American movie stars died in 2004
Here are 50 famous actresses from United States of America died in 2004:
Henny Backus
Henny Backus (March 21, 1911 Philadelphia-December 9, 2004 Los Angeles) also known as Henrietta Kaye was an American actor, showgirl and author.
She initially started her career as a showgirl and worked in Broadway productions such as "Girl Crazy" and "Very Warm for May." She made her way to Hollywood in the 1940s and appeared in a number of films, including "Our Hearts Were Growing Up," "Three Guys Named Mike," and "The Great Man."
Backus was also a published author and co-wrote the book "Only When I Laugh: My Autobiography" with her husband Jim Backus, who was known for his role as Thurston Howell III on the television series "Gilligan's Island."
Later in life, she became involved in philanthropy and was active in several charitable organizations, including the Motion Picture and Television Fund and the Thalians. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 93.
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Phoebe Brand
Phoebe Brand (November 27, 1904 Ilion-July 3, 2004 New York City) a.k.a. Phoebe Brand Carnovsky or Phoebe Carnovsky was an American actor. Her child is called Stephen Carnovsky.
She appeared in many plays, films, and television shows throughout her career. Brand was known for her work in socially conscious plays, including works by Clifford Odets and Tennessee Williams. She was also an active member of the Communist Party and frequently performed in politically charged productions. In addition to her acting career, Brand was also a teacher of acting and theater. She taught at many institutions, including the Actor's Studio and the HB Studio in New York City. Brand's contributions to American theater were recognized in 1989 when she was inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.
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Caitlin Clarke
Caitlin Clarke (May 3, 1952 Pittsburgh-September 9, 2004 Sewickley) a.k.a. Catherine Ann Clarke, Caitlin Clark, Celia McGuire or Katherine Anne Clarke was an American actor and instructor.
Clarke was best known for her stage and film roles, including her breakthrough performance as the female lead Valerian in the 1981 film "Dragonslayer." She also appeared in several television shows, including "M*A*S*H," "St. Elsewhere," and "Tales from the Darkside." In addition to her acting career, Clarke was a respected theatre instructor and taught at several schools, including the University of California, San Diego and the HB Studio in New York City. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 52 after a battle with ovarian cancer.
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Dorothy Hart
Dorothy Hart (April 4, 1922 Cleveland-July 11, 2004 Asheville) a.k.a. Dorothy J. Hart or Dorothy Brady was an American actor. She had one child, Douglas Hart Pittera.
Hart began her career as a model and later transitioned to acting in films during the 1940s. She gained fame with her performance in the film "The Naked City" (1948), which earned her critical acclaim. She went on to appear in several films including "Tarzan's Savage Fury" (1952) and "Slightly Scarlet" (1956). Hart also appeared on television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "Playhouse 90". In addition to her acting career, she was also a talented painter and was known for her landscapes and abstracts. After retiring from acting, she settled in Asheville, where she continued to paint and exhibit her work. Hart passed away in 2004 at the age of 82.
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Suzanne Kaaren
Suzanne Kaaren (March 21, 1912 Brooklyn-August 27, 2004 Englewood) also known as Suzanne Blackmer, Suzanne Karen or Suzanne Kaaren Blackmer was an American actor. She had two children, Brewster Blackmer and Jonathan Blackmer.
Suzanne Kaaren began her career as a dancer in Broadway musicals, notably "Girl Crazy" and "Anything Goes." She then moved to Hollywood in the 1930s and began appearing in films such as "The Devil's Cage" and "Charlie Chan at the Opera." She was often cast in supporting roles as a femme fatale or seductive woman. In addition to her film work, she also appeared on television, including several episodes of "The Lone Ranger" and "The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok." After retiring from acting in the early 1950s, Kaaren focused on raising her children and became an interior decorator. She remained active in various charitable and community organizations until her death in 2004 at the age of 92.
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Marion Shilling
Marion Shilling (December 3, 1910 Denver-November 6, 2004 Torrance) also known as Marian Shilling or Marion Schilling was an American actor. She had two children, Edward Cook and Frances Cook.
Marion Shilling began her career as a dancer in New York before moving to Hollywood in the early 1930s. She appeared in dozens of films during the 1930s, often playing leading roles in B movies. Some of her notable films include "The Devil's Mate" (1933), "The Silver Streak" (1934), and "The Roaring Twenties" (1939).
In addition to her film career, Shilling also acted on stage, appearing in various productions on Broadway and in touring companies. She later retired from acting in the 1940s to focus on her family.
After her retirement, Shilling remained active in the entertainment industry, working as a talent agent and casting director. She also volunteered her time with several organizations, including the Motion Picture and Television Fund and the Hollywood Women's Club.
Shilling passed away at the age of 93 in Torrance, California.
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Etta Moten Barnett
Etta Moten Barnett (November 5, 1901 Weimar-January 2, 2004 Chicago) also known as Etta Moten was an American singer and actor. She had three children, Sue Brooks, Gladys Brooks and Etta Vee Brooks.
Etta Moten Barnett is best remembered for her performance in the 1943 movie "Flying Tigers," in which she sang the song "Remember Me." She was the first African-American to perform at the White House, singing for Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt in 1933. She was also the first African-American woman to perform in a leading role on Broadway in the 1934 production of "Zombie." Etta was involved in civil rights work throughout her life, serving on the board of the NAACP and participating in the March on Washington in 1963. She was awarded the National Medal of Arts in 1992 by President George H.W. Bush, and in 2003, she was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame.
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Laura Branigan
Laura Branigan (July 3, 1957 Brewster-August 26, 2004 East Quogue) also known as Laura Brannigan, LAURA BRANIGAN or Branigan, Laura was an American singer, actor, musician and songwriter.
Branigan rose to fame in the 1980s with hits such as "Gloria", "Self Control", and "Solitaire". She also received critical acclaim for her role in the Broadway musical "Hair". Throughout her career, Branigan recorded several albums and singles, and was known for her powerful voice and energetic live performances. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 47 due to a brain aneurysm. Despite her untimely death, Branigan's music continues to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
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Virginia Capers
Virginia Capers (September 22, 1925 Sumter-May 6, 2004 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Eliza Virginia Capers was an American actor. She had one child, Glenn Capers.
Capers was best known for her work on stage and screen, having performed in a number of Broadway productions and films during her career. She won a Tony Award for her role in the musical "Raisin", which was based on Lorraine Hansberry's play "A Raisin in the Sun". Capers also appeared in several popular television shows, including "The Jeffersons" and "Hill Street Blues". In addition to her acting work, she was also an active member of the NAACP and served on the board of the Screen Actors Guild. Capers passed away in 2004 due to complications from pneumonia.
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Isabel Sanford
Isabel Sanford (August 29, 1917 Harlem-July 9, 2004 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Eloise Gwendolyn Sanford was an American actor. She had three children, Sanford K. Sanford, Pamela Ruff and William Eric Richmond.
Isabel Sanford is best known for her iconic role as Louise "Weezy" Jefferson on the popular television sitcoms "All in the Family" and its spin-off "The Jeffersons". In fact, she became the first African-American woman to win a major Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her portrayal of Louise.
Sanford began her career on stage, performing in various productions like "A Raisin in the Sun" and "The Amen Corner". She also appeared in several films such as "The Young Savages" and "The Greatest Story Ever Told".
After the success of "All in the Family" and "The Jeffersons", Sanford became a household name and continued her acting career, both on television and in film. She also became a trailblazer for African-American actors, paving the way for future generations in the entertainment industry.
Sanford passed away in 2004 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances and unforgettable characters.
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Fay Wray
Fay Wray (September 15, 1907 Cardston-August 8, 2004 New York City) also known as Vina Fay Wray, Queen of the Bs, The Queen of Scream or Miss Fay Wray was an American actor. She had three children, Robert Riskin Jr., Susan Saunders and Victoria Riskin.
Fay Wray is best known for her role in the 1933 film "King Kong" where she played Ann Darrow, the damsel in distress. She also starred in several other films throughout her career, including "The Most Dangerous Game" (1932), "Mystery of the Wax Museum" (1933), and "The Vampire Bat" (1933). Wray's acting career spanned several decades, with her last film role in the 1980 horror film, "Gideon". In addition to her acting work, she was also a writer and published her autobiography, "On the Other Hand" in 1989.
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Janet Leigh
Janet Leigh (July 6, 1927 Merced-October 3, 2004 Los Angeles) also known as Jeanette Helen Morrison, Janet Helen Morrison, Jeanette Morrison or Jeanette Reames was an American actor and author. Her children are called Jamie Lee Curtis and Kelly Curtis.
She gained widespread fame for her role as Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film "Psycho" which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress and an Academy Award nomination. Leigh's acting career spanned over five decades, and she appeared in several notable films including "The Manchurian Candidate", "Touch of Evil", "Houdini", and "The Vikings". Leigh was also a talented author and wrote several books including "There Really Was a Hollywood" and "The Dream Factory". She was married four times throughout her life and was a devoted mother to her two daughters. Leigh passed away in 2004 at the age of 77 due to Vasculitis, a rare disease affecting the blood vessels.
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Barbara Whiting Smith
Barbara Whiting Smith (May 19, 1931 Los Angeles-June 9, 2004 Pontiac) also known as Barbara Whiting was an American actor. She had one child, Richard Whiting Smith.
Barbara Whiting Smith was born into a family of actors; her parents were Richard Whiting, a composer, and Margaret Whiting, a singer. She made her acting debut at a young age, appearing alongside her sister in the 1947 film "The Unfinished Dance." She went on to appear in several films and TV shows throughout the 1950s and 60s, including "The Ford Television Theatre" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."
In addition to her acting career, Smith also worked as a music composer and songwriter, penning several tunes for television and film. She was also an accomplished painter and sculptor, and her artwork was exhibited in galleries and museums across the country.
Smith passed away in Pontiac at the age of 73. She was remembered fondly as a talented and versatile performer, as well as a devoted mother and friend. Her contributions to the entertainment industry and the arts continue to be celebrated today.
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Virginia Grey
Virginia Grey (March 22, 1917 Los Angeles-July 31, 2004 Woodland Hills) was an American actor.
Grey was born in Los Angeles to a show-business family. Her mother was an actress and her father was an MGM studio executive. Grey started out in the film industry as a child actor, appearing in several films in the early 1930s. She later worked as a contract player at MGM, where she appeared in over 50 films throughout her career.
Grey is perhaps best known for her role in the film "The Women" (1939), in which she played "Miriam Aarons." She also appeared in other notable films such as "Another Thin Man" (1939), "The Big Store" (1941), and "All That Heaven Allows" (1955).
In addition to her work in film, Grey also appeared in several television shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s, including "Wagon Train," "Perry Mason," and "77 Sunset Strip."
After retiring from acting in the 1970s, Grey became a voice-over artist and lent her voice to several animated shows and movies, including "Scooby-Doo and Scrappy-Doo" and "The Smurfs."
Virginia Grey passed away in 2004 at the age of 87 in Woodland Hills, California.
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Elizabeth Rogers
Elizabeth Rogers (May 18, 1934 Austin-November 6, 2004 Tarzana) also known as Betty Jayne Rogers was an American actor.
She started her acting career in the mid-1950s and appeared in several films and TV series throughout the decades. Some of her notable roles include appearing in TV shows such as "The Wild Wild West", "The Beverly Hillbillies", and "Perry Mason". She also appeared in smaller roles in movies such as "The Private Lives of Adam and Eve" and "The Young Captives". Rogers was known for her beauty and her charming personality on and off screen. Later in her career, she worked as a casting director for film and television.
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Donna Michelle
Donna Michelle (December 8, 1945 Los Angeles-April 9, 2004) also known as Donna M. Ronne was an American nude glamour model, photographer and actor.
She was Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month in December 1963 and was named Playmate of the Year in 1964. After her Playboy stint, she became a successful fashion photographer in Los Angeles, shooting for major magazines and fashion houses. She also appeared in several films, including Woody Allen's "Don't Drink the Water" and the cult classic "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls." Michelle later moved to Hawaii, where she continued to practice photography and opened a successful boutique. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 58 after a battle with cancer.
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Beatrice Winde
Beatrice Winde (January 5, 1924 Chicago-January 3, 2004 Manhattan) also known as Beatrice Lucille Williams or Bea Winde was an American actor and singer.
She began her career in 1955 with a Broadway debut in "The Desperate Hours", and went on to perform in several other Broadway productions including "Roots: The Next Generations" and "A Raisin in the Sun". Winde was also a regular cast member on the television shows "Peyton Place" and "The Doctors", and she made guest appearances on many other popular shows such as "Law and Order" and "The Cosby Show". Along with her acting career, Winde was also a dedicated and accomplished civil rights activist. In addition to her activism, she was also a founding member of the Negro Ensemble Company. Beatrice Winde passed away at the age of 79 in Manhattan, New York.
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Lillian Zuckerman
Lillian Zuckerman (September 16, 1916 Baltimore-October 11, 2004 Miami) also known as Lillian Fara Stein was an American actor.
She began her career on Broadway in the late 1930s, appearing in several productions including "The Straw Hat Revue" and "One for the Money." She then moved onto radio in the 1940s, becoming a popular voice actress on shows such as "The Shadow" and "The Lone Ranger."
Zuckerman made her film debut in 1947 in "The Guilt of Janet Ames" and went on to appear in several films, including "The Cobweb" and "The Three Faces of Eve," for which she received critical praise. She also had recurring roles on television shows such as "The Untouchables" and "Dr. Kildare."
In addition to her acting career, Zuckerman was also a writer and published several short stories and articles throughout her life. She was married to composer and conductor Maurice Zuckerman until his death in 1993.
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Connie Cezon
Connie Cezon (March 28, 1925 Oakland-February 26, 2004 Glendale) otherwise known as Consuelo Cezon was an American actor.
She began her career in the early 1950s and went on to appear in several films and TV shows. Her notable appearances include roles in the TV series "The Ann Sothern Show," "The Dick Van Dyke Show," and "The Andy Griffith Show." She also appeared in the film "The Nutty Professor" (1963) alongside Jerry Lewis. In addition to her acting career, Cezon was also a talented singer and performed in several musicals during her career.
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Kathryn Eames
Kathryn Eames (July 25, 1908-December 12, 2004) was an American actor.
Throughout her career, she appeared in over 50 films and TV shows, most notably in films such as "The Devil's Threesome" (1978), "Satan's Triangle" (1975), and "The Resurrection of Zachary Wheeler" (1971). Eames began her career in the 1930s as a stage actor before transitioning to film in the 1950s. Besides her work in films and TV, Eames was also a theater director and acting coach. She is remembered for her contributions to the entertainment industry and for paving the way for future female actors.
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Patience Cleveland
Patience Cleveland (May 23, 1931 New York City-May 27, 2004 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Patience M. Cleveland was an American actor and writer.
She began her career as an actor in a number of stage productions before transitioning to television and film. Her most notable film appearances include "Easy Rider" (1969), "The Conversation" (1974), and "The Shining" (1980). Cleveland also worked as a writer, contributing to publications such as The New York Times and Ms. Magazine. She was also a founding member of the Women's Forum, an organization aimed at promoting women's rights and equality. Cleveland passed away in 2004 at the age of 73 due to complications from pneumonia.
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Lu Leonard
Lu Leonard (June 5, 1926 Long Beach-May 14, 2004 Woodland Hills) also known as Lou Leonard or May Lou Price was an American actor, singer and voice actor.
She began her career as a singer, performing with big bands such as Les Brown and His Band of Renown. In the 1950s, she transitioned to acting and appeared in various films and TV shows, including "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" and "The Jack Benny Program."
Leonard was also a prolific voice actor, lending her voice to numerous animated shows such as "The Flintstones," "The Jetsons," and "Yogi Bear." She was also the voice of Woodstock in the classic Peanuts cartoons.
In addition to her work in entertainment, Leonard was also an active member of the Screen Actors Guild and served on the board of directors. Her contributions to the industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Portland Mason
Portland Mason (November 26, 1948 Los Angeles-May 10, 2004 Santa Monica) also known as Portland Mason Schuyler was an American actor and screenwriter.
She was the daughter of American film stars James Mason and Pamela Mason, and grew up in Hollywood. Portland began her acting career with a small role in the film "It Started with Eve" (1941), but it was her work as a screenwriter that gained her critical acclaim. In the 1970s, she wrote and produced several successful television shows, including "Maude" and "All in the Family". Despite her success, Portland struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues for much of her life. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 55.
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Mercedes McCambridge
Mercedes McCambridge (March 16, 1916 Joliet-March 2, 2004 La Jolla) also known as Mercedes Agnes Carlotta McCambridge, Carlotta Mercedes Agnes McCambridge, Mercy or Carlotta Mercedes McCambridge was an American actor. Her child is called John Lawrence Fifield.
McCambridge began her career as a radio performer and in 1949, she won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "All the King's Men." She also gained critical acclaim for her performance in the 1952 film "Sudden Fear." McCambridge continued to work in both film and television throughout her career, and she was known for her distinctive voice, which led to her being cast in several voice-over roles, including the demon voice in the film "The Exorcist." Despite her success, McCambridge struggled with alcoholism throughout much of her life and was vocal about her efforts to overcome it later in life.
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Mary Loos
Mary Loos (May 6, 1910 San Diego-October 11, 2004 Monterey) a.k.a. Mary Anita Loos, Mary Sale, Mary Anita Loos Von Saltza or Von Saltza, Mary Anita Loos was an American screenwriter, actor and writer.
She is best known for co-writing the screenplay for the classic 1939 film, "The Women," for which she received an Academy Award nomination. Loos also wrote several other screenplays throughout her career, including "San Francisco" and "The Greeks Had a Word for Them." In addition to her work in the film industry, Loos acted in several TV shows and authored several books, including her memoir, "A Girl Like I." She was also an avid swimmer and won gold medals in the 1932 and 1936 Olympics as part of the U.S. women's swim team. Loos remained active in the entertainment industry throughout her life and was a respected and influential figure in Hollywood until her death in 2004.
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Pati Behrs
Pati Behrs (February 13, 1922 Russia-July 4, 2004 Camarillo) also known as Pati Behrs Eristoff was an American actor and ballet dancer. Her children are called Sean Catherine Derek and Russell Derek.
Pati Behrs was born in Russia but her family moved to the United States when she was a child. Growing up, she showed an interest in and talent for dance, eventually training in ballet at the Balanchine School. She also appeared in a few films in the 1940s and 1950s, including "Gilda" and "The Picture of Dorian Gray."
Behrs married actor and director Russell Birdwell, with whom she had two children, Sean Catherine and Russell Birdwell Jr., before they divorced. She later married George Eristoff, with whom she had a son, Russell Derek. Behrs continued to work in show business throughout her life, including acting in productions such as "The King and I" and "West Side Story," as well as teaching dance. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 82.
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Hildy Parks
Hildy Parks (March 15, 1926 Washington, D.C.-October 7, 2004 Englewood) was an American screenwriter, actor and television producer. Her children are called Christopher A. Cohen, Gerry Cohen and Barbara Hoffmann.
Hildy Parks began her career as a Broadway actress, appearing in several productions throughout the 1940s and 1950s. She made her foray into screenwriting in the 1960s, penning several episodes for the popular TV series "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." Parks later transitioned to producing, becoming the first female vice president of a major television network when she was named vice president of creative development at ABC in 1976. She went on to produce several popular TV specials, including "The Kennedy Center Honors" and "The Tony Awards." Parks was also a writer for The New York Times for several years and authored several books on theater and entertainment.
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Irene Manning
Irene Manning (July 17, 1912 Cincinnati-May 28, 2004 San Carlos) also known as Inez Harvout or Hope Manning was an American actor and singer.
She began her career in the 1930s, performing in several Broadway productions and making her film debut in 1942 in the musical, Yankee Doodle Dandy. Manning went on to appear in over 20 films during the 1940s, and was known for her roles in musicals, such as The Desert Song and Shine On Harvest Moon.
In addition to her acting career, Manning was also a successful singer, performing on the radio and in nightclubs. She recorded several albums, including one with the famous jazz pianist, Art Tatum.
Later in her career, Manning returned to the stage, performing in productions of Guys and Dolls, Follies, and A Little Night Music. She also made various television appearances, including on The Love Boat and Murder, She Wrote.
Manning was married three times and had two children. She passed away in San Carlos, California at the age of 91.
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Jan Sterling
Jan Sterling (April 3, 1921 Manhattan-March 26, 2004 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Jane Sterling Adriance, Jan Sterling Adriance, Jane Adrian, Jane, Jane Sterling, Jane Adriance or Jane Darian was an American actor. Her children are called Adams Douglas and Celia Douglas.
Jan Sterling began her acting career on stage, making her Broadway debut in 1947 in the play "Bachelor Born." She made her film debut in 1949 in the movie "Johnny Belinda," receiving critical acclaim for her performance. Throughout the 1950s, she appeared in a number of films, including "Ace in the Hole" and "The High and the Mighty," for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Sterling also had a successful television career, appearing in a number of television shows, such as "Rawhide," "The Twilight Zone," and "Bonanza." She continued to act in films and television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, and was last seen on screen in the 1994 movie "A Face to Die For."
Off screen, Sterling was known for her activism and was a supporter of various political causes, including civil rights and women's rights. She was married twice, first to actor John Merivale and later to financier and businessman Paul Douglas, with whom she had her two children. Sterling passed away in 2004 at the age of 82.
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Catherine Craig
Catherine Craig (January 18, 1915 Bloomington-January 14, 2004 Santa Barbara) also known as Kay, Katherine Craig, Catherine Jewel Feltus or Kay Feltus was an American actor.
Craig began her acting career in the late 1930s, appearing in several films including "Boy Slaves" and "The Devil and Daniel Webster". She also worked on Broadway and television, appearing in popular shows such as "Perry Mason" and "The Virginian". In the 1950s, Craig took a break from acting to raise her family, but returned to the industry in the 1970s, appearing in films such as "Airport 1975" and "Gone with the West". Besides acting, Craig was also a voiceover artist and worked on several radio shows during the 1940s. She was married to actor Jack Larson from 1960 until his death in 2015. After retiring from acting in the 1980s, Craig lived the rest of her life in Santa Barbara, California.
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Frances Rafferty
Frances Rafferty (June 16, 1922 Sioux City-April 18, 2004 Paso Robles) a.k.a. frances_rafferty or Frances Anne Rafferty was an American actor and dancer. She had two children, Briget Baker and Kevin Baker.
Frances Rafferty began her acting career in the early 1940s and appeared in numerous films over the next decade, including "Hail the Conquering Hero" and "The Skipper Surprised His Wife." In the late 1940s, she transitioned to television and starred in shows such as "December Bride" and "The Bob Cummings Show." Rafferty was also an accomplished dancer and showcased her skills in several films throughout her career. Outside of her acting work, she was an active member of her community and supported charitable causes. Rafferty passed away in 2004 at the age of 81.
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Uta Hagen
Uta Hagen (June 12, 1919 Göttingen-January 14, 2004 Manhattan) a.k.a. Uta Thyra Hagen, Berghof, Uta or Uta Berghof was an American actor and teacher. She had one child, Leticia Thyra Ferrer.
Hagen is best known for her contributions to the world of acting and theater, having acted in numerous stage, film, and television productions throughout her career. She is considered to be one of the preeminent acting teachers of the 20th century, having taught at the Herbert Berghof Studio and the HB Studio in New York City for several decades. Her teachings and methods have influenced countless actors and directors, and her books on the craft of acting are highly regarded in the industry. Hagen was also an active member of the theater community, serving as a board member of the Actor's Equity Association and as a chair of the National Theatre Conference. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Bill Clinton in 1999.
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Frances Dee
Frances Dee (November 26, 1909 Los Angeles-March 6, 2004 Norwalk) a.k.a. Frances Marion Dee, Jane Dee or Frankie Dee was an American actor. Her children are called Jody McCrea, David McCrea and Peter McCrea.
Frances Dee began her acting career at the age of 17, after being discovered by a talent scout while attending the University of Chicago. She signed with Paramount Pictures in 1929 and appeared in films such as "An American Tragedy" (1931), "Little Women" (1933) and "Of Human Bondage" (1934).
Dee was known for her natural and understated acting style, and won critical acclaim for her performances in films like "Becky Sharp" (1935) and "The Gay Deception" (1935). She was also a popular leading lady in early Hollywood, appearing opposite Gary Cooper in "Souls at Sea" (1937) and Joel McCrea in "Wells Fargo" (1937).
In 1943, Dee married actor Joel McCrea, with whom she had three sons. She retired from acting in the 1950s to focus on raising her family, but made occasional film and television appearances over the next several decades.
Dee was a lifelong supporter of animal rights and environmental causes, and served on the board of directors for the Humane Society of the United States. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 94.
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Mari Aldon
Mari Aldon (November 17, 1925 Tauragė-October 31, 2004 Las Vegas) also known as Mari A. Aldon was an American actor and ballet dancer.
Mari Aldon began her career as a ballet dancer before transitioning to acting in Hollywood films. She appeared in several notable films, including "The Court Jester" (1955) alongside Danny Kaye and "D-Day the Sixth of June" (1956) with Robert Taylor. Aldon also had a brief stint on Broadway, starring in the musical "Plain and Fancy" (1955). In addition to her work in entertainment, Aldon was also an accomplished artist, designing and painting her own works. After retiring from acting, she moved to Las Vegas with her husband and focused on her art career.
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Peggy Ryan
Peggy Ryan (August 28, 1924 Long Beach-October 30, 2004 Las Vegas) otherwise known as Margaret O'Rene Ryan, Margaret Sherman, Peggy Ryan Sherman, Margaret Peggy Sherman, Peggy Sherman, Peggy or Margaret O'Rene "Peggy" Ryan was an American dancer and actor. She had three children, Kerry Sherman, James Cross and Sean Serman.
Peggy Ryan was a talented dancer who began her career at a young age. She made her film debut in 1937, at the age of 13, in the movie "Top of the Town". Peggy went on to appear in over 30 films throughout her career. She was best known for her work as a dancer in several musical films in the 1940s, including "Pardon My Sarong" (1942), "This Is the Life" (1944), and "What's Cookin'?" (1942). Peggy also frequently partnered with fellow dancer Donald O'Connor, and the two became known for their dynamic and energetic dance routines.
In addition to her work in films, Peggy was also a popular performer on television in the 1950s and 60s. She appeared on several variety shows, including "The Colgate Comedy Hour" and "The Hollywood Palace". Peggy also had a successful stage career, appearing in Broadway productions of "High Button Shoes" and "All American".
Peggy Ryan's legacy as a dancer and actor continues to be celebrated today. She was inducted into the International Tap Dance Hall of Fame in 2004, the same year of her death in Las Vegas at the age of 80.
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Ann Miller
Ann Miller (April 12, 1923 Chireno-January 22, 2004 Los Angeles) also known as Johnnie Lucille Collier, Annie or Lucille Ann Collier was an American singer, actor and dancer. She had one child, Mary Milner.
Ann Miller began her career as a child performer in vaudeville and went on to become a successful Hollywood actress in the 1940s and 1950s. She was best known for her tap dancing skills and appeared in numerous films, including "Easter Parade" and "On the Town". Miller also had a successful stage career, performing in Broadway shows such as "Sugar Babies" and "Follies". In addition to her entertainment career, Miller was involved in various charitable organizations and was a supporter of animal rights. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 80.
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Sheila Darcy
Sheila Darcy (August 8, 1914 York-February 24, 2004 Kearny Mesa, San Diego) also known as Rebecca Wassem or Rebecca Benedict Heffener was an American actor.
Sheila Darcy began her acting career in the early 1930s as a contract player for Warner Bros. Studios. She appeared in numerous films in supporting roles, including "The Kennel Murder Case" (1933) and "Charlie Chan in London" (1934). She later had a recurring role in "The Adventures of Ellery Queen" radio series, which led to her being cast as Queen's secretary in the film "Ellery Queen, Master Detective" (1940).
Darcy is perhaps best known for her role as the titular heroine in the Republic Pictures serial "Spy Smasher" (1942). She reprised the role in the sequel, "Spy Smasher Returns" (1943). Darcy also appeared in several other Republic serials, including "The Perils of Pauline" (1947).
In addition to her film work, Darcy also appeared on television in the 1950s, including an episode of "Perry Mason" in 1957. She retired from acting in the early 1960s and went on to work as a real estate agent. Sheila Darcy passed away at the age of 89.
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Doris Dowling
Doris Dowling (May 15, 1923 Detroit-June 18, 2004 Los Angeles) was an American actor. She had one child, Jonathan Shaw.
Doris Dowling got her start in Hollywood during the 1940s, appearing in various films such as "The Lost Weekend" and "Cornered". She often played roles as a sultry and seductive character, and was known for her striking beauty and captivating performances.
At the height of her career in the 1950s, Dowling moved to Europe and continued to act in films, including Federico Fellini's "Nights of Cabiria" and Jean-Pierre Melville's "Bob le Flambeur". She also worked on stage productions and television shows, and was highly respected in the entertainment industry for her talent and dedication.
Dowling's personal life was sometimes tumultuous, including a brief marriage to actor/director Lester Fuller. She later struggled with addiction and health issues, but continued to work in the industry and remained a beloved figure among her colleagues and fans.
In addition to her acting career, Dowling was also an accomplished writer and published several novels, including "The Whistling Thorn" and "The House Without a Door". She passed away in 2004 at the age of 81, but her legacy as a trailblazing actress and artist lives on.
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Carrie Snodgress
Carrie Snodgress (October 27, 1945 Park Ridge-April 1, 2004 Los Angeles) also known as Caroline Snodgress, Caroline "Carrie" Snodgress or Carrie was an American actor. She had one child, Zeke Young.
Carrie Snodgress is best known for her role in the film "Diary of a Mad Housewife", which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She began her career in theater before transitioning to film in the late 1960s. Snodgress appeared in numerous films throughout her career, including "Pale Rider", "Wild Things", and "Blue Sky". She also had roles in several television shows, such as "The X-Files" and "Chicago Hope". In addition to acting, Carrie was also a singer-songwriter and released her own album in 1972 titled "Carousel". She passed away in 2004 at the age of 58 from heart and liver failure.
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Italia Coppola
Italia Coppola (December 12, 1912 Brooklyn-January 20, 2004 Los Angeles) also known as Italia Pennino Coppola, Italia Pennino, Mammarella or Mama Coppola was an American actor. She had three children, Francis Ford Coppola, Talia Shire and August Coppola.
Italia Coppola was born to parents who were Italian immigrants in Brooklyn. Her father, Gaetano Pennino, owned a bookbinding business, and her mother was a homemaker. Italia grew up speaking Italian at home and attending Catholic schools in the area.
After completing her education, Italia moved to Manhattan, where she worked as a model and a radio actress. There, she met and fell in love with Carmine Coppola, a composer and musician, whom she later married. The couple relocated to Los Angeles, where Carmine worked in the film industry.
Italia made her acting debut in her son Francis Ford Coppola's film The Godfather, playing the role of an extra in the famous christening scene. She went on to appear in several other films directed by her son, including The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, and One from the Heart.
In addition to her acting career, Italia was also a talented artist and musician. She designed costumes for several of her son's films, including The Godfather Part II and Apocalypse Now. She also played the piano and sang, often performing with her husband and children.
Italia Coppola passed away in 2004 at the age of 91. She is remembered as a devoted wife and mother, a talented artist and musician, and a beloved member of Hollywood's Coppola family.
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Cecily Adams
Cecily Adams (February 6, 1958 Jamaica-March 3, 2004 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Cecily April Adams was an American casting director, actor and lyricist. She had one child, Madeline Rose Beaver.
Cecily Adams was born in Jamaica to parents Don Adams and Adelaide Efantis but was raised in the United States. She started her career as a dancer before transitioning to acting and casting. Adams is most well-known for her role as the Acquisitor in the science-fiction series "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." Additionally, she worked as a casting director on several television shows including "That '70s Show" and "King of the Hill." Adams also wrote lyrics for the film "Steve Martin: The Television Stuff" and the show "Party of Five." Sadly, Adams passed away at the age of 46 due to lung cancer.
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Patricia Knight
Patricia Knight (April 28, 1915 Boston-October 26, 2004 Hemet) a.k.a. Margaret Heintzen, Jalna Lauren, Marjorie Heintzen or Marjory Heinzen was an American actor. She had one child, Wendy Wilde.
Patricia Knight began her acting career in the late 1930s, appearing in minor roles in films such as "The Big Broadcast of 1938" and "Suez." She later signed a contract with Warner Bros. in the 1940s and appeared in such films as "All Through the Night" and "The Sea Wolf." Her performance in the 1947 film "Deep Valley" gained critical acclaim and established her as a serious actress.
Despite her success, Knight's career was often plagued by personal struggles, including a tumultuous marriage to actor Cornel Wilde. She eventually left Hollywood and moved to Hemet, California where she lived and worked until her death in 2004 at the age of 89.
Throughout her career, Knight appeared in over 30 films and was admired for her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her performances. She remains a respected figure in the history of American cinema.
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June Carroll
June Carroll (November 27, 2014 Detroit-May 16, 2004 Culver City) a.k.a. June Sillman was an American singer and actor. Her children are called Steve Reich, David Carroll, Jonathan Carroll and Sydney Swire.
June Carroll began her career as a singer in the 1940s and was known for her performances in musicals, including "Bless You All" and "Three to Make Ready." She also appeared in several films, including "Anchors Aweigh" and "The Thrill of Brazil." In the later years of her career, she focused on television work and appeared in shows like "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Green Acres." Aside from her successful career in entertainment, Carroll was also known for her philanthropy work and was heavily involved with several charitable organizations throughout her life.
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Irina Demick
Irina Demick (October 16, 1936 Pommeuse-October 8, 2004 Indianapolis) a.k.a. Yrina Demik, Irina Demich or Irina Dziemiach was an American actor.
She was born Irina Dziemiach in France to a Polish father and a Russian mother. She began her acting career in the 1950s in French films before transitioning to Hollywood. Some of her notable films include "The Longest Day", "The Sicilian Clan", and "The Trial". Demick was known for her beauty and elegance on and off-screen. In addition to acting, she was also a philanthropist, supporting various charities like UNICEF and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She was married twice, first to French actor Daniel Gelin with whom she had a son, and later to American television producer Howard W. Koch. Demick passed away at the age of 67 due to pancreatic cancer.
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Lynn Cartwright
Lynn Cartwright (February 27, 1927 McAlester-January 2, 2004 Los Angeles) also known as Doralyn E. Cartwright, Doralyn Emma Cartwright, Danielle Carver or Doralyn Cartwright was an American actor. She had one child, Tara Gordon.
Cartwright made over 30 appearances in film and television during her career. She is best known for her roles in westerns such as "Gunsmoke" and "Bonanza." In 1962, she played the role of Marshal Matt Dillon's love interest in an episode of "Gunsmoke." Cartwright also appeared in films such as "Somebody Up There Likes Me" (1956) and "WUSA" (1970). Outside of acting, she was a talented seamstress and made many of her own costumes for her roles. She passed away from cancer at the age of 76.
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Marian McCargo
Marian McCargo (March 18, 1932 Pittsburgh-April 7, 2004 Santa Monica) also known as Marian Moses, Marian McCargo Bell or Marion Moses was an American actor, tennis player and politician. Her children are called William R. Moses, Graham Moses, Harry Moses and Rick Moses.
Marian McCargo began her career as an actress in the late 1950s, starring in various television shows including Perry Mason, Bonanza, and The Twilight Zone. She also appeared in several films such as Kitten with a Whip and Quick Before It Melts.
Aside from her acting career, McCargo was also an accomplished tennis player. In 1953, she won the US Junior National Tennis Championship and went on to play professionally. She even appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 1955.
Later in life, McCargo became involved in politics and was a member of the Santa Monica City Council from 1990 to 1994. She advocated for environmental and social issues, and served on various committees within the council.
Marian McCargo Bell passed away in 2004 at the age of 72. She is survived by her four sons and her husband, actor Mark Miller.
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Acquanetta
Acquanetta (July 17, 1921 Cheyenne-August 16, 2004 Ahwatukee, Phoenix) also known as Burnu Acquanetta, The Venezuelan Volcano, Mildred Davenport or Burunu Davenport was an American actor. She had four children, Jack Ross Jr., Lance Ross, tom Ross and Rex Ross.
Acquanetta was born to a family of Arapaho Native American and Afro-Caribbean descent. She grew up in a strict Catholic boarding school in Pennsylvania and later moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling. Her unique and exotic look caught the attention of Hollywood talent scouts, and she soon landed roles in films such as "Tarzan and the Leopard Woman" and "Captivity."
Despite her success on the silver screen, Acquanetta faced racism and discrimination in Hollywood due to her mixed heritage. She eventually retired from acting in the 1950s and settled in Arizona, where she became an artist and a writer. She also worked as a nurse and devoted her time to various charitable organizations.
Acquanetta's legacy continues to inspire many, particularly those who have faced similar struggles in the entertainment industry. In 2012, she was posthumously inducted into the Native American Women's Hall of Fame.
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Trudy Marshall
Trudy Marshall (February 14, 1920 Brooklyn-May 23, 2004 Century City) a.k.a. Gertrude Marshall, The Old Gold Girl, The Chesterfield Girl, The Lucky Strike Girl, Gertrude Madeline Marshall or Gertrude Madeline "Trudy" Marshall was an American model and actor. She had two children, Deborah Raffin and William Raffin.
Trudy Marshall began her career as a model in the 1930s and became popular as the face of cigarette brands, appearing in advertisements for Old Gold, Chesterfield, and Lucky Strike. She then transitioned to acting and made her film debut in 1940 in the film "One Crowded Night." She went on to star in several films such as "The Devil with Hitler," "Gentleman Jim," and "The Sullivans." Marshall also had roles on television shows such as "The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show" and "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet." Outside of her career, Marshall was also an advocate for animal rights and worked with organizations such as the Los Angeles Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She passed away in Century City in 2004 at the age of 84.
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Candice Daly
Candice Daly (January 4, 1963 Los Angeles-December 14, 2004 Los Angeles) also known as Candice Mia Daly was an American actor.
She studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute in New York City and went on to appear in various television shows and films, including "ER," "NYPD Blue," and "A Perfect Murder." Daly also lent her voice to several animated series, such as "Batman: The Animated Series" and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles." In addition to acting, she was also an accomplished singer and songwriter and released an album titled "Candice" in 2001. Tragically, Daly died of complications from pneumonia at the age of 41.
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Jan Miner
Jan Miner (October 15, 1917 Boston-February 15, 2004 Bethel) also known as Janice Miner was an American actor.
She began her acting career in the 1940s and quickly gained recognition for her work on stage, television, and film. Miner appeared in several Broadway productions, including "The Lark" and "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window."
However, she was perhaps best known for her role as Madge, the manicurist in Palmolive's iconic "You're soaking in it" television commercials in the 1970s and 1980s, which she played for over 27 years. Miner also appeared in numerous television shows and movies, including "Laverne & Shirley" and "Who's the Boss?"
Miner was a prolific voice-over artist as well, lending her voice to several popular animated TV shows like "The Powerpuff Girls" and "The Wild Thornberrys." She also worked as a director for the stage.
Throughout her career, Miner received numerous accolades for her work, including the Clarence Derwent Award and Drama Desk Award for her performance in "The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window." She passed away in 2004 at the age of 86.
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