Actresses You Might Not Know Are Dead

Some beloved performers slipped from the spotlight long before many fans realized, leaving behind memorable roles that still show up on TV marathons and streaming queues. This list looks back at actresses whose deaths surprised casual viewers, along with the work that made them familiar faces. You will recognize hit shows and films across comedy, drama, sci-fi, and family favorites, and you might learn where to look if you want to revisit their performances today.

Natasha Richardson

Known for bright turns in both film and theater, Natasha Richardson charmed a new generation as the endearing mom in ‘The Parent Trap’. She was also acclaimed for stage work that earned major awards in London and New York. Richardson died after a skiing accident during a family trip in Canada. Her passing prompted tributes from colleagues who praised her generosity on set and her dedication to the craft.

Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly made a big impression as Laurie on ‘That ’70s Show’, playing the sharp-tongued older sister whose scenes became instant fan favorites. She also appeared in guest roles on ‘Murphy Brown’ and ‘The X-Files’. Kelly struggled with personal issues that impacted her career and health. She died in California while seeking treatment, and former castmates publicly remembered her humor and timing.

Dana Plato

Dana Plato rose to fame as Kimberly on ‘Diff’rent Strokes’, becoming one of the most recognizable teen stars on television. She later worked in independent films and did guest spots while trying to transition into adult roles. Plato faced well documented personal and financial challenges. She died in Oklahoma, and the news sparked renewed conversations about the pressures faced by child actors.

Heather O’Rourke

Heather O’Rourke became an overnight sensation with her performance in ‘Poltergeist’, delivering lines that horror fans still quote today. She continued acting in sequels and made television appearances on family shows. O’Rourke died of complications from an acute intestinal condition. Her death shocked audiences who had watched her grow up on screen.

Judith Barsi

Judith Barsi’s voice work brought emotion to beloved animated films like ‘The Land Before Time’ and ‘All Dogs Go to Heaven’. She also appeared on television in dramas and sitcoms, showing range well beyond her years. Barsi was tragically killed in a murder-suicide in Los Angeles. Her story led to increased attention on protections for young performers.

Skye McCole Bartusiak

Skye McCole Bartusiak broke through as the youngest daughter in ‘The Patriot’, then moved between television and smaller independent films. She earned praise for dramatic roles that balanced intensity with a natural screen presence. Bartusiak died at her home in Texas. Her family and colleagues highlighted her kindness and professionalism despite her young age.

Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas became a household name as Myra on ‘Family Matters’, where her lively performances made the character unforgettable. She later joined the cast of ‘The Young and the Restless’, taking on a more dramatic role. Thomas was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. She died in New York, and both shows paid tribute to her talent.

Kellie Waymire

Kellie Waymire was familiar to sci-fi and prestige drama fans through roles on ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’ and ‘Six Feet Under’. She trained extensively in theater and brought that discipline to each screen appearance. Waymire died suddenly from an undiagnosed cardiac condition. Friends and colleagues remembered her commitment to ensemble work and rehearsal room leadership.

Glenne Headly

Glenne Headly earned acclaim in films like ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’ and later joined the medical drama ‘ER’ in a recurring role. She moved easily between comedy and drama across film, television, and theater. Headly died while working on a television project in California. Her passing was widely mourned by collaborators who praised her thoughtful approach to character.

Yvette Wilson

Yvette Wilson delivered steady laughs on ‘Moesha’ and its spinoff ‘The Parkers’, often stealing scenes with impeccable timing. She started as a stand-up comic before transitioning to television. Wilson died after multiple health challenges. Cast members and fans organized tributes that highlighted her resilience and generosity.

Amanda Peterson

Amanda Peterson became a teen icon with the romantic comedy ‘Can’t Buy Me Love’. She later stepped away from Hollywood to focus on education and family. Peterson died in Colorado, and the local community joined former co-stars in remembering her. The film’s enduring popularity keeps her performance in regular view for new audiences.

Ashleigh Aston Moore

Ashleigh Aston Moore is best remembered for the coming-of-age favorite ‘Now and Then’, where she played the younger version of a central character. She also appeared on television in family and adventure programming. Moore died in British Columbia. Her former castmates have spoken fondly about her warmth and the spirit she brought to set.

Elisabeth Sladen

Elisabeth Sladen won generations of fans as Sarah Jane Smith on ‘Doctor Who’, then led the successful spinoff ‘The Sarah Jane Adventures’. She balanced action, heart, and humor in a way that made the character iconic. Sladen died after a private battle with cancer. The franchise dedicated episodes and specials to honor her legacy.

Marcia Wallace

Marcia Wallace was known for ‘The Bob Newhart Show’ and for voicing a beloved teacher on ‘The Simpsons’. Her distinctive voice and quick wit made her a fixture in comedy. Wallace died in Los Angeles, and her animated series retired the character she voiced as a mark of respect. Her long career included stage appearances and game show favorites that showcased her improv skills.

Nicki Aycox

Nicki Aycox appeared in fan-favorite genre hits like ‘Supernatural’ and starred in thrillers on both television and film. She also pursued music and shared updates on her health with supporters. Aycox died following treatment for leukemia. Colleagues and viewers praised her intensity on screen and her openness off it.

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy broke out in ‘Clueless’ and led thrillers like ‘Don’t Say a Word’ while also voicing Luanne on ‘King of the Hill’. She worked across genres with credits that spanned comedies, dramas, and animation. Murphy died in Los Angeles after a sudden illness at her home. Her death prompted renewed interest in her final projects and a review of her extensive voice work.

Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston appeared in films including ‘Jerry Maguire’ and ‘Twins’ and worked steadily in television movies. She trained at the University of Southern California and began modeling before transitioning to acting. Preston died after a private battle with breast cancer. Colleagues and family released statements highlighting her long career and philanthropic efforts.

Anne Heche

Anne Heche earned recognition with ‘Donnie Brasco’ and led the disaster hit ‘Volcano’ before a run of television roles. She received awards for early dramatic work and later returned to the stage between screen projects. Heche died in Los Angeles following a car crash and subsequent injuries. Multiple productions she worked on released tributes and shared behind the scenes memories.

Tawny Kitaen

Tawny Kitaen acted in comedies like ‘Bachelor Party’ and appeared in popular music videos that boosted her profile. She guest starred on television shows and later took part in reality programming. Kitaen died in Newport Beach, California. Local authorities reported no foul play and her family shared remembrances of her early Hollywood years.

Julie Strain

Julie Strain became a fixture of B movies and cult action titles and collaborated often with independent directors. She also modeled and contributed to genre magazines. Strain died after a long period of health complications related to dementia. Fans of midnight cinema highlighted her convention appearances and work with animation and comic artists.

Jessica Walter

Jessica Walter delivered a standout performance in ‘Play Misty for Me’ and later voiced Malory on ‘Archer’. She became widely known to a new generation through ‘Arrested Development’. Walter died in her sleep at home in New York. Her series honored her by dedicating episodes and sharing archival clips from the recording booth.

Mira Furlan

Mira Furlan starred as Delenn on ‘Babylon 5’ and appeared on ‘Lost’ after a successful career in European theater and film. She emigrated to the United States in the 1990s and joined science fiction conventions as a regular guest. Furlan died after a long illness. Her official accounts announced the news and her colleagues collected memories from set visits and fan events.

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory portrayed Polly Gray in ‘Peaky Blinders’ and played Narcissa Malfoy in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. She worked extensively on stage with the National Theatre and in television dramas. McCrory died after a private cancer diagnosis shared by her family. Major broadcasters aired tributes and her theater community posted formal remembrances.

Diana Rigg

Diana Rigg first became a television icon with ‘The Avengers’ and later joined ‘Game of Thrones’ as Olenna Tyrell. She also maintained a distinguished stage career with acclaimed Shakespeare productions. Rigg died at home in England with family present. Her final television work aired posthumously and included dedications in the credits.

Nichelle Nichols

Nichelle Nichols made television history as Uhura on ‘Star Trek’ and later worked with NASA on recruitment efforts. She toured conventions worldwide and supported science education initiatives. Nichols died in New Mexico of natural causes. Space agencies and franchise colleagues issued statements recognizing her cultural impact and outreach.

Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley won audiences with Rebecca Howe on ‘Cheers’ and headlined the sitcom ‘Veronica’s Closet’. She also starred in family hits like ‘Look Who’s Talking’. Alley died after a brief cancer illness. Her children released the news and her former castmates shared studio stage photos and taping memories.

Angela Lansbury

Angela Lansbury enjoyed a long career from ‘Gaslight’ and ‘The Manchurian Candidate’ to ‘Murder, She Wrote’. She earned multiple awards and continued performing in concert specials and Broadway revivals. Lansbury died peacefully at home in Los Angeles. Networks re-aired select episodes and theaters dimmed lights in acknowledgment of her contributions.

Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers rose to fame on ‘Three’s Company’ and later starred in ‘Step by Step’ while building a business career. She wrote bestsellers and toured with live shows. Somers died at home surrounded by family. Her team shared a statement that included details about memorial plans and charitable preferences.

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch became a global star with ‘One Million Years B.C.’ and sustained a career through comedies, television movies, and stage roles. She launched fitness and beauty lines and appeared as a guest on talk shows into later years. Welch died after a short illness reported by family. Film channels organized programming blocks that revisited her most watched performances.

Piper Laurie

Piper Laurie earned acclaim for ‘The Hustler’ and reached a new audience with ‘Twin Peaks’. She took lengthy breaks from Hollywood and returned for select roles that drew critical recognition. Laurie died at home in Los Angeles. Archives and festivals highlighted restored prints and interviews that covered her early studio era beginnings.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera became a breakout star on ‘Glee’ as a powerhouse singer and sharp comic presence. She also acted on ‘Devious Maids’ and began a publishing and hosting career outside television. Rivera died at Lake Piru in California during a boating outing with her son. Her colleagues organized tributes and the series later dedicated title cards to her memory.

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Peña earned wide attention with ‘La Bamba’ and brought scene stealing energy to ‘Lone Star’. She turned up on sitcoms like ‘Modern Family’ and voiced characters in animated hits. Peña died in Los Angeles from complications related to alcohol abuse. Film communities in the United States and Latin America honored her trailblazing career.

Jessica Campbell

Jessica Campbell is remembered for the dark comedy ‘Election’ and appeared on shows like ‘Freaks and Geeks’. She later stepped away from acting to become a naturopathic physician. Campbell died in Portland, Oregon. Friends and former co stars highlighted her intelligence and quick wit in memorial posts.

Mary Pat Gleason

Mary Pat Gleason was a familiar face on ‘Mom’ and made memorable appearances on ‘Will and Grace’ and ‘Friends’. She built a long career as a character actor who elevated even small roles. Gleason died after a battle with cancer. Her colleagues shared set photos and recalled her generous mentorship of younger performers.

Kellye Nakahara

Kellye Nakahara played Nurse Kellye on ‘MAS*H’ and became part of the ensemble that defined the show’s later seasons. She worked as a watercolor artist when she was not on camera. Nakahara died at home in California after a short illness. Castmates and fans celebrated her dual legacy in acting and visual arts.

Erin Moran

Erin Moran grew up on screen as Joanie on ‘Happy Days’ and carried that role into ‘Joanie Loves Chachi’. She appeared on assorted series throughout the years and did convention appearances. Moran died in Indiana of complications related to cancer. Co stars issued statements recalling early days on the Paramount lot and family visits from the era.

Tanya Roberts

Tanya Roberts starred in ‘The Beastmaster’ and joined the final season of ‘Charlie’s Angels’ before a later run on ‘That ’70s Show’. She modeled and did commercial work that broadened her public profile. Roberts died in Los Angeles after a sudden collapse. Her partner and representatives clarified details in the days that followed and fans organized online memorials.

Sridevi

Sridevi was one of Indian cinema’s biggest stars with acclaimed performances in ‘Mr. India’, ‘Chandni’, and ‘English Vinglish’. She worked across multiple languages and inspired a generation of actors. Sridevi died while attending a family wedding in Dubai. The news led to a state level funeral in Mumbai and widespread tributes from the film industry.

Yoko Shimada

Yoko Shimada won global recognition for ‘Shōgun’ and continued to work in Japanese film and television. She also released music and appeared in travel and variety programming. Shimada died in Tokyo after health complications. Renewed interest in the story brought her earlier work back into the conversation.

Catherine E. Coulson

Catherine E. Coulson became iconic as the Log Lady in ‘Twin Peaks’ and returned for the revival with poignant scenes. She worked for years behind the camera with director David Lynch and regional theater companies. Coulson died in Oregon shortly before the new episodes aired. Her final appearance was dedicated to her in the closing credits.

Denise Nickerson

Denise Nickerson is best known as Violet Beauregarde in ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’. She later appeared on daytime dramas and stepped away from the industry to pursue other work. Nickerson died in Colorado after a series of health setbacks. Fans marked the news by sharing favorite scenes and convention snapshots.

Lisa Loring

Lisa Loring originated Wednesday on ‘The Addams Family’ and remained closely associated with the character through public appearances. She also acted in genre films and worked in costume design. Loring died after complications from a stroke. The character’s resurgence brought renewed appreciation for her early television work.

Markie Post

Markie Post charmed audiences on ‘Night Court’ and later led ‘Hearts Afire’ with a mix of comedy and warmth. She guest starred on ‘Scrubs’ and ‘The Kids Are Alright’ while continuing voice and commercial projects. Post died after a long battle with cancer. Her family emphasized her continued work ethic and optimism during treatment.

Kathryn Joosten

Kathryn Joosten won fans as Mrs. Landingham on ‘The West Wing’ and later earned major awards for ‘Desperate Housewives’. She began acting later in life after a nursing career and community theater. Joosten died in Los Angeles after lung cancer complications. Both series honored her on air and highlighted her advocacy work.

Peggy Lipton

Peggy Lipton rose to fame with ‘The Mod Squad’ and reached new audiences as Norma Jennings on ‘Twin Peaks’. She recorded music and made regular television appearances across decades. Lipton died in Los Angeles after a cancer diagnosis. Her daughters shared remembrances that included photos from set visits and family studios.

Share the names you would add and the roles you remember most in the comments.