Actresses You Might Not Know Have Passed Away

The entertainment industry has seen many talented women leave a lasting impact through their performances on stage and screen. While some of these losses were widely publicized many fans may not realize that certain familiar faces are no longer with us. These actresses contributed to iconic films and television shows that continue to be enjoyed by audiences today. Remembering their work serves as a tribute to their dedication and the artistic legacies they left behind.

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy rose to prominence with her breakout role as Tai Frasier in the classic teen comedy ‘Clueless’. She later delivered powerful performances in major films such as ‘Girl, Interrupted’ and ‘8 Mile’. Her distinct voice also brought the character Luanne Platter to life in the popular animated series ‘King of the Hill’. Murphy passed away unexpectedly in late 2009 at the age of thirty two. Her career is remembered for its impressive range and the vibrant energy she brought to every role.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera became a household name for her portrayal of Santana Lopez on the hit musical series ‘Glee’. She was praised for her vocal talent and her ability to handle complex storylines with grace. Rivera also appeared in the television show ‘Step Up High Water’ and released music as a solo artist. She tragically passed away in 2020 following an accident during a boating trip with her son. Her legacy continues to inspire many in the entertainment community.

Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston enjoyed a successful career spanning several decades in Hollywood. She is well known for her roles in films like ‘Twins’ and ‘Jerry Maguire’ where she starred alongside Tom Cruise. Preston also appeared in the family film ‘The Cat in the Hat’ and worked frequently in both television and movies. She passed away in 2020 after a private battle with breast cancer. Many fans and colleagues remember her for her kindness and professional spirit.

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory was a highly respected British actress who gained international fame as Narcissa Malfoy in the ‘Harry Potter’ series. She also earned critical acclaim for her role as the matriarch Polly Gray in ‘Peaky Blinders’. McCrory was a staple of the London theater scene and won numerous awards for her stage work. She died of cancer in 2021 at the age of fifty two. Her contributions to the arts remain a significant part of contemporary British drama.

Anne Heche

Anne Heche first gained recognition for her dual role on the soap opera ‘Another World’. She transitioned to major motion pictures with roles in ‘Donnie Brasco’ and the disaster film ‘Volcano’. Heche was also known for her work in the romantic comedy ‘Six Days Seven Nights’ alongside Harrison Ford. She passed away in August 2022 following a severe car accident. Her career was marked by her bold choices and versatile acting abilities.

Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley became a television icon when she joined the cast of ‘Cheers’ as Rebecca Howe. She went on to star in the successful ‘Look Who is Talking’ film series which featured John Travolta. Alley also found success in the sitcom ‘Veronica’s Closet’ and various reality television programs. She passed away in 2022 after being diagnosed with colon cancer. Her comedic timing and unique screen presence made her a beloved figure in the industry.

Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers is perhaps best remembered for her role as Chrissy Snow on the sitcom ‘Three’s Company’. She later starred in the popular family series ‘Step by Step’ which aired during the nineties. Beyond acting Somers was a successful entrepreneur and author who focused on health and wellness. She passed away in October 2023 one day before her seventy seventh birthday. Fans continue to celebrate her work in some of the most enduring comedies of her era.

Cindy Williams

Cindy Williams was half of one of the most famous duos in television history as Shirley Feeney on ‘Laverne and Shirley’. Before her sitcom fame she appeared in the classic films ‘American Graffiti’ and ‘The Conversation’. Williams remained active in the entertainment industry with guest appearances and theater roles throughout her life. She passed away in early 2023 at the age of seventy five. Her work on television remains a staple of classic programming for many viewers.

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch became an international sex symbol and movie star during the sixties. She is iconic for her roles in ‘One Million Years B.C.’ and the science fiction film ‘Fantastic Voyage’. Welch won a Golden Globe for her performance in ‘The Three Musketeers’ proving her talent extended beyond her physical beauty. She passed away in February 2023 after a brief illness. Her career paved the way for many action heroines in modern cinema.

Annie Wersching

Annie Wersching was a versatile actress known for her role as Renee Walker in the action series ’24’. She also provided the voice and motion capture for the character Tess in the acclaimed video game ‘The Last of Us’. Her television credits include roles in ‘Bosch’ and the science fiction show ‘Timeless’. Wersching passed away in early 2023 following a battle with cancer. She is remembered for her strength and the intensity she brought to her characters.

Lisa Loring

Lisa Loring was the first actress to portray the character Wednesday Addams in the original ‘The Addams Family’ series. Her portrayal established many of the character traits that are still associated with the role today. Loring also appeared in the soap opera ‘As the World Turns’ during her adult career. She passed away in early 2023 at the age of sixty four. Her early work continues to influence the many iterations of the Addams family story.

Melinda Dillon

Melinda Dillon is widely recognized for her role as the mother in the holiday classic ‘A Christmas Story’. She also received Academy Award nominations for her work in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and ‘Absence of Malice’. Dillon had a long career that included significant work on Broadway and in various television dramas. She passed away in early 2023 at the age of eighty three. Her performances are often cited for their emotional depth and relatability.

Stella Stevens

Stella Stevens was a prominent leading lady in Hollywood during the sixties and seventies. She starred alongside Elvis Presley in ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’ and played a memorable role in ‘The Nutty Professor’. Stevens also appeared in the disaster film ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ which became a massive hit. She passed away in 2023 after living with Alzheimer disease for several years. Her career spanned over five decades and included dozens of television and film credits.

Charlbi Dean

Charlbi Dean was a rising star who recently led the cast of the satirical film ‘Triangle of Sadness’. She also appeared in the superhero series ‘Black Lightning’ as the character Syonide. Dean was beginning to gain significant international recognition for her work when her life was cut short. She passed away in late 2022 from a sudden illness at the age of thirty two. Her performance in ‘Triangle of Sadness’ remains a highlight of her blossoming career.

Mary Alice

Mary Alice was an acclaimed actress known for her role as Leticia Bostic on ‘A Different World’. She reached a global audience when she played the Oracle in the film ‘The Matrix Revolutions’. Alice was also a Tony Award winner for her performance in the play ‘Fences’ on Broadway. She passed away in July 2022 at the age of eighty five. Her career was defined by her ability to command the screen with a quiet and dignified presence.

Rebecca Balding

Rebecca Balding had a long career in television with recurring roles on several popular shows. She is best known to modern audiences for playing Elise Rothman on the series ‘Charmed’. Balding also starred in the sitcom ‘Soap’ and the horror film ‘The Silent Scream’ during the late seventies. She passed away in 2022 following a battle with ovarian cancer. Her consistent work in the industry made her a familiar face to many television viewers.

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Peña was a versatile actress who starred in films like ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ and ‘La Bamba’. She provided the voice for the character Mirage in the animated hit ‘The Incredibles’. Peña also appeared in numerous television shows including ‘Modern Family’ as the mother of Sofia Vergara. She passed away in 2014 at the age of fifty five. Her diverse body of work reflected her commitment to portraying complex and grounded characters.

Marcia Wallace

Marcia Wallace was a beloved comedic actress known for her role as Carol Kester on ‘The Bob Newhart Show’. She became even more famous as the voice of Edna Krabappel on the animated series ‘The Simpsons’. Wallace won an Emmy Award for her voice work and remained part of the show for over twenty years. She passed away in 2013 from complications related to breast cancer. Her unique laugh and character work left an indelible mark on television history.

Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly gained fame for her role as Laurie Forman on the sitcom ‘That 70s Show’. Her portrayal of the manipulative sister of the main character was a fan favorite during the early seasons. Kelly also appeared in various films and television guest spots throughout the late nineties. She passed away in 2013 at the age of forty three. Fans often remember her for the sharp wit she brought to her most famous role.

Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas was a popular television actress known for her role as Justine Phillips on ‘The Cosby Show’. She later gained even more recognition as Myra Monkhouse on the long running sitcom ‘Family Matters’. Thomas also appeared in the soap opera ‘The Young and the Restless’ before her health declined. She passed away in 1998 at the age of thirty after a battle with a rare form of cancer. Her talent and charm made her a standout star in the nineties sitcom era.

Judith Barsi

Judith Barsi was a prolific child actress who appeared in dozens of commercials and films. She is best remembered for voicing Ducky in ‘The Land Before Time’ and Anne Marie in ‘All Dogs Go to Heaven’. Barsi also had a role in the thriller ‘Jaws The Revenge’ shortly before her death. She tragically passed away in 1988 at the very young age of ten. Her vocal performances continue to be cherished by those who grew up watching her films.

Heather O’Rourke

Heather O’Rourke became a cinematic icon as Carol Anne Freeling in the ‘Poltergeist’ trilogy. She was discovered by Steven Spielberg and became one of the most famous child stars of the eighties. O’Rourke also appeared in several television series including ‘Happy Days’ and ‘Webster’. She passed away unexpectedly in 1988 at the age of twelve due to medical complications. Her performance and her famous line from the first film remain legendary in the horror genre.

Dominique Dunne

Dominique Dunne was a rising actress who starred as Dana Freeling in the classic horror film ‘Poltergeist’. She also appeared in several television movies and series such as ‘Hill Street Blues’ during the early eighties. Dunne was the daughter of writer Dominik Dunne and the sister of actor Griffin Dunne. She tragically passed away in 1982 at the age of twenty two. Her promising career was cut short just as she was gaining significant momentum in Hollywood.

Misty Upham

Misty Upham was a Native American actress who earned critical acclaim for her role in ‘Frozen River’. she also appeared in major films such as ‘August Osage County’ and ‘Django Unchained’. Upham was known for her dedication to her craft and her advocacy for indigenous representation in film. She passed away in 2014 at the age of thirty two. Her work in independent cinema is highly regarded for its honesty and power.

Wendie Jo Sperber

Wendie Jo Sperber was a comedic actress known for her role as Linda McFly in the ‘Back to the Future’ trilogy. She also starred in the sitcom ‘Bosom Buddies’ alongside Tom Hanks during the early eighties. Sperber was a frequent collaborator with director Robert Zemeckis and appeared in films like ‘I Wanna Hold Your Hand’. She passed away in 2005 after a long battle with breast cancer. Her legacy includes the founding of a support center for people affected by cancer.

Dana Hill

Dana Hill was a talented actress who starred as Audrey Griswold in ‘National Lampoon’s European Vacation’. She was also a successful voice actress providing voices for characters in ‘Goof Troop’ and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’. Hill had a distinct voice and a knack for playing youthful characters well into her adulthood. She passed away in 1996 at the age of thirty two due to complications from diabetes. Her work in both live action and animation continues to entertain fans.

Bridgette Andersen

Bridgette Andersen was a child star who gained fame for her title role in the film ‘Savannah Smiles’. she also appeared in the film ‘Nightmares’ and guest starred on several television shows like ‘Remington Steele’. Andersen was a popular face in the early eighties but struggled to transition to adult roles. She passed away in 1997 at the age of twenty one. Her performance in her breakout film remains a nostalgic favorite for many.

Nicole DeHuff

Nicole DeHuff made her film debut as the sister of Teri Polo in the hit comedy ‘Meet the Parents’. She also had roles in the television series ‘The Court’ and appeared in various independent films. DeHuff was known for her natural acting style and her work in the Los Angeles theater scene. She passed away in 2005 at the age of thirty due to complications from pneumonia. Her career was brief but showcased a great deal of potential.

Lucy Gordon

Lucy Gordon was a British actress and model who appeared in the film ‘Serendipity’. She gained wider recognition for her role as Jennifer Dugan in the blockbuster ‘Spider-Man 3’. Gordon also portrayed Jane Birkin in the French biographical film ‘Gainsbourg A Heroic Life’. She passed away in 2009 at the age of twenty eight. Her performances were often noted for their elegance and emotional depth.

Aaliyah

Aaliyah was a superstar singer who made a successful transition into acting with the film ‘Romeo Must Die’. She later starred as the lead character in the vampire film ‘Queen of the Damned’ based on the novels by Anne Rice. Her music career was equally influential and she was considered one of the leading figures in contemporary R and B. Aaliyah passed away in 2001 in a plane crash at the age of twenty two. Her influence on both the music and film industries remains significant today.

Natasha Richardson

Natasha Richardson was a member of the famous Redgrave acting dynasty and an accomplished star of stage and screen. She won a Tony Award for her performance in the revival of the musical ‘Cabaret’. Many fans remember her fondly for her role as the mother in the 1998 version of ‘The Parent Trap’. Richardson passed away in 2009 following a skiing accident at the age of forty five. She was highly regarded for her grace and her immense talent in dramatic roles.

Jessica Walter

Jessica Walter had a long and varied career but gained a new generation of fans as Lucille Bluth on ‘Arrested Development’. She also provided the voice for the sharp tongued Malory Archer on the animated series ‘Archer’. Walter earlier starred in the thriller ‘Play Misty for Me’ which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. She passed away in 2021 at the age of eighty. Her comedic timing and ability to play formidable matriarchs were unparalleled.

Alexis Arquette

Alexis Arquette was an actress and activist who appeared in films like ‘The Wedding Singer’ and ‘Pulp Fiction’. She was a member of the Arquette acting family and a prominent figure in the underground film scene. Arquette was also known for her work as a cabaret performer and her public journey as a transgender woman. She passed away in 2016 at the age of forty seven. Her life and work are remembered for her bravery and artistic eccentricity.

Skye McCole Bartusiak

Skye McCole Bartusiak was a child actress best known for playing the daughter of Mel Gibson in ‘The Patriot’. She also appeared in the drama ‘The Cider House Rules’ and had a recurring role on the series ’24’. Bartusiak continued to work in television and independent films as she grew older. She passed away in 2014 at the age of twenty one. Her performance in ‘The Patriot’ remains one of the most emotional moments in the film.

Thuy Trang

Thuy Trang is best remembered for her role as Trini Kwan the Yellow Ranger in the original ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’. After leaving the show she appeared in the action film ‘The Crow City of Angels’ and the comedy ‘Spy Hard’. Trang was born in Vietnam and moved to the United States as a child before finding fame. She passed away in 2001 following a car accident at the age of twenty seven. Her role as a superhero made her an inspiration for many young fans.

Carol Ann Susi

Carol Ann Susi was a character actress with a career spanning four decades in television. She is most famous for her role as the voice of Mrs. Wolowitz on the hit sitcom ‘The Big Bang Theory’. Although her face was never seen on the show her voice became an iconic part of the series. Susi also appeared in films like ‘Death Becomes Her’ and ‘Coyote Ugly’. She passed away in 2014 after a short battle with cancer.

Alice Playten

Alice Playten was a versatile performer known for her work on Broadway and in film. She appeared in the Ridley Scott film ‘Legend’ as the character Blix and provided voices for various animated projects. Playten was a Tony Award nominee and was well known for her appearances in children’s television programs like ‘The Electric Company’. She passed away in 2011 at the age of sixty three. Her unique voice and comedic skills made her a sought after talent for many years.

Elizabeth Montgomery

Elizabeth Montgomery became a television legend as Samantha Stephens on the long running series ‘Bewitched’. After the show ended she transitioned into dramatic roles in several successful made for television movies. Montgomery was nominated for multiple Emmy Awards throughout her career and was known for her activism. She passed away in 1995 at the age of sixty two. Her portrayal of a suburban witch remains one of the most iconic roles in television history.

Isabel Sanford

Isabel Sanford is most famous for her role as Louise Jefferson on the sitcom ‘The Jeffersons’. She made history as the first African American woman to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Sanford also appeared in the film ‘Guess Who is Coming to Dinner’ early in her career. She passed away in 2004 at the age of eighty six. Her work on television broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of performers.

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