American actresses died in Stroke
Here are 50 famous actresses from United States of America died in Stroke:
Minnie Pearl
Minnie Pearl (October 25, 1912 Centerville-March 4, 1996 Nashville) also known as Sarah Ophelia Colley, Pearl, Minnie or Sarah Colley was an American comedian and actor.
She was known for her country humor and her signature outfit, which included a straw hat with a $1.98 price tag hanging from it. Minnie Pearl started her career in radio and eventually became a regular performer on the television show "Hee Haw." She also appeared in films such as "Coal Miner's Daughter" and "A Face in the Crowd." Outside of her entertainment career, she was also a philanthropist and worked with various charitable organizations. In 1975, she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Mary Stuart
Mary Stuart (July 4, 1926 Miami-February 28, 2002 New York City) also known as Mary Stuart Houchins was an American actor and singer-songwriter. She had two children, Cynthia Krolik and Jeffrey Krolik.
Stuart began her acting career in the early 1950s, appearing in various television shows and films. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Joanne Gardner in the soap opera "Search for Tomorrow," which she played from 1951 to 1958. Stuart later reprised her role as Joanne Gardner in the soap opera "As the World Turns."
In addition to her acting career, Stuart was also a talented singer-songwriter. She recorded several singles and albums, including "The Voice of My Love" and "Let's Fly Away."
Stuart's career continued into the 1990s, when she made guest appearances on various TV shows and films. She passed away in 2002 at the age of 75.
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Sandra Gould
Sandra Gould (July 23, 1916 Brooklyn-July 20, 1999 Burbank) was an American actor, writer and comedian. She had one child, Michael Berns.
Gould began her career in show business with a role in the Radio City Music Hall's production of "Anything Goes." She later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television and film. Gould became best known for her role as Gladys Kravitz in the popular TV series "Bewitched" which aired from 1964 to 1972. She also appeared in other television shows such as "The Donna Reed Show," "The Andy Griffith Show," and "The Lucy Show." Gould continued to act in films and television until the 1990s. Additionally, she was an accomplished writer, and authored a memoir called "Always Say Maybe." Gould passed away at the age of 82 in Burbank, California, three days before her 83rd birthday.
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Virginia Valli
Virginia Valli (June 10, 1898 Chicago-September 24, 1968 Palm Springs) otherwise known as Virginia McSweeney or Miss Valli was an American actor.
She began her career in silent films in the 1920s and is best known for her roles in The Kid (1921), Cobra (1925), and The Eagle (1925). She appeared in over 40 films before retiring from acting in 1932. Valli was a popular leading lady in Hollywood during the 1920s and was highly regarded for her acting ability and beauty. She was also one of the few actresses to successfully transition from silent films to talkies. After retiring from acting, Valli became a successful real estate broker in Palm Springs. She died of a heart attack in 1968 at the age of 70.
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Anna Moffo
Anna Moffo (June 27, 1932 Wayne-March 9, 2006 New York City) also known as Moffo, Anna was an American actor, television presenter and opera singer.
She was born in Wayne, Pennsylvania, and began her musical training as a child. She made her operatic debut in 1955 at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, where she quickly became a star. Moffo was known for her sparkling soprano voice, which she showcased in countless recordings and performances on stages around the world. She also appeared on television, hosting her own variety show on NBC in the 1960s. Later in life, she became an advocate for breast cancer awareness, after undergoing treatment for the disease herself. Moffo died in New York City in 2006 at the age of 73, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest American opera singers of all time.
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Dorris Bowdon
Dorris Bowdon (December 27, 1914 Coldwater-August 9, 2005 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Doris Bowden, Mrs. Nunnally Johnson, Dorris Bowdon Johnson or Dorris Estelle Bowdon was an American actor. Her child is called Marjorie Fowler.
Dorris Bowdon is renowned for her role as Rosasharn in John Ford's film, "The Grapes of Wrath." She began her acting career in 1937 and went on to have a successful career in Hollywood. In addition to her work in "The Grapes of Wrath," she starred in several other films including "Drums Along the Mohawk" and "Young Mr. Lincoln." Bowdon was also a member of the Communist Party and faced blacklisting during the McCarthy era, which limited her opportunities in Hollywood. Outside of acting, Bowdon was an avid supporter of civil rights and was involved in various activism efforts. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 90.
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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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Irene Tedrow
Irene Tedrow (August 3, 1907 Denver-March 10, 1995 Hollywood) a.k.a. Irene Tedrow Kent was an American actor and character actor. Her child is called Enid Kent.
Tedrow began her acting career in radio during the 1930s before moving on to television and film in the 1950s. She appeared in numerous TV shows and movies, including "The Twilight Zone," "The Andy Griffith Show," "My Three Sons," "All in the Family," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and "Family Affair." She was even nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 1977 for her role in the TV movie "James Dean." Tedrow was known for her versatile acting abilities and often played both comedic and dramatic roles. She continued to act in film and television until her death in 1995.
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Mabel King
Mabel King (December 25, 1932 Charleston-November 9, 1999 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Donnie Mabel Elizabeth Washington was an American actor. She had one child, Larry King.
Mabel King was best known for her roles in film, television, and theater. One of her most notable performances was as the character of "Mama" in the hit Broadway musical, "The Wiz." King reprised her role as Mama in the 1978 movie adaptation of the production. She also appeared in popular TV shows, such as "The Jeffersons," "227," and "What's Happening!!" In addition to her successful acting career, King was also a talented singer and participated in various musical performances throughout her life, including a tour with Lou Rawls. Despite her success, King's life was not without personal struggles, particularly with her health. She suffered from both diabetes and hypertension, which ultimately led to her passing at the age of 66.
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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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Maria Ouspenskaya
Maria Ouspenskaya (July 29, 1876 Tula-December 3, 1949 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Maria Alekseyevna Ouspenskaya was an American actor and teacher.
She was born in Russia and trained at the Moscow Art Theatre before immigrating to the United States in the 1920s. Ouspenskaya began her career on Broadway and later transitioned to film, where she gained recognition for her roles in "Dodsworth" and "Love Affair". She received two Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actress, for her roles in "Love Affair" (1939) and "Sisters" (1942). In addition to acting, Ouspenskaya was also a respected acting teacher and founded the Maria Ouspenskaya School of Acting in Hollywood. She coached actors such as John Garfield and Stella Adler, and her teachings continue to influence actors today. Ouspenskaya died in Los Angeles in 1949 at the age of 73.
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Justine Johnston
Justine Johnston (June 13, 1921 Evanston-January 13, 2006 West Hollywood) otherwise known as Justine Johnson or The Lady with the Hat was an American actor.
Born in Evanston, Illinois to a family of performers, Johnston began her career in show business in the 1940s as a stage actress in New York City. She later transitioned to film and television, appearing in a number of popular shows and movies throughout the 1950s and 60s.
Johnston was most recognized for her distinctive look, often wearing a large, ornate hat in public appearances and performances. However, she was also highly respected for her raw talent and skill as an actor. She received critical acclaim for her performance in the 1964 Off-Broadway play "Little Murders," and was nominated for a Tony Award for her role in the 1965 Broadway production of "The School for Scandal."
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Johnston was also known for her tireless activism on behalf of social and political causes. She was a vocal advocate for civil rights, women's rights, and LGBTQ+ rights, and was involved in numerous grassroots organizations throughout her life.
Despite suffering from multiple sclerosis in her later years, Johnston continued to act and perform, and was even featured in the 2005 documentary film "Grey Gardens." She passed away in 2006 at the age of 84, leaving behind a legacy as a trailblazing performer and activist.
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Ruth Gordon
Ruth Gordon (October 30, 1896 Quincy-August 28, 1985 Edgartown) also known as Ruth Gordon Jones was an American screenwriter, actor and playwright. She had one child, Jones Harris.
Ruth Gordon began her career performing in Broadway plays in the 1910s, before transitioning to Hollywood films in the 1940s. She is perhaps best known for her Academy Award-winning performance in the 1968 film "Rosemary's Baby," as well as her role in the 1973 film "Harold and Maude." In addition to her acting work, Gordon also wrote several plays, including "Years Ago" and "The Leading Lady." Throughout her career, Gordon was able to successfully transition from stage to screen, and she remained a respected figure in the entertainment industry until her passing in 1985.
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Pamela Duncan
Pamela Duncan (December 28, 1924 Brooklyn-November 11, 2005 Englewood) was an American actor.
She began her acting career on Broadway before transitioning to film and television. Duncan appeared in a variety of films during the 1940s and 1950s, including "The Return of the Fly" and "The Killer is Loose." Her television credits include roles on shows such as "The Twilight Zone," "Perry Mason," and "Bonanza." After retiring from acting in the 1960s, she became a visual artist and exhibited her work in galleries across the United States. Despite her success in Hollywood, Duncan remained dedicated to her art throughout her life. She passed away at the age of 80 in Englewood, New Jersey.
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Ida Lupino
Ida Lupino (February 4, 1918 Camberwell-August 3, 1995 Los Angeles) also known as Little Scout was an American film director, actor, screenwriter and television director. Her child is called Bridget Duff.
Born in London, Lupino started her career as an actor in British films before making her way to Hollywood in the 1940s. She quickly became known for her tough, no-nonsense roles in films like "High Sierra" and "Road House". Eventually, Lupino began to branch out into other aspects of filmmaking, writing and directing her own films.
In 1953, she became the first woman to direct a film noir with "The Hitch-Hiker". Lupino continued to direct and write for television throughout the 1960s and 1970s, earning four Emmy nominations.
Lupino was also involved in several social and political causes, including supporting the civil rights movement and advocating for women's rights in Hollywood. She was posthumously inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame in 1996.
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Jean Parker
Jean Parker (August 11, 1915 Deer Lodge-November 30, 2005 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Lois Mae Green, Luis Stephanie Zalinska, Lois M. Green or Luise Stephanie Zelinska was an American actor. She had one child, Robert Lowery Hanks.
Jean Parker began her career in Hollywood in 1932 and appeared in films such as "Little Women" (1933) and "Sequoia" (1934). She also starred in several B-movies, including a number of Westerns. In the 1940s, Parker began working in radio and television, and continued to work in both mediums for many years. She also appeared on stage throughout her career, including a number of Broadway productions. Parker was married three times, first to actor Frank Tuttle, then to Douglas Dawson and finally to Robert Lowery. She passed away in 2005 at the age of 90.
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Bettye Ackerman
Bettye Ackerman (February 28, 1924 Cottageville-November 1, 2006 Columbia) also known as Bettye Louise Ackerman, Bettye Ackerman Jaffe or Bettye Louise Ackermann was an American actor, artist and visual artist.
She studied drama at Columbia University and later made her Broadway debut in the play "The Potting Shed" in 1954. Ackerman is best known for her role as Dr. Maggie Graham on the medical drama TV series "Ben Casey" which she played from 1961 to 1966. She appeared in other TV series such as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and "The Twilight Zone" and also had roles in films such as "Face of Fire" and "Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte". Aside from her acting career, Ackerman was also a talented artist and her paintings were exhibited in galleries in New York and Los Angeles. She was married to fellow actor Sam Jaffe until his death in 1984.
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Virginia Cherrill
Virginia Cherrill (April 12, 1908 Carthage-November 14, 1996 Santa Barbara) also known as Countess of Jersey, Dollie Virginia Cherrill, Virginia Child-Villiers, Virginia Cherrill Martini, Virginia Cherril or Virginia Child-Villiers, Countess of Jersey was an American actor.
She is best known for her role as the blind flower girl in Charlie Chaplin's 1931 film "City Lights." Cherrill started her career in Hollywood in the late 1920s, appearing in small roles in various films. However, it was her performance in "City Lights" that brought her international fame and critical acclaim. After the success of the film, Cherrill acted in a few more movies before retiring from the film industry in 1936 after her marriage to Cary Grant. In addition to her acting career, Cherrill was also briefly a countess, having been married to the 13th Earl of Jersey in 1932. She was later married to actor George Child-Villiers and Italian aviator Carlo Mario di San Cataldo. After her retirement from acting, Cherrill led a private life and was involved in various charitable organizations.
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Ruth Brown
Ruth Brown (January 12, 1928 Portsmouth-November 17, 2006 Henderson) also known as Ruth Alston Weston, The Girl With the Tear In Her Voice, Miss Rhythm or Queen of R&B was an American record producer, actor and singer-songwriter. She had one child, Ronnie McPhatter.
Ruth Brown was born into a musical family and began singing in her church choir at a young age. She went on to become one of the most prominent female R&B singers of the 1950s, with hits like "Teardrops from My Eyes," "Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean," and "5-10-15 Hours."
In addition to her successful music career, Brown also acted in films and on Broadway. She won a Tony Award for her role in the musical "Black and Blue" in 1989.
Later in life, Brown became an advocate for musicians' rights and was instrumental in the passage of legislation to protect their royalties. She also founded the Rhythm and Blues Foundation to support musicians and their families.
Brown passed away in 2006 at the age of 78, leaving behind a legacy as a talented singer, actress, and advocate for the music industry.
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Claudette Colbert
Claudette Colbert (September 13, 1903 Saint-Mandé-July 30, 1996 Speightstown) also known as Lily Claudette Chauchoin, Emilie Claudette Chauchoin, Lily, Émilie Chauchoin, Emilie Chauchoin, Émilie "Lily" Chauchoin or Lily Emilie Chauchoin was an American actor, comedian and singer.
She was born in France to a French father and an American mother and moved to the United States as a child. Colbert began her career as a stage actress in the 1920s and made her film debut in 1927. She quickly became a major star in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, known for her beauty, charm, and skill as a comedic actress. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 1934 film "It Happened One Night." Throughout her career, Colbert appeared in many popular films, including "The Palm Beach Story," "Midnight," and "Since You Went Away." She retired from acting in the 1960s but made occasional appearances in film and television in the following decades. Colbert passed away in Speightstown, Barbados at the age of 92.
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Merle Oberon
Merle Oberon (February 19, 1911 Mumbai-November 23, 1979 Malibu) a.k.a. Estelle Merle O'Brien Thompson, Estelle Merle Thompson, Obie, Queenie O'Brien, Queenie Thompson, Queenie, Estelle "Queenie" Thompson, "Queenie Thompson", "Obie", Princess Merle, Lady Korda, Estelle Merle Oberon or Istel Merle O 'Brian Thompson was an American actor and film producer. Her children are called Bruno Pagliai Jr. and Francesca Pagliai.
Merle Oberon was actually born in Mumbai, India, to an Anglo-Indian mother and a father believed to be of Indian or Sri Lankan descent. She started her career in British films before moving to Hollywood and becoming a major star in the 1930s and 1940s. Some of her notable films include The Private Life of Henry VIII, Wuthering Heights, and The Dark Angel. Oberon was known for her exotic beauty and received an Academy Award nomination for her role in The Dark Angel. She was married four times, including once to famed director Alexander Korda. In addition to acting, Oberon also produced several films and was actively involved in charity work. Despite her success, Oberon faced discrimination and prejudice in Hollywood because of her ethnic background and often had to hide or deny her Indian heritage.
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Julie London
Julie London (September 26, 1926 Santa Rosa-October 18, 2000 Encino) also known as Gayle Peck, Julie Peck, The Liberty Girl or Jule London was an American singer and actor. She had five children, Kelly Troup, Stacy Webb, Lisa Webb, Jody Troup and Reese Troup.
London began her career as an actress in the 1940s, appearing in B movies such as "Nabonga" and "The Red House." She then transitioned to a successful music career in the 1950s, known for her sultry and smoky voice. She had hit songs such as "Cry Me a River" and "Fly Me to the Moon." London also acted in various TV shows and films, including the hit series "Emergency!" and the film "The Girl Can't Help It." Additionally, she was married to actor Jack Webb, best known for his portrayal of Joe Friday on the TV series "Dragnet."
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Jay Presson Allen
Jay Presson Allen (March 3, 1922 San Angelo-May 1, 2006 New York City) also known as Jacqueline Presson, Jay Presson, Jay Allen or Sara Schiff was an American screenwriter, novelist, playwright, television producer, actor and film producer.
Her most notable works include the screenplays for Alfred Hitchcock's "Marnie" and "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie," for which she received an Academy Award nomination. She also adapted the stage play "Cabaret" into the popular film starring Liza Minnelli.
Allen began her career in the 1940s as an actress on Broadway before transitioning into writing for stage and screen. She was known for her sharp wit and strong characters, particularly women who defied traditional gender roles.
In addition to her success in Hollywood, Allen was also a prolific playwright, penning works such as "The Roman Spring of Mrs. Stone" and "Tru," a one-man show about Truman Capote that won a Tony Award in 1990.
Throughout her career, Allen was known for her keen eye for talent and discovery of new voices, working with the likes of Robert Redford and Meryl Streep in their early days. She passed away in 2006 at the age of 84.
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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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Kasey Rogers
Kasey Rogers (December 15, 1925 Morehouse-July 6, 2006 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Imogene Rogers, Laura Elliott, Laura Elliot, Casey Rogers Williams, Josie Imogene Rogers or Casey was an American actor and author. Her children are called Mona Rogers, Monika Rogers, Mike Rogers and Jay Rogers.
Kasey Rogers was best known for her roles in TV and film, including her recurring role as Louise Tate in the popular TV series "Bewitched." She began her acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous TV shows and movies throughout her career. In addition to her work as an actor, Rogers was also an author and penned several books, including "The Goodbye Baby: A Diary about Adoption" and "The Witching Hour: Memories of a Life in the News." She was married to actor and producer Bud Williams for 54 years until his death in 1991.
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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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Doro Merande
Doro Merande (March 31, 1892 Columbus-November 1, 1975 Miami) also known as Dora Matthews or Dorothy Matthews was an American actor.
She began her career in the 1930s and worked in numerous Broadway productions before transitioning to film and television. Merande is best known for her supporting roles in popular TV shows of the 1950s and 1960s, including "The Donna Reed Show," "Dr. Kildare," and "The Twilight Zone." She also appeared in several films, such as "The Great White Hope" and "The Hustler." Merande was known for her distinct voice and comedic timing, making her a recognizable and beloved character actor.
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Wendy Barrie
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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Ellen Corby
Ellen Corby (June 3, 1911 Racine-April 14, 1999 Woodland Hills) also known as Ellen Hansen, Ellen Corgy, Ellen Hansen Corby or Grandma Walton was an American actor and screenwriter.
Ellen Corby is best known for her role as Esther Walton, the grandmother in the television series, "The Waltons". She appeared in over 200 film and television productions during her career, which spanned five decades. Her work on "The Waltons" earned her three Emmy nominations and one win for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. Prior to her acting career, Corby worked as a screenwriter, penning scripts for several short films in the 1940s. She continued to work in the film industry well into her 80s, making her final on-screen appearance in the film "Mulholland Falls" in 1996. Despite suffering a stroke in 1976 that left her partially paralyzed and unable to use her right hand, Corby continued to act and even learned to write with her left hand.
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Jean Carson
Jean Carson (February 28, 1923 Charleston-November 2, 2005 Palm Springs) also known as Jean Leete Carson, Jeanne Carson or Jean Carsons was an American actor. She had two children, Tracy Alexander and Carson Parlan.
Carson was best known for her role as "Fun Girl" Daphne on the television series The Andy Griffith Show. She appeared in six episodes of the show in 1960-1961. She also had small roles in films such as The Party (1968) and The Big Mouth (1967). Carson started her career in radio, and she later transitioned to television and film. She was also a talented singer and dancer, and she performed on Broadway in the 1940s. In addition to her acting career, Carson was an advocate for and supporter of animal rights.
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Irish McCalla
Irish McCalla (December 25, 1928 Pawnee City-February 1, 2002 Tucson) also known as Nellie Elizabeth McCalla, Irish Elizabeth McCalla or Nellie Elizabeth "Irish" McCalla was an American actor, pin-up girl, model, artist, painter and visual artist. Her children are called Kim McIntyre and Sean McIntyre.
Irish McCalla is best known for her role as the jungle queen Sheena in the 1950s television series "Sheena, Queen of the Jungle". Before becoming an actress, McCalla worked as a model and pin-up girl, and was featured in popular men's magazines such as Playboy and Esquire. She also pursued a career as an artist and painter, and her works were exhibited in galleries throughout the United States. Despite her success, McCalla stayed out of the public eye for much of her later years and passed away in 2002 at the age of 73.
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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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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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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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Florence Stanley
Florence Stanley (July 1, 1924 Chicago-October 3, 2003 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Florence Schwartz was an American actor and voice actor.
She was best known for her roles on television shows such as "Barney Miller" and "My Two Dads". Stanley also had a successful career in voice acting, lending her voice to characters in animated series like "Dinosaurs" and "The Angry Beavers". In addition to her acting work, she also served as a board member of the Screen Actors Guild and was a strong advocate for better working conditions for actors. She passed away in 2003 at the age of 79.
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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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Anne Gwynne
Anne Gwynne (December 10, 1918 Waco-March 31, 2003 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Marguerite Gwynne Trice was an American pin-up girl, actor and model. She had two children, Gwynne Gilford and Gregory Gilford.
Anne Gwynne began her career as a model and a pin-up girl in the late 1930s. She soon gained popularity and caught the attention of Hollywood, debuting in the 1939 film "Unexpected Father". She starred in a number of B-movies and was known for her roles in horror films such as "Black Friday" and "House of Frankenstein". However, she also appeared in a significant number of westerns and comedies throughout her career.
In addition to her work as an actor, Anne Gwynne was also an active participant in the war effort during World War II, performing at USO shows and serving as a Vice President of the Hollywood Canteen, a club for servicemen.
After retiring from acting in the early 1950s, Anne Gwynne became a successful real estate agent in the San Fernando Valley. She remained revered as an icon of the Golden Age of Hollywood until her passing in 2003 at the age of 84.
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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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Katherine Victor
Katherine Victor (August 18, 1923 New York City-October 22, 2004 West Hills) also known as Katena Ktenavea, Kathrin Victor, Kathrin Leichliter, Katena Vea or Katina Vea was an American actor.
Victor appeared in over 40 films and television shows throughout her career. She began her acting career in the early 1950s with roles in TV shows such as "Adventures of Superman" and "I Love Lucy". She also appeared in a number of B-movies, including "The Beast of Yucca Flats" and "The Brain That Wouldn't Die".
In addition to acting, Victor was a producer and writer, and she founded her own production company, Kit Parker Films. She also served as an executive producer on several films, including "A Time for Dying" which starred Audie Murphy.
Victor was married to film producer and distributor Kit Parker from 1956 until his death in 2014. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 81.
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Emily Fitzroy
Emily Fitzroy (May 24, 1860 London-March 3, 1954 Gardena) was an American actor.
Emily Fitzroy began her acting career in London in the late 19th century. She later moved to the United States and became a prominent character actor in Hollywood during the silent film era, appearing in over 150 films. She was known for her portrayal of stern, no-nonsense matrons and proper Victorian ladies. Some of her notable films include "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (1923), "The Kid" (1921), and "The Bat" (1926). Fitzroy continued to act in films until the early 1940s. She passed away in Gardena, California at the age of 93.
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Verna Hillie
Verna Hillie (May 5, 1914 Hancock-October 3, 1997 Fairfield) was an American actor. She had two children, Pamela Lincoln and Kelly Gill.
Verna Hillie started her career in the entertainment industry as a model and chorus girl. She then transitioned to acting in the 1930s, and her breakout role was in the 1935 film "Wife vs. Secretary" alongside Clark Gable and Myrna Loy. She went on to star in several other films throughout the 1930s and 1940s, including "The Fighting Gringo" and "The Invisible Man Returns".
In the 1950s, Hillie transitioned to television and appeared in several popular TV shows such as "The Lone Ranger", "Perry Mason", and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents". Despite her success, Hillie decided to retire from acting in the late 1950s to focus on her family life.
Hillie passed away in 1997 at the age of 83.
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Gale Sondergaard
Gale Sondergaard (February 15, 1899 Litchfield-August 14, 1985 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Edith Holm Sondergaard was an American actor. She had two children, Joan Campos and Daniel Hans Biberman.
Sondergaard was the first recipient of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1936 film "Anthony Adverse". She was also known for her performances in films such as "The Letter" (1940) and "The Spider Woman" (1944). Sondergaard started her acting career on stage and performed in various plays before transitioning to film. She was part of the Hollywood Blacklist, a list of Hollywood professionals who were suspected of having Communist ties during the 1940s and 1950s. As a result, she was unable to find work in Hollywood for several years. Sondergaard eventually returned to acting in the 1960s and continued to appear in films and television shows until her retirement in the early 1980s.
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Anita Louise
Anita Louise (January 9, 1915 New York City-April 25, 1970 West Los Angeles) a.k.a. Anita Louise Fremault, anita_louise, Anita Fremault or Louise Fremault was an American actor.
She started her career in acting as a child in silent films during the 1920s. Some of her famous movies include "Madame Du Barry" (1934), "A Midsummer Night's Dream" (1935), and "Anthony Adverse" (1936). Anita also appeared on several TV shows during the 1950s and 1960s such as "The Twilight Zone," "Perry Mason," and "Bonanza." She was married to producer Buddy Adler from 1940 until his death in 1960. After her acting career, Anita worked as a drama teacher and was known for her philanthropic work. She died from a stroke at the age of 55.
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Blanche Sweet
Blanche Sweet (June 18, 1896 Chicago-September 6, 1986 New York City) also known as Sarah Blanche Sweet, Daphne Wayne, Sweet or Blanche was an American actor.
She began her career in the silent film era, starring in numerous films such as "The Warrens of Virginia" (1915) and "The Scarlet Letter" (1926). Sweet was a protege of legendary filmmaker D.W. Griffith, who directed her in several of his films including "Judith of Bethulia" (1914) and "Intolerance" (1916). Sweet was known for her ability to convey a wide range of emotions on screen and was one of the highest-paid actresses of her time. Throughout her career, she worked with many of the top directors and actors of the day, including Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks, and Mary Pickford. After the transition to sound films in the late 1920s, Sweet's career began to decline, and she retired from acting in the mid-1930s.
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Jane Novak
Jane Novak (January 12, 1896 St. Louis-February 3, 1990 Woodland Hills) otherwise known as Johana B. Novak was an American actor and author. She had two children, Virginia Rita Novak and Mickell Novack.
Novak began her acting career in silent films in the 1910s and eventually transitioned to talkies in the 1920s. She starred in over 90 films throughout her career and worked with notable directors such as Cecil B. DeMille and Ernst Lubitsch. Novak's most notable films include "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (1921), "The Kid Stakes" (1927) and "Elmer Gantry" (1960).
In addition to her acting career, Novak was also an accomplished author. She wrote several books including "The Garden Without Walls" and "It Happened in Hollywood". Novak was also a founding member of the Screen Actors Guild and advocated for actor's rights throughout her career.
After retiring from acting, Novak ran a successful antique shop with her husband for many years. She continued to be involved in the film industry and served as a consultant to filmmakers. Jane Novak was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to the Hollywood film industry.
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Gertrude Astor
Gertrude Astor (November 9, 1887 Lakewood-November 9, 1977 Woodland Hills) also known as Gertrude Aster, Gertie or Gertrude Irene Astor was an American actor.
She appeared in over 250 films throughout her career, mostly in supporting roles. Astor began her acting career in 1915 with the film "The Perils of Pauline". Some of her notable films include "The Cat and the Canary" (1927), "The Bat" (1926), and "Murder on a Honeymoon" (1935). Astor worked with many legendary actors and directors, including Buster Keaton, Laurel and Hardy, and Frank Capra. She continued acting until the 1960s, with her final film appearance in "The Ghost in the Invisible Bikini" (1966). In addition to her film work, Astor was also a writer and published several books including "My Story".
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Altovise Davis
Altovise Davis (August 30, 1943 Charlotte-March 14, 2009 Los Angeles) also known as Altovise Joanne Gore or Altovise Gore was an American actor, dancer and entertainer. She had one child, Manny Davis.
Altovise Davis was best known for being the wife of legendary entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. The couple met in 1968 and were married in a ceremony that was officiated by the Reverend Jesse Jackson in 1970. Altovise Davis also had a successful career in entertainment. She appeared in several films such as "The Great White Hope" and "Norman, Is That You?" as well as TV shows like "The Joey Bishop Show" and "Adam-12". Altovise Davis was also a dedicated philanthropist, working with charitable organizations such as The Special Olympics and The American Cancer Society. She passed away in 2009 at the age of 65 from complications related to a stroke.
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Mary Miles Minter
Mary Miles Minter (April 25, 1902 Shreveport-August 4, 1984 Santa Monica) otherwise known as Juliet Reilly, "Little Juliet Shelby" or Juliet Shelby was an American actor.
Starting her career at the age of six, Mary Miles Minter became one of the most popular stars of silent films in the early 20th century. She appeared in numerous successful films such as "Anne of Green Gables" (1919) and "The Eyes of Julia Deep" (1918). Minter was often cast as the innocent and charming young woman and was known for her signature curly blonde locks. Her success on-screen was also marred by controversy off-screen, particularly with her alleged involvement in the murder of director William Desmond Taylor, though she was eventually cleared of any wrongdoing. Despite the scandal, Minter's career continued until the mid-1920s, at which point she retired from acting. She lived out the rest of her life in relative obscurity in California until her death in 1984 at the age of 82.
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Alice White
Alice White (August 24, 1904 Paterson-February 19, 1983 Los Angeles) also known as Alva White was an American actor, singer and secretary.
White began her career as a secretary before acting in silent films, starting with the 1927 movie "The Legion of the Condemned". She quickly became a popular star in romantic comedies, such as "Show Girl" (1928) and "Playing Around" (1930). She was also known for her singing and dancing abilities, which were showcased in films like "Sweetie" (1929) and "The Girl from Woolworth's" (1929).
In the early 1930s, as the film industry transitioned into talkies, White's career floundered. She continued to work in supporting roles until she retired from acting in 1937. She later worked as a secretary at the Hollywood Christian Group, an organization that helped people in the film industry handle personal and professional problems.
White was married three times, including to director and producer Sy Bartlett. She had two children, a daughter and a son. White passed away in 1983 at the age of 78.
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Verna Felton
Verna Felton (July 20, 1890 Salinas-December 14, 1966 North Hollywood) also known as Verna Arline Felton was an American actor, voice actor and character actor. She had one child, Lee Millar.
Felton began her career performing in vaudeville and on radio before transitioning to film and television. She appeared in over 250 films, often playing wise or matronly figures. Some of her notable film roles include Mrs. Day in "Picnic" (1955), Mrs. Merkle in "Don't Give Up the Ship" (1959), and Mrs. Potts in "Mary Poppins" (1964).
In addition to her film work, Felton also had a successful career as a voice actor. She voiced characters in numerous Disney animated films, including the Fairy Godmother in "Cinderella" (1950), the Queen of Hearts in "Alice in Wonderland" (1951), and Flora in "Sleeping Beauty" (1959). She also provided the voice of Pearl Slaghoople in "The Flintstones" (1960-1965).
Felton was known for her warm and maternal persona both on and off screen. She passed away on December 14th, 1966, at the age of 76.
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