January 23

Randolph Scott was an American film actor whose career spanned over four decades. Born in 1898, he rose to fame in the silent era and became a staple leading man in Westerns. Known for his stoic screen presence and rugged charm, he starred in numerous films directed by Budd Boetticher. Before his acting career, he served briefly in the U.S. Army during World War I. He graduated from the University of North Carolina and later earned a law degree before turning to acting. Scott's partnership with producer Harry Joe Brown produced many of his most enduring works. He remains an icon of the Western genre and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960. He retired from acting in the mid-1960s and passed away in 1987 at the age of 89.

Dan Duryea was an American actor who gained fame for his portrayals of villains and antiheroes in film noir classics. Born in 1907 in New York, he began his career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood. His performances in films like Scarlet Street and The Leopard Man showcased his charisma and depth. Duryea was also a talented singer and recorded songs featured in his movies. Over a career spanning more than three decades, he became a cult favorite among noir enthusiasts. He retired in the mid-1960s and passed away in 1968, leaving a legacy of memorable cinematic performances.

Born in 1919 in Saskatchewan, Frances Bay began her acting career later in life after emigrating to the United States. Over five decades, she appeared in more than 100 television series and films, often playing quirky supporting roles. Her credits include appearances in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Happy Gilmore, and Seinfeld. Bay was known for her warm presence and comedic timing that endeared her to audiences. She continued acting into her 90s, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Born in 1919, Ernie Kovacs became one of television’s first experimental comedians. In the 1950s, he created surreal sketch shows featuring visual gags and avant-garde techniques. Kovacs broke conventions by using camera tricks, music and silence to craft unique comedic moments. He hosted game shows, acted in films, and performed live, influencing future generations of comedians. Tragically, his career was cut short by a fatal car accident in 1962, but his creative legacy endures.

Jeanne Moreau (1928–2017) was a celebrated French actress, singer, and director whose career spanned over six decades. She became an emblem of the French New Wave with standout performances in films like 'Jules et Jim' and 'Elevator to the Gallows.' Moreau was praised for her emotional depth and naturalistic acting style, working with directors such as François Truffaut and Louis Malle. In addition to acting, she directed acclaimed films and performed on stage across Europe and America. She received multiple honors, including the César Award for Best Actress and a lifetime achievement award at the Berlin International Film Festival. Moreau's legacy endures as one of the most influential figures in cinematic history.

Born in 1932, Larri Thomas graced both film and television with her dynamic talent, capturing audiences during Hollywood’s Golden Age. Her dance background added a captivating flair to her roles in musicals and dramatic productions alike. Beyond performing, she contributed to the entertainment industry as a choreographer, shaping memorable routines for stage and screen. Thomas’s enduring energy and artistry left a lasting impression long after her final curtain call.

Born in 1933, Chita Rivera made Broadway history as the original star of landmark musicals such as 'West Side Story,' 'Chicago,' and 'Kiss of the Spider Woman.' Her dynamic stage presence, powerful vocals, and trailblazing charisma earned her multiple Tony nominations and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Rivera broke barriers for Latina performers and continued to grace the stage and screen for decades. She passed away in 2024, leaving an indelible mark on American theater and performance art.

Born on January 23, 1934 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Studied drama at the University of Oklahoma and the Pasadena Playhouse. Made his film debut in Splendor in the Grass (1961). Appeared in numerous television series during the 1960s. Transitioned to directing in the late 1960s, helming episodes of The Partridge Family, All in the Family, and M*A*S*H. Earned several Emmy Award nominations for his television work. Directed over fifty episodes across a range of genres. Over his career, he contributed more than four decades to film and television.

Gil Gerard (born January 23, 1943) is an American actor and director. He rose to fame portraying Captain William "Buck" Rogers in the sci-fi series "Buck Rogers in the 25th Century" (1979–1981). Gerard studied drama at Carnegie Mellon University before launching a film and television career that included roles in "The Five of Me" and "Phantom of the Paradise". He has directed stage productions and commercials, and remains active at fan conventions celebrating classic science fiction. His energetic performance and charm have made him a lasting pop-culture icon.

Rutger Hauer (1944–2019) was a Dutch film and television actor, writer, director, and producer. He achieved international fame as Roy Batty in Ridley Scott’s "Blade Runner" (1982), delivering the acclaimed "Tears in Rain" monologue. His diverse career included roles in "The Hitcher", "Ladyhawke", and "Batman Begins", showcasing his versatility. Hauer wrote and produced several films, and founded the Dutch environmental organization the Rutger Hauer Starfish Association. Throughout his career, he received multiple awards and honors for his artistic contributions. He passed away on July 19, 2019, leaving a lasting legacy in cinema.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Richard Dean Anderson began his career in daytime soap operas and minor film roles. He rose to fame in 1985 playing the ingenious secret agent in the action series ‘MacGyver.’ The show’s emphasis on creativity and problem-solving made him an icon of popular culture. From 1997 to 2007, he starred as Colonel Jack O’Neill on ‘Stargate SG-1,’ cementing his sci-fi legacy. Anderson also composed music for his projects and supported environmental and children’s charities. His contributions have left a lasting impact on television storytelling and fan communities.

Born in Lisbon, Guida Maria debuted on stage at age eight and became a leading figure in Portuguese theatre. She appeared in acclaimed films and television series, showcasing her dramatic and comedic range. Maria earned multiple awards for her work with Teatro Nacional D. Maria II and Companhia de Teatro de Almada. Her collaborations with visionary directors brought contemporary Portuguese stories to international attention. Beyond acting, she championed arts education and mentored emerging talent across Portugal. Her passing in 2018 closed a pioneering chapter in the nation’s performing arts history.