Famous movie actresses died when they were 70
Here are 20 famous actresses from the world died at 70:
Anne Shelton
Anne Shelton (November 10, 1923 Dulwich-July 31, 1994 Herstmonceux) a.k.a. Ann Shelton, Shelton, Anne or Patricia Jacqueline Sibley was a British singer and actor.
She died caused by myocardial infarction.
Anne Shelton was best known for her performances during World War II, when she sang for the Allied troops stationed in Egypt, Italy, and Middle East. Her most famous recording during this time was "Lili Marlene," a German love song that became a beloved anthem for soldiers on both sides of the war. After the war, Shelton continued to have success as a singer, with hits such as "Be Mine" and "The Village of St. Bernadette." She also appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Benny Hill Show" and "The Gentle Touch." Despite her success, Shelton never forgot her roots and remained committed to charitable causes, including serving as a patron of the Leonard Cheshire Disability Trust.
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Annette Funicello
Annette Funicello (October 22, 1942 Utica-April 8, 2013 Bakersfield) a.k.a. Annette Joanne Funicello, Annette, Mouseketeer, Annie, Dolly or 'Annette' was an American singer and actor. She had three children, Jack Gilardi Jr., Gina Portman and Jason Gilardi.
She died in multiple sclerosis.
Annette Funicello rose to fame as one of the original Mouseketeers on the Disney Channel's "The Mickey Mouse Club" in the 1950s. She quickly became a popular figure and was often referred to as "America's Sweetheart."
After her time with Disney, Funicello pursued a career in music and released several albums, including "Annette Sings Anka" and "Hawaiiannette." She also had a successful acting career, starring in several films such as "Beach Party" and "Muscle Beach Party," both with Frankie Avalon.
In 1992, Funicello was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and she became an advocate for research into the disease. She established the Annette Funicello Fund for Neurological Disorders to raise money for MS research.
Funicello passed away on April 8, 2013, at the age of 70, due to complications from multiple sclerosis. She is remembered for her contributions to entertainment and her work to raise awareness and funds for MS research.
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Ekaterina Maximova
Ekaterina Maximova (February 1, 1939 Moscow-April 28, 2009 Moscow) also known as Yekaterina Maksimova, Ye. Maksimova, Yekaterina Maximova, Ekaterina Maksimova of the Bolishoi Theatre, Catherine the Great or Ekaterina the Great was a Russian actor and ballet dancer.
She began her career at the Bolshoi Theatre in 1958 and quickly rose to become a prima ballerina. Maximova was best known for her versatility and range as a dancer, excelling in both classical and contemporary ballet. Some of her most notable performances include Juliet in "Romeo and Juliet," Giselle in "Giselle," and Aurora in "Sleeping Beauty."
Maximova was also known for her collaborations with her husband and dance partner, Vladimir Vasiliev. Together, they performed in many productions, including "The Nutcracker," "Swan Lake," and "Don Quixote." Maximova received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the title of People's Artist of the USSR, the highest honor given to artists in the Soviet Union.
In addition to her career as a dancer, Maximova also dabbled in acting and appeared in several films and television shows. She was widely regarded as one of the greatest ballerinas of the 20th century and left an indelible mark on the world of dance. Maximova passed away at the age of 70 in Moscow, leaving behind a legacy that is still celebrated today.
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Olive Logan
Olive Logan (April 22, 1839 Elmira-April 27, 1909) was an American writer and actor.
She was born in Elmira, New York and began acting at a young age. Logan often performed with her siblings and later joined a Shakespearean troupe. She made her literary debut as a poet and contributor to magazines such as Harper's Weekly and the Atlantic Monthly.
In her later years, Logan also became an advocate for women's rights and suffrage, speaking out for the cause through her writing and public appearances. She even traveled to Europe to attend the International Congress of Women in 1888. Logan wrote several books on women's issues, including "The Silent Woman: Sylvia's Marriage" and "Fashionable Dissent."
Logan's legacy as a writer and activist has been recognized by the Women's Rights National Historical Park, which includes her among its list of honored women.
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Pauline Julien
Pauline Julien (May 23, 1928 Trois-Rivières-October 1, 1998 Montreal) a.k.a. Julien, Pauline was a Canadian singer and actor. She had two children, Nicolas Galipeau and Pascale Galipeau.
She died as a result of suicide.
Pauline Julien was a prominent figure in Quebec's cultural scene and was known for her powerful voice, poetic lyrics, and strong political convictions. She began her career as a folk singer in the 1950s and quickly rose to fame, becoming one of the most important voices of the Quebec independence movement. Julien often used her music as a tool for activism and social change and used her platform to denounce social injustice and inequality.
In addition to her music career, Julien was also involved in theater and film, appearing in several productions throughout her career. She was a lifelong advocate of the arts, and was actively involved in promoting and supporting other artists, particularly women and young people.
Despite her success and popularity, Julien's personal life was marked by struggles with mental health and addiction. She tragically took her own life in 1998, leaving behind a legacy as one of Quebec's most celebrated artists and a powerful voice for social change.
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Vivian Vance
Vivian Vance (July 26, 1909 Cherryvale-August 17, 1979 Belvedere) otherwise known as Vivian Roberta Jones, vivian_vance or Viv was an American singer and actor.
She died in bone cancer.
Vivian Vance is best known for her role as Ethel Mertz in the sitcom "I Love Lucy," which aired from 1951 to 1957. She won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Ethel in 1954. Before her acting career, Vance performed in Broadway musicals and also worked as a radio actress. After "I Love Lucy," she continued to act in television and film, including roles in "The Lucy Show" and "The Great Race." Vance was married three times and had one son. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
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Barbara O'Neil
Barbara O'Neil (July 17, 1910 St. Louis-September 3, 1980 Cos Cob) otherwise known as Barbara O' Neil or Barbara O'Neill was an American actor.
She died caused by myocardial infarction.
Barbara O'Neil made her Broadway debut in the play "Machinal" in 1928. She then went on to appear in many other Broadway productions before transitioning to Hollywood in the 1940s. She is best known for her portrayal of Ellen - Scarlett O'Hara's mother - in the epic 1939 film "Gone with the Wind." O'Neil received critical acclaim for her performance and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Despite that, she did not become a major Hollywood star but instead chose to return to the stage and work in television. O'Neil was known for her brilliant performances and natural beauty, which made her an icon of both stage and screen.
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Bebe Daniels
Bebe Daniels (January 14, 1901 Dallas-March 16, 1971 London) otherwise known as Bebe Virginia Daniels, Phyllis Daniels, Bebe Daniels Lyon, Phyllis Virginia Daniels, Bebe Lyon, Bebe or The Girl was an American actor, film producer, dancer, singer and screenwriter. She had two children, Barbara Lyon and Richard Lyon.
She died in cerebral hemorrhage.
Bebe Daniels began her career in Hollywood in the silent film era, and acted in over 230 films including comedies, dramas, and musicals. She was one of the few performers to successfully transition from silent films to talking pictures. Later in her career, she moved to England where she continued to act in films, and even had her own radio show. In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Daniels was also known for her philanthropic work. During World War II, she and her husband opened their London home to American servicemen, providing them with a place to stay and entertainment. Daniels was also an accomplished pilot, and in 1930 became the fourth woman in the United States to receive her pilot's license.
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Christa Speck
Christa Speck (August 1, 1942 Gdańsk-March 22, 2013 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Kristina Kroft or Kristina Krofft was a German actor and model. Her child is Kristina Krofft.
She died as a result of natural causes.
Christa Speck began her career as a model in the 1960s, working for major fashion brands like Chanel and Balenciaga. She became a Playboy Playmate in September 1961, and her centerfold photo became one of the magazine's most iconic images. After her stint as a Playmate, she transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as "Cinderella" and "The Hound of the Baskervilles." She also appeared in TV shows like "The Beverly Hillbillies" and "Get Smart." In addition to her work in entertainment, Speck was an accomplished artist, working in mediums like painting, sculpture, and jewelry design. She was known for her love of animals and her commitment to animal welfare causes.
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Clara Kimball Young
Clara Kimball Young (September 6, 1890 Chicago-October 15, 1960 Woodland Hills) otherwise known as Clara Kimball, Clara K. Young, Clarisa Kimball, Edith Kimball, Clairee Kimball or America's First First Lady of the Screen was an American actor and film producer.
She died as a result of stroke.
Born to a family of performers, Clara Kimball Young made her stage debut at the age of three. She later transitioned to silent films and became one of the most popular actresses of the 1910s and 1920s. She starred in over 100 films, including "Trilby" (1914), "The Forbidden Room" (1919), and "Madame Behave" (1925), often playing strong and independent women. In the 1920s, she also started producing her own films under her production company, Clara Kimball Young Productions. After the advent of sound in the late 1920s, her career started to decline and she retired from acting in the 1930s. Despite her success, she faced personal and financial difficulties later in life and died at the age of 70.
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Dixie Carter
Dixie Carter (May 25, 1939 McLemoresville-April 10, 2010 Houston) also known as Dixie Virginia Carter was an American actor. She had two children, Ginna Carter and Mary Dixie Carter.
She died in endometrial cancer.
Dixie Carter was best known for her role as Julia Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom "Designing Women," which aired from 1986 to 1993. Prior to that, she had appeared in several Broadway productions, including "Pal Joey" and "A Winter's Tale."
In addition to her acting career, Carter was also an advocate for the arts and a philanthropist. She served on the National Endowment for the Arts during the Reagan administration and was a board member of the Tennessee Williams Festival.
After her death, the Dixie Carter Performing Arts and Academic Enrichment Center was established in Huntingdon, Tennessee, in her honor. The center provides education and enrichment programs in the arts for the local community.
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Dorothy Gish
Dorothy Gish (March 11, 1898 Dayton-June 4, 1968 Rapallo) also known as Dorothy Elizabeth de Guiche or Dorothy Elizabeth Gish was an American actor, film director and screenwriter.
She died as a result of pneumonia.
Dorothy Gish was the younger sister of acclaimed actress Lillian Gish and the two were often referred to as the "Gish Sisters" in Hollywood. She began her acting career at the age of four, performing on stage with her sister in a touring theatre company. She later made a successful transition to silent films and starred in over 100 movies throughout her career.
Gish was known for her natural acting style and her ability to convey strong emotions through her performances. She appeared in several films directed by D.W. Griffith, including the classics "Intolerance" and "Way Down East". In the 1920s, Gish began to transition to directing and screenwriting, and she ultimately made several successful films.
Throughout her career, Gish was known for her kindness and generosity towards her friends and colleagues. She was also a dedicated philanthropist and supported several charitable causes.
Despite experiencing a decline in popularity in the 1930s, Gish remained active in the film industry until her death in 1968. She is remembered as a talented actor, director, and writer who made a significant contribution to the art of cinema.
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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 Daria Cassini and Christina Cassini.
She died as a result of emphysema.
During her career, Gene Tierney appeared in over 40 films and television productions, including the classic film noir "Laura". She was nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the 1945 film "Leave Her to Heaven". In addition to her acting work, Tierney was also known for her beauty and was frequently referred to as one of the most beautiful women in Hollywood. However, her personal life was marked by tragedy, including her struggles with mental illness and the death of her daughter from an accidental overdose. Despite these challenges, Gene Tierney's legacy as a talented and iconic actor has endured for generations.
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Helene Weigel
Helene Weigel (May 12, 1900 Vienna-May 6, 1971 Berlin) was a German actor. She had two children, Stefan Brecht and Barbara Brecht-Schall.
Weigel is best known for her work as a leading actor and manager at the renowned Berliner Ensemble theatre company, which was founded by her husband, the celebrated German playwright and poet Bertolt Brecht. Weigel starred in many of Brecht's productions, including "The Threepenny Opera", "Mother Courage and Her Children", and "The Good Person of Szechwan". She is also known for her work in Brecht's film adaptation of "Mother Courage and Her Children" in 1955. In addition to her acting, Weigel was also instrumental in the management and direction of the Berliner Ensemble. After Brecht's death in 1956, she took over as the director of the company, and continued to lead it until her own death in 1971. Weigel's legacy lives on through the continued success and influence of the Berliner Ensemble, which remains one of the most prominent and respected theatre companies in Europe.
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Hope Lange
Hope Lange (November 28, 1933 Redding-December 19, 2003 Santa Monica) also known as Hope Elise Ross Lange was an American actor. She had two children, Patricia Murray and Christopher Murray.
She died caused by ischemic colitis.
Hope Lange began her career as a model before transitioning to acting in the late 1940s. She made her film debut in "The Red Pony" in 1949 and went on to star in several television shows and films throughout the 1950s and 60s. Lange's most notable roles include her performance as Selena Cross in "Peyton Place," for which she received an Academy Award nomination, and her roles in "The Young Lions" and "Death Wish." In addition to her successful acting career, Lange was also a talented artist and writer. She published a children's book, "Isham," in 1992 and was an accomplished painter.
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Irene Ryan
Irene Ryan (October 17, 1902 El Paso-April 26, 1973 Santa Monica) a.k.a. Irene Noblette, Tim and Irene, Irene, Reenie or Irene Noblett was an American actor.
She died caused by stroke.
Irene Ryan was best known for her portrayal of "Granny" on the classic television show, "The Beverly Hillbillies." However, Ryan had a long and successful career in both film and theater, working alongside notable actors such as Bing Crosby and Ginger Rogers. She received a Tony Award nomination for her performance in the original Broadway production of "Pippin" in 1973, the same year she passed away. Prior to her acting career, Ryan was a trained dancer and performed in various vaudeville shows across the country. Despite her success onscreen and onstage, Ryan made headlines for her highly publicized legal battle with her stepchildren over her late husband's estate.
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Kay Johnson
Kay Johnson (November 29, 1904 Mount Vernon-November 17, 1975 Waterford) also known as Catherine Townsend, Kay, Catherine Townsend Johnson or Catherine Townsend "Kay" Johnson was an American actor. She had two children, James Cromwell and John Oliver.
Kay Johnson began her acting career on the stage in New York City in the 1920s, and made her film debut in the 1929 movie "In the Headlines." She worked with renowned director Cecil B. DeMille, appearing in several of his films including "Madam Satan," "The Sign of the Cross," and "Four Frightened People." Johnson also worked with the acclaimed director Ernst Lubitsch in his films "The Merry Widow" and "One Hour with You."
In addition to her successful film career, Johnson also dabbled in radio and television. She appeared on several radio shows in the 1940s, and made guest appearances on popular TV shows of the 1950s such as "Lux Video Theatre" and "The Loretta Young Show."
Johnson was married twice, first to writer John Cromwell and then to businessman Herman Citron. She had two sons, James Cromwell (who became an actor himself) and John Oliver. Johnson passed away in Waterford, Connecticut in 1975, a few weeks before her 71st birthday.
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Margaret Lindsay
Margaret Lindsay (September 19, 1910 Dubuque-May 9, 1981 Los Angeles) otherwise known as Margaret Kies, Peg or Lindsay was an American actor.
She died in emphysema.
Lindsay started her acting career on Broadway in the early 1930s and eventually transitioned to Hollywood films in 1932. She appeared in over 70 films throughout her career, including "The House of the Seven Gables" (1940) and "Jezebel" (1938) opposite Bette Davis. She was known for her versatile acting ability and often played the "girl-next-door" type. In addition to her film work, Lindsay also appeared in various television shows in the 1950s and 60s, including "Perry Mason" and "The Twilight Zone". She was married to producer/director Armand Deutsch from 1940 until his death in 1965.
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Margot Grahame
Margot Grahame (February 20, 1911 Canterbury-January 1, 1982 London) also known as Margaret Clark was an English actor.
She died as a result of chronic bronchitis.
Margot Grahame began her career in British films in the 1920s and later made her way to Hollywood where she starred in several films including "The Informer" (1935) and "The Three Musketeers" (1939). She was known for her sultry voice and commanding presence on screen. Grahame also worked as a stage performer in London's West End theatre district. Later in life, she became a successful author, publishing a novel and several children's books.
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Martita Hunt
Martita Hunt (January 30, 1899 Buenos Aires-June 13, 1969 Hampstead) was an Argentine actor.
She died as a result of asthma.
Martita Hunt was best known for her work in British stage and film productions. Her most notable performance was as the eccentric and reclusive Miss Havisham in David Lean's film adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations" (1946). She also appeared in other films such as "Anastasia" (1956) and "Becket" (1964).
Hunt began her acting career in the 1920s and made her way to London in the 1930s where she performed on stage in various productions. She became a prominent actress in the West End theatre scene and had successful runs in productions of "Peter Pan," "The Importance of Being Earnest," and "The Heiress."
Hunt was recognized for her talent and contributions to British theatre and was honored with a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1951. She remained active in the entertainment industry until her death in 1969.
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