Famous actors died as a result of Aviation accident or incident
Here are 24 famous actors from the world died in Aviation accident or incident:
Leslie Howard
Leslie Howard (April 3, 1893 Forest Hill, London-June 1, 1943 Bay of Biscay) a.k.a. Leslie Howard Steiner, Leslie Howard Stainer or A Passer-By was an English actor, film producer, film director, soldier and white-collar worker. His children are called Ronald Howard and Leslie Ruth Dale-Harris.
Leslie Howard began his career as a stage actor in London's West End before transitioning to Hollywood films in the 1930s. He is best known for his roles in "Gone with the Wind" (1939) and "The Scarlet Pimpernel" (1934). In addition to acting, Howard also worked behind the scenes as a film producer and director. During World War II, he put his career on hold and enlisted in the British Army. In 1943, he was killed when the plane he was traveling on was shot down by the German Luftwaffe over the Bay of Biscay. His death was widely mourned, and he is remembered as a talented and versatile actor.
Read more about Leslie Howard on Wikipedia »
John F. Kennedy Jr.
John F. Kennedy Jr. (November 25, 1960 Washington, D.C.-July 16, 1999 Atlantic Ocean) also known as John Fitzgerald Kennedy Jr., JFK Jr., John-John, John F. Kennedy Jr., John Fitzgerald Kennedy, Jr, John Jr., Lark, Junior or John F. Kennedy, Jr. was an American lawyer, businessperson, writer, journalist, pilot and actor.
He was the son of John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Kennedy Jr. graduated from Brown University in 1983 with a degree in American Studies. He then attended New York University School of Law and passed the bar exam in 1990.
Kennedy Jr. co-founded George magazine in 1995, a publication that focused on politics and popular culture. He also wrote for several publications including The New York Times, George, and People.
Along with his professional endeavors, Kennedy Jr. was also a skilled pilot and had obtained his license in 1998. Unfortunately, he tragically died in a plane crash on July 16, 1999, along with his wife and sister-in-law.
Read more about John F. Kennedy Jr. on Wikipedia »
Jim Croce
Jim Croce (January 10, 1943 South Philadelphia-September 20, 1973 Natchitoches) also known as Jim Groce, Jim Croche, James Joseph Croce or Croce, Jim was an American singer, singer-songwriter, actor and musician. His child is called A. J. Croce.
He gained popularity in the late 1960s and early 1970s with hit songs such as "Time in a Bottle," "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown," and "Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels)." Croce's music was influenced by a variety of genres, including folk, rock, and blues. He was known for his storytelling in his lyrics and his intricate guitar playing.
In addition to his music career, Croce also acted in a few films and television shows. He appeared in the 1973 film "We're an American Band" and the television shows "I Got a Name" and "The Midnight Special."
Unfortunately, Croce's life and career were cut short when he died in a plane crash at the age of 30. Despite his short time in the spotlight, his music has continued to influence and inspire generations of musicians.
Read more about Jim Croce on Wikipedia »
Carlos Gardel
Carlos Gardel (December 11, 1890 Toulouse-June 24, 1935 Medellín) also known as Calros Gardel, Gardel, Carlos, Charles Romuald Gardes, Carlitos, El Zorzal, The King of Tango, El Mago, El Morocho del Abasto, El Mudo or El francesito was an Argentine singer, singer-songwriter, film score composer and actor.
Gardel was considered one of the most prominent figures in the history of tango and is credited with popularizing the genre on an international level. He recorded over 700 songs during his career, many of which are now considered classics of the genre. He also starred in several films, including "Cuesta Abajo" and "El Dia Que Me Quieras," both of which were hugely successful in Argentina and helped to cement his status as a beloved icon in his home country. Despite his fame and success, Gardel's life was cut tragically short when he died in a plane crash in Medellín, Colombia in 1935 at the age of 44. He continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest tango performers of all time, and his influence can still be seen in the music of contemporary tango artists.
Read more about Carlos Gardel on Wikipedia »
Audie Murphy
Audie Murphy (June 20, 1925 Kingston-May 28, 1971 Catawba) also known as Audie Leon Murphy, Audie L. Murphy or Sgt. Audie Murphy was an American actor, soldier and songwriter. He had two children, Terrance Michael Murphy and James Shannon Murphy.
Murphy was one of the most decorated American soldiers of World War II, having received every military combat award for valor available from the U.S. Army, as well as French and Belgian awards for heroism. He served in the European Theater of Operations and was credited with killing over 240 German soldiers and capturing many others during his service. After the war, Murphy became a Hollywood movie star, starring in 44 films. He also wrote several songs and published his autobiography, "To Hell and Back," which became a best-seller. Despite his fame, Murphy suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and struggled with addiction. He died at the age of 46 in a plane crash while on a business trip.
Read more about Audie Murphy on Wikipedia »
Pablo Santos
Pablo Santos (January 9, 1987 Monterrey-September 15, 2006 Toluca) also known as Pablo Alberto Santos Williams or Pabs was a Mexican actor.
He was best known for his role as Cristóbal in the telenovela series "Rebelde". Santos began his acting career in 2005 with a small role in the television series "Mujer, Casos de la Vida Real". He then went on to work in various telenovelas such as "La Verdad Oculta" and "Contra Viento y Marea". Santos's acting skills garnered him critical acclaim in the Mexican television industry. However, his life was cut short when he was killed in a car accident at the age of 19 in Toluca, Mexico in 2006. Santos is still remembered as a talented actor whose promising career was tragically cut short.
Read more about Pablo Santos on Wikipedia »
Robert Francis
Robert Francis (February 26, 1930 Glendale-July 31, 1955 Burbank) otherwise known as Robert Francis or Robert Charles Francis was an American actor.
Born in Glendale, California in 1930, Robert Francis was the son of a wealthy wine dealer. He studied at the University of California, Los Angeles and joined the Navy in 1951. After his military service, Francis began his acting career in 1955 with a role in the film "The Caine Mutiny". His performance in the film earned him critical acclaim and he was signed to a long-term contract with Columbia Pictures. However, just months after the release of "The Caine Mutiny", Francis tragically died in a plane crash in Burbank, California at the young age of 25. Despite his brief career, Francis is remembered as a promising young talent and a rising star in Hollywood.
Read more about Robert Francis on Wikipedia »
Erik Strandmark
Erik Strandmark (September 14, 1919 Storvik-January 5, 1963 Trinidad) a.k.a. Eric Strandmark was a Swedish actor, film director and screenwriter. He had two children, Katarina Strandmark and Erika Strandmark.
Strandmark's acting career began in the 1940s, and he went on to appear in more than 30 films. He was also a prolific filmmaker, directing and writing scripts for several Swedish films, including "Lärarinna på vift" and "Kvinnan som försvann". Strandmark was known for his versatility as an actor, often playing a wide range of characters, from serious dramatic roles to more comedic parts. In addition to his work in films, Strandmark also appeared on stage and was a regular on Swedish television during the 1950s and 60s. His life was tragically cut short when he drowned in a swimming accident while on vacation in Trinidad. Despite his relatively short career, Strandmark is remembered as a talented and important figure in Swedish film history.
Read more about Erik Strandmark on Wikipedia »
Peter Tomarken
Peter Tomarken (December 7, 1942 Olean-March 13, 2006 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Peter David Tomarken was an American game show host, pilot and actor. He had three children, Jason Tomarken, Candace Tomarken and Alexis Tomarken.
Tomarken was best known for hosting the hit game show "Press Your Luck" from 1983 to 1986. During his career, he also hosted other game shows such as "Bargain Hunters" and "Wipeout". Prior to his career in hosting game shows, Tomarken worked as a disc jockey and radio announcer.
Aside from his career in entertainment, Tomarken was also a dedicated pilot. He often volunteered his time and resources for Angel Flight West, an organization that provides free air transportation for people in need of medical treatment. Tragically, Tomarken and his wife were killed in a plane crash in 2006 while on a volunteer mission for Angel Flight West. His legacy continues to live on through the Peter Tomarken Memorial Fund, which supports charitable aviation organizations.
Read more about Peter Tomarken on Wikipedia »
Pedro Infante
Pedro Infante (November 18, 1917 Mazatlán-April 15, 1957 Mérida) a.k.a. Infante, Pedro, Pedro Infante Cruz or Idolo de Guamúchil was a Mexican singer and actor. He had six children, Pedro Infante Jr., Cruz Infante, Lupita Infante, Graciela Margarita, Guadalupe Infante Torrentera and Irma Infante.
Infante began his career in the arts by singing in bars and restaurants in the 1930s, before landing a contract with a local radio station. He soon transformed into one of the most renowned stars in Mexican cinema, acting in over 60 films, and became known as a symbol of traditional Mexican masculinity. Infante also recorded over 350 songs, ranging from rancheras to boleros and was a popular radio and television host.
Despite his fame, Infante maintained his down-to-earth persona and became known as a beloved national icon. Tragically, his life was cut short at the age of 39, when he died in a plane crash while piloting a small aircraft in Yucatán, Mexico. His death sparked widespread mourning across Mexico, and his legacy as a cultural icon remains strong to this day.
Read more about Pedro Infante on Wikipedia »
Ricky Nelson
Ricky Nelson (May 8, 1940 Teaneck-December 31, 1985 De Kalb) a.k.a. Rick Nelson, Eric Hilliard Nelson, Eric 'Ricky' Nelson, Ricky, Eric, Eric Nelson Hilard, Eric Hilliard "Ricky" Nelson, Eric Hilliard (Ricky) Nelson, Eric Hilliard "Rick (y)" Nelson, Eric Hillyard Nelson, Eric Hilliard Rick "Ricky" Nelson, Rick "Ricky" Nelson, Richard Eric Hilliard "Ricky" Nelson, Eric Hilliard Nelson George, Rick. Nelson. or Rickie Nelson was an American singer, musician, actor, songwriter and singer-songwriter. He had five children, Tracy Nelson, Matthew Nelson, Gunnar Nelson, Sam Nelson and Eric Jude Crewe.
Ricky Nelson was born into a musical family, as his parents were popular entertainers Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. He began his music career at a very young age and gained popularity as a teen idol in the 1950s. He had a string of hit singles, including "Poor Little Fool," "Travelin' Man," and "Hello Mary Lou." Apart from music, Nelson also acted in various TV shows and movies, including "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" and "Rio Bravo" alongside John Wayne. He continued to perform and record music until his untimely death in a plane crash at the age of 45. Nelson's music and legacy inspired countless artists and he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Read more about Ricky Nelson on Wikipedia »
Harry Sweet
Harry Sweet (November 27, 2014 Colorado-June 18, 1933 Big Bear Lake) was an American film director, actor, writer and screenwriter.
Harry Sweet was born in Colorado in 1864. He began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor before transitioning to directing and screenwriting. He worked on over 100 films throughout his career, including popular Western films such as "The Covered Wagon" and "The Iron Horse." In addition to his work in film, Sweet was also a prolific writer, penning scripts for several popular stage productions. Despite his success in Hollywood, Sweet eventually retired from the entertainment industry in the early 1930s and lived out the remainder of his life in Big Bear Lake, California.
Read more about Harry Sweet on Wikipedia »
William Hauber
William Hauber (May 20, 1891 Brownsville-July 17, 1929 California) also known as William C. Hauber, W.C. Hauber or Bill Hauber was an American actor and stunt performer.
Hauber began his career in the early days of Hollywood as a stunt performer, but quickly transitioned into acting. He appeared in many silent films, including comedies with Laurel and Hardy and Buster Keaton. Hauber also worked as a director and producer, playing a key role in the development of many animated cartoons.
In 1928, Hauber joined the fledgling Walt Disney Studios, where he served as a director and animator on some of the studio's earliest projects. He worked closely with Disney himself, helping to create some of the studio's most iconic characters, including Mickey Mouse and Pluto.
Unfortunately, Hauber's promising career was cut short when he suddenly died of a heart attack in 1929, at the age of just 38. Despite his relatively short career, he left an indelible mark on the history of film and animation, and is remembered today as one of the pioneers of the art form.
Read more about William Hauber on Wikipedia »
John Denver
John Denver (December 31, 1943 Roswell-October 12, 1997 Pacific Ocean) also known as Denver, John, John Dennver, Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr., H.J. Deutschendorf, Jr. or Henry John Deutschendorf Jr. was an American songwriter, singer, poet, musician, writer, singer-songwriter, actor, guitarist, social activist, pilot, composer, lyricist and record producer. He had three children, Jesse Belle Deutschendorf, Zachary John Denver and Anna Kate Denver.
John Denver started his music career in the 1960s as a member of the Mitchell Trio. Later, he embarked on a successful solo career, earning numerous awards throughout his lifetime. Some of his most famous hits include "Take Me Home, Country Roads," "Annie's Song" and "Rocky Mountain High."
In addition to his music career, Denver was an environmental and humanitarian activist. He was one of the founders of the charitable organization Plant-It 2020, which aimed to plant, conserve and promote the growth of trees worldwide. Denver was also appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the President's Commission on World Hunger, highlighting his dedication to social causes.
Tragically, Denver died in a plane crash in 1997 while piloting his own small aircraft. However, his legacy as a prolific musician and activist continues to live on through his music and charitable works.
Read more about John Denver on Wikipedia »
Bobby Hutchins
Bobby Hutchins (March 29, 1925 Tacoma-May 17, 1945 Merced) a.k.a. Robert E. Hutchins, Robert E. "Bobby" Hutchins, Our Gang, Wheezer or Bobby "Wheezer" Hutchins was an American actor and child actor.
Hutchins began his acting career at the age of four and quickly rose to fame as one of the original members of the Our Gang comedy series. He played the character of Wheezer, a mischievous but lovable young boy, and appeared in over 50 film shorts during his time with the series.
After leaving Our Gang in 1933, Hutchins continued to act in films and on television, often playing supporting roles or bit parts. He also served in the United States Army during World War II, but tragically lost his life in a plane crash in 1945, just months before the war ended.
Despite his short life, Hutchins left a lasting impression on audiences with his comedic timing and charm. He has been recognized as one of the most memorable child actors of the early Hollywood era.
Read more about Bobby Hutchins on Wikipedia »
Will Rogers
Will Rogers (November 4, 1879 Oologah-August 15, 1935 Point Barrow) a.k.a. William Penn Adair Rogers, Bill or Oklahoma's Favorite Son was an American comedian, actor and screenwriter. He had four children, Will Rogers, Jr., Fred Rogers, Mary Rogers and Jimmy Rogers.
Will Rogers was born on a ranch in Oklahoma and started his career as a cowboy, performing in Wild West shows. He later became a vaudeville performer, known for his humorous anecdotes about current events and politics. In addition to his live performances, Rogers also appeared in more than 70 films, including "Doubting Thomas," "A Connecticut Yankee," and "Judge Priest." He often played the role of a wise-cracking and likable character who used his wit to comment on social issues. Rogers was widely regarded as one of the most popular and influential comedians of his time. He tragically died in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935, along with renowned aviator Wiley Post.
Read more about Will Rogers on Wikipedia »
Kyu Sakamoto
Kyu Sakamoto (December 10, 1941 Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki-August 12, 1985 Ueno) also known as Kuy Sakamoto, Sakamoto, Kyu, Kyû Sakamoto, Hisashi Oshima, Hisashi Sakamoto, Kyu-chan or Sakamoto Kyū was a Japanese singer, songwriter, actor and tv personality. He had two children, Hanako Oshima and Yukiko Maisaka.
Sakamoto is best known for his hit song "Sukiyaki", which topped the charts in multiple countries including the United States in 1963. The song was originally titled "Ue o Muite Arukou" (I look up as I walk) in Japan, but was renamed by the record label for its international release.
Prior to his success as a singer, Sakamoto worked as a radio DJ and appeared in various television dramas and films. He also formed a band called The Drifters, named after the American group of the same name.
Tragically, Sakamoto passed away at the age of 43 in the crash of Japan Airlines Flight 123, which remains the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history. Despite his untimely death, he left a lasting impact on the Japanese music industry and his music continues to be celebrated today.
Read more about Kyu Sakamoto on Wikipedia »
Dean Paul Martin
Dean Paul Martin (November 17, 1951 Santa Monica-March 21, 1987 San Gorgonio Mountain) also known as Dino Martin Jr, Dean Paul Martin, Jr, Dino, Dean-Paul Martin, Dean Martin Jr., Dino Martin Jr., Desi and Billy Dino or Dino Martin was an American singer, actor, tennis player, fighter pilot and military officer. He had one child, Alexander Martin.
Dean Paul Martin was the son of famous entertainer Dean Martin and his first wife, Betty McDonald. He followed in his father's footsteps in show business, starting his career as a member of the singing group Dino, Desi & Billy. The group had several hits in the 1960s, including "I'm a Fool" and "Not the Lovin' Kind."
In addition to his work in music, Dean Paul Martin also appeared on television and in films. He had roles on popular shows like "The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries" and "Misfits of Science," as well as in movies like "The Cannonball Run" and "Gypsy Angels."
Outside of entertainment, Dean Paul Martin also had a successful career in the military. He joined the California Air National Guard and later the United States Air Force. He rose to the rank of captain and flew F-4 Phantom jets, even serving in the 601st Tactical Control Wing during the Vietnam War.
Tragically, Dean Paul Martin died in 1987 at the age of 35 in a plane crash on San Gorgonio Mountain. He was piloting a Navy F-4 Phantom fighter jet on a routine training mission when the accident occured. He is survived by his son, Alexander Martin.
Read more about Dean Paul Martin on Wikipedia »
Janusz Zakrzeński
Janusz Zakrzeński (March 8, 1936 Przededworze-April 10, 2010 Smolensk) also known as Janusz Zakrzenski was a Polish actor. He had one child, Marcin Zakrzeński.
Zakrzeński was a graduate of the National Higher School of Theatre in Warsaw, Poland. He began his acting career in the 1950s and became a popular figure in Polish theatre and film. He was known for his roles in films such as "Man of Marble" and "Man of Iron," both directed by Andrzej Wajda.
Besides acting, Zakrzeński was also a voice-over artist and dubbed foreign films to Polish language. He also lent his voice to many animated films including the Polish version of Disney's "The Little Mermaid."
Zakrzeński was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to Polish cinema and theater. In 1996, he was awarded the Gloria Artis Medal for Merit to Culture. He died tragically in the 2010 Polish Air Force Tu-154 crash, along with many other prominent Polish figures, including President Lech Kaczyński.
Read more about Janusz Zakrzeński on Wikipedia »
Kent Rogers
Kent Rogers (July 31, 1923 Virginia Beach-July 9, 1944 Pensacola) also known as Kent Byron Rogers was an American actor, impressionist and voice actor.
He began his career in the entertainment industry by performing stand-up comedy and impressions in nightclubs. In the early 1940s, he transitioned into voice acting, making his debut in the animated short "The Man from the Rio Grande" (1943). He went on to provide the voice of various characters for several popular cartoons, such as Woody Woodpecker and Bugs Bunny.
In addition to his voice acting work, Rogers appeared in a handful of live-action films, including "The Adventures of Mark Twain" (1944) and "Bataan" (1943), where he played minor roles.
Unfortunately, Rogers' promising career was cut short when he was killed in a plane crash while serving in the United States Navy during World War II. He was only 20 years old at the time of his death. Despite his brief career, Rogers' talent as a voice actor and comedic performer influenced many who worked in the industry after him.
Read more about Kent Rogers on Wikipedia »
Bruce Yarnell
Bruce Yarnell (December 28, 1935 Los Angeles-November 30, 1973 Los Angeles) was an American actor.
He was best known for his roles in various Broadway musicals such as "The Sound of Music", "Gypsy", and "Candide". Yarnell also appeared on television shows such as "Rawhide", "The Twilight Zone", and "Hogan's Heroes". He was a frequent guest on game shows including "Password" and "Hollywood Squares". In addition to his acting career, Yarnell was also a well-known baritone and released a few albums showcasing his singing talents. Unfortunately, his promising career was cut short when he died in a fire at the age of 37.
Read more about Bruce Yarnell on Wikipedia »
Terry Forrestal
Terry Forrestal (May 13, 1948 Chesterfield-June 10, 2000 Lysefjord) also known as Terrence Philip Julian Forrestal or Terry Forestal was an English actor and stunt performer.
He began his career in the entertainment industry as an actor in the early 1970s, making appearances in popular television shows and films such as "The Sweeney" and "The Spy Who Loved Me." However, he eventually transitioned into stunt performing and became well-known for his death-defying stunts in action movies like "Rambo III" and "Highlander."
Forrestal was known for his fearlessness and his ability to perform stunts that others deemed impossible. Unfortunately, his career came to a tragic end in 2000 when he fell to his death during a stunt on the set of the film "Cliffhanger." Despite the risks involved in his profession, Forrestal remained passionate about his work until the very end and left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
Read more about Terry Forrestal on Wikipedia »
Frederick Stafford
Frederick Stafford (March 11, 1928 Czechoslovakia-July 28, 1979 Lugano) also known as Frederick Stanford or Friedrich Strobel von Stein was a Czechoslovakian actor. His child is called Roderick Stafford.
Frederick Stafford was best known for his work in spy films, particularly his role as Agent OSS 117 in the French film series of the same name. Prior to his acting career, Stafford served as a fighter pilot in the Czech Air Force and later in the British Royal Air Force. After his film career ended in the 1970s, Stafford worked as a real estate agent in Switzerland. He died in 1979 at the age of 51 due to a heart attack while playing tennis. In addition to his son Roderick, Stafford had two daughters, Caroline and Olivia.
Read more about Frederick Stafford on Wikipedia »
Jimmy Leeward
Jimmy Leeward (October 21, 1936 Brackenridge-September 16, 2011 Reno) also known as James Leeward, James K. Leeward or James Kent Leeward was an American pilot, real estate development, actor and stunt performer.
One of Leeward's notable achievements as a pilot was his participation in air races, particularly at the Reno Air Races where he set several speed records. Leeward was also a certified flight instructor and owned and operated the Leeward Air Ranch in Florida where he provided flight training and rental services. In addition to his career in aviation, Leeward was involved in real estate development in Florida and acted in several movies and television shows as a stunt performer. Unfortunately, Leeward died in a tragic accident during a race at the Reno Air Races in 2011, when his modified P-51 Mustang crashed into the grandstand, killing him and 10 spectators.
Read more about Jimmy Leeward on Wikipedia »