Famous movie actors died when they were 78
Here are 16 famous actors from the world died at 78:
Billy Eckstine
Billy Eckstine (July 8, 1914 East Liberty-March 8, 1993 Pittsburgh) also known as Billie Eckstine, Billy Eckstien, William Clarence Eckstein or Eckstine, Billy was an American singer and actor. His children are Ed Eckstine, Gina Eckstine and Guy Eckstine.
Eckstine was widely regarded as an influential jazz ballad singer and bandleader during the 1940s and 1950s. With a distinctive rich and mellow baritone voice, he recorded several hit songs such as "I Apologize," "My Foolish Heart," and "Everything I Have is Yours". Eckstine also played a significant role in breaking down racial barriers in popular music during the 1940s, as he became the first black male singer to receive a contract with a major white-owned record label.
Aside from his music career, Eckstine also appeared in several films such as "Rhythm in a Riff" and "Make Mine Music," and made numerous television appearances throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Later in life, he returned to his roots in jazz music and in 1984 he was inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame. Despite being plagued by health issues, Eckstine continued to perform until shortly before his death in 1993 at the age of 78.
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Dean Martin
Dean Martin (June 7, 1917 Steubenville-December 25, 1995 Beverly Hills) also known as Dino Paul Crocetti, Dino Martini, King of Cool, Kid Crochet, Martin & Lewis, Dino, King Leer, Dino Crocetti or The King of Cool was an American singer, comedian, actor, professional boxer, film producer, musician, songwriter, presenter, radio personality and businessperson. His children are called Deana Martin, Gina Martin, Dean Paul Martin, Ricci Martin, Claudia Martin, Craig Martin, Sasha Martin and Barbara Gail Martin.
He died caused by lung cancer.
Dean Martin began his career as a nightclub singer before branching out into comedy and acting. He was best known for his smooth, relaxed singing style and his partnership with comedian Jerry Lewis, with whom he performed in several successful comedy films. Martin also had a successful solo career, producing a number of hit songs including "That's Amore," "Memories Are Made of This," and "Everybody Loves Somebody." In addition to his work in entertainment, Martin was a shrewd businessman and invested in a number of successful ventures, including a successful television production company. Despite his public image as a carefree playboy, Martin was a devout Catholic who was deeply devoted to his family.
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Seymour Hicks
Seymour Hicks (January 30, 1871 Saint Helier-April 6, 1949 Hampshire) also known as Sir Arthur Seymour Hicks, Edward Seymour Hicks, Sir Seymour Hicks or Sir Edward Seymour Hicks was an English singer, actor, playwright, screenwriter, theatre manager and film producer. He had one child, Betty Hicks.
Hicks began his career in the theatre during the late 1800s and went on to star in a number of successful productions, including "The Catch of the Season" and "Mr. Wu". He also wrote several plays, including "The Shop Girl" and "A Country Girl", which were popular in their time. In addition to his work in the theatre, Hicks appeared in several films during the early 1900s, and he later went on to produce and direct films as well.
During World War I, Hicks worked as an entertainer for British troops in France, and he was later knighted for his contributions to the war effort. He continued to work in the theatre throughout his career, and in the 1930s he began touring with his wife, actress Ellaline Terriss, in a vaudeville act that was very successful.
Hicks was also involved in several charitable organizations, including the Actors' Orphanage Fund and the Entertainments National Service Association. He died in 1949 at the age of 78.
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Harold Pinter
Harold Pinter (October 10, 1930 Metropolitan Borough of Hackney-December 24, 2008 London) also known as Sir Harold Pinter, David Baron or Harold Pinter, CH, CBE was a British playwright, author, poet, screenwriter, actor, theatre director, social activist, writer, political activist and film director. His child is Daniel Brand Pinter.
He died as a result of cancer.
Harold Pinter was one of the most influential playwrights of the 20th century, known for his distinctive writing style that explored the themes of power, betrayal, and human relationships. He wrote over 30 plays, including "The Birthday Party," "Betrayal," and "The Homecoming," which have been performed on stages all over the world. In addition to his work as a playwright, Pinter was also a successful screenwriter, with credits that include the films "The French Lieutenant's Woman," "The Remains of the Day," and "Sleuth." He was awarded numerous prestigious honors throughout his career, including the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2005. Pinter was also an outspoken political activist, advocating for human rights and social justice causes. Despite his fame and success, Pinter remained deeply committed to his family and friends throughout his life, and was remembered by many as a kind and humble man.
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Vito Scotti
Vito Scotti (January 26, 1918 San Francisco-June 5, 1996 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. Vito Giusto Scotti, Vitto Scotti, Vito G. Scotti, Vito Giusto Scozzari or Vito Giusto Scozarri was an American actor and voice actor. His children are Ricardo Scotti and Carmen Scozzari.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
Scotti was the son of a Sicilian immigrant father and an Italian-American mother. He graduated from St. Ignatius College Preparatory in San Francisco and went on to attend City College of San Francisco before studying theater at the Pasadena Playhouse in Southern California.
Scotti began his career as a radio announcer in San Francisco before transitioning to acting. He appeared in over 200 films and TV series throughout his career, often playing ethnic characters such as Italians, Spaniards, and Mexicans. Some of his notable roles include Pasquale in "The Godfather: Part II", Enrico Gucci in "The Barefoot Contessa", and Vittorio in "To Rome with Love".
In addition to his on-screen work, Scotti was also a prolific voice actor. He provided the voice of Pizza the Hutt in "Spaceballs" and played the Italian chef in Disney's "Lady and the Tramp".
Scotti was married twice in his lifetime and had two children. He was lauded for his ability to inject humor and humanity into the characters he played and is remembered as a beloved character actor in Hollywood.
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Buddy Hackett
Buddy Hackett (August 31, 1924 Brooklyn-June 30, 2003 Malibu) also known as Leonard Hacker, Hackett, Buddy or Lenny Hacker was an American comedian, actor and voice actor. He had three children, Sandy Hackett, Ivy Julie Hackett and Lisa Jean Hackett.
He died in diabetes mellitus.
Throughout his career, Buddy Hackett became a well-known comedian and actor, known for his unique brand of humor that often included telling stories and jokes with a mix of both traditional and risque material. In addition to his successful stand-up career, Hackett also appeared in numerous films, including "The Love Bug" and "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World." Later in his career, he also became a popular voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated films such as "The Little Mermaid" and "A Bug's Life." Hackett was known for his quick wit, improvisational skills, and charisma, and his legacy continues to influence the world of comedy today.
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Buster Merryfield
Buster Merryfield (November 27, 1920 Battersea-June 23, 1999 Poole) was an English actor and military officer. His child is called Karen Merryfield.
He died caused by brain tumor.
Buster Merryfield was best known for his role as Uncle Albert in the long-running British sitcom "Only Fools and Horses". Prior to his acting career, he served in World War II and was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services. After the war, he worked in a variety of jobs before turning to full-time acting in his 50s. In addition to "Only Fools and Horses", Merryfield had roles in other popular TV shows such as "Coronation Street" and "The Bill". He was also a talented musician and played jazz trumpet in his free time. Despite his success as an actor, Merryfield remained humble and lived a simple life in a remote village in Dorset, England.
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Garry Moore
Garry Moore (January 31, 1915 Baltimore-November 28, 1993 Hilton Head Island) a.k.a. Thomas Garrison Morfit, III, or Thomas Garrison Morfit was an American game show host, tv personality, comedian and actor.
He died caused by emphysema.
Moore began his career as a radio personality on Baltimore's WBAL, and later moved to television in New York City. He gained national attention as the host of several popular game shows, including "I've Got a Secret" and "To Tell the Truth". In addition to his game show hosting duties, Moore also starred in his own variety show, "The Garry Moore Show", which aired from 1950 to 1967. He was known for his warm and affable personality, as well as his quick wit and sense of humor. Moore won several Emmy Awards throughout his career, and was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 1992.
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Guy Provost
Guy Provost (May 19, 1925 Hull-February 10, 2004 Montreal) was a Canadian actor. He had two children, Sylvie Provost and Pierre Provost.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
Guy Provost was known for his stage performances as well as for his roles in television and films. He began his career in the theatre and performed with renowned companies such as La Comédie-Canadienne and Théâtre du Nouveau Monde. His television credits include popular series such as "Les belles histoires des pays d'en haut" and "Symphorien". In film, he appeared in a number of successful movies such as "La guerre des tuques" and "Le crime d'Ovide Plouffe". Guy Provost was a recipient of several awards, including the Order of Canada and the Governor General's Performing Arts Award for Lifetime Artistic Achievement. He was a beloved figure in the Canadian entertainment industry, and his contributions to theatre and film have made a lasting impact.
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Hugo Fregonese
Hugo Fregonese (April 8, 1908 Mendoza-January 17, 1987 Buenos Aires) was an Argentine film director, screenwriter and actor. He had two children, John Anthony Fregonese and Diana Maria Fregonese.
Fregonese was born in Mendoza, Argentina, but spent much of his career working in the United States and Europe. He began his career in the film industry as an actor, appearing in several films in Argentina in the 1930s. In the 1940s, he began working as a screenwriter and director, and his films received critical acclaim both in Argentina and internationally.
In the 1950s, Fregonese began working in the United States, directing films for various studios including MGM and Paramount Pictures. He was known for his work in the Western genre, directing films such as "Apache Drums" and "Vengeance Valley". In the 1960s, he returned to Europe where he continued to direct films.
Fregonese was awarded the Special Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival in 1952 for his film "El fango" ("The Mud") and was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Foreign Director in 1958 for "Harry Black and the Tiger". He passed away in Buenos Aires in 1987 at the age of 78.
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Don Siegel
Don Siegel (October 26, 1912 Chicago-April 20, 1991 Nipomo) also known as Donald Siegel, Allen Smithee or Don was an American film director, film producer, television director, actor, screenwriter and television producer. He had five children, Kristoffer Tabori, Nowell Siegel, Katherine Dorothy Salvaderi, Jack Siegel and Anney Mary Margaret Siegel.
He died in cancer.
Don Siegel had an extensive career in the entertainment industry that spanned over four decades. He began his career as a film editor in the 1930s before transitioning to directing in the 1940s. Siegel worked on a variety of projects throughout his career, ranging from Westerns to war dramas to science fiction films.
Some of his most notable films include "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956), "Dirty Harry" (1971), and "Escape from Alcatraz" (1979), all of which have become classics in their respective genres. Siegel was also known for his work on numerous television series, including "The Twilight Zone" and "The Outer Limits."
Throughout his career, Siegel received numerous accolades for his work, including several awards and nominations from the Directors Guild of America. He was also inducted into the American Society of Cinematographers in 1968.
Despite his success, Siegel was known for his often contentious relationships with actors and crew members on set. He was known for his gruff demeanor and blunt communication style, which sometimes caused clashes with collaborators. Nevertheless, his impact on the entertainment industry remains significant to this day.
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Ed Devereaux
Ed Devereaux (August 27, 1925 Sydney-December 17, 2003 Hampstead) also known as Edward Devereaux, Ed Deveraux, Edward Sidney Devereaux or Ed. Devereaux was an Australian actor, film director and screenwriter. His children are John Devereaux, Steven Devereaux, Timothy Devereaux and Matthew Devereaux.
He died as a result of esophageal cancer.
Devereaux was best known for his role as the bushman "Matt Hammond" in the Australian television series, "Skippy the Bush Kangaroo". He played the role for the entire series run of 91 episodes, from 1967 to 1970. Devereaux also appeared in several other Australian TV shows and movies, such as "Homicide", "Division 4", and "The Fringe Dwellers". In addition to acting, Devereaux directed and wrote screenplays for films such as "The Island of Dr. Moreau" and "Robbery Under Arms". He was also a skilled voice artist, and lent his voice to many animated series and commercials. Prior to becoming an actor, Devereaux served in the Australian Army during World War II.
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Bud Abbott
Bud Abbott (October 2, 1895 Asbury Park-April 24, 1974 Woodland Hills) a.k.a. William Alexander Abbott, Abbott, Abbott & Costello, Abbott and Costello or William Alexander "Bud" Abbott was an American comedian, actor, film producer and vaudeville performer. His children are called Bud Abbott Jr. and Vickie Abbott.
He died caused by cancer.
Bud Abbott was best known as the straight man of the famous comedy duo, Abbott and Costello, which he formed with his friend Lou Costello. Together, they starred in many successful films and television shows throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including the classic comedy routines "Who's on First?" and "The Lemon-aid Stand." Abbott was also a talented producer, having produced several films for his own production company, which he formed with Costello. In addition to his career in entertainment, Abbott also served in the United States Army during World War I. After his retirement from show business, he settled down in California with his wife, where he lived until his death in 1974. Despite his passing, his contribution to American comedy and entertainment lives on through his timeless performances and influence on future comedians and entertainers.
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Franklin Pierce Adams
Franklin Pierce Adams (November 15, 1881 Chicago-March 23, 1960 New York City) a.k.a. Franklin P. Adams or F.P.A. was an American journalist and actor.
He was best known for his witty columns in the New York newspapers, which chronicled the social and cultural scene in the city during the 1910s and 1920s. Adams was a prolific writer and also wrote books, plays, and screenplays. He was an early member of the Algonquin Round Table, a group of writers and intellectuals who met regularly at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. In addition to his writing career, Adams also had a successful career as a character actor, appearing in films such as It Happened One Night and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town. He was known for his distinctive voice and often played politicians or other authority figures. Adams was a beloved figure in New York City during his lifetime and was mourned by many when he passed away in 1960 at the age of 78.
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Ralph Taeger
Ralph Taeger (July 30, 1936 Richmond Hill-March 11, 2015) was an American actor. He had one child, Rich Taeger.
Ralph Taeger began his acting career in the late 1950s, appearing in a number of television shows such as "Zane Grey Theater" and "The Deputy". He then went on to star in his own series, "Klondike" and "Hondo". In the late 1960s, Taeger appeared in a number of films, including "The Doomsday Flight" and "Airport". After retiring from acting in the 1970s, Taeger worked as a real estate developer in California. He was also an avid horseman and owned a ranch in the Santa Ynez Valley. Taeger passed away in 2015 at the age of 78.
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Al Freeman, Jr.
Al Freeman, Jr. (March 21, 1934 San Antonio-August 9, 2012 Washington, D.C.) a.k.a. Albert Cornelius Freeman, Jr., Albert Cornelius Freeman Jr., Jr. Albert Cornelius Freeman, Al Freeman, Albert C. Freeman Jr., Albert Cornelius "Al" Freeman, Jr. or Professor Albert C. Freeman, Jr. was an American actor, television director and educator.
He is best known for his portrayal of Elijah Muhammad in Spike Lee's film "Malcolm X" and for his role as Police Captain Ed Hall on the soap opera "One Life to Live," for which he won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1979. Freeman also appeared in many other film and television productions, including "Amistad," "The Cosby Show," and "Law & Order." In addition to his acting career, Freeman was a professor of theater arts at Howard University for over 20 years. He was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame in 1989.
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