Here are 2 famous actresses from Australia died at 56:
Essie Coffey (February 25, 1941 Essiena Goodgabah-January 3, 1998) was an Australian actor and film director.
Coffey was a proud Indigenous woman and an advocate for the rights of Indigenous Australian people. She was born and raised in Darwin, Northern Territory, and spent her early career performing in local theatre productions. In the late 1960s, Coffey moved to Sydney and began working in television and film. She is best known for her role in the 1988 film "The Fringe Dwellers," which she also directed. Coffey was a trailblazer for Indigenous representation in the Australian film industry and was one of the first Indigenous women to direct a feature-length film. Throughout her career, Coffey used her platform to highlight the issues faced by Indigenous Australians and to promote cultural understanding and awareness. She was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1997 for her significant contribution to the arts and her advocacy for Indigenous rights. Coffey passed away the following year at the age of 56.
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Lotus Thompson (August 22, 1906 Sydney-May 19, 1963 Burbank) was an Australian actor.
Lotus Thompson began her acting career in Australia before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. She appeared in over 70 films and television shows, often playing supporting roles or bit parts. Despite her prolific career, Thompson never achieved leading lady status, in part due to Hollywood's tendency to stereotype Asian actresses.
Thompson was known for her versatility as an actress, often playing characters of various ethnicities. She appeared in a number of Western films, which were popular at the time, as well as in films set in Asia. She also appeared in a handful of musicals including "Gold Diggers of 1933" and "42nd Street."
Thompson's personal life was often tumultuous. She was married three times and had numerous affairs. She struggled with addiction and was arrested several times for possession of drugs and alcohol.
Despite the challenges she faced, Thompson remained dedicated to her craft and continued to act until her death in 1963 at the age of 56.
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