March 13

Richard Burbage was born in 1567 into a family of actors and became the era’s leading stage performer. He was the first to portray iconic roles such as Hamlet, Othello, and King Lear. Burbage was a shareholder in the Globe Theatre, contributing to the shaping of London’s theatrical scene. His naturalistic acting style helped elevate the status of actors in society. He collaborated closely with playwrights like William Shakespeare and Ben Jonson. Burbage's legacy endures through his impact on performance conventions and theatre architecture upon his death in 1619.

John A. Alonzo's career spanned over four decades, during which he broke barriers as one of Hollywood's first prominent Latino cinematographers. His signature work on Roman Polanski's 'Chinatown' (1974) earned an Academy Award nomination and highlighted his mastery of light and shadow. He then shaped the iconic visual style of Brian De Palma's 'Scarface,' creating unforgettable imagery. Beyond his role behind the camera, Alonzo appeared in films and television as an actor. His pioneering achievements opened doors for future generations of cinematographers and actors of diverse backgrounds.

Born in 1925 in Troy, New York, Maureen Stapleton developed her craft at The Catholic University of America before making her Broadway debut in the 1940s. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'Reds' (1981) and earned two Tony Awards and two Emmy Awards for her work on stage and television. Stapleton was known for her intense, deeply emotional performances in films like 'Airport' (1970) and 'Interiors' (1978). Her career spanned over five decades, showcasing her versatility across genres. She passed away in 2006, remembered as one of America's finest character actresses.

Born in 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska, Peter Tomarken began his broadcast career as a radio disc jockey before transitioning to television. He gained fame hosting 'Press Your Luck' from 1983 to 1986, captivating audiences with his lively and engaging style. Tomarken also hosted shows such as 'Hit Man' and worked as an announcer on various programs. His warm on-screen presence made him a memorable figure in daytime television. In 2006, he tragically died in a plane crash while on a humanitarian mission, leaving behind a legacy of game show entertainment.

Born in 1923 in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, Betsy Blair made her Broadway debut at age 17 and quickly transitioned to film. She received a Golden Globe nomination and an Academy Award nod for her role in 'Marty' (1955). During the McCarthy era, her political views led to blacklisting and a move to Europe, where she continued her career in Italian and French cinema. Blair showcased her range in both stage and screen productions throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Married to Gene Kelly from 1941 to 1957, she balanced her personal life with her artistic pursuits. She died in 2009, remembered for her resilience and memorable performances.

William Hurt was an acclaimed American actor whose career spanned over four decades. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in "Kiss of the Spider Woman" (1985). Hurt earned three additional Oscar nominations for "Children of a Lesser God", "Broadcast News", and "A History of Violence". Known for his intelligence and emotional depth, he took on a wide range of roles from romantic leads to complex moral figures. In later years, he appeared in television series and blockbuster films, notably portraying Thaddeus Ross in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A Juilliard graduate, Hurt began his career on stage before making a seamless transition to film. He remained a respected and versatile presence in Hollywood until his death in 2022.