February 18

Marie Champmeslé was born in Rouen in 1642 and rose to prominence on the Parisian stage in the mid-17th century. She joined the troupe at the Hôtel de Bourgogne, where her portrayals of Racine's heroines such as Phèdre and Bérénice captivated audiences with emotional depth and elegance. Champmeslé's partnership with playwright Jean Racine influenced the development of French classical drama, and she also performed for Louis XIV at Versailles. Praised for her expressive voice and dignified presence, she helped elevate the status of theater in France. She retired in 1698, leaving behind a legacy as one of the era's greatest tragediennes.

Born in 1846 in London, Wilson Barrett began his stage career as an actor before turning to writing and production. He achieved fame with plays such as The Silver King and The Sign of the Cross, which toured extensively in Britain and America. Barrett managed several theatres, introducing elaborate staging and special effects to enhance audience appeal. His productions helped shape the sensational style of late 19th-century melodrama. Barrett also nurtured emerging talent and contributed to theatrical innovation. He remained active in the theatre world until his death in 1904, leaving a mark on Victorian drama.

Edward Arnold (1890–1956) was an American film actor celebrated for his robust voice and imposing screen presence. He appeared in over 80 films, including 'Twentieth Century', 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington', and 'Meet John Doe', and earned an Academy Award nomination for 'Hold Back the Dawn'. Often cast as businessmen, politicians, or authority figures, Arnold became a memorable supporting actor of Hollywood's Golden Age. Off-screen, he served as president of the Screen Actors Guild, advocating for actors' rights. His career left a lasting legacy in American cinema history.

Adolphe Menjou was a versatile actor who transitioned seamlessly from silent films to talkies. He became famous for his polished appearances in films such as The Sheik (1921) and The Front Page (1931), earning an Academy Award nomination. His refined style and debonair charm made him a popular figure in comedies and dramas alike. Menjou appeared in notable classics including Paths of Glory (1957) and The Milky Way (1936). Off-screen, he was active in veteran affairs and political causes, reflecting his outspoken persona. He left a lasting legacy as one of Hollywood's most elegant leading men. Menjou's career spanned over five decades, showcasing his adaptability and enduring appeal.

Phyllis Calvert was a celebrated English actress who rose to stardom through her performances in Gainsborough melodramas. She starred in memorable films like The Man in Grey (1943) and Fanny by Gaslight (1944), becoming one of Britain's top box-office draws. Calvert's elegant screen presence and emotional depth earned her critical acclaim and audience adoration. She later achieved success on stage and television, demonstrating remarkable versatility as a performer. Calvert was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her contributions to drama. Her career spanned over six decades, reflecting her enduring appeal and dedication to her craft. Calvert remains an icon of British cinema's golden era.

Born Volodymyr Palahniuk on February 18, 1919, in Lattimer, Pennsylvania. He worked briefly as a professional boxer before serving in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Palance transitioned to acting in the late 1940s and became famous for tough-guy roles in films like Shane and Sudden Fear. In 1991, at age 73, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for City Slickers. He also earned three Emmy Awards for his work in television. Palance continued acting into his eighties and published his memoir, Full Circle. He died in 2006, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood character acting.

Born on February 18, 1925, in New York City. He served in the United States Navy before studying drama at the Actors Studio. Kennedy's breakthrough came in 1967 with his Oscar-winning performance in Cool Hand Luke. He appeared in over 100 films, including The Towering Inferno and the Airport series. Known for his commanding presence and tough-guy roles, he became a Hollywood mainstay. Kennedy also authored memoirs and pursued painting later in life. He passed away in 2016, remembered for his impactful supporting performances.

Miloš Forman was born in 1932 in Čáslav, Czechoslovakia, and survived World War II as a hidden child. He studied at the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague before directing the critically acclaimed Czech films Loves of a Blonde and The Firemen’s Ball. After emigrating to the United States following the Soviet invasion of 1968, Forman directed One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, which won five Academy Awards, including Best Director. He later achieved further success with Amadeus, earning another Oscar for Best Director. Known for his humanistic storytelling and satirical edge, Forman blended dramatic intensity with humor in his films. He also directed Hair, Ragtime, and The People vs. Larry Flynt, showcasing his versatility across genres. Forman passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential filmmakers of his generation.

Mary Ure was born in 1933 in Glasgow and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She won the BAFTA Award for Most Promising Newcomer for her early film work. Ure starred in landmark stage productions such as Look Back in Anger and earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? in 1963. Her intense performances in both film and theater were praised for their emotional depth and authenticity. Ure married playwright John Osborne and their partnership influenced her artistic career. Despite personal struggles, her talent remained undeniable until her tragic death. Mary Ure died in 1975, leaving a legacy as one of her generation’s most compelling actresses.

Jess Walton (born 1946) is an American actress celebrated for her portrayal of Jill Foster Abbott on the daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless. Her performance earned her a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series in 1993. Walton's career spans stage, film, and television, with early roles in cult horror films and guest appearances on popular series. Beyond acting, she is a dedicated philanthropist supporting animal welfare causes. With a career spanning over five decades, Walton remains a familiar face on daytime television.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Shepherd began her career as a fashion model in the late 1960s. Her breakthrough film role in The Last Picture Show (1971) earned her critical acclaim. She received Golden Globe nominations for her performance in the sitcom Taxi (1978–1983). She co-starred with Bruce Willis in Moonlighting (1985–1989), winning two Golden Globe Awards. An animal rights advocate, she has authored memoirs and supports various humane causes. Her versatile body of work spans film, television, and stage, cementing her status as an entertainment icon.

Born in Englewood, New Jersey, Travolta gained fame as a breakout star on the TV series Welcome Back, Kotter (1975–1979). He became a cultural phenomenon with his Oscar-nominated role as Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (1977). Travolta showcased his dance and vocal talents in Grease (1978), one of the highest-grossing musicals ever. After a career lull, he experienced a resurgence with his role in Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction (1994). He has also pursued singing, dancing, and producing, and is a certified pilot. His enduring versatility has made him one of Hollywood's most recognizable stars.