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Date of Birth: Agnes Moorehead6 December 1900She was one of the cast members of the ill fated film The Conqueror (1956), which was filmed in 1954 in the Nevada desert close by to where the government was doing nuclear testing. In later years those tests were suspected to have caused the cancer deaths of several of the films stars including John Wayne, Dick Powell, Susan Hayward and Pedro Armendáriz. Interred at Dayton Memorial Park in Dayton, Ohio. Her limousine is on display at the Peterson Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. ... Attended Muskingum College in New Concord, OH, which was also attended by astronaut and later Senator John Glenn. Entered New York's Academy of Dramatic Arts, studying alongside Rosalind Russell. Did graduate work at the University of Wisconsin. Taught in Central High School in Reedsburg, WI, and directed plays for the school's dramatic club. Taught school and coached oratory in Soldiers Grove, WI. The team won numerous contests. Daughter of Presbyterian minister Dr. John H. Moorehead of Reedsburg, WI. Favorite color was purple - she was so fond of the color friends called her the "lavender lady." She was an alumna of Central High School in St. Louis, MO. Adopted son Sean with first husband Jack G. Lee. Initially turned down the role of "Endora" in "Bewitched" (1964), but reconsidered when Elizabeth Montgomery asked her in person, when they met in a department store. Moorehead joined the cast not expecting the show to last more than one season, let alone become a long-running hit. First woman to co-host the Academy Awards (with Dick Powell) in 1948. On the first season of filming "Bewitched" (1964), she didn't like aspects of the script, but felt she couldn't complain to director William Asher because he was Elizabeth Montgomery's husband (at the time). She did not enjoy filming "Bewitched" (1964), since it forced her to get up at 4:45 a.m., start makeup at 6:00 a.m. and continue filming often until 8:00 p.m. In Italy, she was often dubbed by Wanda Tettoni, Giovanna Scotto or Franca Dominici. Occasionally, she was dubbed by Tina Lattanzi, Rina Morelli or by Dhia Cristiani. Although her death has been reported as being caused by lung cancer, this is not true, because the cancer started in her uterus and spread to her lungs. Remembered by many as the magical mother-in-law "Endora" on "Bewitched" (1964), though she preferred to be remembered for other roles. Agnes died of cancer as did almost every actor and crew member of the film, The Conqueror (1956). This included Susan Hayward, John Wayne and director Dick Powell, to name just a few. Some people strongly believe that, unknown by those involved with it at the time, the film was shot on a former nuclear testing site. Read more |
