 1920s and went on to act in films and television. She appeared in popular TV shows such as "Perry Mason", "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", and "Bonanza". She also had a recurring role in the soap opera "General Hospital". In addition to acting, Fuller was also involved in early radio programming and was a founding member of the Actors' Equity Association. She passed away at the age of 73 in New York City.
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Carmel Myers
Carmel Myers (April 4, 1899 San Francisco-November 9, 1980 Los Angeles) a.k.a. carmel_myers or Carmoll Meyers was an American actor. She had one child, Ralph Blum.
Myers started her acting career in New York City during the silent film era and quickly became a popular actress in Hollywood as well. She appeared in over 70 films throughout her career, often playing seductive, mysterious women. Some of her notable roles include "Ben-Hur" (1925), "The Volga Boatman" (1926), and "The Trail of '98" (1928). Along with acting, Myers was also known for her philanthropic work and was an active member of the Hollywood community. She passed away at the age of 81 and was buried in Hillside Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
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Babe London
Babe London (August 28, 1901 Des Moines-November 29, 1980 Woodland Hills) also known as Jean London, Jean Glover, Babe or Ruth Glover was an American actor, comedian and painter.
She began her career in vaudeville and later appeared in several films in the 1920s and 1930s. She was known for her comic timing and her ability to play ditzy characters. In addition to her acting career, she was also a talented painter and exhibited her work in galleries throughout California. Later in life, she became an avid philanthropist and donated to several organizations, including the Motion Picture Retirement Home. Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Babe London remained down-to-earth and never lost her sense of humor.
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Charlotte Henry
Charlotte Henry (March 3, 1914 Brooklyn-April 11, 1980 La Jolla) otherwise known as Charlotte V. Henry or Charlotte Virginia Henry was an American actor.
She appeared in over 30 films during her career, including playing Alice in the 1933 adaptation of "Alice in Wonderland". Henry started her career as a child actor in silent films and transitioned to talkies in the 1930s. After her film career slowed down, she worked in public relations for several Hollywood studios. In addition to her acting work, she was also an accomplished equestrian and competed in horse shows across the country. Henry was married twice, first to producer Harry Joe Brown and later to musician George Olsen, with whom she had one son. Henry passed away in 1980 in La Jolla, California at the age of 66.
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Betty Mack
Betty Mack (November 30, 1901 Illinois-November 5, 1980 Placerville) also known as Idalene Thurber was an American actor.
Betty Mack began her career in the entertainment industry as a vaudeville performer at a young age. She later transitioned into films, appearing in over 40 films throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Some of her notable roles were in "The Love of Sunya" (1927), "The Terror" (1928), and "The Bad One" (1930).
In addition to acting, Mack was also a talented singer, dancer, and comedian. She even starred in her own short film series, "Betty Mack Comedies," which showcased her comedic talents.
Mack's career declined in the 1940s, and she retired from acting in the 1950s. However, she remained active in the entertainment industry as a talent agent and casting director in Hollywood.
Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Mack's personal life was tumultuous. She was married four times and had numerous legal issues, including a conviction for fraud in the 1950s. After her retirement, she moved to Placerville, California, where she passed away in 1980 at the age of 78.
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Jane Froman
Jane Froman (November 10, 1907 University City-April 22, 1980 Columbia) also known as Ellen Jane Froman was an American singer and actor.
Froman gained popularity in the 1930s as the lead vocalist for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra. She later had her own radio show called "Jane Froman’s USA Canteen" during World War II, which showcased her talent as a performer and her patriotism. Froman also appeared in several films throughout her career, including the 1952 biopic about her life called "With a Song in My Heart," which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Froman was also known for overcoming several personal challenges, including a near-fatal plane crash in 1943 that left her with permanent injuries. She later worked as a fundraiser for multiple charities and organizations, including the USO and the March of Dimes.
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Edith Evanson
Edith Evanson (April 28, 1896 Tacoma-November 29, 1980 Riverside County) was an American actor.
She began her career on the stage in the 1920s, performing in productions both on Broadway and in London's West End. She also appeared in several films throughout her career, including "The Nun's Story" and "The Birds." In addition to her acting work, Evanson was a vocal advocate for women's rights and was active in promoting gender equality in Hollywood. She passed away in 1980 at the age of 84.
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Doris Davenport
Doris Davenport (January 1, 1917 Moline-June 18, 1980 Santa Cruz) was an American actor.
She's best known for her extensive work in both film and television during the 1940s and 1950s. Davenport began her acting career on stage, appearing in various plays throughout the 1930s. She made her feature film debut in 1941 in the film "The Great Awakening," and eventually starred in over 30 films throughout her career. Some of her most notable roles include "The Big Shot" (1942), "Behind Green Lights" (1946), and "Trapped" (1949).
In addition to her film work, Davenport was also a frequent presence on television in the 1950s. She appeared on several popular shows of the era, including "The Lone Ranger," "Dragnet," and "77 Sunset Strip." Davenport continued to act throughout the 1960s before retiring from the industry in the early 1970s. She passed away in Santa Cruz, California in 1980.
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Florence Lake
Florence Lake (January 1, 1904 Charleston-April 11, 1980 Woodland Hills) otherwise known as Florence Silverlake was an American actor.
She began her acting career in the silent film era, and appeared in over 110 films throughout her career. Some of her notable roles include Mrs. Rimplegar in Laurel and Hardy's "Sons of the Desert" and Rosalie in "The Flying Deuces". Florence was known for her comedic talents and often played supporting roles in films. After the decline of the studio system, Florence transitioned to television and appeared in popular shows such as "Perry Mason" and "Bewitched". She retired from acting in the late 1960s and passed away in 1980 at the age of 76.
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Peggy Knudsen
Peggy Knudsen (April 22, 1923 Duluth-July 11, 1980 Encino) also known as Margaret Ann Knudsen or The Lure was an American actor. Her children are called Janice Colleen and Marian Lou.
Peggy Knudsen was born and raised in Duluth, Minnesota. She started her career as a model before transitioning to acting in the early 1940s. She began her acting career with small roles in various films before getting her big break in the 1949 film noir "The Big Steal".
After "The Big Steal", Knudsen continued to act in films such as "All About Eve" (1950) and "The Mating Season" (1951). However, she found greater success in television, appearing in popular shows such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", "Perry Mason", and "The Twilight Zone".
Knudsen was married three times, with her third marriage to jazz musician Bobby Troup lasting from 1959 until her death in 1980. During her later years, she suffered from health problems that ultimately led to her passing at the age of 57. Nonetheless, her contributions to film and television continue to be remembered and appreciated by fans of classic Hollywood.
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Kathryn Crawford
Kathryn Crawford (October 5, 1908 Wellsboro-December 7, 1980 Pasadena) also known as Katherine Crawford, Kathryn Moran or Katherine Moran was an American actor.
Crawford began her acting career in the mid-1930s in both films and theater productions. She appeared in a number of films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "The Big Shot" (1942), "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre" (1948), and "The Mating Season" (1951). In addition to her film work, Crawford also worked extensively in television during the 1950s and 1960s, appearing on shows such as "I Love Lucy," "Perry Mason," and "The Twilight Zone."
Crawford was active in the Screen Actors Guild, serving on the board of directors from 1952 to 1967. She was a strong advocate for actors' rights and was instrumental in securing better working conditions and wages for performers. In recognition of her contributions, the SAG named an award after her, the Kathryn Crawford Award, which is given annually to a member who has made outstanding contributions to the union.
Outside of her acting career, Crawford was also an avid traveler and wrote several books on the subject, including "On the Go in Mexico" and "Traveling Solo: Advice and Ideas for more than 250 Great Vacations." She passed away in 1980 at the age of 72.
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Gail Patrick
Gail Patrick (June 20, 1911 Birmingham-July 6, 1980 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Margaret LaVelle Fitzpatrick, Gail Patrick Anderson or Gail Patrick Jackson was an American actor and television producer.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Gail Patrick began her career in Hollywood as an actress in the 1930s. She appeared in numerous films including "My Man Godfrey" and "Stage Door", but she is perhaps best known for her role as Carole Lombard's scheming sister in the 1936 film "My Man Godfrey".
After retiring from acting in the 1940s, Patrick became a successful television producer, producing shows such as "Perry Mason" and "The Guns of Will Sonnett". She was one of the first women to run her own production company, and was a pioneer in the male-dominated field of television production.
Patrick was also active in politics, and served as the National Vice Chairman of the Republican Party from 1950 to 1952. In 1953 she was appointed the Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs by President Eisenhower, making her the first woman to hold that position.
Although she was accomplished in many areas, Gail Patrick is perhaps best remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry as both an actress and producer. She was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984.
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Joyzelle Joyner
Joyzelle Joyner (August 27, 1905 Alabama-November 30, 1980 Orange County) otherwise known as 'Joyzelle', Laya Joy or Joyzelle was an American actor, dancer and model.
She first gained prominence as a dancer in the 1920s, performing in New York City's Ziegfeld Follies and on Broadway stages. In addition to her dance career, Joyzelle also appeared in several films, including "The Black Camel" (1931) and "The Sign of the Cross" (1932). Her striking beauty and unique style also made her a sought-after model, and she posed for several well-known photographers of the time. Despite her success in these fields, Joyzelle later turned to teaching dance and opened her own studio, which became a well-regarded institution in Orange County, California. Her legacy as a dancer and performer continues to inspire and influence to this day.
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Lela Bliss
Lela Bliss (May 11, 1896 Los Angeles-May 15, 1980 Woodland Hills) also known as Leila Bliss or Lela Bliss-Hayden was an American actor. She had two children, Don Hayden and Richard Hayden.
Lela Bliss began her acting career in the theater in the 1920s and made her film debut in 1930. She appeared in over 100 films, including leading roles in silent films, and had a successful career until the mid-1950s. Some of her notable films include "Ann Vickers" (1933), "The Return of Peter Grimm" (1935), and "The Great Lie" (1941).
Aside from acting, Bliss was also a writer and director. She wrote two plays, "The Veil" and "Jennie," which were produced in the 1930s. In the 1950s, she directed several episodes of the television series "The Cisco Kid" and "The Adventures of Kit Carson."
Bliss was married to actor and director James Neilson from 1932 until his death in 1979. She passed away in 1980 at the age of 84.
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Barbara Loden
Barbara Loden (July 8, 1932 Marion-September 5, 1980 New York City) was an American film director and actor. She had three children, Marco Joachim, Leo Kazan and Marco Kazan.
Barbara Loden started her career off-Broadway in the late 1940s as a stage actress. She transitioned to television and film in the 1950s, appearing in several popular TV shows and movies, including "The Country Girl" (1954) and "Wild River" (1960).
In 1965, Loden wrote and directed her first and only feature film, "Wanda," which she also starred in as the titular character. The film is a gritty and realistic portrayal of a woman's struggles with poverty and aimlessness in rural Pennsylvania. "Wanda" was a critical success and won the International Critics' Prize at the 1966 Venice Film Festival.
Despite the success of "Wanda," Loden struggled to find funding for her subsequent film projects. She continued to act in films, most notably in Elia Kazan's "Wild River" and "Splendor in the Grass" (1961), which she also received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Barbara Loden tragically passed away from cancer at the age of 48, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer in independent cinema and a trailblazer for women in film.
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Bridgetta Clark
Bridgetta Clark (January 13, 1891 Chicago-November 1, 1980 Phoenix) also known as Ruth Porter Clark was an American actor.
Clark began her career in the entertainment industry during the silent film era in Hollywood, appearing in numerous films such as "The Flaming Hour" (1922) and "The Unnamed Woman" (1925). She later transitioned to working in radio and had her own show, "The Bridgetta Clark Show," which aired in the 1930s and 1940s. In addition to her acting and radio work, Clark was also a skilled pianist and vocalist. She continued to make occasional appearances in films and on television throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Clark was married to actor Harry Holman and the couple had one child.
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Constance Howard
Constance Howard (October 4, 1906 Omaha-December 7, 1980 San Diego County) a.k.a. Constance Howard McLaughlin was an American actor.
She began acting in the 1920s, appearing in vaudeville and musical theater productions. In the 1940s, she transitioned to film and television, often playing supporting roles in popular movies such as "My Favorite Spy" and "An American in Paris." Howard was also a talented singer and dancer, and performed regularly on Broadway in productions such as "Bloomer Girl" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." In addition to her acting career, Howard was also an accomplished painter and studied art in Paris in the 1920s. She passed away in 1980 at the age of 74.
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Gloria Saunders
Gloria Saunders (September 29, 1927 Columbia-June 4, 1980 Kern County) also known as Gloria Ella Saunders or Gloria Sanders was an American actor.
Saunders began her acting career in the early 1950s with a role in the film "Warpath." She went on to appear in several popular TV shows such as "Gunsmoke," "Perry Mason," and "The Twilight Zone." In 1960, she starred in the film "The Hypnotic Eye," which received critical acclaim for its unique storyline and cinematography.
Saunders was married to actor Dale Robertson for a brief period in the 1950s. She also had a daughter named Alicia with her second husband, Edwin J. Levy. In addition to acting, Saunders was an avid jazz music admirer and often attended live shows. Saunders passed away in 1980 at the age of 52 from lung cancer.
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Kay Medford
Kay Medford (September 14, 1919 New York City-April 10, 1980 New York City) a.k.a. Margaret Kathleen O'Regan or Margaret O'Regan was an American comedian and actor.
Medford began her career as a stage actress in the 1940s, performing in Broadway productions such as "Paint Your Wagon" and "Annie Get Your Gun." She later transitioned to film and television, making her screen debut in the 1955 film "The View from Pompey's Head." Medford is perhaps best known for her role as the meddlesome mother, Mrs. Marcus, in the 1963 film "Funny Girl" opposite Barbra Streisand. She also appeared in other films such as "BUtterfield 8," "Bye Bye Birdie," and "The Iceman Cometh." On television, she had recurring roles on shows such as "The Patty Duke Show" and "All in the Family." Medford passed away in 1980 at the age of 60 in New York City.
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Kathleen Burke
Kathleen Burke (September 5, 1913 Hammond-April 9, 1980 Glendale) was an American actor.
She is best known for playing the role of Lota in the movie "Island of Lost Souls" (1932). Kathleen began her career as a model, winning the Miss United States title in 1933. She then signed a contract with Paramount Pictures and appeared in several films during the 1930s, including "Johnny Apollo" (1940) and "The Renegade Ranger" (1938). After her acting career waned, Kathleen worked as a fashion coordinator and eventually retired from the entertainment industry. She passed away in Glendale, California in 1980 at the age of 66.
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Desha Delteil
Desha Delteil (March 18, 1899 Ljubljana-July 17, 1980) also known as Desha Eva Podgoršek was an American dancer, art model and actor.
She was particularly known for her work as an art model for renowned painters such as Henri Matisse, Amedeo Modigliani and Chaïm Soutine. Delteil began her career as a dancer, touring throughout Europe with various theater troupes before arriving in Paris in the 1920s. There, she quickly established herself as a popular art model and became a muse for many artists.
In the 1930s, Delteil transitioned to acting and appeared in a number of French and American films. She is perhaps best known for her role in the 1938 film "Marie Antoinette," in which she played Madame Du Barry. Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Delteil also had a passion for writing and published several books throughout her life, including a memoir titled "The Dancer and the Friar" and a novel titled "The Ladder of Fire."
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Lillian Roth
Lillian Roth (December 13, 1910 Boston-May 12, 1980 New York City) also known as Lillian Rutstein, Butterfingers or Miss Lillian Roth was an American singer and actor.
Roth began her career as a child performer in vaudeville and made her Broadway debut in the 1920s. She then transitioned to film and appeared in several movies during the 1930s, including "Animal Crackers" and "Madison Square Garden."
However, Roth's personal life was marked by addiction and mental health struggles. She battled alcoholism and underwent multiple hospitalizations and treatments throughout her life. In the 1950s, she became a vocal advocate for sobriety and mental health awareness, speaking openly about her own struggles and encouraging others to seek help.
Roth also continued to perform throughout her life, including appearing in the Broadway production of "Two's Company" in the 1950s and releasing an album in the 1960s. Her life story was the subject of the 1955 biopic "I'll Cry Tomorrow," which Roth herself consulted on.
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Joan Meredith
Joan Meredith (February 1, 1907 Hot Springs-October 13, 1980) was an American actor.
She appeared in over 25 films and television shows throughout her career, including "The Great White Hope" (1970), "Family Plot" (1976), and "Lou Grant" (1977-1982).
Joan began her acting career in the late 1920s when she joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California. She appeared in several plays and gained recognition for her talent on stage. In 1930, she moved to New York City and appeared in several Broadway productions, including "Twentieth Century" and "The Little Foxes."
In the 1940s, Joan ventured into film and appeared in several movies, including "City for Conquest" (1940) and "They Died with Their Boots On" (1941). She received critical acclaim for her performances and was recognized as a skilled character actor.
Joan continued to work in film and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s. She also appeared in several commercials, including for Jell-O and Kellogg's.
In addition to her acting work, Joan was also a skilled painter and exhibited her artwork throughout her life. She remained active in the entertainment industry until her death in 1980 at the age of 73.
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Dorothy West
Dorothy West (August 29, 1891 Griffin-December 11, 1980 Davenport) also known as Miss West was an American actor.
Actually, Dorothy West was an American novelist and short story writer. She was born on August 29, 1907 in Boston and passed away on August 16, 1998. West was a member of the Harlem Renaissance, a cultural movement that emerged in the 1920s, and one of the few African American writers to be published regularly in mainstream literary magazines of her time. Her best-known novel, The Living is Easy, was published in 1948 and is a satirical examination of an upwardly mobile African-American family. West continued to write and publish short stories and essays throughout her life and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1998.
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Majel Coleman
Majel Coleman (February 22, 1903 Mason-July 27, 1980 Paramount) also known as Majel Lois Coleman was an American actor.
She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, including "The Bride Walks Out" (1936) and "The Women" (1939). Coleman was also known for her work on stage, appearing in productions of "The Petrified Forest" and "The Philadelphia Story."
In addition to her acting career, Coleman was also an accomplished artist, specializing in painting and sculpture. She studied at the Art Students League of New York and her work has been featured in galleries across the country.
Coleman was married to actor and director Whitfield Connor, with whom she had two children. She passed away in 1980 at the age of 77.
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