January 27

Born in Palermo in 1904, Rocco D'Assunta emerged as a leading figure in Sicilian theater during the 1930s. He wrote and performed witty plays and sketches that captured everyday life with humor and insight. A pioneer of Italian radio comedy, his monologues endeared him to audiences across Italy in the postwar era. D'Assunta's versatile talent extended to the silver screen, where he brought his comedic timing to feature films. His legacy endures in the traditions of Italian comedic theater and broadcasting.

Born in 1914 in Courbevoie, France, Louis de Funès became one of the most beloved comic actors of the 1960s and 1970s. He rose to fame with the "Gendarme" film series, portraying the excitable and bumbling Officer Cruchot. Known for his lightning-fast facial expressions and physical comedy, he starred in hits like "La Grande Vadrouille" and "Le Corniaud". Apart from acting, he contributed to screenwriting and collaborated closely with directors to refine his roles. De Funès's unique style left a lasting influence on French cinema and continues to charm audiences worldwide. He passed away in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and memorable characters.

Born in 1914 in Posen, Germany, Lilli Palmer began her career on the German stage before fleeing Nazi persecution in the 1930s. She broke into Hollywood with musicals like "But Not for Me" and later starred in British films such as "The Man Between". Palmer won the Volpi Cup for Best Actress at the 1950 Venice Film Festival for her compelling performance. Married to actor Rex Harrison, she balanced a prolific international career with family life. Her elegance, emotional depth, and adaptability made her a respected figure in postwar cinema and theatre. She passed away in 1986, leaving behind a legacy of refined artistry.

Born André René Roussimoff in 1946 in Coulommiers, France, he grew to over seven feet tall due to gigantism. As "André the Giant," he became one of the most iconic figures in professional wrestling, touring globally with the WWF. His matches and larger-than-life persona captivated audiences, making him one of the sport’s first international stars. In film, he charmed viewers as Fezzik in the cult classic "The Princess Bride," showcasing his gentle side. Beyond performance, André’s size gave him both celebrity privileges and personal challenges related to health. He passed away in 1993, leaving a legacy as one of wrestling’s greatest legends and a beloved screen presence.

Born in 1918 in Nelson, Texas, Claude Akins began his career with small parts on the Broadway stage. He transitioned to Hollywood, often playing lawmen, military officers, and rugged supporting characters in films like "Rio Bravo." On television, Akins had memorable roles such as Detective Harry in the classic series "Hawaii Five-O." His commanding presence and deep voice made him a familiar face in Westerns, dramas, and comedies throughout the 1950s to 1990s. Akins’s professionalism and versatility ensured steady work over four decades in entertainment. He died in 1994, leaving behind a rich body of memorable performances.

Born in 1918 in Ohio, Jack Paar began his career in radio before transitioning to television. He took over The Tonight Show in 1957 and introduced a more intimate, conversational style to late-night TV. Paar's candid interviews and on-air emotions, including famously walking off the show, set him apart from his contemporaries. He also wrote several books, sharing his witty observations on show business and life. His influence paved the way for modern late-night hosts and earned him a place in broadcasting history.

Zelda Rubinstein (1933–2010) was an American actress and human rights advocate known for her distinctive voice and commanding presence. She rose to fame portraying Tangina Barrons in the Academy Award-winning film Ghost, earning critical acclaim and a cult following. Standing at 4 feet 3 inches, she broke barriers for actors with dwarfism and became a spokesperson for dwarf rights and HIV/AIDS awareness. Before acting, she worked as a publicist and children's advocate, dedicating her life to social causes. Her career spanned film, television, and advocacy, leaving a lasting legacy as both a performer and activist.

Charlie Callas (1927–2011) was an American comedian, actor, and musician renowned for his wild-eyed expressions and unique vocal effects. He began his career as a drummer in Las Vegas before shifting to comedy, gaining fame for his signature fish routine. Callas became a frequent guest on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where his impromptu humor won over audiences. He released several comedy albums and appeared in films such as It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. His energetic performances and inventive sound-based comedy influenced generations of comedians.

Emmanuelle Riva was born in 1927 and made her film debut in the 1950s French New Wave era. Her role in 'Hiroshima mon amour' (1959) earned international acclaim for its emotional depth. In 2012, she received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress at age 85 for Michael Haneke's 'Amour.' That nomination made her one of the oldest acting nominees in Oscar history. Riva's career spanned theater, film, and photography, showcasing her versatility as an artist. She passed away on January 27, 2017, leaving a legacy of groundbreaking performances.

Born in 1926 in Des Moines, Iowa, Cloris Leachman trained at The Actors Studio and won the 1955 Miss America crown. She earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in the film The Last Picture Show (1971). On television, she won eight Emmy Awards for work on shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Malcolm in the Middle. Leachman’s comedic talents made her a household name, and she appeared in over 100 films and TV series. Her ability to blend humor with pathos inspired generations of performers. She passed away in 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy of groundbreaking performances.

Born in England in 1942, Andy Devine trained at drama school and began acting on stage before moving to television. He appeared in numerous British TV series, showcasing versatility across genres from crime dramas to sitcoms. Devine was known for his charismatic presence and reliable supporting performances. His credits included guest roles, recurring characters, and voice work in animation. Across his career, he built a reputation as a dedicated character actor beloved by audiences. Devine passed away in 2022, leaving behind a diverse body of television work.