Actresses Who Filmed Their Final Role Just Before Dying

The final curtain call for an actress often comes unexpectedly leaving a single performance to stand as a lasting memory of their talent. These women dedicated their lives to the craft of storytelling and completed their final roles shortly before their deaths. Whether they were Hollywood legends or rising stars their final projects offer a poignant glimpse into their enduring artistry. The films and television shows listed here serve as the concluding chapters in their illustrious careers. Each entry represents a professional legacy that continues to resonate with audiences around the world.

Marilyn Monroe

Monroe completed her work on ‘The Misfits’ in late 1960 which became her final finished feature film. She portrayed a sensitive divorcee who forms a bond with an aging cowboy in the Nevada desert. The production was physically demanding and took place during a difficult period in her personal life. She died in 1962 while she was in the process of filming the comedy ‘Something’s Got to Give’ which was never completed. Her performance in ‘The Misfits’ remains a testament to her skills as a dramatic actress.

Carrie Fisher

Fisher finished filming her scenes for ‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ just months before her death in late 2016. She reprised her iconic role as General Leia Organa to lead the Resistance in the blockbuster sequel. The actress also completed voice work for the series ‘Family Guy’ which aired after her passing. Her sudden departure was a significant loss for the film industry and for fans of the beloved franchise. The production team used her existing footage to provide a respectful conclusion to her character’s story.

Brittany Murphy

Murphy finished work on the psychological thriller ‘Abandoned’ just months before she died in December 2009. She also completed the film ‘Something Wicked’ which faced various production delays and was not released until several years later. The actress was known for her diverse range from romantic comedies to gritty dramas. Her sudden passing at a young age shocked the industry and her final films served as a tribute to her talent. These projects showcased her ability to lead a cast and carry intense emotional weight.

Aaliyah

The young singer and actress completed her performance in the supernatural film ‘Queen of the Damned’ shortly before her fatal plane crash in 2001. She played the lead role of Akasha who was the powerful and ancient mother of all vampires. The movie was released posthumously and featured her brother voicing some of her lines during post production. Her rising film career was cut short just as she was beginning to gain major recognition in Hollywood. She was also in the middle of filming scenes for ‘The Matrix Reloaded’ when she passed away.

Jean Harlow

Harlow was filming the romantic comedy ‘Saratoga’ when she became severely ill and passed away in 1937 at the age of twenty six. She played the role of Carol Clayton alongside her frequent collaborator Clark Gable. The studio used body doubles and voice actors to finish her remaining scenes so the movie could be released. Her untimely death shocked the public and made the film a massive commercial success. It remains a significant piece of cinematic history as the final appearance of the original blonde bombshell.

Natalie Wood

Wood was in the middle of filming the science fiction movie ‘Brainstorm’ when she died under mysterious circumstances in late 1981. The production was halted for a significant period before the studio decided to finish and release the film using her completed scenes. She played the lead female role alongside Christopher Walken in a story about advanced technology and memory. Her death was one of the most publicized tragedies in Hollywood history and deeply affected her family and fans. The film serves as her final screen credit and highlights her enduring talent and beauty.

Sharon Tate

Tate completed her work on the comedy film ‘The Thirteen Chairs’ in early 1969 just months before her tragic death. She played an American antiques dealer who gets caught up in a hunt for hidden treasure across Europe. The movie was released after she was killed and it showcased her comedic timing and screen presence. She was considered one of the most promising young talents in Hollywood at the time of her passing. Her performance in this final role serves as a reminder of her potential as a versatile actress.

Carole Lombard

Lombard completed the classic comedy ‘To Be or Not to Be’ shortly before her death in a plane crash while on a war bond tour in 1942. She played a Polish actress caught up in the resistance against the Nazi occupation in what became one of her most acclaimed roles. The film was released posthumously and was praised for its sharp wit and her brilliant comedic performance. Her death at the age of thirty three was a major loss for the industry as she was one of the most popular stars of the era. She is remembered as the queen of screwball comedy and a dedicated patriot.

Heather O’Rourke

The young child star finished filming ‘Poltergeist III’ shortly before she died of medical complications in early 1988. She had played the central character Carol Anne Freeling throughout the popular horror trilogy. The film was dedicated to her memory and featured her final scenes as the girl haunted by supernatural forces. Her sudden passing at age twelve saddened the film community and the fans of the franchise. The production used a stand in for some of the final shots required to complete the movie.

Dominique Dunne

Dunne had just finished her role in the horror classic ‘Poltergeist’ and was working on a television project when she was killed in 1982. She played the eldest daughter of the Freeling family in the film which became a massive box office hit. Her career was on a rapid upward trajectory and she was becoming a recognizable face in television and film. The tragedy occurred only weeks after the movie premiered in theaters across the country. Her performance continues to be seen by new generations of horror fans every year.

Kelly Preston

Preston completed her final performance in the comedy drama ‘Off the Rails’ before passing away from breast cancer in 2020. She starred as one of several friends who embark on a train journey across Europe to fulfill a late friend’s wish. The film was released posthumously and served as a tribute to her long and successful career. Her husband John Travolta shared the news of her passing and highlighted her dedication to her family and her craft. The movie showcases her warmth and charm in a story about friendship and legacy.

Helen McCrory

McCrory was in the middle of filming the final season of the hit series ‘Peaky Blinders’ when she died in 2021. She played the formidable matriarch Polly Gray who was a central figure in the crime drama for many years. The production had to adjust the storyline to account for her absence while honoring her massive contribution to the show. She also completed voice work for the series ‘His Dark Materials’ which was released after her death. Her colleagues praised her as one of the most talented and dedicated actresses of her generation.

Naya Rivera

Rivera completed her voice role as Catwoman in the animated movie ‘Batman: The Long Halloween’ shortly before her accidental drowning in 2020. She provided a distinctive and strong performance for the iconic character in the two part adaptation of the famous comic book. The actress was also known for her long running role on the television series ‘Glee’ where she became a fan favorite. Her final work was released to positive reviews and served as a parting gift to her dedicated fan base. The film includes a dedication to her memory during the credits.

Cicely Tyson

The legendary actress completed her final role in the film ‘A Fall from Grace’ and finished her memoir just days before she passed away in 2021. She had a career that spanned seven decades and included numerous groundbreaking performances on stage and screen. Her work in the thriller showcased her continued ability to deliver powerful and moving performances at the age of ninety six. She was a pioneer for Black women in the entertainment industry and received an honorary Oscar for her contributions. Her final appearance was a fitting conclusion to a life dedicated to excellence and activism.

Cloris Leachman

Leachman finished work on the independent film ‘Not to Forget’ before she passed away at age ninety four in 2021. She played a character dealing with Alzheimer’s in a story meant to raise awareness for the disease. The actress was one of the most decorated performers in history with multiple Emmy Awards and an Academy Award. She remained active in the industry until her final days and appeared in several projects released posthumously. Her career was marked by her incredible range and her ability to transition between comedy and drama seamlessly.

Jessica Walter

Walter had completed voice work for several seasons of the animated hit ‘Archer’ before her death in early 2021. She played the sharp tongued Malory Archer and her performance was considered the heart of the series. The show used her final recordings to give her character a respectful and emotional send off in the subsequent season. She was also known for her iconic roles in ‘Arrested Development’ and the thriller ‘Play Misty for Me’ earlier in her career. Her passing was felt deeply by the comedy community and the fans who loved her wit.

Anne Bancroft

Bancroft completed her final role as a voice actress in the animated film ‘Delgo’ before she died in 2005. She brought her signature gravitas to the character of Empress Sedessa in the fantasy adventure. The actress was a titan of the stage and screen and won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘The Miracle Worker’ during the 1960s. Her final project was released a few years after her passing due to production delays. She is remembered as one of the most accomplished and respected performers of her time.

Bette Davis

Davis was filming the dark comedy ‘Wicked Stepmother’ when she fell ill and had to withdraw from the production in 1989. She passed away shortly after and the film was completed using a modified script and a different actress for some scenes. This project was her final feature film and it showcased her willingness to take on bold and eccentric roles even late in life. She was a legendary figure in Hollywood and earned two Academy Awards during her long and storied career. Her final performance remains a curiosity for fans of the golden age of cinema.

Adrienne Shelly

Shelly wrote, directed, and starred in the film ‘Waitress’ which she completed just before she was killed in 2006. The movie became a critical and commercial success and was later adapted into a hit Broadway musical. Her tragic death occurred before she could see the massive impact her work would have on audiences around the world. She was a talented filmmaker and actress who was a prominent figure in the independent film scene. Her final film is celebrated for its warmth, humor, and unique perspective on motherhood and dreams.

Natasha Richardson

Richardson had completed work on the documentary ‘The Wildest Dream’ where she provided voice work shortly before her death in 2009. She passed away following a skiing accident that shocked the international film and theater community. The actress was known for her roles in films like ‘The Parent Trap’ and for her Tony Award winning performance in ‘Cabaret’ on Broadway. She was a member of the prestigious Redgrave acting dynasty and was highly respected for her talent. Her final project allowed audiences to hear her voice one last time in a moving story about exploration.

Mary Tyler Moore

Moore made her final acting appearance on the sitcom ‘Hot in Cleveland’ where she reunited with her former co stars. She had a pioneering career in television and was the lead in ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ which redefined the portrayal of single women. Her final years were spent focused on her health and her advocacy for diabetes research. She passed away in 2017 and left behind a legacy that influenced generations of comedians and actors. Her final screen appearance was a joyful tribute to her enduring impact on the television industry.

Bea Arthur

Arthur made a guest appearance on the series ‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ which served as her final television role before her death in 2009. She was a beloved figure known for her starring roles in ‘Maude’ and the iconic sitcom ‘The Golden Girls’ throughout her career. The actress was celebrated for her deep voice and her sharp comedic timing which she maintained until the end. She passed away from cancer at the age of eighty six and left a void in the world of television comedy. Her final appearance was a treat for fans who appreciated her unique and bold screen presence.

Estelle Getty

Getty provided voice work for the film ‘Stuart Little’ and appeared in several television roles before she retired and later passed away in 2008. She was best known for playing the quick witted Sophia Petrillo on ‘The Golden Girls’ for which she won an Emmy Award. Although she suffered from health issues in her final years she remained a beloved figure among fans and colleagues. Her final performances showcased the comedic brilliance that made her a household name during the 1980s and 1990s. She is remembered for her ability to deliver perfectly timed insults with a straight face.

Gilda Radner

Radner filmed a guest spot on ‘It’s Garry Shandling’s Show’ in 1988 which was her final television appearance before she died of cancer in 1989. She was one of the original cast members of ‘Saturday Night Live’ and created some of the most memorable characters in the show’s history. Her bravery during her illness inspired many and she wrote a memoir about her experiences before her passing. The comedy community mourned the loss of a performer who brought joy and laughter to millions. Her final appearance showed her continued spirit and love for performing despite her health struggles.

Michelle Thomas

Thomas was a regular on the sitcom ‘Family Matters’ and completed her work on the show shortly before her death in 1998. She passed away from a rare form of cancer at the age of thirty which deeply affected her cast mates and fans. The actress was also known for her role on ‘The Cosby Show’ and had a promising future in the television industry. Her final episodes were filmed while she was undergoing treatment and she remained dedicated to her role until the end. She is remembered for her vibrant personality and her talent as a young performer.

Misty Upham

Upham completed her role in the film ‘Cake’ shortly before her disappearance and death in late 2014. She had previously gained critical acclaim for her performance in ‘Frozen River’ and appeared in the prestige drama ‘August: Osage County’ alongside Meryl Streep. The actress was a strong advocate for Native American representation in Hollywood and was considered a rising star. Her final film performance showcased her ability to hold her own among the industry’s most respected actors. Her untimely passing was a significant loss for the film community and for the causes she championed.

Elizabeth Montgomery

Montgomery finished filming the television movie ‘Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan’ just weeks before she died in 1995. She was globally famous for her role as Samantha Stephens on the long running series ‘Bewitched’ and had a successful career in television films. The actress was known for her versatility and her ability to move from light comedy to intense drama. She passed away from cancer shortly after her final project was completed and her death was a major loss for the industry. Her final role allowed her to showcase her skills as a dramatic lead one last time.

Madeline Kahn

Kahn was a regular on the sitcom ‘Cosby’ and had finished several episodes before she passed away in 1999. She was a legendary comedic actress known for her work in Mel Brooks films like ‘Blazing Saddles’ and ‘Young Frankenstein’ earlier in her career. Her performance in the series was her last major project and it allowed her to display her unique comedic style to a new audience. She died of ovarian cancer and her absence was deeply felt by her colleagues on the set. She remains one of the most celebrated and funny women in the history of American cinema.

Angela Lansbury

Lansbury completed a cameo appearance in ‘Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery’ which was released after her death in 2022. She appeared as herself in a scene that paid tribute to her legendary role in the mystery series ‘Murder, She Wrote’ and her love for the genre. The actress had a career that lasted eight decades and included success on Broadway and in numerous classic films. She passed away at age ninety six and was remembered as a professional who never stopped working. Her final appearance was a delightful nod to her status as a queen of the mystery genre.

Kirstie Alley

Alley appeared as a contestant on ‘The Masked Singer’ in early 2022 which served as her final television appearance before her death later that year. She was a major star known for her role in ‘Cheers’ and the ‘Look Who’s Talking’ film franchise during the peak of her career. The actress passed away from cancer shortly after her diagnosis and her death surprised the entertainment world. She was known for her outspoken personality and her ability to lead both comedies and dramas. Her final appearance on the competition show allowed fans to see her playful and performing spirit one last time.

Lisa Loring

Loring completed her work on the film ‘Doctor Spine’ which was released around the time of her passing in 2023. She was best known for being the original Wednesday Addams on the 1960s television series ‘The Addams Family’ as a child actress. She returned to acting later in life and remained a popular figure at fan conventions and in the horror community. Her final role was a tribute to her long history in the industry and her status as a cult icon. She passed away after suffering a stroke and was mourned by generations of fans who grew up watching her work.

Annie Wersching

Wersching finished filming her role as the Borg Queen in the series ‘Star Trek: Picard’ and provided voice work for ‘The Last of Us’ game before her death in 2023. She was a prolific television actress known for her roles in ’24’ and ‘The Vampire Diaries’ throughout the 2010s. She continued to work while undergoing treatment for cancer and her dedication to her craft was admired by her peers. Her final performances were highly praised for their intensity and their contribution to the stories they were part of. Her passing at age forty five was a significant loss for the television and gaming industries.

Stella Stevens

Stevens completed her final film role in the movie ‘Pop Star’ and made several other late career appearances before she passed away in 2023. She was a major star in the 1960s and 1970s and appeared in classics like ‘The Nutty Professor’ and ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ during her prime. The actress remained active in the industry for many years and transitioned into television and independent films. She died after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and was remembered as one of the last great stars of the golden era of Hollywood. Her final role served as a conclusion to a career that spanned over fifty years.

Melinda Dillon

Dillon had completed her final roles in various television series including ‘Heartland’ before her death was announced in early 2023. She was a two time Academy Award nominee known for her powerful performances in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and ‘A Christmas Story’ among many others. The actress was respected for her ability to bring a sense of realism and emotional depth to every character she played. She chose to lead a more private life in her later years but her impact on cinema remained significant. Her final work was a testament to her enduring talent as a character actress.

Raquel Welch

Welch finished her final acting role in the series ‘Date My Dad’ and appeared in the film ‘How to Be a Latin Lover’ before passing away in 2023. She was a global icon and a symbol of beauty and strength in the 1960s and 1970s through films like ‘One Million Years B.C.’ and ‘The Three Musketeers’ which won her a Golden Globe. The actress continued to work in television and film well into her seventies and maintained her status as a Hollywood legend. Her final performances allowed her to showcase her comedic skills and her legendary screen presence. She passed away at age eighty two after a brief illness.

Cindy Williams

Williams completed several projects including the series ‘Sami’ before her death in early 2023. She was best known for her role as Shirley Feeney on the classic sitcom ‘Laverne & Shirley’ which made her a household name in the 1970s. The actress had a long career that included work in films like ‘American Graffiti’ and numerous stage productions across the country. She was a beloved figure in the comedy world and was known for her kindness and professional dedication. Her final roles were a reminder of the charm and talent that endeared her to millions of viewers.

Anne Heche

Heche completed several films including ‘What Remains’ and ‘Wildfire’ shortly before her accidental death in 2022. She was a versatile actress who gained fame in the 1990s for her roles in ‘Donnie Brasco’ and the remake of ‘Psycho’ during her peak years. The actress remained a prolific worker in both independent cinema and mainstream television throughout her entire career. Her final projects were released posthumously and featured some of her strongest dramatic work in years. Her sudden passing was a shock to the industry and led to a renewed appreciation for her artistic range.

Charlbi Dean

Dean finished her breakout role in the film ‘Triangle of Sadness’ just before she passed away from a sudden illness in 2022. The movie went on to win the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival and established her as a rising international star. She played a fashion model and influencer in the satirical comedy which was her most significant role to date. Her death at age thirty two occurred just as the film was beginning its global release and award season run. Her performance was widely praised and it serves as a bittersweet reminder of her immense potential as an actress.

Marion Ramsey

Ramsey completed her final role in the film ‘When I Sing’ and remained active in the industry before her death in 2021. She was globally recognized for her role as the soft spoken Officer Laverne Hooks in the ‘Police Academy’ film series throughout the 1980s. The actress also had a successful career on Broadway and was a talented singer and songwriter. Her final performance allowed her to return to her musical roots and showcase her vocal abilities on screen. She passed away at age seventy three and was remembered fondly by her former cast mates and fans.

Elizabeth Taylor

Taylor provided her final acting performance in the television movie ‘These Old Broads’ and did voice work before her passing in 2011. She was one of the most famous women in the world and won two Academy Awards for her legendary performances in ‘Butterfield 8’ and ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf’ during her prime. In her later years she focused much of her energy on her philanthropic work for AIDS research while making occasional screen appearances. Her final role alongside other Hollywood icons was a celebration of her long history in the film industry. She is remembered as a true icon of the silver screen who left an indelible mark on culture.

Lucille Ball

Ball completed her final television role in the sitcom ‘Life with Lucy’ which aired in 1986 just a few years before her death in 1989. She was the most famous woman in television history and created the legendary series ‘I Love Lucy’ which changed the industry forever. Her final show was an attempt to return to the sitcom format that made her a star but it was short lived. She made her final public appearance at the Academy Awards in early 1989 where she received a standing ovation from her peers. Her legacy as a pioneer for women in comedy and production remains unmatched.

Audrey Hepburn

Hepburn made her final film appearance in the fantasy drama ‘Always’ which was released a few years before her death in 1993. She played an ethereal character who offers guidance to the lead actor in a story directed by Steven Spielberg. Following this role she devoted the remainder of her life to her work as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF. Her final years were defined by her grace and her commitment to helping children in need around the world. Her brief but memorable role in the film was a fitting end to a career marked by elegance and humanitarianism.

Vivien Leigh

Leigh finished her final role in the film ‘Ship of Fools’ in 1965 and passed away from illness two years later in 1967. She played a disillusioned divorcee in the drama which earned her critical praise and served as her final contribution to cinema. The actress was world famous for her legendary portrayals of Scarlett O’Hara and Blanche DuBois for which she won two Academy Awards. She continued to work on stage in London until her health declined significantly in her final months. Her final screen performance showed that she remained a powerful and captivating presence until the very end.

Ingrid Bergman

Bergman completed her final role in the television film ‘A Woman Called Golda’ shortly before she died of cancer in 1982. She portrayed the former Prime Minister of Israel Golda Meir in a performance that earned her a posthumous Emmy Award. The actress worked through significant physical pain to finish the project and showed her immense dedication to her craft. Her career spanned decades and included classics like ‘Casablanca’ and three Academy Award wins. Her final performance is considered one of the greatest of her career and a masterclass in acting.

Joan Crawford

Crawford finished her final film role in the horror movie ‘Trog’ in 1970 and lived for several more years before passing away in 1977. She played an anthropologist in the science fiction film which was a far cry from the glamorous roles of her peak years. The actress was one of the biggest stars of the golden age and won an Academy Award for her performance in ‘Mildred Pierce’ during the 1940s. She chose to retire from the screen following this film and focused on her business and personal life. Her final role remains a point of interest for fans of her long and varied career.

Lauren Bacall

Bacall provided a voice role for the animated series ‘Family Guy’ and appeared in the film ‘The Forger’ shortly before her death in 2014. She was a legend of the silver screen who first rose to fame in the 1940s alongside Humphrey Bogart in ‘To Have and Have Not’ and other classics. The actress remained a respected and active figure in the industry until she passed away at age eighty nine. Her final work allowed her to display her signature deep voice and sharp wit for a modern audience. She is remembered as one of the last true stars of the classical Hollywood era.

Debbie Reynolds

Reynolds completed work on the documentary ‘Bright Lights’ and provided voice roles for various animated projects before she passed away in late 2016. She died just one day after her daughter Carrie Fisher which added a tragic layer to the release of her final works. The actress was a beloved star of the musical era and was famous for her role in ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ and many other classics. She remained a tireless performer and was active on stage and screen for over sixty years. Her final documentary offered an intimate look at her life and her enduring bond with her daughter.

Jayne Mansfield

Mansfield completed work on several films including ‘Single Room Furnished’ shortly before her death in a car accident in 1967. She was a major sex symbol of the 1950s and was known for her roles in comedies like ‘The Girl Can’t Help It’ and ‘Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?’ earlier in her career. The actress was working in independent films and stage shows in Europe and the United States at the time of her passing. Her final film was released posthumously and featured a more dramatic performance than her typical roles. Her sudden death at age thirty four was a shock to the entertainment world and her fans.

Judy Garland

Garland completed her final film ‘I Could Go On Singing’ and several television appearances before she passed away in 1969. She played a famous singer who travels to London to perform and reconnect with her past in a story that mirrored her own life. The actress was one of the most iconic figures in entertainment history and was famous for ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘A Star Is Born’ among others. Her final years were marked by financial and health struggles but she remained a powerhouse performer until the end. Her final film performance is a poignant and raw display of her legendary vocal talent and emotional depth.

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