Actresses who died on January 2

Take a focused look at the actresses who passed away on January 2. Dive into curated bios, achievements, and cultural milestones verified by our editors.

• 1986 Una Merkel

  Una Merkel was an American stage, film, radio, and television actress known for her comedic timing and signature Southern accent. She enjoyed a prominent career during the 1930s and 1940s, often appearing in supporting roles across more than 115 films. [bio]

• 1995 Nancy Kelly

  Nancy Kelly was an American actress who achieved fame as both a child star and a leading lady in film, stage, and television from the 1920s through the 1960s. She is best known for her Oscar-nominated performance in the 1956 film 'The Bad Seed.' [bio]

• 2011 Anne Francis

  Anne Francis was an American actress best known for her roles in the science fiction classic 'Forbidden Planet' (1956) and the television series 'Honey West,' for which she received critical acclaim. Renowned for her distinctive beauty and charismatic screen presence, Francis made significant contributions to film and television during the mid-20th century. [bio]