Famous movie actors died when they were 61
Here are 16 famous actors from the world died at 61:
Alain Bashung
Alain Bashung (December 1, 1947 Paris-March 14, 2009 Paris) otherwise known as Bashung, Alain Baschung or Alain Claude Baschung was a French singer, songwriter and actor. He had two children, Poppée Bashung and Arthur Bashung.
Bashung started his career in the 1960s but saw his big break in the 1980s with his album "Figure imposée". He went on to release several successful albums such as "Play Blessures", "Novice", and "Fantaisie militaire" which earned him critical acclaim and commercial success.
In addition to his music career, Bashung also appeared in several French films such as "Je vous aime", "La Bande du Rex", and "Ma vie en rose". He won several awards throughout his career including four Victoires de la Musique awards, which are the French equivalent of the Grammy Awards.
Bashung continued to release music up until his death in 2009. His last album, "Bleu pétrole", was released only a year before his passing and was well received by fans and critics alike. He is remembered as one of France's most influential and beloved musicians.
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Frank Patterson
Frank Patterson (October 5, 1938 Clonmel-June 10, 2000 New York City) also known as Patterson, Frank was an Irish singer and actor. He had one child, Eanan Patterson.
Frank Patterson was renowned for his lyrical performances of Irish songs, and his ability to sing in a range of styles including opera, pop, and folk. He was born in Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland, and began singing as a boy soprano in local church choirs. He studied music at University College, Dublin, and later trained at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.
Patterson's professional career began in the 1960s, and he quickly gained fame for his stunning performances of Irish folk songs. He went on to become a regular performer at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City, as well as a frequent guest on television shows such as The Ed Sullivan Show and The Pat Boone Show.
In addition to his singing career, Patterson also appeared in several films and television shows. He starred in the 1997 film “Entertaining Angels: The Dorothy Day Story” and appeared on the TV shows “Touched by an Angel” and “Picket Fences”.
Despite battling cancer in the later years of his career, Frank Patterson continued to perform and record music until his death in 2000. He is remembered as one of Ireland's most beloved performers and cultural icons.
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George Grossmith, Jr.
George Grossmith, Jr. (May 11, 1874 Haverstock-June 6, 1935 Haverstock) a.k.a. George Grossmith or Georges Grossmith was an English actor, songwriter, theatrical producer and playwright. His children are Ena Grossmith, George Grossmith and Rosa Mary Grossmith.
George Grossmith, Jr. was born into a theatrical family and made his first stage appearance at the age of 18. He went on to become a well-known actor, best known for his roles in the Savoy Operas, including playing the lead in "The Mikado" and "The Yeomen of the Guard". In addition to his stage work, he also wrote plays and musicals, including the hit show "The Sunshine Girl". Grossmith also wrote the lyrics to many popular songs, including "See Me Dance the Polka" and "The Night I Appeared as Macbeth". He was instrumental in the creation of the Players' Theatre, a famous London venue for music hall and variety performances, and later formed his own theatrical company. Grossmith's legacy as an innovative and talented performer was recognized with a posthumous induction into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 1978.
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Hoyt Axton
Hoyt Axton (March 25, 1938 Duncan-October 26, 1999 Victor) also known as Hoyt Wayne Axton or Axton was an American sailor, actor, singer-songwriter and film score composer. His child is called Mark Axton.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Hoyt Axton was born into a family of musicians, with his mother Mae Axton being a successful songwriter who co-wrote Elvis Presley's hit song "Heartbreak Hotel". Throughout his career, Hoyt Axton wrote hit songs for a variety of artists, including the iconic Three Dog Night song "Joy to the World". He also had success as a recording artist in his own right, releasing a number of albums and charting several singles.
In addition to his music career, Hoyt Axton appeared in over 60 films and television shows, including a memorable role as the father in the film "Gremlins". He also served in the United States Navy and was an accomplished sailor, competing in several international sailing regattas.
Despite his success in multiple fields, Hoyt Axton wrestled with substance abuse and alcoholism throughout his life. He died in 1999 at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy as a prolific songwriter and versatile performer.
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Basil Poledouris
Basil Poledouris (August 21, 1945 Kansas City-November 8, 2006 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Basilis Konstantine Poledouris, Vassilis Konstantinos "Basil" Poledouris, Vassilis Konstantinos Poledouris or Basil was an American conductor, film score composer, composer, actor and film director. His children are Zoë Poledouris and Alexis Poledouris.
He died as a result of cancer.
Throughout his career, Basil Poledouris made a significant contribution to the world of film composition, with a particular talent for creating epic orchestral scores. Some of his most famous works included the scores for classic films like "Conan the Barbarian," "RoboCop," "Free Willy," and "Starship Troopers." In addition to his film work, Poledouris also composed for television, theatre, and ballet productions. He received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including an Emmy Award for his score for the TV miniseries "Lonesome Dove." He was also widely recognized for his contributions to the world of film, with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers naming him "Film Composer of the Year" four times. Poledouris was known for his ability to create distinct musical themes that perfectly matched the visuals on the screen. His work remains highly influential in the world of film composition, and his legacy continues to inspire new generations of composers.
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Morris W. Morris
Morris W. Morris (September 4, 1844 Jamaica-August 20, 1906 Long Island) a.k.a. Morris Morris or Lewis Morrison was an American actor. His child is Adrienne Morrison.
Morris W. Morris became well-known for his portrayal of the character of Mephistopheles in the play "Faust" by Charles Gounod. He played the role for over 30 years and toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe. Morris was also a prolific Shakespearean actor, and his performances in "Othello" and "The Merchant of Venice" were particularly acclaimed. In addition to his work on stage, Morris made several appearances in early silent films. He retired from acting shortly before his death in 1906.
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Stefan Jaracz
Stefan Jaracz (December 24, 1883 Stare Żukowice-August 11, 1945 Otwock) was a Polish actor, theatrical producer and writer. His child is called Anna Jaraczówna.
Stefan Jaracz began his career as an actor in the early 1900s and quickly gained recognition for his talent. He performed in various theatrical productions across Poland, and in 1911, he joined the prestigious Teatr Polski in Warsaw, where he worked for several years.
In addition to his acting career, Jaracz was also a prolific writer and playwright, penning numerous plays and essays throughout his lifetime. He was known for his sharp wit and keen observations on society, and his works often focused on themes of love, family, and morality.
During World War II, Jaracz was an active participant in the Polish resistance movement, using his position as a performer to spread pro-Polish propaganda and secretly pass messages between members of the resistance. Unfortunately, he was eventually caught by the Gestapo and sent to a concentration camp.
After the war, Jaracz returned to Poland, but his health had been severely damaged by his time in captivity. He died not long after, at the age of 61. Today, he is remembered as one of Poland's most influential actors and playwrights, and his legacy lives on through his many works and contributions to the world of theater.
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Dick Haymes
Dick Haymes (September 13, 1918 Buenos Aires-March 28, 1980 Los Angeles) also known as Richard Benjamin Haymes or Richard Benjamin "Dick" Haymes was an Argentine singer and actor. He had seven children, Stephanie Haymes Roven, Helen Joanna Haymes, Barbara Nugent Haymes, Richard Ralph Haymes, Dick Haymes Jr., Sean Patrick Haymes and Samantha Haymes.
He died in lung cancer.
Haymes began his career as a radio singer in Argentina before moving to the United States in the 1940s. He quickly became a popular performer on radio and in film, appearing in movies such as "State Fair" and "Four Jills in a Jeep." He was also a sought-after recording artist, signing with major labels such as Decca Records and Capitol Records. His smooth voice and romantic ballads made him a favorite among audiences during the 1940s and 1950s.
Despite his success, Haymes' personal life was tumultuous. He was married six times and struggled with alcoholism throughout his career. In the 1950s, he was blacklisted from performing in the United States due to his political views, which were deemed too liberal by many in the entertainment industry. He moved to Europe for a time and continued to perform there.
In the 1960s, Haymes returned to the United States and resumed his career, but he never achieved the same level of success he had experienced in the 1940s and 1950s. He continued to perform and record until his death in 1980. Over the course of his career, Haymes recorded over 500 songs and appeared in numerous films and television shows. He was posthumously inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1999.
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Don Steele
Don Steele (April 1, 1936 Hollywood-August 5, 1997 Hollywood) also known as Donald Steele Revert or The Real Don Steele was an American actor and disc jockey.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
Steele gained fame as a disc jockey in the 1960s on Los Angeles radio station KHJ, earning the nickname "The Real Don Steele" to differentiate himself from another DJ with a similar name. He later went on to host his own radio shows on other stations, as well as do voice-over work for commercials and TV shows. Steele also had a brief acting career, appearing in films such as "Rock 'n' Roll High School" and TV shows such as "Beverly Hills 90210". He was known for his energetic personality and distinctive voice, which made him a beloved figure in the world of broadcasting. Despite his success, Steele struggled with alcoholism and was arrested several times for drunk driving. He ultimately kicked his addiction and became an advocate for sobriety, speaking at AA meetings and publishing a book about his experiences.
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Willard Mack
Willard Mack (September 18, 1873 Morrisburg, Ontario-November 18, 1934 Brentwood) also known as Charles Willard McLaughlin, William Mack or Charles McLaughlin was a Canadian screenwriter, film director, actor, playwright and writer.
He began his career as a stage actor and playwright and soon became a well-known name in the theatre industry. In the 1910s, he moved to Hollywood and started his career in the film industry. He wrote screenplays for many successful silent films including Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm (1917) and Joan the Woman (1917). He later became a director and directed films like The Voice from the Minaret (1923) and The Dove (1927).
Along with his successful career as a screenwriter and a director, he also continued writing plays and authored several novels. His most successful plays include The Noose (1916) and Tiger Rose (1917). Mack is known to have launched the careers of several famous actors like Humphrey Bogart and Edward G. Robinson, who worked with him during their early days in the film industry.
Mack was married to actress and screenwriter Rosemary Theby and the couple had two children together. He passed away in 1934 at the age of 61 due to a heart attack. His contribution to the film and theatre industry continues to be remembered and appreciated even today.
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Derek Royle
Derek Royle (September 7, 1928 London-January 23, 1990 London) was an English actor. He had two children, Carol Royle and Amanda Royle.
He died in cancer.
Royle was best known for his roles in British television sitcoms, including "Dad's Army", "The Goodies", and "Man About the House". He also appeared in films such as "The Plank" and "Bless This House". Royle began his acting career in theatre and worked with the Royal Shakespeare Company before transitioning to television and film. In addition to his acting work, Royle also wrote several books, including an autobiography titled "A Matter of Laughter". He was well-regarded by his peers and remembered for his warm personality and sense of humor both on and off screen.
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Earl Hindman
Earl Hindman (October 20, 1942 Bisbee-December 29, 2003 Stamford) also known as Earl John Hindman, Leo Heinz or Earle Hindman was an American actor.
He died caused by lung cancer.
Hindman is best known for his role as Wilson W. Wilson Jr. on the television series "Home Improvement" which aired from 1991-1999. Prior to his role on "Home Improvement," Hindman acted in various films such as "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three," "Silverado," and "Three Men and a Baby." He also had guest appearances on popular television shows such as "Law & Order," "The West Wing," and "The Cosby Show." In addition to his acting career, Hindman was an accomplished stage actor, performing in numerous productions including "The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel" and "Dark of the Moon."
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Lionel Atwill
Lionel Atwill (March 1, 1885 Croydon-April 22, 1946 Pacific Palisades) a.k.a. Lionel Alfred William Atwill or "Pinky" was an English actor. He had two children, John Anthony Atwill and Lionel Anthony Guille Atwill.
He died caused by pneumonia.
Lionel Atwill was known for portraying villainous character roles in horror films such as "Doctor X", "Mystery of the Wax Museum" and "The Vampire Bat". He began his acting career on stage in London and later moved to Hollywood in the early 1920s. Besides his work in horror films, Atwill appeared in a number of other genres including dramas, Westerns, and comedies. He was also a frequent guest on radio shows throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Atwill's career was marred by scandal in 1940 when he was charged with perjury in relation to a Hollywood sex scandal. Despite being acquitted, his career never fully recovered.
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Nathaniel Carl Goodwin
Nathaniel Carl Goodwin (July 25, 1857 Boston-January 31, 1919) was an American comedian and actor.
Goodwin started his career in theater in the 1870s and became known for his comedic roles. He appeared in a number of popular plays and operettas throughout the 1880s and 1890s, including playing the lead role in the hit play "David Harum" in 1900. Goodwin also had success on Broadway, appearing in numerous productions and eventually becoming one of the highest-paid actors of his time. In addition to acting, he was also a writer and producer, and he helped to establish several theater companies throughout his career. Despite his success, Goodwin struggled with health issues, including a nervous breakdown in 1904, which led to him taking a hiatus from the stage. He eventually returned to performing, but his health continued to decline, and he died at the age of 61. Today, he is remembered as one of the leading comedic actors of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his legacy continues to inspire performers today.
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Bud Collyer
Bud Collyer (June 18, 1908 New York City-September 8, 1969 Greenwich) otherwise known as Clayton Johnson Heermance Jr. or Clayton Johnson Heermance, Jr. was an American actor, voice actor, announcer, game show host and tv personality. He had two children, Michael Collyer and Cynthia Collyer.
He died caused by cardiovascular disease.
Collyer is best known for his work as the voice of Clark Kent/Superman in the iconic 1940s animated series "The Adventures of Superman." He also hosted several game shows, including "Beat the Clock" and "To Tell the Truth." Collyer started his career in radio before transitioning to television and film roles. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was awarded the Bronze Star for his service. In addition to his entertainment work, Collyer was also a licensed pilot and enjoyed flying his private plane.
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Ross Martin
Ross Martin (March 22, 1920 Horodok-July 3, 1981 Ramona) also known as Martin Rosenblatt was an American actor. His children are called Phyllis Martin, Rebecca Martin and George Martin.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Ross Martin was best known for his portrayal of Artemus Gordon in the hit television series "The Wild Wild West" from 1965 to 1969. He received critical acclaim for his portrayal of multiple characters with different accents and personalities throughout the show's run. He also appeared in numerous film and television productions throughout his career. Martin was a graduate of City College of New York and began his career on Broadway before transitioning to television and film. He was known for his dedication and passion for his craft and was considered a versatile and talented actor. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, Martin was also a World War II veteran and a supporter of various social and political causes.
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