How Did Bette Davis Die?
Bette Davis died of Breast cancer on October 6, 1989, at age 81.
What was Bette Davis's cause of death?
Bette Davis died of breast cancer on October 6, 1989, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, at the age of 81. She had first battled the disease in 1983, undergoing a mastectomy followed by several strokes, but continued acting. She fell ill while returning from a film festival in Spain and died at the American Hospital of Paris.
How old was Bette Davis when they died?
Bette Davis was 81 years old at the time of death.
When did Bette Davis die?
Bette Davis died on October 6, 1989.
Bette Davis Biography
Ruth Elizabeth 'Bette' Davis was born on April 5, 1908, in Lowell, Massachusetts. Famed for her intensity and willingness to play unsympathetic roles, she won two Best Actress Oscars and starred in classics like Jezebel, All About Eve, and the psychological thriller What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?
Personal Life
Who are Bette Davis's parents?
Unknown
Was Bette Davis married?
Bette Davis was married once, to Gary Merrill (1950–1960).
Did Bette Davis have children?
Bette Davis had 3 children: Barbara Davis Sherry, Margot Merrill, Michael Merrill.
What religion was Bette Davis?
Bette Davis was N/A.
What was Bette Davis's ethnicity?
Bette Davis was of American heritage.
Career Highlights
Movies
- Jezebel (1938) — Watch on Amazon
- Now, Voyager (1942) — Watch on Amazon
- All About Eve (1950) — Watch on Amazon
- What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) — Watch on Amazon
As an Amazon Associate, IconFacts earns from qualifying purchases.
Awards
- Academy Award for Best Actress (1936)
- Academy Award for Best Actress (1939)
Facts About Bette Davis
- Won two Best Actress Oscars, for Dangerous and Jezebel
- Was the first woman to receive ten Academy Award acting nominations
- Became the first female president of the Academy in 1941
- Her line 'Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night' is film legend
Bette Davis Quotes
"Fasten your seatbelts, it's going to be a bumpy night."
Legacy
Bette Davis is celebrated as one of the greatest and most fearless actresses of the studio era, admired for her fierce independence and dramatic range.
Sources
Last verified: 2026-08-17