Linda Watkins was a talented and versatile actress who starred in theater, motion pictures, and television. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on May 23, 1908, and died in Los Angeles, California, on October 31, 1976. She was 68 years old at the time of her death. But what was the cause of her death? And why is it still a mystery after more than four decades?
A Promising Career Cut Short
Linda Watkins began her acting career at the age of 17, when she performed in the Tom Cushing comedy The Devil In The Cheese with Fredric March at the Charles Hopkins Theater in New York City according to Wikipedia. She gained more experience and recognition by appearing in several Broadway plays, such as The Wild Duck, June Moon, and Sweet Stranger.
She made her film debut in Sob Sister (1931), a film in which she plays a female reporter. She received positive reviews for her performance and was considered a rising star in Hollywood. She went on to appear in more than 30 films, mostly in supporting roles, such as Men In White (1934), The Garden Murder Case (1936), and Island Of Lost Men (1939).
She also ventured into radio and television, appearing in shows such as Lux Radio Theatre, Suspense, The Ford Theatre Hour, and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. She was praised for her versatility and ability to play both comedy and drama.
A Mysterious Death
Linda Watkins married lawyer Gabriel Lorie Hess, a widower, at the Blackstone Hotel in Chicago on January 28, 1932. They had one son, Adam Hess, who later became a producer and director. Linda Watkins retired from acting in 1974, after appearing in her last film, The Werewolf Of Washington.
She died in Los Angeles on October 31, 1976. However, the cause of her death was never officially disclosed. According to Dead or Kicking, she died from undisclosed causes. According to Find a Grave, she died from a disease. But what kind of disease? And why was it kept secret?
Some speculate that she may have suffered from cancer or some other terminal illness. Others suggest that she may have committed suicide or died from an overdose of drugs or alcohol. There is no evidence to support any of these theories, and no official statement from her family or friends.
A Legacy Remembered
Despite the mystery surrounding her death, Linda Watkins’ legacy as an actress is not forgotten. She is remembered for her talent, beauty, and charm. She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 7021 Hollywood Boulevard. She is also buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California.
Linda Watkins’ cause of death may remain a mystery forever, but her life and work are still celebrated by her fans and admirers. She was a remarkable woman who left a lasting impression on the world of entertainment.
