Actresses You Might Not Know Are Dead

The entertainment industry often moves so quickly that the passing of beloved performers can escape public notice. While some stars receive major tributes others fade from the spotlight before their deaths occur. This list highlights talented women who made significant contributions to film and television throughout their careers. Each entry provides a brief overview of their work and the circumstances surrounding their departure. These actresses left behind a legacy of performances that continue to resonate with audiences today.

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy rose to fame with her memorable role in the comedy ‘Clueless’. She later starred in major motion pictures like ‘8 Mile’ and ‘Girl Interrupted’. The actress also lent her voice to the character Luanne Platter on ‘King of the Hill’ for over a decade. She died unexpectedly in 2009 due to a combination of pneumonia and iron deficiency. Her passing remains one of the most tragic losses in modern Hollywood.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera became a global star for her portrayal of Santana Lopez on the musical series ‘Glee’. She began her career as a child actress on shows like ‘The Royal Family’. Her work on television earned her numerous awards and praise for representing the LGBTQ community. She tragically passed away in 2020 after an accidental drowning during a boating trip with her son. Fans continue to celebrate her talent and her impact on musical television.

Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston had a prolific career spanning decades with roles in ‘Mischief’ and ‘Twins’. she appeared alongside Tom Cruise in the blockbuster hit ‘Jerry Maguire’. The actress was also well known for her marriage to John Travolta and her work in various romantic comedies. She died in 2020 following a private two year battle with breast cancer. Her final film performance was in the comedy ‘Off the Rails’.

Natasha Richardson

Natasha Richardson was a distinguished stage and film actress who belonged to the famous Redgrave acting dynasty. She won a Tony Award for her performance in the revival of ‘Cabaret’. Many moviegoers remember her best as the mother in the 1998 remake of ‘The Parent Trap’. She died in 2009 after suffering a head injury during a skiing lesson in Quebec. Her death led to increased awareness regarding the dangers of minor head traumas.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty became an icon of the 1990s through her roles in ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ and ‘Charmed’. She started her career early with a recurring role on ‘Little House on the Prairie’. The actress was known for her outspoken personality and her work in cult classics like ‘Heathers’. She passed away in July 2024 after living with stage four breast cancer for several years. She remained active in the industry and hosted a podcast until her final days.

Heather O’Rourke

Heather O’Rourke was the child star best known for playing Carol Anne Freeling in the ‘Poltergeist’ trilogy. She was discovered by Steven Spielberg while she was eating lunch with her mother at the MGM commissary. Her line regarding the arrival of spirits became one of the most famous quotes in cinema history. She died at the age of 12 in 1988 due to complications from an intestinal blockage. Her sudden death contributed to the urban legend surrounding the horror franchise.

Judith Barsi

Judith Barsi was a prolific child actress who appeared in dozens of commercials and films. She provided the voice for Ducky in ‘The Land Before Time’ and Anne Marie in ‘All Dogs Go to Heaven’. Her career was rising rapidly during the late 1980s. She was tragically killed by her father in 1988 at the age of 10. Both films she voiced were released posthumously and are dedicated to her memory.

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Peña was a versatile actress known for her roles in ‘La Bamba’ and ‘Rush Hour’. She broke barriers for Latina performers in Hollywood by taking on complex and varied characters. She also voiced Mirage in the animated hit ‘The Incredibles’. The actress died in 2014 from complications related to alcohol abuse. She left behind a legacy of work that spanned over three decades.

Misty Upham

Misty Upham was a Native American actress who earned critical acclaim for her role in ‘Frozen River’. She appeared in major films such as ‘August: Osage County’ and ‘Django Unchained’. Her performances often highlighted the experiences of Indigenous people in contemporary America. She went missing in 2014 and was later found dead in a wooded area in Washington state. Her death sparked conversations about the safety and mental health support for Indigenous performers.

Skye McCole Bartusiak

Skye McCole Bartusiak played the young daughter of Mel Gibson in the historical epic ‘The Patriot’. she had a steady career in television appearing in ’24’ and ‘House’. The young actress also worked on various independent films and stage productions. She passed away in 2014 at the age of 21 due to an accidental drug overdose. Her family remembered her as a vibrant soul who loved the craft of acting.

Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly gained fame for her role as Laurie Forman on the sitcom ‘That 70s Show’. Her comedic timing and chemistry with the cast made her a fan favorite during the early seasons. She left the show due to personal struggles and returned briefly for a guest appearance. The actress died in 2013 while staying at a rehabilitation facility. Her death was later ruled an accidental multi drug intoxication.

Dana Hill

Dana Hill was a talented actress who often played characters younger than her actual age due to a growth deficiency. She starred in ‘National Lampoon’s European Vacation’ as Audrey Griswold. Hill was also a prolific voice actress providing voices for ‘Goof Troop’ and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’. She passed away in 1996 at the age of 32 following a massive stroke caused by type 1 diabetes. She remains a beloved figure among fans of 1980s cinema.

Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas was best known for her role as Myra Monkhouse on the hit sitcom ‘Family Matters’. She also appeared on ‘The Cosby Show’ as Justine Phillips. The actress was a talented dancer and appeared in several music videos during the 1990s. She died in 1998 at the age of 30 from a rare form of stomach cancer. Her colleagues and fans remember her for her infectious energy and bright smile.

Thuy Trang

Thuy Trang played Trini Kwan the original Yellow Ranger on the popular series ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’. She was a Vietnamese born actress who performed many of her own stunts on the show. After leaving the series she appeared in the film ‘The Crow: City of Angels’. She died in 2001 following a tragic car accident in California at the age of 27. Her former cast mates frequently pay tribute to her at fan conventions.

Bridgette Andersen

Bridgette Andersen was a child star who captured hearts in the title role of ‘Savannah Smiles’. She also appeared in the film ‘Nightmares’ and guest starred on several television series. Her career slowed down as she entered her teenage years. She died in 1997 at the age of 21 from an accidental overdose. She is remembered as one of the most charming child performers of the 1980s.

Anissa Jones

Anissa Jones was famous for her role as Buffy on the classic sitcom ‘Family Affair’. She became a television icon alongside her doll Mrs. Beasley. The young actress struggled to find work after the series ended and faced challenges transitioning to adulthood. She died in 1976 at the age of 18 from a drug overdose. Her death served as a cautionary tale regarding the pressures faced by child stars.

Dominique Dunne

Dominique Dunne made her big screen debut as Dana Freeling in the horror classic ‘Poltergeist’. She was the daughter of writer Dominick Dunne and the sister of actor Griffin Dunne. Her career was just beginning to flourish with various television roles lined up. She was murdered by an ex boyfriend in 1982 just months after her film became a hit. Her death cast a shadow over the release of the ‘Poltergeist’ sequels.

Dorothy Stratten

Dorothy Stratten was a model and actress who appeared in the sci fi comedy ‘Galaxina’. She was a rising star in Hollywood and caught the attention of several major directors. Her life and career were cut short when she was killed by her estranged husband in 1980. Her story was later depicted in the film ‘Star 80’. She remains a symbol of the tragic side of the entertainment industry.

Rebecca Schaeffer

Rebecca Schaeffer was the star of the sitcom ‘My Sister Sam’ and was considered a rising talent in Hollywood. She had auditioned for major roles in films like ‘The Godfather Part III’. Her life was tragically taken by an obsessed fan in 1989 at the age of 21. Her death led to the passage of anti stalking laws in California. She is remembered for her kindness and her potential as a leading actress.

Adrienne Shelly

Adrienne Shelly was an actress and filmmaker known for her work in ‘Waitress’ and ‘The Unbelievable Truth’. She wrote and directed ‘Waitress’ which later became a successful Broadway musical. She was a prominent figure in the independent film scene of the 1990s. She was murdered in her New York City apartment in 2006. Her foundation now supports female filmmakers in her honor.

Lupe Ontiveros

Lupe Ontiveros was a prolific actress who claimed to have played a maid over 150 times. She delivered a standout performance as Yolanda Saldivar in the biopic ‘Selena’. She also appeared in ‘As Good as It Gets’ and ‘Real Women Have Curves’. The actress was a dedicated activist for Latino representation in media. She died in 2012 from liver cancer at the age of 69.

Shirley Knight

Shirley Knight was a two time Oscar nominee who had a career spanning over six decades. She appeared in classic films like ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’ and ‘The Rain People’. Television audiences knew her from her recurring role on ‘Desperate Housewives’ as Phyllis Van de Kamp. She won multiple Emmy Awards and a Tony Award during her long career. She died of natural causes in 2020 at the age of 83.

Jessica Walter

Jessica Walter was a legendary actress known for her role as Lucille Bluth on ‘Arrested Development’. She also provided the voice for Malory Archer on the animated series ‘Archer’. Her career began in the 1960s with a standout performance in ‘Play Misty for Me’. She won an Emmy Award for her role in the series ‘Amy Prentiss’. She passed away in her sleep in 2021 at the age of 80.

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory was a highly respected British actress known for her role as Narcissa Malfoy in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. She also starred as Polly Gray in the hit crime drama ‘Peaky Blinders’. Her work on stage earned her numerous accolades and nominations. She was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her services to drama. She died of cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Anne Heche

Anne Heche was a prominent actress in the 1990s with roles in ‘Volcano’ and ‘Six Days Seven Nights’. She won a Daytime Emmy Award for her work on the soap opera ‘Another World’. The actress was also known for her high profile relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. She appeared in numerous independent films and television series throughout her life. She died in 2022 following a severe car accident in Los Angeles.

Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley became a household name when she joined the cast of ‘Cheers’ as Rebecca Howe. She starred in the successful ‘Look Who’s Talking’ film franchise alongside John Travolta. The actress also won an Emmy for her performance in the television movie ‘David’s Mother’. She was a frequent participant in reality television during her later years. She passed away in 2022 after a brief battle with colon cancer.

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch was a cinematic icon who rose to fame in the 1960s with ‘Fantastic Voyage’. Her role in ‘One Million Years B.C.’ made her a global sex symbol. She won a Golden Globe for her performance in the 1974 film ‘The Three Musketeers’. The actress was also a successful businesswoman and author. She died in 2023 at the age of 82 following a brief illness.

Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers became famous for her role as Chrissy Snow on the sitcom ‘Three’s Company’. She later starred in the family comedy ‘Step by Step’ for seven seasons. Outside of acting she was a successful entrepreneur known for the ThighMaster and health books. She was an outspoken advocate for alternative medicine and wellness. She died in 2023 one day before her 77th birthday.

Piper Laurie

Piper Laurie was a three time Oscar nominee known for her roles in ‘The Hustler’ and ‘Carrie’. She played the terrifying Margaret White in the adaptation of Stephen King’s novel. Television fans remember her as Catherine Martell on the cult series ‘Twin Peaks’. Her career lasted for over 70 years and included many prestigious awards. She passed away in 2023 at the age of 91.

Melinda Dillon

Melinda Dillon is best remembered for her role as the mother in the holiday classic ‘A Christmas Story’. She received Oscar nominations for her work in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and ‘Absence of Malice’. The actress was also a talented stage performer and received a Tony nomination early in her career. She often played nurturing yet complex characters in major films. She died in 2023 at the age of 83.

Cindy Williams

Cindy Williams was half of the iconic duo on the sitcom ‘Laverne and Shirley’. She played Shirley Feeney for eight seasons and became a television legend. Before her sitcom fame she appeared in ‘American Graffiti’ and ‘The Conversation’. The actress also worked as a producer and wrote a memoir about her time in Hollywood. She died in 2023 at the age of 75 following a short illness.

Annie Wersching

Annie Wersching was known for her role as Renee Walker on the action series ’24’. She also provided the voice and motion capture for Tess in the video game ‘The Last of Us’. Her television career included recurring roles on ‘Bosch’ and ‘Marvel’s Runaways’. She was a versatile performer who worked steadily in both drama and science fiction. She passed away in 2023 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Lisa Loring

Lisa Loring was the original actress to play Wednesday Addams on ‘The Addams Family’ television series. Her performance set the standard for the character for decades to come. She also appeared on the soap opera ‘As the World Turns’ as a young adult. The actress worked behind the scenes in the film industry later in her life. She died in 2023 at the age of 64 from complications following a stroke.

Stella Stevens

Stella Stevens was a prominent leading lady in the 1960s starring in ‘The Nutty Professor’. She appeared alongside Elvis Presley in the musical film ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’. The actress was also a director and producer who worked on several independent projects. She was known for her comedic talent and glamorous screen presence. She died in 2023 after living with Alzheimer’s disease for many years.

Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera was a legendary Broadway star who appeared in several film adaptations of musicals. She originated the role of Anita in ‘West Side Story’ on the stage. Her film credits include ‘Sweet Charity’ and a cameo in the movie ‘Chicago’. She was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom for her contributions to the arts. She passed away in early 2024 at the age of 91.

Glynis Johns

Glynis Johns was a Tony Award winning actress known for her role as Winifred Banks in ‘Mary Poppins’. She had a career that spanned eight decades across film and theater. The actress was famous for her husky voice and her performance of the song ‘Send in the Clowns’. She appeared in classic movies like ‘The Sundowners’ and ‘While You Were Sleeping’. She died in 2024 at the age of 100.

Gena Rowlands

Gena Rowlands was a celebrated actress known for her collaborations with husband John Cassavetes. She received Oscar nominations for ‘A Woman Under the Influence’ and ‘Gloria’. Younger audiences know her as the older Allie in the romantic drama ‘The Notebook’. She won multiple Emmy Awards for her television work throughout her career. She died in August 2024 at the age of 94.

Shelley Duvall

Shelley Duvall was a unique presence in cinema best known for her role in ‘The Shining’. She was a frequent collaborator with director Robert Altman appearing in ‘Popeye’ and ‘3 Women’. She also produced and hosted the beloved children’s series ‘Faerie Tale Theatre’. After a long hiatus from acting she returned for one final film role in 2023. She passed away in July 2024 at the age of 75.

Erica Ash

Erica Ash was a talented comedic actress known for her work on ‘Mad TV’ and ‘The Big Gay Sketch Show’. She starred in the basketball drama ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ and the film ‘Scary Movie 5’. The actress was also a singer and model before finding success in television comedy. She was admired by her peers for her versatility and sharp wit. She died in 2024 at the age of 46 following a battle with cancer.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith was a legendary actress with a career that earned her two Academy Awards. She became a global favorite for her role as Professor Minerva McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. Television audiences adored her performance as the Dowager Countess in ‘Downton Abbey’. She was a staple of British theater and film for over sixty years. She passed away in September 2024 at the age of 89.

Teri Garr

Teri Garr was a comedic powerhouse known for her roles in ‘Young Frankenstein’ and ‘Tootsie’. She received an Oscar nomination for her performance as the frustrated actress Sandy Lester. She also appeared in the science fiction classic ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’. Garr was an advocate for multiple sclerosis awareness after being diagnosed with the condition. She died in October 2024 at the age of 79.

Mitzi Gaynor

Mitzi Gaynor was a star of the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals. She is best remembered for her lead role as Nellie Forbush in the film version of ‘South Pacific’. She also appeared in ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Les Girls’ during her peak years. The actress was a popular television performer and headlined many variety specials. She died in October 2024 at the age of 93.

Elizabeth Montgomery

Elizabeth Montgomery became a television icon for her role as Samantha Stephens on ‘Bewitched’. She spent eight seasons playing the lovable witch who tried to live a mortal life. After the series ended she became a pioneer of the made for television movie genre. She received multiple Emmy nominations but never won during her lifetime. She died in 1995 from colon cancer just weeks after her diagnosis.

Audrey Meadows

Audrey Meadows was best known for playing Alice Kramden on the classic sitcom ‘The Honeymooners’. She provided a strong foil to Jackie Gleason and became a pioneer for women in television comedy. The actress later appeared on shows like ‘Too Close for Comfort’ and ‘The Love Boat’. She was also an executive at a bank during her acting career. She died in 1996 from lung cancer.

Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford was the matriarch of the long running sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’. She played Louise Jefferson and became the first Black woman to win an Emmy for Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her career began in theater before she moved to film with a role in ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’. She remained a beloved figure in television history until her death in 2004.

Dixie Carter

Dixie Carter was famous for her role as Julia Sugarbaker on the sitcom ‘Designing Women’. She was known for her character’s eloquent and fiery monologues on social issues. The actress was also a trained singer and performed on Broadway and in cabaret shows. She appeared in the series ‘Desperate Housewives’ later in her career. She passed away in 2010 due to complications from endometrial cancer.

Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan won an Emmy Award for her role as Blanche Devereaux on ‘The Golden Girls’. She previously worked with her co stars on the sitcoms ‘Maude’ and ‘Mama’s Family’. The actress was an animal rights advocate and wrote a successful memoir about her life and six marriages. She remained active in theater and television until shortly before her passing. She died in 2010 following a brain hemorrhage.

Estelle Getty

Estelle Getty became a star later in life for her role as Sophia Petrillo on ‘The Golden Girls’. Despite playing the oldest character she was actually younger than her on screen daughter Bea Arthur. She won both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her performance on the show. The actress suffered from Lewy body dementia in her final years. She passed away in 2008 just days before her 85th birthday.

Alice Ghostley

Alice Ghostley was a character actress best known for her role as Esmeralda on ‘Bewitched’. She also appeared as Bernice Clifton on ‘Designing Women’ for several seasons. Her career included numerous roles on Broadway where she won a Tony Award for ‘The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window’. She was a frequent guest on variety shows and sitcoms throughout the 1970s and 1980s. She died in 2007 at the age of 84.

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