February 26

Born in Portobello, Edinburgh, Harry Lauder rose to fame in the early 20th century with catchy tunes like “Roamin’ in the Gloamin’”. He became one of the highest-paid performers of his era and toured extensively across Britain and North America. During World War I, he entertained troops and raised funds for wounded soldiers, earning widespread admiration. Lauder was knighted in 1919 for his contributions to charity and entertainment. He continued performing into the 1940s, remaining a beloved figure in music hall history until his death in 1950.

Constance Ford was born in 1923 in the Bronx, New York, and began her career as a Vogue model. She transitioned to acting with memorable performances in films like The Naked City (1948). Ford gained widespread recognition as Ada Davis on the soap opera Another World, a role she played for over two decades. Her portrayal of a matriarchal figure captivated audiences and became a staple of daytime television. She also appeared in various stage productions and guest spots on popular TV series throughout her career. Her grace, versatility, and dedication to her craft left a lasting impression on both screen and stage.

Bill Hicks was born in 1961 in Valdosta, Georgia, and rose to fame on the American stand-up circuit. He was known for his fearless critiques of consumerism, politics, and cultural hypocrisy. Hicks blended satire, philosophy, and personal insight to challenge audiences while eliciting laughter. His influential specials such as Relentless and Revelations showcased his sharp wit and uncompromising style. Although he never achieved massive commercial success in his lifetime, he inspired countless comedians who followed. Hicks passed away in 1994, but his provocative approach to comedy continues to resonate with fans around the world.

David Doyle was born in 1929 in Omaha, Nebraska, and trained at the University of Oklahoma before moving to New York. He appeared in Broadway productions before transitioning to television, where he landed his iconic role on Charlie's Angels. As John Bosley, he provided warmth and comic relief, appearing in all five seasons of the series. Doyle also voiced characters in animated shows such as Animaniacs and Kim Possible, showcasing his versatility. In addition to his screen work, he performed in regional theater and guest-starred on numerous TV dramas. His amiable presence and distinctive voice made him a beloved figure in television history.

Born in 1919, Lawrence Tierney began his acting career on stage before breaking into Hollywood in the 1940s. He achieved early fame portraying notorious gangster John Dillinger in the film Dillinger (1945), establishing his tough-guy persona. Tierney's career spanned decades, including a memorable turn as Joe Cabot in Quentin Tarantino's Reservoir Dogs (1992). Known for his intense screen presence and real-life scrapes with the law, he embodied the archetypal cinematic anti-hero. Tierney continued acting in film and television up until his death, leaving a legacy of iconic performances.

Born in 1925, Bodil Udsen trained at the Royal Danish Theatre's drama school and made her stage debut soon after. She gained popularity for her versatility, excelling in both comedic and dramatic roles on television and in film. Udsen became a household name with her work in the iconic Danish TV series Matador, among other productions. Her career was marked by numerous awards and accolades, recognizing her contribution to Danish arts. She passed away in 2008, remembered as one of Denmark's most beloved actresses.

Born in 1943, Wendy Richard began her career as a child dancer before transitioning to television and film. She gained fame as Miss Shirley Brahms in the sitcom Are You Being Served?, winning audiences with her comedic timing. In 1991, she joined the BBC soap opera EastEnders as Pauline Fowler, becoming one of its most iconic characters. Her portrayal of Pauline for over fifteen years made her a fixture in British popular culture and earned her an MBE in 2009. Richard remained active in charity work and continued acting until her passing in 2009.

Richard Carpenter (1929–2012) began his career as an actor before turning to screenwriting, where he made his mark on British television in the 1960s and 1970s. He penned scripts for popular series including Danger Man, The Avengers, and Dr. Finlay's Casebook, showcasing his talent for suspenseful storytelling and witty dialogue. Carpenter's work helped define the spy-fi genre and influenced subsequent generations of writers. In addition to his television success, he wrote stage plays and radio dramas, demonstrating his versatility across media. Colleagues praised his professional discipline and creative flair. Carpenter's contributions to British entertainment earned him a dedicated following, and his legacy lives on through the enduring popularity of the shows he helped create.

Born in 1919 in Los Angeles, Joseph Wapner served as a judge on the Los Angeles County Superior Court before bringing his courtroom to television. In 1981, he became the first judge presiding on the daytime show 'The People's Court,' introducing small claims proceedings to a national audience. His fair yet firm style and approachable demeanor made the series a ratings success for nine seasons. Wapner's presence on TV helped spawn an entire genre of courtroom reality shows. After retiring from the bench, he lectured and appeared as a legal commentator on various programs. His impact is remembered for bridging the gap between the judiciary and popular culture.