Famous movie actresses died when they were 40
Here are 6 famous actresses from the world died at 40:
Adrienne Shelly
Adrienne Shelly (June 24, 1966 Queens-November 1, 2006 Manhattan) also known as Adrienne Levine or Adrienne Shelley was an American actor, film director, screenwriter and songwriter. She had one child, Sophie Ostroy.
She died in murder.
Adrienne Shelly began her career as an actress in 1989, appearing in several independent films before landing a breakout role in the 1990 film "The Unbelievable Truth" directed by Hal Hartley. She went on to appear in several other Hartley films, including "Trust" and "Simple Men."
In the early 2000s, Shelly shifted her focus to writing and directing. Her directorial debut, "Sudden Manhattan," premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 1996. She went on to direct two more films, "I'll Take You There" and "Waitress," which was released posthumously.
Shelly's death in 2006 shocked the film community. She was found dead in her Manhattan office, and it was later revealed that she had been murdered by a construction worker who was renovating the building. The tragedy of her death added to the legacy of her work, which continues to inspire and influence filmmakers today.
Read more about Adrienne Shelly on Wikipedia »
Betty Compton
Betty Compton (May 13, 1904 Isle of Wight-July 12, 1944) also known as betty_compton was an American singer and actor.
She died caused by breast cancer.
Betty Compton rose to fame in the 1920s and 1930s as a talented singer and actress. She got her start on the Broadway stage, appearing in a number of successful musicals including "The Little Show" and "Of Thee I Sing." She also had a successful film career, starring in movies such as "The Gay Divorcee" and "Rafter Romance."
Compton was known for her stunning voice and her ability to captivate audiences with her performances. She was often compared to other leading ladies of the time, such as Ginger Rogers and Jean Harlow.
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Compton was also an accomplished songwriter with several hit songs to her name. She was also a philanthropist who was involved in various charitable causes.
Unfortunately, Compton's life was cut short due to breast cancer. She passed away in 1944 at the age of 40, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most talented performers of her time.
Read more about Betty Compton on Wikipedia »
Dixie Lee
Dixie Lee (November 4, 1911 Harriman-November 1, 1952 Holmby Hills) a.k.a. Wilma Winifred Wyatt, Wilma Wyatt, Dixie Carroll or Dixie Lee Crosby was an American singer, actor, dancer and showgirl. She had four children, Gary Crosby, Lindsay Crosby, Phillip Crosby and Dennis Crosby.
She died as a result of ovarian cancer.
Dixie Lee began her career as a showgirl in the Earl Carroll Revue, before transitioning to Hollywood in 1930. She landed small roles in films such as "Love in the Rough" and "The Big Broadcast," where she met her future husband, Bing Crosby. The couple went on to appear together in several films including "Just For You" and "Double or Nothing."
Aside from her career in film, Dixie Lee had a successful singing career on radio and performed with bands like Paul Whiteman's orchestra. She was also known for her philanthropic work and was actively involved in fundraising for various charities including cancer research. Her death at the age of 40 was a shock to the Hollywood community and deeply impacted Bing Crosby, who never fully recovered from her loss.
Read more about Dixie Lee on Wikipedia »
Marjorie Gross
Marjorie Gross (April 18, 1956 Toronto-June 7, 1996 Los Angeles) was a Canadian screenwriter, television producer and actor.
She died as a result of ovarian cancer.
Marjorie Gross began her career in the entertainment industry in the early 1980s. She worked as a writer on a number of hit television shows, including "Seinfeld," "The Larry Sanders Show," and "The Single Guy." She was also a producer on the show "Dream On" and appeared as an actress in several films and TV shows, including "Thirtysomething" and "Pump Up the Volume." Gross was known for her wry sense of humor and her ability to craft sharp, memorable dialogue. She was nominated for an Emmy Award for her work on "Seinfeld."
Read more about Marjorie Gross on Wikipedia »
Guylaine St-Onge
Guylaine St-Onge (March 3, 1965 Saint-Eustache-March 3, 2005 Toronto) also known as Guylaine Saint-Onge or Guylaine St. Onge was a Canadian actor. She had one child, Aidan Nerman.
She died in cervical cancer.
Guylaine St-Onge started her career in the entertainment industry as a model, winning the Miss Teen Canada pageant in 1980. She went on to appear in numerous TV commercials before transitioning to acting. She appeared in several popular Canadian television shows, including "Street Legal," "North of 60," and "Blue Murder." St-Onge also had a recurring role on the American drama series "First Wave."
In addition to her work on television, St-Onge also appeared in several films, including "Johnny Mnemonic" and "The Industry." She was known for her versatile acting skills and her ability to bring depth and complexity to her roles. Despite her success, St-Onge remained humble and dedicated to her craft.
St-Onge was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2003 and passed away at the age of 40 in 2005. Her death was a loss to the Canadian acting community, and her legacy continues to inspire many young actors today.
Read more about Guylaine St-Onge on Wikipedia »
Jean Seberg
Jean Seberg (November 13, 1938 Marshalltown-August 30, 1979 Paris) also known as Jean Dorothy Seberg was an American actor. She had two children, Alexandre Diego Gary and Nina Hart Gary.
She died in drug overdose.
Jean Seberg was best known for her role in the iconic French New Wave film, "Breathless" (1960), directed by Jean-Luc Godard. She also appeared in several Hollywood films, including "Saint Joan" (1957) and "Paint Your Wagon" (1969).
Aside from her acting career, Seberg was also an activist who supported various causes, including the Black Panther Party and the Native American rights movement. She was heavily surveilled and harassed by the FBI due to her political beliefs and associations, leading to a mental breakdown and several suicide attempts.
On August 30, 1979, Seberg's body was found in her car in Paris. The cause of her death was ruled a probable suicide by overdose of barbiturates and alcohol, although some speculate foul play due to her past harassment. She was only 40 years old.
Read more about Jean Seberg on Wikipedia »