January 26

Charles Lane was born in 1905 in San Francisco and became a prolific character actor in Hollywood. Over his 70-year career, he appeared in over 250 films and numerous television shows. Lane was known for his distinctive voice and quick humorous delivery, often playing stern authority figures. In addition to acting, he performed as a singer on stage and radio broadcasts. He worked with directors such as Frank Capra and appeared in classics like 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.' He retired in his late 90s and passed away in 2007 at the age of 102, celebrated as one of the longest-working actors in Hollywood.

Born in 1908, Jill Esmond emerged as a prominent stage and film actress in 1930s Britain. She made her film debut in 1930 and quickly gained acclaim for her elegant screen presence. In 1930, she married actor Laurence Olivier, drawing significant attention within theatrical circles. Throughout the decade she appeared in both British and American productions, demonstrating versatility across genres. After her divorce, she continued acting in theater and television roles, leaving a mark on early sound cinema. She passed away in 1990, remembered for her refined performances and contributions to stage and screen.

William Hopper was born in 1915 in New York City into a family deeply connected to the entertainment industry. He began acting in films in the late 1930s, often playing supporting roles in crime dramas and thrillers. Hopper gained widespread recognition in the late 1950s when he was cast as the witty private detective Paul Drake on the television series Perry Mason. His portrayal became iconic and ran through the show's popular run until 1966. After Perry Mason, he appeared in occasional television specials before retiring. Hopper passed away in 1970, remembered for his smooth performances and memorable television work.

Veikko Uusimäki was a distinguished Finnish stage and film actor known for his powerful performances in classical and contemporary roles. He contributed significantly to Finnish theater as a councilor and advocate for the performing arts, shaping cultural policy and supporting young talent. Uusimäki appeared in numerous landmark productions at Finland's National Theatre and directed several plays. His dedication to theater education and administration had a lasting impact on Finnish dramatic art. He remained active in the arts community until his death in 2008.

Michael Bentine was a founding member of the influential BBC radio comedy series The Goon Show alongside Peter Sellers and Spike Milligan. He brought inventive humor and memorable characters to the show. Beyond radio, Bentine starred in television programs and films, including his own comedy-adventure series 'Michael Bentine's Potty Time.' He co-wrote screenplays and authored books on science and the paranormal. Known for his wit and creativity, Bentine remained a beloved figure in British entertainment until his death in 1996.

Anne Jeffreys began her career on Broadway in the 1940s, showcasing her soprano voice in musical theatre. She signed with RKO Pictures and starred alongside Cary Grant in the Topper film series. On television, she led the sitcom Angel as Marion Kerby, endearing her to audiences with her wit and vocal talent. A versatile performer, she appeared in stage musicals such as Camelot and Show Boat, and toured nationally. Jeffreys's career spanned over seven decades, earning her enduring recognition as a beloved actress and singer.

Alice Babs made history as the first European vocalist to perform at the Newport Jazz Festival with Duke Ellington in 1963, showcasing her extraordinary jazz talents. She launched her acting career in Ingmar Bergman's film debut, Crisis (1946), and became a prominent figure in Swedish cinema. A versatile artist, Babs seamlessly blended jazz, classical, and pop, recording bestselling albums and touring across Europe. She represented Sweden in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1958, further cementing her status as a national icon. In recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was awarded the Litteris et Artibus medal in 1998 and remains celebrated for her powerful voice and pioneering spirit.

Joan Leslie began acting as a teenager under contract to Warner Bros., quickly rising to stardom in the early 1940s. She starred opposite Gary Cooper in Sergeant York (1941) and Humphrey Bogart in High Sierra (1941). Leslie captivated audiences with her charm and versatility, appearing in musicals such as Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942). After stepping away from Hollywood to focus on her family in the late 1940s, she returned to appear in television and stage productions. Her contributions to American cinema during a pivotal era have left a lasting impression on classic film enthusiasts.

Paul Newman achieved fame with iconic film roles in The Hustler, Cool Hand Luke, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. He directed the racing drama Winning in 1969, drawing on his passion for auto racing to craft authentic race scenes. As a professional driver, Newman competed at the highest levels and co-founded Newman/Haas Racing. In 1982, he launched Newman's Own, donating all after-tax profits to charity; the brand has since given over $500 million to philanthropic causes. A two-time Academy Award winner and Kennedy Center Honoree, Newman's enduring legacy blends artistic excellence, sporting achievement, and generous humanitarianism.

Roger Vadim was a French filmmaker, screenwriter, and occasional actor who rose to prominence in the 1950s. He directed landmark films like 'And God Created Woman' (1956), launching Brigitte Bardot to stardom and epitomizing French New Wave-era sensual cinema. Vadim's career spanned dramas, comedies, and literary adaptations, marked by provocative storytelling and visual flair. Beyond his cinematic achievements, he was known for his relationships with leading actresses, including Bardot and Jane Fonda, which often mirrored the glamour of his films. Vadim continued to work in European and Hollywood productions, leaving a legacy as a charismatic provocateur of modern cinema.

Bob Uecker (born 1934) began his career in Major League Baseball during the 1960s as a catcher for several teams. After retiring from playing, he transitioned to broadcasting, becoming one of the most recognizable voices in sports media. Known for his quick wit and self-deprecating humor, Uecker earned widespread popularity as a television and radio sportscaster. He also pursued acting, appearing in film comedies and making guest appearances on television series. For many years, he hosted a successful sitcom, showcasing his comedic timing and charm. Uecker's contributions to baseball broadcasting were honored with major awards and recognition from the Baseball Hall of Fame. Through decades of work on and off the field, Bob Uecker has remained a beloved figure in American sports culture.

Born Patrick Jean Marie Henri Smet on January 26, 1947, in Saint-Brieuc, France, Patrick Dewaere emerged as one of the most compelling actors of the French New Wave era. His raw emotional intensity and charismatic presence earned him leading roles in films such as 'Série noire' and 'Les Valseuses'. In addition to his acting career, he composed music and collaborated with directors like Bertrand Blier and Jean-Luc Godard. Dewaere's struggles with fame and personal demons were often public, contributing to the poignancy of his performances. His tragic death by suicide in 1982 cut short a promising career, but his work continues to influence French cinema and garner a devoted following.