Famous movie actresses died when they were 72
Here are 18 famous actresses from the world died at 72:
Elżbieta Czyżewska
Elżbieta Czyżewska (May 14, 1938 Warsaw-June 17, 2010 Manhattan) also known as Elzbieta Czyzewska, Elzbieta Justyna Czyzewska, Elizbieta Czyzewska, Elżbieta Justyna Czyżewska, Elka, Ela or Elżbieta J. Czyżewska was a Polish actor.
She died as a result of esophageal cancer.
Czyżewska began her acting career in Poland in the late 1950s, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the Polish theater scene. She was also active in the Polish film industry, appearing in numerous films throughout the 1960s. In the late 1960s, Czyżewska emigrated to the United States where she continued her acting career on stage and in films. She was known for her roles in films such as 1999's "A Walk on the Moon" and 2003's "House of D". In addition to her acting work, Czyżewska was also active in political activism, particularly around issues of human rights both in Poland and in the United States.
Read more about Elżbieta Czyżewska on Wikipedia »
Irna Phillips
Irna Phillips (July 1, 1901 Chicago-December 23, 1973 Chicago) was an American writer, screenwriter, actor and tv program creator.
Often referred to as the "Mother of the Soap Opera," Irna Phillips is credited with creating some of the most iconic daytime dramas in television history, including "Guiding Light," "As The World Turns," and "Days of Our Lives." Prior to her success in television, Phillips got her start in radio, writing and acting in serialized dramas that would eventually became a staple of daytime radio programming. Known for her ability to create relatable characters and compelling storylines, Phillips revolutionized the soap opera genre and set the standard for decades to come. In addition to her work in television, she was also a prolific author, penning several novels and plays throughout her career.
Read more about Irna Phillips on Wikipedia »
Joyanne Bracewell
Joyanne Bracewell (July 5, 1934 Manchester-January 9, 2007 England) a.k.a. Judge Joyanne Bracewell, Joyanne Winifred Bracewell or Dame Joyanne Winifred Bracewell was an English barrister, judge and actor.
She died as a result of cancer.
Bracewell began her career as a barrister, practicing law in England for several years. She was known for her sharp legal mind and her dedication to justice. Bracewell was also a talented actor and appeared in a number of stage productions throughout her career.
In 1991, Bracewell was appointed as a circuit judge, becoming the first woman to serve as a judge in the South Eastern Circuit of England. She was noted for her judicial acumen and her commitment to fairness and equality. In 1999, she was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Justice, becoming the first woman to hold that position in England.
Bracewell was a tireless advocate for women's rights and equality throughout her life. She was a founding member of the International Women's Forum and served as its President from 1985 to 1986. In recognition of her contributions to law and society, Bracewell was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2002.
Read more about Joyanne Bracewell on Wikipedia »
Lydia Yeamans Titus
Lydia Yeamans Titus (December 12, 1857 Sydney-December 30, 1929 Glendale) also known as Mrs. Titus, Lydia Titus or Lydia Yeamans was an Australian singer and actor.
She died in stroke.
Lydia Yeamans Titus was born in Sydney, Australia, and started her career as a singer at a young age. She sang in various local choirs and churches before moving to the United States in the 1870s. Lydia quickly became a popular performer in the US, performing in various musical productions in New York and other cities.
In the 1880s, Lydia transitioned from singing to acting, and began performing in plays and operas across the US. She became known for her dramatic performances and was admired for her ability to convey complex emotions through her acting.
Lydia was married to fellow actor and director William R. Titus, and the couple performed together in various productions throughout their careers. Lydia and William settled in Glendale, California in the early 1900s and continued to perform in local productions.
Lydia Yeamans Titus passed away in 1929 at the age of 72 due to a stroke. She was remembered both for her talent as a performer and for her kindness and generosity towards her fellow actors and friends in the entertainment industry.
Read more about Lydia Yeamans Titus on Wikipedia »
Marcia Lewis
Marcia Lewis (August 8, 1938 Melrose-December 21, 2010 Brentwood) also known as Marcia Lewis Bryan was an American singer, actor and registered nurse.
She began her career in showbusiness as a performer in Broadway musicals, and went on to receive a Tony Award nomination for her role in the 1970 play "Hello, Dolly!". Later on, she also starred in productions such as "Chicago", "Annie Warbucks", and "The Tale of the Allergist's Wife".
In addition to her work in musical theater, Lewis was a registered nurse and worked in the healthcare industry for many years. She appeared on various TV shows as well, including "E.R.", "Law & Order" and "Ugly Betty".
Throughout her career, Lewis was known for her powerful voice and vibrant personality, and was beloved by audiences and peers alike. Sadly, she passed away in 2010 at the age of 72, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a dedication to both the arts and healthcare.
Read more about Marcia Lewis on Wikipedia »
Pearl Bailey
Pearl Bailey (March 29, 1918 Southampton County-August 17, 1990 Philadelphia) otherwise known as Pearl Mae Bailey, Pearly Mae or Dickie was an American singer, actor and voice actor. She had two children, Dee Dee Belson and Tony Bellson.
She died in cardiovascular disease.
Pearl Bailey was born into a large family of entertainers and started performing at a young age. She gained national attention for her work in the New York City nightclub scene and appeared in several Broadway productions. Bailey was lauded for her unique vocal style and charismatic stage presence. She also made appearances on several television shows and in films, including the adaptation of “Hello, Dolly!” in 1969. In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Bailey was an advocate for civil rights and women’s rights, and was appointed by President Richard Nixon as the US ambassador to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1979. Bailey remains a beloved and influential figure in American entertainment history.
Read more about Pearl Bailey on Wikipedia »
Susan Glaspell
Susan Glaspell (July 1, 1876 Davenport-July 27, 1948 Provincetown) also known as Susan Keating Glaspell or Susie was an American writer, novelist, actor, film director, biographer, poet, journalist and playwright.
She died caused by viral pneumonia.
Glaspell started writing at an early age and worked as a journalist before becoming a successful author and playwright. She was a prominent member of the Provincetown Players, a group of writers who focused on producing experimental plays. Her most famous play, "Trifles," addressed issues of gender inequality and was based on a real-life murder case she covered as a journalist. In addition to her work as a writer, Glaspell also co-founded the Provincetown Players and directed some of their productions. She published several novels during her career, including "The Glory of the Conquered" and "Brook Evans," and received the Pulitzer Prize for her play "Alison's House" in 1931. Glaspell's work has continued to be studied and performed throughout the decades due to its relevance and powerful themes.
Read more about Susan Glaspell on Wikipedia »
Alexis Smith
Alexis Smith (June 8, 1921 Penticton-June 9, 1993 Los Angeles) a.k.a. Gladys Smith was a Canadian actor.
She died in brain tumor.
Alexis Smith had a successful acting career that began in the 1940s and spanned over five decades. She appeared in numerous films, including "The Woman in White" (1948), "Night and Day" (1946), and "The Young Philadelphians" (1959), for which she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She also starred in acclaimed stage productions, such as the Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's "Follies" in 1985. In addition to her acting career, Smith was also a philanthropist and was actively involved with charitable organizations.
Read more about Alexis Smith on Wikipedia »
Elisabeth Flickenschildt
Elisabeth Flickenschildt (March 16, 1905 Blankenese-October 26, 1977 Stade) also known as Elisabeth Flickenschild, E. Flickenschildt or Elisabeth Ida Marie Flickenschildt was a German actor, film producer and author.
She started her acting career in theater and went on to appear in over 100 German films. Flickenschildt was known for her versatility and played a wide range of roles, from comedic to dramatic characters. Some of her notable films include "The Adventures of Baron Munchausen" (1943), "The Murderers are Among Us" (1946), and "The Marriage of Maria Braun" (1979). In addition to her work in film, Flickenschildt also wrote several books and produced a number of films. Her contributions to German cinema have been recognized with several awards, including the 1967 German Film Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Nirgendwo ist Poenichen". Flickenschildt died in 1977 at the age of 72.
Read more about Elisabeth Flickenschildt on Wikipedia »
Helen Mack
Helen Mack (November 12, 1913 Rock Island-August 13, 1986 Beverly Hills) also known as Helen McDougall or Helen Macks was an American actor, writer, film director and film producer.
She died as a result of cancer.
Throughout her career, Helen Mack appeared in over 70 films and television shows, working with notable directors such as Frank Capra and John Ford. Some of her most notable roles include her performance in the 1933 film "Son of Kong" and her portrayal of the female lead in the 1936 film "His Brother's Wife".
In addition to her work in front of the camera, Mack also had a successful career behind the scenes. She wrote screenplays for films such as "The Crime Doctor's Diary" and "She's Working Her Way Through College", and produced the 1950 film "The White Tower".
Mack was also involved in several charitable organizations throughout her life, including the Motion Picture and Television Fund and the Hollywood Democratic Committee. Despite facing personal challenges and tragedies, including the death of her daughter, Mack remained committed to her work in the entertainment industry and to making a positive impact in her community.
Read more about Helen Mack on Wikipedia »
Isabel Withers
Isabel Withers (January 20, 1896 Frankton-September 3, 1968 Hollywood) also known as Isabelle Withers or Isobel Withers was an American actor.
She trained in New York and made her Broadway debut in 1916. Withers later transitioned to film and appeared in over 100 movies and television shows throughout her career. Some of her notable films include "The Big Heat," "I Remember Mama," and "The Lemon Drop Kid." In addition to her acting work, Withers also taught acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York for many years. Her contributions to the entertainment industry were recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.
Read more about Isabel Withers on Wikipedia »
Janice Rule
Janice Rule (August 15, 1931 Norwood-October 17, 2003 Manhattan) otherwise known as Mary Janice Rule was an American actor and psychologist. Her children are called Elizabeth Gazzara and Kate Thom Fitzgerald.
She died caused by cerebral hemorrhage.
Janice Rule was born in Norwood, Ohio, and began her acting career in New York in the 1950s. She made her Broadway debut in the play "The Flowering Peach" in 1954. She also appeared in several off-Broadway productions, including "The Lady from the Sea" and "The Three Sisters."
In 1961, Rule gained national attention for her role in the film "The Chase," opposite Marlon Brando. She went on to appear in numerous films and TV shows throughout the 1960s and 1970s, including "Bell, Book and Candle," "The Ambushers," "The Swimmer," and "Law & Order."
Aside from her acting career, Rule had a keen interest in psychology and earned a degree in the field. Later on, she became a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, Rule suffered from health problems and passed away in Manhattan in 2003 due to a cerebral hemorrhage. She left behind two daughters, Elizabeth Gazzara and Kate Thom Fitzgerald.
Read more about Janice Rule on Wikipedia »
Katina Paxinou
Katina Paxinou (December 17, 1900 Piraeus-February 22, 1973 Athens) also known as Ekaterini Konstantopoulou, Κατίνα Παξινού or Aikaterini Konstantopoulou was a Greek actor.
She died in cancer.
Paxinou gained international recognition for her role as Pilar in the 1943 film adaptation of Ernest Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls," for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She was also a member of the Greek Resistance during World War II and helped to smuggle Jewish refugees out of the country. In addition to her acting career, Paxinou was also a stage director and taught acting in Greece and the United States. She was married to Greek industrialist and art collector Ioannis Paxinos and the couple had two children.
Read more about Katina Paxinou on Wikipedia »
Leila Hyams
Leila Hyams (May 1, 1905 New York City-December 4, 1977 Bel-Air) was an American actor and model.
She began her career as a model in the early 1920s and soon transitioned into acting. Hyams appeared in over 50 films throughout her career, primarily in the 1920s and 1930s, working with notable directors such as Tod Browning and King Vidor. She was known for her versatile acting abilities, which included both comedic and dramatic roles. One of her most famous performances was in the 1932 horror classic, "Freaks." Hyams retired from acting in the mid-1930s and then focused on her family life. She was married to her husband, Phil Berg, for over 40 years and together they had three children. Hyams remained out of the public eye until her death in 1977 at the age of 72.
Read more about Leila Hyams on Wikipedia »
Lila Lee
Lila Lee (July 25, 1901 Union Hill-November 13, 1973 Saranac Lake) also known as Augusta Appel, Cuddles or Augusta Wilhelmena Fredericka Appel was an American actor. She had one child, James Kirkwood Jr..
She died in stroke.
Lila Lee began her career in Hollywood at the young age of 15, appearing in small roles in silent films. Her break came when she was cast as a leading lady in 1920's "The Cruise of the Make-Believes". Over the course of her career, Lee appeared in over 70 films, including "Blood and Sand" (1922) and "Show Boat" (1929). She also had a successful stage career, performing on Broadway in shows such as "Good News" and "The League of Frightened Men". After her retirement from acting in the 1930s, Lee became a successful real estate agent. Despite her early success in Hollywood, Lee's contributions to the film industry have often been overlooked.
Read more about Lila Lee on Wikipedia »
Martha Sleeper
Martha Sleeper (June 24, 1910 Lake Bluff-March 25, 1983 Beaufort) was an American actor, comedian, author, jeweler and businessperson. She had one child, Victoria Albright.
Martha Sleeper started her career in the entertainment industry as a child actor on Broadway in the 1920s. She later transitioned into film, appearing in several popular movies of the 1930s like "The Big Broadcast" and "Goodbye Love". Sleeper also dabbled in radio and television during her career.
Apart from her work in entertainment, Sleeper was also an accomplished author, publishing several books including her autobiography "Wide-Eyed in Babylon". She also owned a jewelry store and was involved in various business ventures.
Sleeper retired from acting in the 1950s and moved to South Carolina with her husband. She passed away in 1983 at the age of 72.
Read more about Martha Sleeper on Wikipedia »
Mary Morris
Mary Morris (December 13, 1915 Lautoka-October 14, 1988 Aigle) also known as Mary Lilian Agnes Morris was a British actor.
She died caused by heart failure.
Mary Morris was born in Lautoka, Fiji, and began her acting career at the age of 16 in New Zealand. She moved to London in the 1930s to pursue a career in theatre and quickly rose to fame as a stage actor. Morris also appeared in a number of films, including "The Holcroft Covenant" and "Scrooge". However, she was best known for her work in television, appearing in popular series such as "Doctor Who" and "The Prisoner". Morris was also a noted voice actor, lending her talents to a number of radio dramas and animated films, including Disney's "The Great Mouse Detective". Despite her success, Morris remained a private person throughout her life and little is known about her personal life.
Read more about Mary Morris on Wikipedia »
Maxine Elliott
Maxine Elliott (February 5, 1868 Rockland-March 5, 1940 Cannes) was an American businessperson and actor.
She was born as Jessie Dermot in Rockland, Maine and raised in Massachusetts. After her first marriage at a young age, she adopted the name Maxine Elliott and pursued a career in acting. She quickly achieved success and became one of the most prominent and well-respected actresses of her time.
Elliott eventually transitioned from acting to business and became a successful theater owner and producer. She owned the Maxine Elliott Theatre in New York City and produced several successful plays, including "Mr. Wu" and "The Miracle." She was known for her keen business sense and her ability to spot talent, often giving up-and-coming actors their big break.
Elliott was also known for her philanthropy and donated a significant portion of her wealth to various charitable causes, including education and the arts. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and worked tirelessly throughout her life to promote equality and fairness.
Elliott lived a glamorous and exciting life, traveling the world and mingling with some of the most famous people of her era. She passed away in Cannes, France at the age of 72.
Read more about Maxine Elliott on Wikipedia »