What famous person died from diphtheria?

One of the most famous individuals who died from diphtheria was the American actress and singer, Ethel Waters. She was a prominent figure in the early 20th century, known for her powerful voice and contributions to both Broadway and the film industry. Diphtheria, a bacterial infection, was a common cause of mortality before the widespread use of vaccines. Her death highlighted the serious nature of the disease at that time.