How Anna Capri, the Star of Enter the Dragon, Died in a Tragic Car Accident

Anna Capri was a Hungarian-born actress who became one of the staple guest stars in 1960s and 1970s television but who was best known for her role in the Bruce Lee film “Enter the Dragon”. She died on August 19, 2010 at the age of 65 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident in North Hollywood on August 9, 2010. She was in a coma on life support for 11 days, and passed away with family members at her side.

Early Life and Career

Anna Capri was born Anna Marie Nanasi on July 6, 1944 in Budapest, Hungary. She arrived in the United States with her family as a refugee in 1950. Her younger brother, Louis, who used the stage name Peter Robbins, was the voice of Charlie Brown in the Peanuts animated specials.

Capri started her career as a child actress, appearing on such series as Father Knows Best, The Danny Thomas Show, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, Leave It To Beaver — in the role of Cindy Andrews in “Eddie’s Sweater” (1963) & Cinda Dunsworth in “Lumpy’s Scholarship” (1963)— as Anna Capri, and a recurring role as Edie Westrope on The George Burns and Gracie Allen Show in 1958. She made her film debut at the age of thirteen in Outlaw’s Son.

She appeared thereafter in more films and television series, including roles in two CBS westerns in 1959, as Dolly Cleary in “The Littlest Client” on Wanted: Dead or Alive, starring Steve McQueen, and as Debbie McCallin in “McCallin’s Daughter” on Trackdown, with Robert Culp. In 1962, Capri was cast in a recurring role as Mary Rose in the ABC / Warner Bros Television sitcom, Room for One More.

She appeared on other ABC/WB series, including Maverick, Sugarfoot, Cheyenne, Bronco, 77 Sunset Strip . In 1967, Capri appeared as Cpl. Terry Cahill in Season 3, Episode 17 “The Hunters and the Killers” of Twelve O’Clock High.

Later, Capri appeared in Branded, The Monroes, The Iron Horse, The Guns of Will Sonnett, Laredo, The Wild Wild West, Run for Your Life, The F.B.I., Banyon, Baretta, Banacek, Mannix, The Mod Squad, Ironside, Cannon, The Invaders, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Adam-12, The Name of the Game, Police Story, Search, and Kojak.

In 1971, Capri played Linda Perry in two episodes of ABC’s crime drama Dan August, starring Burt Reynolds. In 1972, she was cast in the film Payday, with Rip Torn in the lead role as a country music singer in Alabama.

Beginning in the 1970s, she used the spelling Ahna Capri in order to reflect the correct pronunciation of her first name.

Enter the Dragon and Other Films

Capri’s most memorable film role was as Tania (secretary of Han), the villain in the martial-arts film Enter the Dragon. The film was released in 1973 and starred Bruce Lee in his final completed film before his death. It was a global hit and became one of the most influential action movies of all time. Capri played a seductive but treacherous character who worked for Han (Shih Kien), a former Shaolin monk who ran a secret island fortress where he hosted a martial arts tournament. Capri had several scenes with Lee and John Saxon (who played Roper), one of which involved a fight sequence where she tried to kill Roper with a knife.

Capri later said that working with Lee was “an incredible experience” and that he was “a very sweet man”. She also recalled that she had to do her own stunts and that she was injured during the filming. She said that she had a scar on her leg from where Lee accidentally kicked her during their fight scene.

Besides Enter the Dragon , Capri appeared in other films such as the horror movie The Brotherhood of Satan (1971), where she played a young mother who encountered a cult of devil-worshipping senior citizens; Piranha (1972), where she played a feisty wildlife photographer who battled killer fish; and The Specialist (1975), where she played an assassin who teamed up with Adam West to stop a crime boss.

She made her last film appearance in 1979 in an Italian comedy called Scusi lei è normale? (Excuse Me Are You Normal?).

Death and Legacy

On August 9, 2010, Capri was in a car accident in which a 5-ton truck collided with her car. She suffered severe head injuries and was taken to a hospital where she remained in a coma for 11 days. She died on August 19, 2010 at the age of 65. She was survived by her sister Rose.

Capri’s death was mourned by her fans and colleagues, who remembered her as a beautiful and talented actress who had a diverse and impressive career. She was especially praised for her role in Enter the Dragon , which made her a cult icon among martial arts movie fans. She was also recognized for her contributions to television, where she appeared in many popular shows and genres.

Capri’s films and TV shows are still available on DVD and streaming platforms, where new generations of viewers can discover and appreciate her work. She is also remembered on social media, where fans share photos, videos, and tributes to her.

Anna Capri was a star who shone brightly in the entertainment industry for over two decades. She left behind a legacy of memorable performances that will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.

Doms Desk

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