Famous movie actors died when they were 77
Here are 17 famous actors from the world died at 77:
Bert Parks
Bert Parks (December 30, 1914 Atlanta-February 2, 1992 La Jolla) also known as Bert Jacobson was an American singer and actor.
He died in lung cancer.
Bert Parks is best known as the host of the Miss America beauty pageant from 1955 to 1979. He was also a well-known television personality, hosting shows like "Break the Bank" and "The Big Payoff". As a singer, Parks recorded several albums throughout his career and had a hit with the song "There She Is, Miss America" which became the iconic theme song of the Miss America pageant.
Before his successful career in television, Parks worked as a radio announcer and performed on Broadway. During World War II, he served in the military as an air combat intelligence officer. Parks was also a philanthropist, supporting causes such as the American Cancer Society and the Cerebral Palsy Foundation.
Despite his success as a host and entertainer, Parks faced criticism for his traditionalist views and controversial remarks about the women's liberation movement. Nevertheless, he remains a prominent figure in American popular culture and his contributions to the Miss America pageant are still celebrated today.
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Jimmy Martin
Jimmy Martin (August 10, 1927 Sneedville-May 14, 2005 Nashville) a.k.a. James Henry Martin, Martin, Jimmy, Jimmie Martin or James H. Martin was an American singer, musician and actor.
He died as a result of bladder cancer.
Jimmy Martin was known as the "King of Bluegrass Music" for his iconic voice and high-energy performances. He was best known for his hits "Sunny Side of the Mountain" and "Rock Hearts". Martin was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor and the Bluegrass Hall of Fame. He began his career in the 1940s as a member of the Monroe Brothers, and later joined forces with Bill Monroe's Blue Grass Boys. Martin went on to form his own band, the Sunny Mountain Boys, releasing over 200 songs during his career. Despite struggling with alcohol and drug addiction, Martin continued to perform until shortly before his death in 2005. His legacy lives on as a pioneer of the bluegrass sound.
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Michael Somes
Michael Somes (September 28, 1917 Horsley-November 18, 1994 London) also known as Michael George Somes, Michael Soames or Michael George Somes CBE was a British actor and ballet dancer.
Somes is most famously known for being one of the leading dancers with the Royal Ballet, where he had a career spanning three decades. He joined the company in 1933 and was promoted to principal dancer in 1941. Some of his most renowned roles include Romeo in Romeo and Juliet and Prince Siegfried in Swan Lake.
Somes was also a choreographer and created numerous works for the Royal Ballet, including the ballet version of The Tales of Beatrix Potter, which is still performed by the company today.
In addition to his work with the Royal Ballet, Somes appeared in several films and television shows throughout his career. He retired from dancing in 1961 and continued to work as a director and teacher of ballet until his death in 1994.
Somes was honored with several awards throughout his life, including being named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1953 and receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Coronation Award in 1954.
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Robert Helpmann
Robert Helpmann (April 9, 1909 Mount Gambier-September 28, 1986 Sydney) also known as Robert Murray Helpman, Sir Robert Helpmann, Sir Bobby or Bobby was an Australian actor, dancer, film director and choreographer.
He started his career as a ballet dancer, and eventually became the principal dancer of the Sadler's Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet) in London. Helpmann was a versatile performer, and he appeared in various productions throughout his career, including films, stage productions, and television programs.
In addition to his work as a performer, Helpmann was also a well-respected choreographer, and he created several ballets throughout his career. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1964, and was later knighted in 1968 for his contributions to the arts.
Helpmann was also known for his work in film, and he appeared in several notable movies throughout his career, including "The Red Shoes" and "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." He was also a frequent collaborator of director Powell and Pressburger.
Throughout his life, Helpmann was a highly regarded figure in the arts community, and he was known for his creative vision and dedication to his craft.
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Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson (April 9, 1898 Princeton-January 23, 1976 Philadelphia) also known as Paul LeRoy Bustill Robeson, Robeson, Paul, Robey or Paul Leroy Robeson was an American lawyer, singer, actor, athlete and social activist. He had one child, Paul Robeson, Jr..
He died in stroke.
Paul Robeson was an exceptional talent, best known for his resonant bass-baritone singing voice which he used to inspire and entertain audiences around the world. Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Robeson became the third African-American to be admitted to Rutgers University, where he excelled in both academics and sports. He went on to earn a law degree from Columbia University and practiced law briefly before devoting himself entirely to the arts.
Robeson became a star of the stage and screen, performing in productions such as Show Boat and Othello, becoming the first African-American actor to play the titular character in the latter. His stirring performances were matched by his commitment to racial and economic justice, which manifested in his activism on behalf of labor unions, civil rights, and anti-colonial movements around the world.
Sadly, Robeson's political activism resulted in his persecution by the US government during the McCarthy era. He was blacklisted and denied the ability to perform in the United States, forcing him to relocate to Europe. Despite these challenges, Robeson continued to use his voice to advocate for those in need, traveling extensively and performing for audiences across the globe until his death in 1976.
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Paul Whiteman
Paul Whiteman (March 28, 1890 Denver-December 29, 1967 Doylestown) a.k.a. Whiteman, Paul, The King of Jazz, Paul Whiteman and His Orchestra, Paul Whiteman and Band, Pops or Paul Whiteman and His Band was an American bandleader, actor and composer. He had one child, Loyce Whiteman.
Whiteman started his career as a violinist for the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra before founding his own jazz orchestra in the early 1920s. His band's popular radio shows and recordings helped popularize jazz for a broader audience, and he is credited with introducing jazz to symphonic music.
Whiteman was also known for his collaborations with many famous musicians, including Bing Crosby and George Gershwin. He commissioned Gershwin's famous work, "Rhapsody in Blue," which premiered in 1924 with Whiteman's orchestra.
In addition to his musical career, Whiteman appeared in several films, including "The King of Jazz" in 1930, where he starred as himself.
Despite criticism for his band's commercialized, "white-washed" sound, Paul Whiteman remains an important figure in American music, particularly for his contributions to popularizing jazz.
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Dick Cusack
Dick Cusack (August 29, 1925 Manhattan-June 2, 2003 Evanston) also known as Richard John Cusack, Richard Cusack, Richard John "Dick" Cusack or Dick was an American actor, film director, film producer and screenwriter. He had five children, John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Ann Cusack, Susie Cusack and Bill Cusack.
He died caused by pancreatic cancer.
Dick Cusack was born and raised in Manhattan. He served in the Navy during World War II before studying acting and working in theater in New York City. He eventually moved his family to Chicago, where he became a prominent member of the city's theater scene. Along with his wife, he co-founded the Cusack Group Theater Company, which produced plays throughout the Midwest.
In addition to his work in theater, Cusack appeared in numerous films and television shows, often alongside his children. He wrote, directed and produced several films, including "The Fugitive Kind" and "Things Change."
Cusack was also a political activist, organizing and participating in protests against the Vietnam War and other social justice issues. He was well-respected in the Chicago theater community and was known for his kindness, mentorship and generosity toward younger actors.
After his death from pancreatic cancer at the age of 77, his family established the Dick Cusack Scholarship Fund to support young artists pursuing careers in theater.
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Rod Steiger
Rod Steiger (April 14, 1925 Westhampton-July 9, 2002 Los Angeles) also known as Rodney Stephen Steiger, Rodney Stephen "Rod" Steiger or Rod was an American actor. He had two children, Anna Steiger and Michael Steiger.
He died in pneumonia.
Steiger began his acting career in the theater before transitioning to film. He became known for his intense and dynamic performances, often playing dark or troubled characters. He received critical acclaim for his roles in "On the Waterfront," "The Pawnbroker," and "In the Heat of the Night," for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 1968. He also appeared in popular films such as "Doctor Zhivago" and "The Longest Day." Steiger continued to act in films and on television until his death in 2002, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest actors of his generation.
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Philip Madoc
Philip Madoc (July 5, 1934 Merthyr Tydfil-March 5, 2012 Hertfordshire) a.k.a. Philip Jones or Phillip Madoc was a British actor. He had two children, Lowri Madoc and Rhys Madoc.
He died as a result of cancer.
Madoc began his career in the 1960s and went on to act in numerous television shows, films, and stage productions. He was known for his deep, distinctive voice and often played villainous roles. He appeared in several episodes of the long-running sci-fi series "Doctor Who" and also had roles in popular shows such as "The Avengers," "Z-Cars," and "Inspector Morse." Madoc was also a Welsh speaker and often acted in Welsh-language productions. In addition to his acting work, he was a passionate supporter of Welsh culture and was involved with numerous organizations dedicated to promoting the Welsh language and heritage.
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Howard Cosell
Howard Cosell (March 25, 1918 Winston-Salem-April 23, 1995 New York City) otherwise known as Howard William Cohen, "Humble" Howard Cosell, Howard William Cosell or Humble was an American lawyer, journalist, talk show host, sports commentator, author, radio personality, announcer, actor, soldier and newscaster. He had two children, Hilary Cosell and Jill Cosell.
He died caused by cardiovascular disease.
Howard Cosell was born to Jewish parents in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He earned a degree in English from New York University Law School and served in the United States Army Transportation Corps during World War II. After the war, he began his career as a lawyer and then transitioned to broadcasting, covering news and sports events.
Cosell rose to fame as a sports journalist in the 1960s and 1970s, known for his unique style and outspoken personality. He covered many of the top events in sports, including boxing matches featuring Muhammad Ali, the Olympic Games, and Monday Night Football. He was also known for his coverage of controversial topics, such as the Vietnam War and race relations in sports.
In addition to his career in broadcasting, Cosell was also a prolific author, writing several books on sports and social issues. He was well-respected in the industry and received numerous awards for his work, including the George Polk Award and the Peabody Award.
Cosell retired from broadcasting in the early 1990s and passed away in 1995 at the age of 77. He was remembered for his contributions to the world of sports journalism and his impact on the industry.
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Alfred Drake
Alfred Drake (October 7, 1914 The Bronx-July 25, 1992 New York City) also known as Alfred Capurro was an American actor and singer. He had two children, Candace Olmsted and Samantha Drake.
He died in heart failure.
Drake was best known for his work on Broadway, where he starred in many hit musicals such as Oklahoma!, Kiss Me, Kate, and Kismet. In fact, he originated the leading role of Curly in the original Broadway production of Oklahoma!, for which he received critical acclaim. He also appeared in numerous television productions, including the series Wagon Train and the TV movie The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Despite his success as an actor and singer, Drake was reportedly a very private person and preferred to keep his personal life out of the spotlight.
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Denis Carey
Denis Carey (August 3, 1909 London-September 28, 1986 London) a.k.a. Denis Carye or William Denis Carey was a British actor.
He began his career in the 1930s and appeared in several notable productions including the films "Mysterious Island" and "The Day the Earth Caught Fire". Carey was also a prominent stage actor appearing in plays such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "The Beaux' Stratagem".
In addition to his work in film and theatre, Carey made several television appearances during his career. Some of his most notable TV roles include Dr. Watson in "Sherlock Holmes" and Chief Superintendent Strange in "Inspector Morse".
Carey was a versatile actor who played a wide range of characters throughout his career. He was known for his deep voice and often portrayed authoritative figures such as police officers, soldiers, and judges. Carey continued to act until his death in 1986 at the age of 77.
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Al Goldstein
Al Goldstein (January 10, 1936 Brooklyn-December 19, 2013 Brooklyn) also known as Alvin Goldstein, Uncle Al, Al Goldfarbstein, Al or Alvin "Al" Goldstein was an American actor, publisher, writer and pornographic film actor. He had one child, Jordan Goldstein.
He died caused by renal failure.
Al Goldstein was best known as the founder and publisher of Screw magazine, which he started in 1968 and made it into one of the most popular adult entertainment magazines in the world. He was also known for his controversial and outspoken views, particularly about politics and religion. Goldstein was a frequent guest on numerous television talk shows, including The Howard Stern Show and The Oprah Winfrey Show. Despite his success, Al Goldstein faced financial difficulties and legal problems throughout his life, including a high-profile obscenity trial in 1973 that resulted in a guilty verdict and a short stint in jail. He was also involved in several failed marriages and public feuds with other notable figures in the adult entertainment industry. Despite his controversial reputation, Al Goldstein is regarded as a pioneer in the adult entertainment industry and a trailblazer for free speech and First Amendment rights.
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Harry Richman
Harry Richman (August 10, 1895 Cincinnati-November 3, 1972 Hollywood) also known as Richman, Harry, Henry Richman Jr. or Harold Reichman was an American singer, bandleader, songwriter, pianist, actor, dancer and comedian.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Richman began his career as a singer and bandleader in vaudeville and on Broadway. He later became a popular recording artist, recording songs such as "Puttin' on the Ritz" and "I'll Get By (As Long as I Have You)".
Richman also had a successful career as a movie actor, appearing in films such as "Puttin' on the Ritz" and "Rafter Romance". He was known for his energetic performances and comedic timing.
In addition to his work in entertainment, Richman was also a pilot and a racing car driver. He even attempted to break the world land speed record in 1951, although he was unsuccessful.
Richman continued to perform and make appearances into his later years, and he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1970.
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Darryl F. Zanuck
Darryl F. Zanuck (September 5, 1902 Wahoo-December 22, 1979 Palm Springs) otherwise known as Darryl Francis Zanuck, Darryl Zanuck, Melville Crossman, Gregory Rogers, Mark Canfield or A Darryl F. Zanuck Production was an American film producer, screenwriter, businessperson, film director and actor. He had three children, Richard D. Zanuck, Darrylin Zanuck DePineda and Susan Zanuck.
He died in cancer.
During his career in Hollywood, Darryl F. Zanuck established himself as one of the most successful and influential figures in the film industry. He co-founded 20th Century Pictures in 1933, which later merged with Fox Film Corporation to become 20th Century Fox. Zanuck was instrumental in bringing some of the most iconic films to the screen, including All About Eve, The Grapes of Wrath, and The Sound of Music. He also played a key role in launching the careers of many legendary actors and actresses, such as Marilyn Monroe and Shirley Temple. In addition to producing and directing films, Zanuck served as the head of production at 20th Century Fox and helped to shape the studio's artistic and financial successes. He was a multiple Academy Award winner and nominee for his work in the film industry. Despite his success, Zanuck was known for his volatile personality and colorful personal life.
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Franklin Cover
Franklin Cover (November 20, 1928 Cleveland-February 5, 2006 Englewood) also known as Franklin Edward Cover or Frank Cover was an American actor. His children are Bradford Cover and Susan Cover.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
Cover was best known for playing the role of George Jefferson's white neighbor, Tom Willis, in the popular sitcom "The Jeffersons." He appeared in 91 episodes of the show from 1975 to 1985. Cover's other notable TV credits include "Hill Street Blues," "St. Elsewhere," "Knight Rider," and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." He also appeared in several films, including "The Great White Hope" and "The Stepford Wives." Prior to his acting career, Cover served in the United States Army during the Korean War.
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Ian Abercrombie
Ian Abercrombie (September 11, 1934 Grays-January 26, 2012 Hollywood) also known as Ian Ambercrombie was a British actor, dancer, soldier and voice actor.
He died in renal failure.
Ian Abercrombie was born on September 11, 1934 in Grays, Essex, England. He began his career as a dancer before transitioning to acting in the 1950s. Later on, he joined the British Army and served in the Royal Army Medical Corps. After leaving the army, Abercrombie returned to the entertainment industry, eventually making his way to Hollywood.
Throughout his career, Abercrombie appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including "Army of Darkness", "Twin Peaks", "Seinfeld", and "The Clone Wars". He was also known for his voice work, lending his voice to animated series such as "Garfield" and "Batman: The Animated Series".
Ian Abercrombie was highly respected in the industry for his versatile acting skills and friendly demeanor. He passed away on January 26, 2012 in Hollywood after suffering from renal failure.
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