January 23

Anna Pavlova was a Russian prima ballerina whose ethereal style and technical precision captivated audiences worldwide. Trained at the Imperial Theatre School in St. Petersburg, she joined the Mariinsky Ballet and rose to fame in the early 20th century. Pavlova’s performance of The Dying Swan became her signature piece, showcasing her expressive artistry and delicate grace. In 1911, she formed her own troupe and toured extensively, bringing classical ballet to audiences in Europe, the Americas, and beyond. Her commitment to dance education led her to establish ballet schools and mentor young dancers in various countries. Pavlova's influence reshaped the global perception of ballet and cemented her status as one of dance's greatest legends.

Born in 1887 in Cleveland, Ohio, Woollcott emerged as a prominent drama critic for The New York Times before joining The New Yorker. He co-founded the Algonquin Round Table, a legendary circle of writers and actors in 1920s New York. Woollcott's sharp wit and banter made him a popular radio host on 'The Town Crier,' bringing his humor to millions. He wrote and performed in several Broadway productions and appeared in films, blending criticism with performance. A close friend of Dorothy Parker and Harpo Marx, he shaped public tastes in theater and literature during the Jazz Age. Woollcott died on January 23, 1943, leaving a legacy of incisive commentary, literary influence, and theatrical flair.

Born in Princeton, New Jersey, Robeson rose to fame with his rich bass-baritone voice, captivating audiences worldwide. He starred in stage productions like Show Boat and films such as The Emperor Jones. Beyond his artistic achievements, Robeson was a vocal advocate for racial equality and workers' rights. He faced political persecution during the McCarthy era for his activism and socialist sympathies. His legacy endures through his groundbreaking contributions to the arts and civil rights movements.

Born Lewis Delaney Offield in Sedalia, Missouri, Jack Oakie gained fame for his energetic comedic style. He appeared in over 80 films, including notable roles in The Great Dictator and Valencia. Oakie's portrayal of Benzino Napaloni in Charlie Chaplin's The Great Dictator earned him an Academy Award nomination. He was also a popular radio personality, entertaining listeners with humor and charm. Off-screen, Oakie was known for his wit and dedication to his craft. His career spanned vaudeville, radio, and film, leaving a lasting mark on American comedy.

Freddie Bartholomew was born in London in 1924 and later moved to Hollywood after being adopted by a film executive. He rose to fame as a child star in the 1930s, earning critical acclaim for his performances in 'David Copperfield' (1935) and 'Captains Courageous' (1937). Bartholomew became one of MGM’s highest-paid child actors and was celebrated for his expressive screen presence. After serving in World War II, he chose to step away from acting and worked in public relations. He continued to contribute to the entertainment industry behind the scenes for many years. Bartholomew passed away in 1992, but his early film work remains cherished by classic cinema fans.

Born Nell Ruth Hardy in 1948, Nell Carter rose to fame on Broadway before becoming a television star. She made her stage debut in the musical "Don't Bother Me, I Can’t Cope" and won a Tony Award for her performance in the 1977 revival of "Annie." In 1981, Carter began starring as Nell Harper in the popular sitcom "Gimme a Break!", a role that showcased her comedic timing and vocal talent. Alongside her television success, she continued to perform in concerts and cabarets, endearing herself to audiences with her rich contralto voice. Despite personal challenges, including health issues and financial struggles, Carter remained a dynamic performer until her death in 2003. Her contributions to theater and television continue to be celebrated.

Born in Lynbrook, New York, in 1927, Bob Keeshan became a beloved figure in American children’s television. After serving as a dive bomber pilot in the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II, he joined NBC’s "Howdy Doody" show as Clarabell the Clown. In 1955, Keeshan created "Captain Kangaroo," portraying the gentle sea captain on a show that mixed education and entertainment. For nearly three decades, he guided generations of children with kindness, creativity, and moral lessons. As a producer, he championed high-quality programming and advocated for child-friendly content. Keeshan received multiple Emmy Awards and the Peabody Award for his influential work before passing away in 2004.

Born in Corning, Iowa, in 1925, Johnny Carson became the undisputed king of late-night television. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II, he honed his comedic skills on radio and early television. In 1962, he took over NBC’s "Tonight Show," transforming it into a cultural institution with his quick wit, monologues, and celebrity interviews. Over three decades, Carson interviewed world leaders, movie stars, and musicians, setting the standard for talk shows to come. He won six Emmy Awards and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Carson retired in 1992, leaving a legacy of influence on comedy and broadcasting before his death in 2005.

Gorden Kaye was an English actor and comedian who rose to fame with the hit BBC sitcom 'Allo 'Allo!, portraying café owner René Artois from 1982 to 1992. Born in Huddersfield in 1941, he began acting in amateur theatre before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company. His portrayal of the bumbling but endearing French café owner earned him critical acclaim and a lasting fan base. He made guest appearances on numerous television programmes and worked in radio throughout his career. Despite suffering serious injuries in a road accident in 1990, he made a remarkable recovery and continued to perform on stage and screen. Kaye remained a beloved figure in British comedy until his death on January 23, 2017.

Aloysius Pang was born in 1990 in Singapore and began his acting career after competing in a televised talent search. He appeared in popular Channel 8 dramas such as 'Life Less Ordinary' and 'When Duty Calls,' earning praise for his versatility. Pang made his film debut in the horror anthology 'Ghost Child' and was seen as one of Singapore's promising young actors. In 2019, while serving his mandatory national service, he suffered fatal injuries during a military training exercise. His unexpected death on January 23, 2019, prompted nationwide mourning and highlighted the pressures faced by young servicemen. Pang is remembered for his dedication to his craft and warm, approachable persona.

Hal Holbrook was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1925 and began his career on the New York stage in the 1950s. He gained widespread acclaim for his one-man show 'Mark Twain Tonight!', which he performed for over six decades. Holbrook appeared in notable films such as 'All the President's Men,' 'Into the Wild,' and 'The Fog,' as well as guest roles on popular TV series. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for 'Into the Wild' in 2007. Known for his commanding presence and versatility, he left an indelible mark on stage and screen. Holbrook remained active in performance until shortly before his death on January 23, 2021.

Song Yoo-jung was born in 1994 in South Korea and began her career as a model at age 16. She transitioned to acting with roles in series such as 'School 2017' and 'Drama Special'. Her poised screen presence and natural talent earned her a growing fan base in K-drama circles. In 2021, her untimely death brought attention to mental health issues within the entertainment industry. She is remembered for her youthful energy and promising career cut tragically short.