Pathetic Facts

Famous movie actresses died when they were 54

Here are 13 famous actresses from the world died at 54:

Dalida

Dalida (January 17, 1933 Shubra-May 3, 1987 Paris) otherwise known as Yolanda Cristina Gigliotti, Yolande Christina Gigliotti, Iolanda Cristina Gigliotti, Dalila, Dalidà, Dali or Yolanda Gigliotti was a French singer and actor.

She died as a result of suicide.

Born in Egypt to Italian parents, Dalida moved to France in 1954 and achieved success as a singer in the 1950s and 1960s. She was one of the first singers to popularize the genre of French pop music known as yé-yé. Throughout her career, she recorded in multiple languages, including French, Italian, Spanish, and Arabic. She sold over 170 million records worldwide and was awarded 55 gold records and a platinum album.

Outside of music, Dalida also acted in several films and television shows, including the lead in the film "The Seventh Day" in 1966. She was also known for her fashion sense and unique style, often wearing daring and glamorous outfits both on and off stage.

Dalida's life was marked by personal tragedy, including the suicides of several close friends and family members. Her own suicide in 1987 shocked her fans and the music industry. Despite her untimely death, Dalida's music and legacy continue to be celebrated and remembered today.

Gertrude Lawrence

Gertrude Lawrence (July 4, 1898 London-September 6, 1952 New York City) otherwise known as Gertrude Alexandria Dagmar Lawrence-Klasen, Lawrence, Gertrude, Gertrude Alice Dagmar Klasen or Gee was an English singer and actor. Her child is called Pamela Howley.

She died caused by liver tumour.

Gertrude Lawrence began her stage career in 1916, at the age of 18, and quickly became a star in London's West End. She went on to appear in a number of successful Broadway productions, including "Oh, Kay!", "Jubilee", and "Lady in the Dark". Lawrence was known for her sparkling wit and glamorous image, and was a popular figure among the social elite of her day.

In addition to her theater work, Lawrence also appeared in several films, including "Rembrandt" and "The Glass Menagerie". She was well-known for her collaborations with composer Noël Coward, and the two wrote several hit shows together, including "Private Lives" and "Tonight at 8:30".

Despite her success, Lawrence's personal life was often turbulent. She was married four times, and struggled with alcoholism and health problems throughout her career. Still, she remained a beloved figure in the entertainment world until her death at the age of 54.

Read more about Gertrude Lawrence on Wikipedia »

Myrtle Stedman

Myrtle Stedman (March 3, 1883 Chicago-January 8, 1938 Hollywood) also known as Miss Myrtle Stedman, Myrtle Steadman, Myrtle C. Lincoln or Miss Stedman was an American singer and actor. Her child is called Lincoln Stedman.

She died caused by myocardial infarction.

Myrtle Stedman began her career as a singer and stage actress before transitioning to silent film in the early 1900s. She appeared in over 100 films throughout her career, including notable roles in "The Kid" (1921) starring Charlie Chaplin and "The Plastic Age" (1925) with Clara Bow. Stedman was also known for her work in Westerns, often playing tough and independent women.

Off-screen, Stedman was active in the film community and was a founding member of the Motion Picture Relief Fund, which provided assistance to industry workers in need.

Stedman was married twice and had one son, Lincoln Stedman, who also pursued a career in film. Myrtle Stedman passed away in 1938 at the age of 54 due to a heart attack.

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Nell Carter

Nell Carter (September 13, 1948 Birmingham-January 23, 2003 Beverly Hills) also known as Nell Ruth Hardy, Carter, Nell, Nell Ruth Carter or Nell-Ruth Carter was an American singer and actor. She had three children, Daniel Carter, Tracy Carter and Joshua Carter.

She died as a result of diabetes mellitus.

Nell Carter was born in Birmingham, Alabama and grew up in poverty. She began singing in church and later became a backup singer for artists such as Bette Midler and Carly Simon. In the late 1970s, she landed her breakout role in the Broadway musical "Ain't Misbehavin'", for which she won a Tony Award.

Carter went on to star in her own television sitcom, "Gimme a Break!", which ran from 1981 to 1987. She also had a recurring role on the hit show "Designing Women" and appeared in films like "The Grass Harp" and "Back by Midnight."

Throughout her career, Carter struggled with health problems related to her weight and was diagnosed with diabetes. She became an advocate for diabetes awareness and served as a spokesperson for the American Diabetes Association.

Despite her health issues, Carter continued to perform and was known for her powerful singing voice. She won an Emmy Award for her guest appearance on the show "Dream On" in 1991.

Carter's legacy lives on through her inspiring work as a performer and her advocacy for diabetes awareness.

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Nutan

Nutan (June 4, 1936 Mumbai-February 21, 1991 India) otherwise known as Nutan Behl, Nutan Rajnish Behl, Late Smt. Nutan Behl, Nutan Samarth or Nutan Samarth Behl was an Indian actor. Her child is called Mohnish Bahl.

She died caused by cancer.

Nutan was one of the leading actors of her time and worked in over 70 Hindi films during her career, which spanned over four decades. She made her acting debut at the age of 14 with the film Hamari Beti (1950) and went on to star in several critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies such as Sujata (1959), Bandini (1963), Milan (1967), and Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki (1978). She won five Filmfare Awards for Best Actress, which is a record that stands to this day alongside actress and politician Nargis Dutt.

Nutan was not only a great actor but also a skilled classical singer, and has lent her voice to a few movies as well. She was widely respected in the industry for her professionalism and dedication towards her craft. After her death, several actors and filmmakers paid tribute to her and praised her contributions to the film industry. Nutan continues to be remembered as one of the finest actors to have graced the screens of Indian cinema.

Yolande Palfrey

Yolande Palfrey (March 29, 1957 England-April 9, 2011 Esher) a.k.a. Yolande Anne Elissa Palfrey was a British actor.

She began her acting career in the 1970s with appearances in various television shows and stage productions. Palfrey then went on to star in several popular British television shows, such as "Casualty," "Doctors," and "The Bill." She was also known for her roles in movies such as "Hamlet" (1996) and "Johnny English" (2003).

In addition to her acting career, Palfrey was also a trained psychotherapist and worked in private practice for several years. She was actively involved in several charitable organizations, including the Helen Bamber Foundation, which advocates for human rights and supports survivors of extreme human cruelty.

Palfrey passed away in 2011 at the age of 54 after a long battle with cancer. She was remembered by many fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry for her talent, dedication, and kind heart.

Read more about Yolande Palfrey on Wikipedia »

Dawn Addams

Dawn Addams (September 21, 1930 Felixstowe-May 7, 1985 London) also known as Victoria Dawn Addams was a British actor. She had two children, Noel Shawn Patrick Addams and Stefano Massimo di Roccasecca.

She died in cancer.

Dawn Addams was born in Felixstowe, Suffolk, England and began her career at the age of four as a child model. She later trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London and quickly became a popular actress in both British and Italian films. She starred in over 40 films including "The Moon Is Blue" (1953), "The Scarlet Blade" (1963) and "Beyond the Curtain" (1960).

Addams also appeared in numerous television shows during her career, such as "The Saint" and "The Avengers". Despite her success in the entertainment industry, she struggled with personal issues and became dependent on alcohol and drugs. She died of cancer at the age of 54 in London.

In addition to her acting career, Addams was also known for her beauty and fashion sense. She was a fashion model for several years and became a muse for Italian fashion designer, Giorgio Armani. She was also once engaged to Prince Hassan of Jordan.

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Diane Varsi

Diane Varsi (February 23, 1938 San Mateo-November 19, 1992 Hollywood) otherwise known as Diane Marie Antonia Varsi was an American actor. Her children are called Willo Hausman and Shawn Hausman.

She died caused by respiratory failure.

Varsi is best known for her role as Allison MacKenzie in the 1957 film "Peyton Place" for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She continued her acting career with appearances in films such as "Ten North Frederick" and "Wild in the Country" before transitioning to television, where she became a regular on the series "The High Chaparral" and "The Bold Ones: The Lawyers." Later in life, Varsi struggled with drug addiction and health issues, which ultimately led to her untimely death at the age of 54. Despite the challenges she faced, she left a lasting legacy as a talented and accomplished actor.

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Jean Hagen

Jean Hagen (August 3, 1923 Chicago-August 29, 1977 Los Angeles) also known as Jean Shirley Verhagen was an American actor. She had two children, Aric Phillip Seidel and Christine Seidel.

She died in esophageal cancer.

Hagen is perhaps best known for her role as Lina Lamont in the 1952 musical film "Singin' in the Rain." Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Prior to her success in Hollywood, Hagen worked on Broadway, with notable roles in "Another Part of the Forest" and "The Traitor." She also had a recurring role as Margaret Williams on the TV series "Make Room for Daddy." Aside from her acting career, Hagen was an early supporter of civil rights and was involved in activism work throughout her life. She was also a member of the Church of Religious Science.

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Jill Ireland

Jill Ireland (April 24, 1936 London-May 18, 1990 Malibu) also known as Jill Dorothy Ireland was a British actor, author and dancer. Her children are Valentine McCallum, Paul McCallum, Zuleika Bronson, Jason McCallum and Katrina Holden Bronson.

She died as a result of breast cancer.

Jill Ireland was known for her roles in many successful movies during the 1950s, 60s and 70s, including "The Big Money," "The Karate Killers," and "Assassination." In addition to her acting career, she was also a talented author, publishing several books including her autobiography "Life Wish," and a series of children's books. Ireland was married to actor Charles Bronson for 22 years, and the couple appeared in over 15 films together. After her battle with breast cancer, Ireland became an advocate for breast cancer awareness and helped to establish the "Jill Ireland Fund" to support cancer research. She was remembered for her grace, beauty, and talent both on screen and off.

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Lynne Thigpen

Lynne Thigpen (December 22, 1948 Joliet-March 12, 2003 Marina del Rey) otherwise known as Cherlynne Thigpen, Lynne Richmond, Lynn Thigpen, Cherlynne Theresa Thigpen, Cherlynne Theresa “Lynne” Thigpen or Thigpen, Lynne was an American actor, teacher and voice actor.

She died in cerebral hemorrhage.

Thigpen was born in Joliet, Illinois and grew up in nearby Joliet Township. She graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1966, and later earned a bachelor's degree in speech from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Thigpen then went on to earn a master's degree in teaching from the University of Michigan.

Thigpen began her career as a stage actress, performing in numerous productions both on and off-Broadway. She won a Tony Award in 1997 for her role in the musical "An American Daughter." Thigpen also appeared in several films, including "The Warriors," "Lean On Me," and "Bob Roberts."

In addition to her work as an actress, Thigpen was a respected voice actor, lending her distinctive voice to a number of animated series and video games. She was perhaps best known for her role as "The Chief" in the popular children's television show "Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?"

Thigpen was also a passionate advocate for the arts and education. She served as the national spokesperson for the Children's Miracle Network and was a member of the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

Thigpen passed away in 2003 at the age of 54. She was deeply mourned by her fans and colleagues, who remembered her as a talented and inspiring performer.

Read more about Lynne Thigpen on Wikipedia »

Mae Busch

Mae Busch (June 18, 1891 Melbourne-April 19, 1946 San Fernando Valley) a.k.a. Annie May Busch or The Versatile Vamp was an Australian actor.

She died caused by pneumonia.

Mae Busch was best known for her comedic roles in several Laurel and Hardy films, including "Sons of the Desert" (1933) and "The Bohemian Girl" (1936). She also appeared in over 100 films throughout her career, including "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" (1921) and "Ben-Hur" (1925). Busch began her career as a child performer in vaudeville and later became a featured player with Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios. She was often cast as the tough-talking, hard-drinking woman, earning the nickname "The Versatile Vamp." Despite her successes, Busch battled with alcoholism and had a difficult personal life. Her death was mourned by many in the film industry who had worked with her throughout her career.

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Mona Barrie

Mona Barrie (December 18, 1909 London-June 27, 1964 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Mona Smith, Mona Barlee Smith or Mona Barlee was an American actor.

She was originally from London, England and began her career on stage in England before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. She appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, often playing sophisticated and elegant women. Some of her notable roles include "No Time for Comedy" (1940) and "Twice Blessed" (1945). In addition to her film work, Barrie also acted on television and in theater productions. She passed away at the age of 54 from cancer.

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