Here are 26 famous actors from the world died at 76:
Gunnar Björnstrand (November 13, 1909 Stockholm-May 26, 1986 Djursholm) a.k.a. Gunnar Bjornstrand, Gunnar, Knut Gunnar Johansson or Knut Gunnar Johanson was a Swedish actor. He had four children, Veronica Björnstrand, Stefan Björnstrand, Gabrielle Björnstrand and Kristina Björnstrand.
Björnstrand was best known for his collaboration with filmmaker Ingmar Bergman. He appeared in 13 of Bergman's films, including "The Seventh Seal", "Wild Strawberries", and "Winter Light". He also acted in other films, such as "Miss Julie" and "The Emigrants", and was a member of the Royal Dramatic Theatre in Stockholm. Björnstrand was recognized for his acting talent, receiving several awards throughout his career, including a lifetime achievement award from the Guldbagge Awards. He passed away in 1986 at the age of 76.
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Philippe Noiret (October 1, 1930 Lille-November 23, 2006 Paris) also known as Philippe Pierre Fernand Noiret or Philippe Noiret Pierre Fernand was a French actor, comedian and voice actor. His child is called Frederique Noiret.
He died caused by cancer.
Noiret began his career as a stage actor in the 1950s and made his film debut in 1955. He went on to have a prolific career in both film and television, appearing in over 140 films and numerous television series. He was known for his versatility and range as an actor, playing a wide range of characters from comedic to dramatic roles. Noiret won numerous awards during his career, including a César Award for Best Actor for his performances in "Zazie dans Le Métro" and "Le Vieux Fusil." He also received international recognition for his role in the film "Cinema Paradiso," which won an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In addition to his acting work, Noiret also lent his voice to many animated films and television shows, including the French dub of "The Lion King" and the character of Hagrid in the French dub of the "Harry Potter" films. Despite his success, Noiret remained humble and devoted to his craft throughout his career.
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Charles Nelson Reilly (January 13, 1931 South Bronx-May 25, 2007 Beverly Hills) otherwise known as Charles Nelson-Reilly, CNR or Chuck was an American comedian, actor, film director, voice actor, teacher, theatre director and television director.
He died in pneumonia.
He was born into an Irish Catholic family and raised in the Bronx. Reilly started his career in theater, working in various productions on and off-Broadway. He was also known for his appearances on television game shows, including "Match Game" and "The Hollywood Squares". In addition to his work in comedy and acting, Reilly also directed several successful plays on and off-Broadway. Reilly was openly gay and often used his sexuality as a source of humor in his work. He received a Drama Desk Award and a Tony Award nomination for his role in the Broadway play "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying". Reilly's career in entertainment spanned several decades and he remained active in the industry until his death in 2007.
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Lionel Barrymore (April 28, 1878 Philadelphia-November 15, 1954 Van Nuys) also known as Lionel Herbert Blythe or Lionel Blythe was an American actor, film director, graphic artist, screenwriter, author, film producer and film score composer. He had two children, Ethel Barrymore and Mary Barrymore.
He died in myocardial infarction.
Barrymore was born into a famous theatrical family, as the son of stage actors Georgiana Drew and Maurice Barrymore. He began his own acting career in 1893, and over the course of his long and varied career, he appeared in more than 200 films, including both silent and sound pictures. Some of his notable film roles include Mr. Potter in "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) and the villainous Henry Potter in "You Can't Take It with You" (1938).
Aside from his acting work, Barrymore was also a talented artist and composer. He studied painting in Paris, and later became an accomplished etcher and printmaker. He also composed music for several films, including "Romeo and Juliet" (1936) and "The Great Man Votes" (1939). In addition to his artistic pursuits, Barrymore was a prolific writer, publishing several books and articles throughout his life.
Barrymore was known for his versatility as an actor, and his ability to portray complex and nuanced characters on screen. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "A Free Soul" (1931), and was also nominated for his performances in "Viva Villa!" (1934) and "The Devil-Doll" (1936). Overall, he remains an important figure in the history of American cinema, and his contributions to both the arts and entertainment industries continue to be celebrated to this day.
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Jack Lemmon (February 8, 1925 Newton-June 27, 2001 Los Angeles) also known as John Uhler Lemmon III, John Uhler "Jack" Lemmon III or Jack was an American musician, actor and film producer. His children are Chris Lemmon and Courtney Lemmon.
He died as a result of bladder cancer.
Lemmon was born in Newton, Massachusetts and attended Harvard University before pursuing a career in acting. He first gained recognition for his roles in comedy films such as "Some Like It Hot" and "The Apartment," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor. Throughout his career, Lemmon appeared in over 60 films and worked with notable directors such as Billy Wilder and Blake Edwards. He also appeared in numerous stage productions and won a Tony Award for his role in the play "Long Day's Journey into Night." In addition to his successful acting career, Lemmon was also a talented musician and frequently incorporated music into his performances. He was known for his wit, charm, and versatility as an actor, and his performances continue to be celebrated and admired by audiences today.
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Jim Backus (February 25, 1913 Cleveland-July 3, 1989 Los Angeles) also known as James Gilmore Backus, James G. Backus, James Backus or James Gilmore "Jim" Backus was an American actor, voice actor and writer.
He died in pneumonia.
Backus began his acting career on radio in the 1940s and gained widespread recognition for his role as millionaire Thurston Howell III on the television show Gilligan's Island. He also provided the voice of the character Mr. Magoo in animated series and films. In addition to his work in film and television, Backus also co-wrote several movies with friend and collaborator, Charles H. Schneer. Despite his success, Backus was known for his down-to-earth personality and friendly demeanor. He was married to his wife, Henny, for over fifty years, and they had four children together. In his later years, Backus appeared in a number of television commercials, including a series of ads for KFC. He remained active in the entertainment industry up until his death in 1989.
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Bob Carroll (June 18, 1918-November 19, 1994 Port Washington) also known as Carroll, Bob was an American singer and actor.
He is best known for his work as a member of the singing group, The Four Lads, in the 1950s and 60s. The group had numerous hits, including "Moments to Remember" and "Standing on the Corner." After leaving The Four Lads, Carroll continued to perform and record music as a solo artist. He also became a successful actor, appearing in several television shows and films throughout the 1960s and 70s. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway production of "The Boys in the Band." In addition to his entertainment career, Carroll was also an active philanthropist and supported various charitable organizations throughout his life.
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Hy Myers (April 27, 1889 East Liverpool-May 1, 1965 Minerva) also known as Henry Harrison Myers or Henry "Hy" Myers was an American baseball player and actor.
He played as an infielder for the Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Cardinals between 1915 and 1925. After retiring from baseball, Myers pursued a career in acting and appeared in over 80 films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He played various supporting roles in films such as "Marked Woman," "Each Dawn I Die," and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." Myers was also known for his work in radio, serving as a sportscaster and later hosting his own comedy show. He was inducted into the Ohio Baseball Hall of Fame in 1963.
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Jack Pepper (June 14, 1902 Palestine-April 1, 1979 Los Angeles) also known as Edward Jackson Culpepper, Jack Pepper and His Society Pets, Edward Jackson "Jack" (Cul) Pepper or Jack Culpepper was an American singer, musician, comedian, actor, vaudeville performer, businessperson and dancer. He had one child, Cynthia Pepper.
Pepper began his career in show business as a child performer, touring with his family's vaudeville act. He later became a popular radio personality and made numerous appearances in film, often playing comic sidekick roles. Pepper also had success as a businessperson, owning several nightclubs and restaurants in Los Angeles. He continued performing well into his later years, including a notable stint as a regular guest on The Hollywood Squares. Despite struggling with alcoholism throughout his life, Pepper remained a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and was known for his quick wit and infectious energy.
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Tito Schipa (December 27, 1888 Lecce-December 16, 1965 New York City) otherwise known as Raffaele Attilio Amedeo Schipa was an Italian opera singer and actor. His children are called Tito Schipa Jr., Elena Schipa and Liana Schipa.
Tito Schipa was known for his lyrical tenor voice and his effortless and elegant performances on stage. He began his career in 1910 at the Teatro Trianon in Naples and quickly gained international recognition, performing in opera houses around the world, including the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. He was particularly noted for his interpretations of Mozart, Rossini, and Donizetti operas.
In addition to his career as an opera singer, Schipa also made over 200 recordings of popular and classical music, and appeared in several films, including the 1935 adaptation of "La sonnambula". He was known for his dashing good looks and charming personality, and was a popular figure in high society and the arts world.
Schipa's legacy as one of the great Italian tenors of the 20th century continues to be celebrated to this day. He was posthumously awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2011, and many of his recordings are still available and widely admired by music lovers around the world.
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Ivan Dixon (April 6, 1931 Harlem-March 16, 2008 Charlotte) also known as Ivan Nathaniel Dixon III was an American film director, actor, film producer and stunt double. He had four children, Ivan Nathaniel Dixon IV, N'Gai Christopher Dixon, Doris Nomathande Dixon and Alan Kimara Dixon.
He died in renal failure.
Ivan Dixon rose to fame in the 1960s for his role as Staff Sergeant James "Kinch" Kinchloe in the popular television series Hogan's Heroes. He was also a notable director, having directed episodes of many popular TV series, including The Waltons, The Rockford Files, Magnum, P.I., and The A-Team. Dixon was a prominent civil rights activist and supporter of the Black Panther Party, and he used his platform as an actor and director to advocate for greater representation and opportunities for black artists in Hollywood. He was also a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the United States Army. Dixon was widely respected in the entertainment industry and remains an important figure in the history of black cinema.
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Ernie Morrison (December 20, 1912 New Orleans-July 24, 1989 Lynwood) otherwise known as Frederick Ernest Morrison, Sunshine Sambo, Little Sambo, Sambo, Sunshine Sammy Morrison, Sunshine Sammy Morrisson, Sunshine Sammy, Sammy Morrison, Smiling Sambo, L'Afrique, Ernest Fredric "Ernie" Morrison, Ernest Fredric Morrison or Ernest Morrison was an American actor and child actor.
He died as a result of cancer.
Ernie Morrison began his acting career at the young age of six, appearing in vaudeville and minstrel shows. He then went on to star in several short films including the popular Our Gang series, where he played the character known as "Sunshine Sammy." Morrison was one of the first African American child actors to achieve widespread recognition in Hollywood during the silent film era. Despite facing racism and discrimination in the industry, he continued to work in films throughout his career. Morrison also served in World War II as a member of the US Army's 687th Engineer Light Equipment Company. Later in his life, he worked in various jobs including as a security guard and a mail carrier. Morrison's contributions to early Hollywood paved the way for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry.
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Spencer Williams (July 14, 1893 Vidalia-December 13, 1969 Los Angeles) also known as Spencer Williams Jr. was an American actor, film director, screenwriter, soldier and film producer.
He died caused by renal failure.
Williams was best known for his work in Hollywood's segregated film industry and was often referred to as the "black Cecil B. DeMille." He began his career as an actor but later transitioned to writing and directing. Williams wrote and directed several successful films, including "The Blood of Jesus" (1941) and "Go Down Death" (1944), which were among the few films with all-black casts during that era. In addition to his film work, Williams was also a soldier and served in the United States Army during World War I. Despite facing racial discrimination throughout his career, Williams continued to create groundbreaking work and pave the way for future generations of black filmmakers.
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Ned Sherrin (February 18, 1931 Low Ham-October 1, 2007 Chelsea) a.k.a. Edward George Sherrin, Edward George "Ned" Sherrin, Sherrin, Ned or Edward George "Ned" Sherrin, CBE was a British film producer, theatre director, broadcaster, television producer, television director, screenwriter, actor, author, humorist, impresario, playwright, presenter, raconteur and barrister.
He died in head and neck cancer.
Ned Sherrin was best known for his work as a witty and irreverent broadcaster on BBC Radio 4's "Loose Ends" and as the creator of the satirical television series "That Was the Week That Was". Sherrin began his career as a barrister before transitioning to entertainment. He went on to produce a number of successful productions in the West End, including the hit musical "Side by Side by Sondheim". He was also a prolific author, publishing several books on a wide range of topics, from politics to show business. Sherrin was widely respected and beloved in the British entertainment industry and was awarded a CBE in 1997 for his contributions to the arts.
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Ricardo Cortez (September 19, 1900 New York City-April 28, 1977 New York City) a.k.a. Jacob Krantz was an American actor, stockbroker and film director.
Cortez began his acting career in silent films, and became known for playing suave and debonair leading men in films of the 1920s and 1930s. He starred in several notable films, including "The Maltese Falcon" (1931) and "The Casino Murder Case" (1935). In the 1940s, he transitioned to working behind the scenes in film as a producer and director. He also had a successful career as a stockbroker, and worked on Wall Street throughout his life. Cortez was married twice, both times to actresses. He passed away in 1977 due to heart failure.
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Pierre Repp (November 5, 1909 Saint-Pol-sur-Ternoise-November 1, 1986 Le Plessis-Trévise) also known as Pierre Alphonse Léon Frédéric Bouclet or Pierre Bouclet was a French actor and comedian.
Repp began his career in the 1930s as a music hall artist and went on to become a popular figure in French cinema, appearing in more than 80 films throughout his career. He was known for his comedic roles in films such as "The Sheep Has Five Legs" and "The Seventh Company", and for his voice work in the French dubbing of Walt Disney films. Repp was also a prolific stage actor, appearing in numerous plays and operettas throughout his career. In addition to his acting work, he was an accomplished writer, penning several plays and a memoir. Repp was widely regarded as one of the most talented and versatile comedic performers of his generation, and his work continues to be celebrated by French audiences today.
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Howard Duff (November 24, 1913 Bremerton-July 8, 1990 Santa Barbara) also known as Howard Green Duff or Howard Duff Radio's Sam Spade was an American actor and television director. He had one child, Bridget Duff.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Howard Duff began his career as a radio personality, best known for playing the role of detective Sam Spade in the popular show "The Adventures of Sam Spade." He later transitioned into film and television, appearing in a variety of Westerns and dramas throughout the 1950s and 1960s.
Duff was also a talented television director and worked on a number of shows throughout the 1970s and 1980s, including "The New Adventures of Wonder Woman," "Falcon Crest," and "Knots Landing."
In addition to his career in entertainment, Duff was an advocate for civil rights and was active in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).
Duff's personal life was just as colorful as his career. He was married multiple times, including a high-profile marriage to actress Ida Lupino, with whom he had his daughter, Bridget. Despite their divorce, Duff and Lupino remained good friends and continued to work together on various projects.
Duff passed away in 1990 at the age of 76, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
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Alan King (December 26, 1927 New York City-May 9, 2004 New York City) also known as Irwin Alan Kniberg or The Last Angry Man of the Suburbs was an American comedian, actor, television producer, film producer, screenwriter, author, philanthropist, professional boxer and presenter. He had three children, Andrew King, Robert King and Elainie Ray King.
He died in lung cancer.
Alan King began his career in entertainment in the 1950s as a stand-up comedian, performing on television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Tonight Show". Over the years, he became known for his sarcastic wit and observational humor. He also appeared in several films, including "Casino" and "The Sunshine Boys", which earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
In addition to his work in entertainment, King was a philanthropist, founding the Alan King Charitable Foundation to support various causes, including education and the arts. He was also a passionate advocate for boxing, and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1997 for his contributions to the sport.
Throughout his career, King received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He remained active in entertainment until his death in 2004, at the age of 76.
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Philip Locke (March 29, 1928 Marylebone-April 19, 2004 Dedham) also known as Roy James Locke was a British actor.
During his career, Philip Locke appeared in over 150 film and television productions. He was perhaps best known for his roles in the James Bond films "The Spy Who Loved Me" and "Thunderball," as well as the sci-fi classic "Star Wars: A New Hope," in which he played the rebel General Jan Dodonna. Locke also had a prolific stage career, performing in numerous productions in London's West End and beyond. He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company and appeared in several of their productions, including "Henry V" and "Julius Caesar." He also worked as a voice actor, lending his distinct voice to several animated series and commercials.
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Lloyd Gough (September 21, 1907 New York City-July 23, 1984 Los Angeles) also known as Michael Gough or Lloyd Goff was an American actor.
He died caused by aortic aneurysm.
Gough had a successful career in both film and television, with over 150 credits to his name. He is perhaps best remembered for his roles in films such as Sunset Boulevard (1950), Blackboard Jungle (1955), and as the voice of Skull in the 1960s animated series, The Archie Show. Gough was also a prolific stage actor, appearing on Broadway in productions such as Golden Boy (1937) and The Liar (1950). In addition to his acting work, he was a member of the Screen Actors Guild board of directors for many years.
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Herb Vigran (June 5, 1910 Cincinnati-November 29, 1986 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Herbert Vigran, Herb Vigram, Herburt Vigran or Herbert "Herb" Vigran was an American actor.
He died in cancer.
Vigran appeared in over 350 movies and television shows throughout his career, often portraying police officers, judges, or other authority figures. Some of his notable film roles include appearances in "White Heat" (1949), "How to Marry a Millionaire" (1953), and "North by Northwest" (1959). In television, he made appearances in popular shows like "The Twilight Zone," "Perry Mason," and "The Andy Griffith Show," among many others. Vigran was known for his distinctive voice, which led to him providing voice work for cartoons such as "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons." In his later years, he also worked extensively in commercials, including campaigns for Pepsi and Kodak.
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Nicolas de Gunzburg (December 12, 1904 Paris-February 20, 1981 New York) was an American writer, businessperson and actor.
Born into a wealthy Russian-Jewish family, Nicolas de Gunzburg was educated at the Sorbonne in Paris and at Oxford University in England. He later moved to New York City and became a prominent figure in high society, known for his extravagant parties and stylish wardrobe. De Gunzburg also worked in the fashion industry, serving as a consultant for designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Hubert de Givenchy. He contributed articles to various publications, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and The New Yorker. Additionally, de Gunzburg had a brief career as an actor, appearing in several films in the 1940s and 1950s. Despite his privileged upbringing and glamorous lifestyle, de Gunzburg led a complicated personal life and struggled with addiction. He died in 1981 at the age of 76.
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Trevor Bannister (August 14, 1934 Durrington-April 14, 2011 Thames Ditton) also known as Trevor Gordon Bannister was an English actor. He had three children, Timothy Bannister, Jeremy Bannister and Simon Bannister.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
Trevor Bannister was best known for his role as Mr. Lucas in the British sitcom "Are You Being Served?" which ran from 1972 to 1985. He also appeared in other popular television shows such as "Last of the Summer Wine," "Coronation Street," and "Keeping Up Appearances." Before his acting career, Bannister served in the Royal Air Force and worked as a draughtsman. He later trained at the Academy of Live and Recorded Arts in London. In addition to his acting work, Bannister also directed theater productions, including a production of "No Sex Please, We're British" in 1986. He is remembered for his comedic timing and his contributions to the British entertainment industry.
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Percy Kilbride (July 16, 1888 San Francisco-December 11, 1964 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Percy William Kilbride or Percy W. Kilbride was an American actor.
He died as a result of traffic collision.
Kilbride is best known for his role as Pa Kettle in the popular Ma and Pa Kettle film series produced by Universal Pictures. He appeared in a total of ten films as Pa Kettle, beginning with The Egg and I in 1947 and ending with The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm in 1957. Prior to his success in the Ma and Pa Kettle films, Kilbride acted in a variety of films and television shows, including In Old Oklahoma (1943) and Armored Car Robbery (1950). Kilbride was married to his wife, Leta, for over fifty years until his death in 1964.
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Hayden Rorke (October 23, 1910 Brooklyn-August 19, 1987 Toluca Lake) also known as William Henry Rorke was an American actor.
He died in multiple myeloma.
Rorke was best known for playing the role of Dr. Alfred E. Bellows in the popular TV sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie" which aired from 1965 to 1970. He appeared in every episode of the show's five seasons. Rorke also had a prolific career in both film and television, appearing in over 70 films and hundreds of TV shows throughout his career. He became a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1945. Prior to his acting career, Rorke received a degree in journalism from the University of Michigan and worked as a press agent on Broadway.
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Frederick Jaeger (May 29, 1928 Berlin-June 18, 2004 Majorca) also known as Manfred Frederick Jaeger or Frederick Jaegar was a British actor.
He was born to a German father and a British mother, and as a child, fled Nazi Germany with his family and settled in the United Kingdom. Jaeger started his career on the stage in the 1950s and later transitioned to film and television. He appeared in numerous productions including "The Avengers," "Doctor Who," "The Saint," and "Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased)." He is also remembered for his performance in the film "The Guns of Navarone" (1961) as CPO Brown. Jaeger was a prolific voice actor and lent his voice to various radio plays and audiobooks. In addition to his acting career, Jaeger was also a painter and held exhibitions of his artwork. He passed away in 2004 while on vacation in Majorca at the age of 76.
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