Famous movie actresses born in the year 1920
Here are 50 famous actresses from the world were born in 1920:
Melina Mercouri
Melina Mercouri (October 18, 1920 Athens-March 6, 1994 New York City) also known as Μελίνα Μερκούρη, Maria Amalia Mercouri, Mercouri, Melina, Melina Mercury, The last Greek Goddess or Merkouri, Melina was a Greek politician, actor and singer.
Growing up in Athens, Melina Mercouri initially studied at the National Theatre’s Drama School, where she began her acting career in the 1940s. She quickly rose to fame in Greece, starring in a variety of films including “Never on Sunday” which earned her a Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1960. Mercouri also released numerous albums of Greek music and became a beloved figure across the country.
In the 1960s, Melina Mercouri became involved in politics and activism. She was a vocal opponent of the Greek junta that ruled the country from 1967-1974, and was subsequently exiled. During her years of exile, she took her activism to the world stage, advocating for democracy and human rights in various international forums. After the fall of the junta, she returned to Greece and served as Minister of Culture from 1981-1989, where she oversaw major cultural projects and helped preserve Greece’s heritage.
Melina Mercouri remained an influential and iconic figure in Greece and beyond until her death in 1994. She is remembered as a talented performer, a passionate advocate for democracy, and a proud champion of her Greek heritage.
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Frances Heflin
Frances Heflin (September 20, 1920 Oklahoma City-June 1, 1994 New York City) a.k.a. Mary Frances Heflin or Fra was an American actor. She had four children, Jonathan Kaplan, Nora Heflin, Mady Kaplan and Marta Heflin.
Heflin began her career in New York City theater, where she acted in various productions including "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "The Glass Menagerie". She later transitioned successfully to television and film, where she appeared in popular shows such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The Fugitive". In 1963, she received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Laura Wingfield in the Broadway revival of "The Glass Menagerie". Heflin was also a revered acting teacher, and taught at Oxford University and The Actors Studio. She passed away in 1994 due to heart failure.
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Yoshiko Yamaguchi
Yoshiko Yamaguchi (February 12, 1920 Fushun-September 7, 2014 Tokyo) also known as Yoshiko Yomaguchi, Li Xianglan, Xianglan Li, Yoshiko Yamaguchi, Li Hsiang-lan, Ri Kôran, Li Xiang Lan, Hsiang-lan Li, Ōtaka Yoshiko, Shirley Yamaguchi, Ri Koran, The Judy Garland of Japan, 李香兰, Lǐ Xīanglán, Pan Shuhua, Li Hsiang Lan, 李香蘭, Ri Ko Ran, 山口淑子, Li Xiang-Ian, Li Xiang -Ian, Li, Xiang Lan, Yoshiko Otaka, Yoshiko ‘Shirley’ Yamaguchi or Rikoran was a Japanese politician, singer, actor and presenter.
Born in Manchuria to Chinese parents, Yamaguchi began her career in Shanghai as a singer and actress in the 1930s. She became hugely popular and was known for singing in both Mandarin and Japanese. In the 1940s, she was discovered by a Japanese film company and moved to Japan, where she became one of the most famous actresses of her time.
Despite her success in Japan, Yamaguchi faced controversy due to her nationality and was forced to retire briefly from the entertainment industry. However, she made a comeback and went on to serve as a member of parliament, becoming the first woman to be elected to Japan's upper house. She also worked to improve relations between Japan and China and was recognized for her humanitarian efforts.
Throughout her life, Yamaguchi remained a beloved figure in both China and Japan. She passed away in Tokyo in 2014 at the age of 94.
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Barbara Britton
Barbara Britton (September 26, 1920 Long Beach-January 17, 1980 New York City) also known as Barbara Brantingham was an American actor. Her children are called Christina Britton and Thedore Britton.
Barbara Britton started her career as a model before turning to acting in the 1940s. She made her film debut in "Secrets of a Co-Ed" (1942) and gained prominence for her roles in westerns such as "The Virginian" (1946), "Whispering Smith" (1948), and "The Cimarron Kid" (1952). Britton also appeared in a number of television series such as "Dragnet," "Perry Mason," and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."
In addition to her acting career, Barbara Britton was also a philanthropist and actively supported various charities. She was married to Dr. Eugene Czukor, a prominent New York City neurosurgeon, until his death in 1969. Britton passed away in 1980 at the age of 59 due to a heart attack.
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Dorothy Abbott
Dorothy Abbott (December 16, 1920 Kansas City-December 15, 1968 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Dorothy E. Abbott or Dorothy E. Diaz was an American actor.
Abbott began her career in the entertainment industry as a dancer before transitioning to acting. She made her Broadway debut in "Cabin in the Sky" and went on to appear in several films such as "The Lost Moment" and "Borderline". Abbott was particularly well-known for her work in black cinema, appearing in films like "Miracle in Harlem" and "Murder with Music". She was often typecast as a sidekick or best friend character due to her race, but was praised for her natural acting abilities. Sadly, Abbott's life was cut short when she died from cancer at the age of 47, just one day shy of her 48th birthday. Despite her relatively short acting career, she made a significant impact on the film industry as one of the few African American actresses of her time.
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Irene Dailey
Irene Dailey (September 12, 1920 New York City-September 24, 2008 Santa Rosa) was an American actor.
Dailey started her career in theater, appearing in productions both on and off-Broadway. She made her film debut in 1951 in "The Mob" and went on to appear in many other films, including "The Right Stuff" and "The Amityville Horror."
However, Dailey was perhaps best known for her work on television. She appeared in a number of popular shows throughout her career, including "The Twilight Zone," "The Fugitive," and "Law & Order." She was also a regular on the soap opera "Another World" from 1974 to 1979.
Over the course of her career, Dailey received numerous accolades for her performances, including two Tony nominations and an Emmy Award. She continued to act throughout her life and was working on a production at the time of her death in 2008 at the age of 88.
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Barbara Berjer
Barbara Berjer (June 12, 1920 Seattle-October 20, 2002 New York City) also known as Barbara Berger was an American actor.
She started her career in the entertainment industry as a radio actor in the 1940s, with her first role being on the show "The Right to Happiness". Berjer later transitioned to television and appeared in various soap operas throughout her career, including "The Secret Storm" and "The Doctors". One of her most notable roles was that of Bridget Connell on "The Guiding Light", which she played for over a decade. Berjer was also active on stage, performing on Broadway in productions such as "Saratoga" and "The American Clock". She was married to actor William Prince for over 50 years until his death in 1996.
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Peggy Lee
Peggy Lee (May 26, 1920 Jamestown-January 21, 2002 Bel-Air) a.k.a. Peggy Norma Egstrom Lee, Peggie Lee, Norma Delores Egstrom, Norma Deloris Egstrom, Peggy Lee, Si and Am, Miss Peggy Lee or Lee, Peggy was an American songwriter, singer, actor and composer. She had one child, Nicki Lee Foster.
Peggy Lee was one of the most popular singers of the 1950s and 1960s, known for her sultry voice and jazz-inspired songs. She began her career as a singer in the late 1930s and soon made a name for herself as a performer with the Benny Goodman Orchestra. Lee went on to record several hit songs, including "Fever," "Is That All There Is?" and "Why Don't You Do Right?"
Aside from her music career, Peggy Lee was also a talented actress and made several appearances in films and on television, including a memorable role in the Disney animated classic "Lady and the Tramp." She earned numerous awards and accolades throughout her career, including three Grammy Awards and induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Peggy Lee continued to perform and record music until her death in 2002 at the age of 81. Today, she is remembered as one of the greatest vocalists of all time and a pioneering woman in the world of jazz and popular music.
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Carmen McRae
Carmen McRae (April 8, 1920 Harlem-November 10, 1994 Beverly Hills) otherwise known as Carmen Mc Rae, Carmen McCrea, Carmen McCrae, Carmen Mercedes McRae, McRae, Carmen or Carman McRae was an American singer, actor, musician, composer and pianist.
She began her career as a pianist in the 1940s, playing in various jazz clubs in New York City. She eventually transitioned to singing and became known for her smoky and emotive vocal style. McRae was a prolific recording artist, releasing over 60 albums throughout her career, and worked with many jazz legends including Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, and Count Basie. She was also known for her interpretations of songs by other artists, including Billie Holiday and Burt Bacharach. McRae was a trailblazer for female jazz musicians and was inducted into the International Women in Jazz Hall of Fame in 1995, a year after her death.
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Iona Banks
Iona Banks (December 20, 1920 United Kingdom-May 20, 2008) was a Welsh actor.
She began her acting career in the 1940s and went on to appear in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows. Banks was known for her versatile acting skills, from serious drama to comedy roles, and was widely regarded as one of the finest actors of her generation. In 1960, she won the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival for her performance in the film "Never Take Sweets from a Stranger". Banks was also a respected theatre director and a strong advocate for women's rights in the entertainment industry. She received several awards throughout her career, including an appointment as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1974.
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Elizete Cardoso
Elizete Cardoso (July 16, 1920 Rio de Janeiro-May 7, 1990 Rio de Janeiro) otherwise known as Elizeth Cardoso, Eliseth Cardoso or Cardoso, Elizete was a Brazilian singer and actor.
She is considered one of the greatest interpreters of Brazilian Popular Music (MPB) and is known for her distinctive voice and emotional delivery. Elizete began her career in the 1940s, and in 1958 she released the album "Canção do Amor Demais", which featured the music of Tom Jobim and the lyrics of Vinicius de Moraes. This album is considered a landmark in the history of Brazilian music and helped to launch the bossa nova movement. Over the course of her career, Elizete recorded over 40 albums, and her repertoire included samba, bossa nova, and jazz. She also acted in several films and TV shows. Elizete Cardoso died of lung cancer at the age of 69 in Rio de Janeiro.
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LaWanda Page
LaWanda Page (October 19, 1920 Cleveland-September 14, 2002 Hollywood) a.k.a. Alberta Peal, La Wanda Page, Lawanda Page, LaWanda or The Bronze Goddess of Fire was an American comedian, actor, singer, stripper and dancer. She had one child, Clara Estella Roberta Johnson.
LaWanda Page began her career as a comedian in the 1950s, performing in nightclubs and theaters. She was known for her sharp wit and ability to shock audiences with her profanity-laced jokes. In the late 1960s, she became a regular on the television show "Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In."
Page is perhaps best known for her role as Aunt Esther in the television series "Sanford and Son." She appeared in over 70 episodes of the show and won a TV Land Award for the role in 2005. She also appeared in several films, including "Zapped!" and "Brewster's Millions."
In addition to her work in entertainment, Page was also a devoted practitioner of the Jehovah's Witnesses faith. She often incorporated her religious beliefs into her comedy routines and was known for her outspokenness on religious topics.
Page passed away in 2002 at the age of 81 due to complications from diabetes. She is remembered as a trailblazer for black female comedians and for her unforgettable portrayal of Aunt Esther.
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Beah Richards
Beah Richards (July 12, 1920 Vicksburg-September 14, 2000 Vicksburg) also known as Beulah Richardson, Bea Richards or Beulah Elizabeth Richardson was an American actor, poet, playwright and author.
Beah Richards began her career as a performer in the 1950s, initially appearing on stage in productions such as "Take a Giant Step" and "A Raisin in the Sun". She became known for her powerful acting ability and was praised for her performances in numerous films and TV shows, including "In the Heat of the Night", "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and "The Bill Cosby Show". In addition to her acting work, Richards was also a published author and poet, writing works such as "A Black Woman Speaks" and "The Black Experience". She was an advocate for civil rights, and her activism on behalf of African Americans and women earned her numerous awards and honors throughout her career. Richards passed away in her hometown of Vicksburg, Mississippi, in 2000, but her legacy as a pioneering African American artist and activist continues to inspire others today.
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Esther Rolle
Esther Rolle (November 8, 1920 Pompano Beach-November 17, 1998 Culver City) was an American actor.
She was best known for her role as Florida Evans in the popular sitcoms "Maude" and "Good Times". Rolle began her acting career in the 1960s and became a prominent figure in the Civil Rights Movement. She was also an advocate for better representation of African Americans in the entertainment industry. In addition to her television work, Rolle was also a stage actress, appearing in several productions on and off-Broadway. In her later years, she continued to act in television and film, and she also worked as a vocal advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and education.
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Gene Tierney
Gene Tierney (November 19, 1920 Brooklyn-November 6, 1991 Houston) also known as Gene Eliza Tierney, Gene Eliza Taylor Tierney or The Get Girl was an American actor. Her children are called Daria Cassini and Christina Cassini.
Gene Tierney was known for her striking beauty and graceful presence on screen. She began her acting career in the 1940s, starring in films such as "Laura" and "The Ghost and Mrs. Muir". She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the film "Leave Her to Heaven" in 1945. However, her personal life was plagued with tragedy, including a daughter born with severe disabilities and the loss of her first husband to suicide after serving in World War II. Tierney later became an advocate for mental health awareness and sought treatment for her own struggles with depression. Despite these challenges, she continued to act in films and on stage throughout her career.
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Maureen O'Hara
Maureen O'Hara (August 17, 1920 Ranelagh-) also known as Maureen Fitzsimmons, Maureen FitzSimons, Big Red, The Pirate Queen or The Queen of Technicolor is an American actor and singer. Her child is called Bronwyn FitzSimons.
Maureen O'Hara was born in Ranelagh, a suburb of Dublin, Ireland. She began her career in the film industry in the 1940s and quickly gained recognition for her stunning beauty and fiery personality. Her breakthrough role was in the 1941 film "How Green Was My Valley", for which she received her first Academy Award nomination.
O'Hara went on to star in numerous films throughout the 1940s and 1950s, including "Miracle on 34th Street", "The Hunchback of Notre Dame", and "The Quiet Man" opposite John Wayne, which remains one of her most popular films. She also showed off her singing talent in films like "The Spanish Main" and "Sinbad the Sailor".
In addition to her successful career in Hollywood, O'Hara was also known for her strong will and determination. She famously sued the tabloid Confidential Magazine in the 1950s for publishing false stories about her personal life and won the case, setting a precedent for celebrity privacy rights.
Later in life, O'Hara became involved in various philanthropic efforts and was a passionate advocate for the preservation of classic films. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most beloved actresses of Hollywood's Golden Age.
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Betty Driver
Betty Driver (May 20, 1920 Leicester-October 15, 2011 Cheadle) also known as Elizabeth Mary Driver was an English singer and actor.
Driver was best known for her role as Betty Williams (formerly Turpin) on the long-running British soap opera, "Coronation Street." She first appeared on the show in 1969 and continued for over 40 years, making her one of the longest-serving cast members in the show's history. Prior to her acting career, Driver was a successful singer and performed with the Ambrose Orchestra during World War II. She recorded several hits, including "The Homing Waltz" and "Jimmie Valentine." In addition to her work on "Coronation Street," Driver appeared in several films, including "In Which We Serve" and "Nicholas Nickleby." She was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2000 for her services to drama. Driver passed away in 2011 at the age of 91.
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Nanette Fabray
Nanette Fabray (October 27, 1920 San Diego-) a.k.a. Nanette Ruby Bernadette Fabares, Fabray, Nanette or Nanette Fabares is an American actor, comedian, singer, dancer and activist.
Nanette Fabray's career began at age three when she started appearing in vaudeville with her father. She later became a Broadway star and won a Tony Award for her performance in the musical "Love Life." Fabray also appeared in several Hollywood films in the 1940s and 1950s, including "The Band Wagon" and "Three Little Words." In addition to her entertainment career, Fabray was an advocate for the deaf community and served as a board member of the American Speech and Hearing Association. She also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1989 for her charitable contributions. Fabray was married twice and had one son. She passed away on February 22, 2018, at the age of 97.
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Virginia Christine
Virginia Christine (March 5, 1920 Stanton-July 26, 1996 Brentwood) also known as Virginia Christine Kraft, Virginia Christine Ricketts, Folger Coffee Woman or Mrs Olson was an American actor. Her children are called Danny Feld and Steve Feld.
Christine began her acting career in the 1940s, receiving minor roles in films such as "Brigham Young" and "The Mummy's Curse". However, she is best remembered for her role as the Folger Coffee Woman in a series of commercials for Folger's coffee in the 1960s and 1970s. She became a well-known figure in American households and was later referred to as "Mrs. Olson" due to the character she portrayed in the ads.
Aside from her commercial success, Christine appeared in numerous TV shows and movies throughout her career, including "Bonanza", "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" and "The Twilight Zone". She also had a recurring role on the soap opera "General Hospital".
Christine was married to her husband, Fritz, for over 40 years before his passing in 1987. After her retirement from acting, she remained active in her church and continued to lend her voice to various commercials and voice-over work. She passed away in 1996 at the age of 76.
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Viveca Lindfors
Viveca Lindfors (December 29, 1920 Uppsala-October 25, 1995 Uppsala) also known as Elsa Viveca Torstensdotter Lindfors or Ms. Lindfors was an American actor. She had three children, Lena Tabori, Kristoffer Tabori and John Tabori.
Born in Sweden, Lindfors began her career as a stage actor in Stockholm before moving to the United States in 1946. She quickly established herself on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination for her role in the play "Darkness at Noon." Lindfors made her film debut in 1946 in the movie "Nightmare Alley" and went on to appear in over 70 films, including "The Way We Were" and "Stargate."
In addition to her work in film and on stage, Lindfors was a prominent presence on television, appearing in numerous shows such as "The Nurses," "The Fugitive," and "The Twilight Zone." She also made a name for herself in Hollywood as a vocal advocate for feminist causes, and was a founding member of the actresses' collective Women in Theatre.
Throughout her career, Lindfors received numerous honors and awards, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Scandinavian Foundation. She continued to act until her death in 1995, leaving behind a rich legacy of performances and activism.
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Laraine Day
Laraine Day (October 13, 1920 Roosevelt-November 10, 2007 Ivins) otherwise known as Laraine Johnson, laraine_day, La Raine Johnson, The First Lady of Baseball, Nurse Mary Lamont, Sweet Laraine, The Girl Next Door, Miss Perfect Profile, Laraine Jonson or The Girl with the Mechanical Smile was an American actor. She had five children, Chris Durocher, Dana Grilikhes, Gigi Grilikhes, Angela Hendricks and Michelle Hendricks.
Born in Roosevelt, Utah, Laraine Day began her career as a radio actress before transitioning to film in the 1930s. She appeared in over 60 films in a career that lasted until the early 1970s. Some of Day's notable roles include Nurse Mary Lamont in seven "Dr. Kildare" films and Kit Holden in "The High and the Mighty".
Aside from her acting career, Day was also known as the "First Lady of Baseball" for her marriage to baseball manager Leo Durocher. She was a frequent guest at baseball games and events, and even wrote a book about her experiences, "Day With the Giants".
Later in life, Day suffered from Alzheimer's disease and became a prominent advocate for Alzheimer's research and funding. She passed away in Ivins, Utah in 2007 at the age of 87.
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Constance Dowling
Constance Dowling (July 24, 1920 New York City-October 28, 1969 Los Angeles) was an American model and actor. She had five children, Steven Tors, David Tors, Peter Tors, Alfred Ndwego and Michael Tors.
Dowling began her career as a model before moving on to acting. She appeared in several Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s, including "Boston Blackie Booked on Suspicion" (1945) and "The Black Arrow" (1948). She also had a starring role in the film noir classic "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) as Joel Cairo's (Peter Lorre) assistant, but her performance was edited down to a smaller role in the final cut.
Dowling's personal life was marked by tragedy. Her first husband, Ivan Tors, was a Hungarian writer and film producer who died in a plane crash in 1983. Her fourth child, Alfred Ndwego, was killed in action in Vietnam in 1967.
Despite her early success as an actress, Dowling struggled with alcoholism and mental health issues later in life. She died of a heart attack in 1969 at the age of 49.
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Maria Karnilova
Maria Karnilova (August 3, 1920 Hartford-April 20, 2001 Manhattan) also known as Maria Dovgolenko or Maria Karniloff was an American actor. Her children are called Alexander Irving and Katherine Irving Stark.
Maria Karnilova was best known for her work in the theater, particularly in musicals. She was a Tony Award-winning actress and worked closely with choreographer Jerome Robbins on many productions. Some of her notable roles include Tessie Tura in "Gypsy," Golde in "Fiddler on the Roof," and Yente in the original Broadway production of the same show. Karnilova also appeared in several films, including "The Turning Point" and "Heartburn." She was married to the late director/choreographer Herbert Ross for over 50 years.
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Zully Moreno
Zully Moreno (October 17, 1920 Villa Ballester-December 25, 1999 Buenos Aires) also known as Zulema Esther González Borbón was an Argentine actor.
She began her career in the 1940s and quickly rose to fame due to her talent for portraying both dramatic and comedic roles on stage, radio, and film. Moreno starred in over 60 films and earned critical acclaim for her performance in the movie "Historia del Tango" (1969), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. She was also a pioneer of television in Argentina, appearing in various shows throughout the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Moreno was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry and was recognized with numerous awards for her contribution to the arts. She remained active in acting until her death in 1999 at the age of 79.
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Franca Valeri
Franca Valeri (July 31, 1920 Milan-) also known as Alma Franca Maria Norsa, Franca Norsa or Franca Maria Norsa is an Italian actor, screenwriter and author. She has one child, Stefania Bonfadelli.
Franca Valeri is considered one of the most distinguished Italian actresses of her time, and she has made significant contributions to the Italian film industry. She began her acting career in the theatre and then became a leading lady of Italian cinema during the 1950s and 1960s. She has acted in more than 60 films, including many comedies, and has collaborated with several prominent Italian directors, including Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti.
Some of her notable performances include her leading role in the film "Miseria e nobiltà" (Misery and Nobility) in 1954, and her performance in "Il Vedovo" (The Widower) in 1959. She also co-wrote the screenplay for “Moralmente Scomodo” and “Casanova '70,” both directed by Mario Monicelli.
Apart from her acting career, Franca Valeri is also an accomplished author and writer. She has published several books, including her autobiography "Vado avanti e cambio vita" (I Move Forward and Change Life), which became a bestseller in Italy.
In recognition of her contributions to the Italian performing arts, Franca Valeri has been conferred several awards, including the Golden Pen Award in 2013 and the Golden Lion Lifetime Achievement Award at the Venice Film Festival in 2019.
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June Preisser
June Preisser (June 26, 1920 New Orleans-September 19, 1984 Florida) was an American actor. She had one child, Ricky Terry.
June Preisser began her career as a child actress and appeared in several films throughout the 1930s and 1940s. She was known for her energetic dancing and singing performances, and often starred in musicals. Some of her most notable films include "Strike Up the Band" (1940), "Buck Privates" (1941), and "In the Navy" (1941), all of which were popular comedies of the time.
Preisser's career slowed down in the 1950s and she began to focus on her family life, raising her son Ricky Terry. She briefly returned to acting in the 1960s, appearing in guest roles on television shows such as "Perry Mason" and "The Red Skelton Hour."
Despite her relative anonymity in later years, Preisser's energetic performances and enduring charm have kept her films popular among classic movie fans, and she remains a beloved figure in Hollywood history.
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Judith Holzmeister
Judith Holzmeister (February 14, 1920 Innsbruck-June 23, 2008 Baden bei Wien) also known as Maria Holzmeister or Judith Maria Holzmeister was an Austrian actor.
Judith Holzmeister was born into a well-known Austrian family of actors and artists. She began her acting career in the Vienna Burgtheater and quickly gained recognition for her talent. In addition to her work on the stage, Holzmeister appeared in over 80 films, including the classic German film "The Third Man" (1949).
Holzmeister was also a prominent voice in Austrian radio and television, hosting a number of popular programs throughout the 1950s and 60s. In addition, she was a respected theater director, and taught acting at the Max Reinhardt Seminar in Vienna.
As an artist, Holzmeister was known for her passion for painting and sculpture. Her works were exhibited in galleries throughout Austria, and she was awarded numerous prizes for her contributions to the arts.
Throughout her long and varied career, Holzmeister remained committed to promoting the arts in Austria and inspiring new generations of artists and performers. She passed away in 2008 at the age of 88, leaving behind a legacy of talent, creativity, and dedication.
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Alicia Montoya
Alicia Montoya (January 25, 1920 Mexico City-August 17, 2002 Mexico City) was a Mexican actor. She had one child, Amparo de Dios.
Alicia Montoya began her acting career in theater and later transitioned to film and television in the 1940s. She became known for her talent in playing dramatic roles and for her beauty, which earned her the nickname "The Mexican Garbo." Montoya appeared in over 60 films and worked with some of the most renowned Mexican filmmakers of the time. She was also a recipient of the Ariel Award, the most prestigious award in Mexican cinema. Despite her success, Montoya was known for being private and reclusive, rarely granting interviews or engaging in public appearances. She retired from acting in the 1980s and spent her later years enjoying her family and friends.
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Zhou Xuan
Zhou Xuan (August 1, 1920 Changzhou-September 22, 1957 Shanghai) also known as Chow Hsuan, Zhou, Xuan, Su Pu, Golden Voice, Wang Xiaohong, Zhou Xiaohong or Xuan Zhou was a Chinese singer and actor. She had two children, Zhou Wei and Zhou Wen.
Zhou Xuan was popularly known as the 'Golden Voice' during her time and was considered one of the Seven great singing stars of Shanghai. She started her career in the entertainment industry as a singer, and her first hit record, 'Yi jian mei' made her an overnight sensation. Her melodious voice and ability to portray emotions made her one of the most beloved singers of her time. She also acted in several movies and was known for her stunning on-screen presence. Her performance in the film 'Street Angels' is considered one of her best. She faced several challenges in her personal life, including failed relationships, financial constraints, and health issues, which ultimately led to her untimely demise at the age of 37. However, her songs and contribution to Chinese cinema continue to live on, and she remains an icon to this day.
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Yolande Donlan
Yolande Donlan (June 2, 1920 Jersey City-) otherwise known as Yolande Mallott, Yollande Mollot or Yolande Mollot is an American actor.
She was born in Jersey City and grew up in Canada, where she began her career as a model and actress. Donlan appeared in several films, including "No Way Out" (1950) and "The Man from Laramie" (1955), and worked with notable directors such as Joseph Losey and Robert Aldrich. She also appeared on stage in London's West End in the 1950s and 60s. In 1953, she married British film director Val Guest, with whom she had two children and remained married until his death in 2006. Donlan currently lives in Palm Springs, California.
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Amália Rodrigues
Amália Rodrigues (July 23, 1920 Lisbon-October 6, 1999 Lisbon) also known as Amalia Rodrigues, Amalia Rodriguez, Am�a Rodrigues, Am�a da Piedade Rodrigues, amalia_rodrigues, Am?lia Rodrigues, Am?lia da Piedade Rodrigues, Rodrigues, Amália, Rainha do Fado, Amália da Piedade Rebordão Rodrigues, Fado's Queen, Amália da Piedade Rodrigues or Queen of fado was a Portuguese singer and actor.
She was widely regarded as one of the greatest fado singers of all time. Fado is a melancholic genre of music that is typically associated with Portugal. Rodrigues began singing professionally in her teenage years and quickly gained a reputation for her soulful voice and emotional performances. She became one of the most popular and successful fado singers of her time and toured extensively throughout Europe and the Americas. Rodrigues also acted in several films, including the critically acclaimed "The Curse" (1963). She continued to perform and record music up until her death in 1999. Today, she is remembered as a cultural icon in Portugal and a symbol of the country's rich artistic heritage.
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Dominique Marcas
Dominique Marcas (August 8, 1920 Dozulé-) also known as Dominique Markas, Marcelle Napoléone Jeanne Perrigault or D. Marcas is a French actor.
She began her acting career in the 1950s and went on to appear in over 60 films and television series. Some of her notable film appearances include "Zazie dans le métro" (1960), "Baisers volés" (1968), "Entre Nous" (1983), and "La Vie en Rose" (2007). She was also a regular on French television, appearing in series such as "Les Cinq Dernières Minutes" and "Maigret". Outside of her acting career, Marcas was known for her activism and involvement in leftist politics. She was a member of the French Communist Party for many years and was involved in various social and political causes throughout her life. Marcas passed away on January 19, 2018 at the age of 97.
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Kathryn Adams Doty
Kathryn Adams Doty (July 15, 1920 New Ulm-) a.k.a. Kathryn Elizabeth Hohn, Kathryn Doty or Kathryn Adams is an American actor, writer and psychologist. She has three children, Hunter Beaumont, Kristy Beaumont and Mark Beaumont.
Kathryn Adams Doty began her career as an actor in the 1940s, appearing in films such as "The Falcon Strikes Back" and "Bells of Rosarita". After taking a break from acting to raise her children, she later returned to the industry as a writer, penning the book "No Time for Tears: A Self Analysis for Women". In addition to her work as an actor and writer, Doty is also a licensed clinical and educational psychologist, using her expertise to help others. She has also been involved in numerous community and charitable organizations throughout her life.
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Anne Crawford
Anne Crawford (November 22, 1920 Haifa-October 17, 1956 London) also known as Imelda Crawford was an English actor.
She appeared in more than 50 films, including "For You Alone" (1945), "Caravan" (1946), "Esther Waters" (1948), and "The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men" (1952). Crawford was also known for her work on stage and television, including her role as Lady Macbeth in a 1955 production of "Macbeth". Sadly, Crawford died at the young age of 35 from leukemia. Despite her relatively short career, she remains a beloved figure in British film and theater history.
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Sirkka Sari
Sirkka Sari (May 1, 1920 Finland-July 30, 1939 Hämeenlinna) a.k.a. Sirkka Linnea Jahnsson was a Finnish actor.
Sirkka Sari began her career in acting at a very young age of 14, and quickly became one of the most recognized faces in Finnish cinema during the 1930s. Some of her notable performances include her role as Elisa in the film "Lapseni on minun" (My Child is Mine) in 1938, and as Toini in the film "Kulkurin valssi" (The Vagabond's Waltz) in 1938. Apart from acting, she was also a trained dancer and had a passion for literature. Unfortunately, her life was cut short when she died at the young age of 19 due to a cerebral haemorrhage. Despite her short career, Sirkka Sari remains a much-loved figure in Finnish cinema.
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Shelagh Fraser
Shelagh Fraser (November 25, 1920 Purley, London-August 29, 2000 London) also known as Sheila Mary Fraser or Shelagh Frazer was an English actor.
She had a prolific career in both film and television, appearing in over 50 productions throughout her lifetime. Some of her notable film roles include Aunt Beru in the original Star Wars film and Sister Winifred in The Nun's Story. On television, she appeared in popular series such as Doctor Who, The Avengers, and Z Cars. Fraser also had a successful career on stage, performing in numerous plays in London's West End and regional theaters across the UK. Additionally, she was a talented voice actor, providing the voice for various characters in animated films and television shows. Despite her success in the entertainment industry, Fraser remained humble and dedicated to her craft until her passing in 2000.
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Noel Neill
Noel Neill (November 25, 1920 Minneapolis-) is an American actor, model, singer and dancer.
She is best known for her role as Lois Lane in the 1950s TV series "Adventures of Superman", co-starring with George Reeves as Superman/Clark Kent. Neill also had a small role in the Superman film franchise in the 1970s and 1980s, playing the mother of Margot Kidder's character, Lois Lane. In addition to her work in film and television, Neill also worked as a model and appeared in several pin-up calendars. She was also a singer and dancer, performing in vaudeville shows early in her career. Neill passed away in 2016 at the age of 95.
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Virginia Vale
Virginia Vale (May 20, 1920 Dallas-September 14, 2006 Los Angeles) also known as Dorothy Howe or Vale was an American actor and secretary.
She began her career in Hollywood in the 1930s, playing small roles in films such as "The Buccaneer" and "The Sap Takes a Wrap." In the early 1940s, she changed her name to Virginia Vale and was signed by Universal Studios. She appeared in several B-movies and was cast as the female lead in the Western series "The Lone Rider" opposite George Houston. After the series ended, Vale continued to work in Hollywood, but mainly in supporting roles. She also worked as a secretary for several studios, including Warner Brothers and MGM. Vale retired from acting in the early 1960s and went on to run a talent agency. She died in 2006 at the age of 86.
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Rose Alba
Rose Alba (February 5, 1920 Cairo-January 1, 2006 London) was an Egyptian actor.
She appeared in several films, primarily in the 1940s and 1950s, and was known for her roles in Egyptian cinema. Alba starred in numerous films, including "El-Rehla" (The Journey) and "Habib Al Omr" (Love of My Life). She was also a popular singer and recorded several songs during her career. In addition to her work in film and music, Alba was also a stage actress and performed in numerous theatrical productions. Despite facing significant challenges as a woman in the male-dominated entertainment industry, Rose Alba remains an icon in Egyptian cinema and is remembered for her talent and contributions to the arts.
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Sonia Holm
Sonia Holm (February 24, 1920 Sutton-July 2, 1974 Oxford) a.k.a. Dorothy Mary Sonia Freeborn was an English actor.
She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and went on to have a successful career in theater, film, and television. She appeared in over 40 productions throughout her career, including notable roles in the West End productions of "The Relapse" and "A Midsummer Night's Dream." In addition to her work on stage, Holm also appeared in several films, such as "The Vicious Circle" and "The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie." She later transitioned to television, appearing in popular shows like "Doctor Who" and "The Forsyte Saga." Holm was known for her versatility as an actor, effortlessly portraying both comedic and dramatic roles. She passed away at the age of 54 from cancer.
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Achala Sachdev
Achala Sachdev (May 3, 1920 Peshawar-April 30, 2012 Pune) a.k.a. Achala Sachdeo, Achala Sachdeva, Achla, Achala Sachadev, Achla Sachdev or Achla Sachdeo was an Indian actor. She had one child, Jyotin Peters.
Achala Sachdev was best known for her character roles in Hindi cinema. She made her debut in the film industry with the film "Fashionable Wife" in 1938. Her notable films include "Prem Pujari", "Mera Naam Joker", "Sangam", "Gumrah", and "Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge". Sachdev was also a part of the iconic song "Yeh Sama" in the film "Jab Jab Phool Khile". She was honored with the prestigious Padma Shri award by the Indian government in 2002. Sachdev remained actively involved in the film industry until her death in 2012 at the age of 91.
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Selma Diamond
Selma Diamond (August 6, 1920 London-May 13, 1985 Los Angeles) was a Canadian actor, screenwriter and comedian.
Starting her career as a comedy writer in the 1950s, Selma Diamond worked on various television shows, including "The Jackie Gleason Show" and "My Little Margie." She later became a frequent guest performer on numerous game shows and variety shows. Diamond is best known for her role as Selma Hacker on the hit television show "Night Court" from 1984 to 1985. Despite battling lung cancer, she continued to perform on the show until her death in 1985. Diamond was posthumously nominated for an Emmy Award for her work on "Night Court."
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Neva Patterson
Neva Patterson (February 10, 1920 Nevada-December 14, 2010 Brentwood) a.k.a. Neva Louise Patterson was an American actor. Her child is called Megan Lee.
Neva Patterson was born in Nevada and raised in California. She attended the Pasadena Playhouse and made her Broadway debut in 1948 in the play, "The Druid Circle." She went on to have a successful career on stage, appearing in numerous productions including "The Seven Year Itch" and "An American Millionaire."
Patterson also appeared in various films and television shows, such as "The Thomas Crown Affair" and "All the President's Men." She received an Emmy nomination for her work in the miniseries "The Great White Hope."
Aside from her acting career, Patterson was known for her philanthropic work. She was a founding member of the American Place Theatre in New York and served on the board of directors for the National Repertory Theatre Foundation.
Patterson passed away in 2010 at the age of 90 in Brentwood, California. She is survived by her daughter Megan Lee.
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Louisa Horton Hill
Louisa Horton Hill (September 20, 1920 Beijing-January 25, 2008 Englewood) also known as Louisa Fleetwood Horton was an American actor. She had two children, George Roy Hill III and John Hill.
Louisa Horton Hill was born to American parents in Beijing, China in 1920. Her father was a missionary and her mother was an accomplished musician. She moved to the United States with her family in the 1930s, where she attended Smith College and majored in drama.
After college, Louisa Horton Hill began her acting career in New York City, performing in various stage productions. She later transitioned to television and film, landing roles in popular shows and movies such as "The Twilight Zone," "Peyton Place," "Hawaii Five-O," and "The Hawaiians."
In addition to her successful acting career, Louisa Horton Hill was a dedicated mother. She had two sons, George Roy Hill III and John Hill, who both went on to have successful careers in the film industry.
Louisa Horton Hill passed away in 2008 at the age of 87 in Englewood, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy as a talented and accomplished actor and devoted mother.
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Hilda Bernard
Hilda Bernard (October 29, 1920 Puerto Deseado-) also known as Hilda Sarah Bernard or Ilda Bernard is an Argentine actor and voice actor. She has one child, Patricia Bernard.
Hilda Bernard began her acting career at a young age, studying under the renowned Argentine director Alejandra Boero. She went on to appear in countless theater productions and eventually made her way to television and film. Throughout her illustrious career, Bernard has become an iconic figure in Argentine culture, renowned for her performances in telenovelas and movies. She has been nominated numerous times for awards in acting, and has won several, including the Martín Fierro Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role. Bernard is also well known for her philanthropic work, having supported various charities and organizations throughout her life. Despite being in her 90s, Bernard maintained an active career and continued to work in the entertainment industry until her passing in 2018. Her legacy lives on as a symbol of Argentine acting, beloved by many for her talent and dedication.
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Shelley Winters
Shelley Winters (August 18, 1920 St. Louis-January 14, 2006 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Shirley Schrift, Shelley Winter or Miss Shelley Winters was an American actor. She had one child, Vittoria Gassman.
Shelley Winters was a prolific actor who had a career spanning over six decades. She appeared in more than 120 films, television shows, and stage productions. She won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress for her performances in "The Diary of Anne Frank" (1959) and "A Patch of Blue" (1965).
Born Shirley Schrift, she grew up in a poor family of Russian-Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn, New York. She started performing in theater productions as a teenager and eventually made her way to Hollywood in the 1940s. She quickly gained attention for her talent and striking looks, often being cast as a femme fatale or tough-talking dame.
Aside from her film work, Winters was an active member of the Actors Studio and taught acting classes. She was also a vocal activist for various causes, including civil rights, animal welfare, and AIDS awareness.
In her later years, Winters continued to act and appeared in several popular television shows such as "Roseanne" and "The Nanny". She passed away in 2006 at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's most accomplished and outspoken performers.
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Mitsuko Mori
Mitsuko Mori (May 9, 1920 Kyoto-November 10, 2012 Tokyo) otherwise known as Mitsu Murakami, Mori Mitsuko, Murakami Mitsu, 村上美津 or 森 光子 was a Japanese actor.
She became famous during the post-war period of Japan's film industry, particularly after her performance in the 1951 film adaptation of "The Life of Oharu" (Oharu no Kogai), directed by Kenji Mizoguchi. Her work in this film earned her critical acclaim, leading to more roles in other important Japanese films of the time. In addition to her work in films, Mori was also a prominent stage actress, appearing in numerous productions throughout her career. Her contributions to Japanese theater earned her the prestigious Best Actress award at the Mainichi Art Awards in 1950. Outside of her performing career, Mori was also known to be a fierce advocate for women's rights, often using her platform to speak out against gender inequality in Japan.
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Dinah Sheridan
Dinah Sheridan (September 17, 1920 Hampstead-November 25, 2012 Northwood, London) a.k.a. Dinah Mec, Dinah Nadyejda Ginsburg, Miss Dinah Sheridan, Dinah N. Ginsburg or Dinah Nadyejda Mec was an English actor. She had two children, Jeremy Hanley and Jenny Hanley.
Dinah Sheridan began her acting career in the 1930s, at a young age of 15. She appeared in various British films including "Gone to Earth" and "The Sound Barrier". She also made appearances in television shows like "The Adventures of Robin Hood" and "The Invisible Man". However, she gained widespread recognition for her role in the British sitcom "Don't Wait Up" which aired from 1983 to 1990. She was also a familiar face on British stage productions, including Noel Coward's "Present Laughter" and "The Sound Of Music". In addition to acting, she also worked as a director and screenwriter. Sheridan was married fourtimes, and her first husband was the actor Jimmy Hanley.
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Michèle Morgan
Michèle Morgan (February 29, 1920 Neuilly-sur-Seine-) otherwise known as Michele Morgan, Simone Renée Roussel or Simone Morgan is a French actor and painter. Her child is called Mike Marshall.
Morgan began her acting career in the 1930s and quickly rose to international fame with her performances in French and American films. She won the prestigious Best Actress award at Cannes Film Festival for her role in "Pastoral Symphony" and was nominated for a British Academy Film Award for her performance in "The Fallen Idol". Morgan had a remarkable career in the cinema that spanned over six decades and she became a respected name in the French film industry. Apart from acting, Morgan was also active in painting and held several exhibitions of her works. She was awarded the Legion of Honour in 1969 for her contributions to the arts. Morgan passed away in 2016 at the age of 96.
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Pamela Cundell
Pamela Cundell (March 1, 1920 Croydon-) also known as Pamela I. Cundell, Pamela Cundall or Pam Cundell is a British actor.
She is best known for her role as Mrs Fox in the long-running BBC sitcom Dad's Army, which she played from 1970 to 1977. Cundell began her acting career in the 1940s and appeared in numerous British television shows and films throughout her career. In addition to her work on Dad's Army, she also had recurring roles on other popular British shows such as The Bill and The Sweeney. Cundell continued to act into her 90s, with one of her last roles being in the 2015 film One Crazy Thing.
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