Famous movie actresses died when they were 69
Here are 18 famous actresses from the world died at 69:
ZaSu Pitts
ZaSu Pitts (January 3, 1894 Parsons-June 7, 1963 Hollywood) also known as Zazu Pitts, Eliza Susan Pitts, Zasu Pitts or ZaSu was an American actor. Her children are called Ann Gallery and Donald Michael Gallery.
She died caused by cancer.
ZaSu Pitts began her film career during the silent era, with her first credited role in the 1917 film "The Little Princess". She quickly became known for her comedic performances, often playing eccentric or anxious characters. She transitioned to talkies in the 1930s, and continued to work prolifically in film and television throughout her career. In addition to her acting work, Pitts was a talented writer and illustrator, writing several children's books and creating illustrations for magazines. Despite her success in Hollywood, Pitts remained humble and dedicated to her craft, earning the respect and admiration of her peers.
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Betty Blue
Betty Blue (August 14, 1931 West Memphis-August 23, 2000 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Baby Betty was an American nude glamour model and actor.
She died caused by heart failure.
Betty Blue began her career as a pin-up model in the 1950s, and gained popularity during the 1960s and 1970s. Her alluring beauty and curvy figure made her a favorite among photographers and fans alike. Along with her modeling work, Betty also ventured into acting, appearing in a number of B-movies and exploitation films. Despite being known for her risqué image, Betty was a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry, and inspired many with her confidence and sex appeal. She will always be remembered as an iconic figure in the world of glamour and beauty.
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Judy Canova
Judy Canova (November 20, 1913 Starke-August 5, 1983 Hollywood) a.k.a. Juliette Canova, Queen of Corn, Queen of the Air 1949, The Ozark Nightingale or Jenny Lind of the Ozarks was an American singer, comedian, actor, presenter and theater performer. She had two children, Diana Canova and Julietta Canova.
She died in cancer.
Judy Canova began her career in entertainment in the 1920s performing with her family's traveling tent show. She went on to have her own radio program, "The Judy Canova Show", which aired from 1943 to 1955. She also appeared in numerous films, including "Sleeping Beauty" (1959) and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" (1960). Canova was known for her hilarious hoedowns, zany characters and comedic timing. She had a successful career in both radio and film and was celebrated for her contributions to the entertainment industry.
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Nancy Kulp
Nancy Kulp (August 28, 1921 Harrisburg-February 3, 1991 Palm Desert) also known as Nancy Jane Kulp, Kulp, Nancy, Slim or Nancy Culp was an American politician, actor and voice actor.
She died as a result of cancer.
Nancy Kulp is best known for her portrayal of the character Miss Jane Hathaway in the TV series "The Beverly Hillbillies". She appeared in 246 episodes of the show from 1962 to 1971. Kulp began her career as a radio broadcaster and moved on to work in regional theater before moving to New York City to pursue a career in acting. She also appeared in numerous TV shows and films, including "Shane" (1953) and "The Model and the Marriage Broker" (1951). In addition to her acting career, Kulp ran for political office in Pennsylvania in the 1980s, making an unsuccessful bid for the U.S. House of Representatives. Kulp was also a vocal advocate for animal rights, supporting organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States.
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Natacha Rambova
Natacha Rambova (January 19, 1897 Salt Lake City-June 5, 1966 Pasadena) also known as Winifred Shaughnessy, Winifred Kimball Shaughnessy, Winifred Hudnut, Wink, Natasha Rambova or Peter M. Winters was an American writer, screenwriter, actor, costume designer, set designer, film art director, fashion designer, film producer, historian, ballet dancer, businessperson and teacher.
She died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Rambova is perhaps best known for being the wife and creative partner of the actor Rudolph Valentino. Rambova and Valentino first met during the production of the film "Uncharted Seas" in 1921 and were married in 1922. Rambova played an instrumental role in shaping Valentino's on-screen image, designing costumes for many of his films, including "The Sheik" and "Blood and Sand."
In addition to her work in the film industry, Rambova was also a respected historian, publishing several books on the history of dance and costume design. She was a vocal advocate for dance as an art form and taught dance and costume design at various institutions throughout her career.
Rambova was also a savvy businessperson, launching her own line of beauty products and collaborating with various fashion designers throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Despite her many talents and accomplishments, Rambova's legacy has often been overshadowed by her association with Valentino, and she remains a somewhat enigmatic figure in Hollywood history.
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Rosalind Russell
Rosalind Russell (June 4, 1907 Waterbury-November 28, 1976 Beverly Hills) also known as Rosalind Russell Brisson, C.A. McKnight, Roz or Catherine Rosalind Russell was an American singer, actor, screenwriter and model. Her child is Lance Brisson.
She died as a result of breast cancer.
Rosalind Russell began her acting career on Broadway and was often cast in comedic roles. Her breakout role was in the 1937 film "The Women" where she played the sassy and witty Sylvia Fowler. She continued to have success in Hollywood, starring in films such as "His Girl Friday," "Auntie Mame," and "Gypsy."
In addition to her acting career, Russell was also a strong advocate for women's health and cancer research. She served as the president of the Women's Division of the American Cancer Society and worked tirelessly to raise awareness about breast cancer. In 1972, she was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for her philanthropic work.
Russell was married to producer Frederick Brisson for over 35 years and they had one son together. She was known for her quick wit, her strong work ethic, and her dedication to her family and causes she believed in.
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Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari
Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari (June 22, 1932 Isfahan-October 26, 2001 Paris) a.k.a. Princess Soraya of Iran, Princess Soraya, Miss Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari, Her Majesty The Queen of Iran, Her Imperial Highness Princess Soraya of Iran or Soraya was an Iranian actor and author.
Soraya Esfandiary-Bakhtiari was best known for her brief marriage to the last Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi in 1951. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1958 due to Soraya's inability to produce an heir to the throne. After the divorce, Soraya lived mainly in Europe where she pursued her interests in acting and writing. She appeared in a few films and wrote several books on her life and experiences, including her autobiography "The Palace of Solitude." Despite being stripped of her royal titles following the divorce, Soraya remained a beloved figure in Iran and was often referred to as Princess Soraya by her fans. She died in Paris in 2001 at the age of 69.
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Andrea Leeds
Andrea Leeds (August 14, 1914 Butte-May 21, 1984 Palm Springs) also known as Antoinette Lees was an American actor.
She died in cancer.
Andrea Leeds was born in Butte, Montana, to a family of Irish descent. She got interested in acting at an early age and began performing in local productions. In 1931, her family moved to Los Angeles to help her pursue her acting career.
She made her film debut in 1933 with a small role in "Dinner at Eight". However, her breakthrough role came in 1937, when she starred in "Stage Door" alongside Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers. She received critical acclaim for her portrayal of a struggling actress and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Leeds continued to star in successful movies throughout the 1930s, including "Dead End" (1937) and "The Goldwyn Follies" (1938). However, her career began to decline in the 1940s, and she retired from acting in 1949.
After retiring, Leeds stayed out of the public eye and focused on philanthropy work. She helped establish the Andrea Leeds Nursing Education Fund at Butte Vocational-Technical Center, which awarded scholarships to nursing students.
Sadly, Leeds died of cancer at age 69 in Palm Springs, California, leaving behind a legacy as a talented actor and a generous humanitarian.
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Bonnie Franklin
Bonnie Franklin (January 6, 1944 Santa Monica-March 1, 2013 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Bonnie Gail Franklin was an American television director and actor.
She died in pancreatic cancer.
Franklin is best known for her role as Ann Romano, the single mother and main character in the CBS sitcom "One Day at a Time" which aired from 1975 to 1984. She was nominated for an Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Awards for her performance on the show. Prior to her starring role, Franklin appeared in various television shows and films, such as "The Man in the Moon" and "The Munsters". Following the end of "One Day at a Time", Franklin continued to act in television shows and made occasional film appearances. She also worked as a television director on popular shows such as "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" and "Sabrina, the Teenage Witch". In addition to her career in entertainment, Franklin was an activist for issues such as animal rights, AIDS awareness, and equal rights for women.
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Eleanor Powell
Eleanor Powell (November 21, 1912 Springfield-February 11, 1982 Beverly Hills) a.k.a. Eleanor Torrey Powell or The Queen of Tap Dancing was an American dancer and actor. She had one child, Peter Ford.
She died in cancer.
Powell began dancing at a young age and by 12, she joined her first dance troupe. She went on to become a leading tap dancer in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s, starring in numerous musical films such as "Born to Dance" and "Broadway Melody of 1936." Powell's dance style was noted for her intricate footwork and athleticism, and she was widely considered to be one of the greatest tap dancers of all time. In addition to her film career, Powell also performed on Broadway and in television. She received numerous awards for her contributions to dance, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Powell's legacy continues to inspire and influence dancers and performers today.
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Gail Patrick
Gail Patrick (June 20, 1911 Birmingham-July 6, 1980 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Margaret LaVelle Fitzpatrick, Gail Patrick Anderson or Gail Patrick Jackson was an American actor and television producer.
She died as a result of leukemia.
Gail Patrick started her acting career in the mid-1930s and appeared in over 60 films during that decade. She was often cast as the "other woman" or the femme fatale in films such as "My Man Godfrey" and "Stage Door." In addition to her acting career, Patrick was also a successful television producer. She co-produced the popular television series, "Perry Mason" and "The Rifleman" in the 1950s and 60s. In 1951, Patrick became one of the first women to serve on the board of directors for a major studio when she was elected to the board of Paramount Pictures. She was also known for her philanthropic efforts and was heavily involved in charity work throughout her life.
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Gale Page
Gale Page (July 29, 1913 Spokane-January 8, 1983 Santa Monica) also known as Sally Perkins Rutter or Sally Rutter was an American singer and actor. She had one child, Luchino Solito De Solis.
Gale Page's career began as a radio singer in San Francisco before moving to New York City in 1938 to perform in musicals. Her breakthrough role came in 1939 when she landed the lead role in the Broadway production of "The Banker's Daughter." Page then went on to make several films throughout the 1940s, including "Stardust," "The Hard Way," and "Knickerbocker Holiday."
Despite her success in Hollywood, Page decided to leave the film industry in 1945 to focus on her singing career. She continued to perform in musicals and operas throughout the 1950s and 1960s, becoming well-known for her performances in productions such as "The Merry Widow" and "Carmen."
Page also made several television appearances, including on "The Red Skelton Show" and "Cheers." In addition to her work in entertainment, she was also an advocate for humanitarian causes and was involved in various philanthropic organizations.
Sadly, Gale Page passed away in 1983 at the age of 69 due to complications from a stroke. However, her legacy as a talented singer and actor continues to live on.
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Gloria Talbott
Gloria Talbott (February 7, 1931 Glendale-September 19, 2000 Glendale) otherwise known as Gloria Maude Talbott, Gloria Talbot or scream queen was an American actor. She had two children, Mea Mullally and Mark Parrish.
She died in renal failure.
Gloria Talbott began her acting career in 1948 at the age of 17. She was initially signed on by Columbia Pictures as a contract player and was subsequently cast in a number of supporting roles in films like "The Marauders" (1955), "All That Heaven Allows" (1955) and "The Cyclops" (1957).
However, it was her appearances in B-grade horror and science fiction films that earned her the nickname "scream queen". Some of her best-known roles in the genre included "The Daughter of Dr. Jekyll" (1957), "The Leech Woman" (1960), and "I Married a Monster from Outer Space" (1958).
In addition to her work in film, Talbott also made numerous guest appearances on television shows like "Maverick", "Perry Mason", and "The Rebel" throughout the 1950s and 60s.
Talbott retired from acting in 1966, but remained a beloved figure among fans of classic horror and science fiction films.
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Helen Dunbar
Helen Dunbar (October 10, 1863 Philadelphia-August 28, 1933 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Katheryn Burke Lackey or Mrs. Dunbar was an American actor.
She died caused by arthritis.
Helen Dunbar began her acting career in stock theater, quickly gaining recognition for her performances on stage. She went on to appear in over 200 films, often playing maternal or authoritative roles. Some of her notable roles include Mrs. Darling in the silent film "Peter Pan" (1924) and Mrs. Warren in "A Tale of Two Cities" (1935). Dunbar was also a member of the Actors' Equity Association, and actively supported the formation of the Screen Actors Guild. Off-screen, she was known for her charitable work and was involved in various organizations such as the Motion Picture Relief Fund. Despite her success, Helen Dunbar remained committed to her craft until her death in 1933.
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Joan Caulfield
Joan Caulfield (June 1, 1922 West Orange-June 18, 1991 Los Angeles) also known as Beatrice Joan Caulfield, joan_caulfield or Miss Joan Caulfield was an American actor and model. Her children are John Caulfield Peterson and Caulfield Kevin Ross.
She died as a result of cancer.
Caulfield became known for her stunning beauty and acting talent in the 1940s and 1950s. She started her career as a model before shifting into acting in films and television. She made her film debut in the 1945 film "Duffy's Tavern", and went on to star in several successful films such as "The Lady Says No" (1951) and "The Petty Girl" (1950).
In addition to her acting career, Caulfield also made several appearances on television in shows such as "The Ford Television Theatre" and "Alfred Hitchcock Presents". She was also known for her guest appearances on popular game shows such as "What's My Line?" and "To Tell The Truth".
Caulfield was married twice, first to Frank Ross Jr., with whom she had two children, and later to Robert Peterson until his death in 1983. She devoted much of her later years to charity work and cancer research before passing away from cancer in 1991, aged 69.
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Lillian Roth
Lillian Roth (December 13, 1910 Boston-May 12, 1980 New York City) also known as Lillian Rutstein, Butterfingers or Miss Lillian Roth was an American singer and actor.
She died as a result of stroke.
Lillian Roth began her career as a child performer, and by age six, she appeared in her first film. She was a popular star throughout the 1920s and 1930s, known for her soprano voice and comedic performances. Roth rose to fame with her signature song, "When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob, Bobbin' Along."
Despite her success, Roth struggled with alcoholism and personal problems that impacted her career. She chronicled her struggles in her 1958 autobiography, I'll Cry Tomorrow, which was later adapted into a film.
After getting sober, Roth made a comeback in the 1950s, appearing in TV shows and films, including The Love Boat and Pete Kelly's Blues. She also continued singing and performing on stage, earning critical acclaim for her roles in musicals such as Funny Girl and The Sound of Music.
Roth's legacy lives on through her contributions to the entertainment industry and her candidness about her struggles with addiction, which helped inspire others to seek help.
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Miriam Hopkins
Miriam Hopkins (October 18, 1902 Savannah-October 9, 1972 New York City) a.k.a. Ellen Miriam Hopkins, Miriam or Mims was an American actor. Her child is Michael Hopkins.
She died as a result of myocardial infarction.
Hopkins began her career on Broadway, and eventually made the transition to Hollywood films in the 1930s. Some of her notable film roles include "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" (1931), "Trouble in Paradise" (1932), and "The Heiress" (1949). She received two Academy Award nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role for "The Story of Temple Drake" (1933) and "Becky Sharp" (1935). Hopkins was known for her beauty and her ability to portray both dramatic and comedic roles. Despite a successful career, she faced challenges due to her outspokenness and clashes with studio executives. After her film career ended, Hopkins returned to stage acting and also appeared on television.
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Nancy Walker
Nancy Walker (May 10, 1922 Philadelphia-March 25, 1992 Studio City) a.k.a. Anna Myrtle Swoyer, Walker, Nancy or Anna Myrtle Smoyer was an American jazz pianist, actor and film director. Her child is Miranda Craig.
She died as a result of lung cancer.
Nancy Walker started her career in entertainment as a child, performing on the radio and in vaudeville acts. She made her Broadway debut in the 1940s and went on to appear in numerous stage productions throughout the 1950s and 1960s. She is perhaps best known for her role as Mildred on the popular 1970s TV show "McMillan & Wife," as well as for her appearances in movies like "The Pajama Game" and "Broadway Melody of 1936."
In addition to her work on stage and screen, Walker also directed several episodes of popular TV shows including "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and "Alice."
Throughout her career, Nancy Walker remained a beloved performer and worked hard to promote the arts in her community. She received numerous awards and accolades for her contributions to the entertainment industry, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Despite battling cancer for several years, Nancy Walker continued to work until shortly before her passing in 1992.
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