1904day.year

George Brent

(1904 - 1979)

Irish-American actor

Irish-American actor
Irish-American film actor who starred in Hollywood classics of the 1930s and 1940s.
Born in Ballinasloe, Ireland in 1904, Brent began his career on the London stage before moving to Hollywood in the early 1930s. He became a leading man, appearing opposite Bette Davis in films such as 'Dark Victory' (1939), 'Jezebel' (1938), and 'The Great Lie' (1941). Known for his suave demeanor and dependable performances, Brent worked for major studios like Warner Bros. and RKO. He transitioned to television and occasional directing in the 1950s. Brent's career spanned over three decades, showcasing his adaptability and screen presence. He passed away in 1979.
1904 George Brent
1904day.year

J. Pat O'Malley

(1904 - 1985)

English-American actor

English-American actor
English-American character actor known for his roles in film and television during Hollywood's golden age.
Born in Burnley, England in 1904, O'Malley began his acting career on stage in London. He emigrated to the United States in the 1930s, appearing in films such as 'Mutiny on the Bounty' (1935) and 'The Adventures of Tom Sawyer' (1938). O'Malley was also a prolific voice actor for Disney, lending voices to characters in 'Alice in Wonderland' (1951) and 'Lady and the Tramp' (1955). He transitioned to television with guest roles on series like 'Perry Mason' and 'The Twilight Zone'. His versatile performances and distinctive voice made him a memorable supporting actor. He died in 1985.
J. Pat O'Malley
1907day.year

Zarah Leander

(1907 - 1981)

Swedish actress and singer

Swedish actress and singer
Swedish actress and contralto singer who became a leading star of German cinema in the 1930s and 1940s.
Born Sara Hedberg in Karlstad, Sweden, Zarah Leander relocated to Germany in 1936 and quickly became one of UFA studio's biggest box office draws. Her deep contralto voice and commanding screen presence made her a star of films produced during the 1930s and 1940s. Despite the turbulent political climate, she maintained her popularity throughout World War II before returning to Sweden in 1943. After the war, she revived her career with concert tours across Europe and acclaimed recordings that showcased her distinctive vocal style. Leander's legacy endures as a symbol of 1930s and 1940s European cinema and music, celebrated for her influential contributions to both art forms.
1907 Zarah Leander
1913day.year

Macdonald Carey

(1913 - 1994)

American actor

American actor
American film and television actor best known for his long-running role as Dr. Tom Horton on Days of Our Lives.
Born Edward Macdonald Carey in Sioux City, Iowa, he began his career on Broadway before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. Carey appeared in over 100 films, including Kitty Foyle and Sudden Fear, often portraying rugged leading men. During World War II, he served as an officer in the United States Navy, then returned to acting with a new focus on television. In 1956, he provided the opening narration for Alfred Hitchcock Presents, becoming a familiar voice to audiences. He achieved his greatest fame as Dr. Tom Horton on the soap opera Days of Our Lives, a role he played from 1965 until his death in 1994.
1913 Macdonald Carey
1916day.year

Frank Coghlan

(1916 - 2009)

Jr., American actor and pilot

Jr. American actor and pilot
American child actor who later served as a United States Navy aviator and commander.
Frank Coghlan, Jr. gained fame in the late silent and early sound eras, appearing in Our Gang comedies and starring in films like The Miracle Man. In 1939, he enlisted in the United States Navy and trained as a naval aviator, serving with distinction during World War II and the Korean War. He retired from active duty as a lieutenant commander and continued flying in the Naval Reserve. After his military career, Coghlan worked as a consultant for film and television, drawing on his dual experience in entertainment and the armed forces. His unique journey from child star to decorated pilot exemplifies adaptability and dedication, and he remained a respected figure until his death in 2009.
1916 Frank Coghlan, Jr.
1919day.year

Lawrence Tierney

(1919 - 2002)

American actor

American actor
American actor known for his tough-guy roles in film noirs and crime dramas.
Lawrence Tierney (1919-2002) was an American actor celebrated for his portrayals of hardened criminals and antiheroes in the 1940s and 1950s. He made his film debut in 'Dillinger' (1945) and gained acclaim for roles in classics like 'Born to Kill.' Tierney's rugged screen presence and intense performances left a lasting impact on the noir genre. Off-screen, he became known for his tumultuous personal life. He continued acting in supporting roles on film and television into the 1990s. Tierney's legacy endures as an iconic figure of mid-20th-century noir cinema.
1919 Lawrence Tierney
1927day.year

Christian Marquand

(1927 - 2000)

French actor, director, and screenwriter

French actor director and screenwriter
French actor and filmmaker known for his versatile roles in European cinema.
Christian Marquand (1927-2000) was a French actor, director, and screenwriter who left a diverse mark on European film. He gained popularity with roles in 'And God Created Woman' alongside Brigitte Bardot and in Federico Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita.' Marquand directed and wrote films such as 'Les Grands Chemins,' showcasing his talents behind the camera. His career spanned art-house and commercial cinema, and he collaborated with major auteurs of the era. Marquand's charismatic screen presence and creative vision made him a notable figure of mid-20th-century French film. He continued to act and direct until his death in 2000.
1927 Christian Marquand
1933day.year

Philippe de Broca

(1933 - 2004)

French actor, director, and screenwriter

French actor director and screenwriter
French film director and screenwriter celebrated for witty adventure comedies.
Philippe de Broca emerged in the 1960s French New Wave era with films blending humor, romance and action. He directed hits like 'That Man from Rio' and 'King of Hearts,' showcasing his flair for lighthearted adventure. De Broca collaborated with stars such as Jean-Paul Belmondo and Brigitte Bardot, crafting stylish visuals and playful narratives. His work influenced both European and international cinema, earning awards including a César special jury prize. As a screenwriter, he brought charismatic characters and whimsical storytelling to the screen. De Broca’s films remain beloved for their charm, imagination and joyful spirit.
Philippe de Broca
1935day.year

Judd Hirsch

American actor

American actor
American actor known for his Academy Award-nominated performances and TV roles.
Judd Hirsch gained acclaim for his role as taxi driver Alex Reiger in the sitcom 'Taxi,' earning two Emmy Awards. He received Academy Award nominations for 'Ordinary People' and 'The Fabelmans,' showcasing his dramatic range. Hirsch’s career spans theater, film and television, with credits in 'A Beautiful Mind,' 'Independence Day' and Broadway productions. His nuanced character portrayals and naturalistic style have made him a respected figure in acting. He continues to perform in stage productions and guest roles on TV. Hirsch’s longevity and versatility highlight his dedication to the craft.
1935 Judd Hirsch
1943day.year

Lynda La Plante

English actress, screenwriter, and author

English actress screenwriter and author
Lynda La Plante is an English actress, screenwriter, and author best known for creating the television series 'Prime Suspect.'
Lynda La Plante (born 1943) is a multi-talented English writer and actress. She achieved worldwide fame for creating 'Prime Suspect,' a crime drama series starring Helen Mirren. La Plante wrote for film and television, delivering gripping narratives and strong female protagonists. As an author, she has published several bestselling crime novels, further showcasing her storytelling prowess. She began her career as an actress before turning to writing, bringing performance insight to her scripts. Her impactful work has won numerous awards and set new standards for television crime dramas.
Lynda La Plante
1953day.year

Frances Conroy

American actress

American actress
American character actress acclaimed for her haunting roles in film and television dramas.
Frances Conroy has captivated audiences with her versatile performances on stage and screen for over four decades. She earned critical praise as Ruth Fisher in the HBO series "Six Feet Under," receiving a Golden Globe nomination. Conroy is also known as the iconic Angel of Death in multiple seasons of "American Horror Story," showcasing her range in suspenseful storytelling. A classically trained actress, she has appeared on Broadway and in independent films. Her ability to convey depth and nuance has established her as one of Hollywood's most respected character actors.
1953 Frances Conroy
1954day.year

Craig Wasson

American actor

American actor
American actor best known for his leading role in Brian De Palma’s Body Double and performances in Once Upon a Time in America.
Craig Wasson broke through in 1978 with his performance in The Boys in Company C and gained wide acclaim as the lead in Brian De Palma’s thriller Body Double. He showcased his range with a memorable supporting role in Sergio Leone’s Once Upon a Time in America. Wasson has appeared in numerous film genres and held recurring roles on television series such as HBO’s True Detective. On stage, he has acted in regional theater productions across the United States. His nuanced performances have earned him a reputation as a versatile character actor. Wasson continues to work in film, television, and theater.
Craig Wasson