January 24

Percy French was an Irish composer, singer, and illustrator of the late 19th century. He penned humorous and evocative songs such as 'The Mountains of Mourne' and 'Phil the Fluther's Ball'. French toured extensively, performing his music accompanied by his own illustrations. His blend of wit, melody, and visual art made him a celebrated entertainer across Ireland and Britain. He played a key role in Ireland's cultural renaissance by fusing music, humor, and storytelling.

Joseph Patrick Carrol Naish was born in 1896 in New York City. Over his five-decade career, he appeared in more than 200 films, earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Saber (1945). Naish was renowned for his ability to portray a wide range of ethnic characters, from Italian immigrants to Native Americans. He found success both on stage and screen, with notable performances in The Adventures of Robin Hood and A Medal for Benny. In addition to film, he starred in radio dramas and early television series. His versatility and prolific output made him one of Hollywood's most reliable and distinctive character actors. Naish's career left an enduring mark on American entertainment.

Louis Feinberg, known by his stage name Larry Fine, was born in 1902 in Philadelphia. He first worked as a violinist before transitioning to vaudeville comedy. In 1925, Fine joined Moe Howard and Curly Howard to form the iconic comedy team The Three Stooges. Over four decades, the trio starred in over 190 short films and numerous feature presentations. Fine's signature frizzy hair and expressive face made him a fan favorite. Despite health issues later in life, he continued performing until his stroke in 1970. Fine's contributions helped shape the golden age of American comedy.

Gordon MacRae was born in East Orange, New Jersey in 1921. He rose to fame for his rich baritone voice and charismatic screen presence. MacRae starred opposite Shirley Jones in iconic film adaptations of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! (1955) and Carousel (1956). Before his Hollywood success, he performed on Broadway and radio, showcasing his singing talent. He also appeared in westerns and television variety shows throughout the 1950s and 1960s. MacRae's warm persona and musical performances endeared him to audiences worldwide. He continued to perform on stage and in concerts until his death in 1986.

Born Margaret Derden Philpott in Hillsboro, Texas in 1899, Bellamy began her career on Broadway before moving to Hollywood. She became a leading silent film actress in the 1920s, appearing in John Ford's The Iron Horse (1924). Her most memorable performance came as Madeline Short in the 1932 horror landmark White Zombie. The advent of talking pictures challenged her career, as she struggled with sound film roles. Bellamy’s personal life was marked by legal and financial troubles that further dimmed her spotlight. She spent her later years out of the public eye and passed away in 1990, remembered for her early cinema charm.

Krystyna Feldman was born in 1916 in Lwów (now Lviv, Ukraine). She began her acting career in the 1930s, performing on stages across Poland and Europe. Over eight decades, she appeared in dozens of films, television productions, and theatrical plays. Her portrayal of the artist Nikifor in the 2004 film 'Mój Nikifor' earned her Best Actress at the Berlin International Film Festival. Feldman was known for her versatility and longevity, working well into her 80s and 90s. She left an enduring legacy on Polish performing arts.

Pernell Roberts was born in 1928 in Waycross, Georgia, USA. He trained as a singer and actor before making his breakthrough on Broadway and in Hollywood films. Roberts achieved international fame as Adam Cartwright on the western TV series 'Bonanza', appearing from 1959 to 1965. He was known for his outspoken views and left the show to pursue more challenging theatrical, film, and television roles. Later in his career, he starred as Dr. Trapper John McIntyre on the medical drama 'Trapper John, M.D.' from 1979 to 1986. Roberts’ talent and activism made him a memorable figure in American entertainment history.