February 21

Bronislava Nijinska was born in 1891 and became one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century. She created groundbreaking ballets such as Les Noces and contributed to the success of Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. Known for her modernist approach, Nijinska blended expressive movement with avant-garde stage design. She taught and staged her works around the world, influencing generations of dancers and choreographers. After moving to the United States, she continued to champion ballet until her death in 1972.

Born in Johannesburg, Louis Hayward began his acting career on the London stage before transitioning to Hollywood in the mid-1930s. He achieved stardom with his role in 'The Man in the Iron Mask', playing d'Artagnan opposite Joan Bennett. Hayward starred in adventure classics such as 'The Son of Monte Cristo' and 'Murder Over New York', showcasing his versatility and charm. He also appeared on television series including 'The Twilight Zone' and continued to work in film and theater for over four decades. Hayward's suave screen presence and fearless spirit made him a memorable leading man. He was married to actress Ida Lupino for a time and remained active in the entertainment industry until shortly before his death in 1985.

Born Nutan Samarth in Mumbai, Nutan made her screen debut at age 14 and quickly became one of Hindi cinema's leading actresses. She earned critical acclaim and multiple Filmfare Best Actress awards for performances in films like 'Seema', 'Bandini', and 'Sujata', where her nuanced acting and expressive eyes captivated audiences. Nutan broke traditional molds by portraying complex, independent women and is remembered for her subtle emotional depth. In later years, she transitioned to character roles and continued to garner praise. Her legacy endures in Indian film history as a trailblazer who set new standards for acting. Nutan's career spanned over three decades until her death from cancer in 1991.

Sir John Thaw (1942–2002) was a celebrated English actor whose career spanned theatre, film, and television. He gained fame as Detective Chief Inspector Morse in the long-running series 'Inspector Morse', earning critical acclaim and a BAFTA Award. Earlier, he starred as George Carter in the gritty police drama 'The Sweeney', establishing himself as a versatile performer. Thaw’s commanding presence and nuanced performances made him a household name in Britain. He was knighted in 2002 for his services to drama shortly before his passing.

Ben Chapman (1928–2008) was an American actor whose career spanned film, television, and theater over five decades. He appeared in dozens of productions, often portraying rugged supporting characters in westerns, dramas, and science fiction. Chapman featured in popular TV series such as 'Perry Mason' and 'The Twilight Zone' and appeared in various feature films. Beyond screen acting, he performed on stage and taught acting later in life. His versatility and enduring presence made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Peter Tork was a founding member of The Monkees, the pop-rock group formed for the hit television series. As a multi-instrumentalist, he contributed bass, keyboards, and vocals to classics like "Daydream Believer" and "Pleasant Valley Sunday". After the show ended, Tork pursued a solo career, exploring folk music and collaborating with artists across genres. He also appeared in film and television guest roles. Beyond music, he advocated for autism awareness and remained engaged with fans through reunion tours and performances.

Lynne Marie Stewart was a veteran actress who rose to fame as Miss Yvonne on the children's series "Pee-wee's Playhouse." She trained with the improvisational troupe The Groundlings and later appeared in films such as "Reservoir Dogs" and "Wayne's World." Stewart's eccentric characters and impeccable comedic timing made her a standout performer. Throughout her five-decade career, she appeared in numerous television shows, theatre productions, and commercials. Beyond acting, she taught improv and acting workshops, inspiring a new generation of performers.