March 19

Born Loretta Mary Aiken, Moms Mabley became one of the first successful female African American comedians in vaudeville and nightclubs. Her candid humor addressed race, gender, and social issues with wit and courage. She gained national fame in the 1960s through television appearances, including The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. Mabley's influence paved the way for future generations of female and Black comedians. Her signature style and fearless commentary made her an enduring icon of American comedy.

Carmen Carbonell was a leading figure in Spanish theatre during the 20th century, acclaimed for her versatility in classical and contemporary roles. She made her film debut in the early days of Spanish cinema and appeared in numerous feature films. On stage, Carbonell became one of the pillars of the National Theatre, earning praise for her dramatic depth and commanding presence. Her career spanned over five decades, influencing generations of Spanish actors. She received critical acclaim and remained active in performing arts well into her later years.

Louis Hayward was a South African-born actor who became a popular leading man in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s. Born in Johannesburg, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London before making his stage debut in the West End. Hayward moved to the United States in the mid-1930s and signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. He gained fame for starring roles in swashbuckling adventures such as The Man in the Iron Mask (1939) and The Son of Monte Cristo (1940). In the 1950s, he transitioned to television, appearing in anthology series and early color TV shows. Hayward's suave screen presence and versatility as a performer sustained a career that spanned stage, film, and television.

Patricia Morison was an American actress and mezzo-soprano who gained fame on stage and in Hollywood films. Born in New York City, she studied acting and singing before making her Broadway debut in the 1930s. Morison appeared in films for Paramount Pictures, showcasing her dramatic and musical talents. She is best remembered for originating the role of Lilli Vanessi/Katharine in the Broadway production of Kiss Me, Kate. Morison’s commanding stage presence and vocal skill made her a celebrated figure in musical theater. She continued performing well into her later years, earning acclaim for her enduring artistry until her death in 2018.

Eric Christmas was an English-born Canadian actor with a career spanning stage, television, and film. He began acting on the London stage before emigrating to Canada and later moving to Hollywood. Christmas portrayed memorable supporting characters in films such as Harold and Maude, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and Scrooged. On television, he appeared in series like Battlestar Galactica and Tales from the Darkside. His warm character work and distinctive presence earned him a reputation as a reliable character actor. Christmas remained active in acting and teaching workshops until his death in 2000.

Thomas 'Tommy' Cooper began performing magic in his teens, developing a unique comic style that embraced failure. His signature red fez and one-liner quips made him a beloved fixture on British television and variety stages. Cooper's routines often featured intentional mistakes, blending slapstick comedy with magic tricks gone awry. He starred in several TV shows, including 'The Tommy Cooper Hour', earning widespread popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. Behind the comedy, Cooper was a skilled magician who carefully crafted the illusion of chaos. He continued performing live until his sudden collapse and death during a televised show in 1984. Tommy Cooper remains celebrated for pioneering a new genre of magic-comedy that still influences entertainers today.

Born in Milwaukee, Pamela Britton began her career on Broadway before transitioning to film in the 1940s. She appeared in musicals such as 'Anchors Aweigh' and dramas that showcased her versatility. In the 1960s, Britton gained television fame as Mrs. Lorelei Brown on the popular sitcom 'My Favorite Martian'. Her warm screen presence and comedic timing endeared her to audiences across genres. Britton continued acting in film, television, and theatre until her untimely death in 1974. Her contributions to early television comedy paved the way for female character actors in sitcoms. She is remembered for her charming performances and pioneering work in mid-century entertainment.

Born in New York City and raised in Ireland and England, Patrick McGoohan gained fame as secret agent John Drake in the 1960s series Danger Man. Dissatisfied with creative restrictions, he conceptualized, financed, and starred as Number Six in the enigmatic 1967 series The Prisoner, which became a defining work of spy drama and psychological storytelling. McGoohan’s performance and involvement behind the scenes showcased his versatility as actor, writer, and producer. Over his six-decade career, he appeared in film classics such as Braveheart and Scanners, and received multiple awards including two Primetime Emmys. His dedication to artistic integrity left an enduring mark on television history.

Born in Hamtramck, Michigan in 1932, Gail Kobe began her career as an actress with notable appearances in series like Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, and The Virginian. Transitioning to producing in the 1970s, she became one of the few female supervising producers in daytime television, working on shows such as General Hospital and The Young and the Restless. Kobe served as national president of the Producers Guild of America and advocated for industry equality. Her blend of creative talent and executive skill helped shape modern soap operas. She passed away in 2013, remembered as a pioneering force in television production.

Born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1933, Phyllis Newman made her Broadway debut at age 18 and won a Tony Award in 1962 for her performance in Subways Are for Sleeping. She appeared in numerous stage musicals, television series, and films, showcasing her versatility as both an actress and singer. In 1995, Newman founded the Phyllis Newman Women’s Health Initiative to support performers facing health challenges. A frequent panelist on game shows like To Tell the Truth, she remained active in the entertainment community for decades. Newman’s legacy endures through her artistic contributions and her passionate advocacy for performers’ well-being.

Renée Taylor (born 1933) is an American actress, producer, and screenwriter celebrated for her portrayal of Sylvia Fine on the hit sitcom The Nanny. She co-wrote the book and lyrics for the long-running Broadway musical 'I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change', earning a Tony Award nomination. Taylor has helmed and produced numerous stage and television projects, showcasing her versatile talents behind the scenes. Her one-woman shows and performances have garnered critical acclaim and multiple Drama Desk Award nominations. With a career spanning over seven decades, she remains a beloved figure in both comedic acting and theater writing.

Nancy Malone (1935–2014) began her career as a film and television actress, earning praise for her performances in series like The Long, Hot Summer. In the early 1970s, she became one of the first women to direct network television episodes, breaking industry barriers. Malone directed acclaimed shows such as Dynasty, The Incredible Hulk, and Cagney & Lacey, showcasing her versatility. She also produced a number of television movies, earning Emmy nominations for her behind-the-scenes achievements. Her trailblazing efforts paved the way for future generations of women in directing and producing roles.