Famous movie actors died when they were 80
Here are 21 famous actors from the world died at 80:
Norman Kaye
Norman Kaye (January 17, 1927 Melbourne-May 28, 2007 Sydney) also known as Norman Kay or Norman James Kaye was an Australian actor, musician, film score composer, teacher and conductor.
He died in alzheimer's disease.
Norman Kaye was born in Melbourne, Australia and initially studied music, earning a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Melbourne. He began his career as a composer and conductor, working with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Australian Opera. In the 1960s, he started to become more involved in acting, appearing in a number of Australian TV dramas and films.
Kaye is perhaps best known for his role in the classic Australian film "The Castle," in which he played elderly lawyer Dennis Denuto. He also appeared in other films such as "Shine" and "Don't Be Afraid of the Dark," and TV shows like "Division 4" and "Homicide."
As a composer, Kaye worked on a number of Australian films and TV shows, including "Matlock Police" and "Homicide." He also wrote a number of concert works, including a piano concerto and a symphony.
Kaye was known for his dedication to teaching, and he often worked with young musicians and actors. He was a respected music educator and served as the director of the Melbourne Youth Music Festival for many years.
In his personal life, Kaye was married to fellow musician Helen Morse, whom he met while working on a production of "Phantom of the Opera." They had two children together. In his later years, Kaye battled Alzheimer's disease and died in Sydney in 2007 at the age of 80.
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Alfred Hitchcock
Alfred Hitchcock (August 13, 1899 Leytonstone-April 29, 1980 Bel-Air) a.k.a. Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, Hitch, The Master of Suspense, Sir Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, Mr. Alfred Hitchcock, Sir Alfred Joseph Hitchcock, KBE or A. Hitchcock was a British film director, actor, film producer, screenwriter, television director, television producer, film art director, film editor and writer. His child is called Pat Hitchcock.
He died caused by renal failure.
Alfred Hitchcock is known for his exceptional creativity and contributions to the thriller and suspense genre. He directed more than 50 films in his lifetime, including classics like "Psycho," "The Birds," and "Vertigo." Hitchcock was known for his unique style and technical innovations, such as his use of camera angles and editing. He was a master storyteller who often incorporated surprise plot twists into his films. Despite being a British citizen, Hitchcock spent a large portion of his career in Hollywood and became an icon in the American film industry. In addition to his film work, Hitchcock also hosted his own television series, "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," which aired in the United States from 1955 to 1965. His work has continued to inspire countless filmmakers and remains a major influence on popular culture to this day.
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Walter Slezak
Walter Slezak (May 3, 1902 Vienna-April 21, 1983 Flower Hill) also known as Walt Slezak was an Austrian actor. He had three children, Leo Slezak, Erika Slezak and Ingrid Slezak.
He died in suicide.
Walter Slezak began his acting career in the 1920s in Austria, where he performed on both stage and screen. In the 1930s, he moved to Germany and appeared in several popular films, including "The Three Musketeers" and "The Pied Piper of Hamelin."
Following the rise of the Nazi regime in Germany, Slezak fled to the United States in 1938. There, he continued his career as an actor and appeared in numerous Hollywood films, including "Lifeboat" (1944) and "The Inspector General" (1949). He also made appearances on television shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Love Boat."
Outside of his acting career, Slezak was known for his love of sailing and was an accomplished sailor. He also had a keen interest in literature and was an avid reader.
Slezak's daughter, Erika Slezak, followed in his footsteps and became a successful actress, best known for her role on the daytime soap opera "One Life to Live."
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Pierre Trudeau
Pierre Trudeau (October 18, 1919 Montreal-September 28, 2000 Montreal) also known as Pierre-Elliott Trudeau, PET, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Pierre Canada, Joseph Phillipe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau, Elvis Trudeau or Joseph Philippe Pierre Yves Elliott Trudeau was a Canadian politician, lawyer, professor, author, journalist, jurist, actor, screenwriter and academician. He had four children, Justin Trudeau, Alexandre Trudeau, Michel Trudeau and Sarah Elisabeth Trudeau.
He died caused by prostate cancer.
Pierre Trudeau served as the 15th Prime Minister of Canada for 2 non-consecutive terms, from 1968 to 1979 and from 1980 to 1984, making him one of Canada's longest-serving Prime Ministers. During his tenure, he brought about significant changes in Canadian politics and society, including the adoption of official bilingualism and multiculturalism. He also introduced the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, which cemented fundamental human rights and freedoms for all Canadians in the Constitution.
Trudeau was known for his charismatic personality and progressive policies, which often stirred controversy and public debate. He implemented policies aimed at reducing the power of the wealthy and increasing the autonomy of the federal government. Trudeau also played a significant role on the international stage, representing Canada in various important global events and meetings.
Prior to his political career, Trudeau studied at prestigious universities such as Harvard, the London School of Economics and the Université de Paris. He subsequently worked as a lawyer and then became a professor of law at the University of Montreal, where he was known for his outspoken views on politics and society.
Trudeau's legacy continues to be remembered and honored in Canada, and his distinctive impact on Canadian politics and society is widely recognized. In 2002, he was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame.
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Carmine Coppola
Carmine Coppola (June 11, 1910 New York City-April 26, 1991 Northridge) a.k.a. Carmen Coppola was an American film score composer, conductor, music arranger, flutist, editor, songwriter, composer, musician, actor and music director. He had three children, Francis Ford Coppola, Talia Shire and August Coppola.
Coppola studied at the Manhattan School of Music and later became a member of the NBC Symphony Orchestra. He worked on the music for many of his son Francis Ford Coppola's films, including The Godfather, The Godfather Part II, Apocalypse Now, and The Cotton Club. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Score for The Godfather Part II in 1974. In addition to his work in film, Coppola composed music for the ballet, opera, and theater. He also recorded an album of his own compositions, titled "Carmine Coppola conducts Coppola", which was released in 1980. He passed away in 1991 at the age of 80.
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Art Jarrett
Art Jarrett (July 20, 1907 Brooklyn-July 23, 1987 Los Angeles) also known as Arthur L. Jarrett Jr., Art Jarett, Arthur Jarrett Jr. or Art Jr. was an American singer and actor.
He died as a result of pneumonia.
Jarrett began his career singing with big bands in the 1930s, including the Glen Gray Casa Loma Orchestra and Benny Goodman. He also appeared in films during the 1930s and 1940s, including the musicals "A Damsel in Distress" and "The Gang's All Here." Jarrett is perhaps best known for providing the singing voice for Disney's animated character, Jiminy Cricket in the 1940 film "Pinocchio." He continued to work as a singer throughout his career and also hosted several radio and television shows. In 1960, he was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the entertainment industry.
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Bill McKinney
Bill McKinney (September 12, 1931 Chattanooga-December 1, 2011 Van Nuys) also known as William McKinney, William Denison "Bill" McKinney, Bill or William Denison McKinney was an American singer, actor, arborist and teacher. He had one child, Clinton McKinney.
He died in esophageal cancer.
Bill McKinney was best known for his work as a character actor in Western films, often portraying villains or tough guys. He appeared in films such as "Deliverance", "The Outlaw Josey Wales", and "First Blood". He also had roles in TV shows like "The Twilight Zone" and "Bonanza". In addition to his acting career, McKinney was a certified arborist and taught the subject at Los Angeles Pierce College. He was also an accomplished singer, performing with the gospel group The Song Fellows. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, McKinney remained humble and dedicated to his work as an arborist and teacher.
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Brownie McGhee
Brownie McGhee (November 30, 1915 Knoxville-February 16, 1996 Oakland) also known as Walter "Brownie" McGhee, Walter Brown McGhee, Walter McGhee, Walter Brown ("Brownie") McGhee, Blind Boy Fuller No. 2. or Brownie McGee was an American singer, musician, actor and film score composer.
He died as a result of stomach cancer.
Brownie McGhee was a talented blues guitarist and singer, known for his intricate fingerpicking style and smooth vocals. He gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, performing with other blues legends such as Sonny Terry and Muddy Waters. McGhee also acted in several films and TV shows, including the 1961 movie "Angel Baby" and the 1986 miniseries "Crossings." In addition to his performance career, McGhee also composed music for films, including the soundtrack for the 1988 movie "Above the Law." Throughout his life, McGhee remained dedicated to the blues, even as the genre fell out of mainstream popularity. He was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1996, shortly after his death.
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Ernst Busch
Ernst Busch (January 22, 1900 Kiel-June 8, 1980 Bernburg) otherwise known as Busch, Ernst or Friedrich Wilhelm Ernst Busch was a German singer and actor.
Busch was born in Germany in 1900 and he pursued a career in the arts, both as a singer and an actor. He became famous for his powerful voice and his passionate performances, and he soon became one of the most popular performers of his time. Busch was a committed socialist and he was known for his political activism throughout his career. He fought with the International Brigades during the Spanish Civil War and he was later persecuted by the Nazi regime in Germany. Despite this, Busch continued to perform and to speak out on behalf of his political beliefs. He died in 1980 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential artists of his time.
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Frank Forest
Frank Forest (October 17, 1896 Minneapolis–Saint Paul-December 23, 1976 Santa Monica) also known as Frank Hayek was an American singer and actor.
Forest began his career as a singer in vaudeville before transitioning to acting in films in the 1920s. He appeared in over 70 films throughout his career, including roles in classics such as "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz". Forest was also known for his work in Westerns, often playing the villainous roles. In addition to his film career, Forest was also a successful singer and recorded several popular songs throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He was married to actress Mary Brian from 1930 to 1945.
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Marlon Brando
Marlon Brando (April 3, 1924 Omaha-July 1, 2004 Westwood) otherwise known as Marlon Brando, Jr., Bud, Mr. Mumbles or Marlon Brando Jr. was an American actor. He had 15 children, Christian Brando, Cheyenne Brando, Stephen Blackehart, Maimiti Brando, Ninna Priscilla Brando, Timothy Gahan Brando, Rebecca Brando, Myles Jonathan Brando, Dylan Brando, Simon Teihotu Brando, Miko Castaneda Brando, Raiatua Brando, Angelique Brando, Michael Gilman and Petra Brando-Corval.
He died in respiratory failure.
Marlon Brando is widely considered to be one of the greatest actors of all time. He rose to prominence in the 1950s with his performances in films such as "A Streetcar Named Desire", for which he received his first Academy Award nomination, and "On the Waterfront", for which he won his first Academy Award for Best Actor. Brando's unique and naturalistic acting style, which challenged traditional techniques, revolutionized the craft of acting and influenced generations of actors.
Aside from his acting career, Brando was also known for his political activism and social causes. He was an early supporter of the American Indian Movement and opposed the Vietnam War. Brando refused to accept his Best Actor Oscar for "The Godfather" in 1973 as a form of protest against the treatment of Native Americans in the film industry.
Brando's personal life was marked by numerous scandals and controversies, including his multiple marriages and affairs, allegations of violence and abuse, and the tragic death of his daughter Cheyenne in 1995. Despite his many flaws, Marlon Brando remains one of the most influential and enduring figures in the history of cinema.
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Bobby Troup
Bobby Troup (October 18, 1918 Harrisburg-February 7, 1999 Sherman Oaks) otherwise known as Bobby Troupe, Bob Troup, Jr. Robert Wesley Troup, Robert William Troup Jnr., Robert W. Troup Jr., Bobby Troup Jr. or Robert Wesley Troup Jr. was an American actor, jazz pianist, songwriter and film score composer. His children are Ronne Troup, Kelly Troup, Cynnie Troup, Jody Troup and Reese Troup.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Bobby Troup was born in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and grew up in Harrisburg and later in Lancaster, where he learned to play the piano. He attended The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, but dropped out to pursue a career in music. He began his career as a songwriter in the 1940s and wrote several hits, including "Daddy", which was recorded by Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra.
Troup later moved to California and became a member of the West Coast jazz scene, playing with the likes of Charlie Parker and Dexter Gordon. He also formed his own trio and recorded several albums. Troup's most famous song is "Route 66", which was recorded by Nat King Cole and later covered by many other artists.
In addition to his music career, Troup appeared in several films and TV shows, including "Emergency!" and "The 10th Victim". He was married to actress and singer Julie London for 11 years, and the two performed together on several occasions.
Troup died in Sherman Oaks, California in 1999 at the age of 80. He was survived by his five children and his wife, songwriter and producer Cynthia Hare.
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John Fiedler
John Fiedler (February 3, 1925 Platteville-June 25, 2005 Englewood) a.k.a. John Donald Fiedler or Johnny Fiedler was an American voice actor and actor.
He died caused by cancer.
Fiedler was best known for his role as the neurotic and high-pitched voice character, Piglet in Disney's Winnie the Pooh franchise. He was also a regular on the television show The Bob Newhart Show, where he played the character of Mr. Peterson. Fiedler had a successful career as a character actor in film, television, and theater, appearing in over 100 films and several Broadway productions. He was also a talented stage actor and co-founder of the Compass Players, which later became The Second City. Outside of acting, Fiedler was very active in the gay rights movement and used his platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in the entertainment industry. His contribution to the world of entertainment and his activism continue to be celebrated today.
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Udo Jürgens
Udo Jürgens (September 30, 1934 Klagenfurt-December 21, 2014) also known as Udo Jurgen Bockelmann, Udo Jurgens, Udo Juergens, Udo Jürgen Bockelmann or Jürgens, Udo was an Austrian singer, film score composer, actor, musician and composer. He had four children, Jenny Jürgens, John Jürgens, Gloria Burda and Sonja Jürgens.
Throughout his career, Udo Jürgens sold over 100 million records and had 50 Top 10 hits in Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. He represented Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1964 with his song "Warum nur, warum?" and won with "Merci, Chérie" in 1966. In addition to his music career, Jürgens also composed film scores for over a dozen movies and acted in several Austrian and German films. He was a beloved figure in the German-speaking world and received numerous awards, including the Bambi and the Golden Camera. After his death in 2014, the Udo Jürgens Memorial was unveiled in Vienna, and his music continues to be celebrated and performed by fans around the world.
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Bobby Short
Bobby Short (September 15, 1924 Danville-March 21, 2005 New York City) a.k.a. Robert Waltrip Short, Short, Bobby or Robert Waltrip "Bobby" Short was an American singer, jazz pianist, pianist and actor. His child is called Ronald Bell.
He died caused by leukemia.
Bobby Short was a renowned cabaret performer and one of the leading interpreters of the Great American Songbook. He began his music career at an early age and initially performed in regional nightclubs. In 1968, he started a residency at the Cafe Carlyle in New York City, which continued for over three decades and became a highlight of the city's social scene. He also appeared in numerous films and television shows, including "September" and "Broadway Danny Rose". Despite suffering from leukemia towards the end of his life, he continued to perform and record music, cementing his status as a beloved icon of the American music scene.
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Buck Clayton
Buck Clayton (November 12, 1911 Parsons-December 8, 1991 New York City) also known as Clayton, Buck, Wilbur Dorsey Clayton or Cat Eye was an American trumpeter, actor and music arranger.
He is best known for his work in the swing era with the Count Basie Orchestra and his collaborations with other jazz legends such as Billie Holiday and Coleman Hawkins. Clayton was a leading figure in the Kansas City jazz scene and played with several other prominent jazz bands such as the Benny Goodman Orchestra and his own Buck Clayton Big Band. In addition to his music career, Clayton appeared in several films including "New Orleans" and "The Benny Goodman Story". He was known for his distinctive sound, which incorporated bluesy, soulful tones and complex improvisation. Clayton's contributions to the world of jazz was recognized with several awards, including induction into the Down Beat Jazz Hall of Fame in 1991.
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Glen Tetley
Glen Tetley (February 3, 1926 Cleveland-January 26, 2007 West Palm Beach) also known as Glenford Andrew Tetley, Jr. was an American dancer, choreographer and actor.
He died in skin cancer.
Glen Tetley began his career as a dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company in the 1950s. He later became a choreographer and created works for notable companies such as the Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre, and Stuttgart Ballet. Tetley was known for his innovative and athletic choreography which often blended elements of classical ballet with modern dance. He was also a sought-after teacher, and held positions at various dance institutions including the Juilliard School and the Dutch National Ballet Academy. In addition to his work in dance, Tetley also appeared as an actor in several films, including "The Turning Point" and "The Appointment".
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Stewart Granger
Stewart Granger (May 6, 1913 London-August 16, 1993 Santa Monica) a.k.a. James Lablanche Stewart, Jimmy or James Lablache Stewart was a British actor. He had four children, Tracy Granger, Lindsey Granger, Samantha Granger and Jamie Granger.
He died caused by prostate cancer.
Stewart Granger was born in London, England, and grew up in a military family. He attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his acting career in the 1930s, quickly establishing himself as a suave leading man in British films. During World War II, he served in the British Army and was later awarded the Military Cross for his bravery in combat.
In the 1950s, Granger relocated to Hollywood and continued his successful acting career, earning critical acclaim for his roles in films like "King Solomon's Mines" and "Scaramouche." He also made a successful transition to television, appearing in several popular series throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
Granger was known for his dashing good looks and gentlemanly demeanor both on and off screen, earning him legions of fans around the world. Despite his success, he was notoriously private and rarely gave interviews or spoke about his personal life.
In addition to his career in entertainment, Granger was a passionate horseman and owned several ranches throughout his life. He also supported a number of charities and was involved in various philanthropic causes.
Granger passed away in 1993 at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most enduring leading men.
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Emmett Kelly
Emmett Kelly (December 9, 1898 Sedan-March 28, 1979 Sarasota) a.k.a. Emmett Leo Kelly was an American clown and actor. He had one child, Emmett Kelly, Jr..
He died in myocardial infarction.
Emmett Kelly was best known for his character "Weary Willie," a downtrodden circus clown with a distinctive look, consisting of an oversized hat and mismatched clothing. He began performing as a clown in the 1920s, working for various circuses and eventually joining the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1942.
In addition to his circus work, Kelly also appeared in several films, including "The Greatest Show on Earth" and "The Clown." He was also a frequent guest on television shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and "The Red Skelton Hour."
While Kelly was primarily known for his comedic performances, he also had a serious side, and was known to give lectures on the history of clowns and the art of clowning.
Today, Emmett Kelly is remembered as one of the most iconic clowns in American history, and his influence can still be seen in the work of contemporary clowns and performers.
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Ralph Richardson
Ralph Richardson (December 19, 1902 Cheltenham-October 10, 1983 Marylebone) otherwise known as Ralph David Richardson, Lt. Cmdr Ralph Richardson RNVR, Sir Ralph David Richardson, "Pranger" Richardson, Sir Ralph David Richardson, Kt or Sir Ralph Richardson was a British actor. His child is called Charles David Richardson.
He died caused by stroke.
Ralph Richardson had a distinguished career in theater, film, and television. He was a founding member of the Old Vic company, and his acclaimed stage performances included roles in Shakespeare's plays, as well as works by Chekhov, Ibsen, and Shaw. He received several awards for his stage work, including a Tony Award.
In film, Richardson was a regular collaborator with director David Lean, appearing in several of his films including "The Sound Barrier," "Breaking the Sound Barrier," and "Doctor Zhivago." He also acted in classics such as "The Fallen Idol," "Richard III," and "Long Day's Journey into Night."
Richardson was knighted in 1947 and also received the Order of Merit, one of Britain's highest honors, in 1972. He was known for his distinctive voice and his ability to convey depth of character on stage and screen. Despite suffering a stroke in 1983, Richardson continued to work until his death later that year.
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Don DeFore
Don DeFore (August 25, 1913 Cedar Rapids-December 22, 1993 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Donald John DeFore or Dude was an American actor. His children are Penny DeFore, David DeFore, Dawn DeFore, Ronnie DeFore and Amy N. DeFore.
He died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Don DeFore was best known for his roles in numerous popular movies and TV shows during the 1940s to the 1960s. He played supporting roles in classic movies such as "The Male Animal", "The Affairs of Dobie Gillis", and "Too Young to Kiss". In the early 1950s, he appeared on the TV series "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" as neighbor 'Thorny' Thornberry, a role which he reprised in several other TV series.
In 1958, DeFore was cast in the lead role of George Baxter in the TV series "Hazel", which ran for five seasons. He also made guest appearances in popular TV shows such as "The Twilight Zone", "Alfred Hitchcock Presents", and "Perry Mason".
Aside from acting, DeFore was known for his philanthropic work, including his involvement with the United Cerebral Palsy Association and the Muscular Dystrophy Association. He also served as president of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences from 1967 to 1970.
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