Donna Reed, born on January 14, 1986, in Denison, Iowa, was a versatile actress known for her roles in sitcoms, films, and her activism. After moving to California to attend Los Angeles City College, Reed signed a small contract with MGM, where she quickly gained attention for her talent and beauty. She became a prominent figure in the film industry during World War II, as movies began to focus more on female-centric stories. Reed's notable performances include her role in the Christmas classic 'It's a Wonderful Life' and her Academy Award-winning performance in 'From Here to Eternity'.
Reed's success extended beyond the silver screen. She also starred in the popular sitcom 'The Donna Reed Show', which showcased her versatility as an actress. However, her impact reached beyond entertainment. After the show ended, Reed became involved in the Anti-Vietnam War movement, using her platform to advocate for peace and justice.
Despite her achievements, Reed's life was tragically cut short. She passed away on January 14, 1986, from pancreatic cancer. Her legacy as a talented actress, loving mother, and anti-war activist lives on, inspiring others to use their voices for positive change.
Sally Field, a Hollywood star known for her roles in iconic films like 'Mrs. Doubtfire' and 'Soapdish,' has also had a long and transformative career. Field believes that constant transition is a natural part of life. She had a troubled childhood, being abused by her stepfather. Field's career started with roles in TV shows like 'Gidget' and 'The Flying Nun.' She struggled to be taken seriously as an actor until her breakthrough role in the miniseries 'Sybil,' which showcased her talent. Field also had a high-profile relationship with Burt Reynolds. She won two Oscars for her performances in 'Norma Rae' and 'Places in the Heart.' In the 1990s, she became a family-friendly icon with roles in films like 'Mrs. Doubtfire.' Field later turned to directing and was diagnosed with osteoporosis. She returned to television with the show 'Brothers and Sisters' and received an Ally For Equality Award for her support of gay rights. Field played Mary Todd Lincoln in Steven Spielberg's 'Lincoln,' earning her a third Oscar nomination. She has been an outspoken activist and was arrested in 2019 for protesting the climate crisis. Field received a Life Achievement Award from the Screen Actors Guild in 2023.
Dabney Coleman, a comic actor renowned for his roles in '9 to 5,' 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' 'Tootsie,' and more, passed away at the age of 92 on Thursday, May 16, at his home in Santa Monica. His daughter, Quincy Coleman, confirmed the news [53891df1]. Coleman's career spanned over seven decades, and he is remembered for his sharp wit, unforgettable roles, and lasting impact on both television and film. Some of his most iconic roles include Merle Jeeter in 'Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,' Franklin Hart Jr. in '9 to 5,' and the sexist TV director in 'Tootsie.' Coleman won a supporting actor Emmy in 1987 for his performance in the ABC telefilm 'Sworn to Silence.' He is survived by his children and grandchildren [53891df1].
Elizabeth MacRae, known for her roles in “General Hospital” and “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.,” has passed away at the age of 88. MacRae's acting career began in 1956 and she appeared in numerous popular TV series such as “Route 66,” “Surfside 6,” “The Fugitive,” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” She was particularly well-known for her role as Lou-Ann Poovie on “Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.” and as Meg Baldwin on “General Hospital.” MacRae also had film credits in movies such as “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” and “The Conversation.” She retired from acting and settled in North Carolina with her husband before returning to her hometown of Fayetteville. MacRae leaves behind five stepchildren [e3c0d21d].
Janis Paige, an American actress and singer, passed away at the age of 101 on June 2, 2024. She was born on September 16, 1922, in Tacoma, Washington. Her parents were Donna Mae Tjaden and George S. Tjaden. Her mother, Hazel Leah (née Simmons), likely came from an English family with a passion for the performing arts. Janis had one younger sister named Betty Jane, who stayed out of the spotlight. Janis Paige had a successful career in Hollywood, spanning almost 60 years. She had a breakthrough during World War II when she sang for enlisted men at the Hollywood Canteen. Paige had roles in various films and TV shows, including Remains to Be Seen, The Pajama Game, It's Always Jan, Flamingo Road, Trapper John, M.D., and All in the Family. She also worked with notable actors such as Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Lucille Ball, and Clark Gable. Paige was married multiple times and released her autobiography, Reading Between the Lines: A Memoir, in 2020. Her death is mourned by her loved ones and the soap opera community [7ce4e8a1].
Betty Anne Rees, a former actress on General Hospital, passed away at the age of 81. She had multiple sclerosis and possibly suffered a stroke before her death. Rees was known for her role on the sitcom My Three Sons and appeared in movies such as The Unholy Rollers, The Photographer, and Sugar Hill. She also guest-starred on several primetime television shows. Rees was diagnosed with MS in the early '90s and had recently experienced falls and a possible stroke. She was born on April 14, 1943, in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and attended Shaker Heights High School and the University of Miami. Condolences were sent to Rees's friends, family, colleagues, and fans [04898aee].
Shannen Doherty, best known for her role as Brenda Walsh on Beverly Hills, 90210, died at the age of 53 on July 13, following a nine-year battle with breast cancer. Her publicist, Leslie Sloane, confirmed the news on July 14. Doherty was initially diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, which later returned after going into remission in 2017. She publicly revealed her diagnosis in February 2020. Doherty's role on Beverly Hills, 90210 catapulted her to superstardom. She also played Prue Halliwell on the fantasy drama television series Charmed from 1998 to 2001. Shannen Doherty's passing has left fans of Beverly Hills, 90210 and Charmed devastated. Known for her roles in these iconic TV shows, Doherty's battle with Stage 4 breast cancer was admired by many. Fans expressed their grief and shared their memories of the talented actress on social media [e1604eb6].
According to her publicist, Shannen Doherty was surrounded by loved ones at the time of her passing. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent treatment including a mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation. She announced she was in remission in 2017, but in 2020, she revealed that the cancer had returned and was stage 4. Doherty was a native of Memphis, Tennessee, and began her acting career at a young age. She gained fame for her role as Brenda Walsh in 'Beverly Hills, 90210' but left the show after conflicts with co-stars and chronic lateness. She later starred in 'Charmed' and appeared in various films and TV movies. Doherty was open about her battle with cancer and advocated for cancer awareness and care. She passed away surrounded by loved ones and her dog, Bowie. The family has asked for privacy during this time of grieving.
Jennie Garth, former co-star of Shannen Doherty on Beverly Hills, 90210, paid tribute to Doherty after her death. Garth described Doherty as one of the strongest people she has ever known and emphasized their real relationship built on mutual respect and admiration. Garth also mentioned their past on-set tension but clarified that it did not reflect their true relationship. Doherty died at age 53 after a long battle with cancer. Other former co-stars, including Jason Priestley, Gabrielle Carteris, Carol Potter, and Brian Austin Green, also paid tribute to Doherty.
Shannen Doherty celebrated her mother Rosa’s tenacity and strength in her own cancer battle. Rosa was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm when Doherty was 8, and watching her mother deal with the condition taught Shannen to never give up. Doherty always had her mother in mind as she battled cancer and shared a close bond with her. She reflected on her mother's influence and expressed gratitude for being an amazing mother. Doherty passed away on July 13, 2024, after battling cancer for almost a decade.
Shannen Doherty's divorce from her ex-husband Kurt Iswarienko was finalized one day before her death. The 'Beverly Hills, 90210' star filed for divorce and waived her right to spousal support. The dissolution was marked as 'uncontested' and both parties had a written agreement regarding their property and rights. Shannen had accused Kurt of delaying their divorce, claiming he was waiting for her to die to avoid paying spousal support. Kurt's lawyer denied the claim, stating that he had offered Shannen a settlement in 2023 that she had allegedly denied [707b94ca].