Born: 9 November 1914 · Died: 19 January 2000 · Age at death: 85
How old was Hedy Lamarr when she died?
Hedy Lamarr died aged 85. She was born on 9 November 1914 and died on 19 January 2000.
Hollywood actress who co-invented frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology
Did you know?She worked with Howard Hughes to improve aircraft aerodynamics, helping him to design faster planes by studying the shapes of fish and birds.
Quick facts
Date of birth9 November 1914
Date of death19 January 2000
Age at death85
Cause of deathCardiovascular disease
NationalityAustrian-American
BirthplaceVienna, Austria
Occupationinventor, autobiographer, screenwriter
Editor's Take:
Hedy Lamarr was sold by Hollywood as the most beautiful woman in the world. Few people knew she spent her evenings inventing. During the war she and composer George Antheil patented a system that switched radio frequencies to stop enemies jamming torpedoes. The navy ignored it at the time. Decades later, similar ideas helped wireless technology. She got proper credit only late in life. She is now celebrated by inventors as well as film fans.
Key Milestones
1933: Stars in Ecstasy
1938: Makes her Hollywood debut
1942: Receives a patent for frequency hopping
1997: Receives the EFF Pioneer Award
Hedy Lamarr (born Hedwig Eva Maria Kiesler; November 9, 1914 – January 19, 2000) was an Austrian and American actress and inventor. Regarded as a successful film star, she also co-invented a radio guidance system during World War II.
