Actresses You Might Not Know Are Dead

It’s easy to miss news about the passing of entertainers when things move so fast in the industry. While some stars receive grand farewells, others pass away quietly. This collection honors talented women who enriched film and television with their work. Each entry offers a short look at their careers and how they died. These actresses left behind a lasting impact, and their performances still connect with viewers today.

Brittany Murphy

Brittany Murphy became well-known for her role in the hit movie ‘Clueless’. She went on to appear in popular films like ‘8 Mile’ and ‘Girl Interrupted’, and also voiced the character Luanne Platter on the animated series ‘King of the Hill’ for more than ten years. Sadly, she passed away in 2009 from pneumonia and an iron deficiency, and her death is still considered a heartbreaking loss for Hollywood.

Naya Rivera

Naya Rivera was known worldwide for playing Santana Lopez on the hit show ‘Glee’. She started acting as a child on programs like ‘The Royal Family’. Throughout her television career, she received many accolades and was praised for her positive representation of the LGBTQ+ community. Sadly, she passed away in 2020 in a tragic drowning accident while boating with her son. Her talent and influence on musical television are still celebrated by fans today.

Kelly Preston

Kelly Preston was a successful actress for many years, appearing in films like ‘Mischief’ and ‘Twins’. She’s also remembered for her role in the popular movie ‘Jerry Maguire’ with Tom Cruise. Beyond her work on screen, she was known for her marriage to John Travolta and for starring in several romantic comedies. Sadly, she passed away in 2020 after a quiet two-year fight with breast cancer. Her last movie was the comedy ‘Off the Rails’.

Natasha Richardson

Natasha Richardson was a well-respected actress known for her work on stage and in films, coming from the renowned Redgrave family of performers. She received a Tony Award for her role in the revival of ‘Cabaret,’ and many people remember her as the mother in the 1998 version of ‘The Parent Trap.’ Sadly, she passed away in 2009 after a head injury while skiing in Quebec. Her death brought attention to the potential dangers of even seemingly small head injuries.

Shannen Doherty

Shannen Doherty was a popular actress in the 1990s, best known for her roles on ‘Beverly Hills 90210’ and ‘Charmed’. She began acting as a child with appearances on ‘Little House on the Prairie’. Doherty was also known for being direct and starred in beloved films like ‘Heathers’. Sadly, she passed away in July 2024 after a long battle with stage four breast cancer. Even while facing her illness, she continued working and hosted a podcast until shortly before her death.

Heather O’Rourke

Heather O’Rourke was a young actress who became famous for her role as Carol Anne in the ‘Poltergeist’ movies. Director Steven Spielberg spotted her while she was having lunch with her mom at the MGM studio. One of her lines about spirits becoming a well-known movie quote. Sadly, she passed away in 1988 at just 12 years old from complications with an intestinal issue. Her unexpected death added to the eerie stories and legends surrounding the ‘Poltergeist’ films.

Judith Barsi

Judith Barsi was a talented young actress who worked on many commercials and movies. She’s best known as the voice of Ducky in ‘The Land Before Time’ and Anne Marie in ‘All Dogs Go to Heaven’. She was becoming very popular in the late 1980s, but her life was tragically cut short when she was killed by her father in 1988 at just 10 years old. Both films featuring her voice were released after her death and are dedicated to her memory.

Elizabeth Peña

Elizabeth Peña was a talented and diverse actress who appeared in popular films like ‘La Bamba’ and ‘Rush Hour’. She was a trailblazer for Latina actresses in Hollywood, often playing challenging and interesting roles. She also lent her voice to the character of Mirage in the animated film ‘The Incredibles’. Sadly, Peña passed away in 2014 due to health problems related to alcohol use, leaving behind a career that lasted more than thirty years.

Misty Upham

Misty Upham was a Native American actress known for her powerful performance in the film ‘Frozen River’, and also appeared in movies like ‘August: Osage County’ and ‘Django Unchained’. Her work often focused on the lives and challenges faced by Native Americans today. Sadly, she disappeared in 2014 and was later found deceased in Washington state. Her tragic death brought attention to the need for better support and safety for Indigenous actors and their mental wellbeing.

Skye McCole Bartusiak

Skye McCole Bartusiak was a promising young actress known for her role as Mel Gibson’s daughter in the film ‘The Patriot’. She also appeared in popular TV shows like ‘24’ and ‘House’, and worked on independent films and stage plays. Sadly, she passed away in 2014 at just 21 years old from an accidental overdose. Her family fondly remembered her as a lively and passionate performer.

Lisa Robin Kelly

Lisa Robin Kelly became well-known for playing Laurie Forman on the sitcom ‘That ’70s Show.’ She quickly became a popular character thanks to her funny delivery and great rapport with the other actors, especially in the show’s early seasons. She left the series because she was dealing with personal issues, but made a short return as a guest star. Sadly, Kelly passed away in 2013 while receiving treatment at a rehab facility. Her death was determined to be an accidental overdose of multiple drugs.

Dana Hill

Dana Hill was a gifted actress known for convincingly playing younger roles, a result of a growth condition she had. Many remember her as Audrey Griswold in ‘National Lampoon’s European Vacation,’ but she also had a successful career as a voice actress, lending her talent to shows like ‘Goof Troop’ and ‘Sonic the Hedgehog.’ Sadly, she passed away in 1996 at just 32 years old from a stroke related to her type 1 diabetes. She’s still fondly remembered by fans of 80s movies and television.

Michelle Thomas

Michelle Thomas was a popular actress, most famously known for playing Myra Monkhouse on the sitcom ‘Family Matters.’ She also had a role on ‘The Cosby Show’ as Justine Phillips. Beyond television, Thomas was a skilled dancer and appeared in multiple music videos in the 1990s. Sadly, she passed away in 1998 at just 30 years old after battling a rare type of stomach cancer. Those who knew and admired her remember her for her vibrant personality and cheerful demeanor.

Thuy Trang

Thuy Trang was the first actress to play the Yellow Ranger on the hit show ‘Mighty Morphin Power Rangers’. Born in Vietnam, she was known for doing her own stunts. After leaving the series, she acted in the movie ‘The Crow: City of Angels’. Sadly, she passed away in a car accident in California in 2001 at just 27 years old. Her ‘Power Rangers’ co-stars often remember and honor her at events for fans.

Bridgette Andersen

Bridgette Andersen became famous as a young actress, starring in the movie ‘Savannah Smiles’ and appearing in ‘Nightmares’ along with several TV shows. While she was a charming and popular child performer in the 1980s, her career slowed down during her teenage years. Sadly, she passed away in 1997 at the age of 21 due to an accidental overdose.

Anissa Jones

Anissa Jones is best remembered for playing Buffy on the popular 1960s sitcom, ‘Family Affair.’ She and her doll, Mrs. Beasley, became well-known figures on television. After the show ended, Anissa had difficulty finding acting work and faced difficulties as she grew up. Sadly, she passed away in 1976 at just 18 years old due to a drug overdose. Her story is often cited as a warning about the challenges faced by young performers.

Dominique Dunne

Dominique Dunne is best known for her role as Dana Freeling in the popular horror movie ‘Poltergeist’. She came from a creative family – her father was a writer and her brother is an actor. She was a rising star with several TV appearances planned when, tragically, she was killed by a former boyfriend in 1982, shortly after the film’s success. Her death deeply affected the release of the subsequent ‘Poltergeist’ movies.

Dorothy Stratten

Dorothy Stratten was a model and actress who gained attention for her role in the comedy film ‘Galaxina’. She was quickly becoming a Hollywood star and was noticed by many prominent directors. Sadly, her life and promising career were tragically cut short when her estranged husband killed her in 1980. Her story was later told in the film ‘Star 80’, and she continues to be remembered as a symbol of the darker side of fame and the entertainment world.

Rebecca Schaeffer

Rebecca Schaeffer was a promising actress best known for her role in the TV show ‘My Sister Sam’. She’d even auditioned for parts in big movies like ‘The Godfather Part III’. Sadly, her life was cut short in 1989 when she was just 21, killed by a stalker. Her death prompted California to create new laws against stalking. Rebecca is fondly remembered for her warm personality and the bright future she had as an actress.

Adrienne Shelly

As a critic, I always admired Adrienne Shelly. She was a truly gifted actress and filmmaker, best known for her charming film ‘Waitress’ – which, wonderfully, went on to become a hit Broadway musical. She really stood out in the independent film world of the 90s, creating work that felt both personal and universally relatable. It’s tragically heartbreaking that she was taken from us in 2006, but her legacy lives on through the foundation created in her name, which continues to support and champion the work of female filmmakers – a fitting tribute to a remarkable talent.

Lupe Ontiveros

Lupe Ontiveros was a very busy actress, famously playing a maid in over 150 different projects. She’s best known for her powerful role as Yolanda Saldivar in the film ‘Selena,’ and also appeared in popular movies like ‘As Good as It Gets’ and ‘Real Women Have Curves.’ Throughout her career, she strongly advocated for better representation of Latinos in television and film. She passed away in 2012 at age 69 after a battle with liver cancer.

Shirley Knight

Shirley Knight was a celebrated actress with a career lasting over 60 years. She was nominated for an Oscar twice and starred in well-known films like ‘Sweet Bird of Youth’ and ‘The Rain People’. Many also recognized her from her role as Phyllis Van de Kamp on the TV show ‘Desperate Housewives’. Throughout her career, she received multiple Emmy Awards and a Tony Award. She passed away peacefully in 2020 at the age of 83.

Jessica Walter

Jessica Walter was a celebrated actress best known for playing Lucille Bluth in ‘Arrested Development’ and voicing Malory Archer on the animated show ‘Archer’. She began her career in the 1960s with a memorable role in ‘Play Misty for Me’ and won an Emmy Award for her work on ‘Amy Prentiss’. She died peacefully in her sleep in 2021 at age 80.

Helen McCrory

Helen McCrory was a celebrated British actress, best known for playing Narcissa Malfoy in the ‘Harry Potter’ films and Polly Gray in the popular series ‘Peaky Blinders’. She received critical acclaim and many awards for her stage work, and was honored with an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to the theatre. Sadly, she passed away from cancer in 2021 at the age of 52.

Anne Heche

Anne Heche was a well-known actress who gained popularity in the 1990s with roles in movies like ‘Volcano’ and ‘Six Days Seven Nights’. She also won a Daytime Emmy for her work on the soap opera ‘Another World’. Beyond her acting, she was also recognized for her relationship with Ellen DeGeneres. Throughout her career, she appeared in many independent films and TV shows. Sadly, she passed away in 2022 after being involved in a serious car crash in Los Angeles.

Kirstie Alley

Kirstie Alley rose to fame playing Rebecca Howe on the popular TV show ‘Cheers’. She also starred in the hit movies ‘Look Who’s Talking’ with John Travolta, and won an Emmy Award for her role in the TV movie ‘David’s Mother’. Later in her career, she often appeared on reality television. Sadly, she died in 2022 after a short fight with colon cancer.

Raquel Welch

Raquel Welch became a famous actress in the 1960s, starring in films like ‘Fantastic Voyage’. She gained international recognition, becoming a sex symbol after appearing in ‘One Million Years B.C.’. Welch also received a Golden Globe award for her role in the 1974 movie ‘The Three Musketeers’. Beyond acting, she was a successful entrepreneur and writer. She passed away in 2023 at age 82 after a short illness.

Suzanne Somers

Suzanne Somers was best known for playing Chrissy Snow on the hit TV show ‘Three’s Company,’ and later starred in the series ‘Step by Step’ for seven seasons. Beyond acting, she was a successful businesswoman, famous for products like the ThighMaster and her books about health. She was also a strong voice for different approaches to medicine and well-being. Somers passed away in 2023, just a day before she would have turned 77.

Piper Laurie

Piper Laurie, a celebrated actress with a career spanning over seven decades, passed away in 2023 at the age of 91. She was nominated for an Oscar three times, and is remembered for iconic roles like Margaret White in the film ‘Carrie’ and Catherine Martell in the TV series ‘Twin Peaks’. She also starred in ‘The Hustler’ and received numerous awards throughout her distinguished career.

Melinda Dillon

Melinda Dillon, who passed away in 2023 at age 83, was a celebrated actress known for her portrayal of the mother in the beloved film ‘A Christmas Story’. She earned Academy Award nominations for her performances in ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and ‘Absence of Malice’, and also received a Tony Award nomination for her work on stage. Throughout her career, Dillon frequently played characters who were both caring and remarkably complex.

Cindy Williams

Cindy Williams, best known as one half of the beloved comedy duo in ‘Laverne and Shirley,’ starred as Shirley Feeney for eight seasons and became a familiar face on television. Before finding fame on the sitcom, she appeared in films like ‘American Graffiti’ and ‘The Conversation’. Beyond acting, Williams also worked as a producer and later shared her experiences in a memoir about her Hollywood career. She passed away in 2023 at age 75 after a brief illness.

Annie Wersching

Annie Wersching, best known for playing Renee Walker in the hit show ’24’ and voicing and performing the character of Tess in the popular video game ‘The Last of Us’, sadly passed away in 2023 after a battle with cancer. Throughout her career, she appeared in several other shows, including ‘Bosch’ and ‘Marvel’s Runaways’, and was known for her talent in both dramatic and science fiction roles.

Lisa Loring

Lisa Loring was the first actress to portray Wednesday Addams in the classic TV show, ‘The Addams Family,’ and her performance became the defining version of the character for many years. Later, she had a role on the soap opera ‘As the World Turns.’ In her later life, Loring worked on the behind-the-scenes side of filmmaking. She passed away in 2023 at age 64 due to complications after a stroke.

Stella Stevens

Stella Stevens was a popular actress in the 1960s, best known for her roles in films like ‘The Nutty Professor’ and alongside Elvis Presley in ‘Girls! Girls! Girls!’. Beyond acting, she also directed and produced independent films. Stevens was celebrated for her comedic skills and captivating on-screen personality. She passed away in 2023 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Chita Rivera

Chita Rivera, a celebrated star of the stage, died in early 2024 at the age of 91. Best known for creating the role of Anita in the original Broadway production of ‘West Side Story,’ she also appeared in film versions of musicals like ‘Sweet Charity’ and had a brief appearance in ‘Chicago.’ Her significant contributions to the arts were recognized with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Glynis Johns

Glynis Johns, a Tony Award-winning actress best known for playing Winifred Banks in ‘Mary Poppins’, passed away in 2024 at the age of 100. Throughout her remarkable eight-decade career in film and theater, she became famous for her distinctive husky voice and her iconic performance of ‘Send in the Clowns’. She also starred in beloved films such as ‘The Sundowners’ and ‘While You Were Sleeping’.

Gena Rowlands

Gena Rowlands was a highly respected actress, famous for her work with her husband, director John Cassavetes. She earned Oscar nominations for her roles in ‘A Woman Under the Influence’ and ‘Gloria,’ and more recently, a younger generation recognized her as the older version of Allie in the popular film ‘The Notebook.’ Throughout her career, she also received several Emmy Awards for her television performances. Rowlands passed away in August 2024 at the age of 94.

Shelley Duvall

Shelley Duvall, a memorable actress particularly known for her performance in ‘The Shining’, had a distinctive style. She often worked with director Robert Altman, appearing in films like ‘Popeye’ and ‘3 Women’. Beyond acting, she created and hosted the popular children’s show ‘Faerie Tale Theatre’. After a period away from the screen, she made one last appearance in a film in 2023. She died in July 2024 at the age of 75.

Erica Ash

Erica Ash was a gifted comedic actress who appeared in shows like ‘Mad TV’ and ‘The Big Gay Sketch Show,’ as well as the drama ‘Survivor’s Remorse’ and the film ‘Scary Movie 5.’ Before her television career took off, she worked as a singer and model. Known for her talent and quick humor, she was well-respected by those who worked with her. Sadly, she passed away in 2024 at the age of 46 after fighting cancer.

Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith was a highly celebrated actress who won two Academy Awards. She was beloved by audiences around the world for playing Professor McGonagall in the ‘Harry Potter’ films and the Dowager Countess in ‘Downton Abbey’. For more than sixty years, she was a prominent figure in British theater and film. She died in September 2024 at the age of 89.

Teri Garr

Teri Garr was a gifted comedic actress, best known for her memorable roles in films like ‘Young Frankenstein’ and ‘Tootsie’. She earned an Academy Award nomination for playing the character Sandy Lester, and also appeared in the iconic science fiction film ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Garr dedicated herself to raising awareness about the condition. She passed away in October 2024 at the age of 79.

Mitzi Gaynor

Mitzi Gaynor was a celebrated star during the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals. She’s most famous for playing Nellie Forbush in the movie ‘South Pacific,’ and also starred in films like ‘Anything Goes’ and ‘Les Girls’ when her career was at its height. A frequent guest on television, she hosted numerous variety shows. Gaynor passed away in October 2024 at the age of 93.

Elizabeth Montgomery

Elizabeth Montgomery is best remembered as Samantha Stephens in the TV show ‘Bewitched,’ a role she played for eight seasons. The show followed Samantha, a charming witch, as she navigated everyday life. After ‘Bewitched’ ended, Montgomery helped pave the way for made-for-television movies. Though she was nominated for several Emmy Awards, she didn’t win one during her life. Sadly, she passed away from colon cancer in 1995, only a few weeks after being diagnosed.

Audrey Meadows

Audrey Meadows was famous for her role as Alice Kramden on the beloved TV show ‘The Honeymooners.’ She perfectly balanced Jackie Gleason’s character and helped pave the way for women in comedy on television. Later in her career, she appeared on shows like ‘Too Close for Comfort’ and ‘The Love Boat.’ Interestingly, she also worked as a bank executive while acting. Meadows passed away in 1996 after a battle with lung cancer.

Isabel Sanford

I’ll always remember Isabel Sanford as the incredible Louise Jefferson, the heart of ‘The Jeffersons’! She wasn’t just hilarious, she was a trailblazer – the first Black woman to win an Emmy for leading a comedy series. Before becoming a TV icon, she actually started her career on stage, and even had a part in the classic film ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner’. She truly left her mark on television and is still missed today, even after passing away in 2004.

Dixie Carter

Dixie Carter was best known for playing Julia Sugarbaker on the TV show ‘Designing Women’. Her character was famous for passionate and well-spoken speeches about important social topics. Beyond acting, Carter was a talented singer who performed on Broadway and in cabaret. Later in her career, she had a role on ‘Desperate Housewives’. Sadly, she passed away in 2010 after a battle with endometrial cancer.

Rue McClanahan

Rue McClanahan, best known for playing Blanche Devereaux on ‘The Golden Girls’, earned an Emmy for her performance. Before that, she worked with her ‘Golden Girls’ co-stars on the shows ‘Maude’ and ‘Mama’s Family’. A passionate animal rights supporter, she also wrote a popular memoir detailing her life and six marriages. McClanahan continued to act in theater and television until just before her death in 2010 from a brain hemorrhage.

Estelle Getty

Estelle Getty became famous for playing the witty Sophia Petrillo on ‘The Golden Girls’. Interestingly, even though she portrayed the oldest character, she was actually younger than Bea Arthur, who played her daughter on the show. Getty’s performance earned her both an Emmy and a Golden Globe award. Sadly, in her later years, she was diagnosed with Lewy body dementia and passed away in 2008, just a few days before turning 85.

Alice Ghostley

Alice Ghostley was a talented character actress who gained fame for playing Esmeralda on the TV show ‘Bewitched’ and Bernice Clifton on ‘Designing Women’. She had a successful career on Broadway, even winning a Tony Award for her performance in ‘The Sign in Sidney Brustein’s Window’. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, she was a popular guest star on many variety and comedy shows. She passed away in 2007 at the age of 84.

Share your memories of these talented performers in the comments.

2025-12-23 19:21