February 24

Born in 1897 in Keokuk, Iowa, Nagel began his film career during the silent era and smoothly transitioned to talking pictures. He appeared in over 100 films, including notable roles in The Eagle, The Vagabond King, and Morning Glory. A founding member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, he hosted the Oscars ceremonies in the early 1930s. Nagel also enjoyed a prolific career in radio and television, earning acclaim for his voice and versatility. He supported actors' rights through the Screen Actors Guild and served on its board. Nagel died in 1970, remembered as a pioneering performer and advocate for his profession.

Virginia Bruce (1910-1982) was an American actress who rose to fame in Hollywood during the early sound era. She appeared in musicals such as Broadway Melody of 1936 and starred alongside iconic actors in films like The Great Ziegfeld and My Man Godfrey. Bruce worked at both MGM and Paramount, earning praise for her charm, singing ability, and screen presence. She married silent film legend John Gilbert in 1932, remaining together until his death in 1936. Although she retired from acting in the late 1940s, Bruce continued to perform on radio and television. Her graceful performances and distinctive voice made her a memorable figure in classic American cinema.

Rukmini Devi Arundale (1904-1986) was an Indian arts advocate and a key figure in the revival of Bharatnatyam. Born in Madurai, she studied dance and theatre in Europe before returning to India to champion traditional art forms facing colonial decline. In 1936, she founded the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai, creating an academy dedicated to Bharatanatyam, music, and allied arts. Arundale introduced innovative costumes and rigorous training methods, elevating dance to a respected art form. She also served in India's Rajya Sabha and led the Bombay Natural History Society in wildlife conservation efforts. Her legacy endures in the global prominence of Bharatnatyam and the institutions she established.

George Gobel rose to fame with The George Gobel Show, a variety program that aired on NBC from 1954 to 1959. He won an Emmy Award in 1955 for his effortless comedic timing and friendly on-screen persona. Originally a carpenter, Gobel's humble, everyman delivery set him apart from more frenetic comics. He appeared in films such as Tales of Terror and made numerous guest spots on other variety shows. His signature monologues blended gentle humor with self-deprecation. Gobel's approachable style influenced future generations of sitcom comedians.

Jean Sablon, born in 1906, was one of France's first popular jazz crooners, earning him the nickname 'the French Crosby'. He introduced the microphone to French cabaret and revitalized the Parisian music scene in the 1930s. Sablon toured internationally, performing in the United States and South America, and appeared in films like Under the Roofs of Paris. His smooth vocal style and multilingual repertoire helped spread French chanson and jazz worldwide. He recorded hits such as 'J'attendrai' and collaborated with composers like Cole Porter. Sablon's legacy endures as a bridge between French popular music and American jazz traditions.

Dinah Shore began her career as a radio singer in the 1940s before rising to stardom on television. She hosted popular programs like The Dinah Shore Show in the 1950s and the talk show Dinah! in the 1970s. Her hits included 'Buttons and Bows', which earned her a Grammy Award. Shore was also a pioneer for women in broadcasting, producing and starring in her own series. Outside entertainment, she co-founded the Dinah Shore Golf Tournament, a premier event on the LPGA Tour. Her charismatic style and philanthropic efforts made her an enduring figure in American pop culture.

Henny Youngman began performing at the age of 15, blending comedy and violin in his nightclub acts. He became famous for rapid-fire one-liners and quips such as the classic take my wife, please. Youngman appeared in films and television shows, setting a record for the most performances by a comedian. His deadpan delivery and musical interludes with his violin set him apart from his peers. He authored books on comedy technique and influenced generations of stand-up performers. Youngman's title as the King of one-liners reflects his mastery of concise, punchy humor.

John Randolph (1915-2004) was an American actor celebrated for his rich voice and versatile performances across stage, television, and film. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he appeared in projects ranging from Broadway productions to Hollywood classics such as Three Days of the Condor. Randolph received acclaim for his character work, bringing depth to supporting roles in dramas and comedies alike. A founding member of the Actors Studio, he influenced generations of performers through both his craft and mentorship. His longevity and dedication made him a respected figure in American acting circles.

Don Knotts (1924-2006) was an American actor and comedian best known for his portrayal of the bumbling deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show, a role that earned him five Emmy Awards. He also starred in films such as The Ghost and Mr. Chicken and Three Amigos, showcasing his impeccable comedic timing. Knotts's characters often combined innocence with nervous energy, endearing him to audiences of all ages. His contributions to television and film comedy left a lasting imprint on popular culture. Even decades after his performances, Knotts remains celebrated as one of America's funniest character actors.

Dennis Weaver (1924-2006) was an American actor, director, and producer whose portrayal of Marshal Matt Dillon on the long-running TV series Gunsmoke earned him widespread acclaim. He later starred in the detective series McCloud, further showcasing his versatility as an actor. Beyond performing, Weaver directed and produced various film and television projects, and he was an early advocate for environmental conservation, founding a wilderness institute in Aspen, Colorado. His career spanned over five decades, earning Emmy and Golden Globe recognition along the way. Weaver's contributions to entertainment and environmentalism left a lasting mark on both industries.

He was born Herman Brix and captured the silver medal in shot put at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. After injuries curtailed his athletic career, he transitioned to acting under the name Bruce Bennett. He starred as Tarzan in the 1935 serial The New Adventures of Tarzan and appeared in more than 50 films, including the 1948 Superman serial. Known for his athletic build and versatility, he worked steadily through the Golden Age of Hollywood and into television. Bennett’s career spanned from the 1930s to the early 2000s, making him one of the longest-working actors of his time, and he lived to be 100 years old.

Harold Ramis was a central figure in American comedy from the 1970s through the early 2000s. He co-wrote and starred in iconic National Lampoon films, gaining fame with roles in Caddyshack and Animal House. As a director, he helmed timeless hits such as Groundhog Day and Analyze This. His sharp wit and inventive storytelling left a lasting impact on both film and television comedy. Beyond performing, he produced and wrote scripts that shaped the genre for future generations of comedians and filmmakers.