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Denise Darcel Obituary
Darcel's son, Craig, said Monday that she died Dec. 23 at a Los Angeles hospital from complications from an emergency surgery to repair a ruptured aneurysm.
After coming to the U.S. in 1947, Darcel starred opposite several leading men in a string of films in the '50s, including "Battleground" with Van Johnson, "Tarzan and the Slave Girl" with Lex Barker, "Westward the Women" with Robert Taylor and "Young Man with Ideas" with Glenn Ford.
She most famously played a vivacious double-crossing countess in 1954's "Vera Cruz" opposite Burt Lancaster and Gary Cooper.
Darcel is also survived by another son, Chris.
DERRIK J. LANG/AP Entertainment Writer
Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
58 Entries
Mark Gruner
November 10, 2024
You are greatly missed.
Claude
October 31, 2022
Cr don´t des Anne´s wue tu n´est plus zur ce Monde. Aujourdhui je pense a toi tu etais une super personne merci pour ton amities Denise
Linda Glaze
September 19, 2020
So beautiful. I loved her in "Westward The Women". RIP
Jose Adorno
May 10, 2020
She will always be a great lovely star in the movies long live and prosper ,you we'll be missed .love you Danon. J a.
How you can show support
August 31, 2019
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the Family's continuely...My condolences
Gloria Williams
August 8, 2019
I met Denise when I lived in Lauderhill, FL working as the cosmetician in Eckerds. She was my customer. Always so sweet. Even if she didnt need cosmetics, she would come in the store and yell hello over to me. It was a pleasure to know her.
Larry eberly
April 17, 2018
I have been one of the lucky ones to have met the family early in my life.I'm so sorry to hear of your loss.our prayers are with you. Larry and Rich. 610 9284157
Jerome Horwitz
January 21, 2017
I have to add a correction, that Westward the Women was released on December 31, 1951. It is indeed my most favorite Denise Darcel movie.
Jerome Horwitz
January 6, 2017
Ever since I saw Denise in 1949's Battleground I was hooked. And I loved her in 1950's Westward The Women. When I heard 5 years ago, on Turner Classic Movies,that she had passed away, I was sad. From many of the condolences left here it sounds like she was a really nice person too. She gave very spirited performances and I will always remember her fondly.
PA SNARE
December 23, 2016
The Kids and I learned of your loss today
I'm sorry.
TH
December 23, 2015
To the Darcel Family, My heartfelt prayers go out for all the families and friends, as we await the promises of Isa 65:19 - "No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.(Isa 65:19)
Fletcher Harvey
April 19, 2015
Obviously I'M a bit late offering condolences, but today, following a rather circuitous paths, had occasion to"Google" Miss Darcel. I had no idea she had passed away. I had two very nice encounters with her in the late fifties, once when she was touring in "Can Can," and again when she was doing her cabaret bit. She was a lovely, gracious, talented lady that made a bug-eyed college student feel like a king! Lunch at the frat house in Nashville followed later by the opportunity to walk her poodles near Reddington Beach, Florida...what more could a kid hope for! I would love to be in touch with Craig if he is still reading the entries. His mother was a very special person. [email protected]
cari donoher
March 25, 2014
I remember you when I hung out with your son Chris in Northport. Your accent was so gracious. You were such a sweet raspy woman who was so proud of your children and fame. I have been trying to get in contact for years and I am so sorry I found you passed. My love to Chris and Craig. Cari Donoher metalma227 @yahoo.com
Robert Young
September 20, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Denise Darcel family. I have been her fan from the first time I saw her in the film "Battleground". My fondest memory was when I met her and she invited me to her home here in south-west Florida. What a gracious and kind woman. She introduced me to her friends and family as "My number one fan", and when I went home late that day with a personalized autographed photo of her I was walking on air.
She was a beautiful woman in both body and soul and she will be missed and in my thoughts forever......
Nazarene Mckinney
March 29, 2013
Jesus Christ is Lord and Savior. He died for us to have eternal life.
Denise Peterson
February 24, 2012
My claim to fame is that my father was so enamoured with this actress that he named me after her in 1959. I love that legacy! May God bless and keep the family! Rest in peace.
February 9, 2012
Psalms 90:10 states, "In themselves the days of our years are seventy years, and if because of special mightiness that are eighty years." Although she lived a long life this doesnot relieve the pain that is felt by her love ones.
Hilda
Kathleen & Claude Dodge/Buhler
January 28, 2012
Avec peine nous avons lu de ton depart de ce monde. Apres Georges notre ami ausssi,son depart en 2003, c'etait ton tour de quitter ce monde. Nous penserons toute notre vie a tes grandes fetes et tes partys en Floride dans ta superbe Maison a Casey Key. C'etait merveilleux. Que tu etais belle avec tes cheveux blonds et tes levres rouges. Tu etais pour nous, et nous le savons pour beaucoup de personnes, une grande inspiration. Nous oublierons jamais, tes chants aux Happy Hours en Floride ou au Wisconsin. Que Dieu te donne la paix. Nous pensons juste maintenant et nous penserons toujours a ton sourire,et a ta belle voix qui nous montrais toujours ta joix de vivre.
Merci Denise pour tout ce que tu as fais pour nous.
Kathleen et Claude
Tami B
January 17, 2012
My deepest sympathies lie with her family and friends during this sudden trajedy. She was glorious, beautiful, an stunning! What class!
Darr King, CMSgt, USAF (Ret)
January 13, 2012
I was 10 years old when I saw "Battleground." I wasn't old enough to understand the implication of Holley's comment about the mother of the two little moppets asking for "...chewing gum, chocolate, cigarettes for Mama..." His comment..."Get a load of Mama!" At that moment, I fell in love with "Denise!" That movie has remained one of my all time favorites, all these years. I spent a career in the Air Force...am now 71 years old. I watch that movie no less than a dozen times a year...and I'm still in love with "Denise!" A sad loss...but a life-time wonderful memory. Thank you, for sharing her with us GI's.
Denise Lewis
January 12, 2012
I was named after Denise Darcel according to my mother who passed away back in 1995. May she, like my mother, rest in peace.
Janice Williams
January 12, 2012
I remember her in several of the movies mentioned. How proud your family must be! I hope your sadness will be lessened by your memories of this remarkable woman.
Harry Simpson
January 12, 2012
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
KIMBERLY
January 12, 2012
I AM SORRY FOR THE LOSS OF YOUR LOVED ONE. MAY THE GOD OF ALL COMFORT HELP YOU IN THIS MOST DIFFICULT TIME.
(2 COR. 1:3,4)
timothy meenan
January 12, 2012
god speed denise ! loved you in all your movies and this world was a better place with you in it ! tim & sandi meenan [email protected]
Anita
January 12, 2012
May this Candle burn for you forever because you made my life a brighter place . We were fortunate to have you share your Beauty and Talent by doing great movies.
Condolences to Craig and Chris and the family at this sad time.
May you Rest in Heavenly Peace .
January 12, 2012
I am truly sorry for your lost. In your time of bereavement, know that God assures us that we will see our loved ones again. I'm sure that with the help of our loving Heavenly Father, your family, and friends you will be able to endure this trial. May your memories give you comfort.
Gates, GA
January 12, 2012
I was also born in 1957. My middle name is Denise named after Ms. Darcel. My first name is Pamela named after actress Pamela Mason, God bless you and your family, Pamela Denise Seymour IN,
JC
January 12, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the
family of Denise Darcel. One of my
favorite movies is Westward the Women.
What wonderful memories she has given
to all of us.
intership ship
January 12, 2012
wonderful information,I really appreciate you For the Kind Of information your Providing with this site,Thanks once again, Regards,intershipplusThanx For The interesting information.
January 12, 2012
To the the family of Denise Darcel - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that she will be missed by many.
Denise Wittwer
January 11, 2012
OMG....I have always been told about Denise Darcel but never really believed it. My father was so in love with her I was named Denise, my sister 3 years younger was named Darcel. Six years later our next sister was named Darise...Dar..(Darcel)...ise (Den..ise). Wow I only wished I had met her. So sorry for your loss.
Denise Lammon-Wittwer
Saundra
January 11, 2012
We enjoyed watching Denise in the movies. We are very sorry for your loss.
Darcel Denise
January 11, 2012
I was born in 1975 and named after the famous actress...she will be missed.
Deniece Jordan
January 11, 2012
I was born in 1957 an my mom thought Denise was such a beautyful actress she named me after her. I am so sorry to hear about your mom Chris. God bless you and my family and I pray you find comfort in knowing she is with the Angles. God bless you.
January 11, 2012
When I was girl I saw Ms. Darcel in a movie, and loved her name Denise. Many years later I had a daughter and named her Denise in honor. My daughter has been told why she got the name.
She was a beautiful woman. My condolences to her family.
January 11, 2012
I am sorry for your loss. May the peace of God help you all to cope and endure these difficult days.
Romie Bostick
January 11, 2012
Westward the Women was my favorite movie starring Denise - she was a great and beautiful actress! Prayers to the family and I pray the fond memories will help to ease your pain in the coming days.
Linda Jackson
January 11, 2012
I am sorry to learn of Ms Darcel's passing and wish to express my sympathy to the family. I also just saw Westward the Women on tv the other day and she was wonderful in that role. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
January 11, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with you at this time of grief, and may the memories of Denise stay close to your heart. Psalma 46:1 Joanna
Cyriaque
January 11, 2012
My toughts are with the family. It happened that very recently she's been a wonderful source of inspiration to me for my current writinh. I talked to her last year on the phone and she was a sweet person. May she dance again in our memory
Barbara Luttrell
January 10, 2012
My mother was born in France and was a huge fan of Ms. Darcel's. She met her in Toledo, Ohio when she had a stop there on the train west or when she appeared in Toledo. Not sure which, but I know it was at the train station. She wanted to name me Denise, but my father won with Barbara Yvonne. Enjoyed her films throughout the years, may she rest in peace.
jayne barnhart
January 10, 2012
To Miss Darcel's Family: I am sorry to learn of her passing. Just a few days ago I watched again one of my favorite movies "Westward the Women." Talk about your strong lady...she personified it in that movie! Years ago when she lived in Las Vegas, I wrote to her for an autograph on a picture I would send her. I did not hear back sadly. May she RIP.
Helene Moccia
January 10, 2012
Hi,
I am so sorry to learn of your mother's passing. I just wanted to share a memory with you. When I was growing up in Pa. my mother always spoke of Denise. She told us kids how she was on the same ship in 1947 and how they arrived in New York together. I believe the ship left from Bremerhaven and I don't remember the name, do you? My mother was pregnant with me and very ill. She also had to take care of a toddler (My sister) and your mother was so kind to her, helping her and holding my sister while my mother ran to the bathroom to throw up. They had several conversations about being "army wives and war brides " and they spoke of their lives in Europe. My mother was born in Poland but lived in Germany and later Leige, Belgium where she met my american father.
She must have tod my mom that she had a sister named Helene, because that's what my mom named me. Anyway, your mother was kind to my mom at a very difficult time in her life and I just wanted you to know that. By the way, my mom passed 3 years ago so I know how it feels to lose a mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Helene Moccia
January 10, 2012
May the "Hearer of prayer" be with the family at this difficult time. Psalm 65:2
Texas
January 10, 2012
to the family of Ms.
darcel:
Denise was a lovely lady..worked with my husband in NJ..very kind and very nice!..May God rest her soul.
Susan Mills
Denise Tonson
January 10, 2012
RIP ,,, I was born in 1957 and named for her ... what a beautiful woman.
Denise F.
January 10, 2012
I was born in 1959 and my name was chosen by my Father (born in 1922). He had told me that I was named after a Hollywood Actress. May your memories carry you through the difficult times experienced after the loss of a parent.
January 10, 2012
To Ms. Darcel's sons: Your Mother was a very good actress and a beautiful lady. She has many fans who have missed seeing her in the movies. May she rest in peace. JM Austerlitz NY
January 10, 2012
I just saw the movie, Westward the Women recently. We have lost a beautiful actress!
MARTHA DOLCIAMORE
January 10, 2012
I recently saw, again for the upteenth time, "Westward the Women", in which Denise played a part. I loved her in that role! May the angels lead you into Paradise!
Denise Overstreet
January 10, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I was named after her. Denise Darcel Tyner Overstreet (Louisville, KY)
PJ Wilson
January 10, 2012
One of my all-time favorite movies is "Westward the Women." She was great in it! Sympathy to the family.
Anne
January 10, 2012
Rest in peace beautiful lady. To your family, God bless you and give you peace. So sorry for your loss.
Ellen Trevena
January 10, 2012
My sympathy to the family. I loved her in Westward the Women, she was a wonderful actress. God Bless
Steve Schultz
January 10, 2012
I loved you in westward the women and battleground. I will always watch them when they come on. Rest in peace
C Wilson
January 10, 2012
"My thoughts and prayers are with the Darcel Family in their time of grief. At times like these, drawing close to 'God in prayer is what will
"sustain you."
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