March 24

Born in 1871 in Devon, England, Alec Hurley rose to fame on the vibrant music hall circuit. He became known for his humorous songs and engaging performance style that delighted audiences across Britain. Hurley toured extensively, headlining shows at London's famed West End venues. His repertoire combined sentimentality with comedic flair, making him a crowd favorite. Hurley's influence on popular entertainment helped shape the golden age of British music halls. He passed away in 1913, leaving behind a legacy of innovation in live performance.

Born Erik Weisz in Budapest, Houdini emigrated to the United States as a child. He mastered the art of escape, thrilling audiences with feats such as the straitjacket escape and the Chinese Water Torture Cell. Houdini also performed as an actor and exposed fraudulent spiritualists. His showmanship and innovations in magic set new standards for the field. He died suddenly in 1926 but remains one of the most famous magicians of all time.

Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle was one of the highest-paid actors of the silent era, celebrated for his physical comedy and improvisational talent. He worked with Mack Sennett's Keystone Studios and directed dozens of short comedies. Arbuckle discovered and mentored Buster Keaton, helping launch his cinematic career. A scandal in 1921 led to his temporary fall from grace, but he was eventually acquitted. Arbuckle continued to work under a pseudonym before his untimely death. Despite controversies, his innovations in slapstick influence comedians to this day.

Richard Conte was born in 1910 in New York City. He gained fame for his intense performances in films such as 'The Big Combo' and 'Call Northside 777'. Conte often portrayed gangsters and tough characters in film noir during the 1940s and 50s. He also appeared on Broadway and in television, showcasing his versatility. In addition to acting, he studied singing and occasionally performed in musical productions. Later in his career, he explored directing, further expanding his creative scope. Conte's distinctive voice and commanding screen presence left a lasting mark on Hollywood. He continued acting until his death in 1975.

Gene Nelson was an American actor, director, and screenwriter whose career spanned stage and screen. He began as a dancer in Broadway musicals before transitioning to film and television. Nelson appeared as Will Parker in the classic musical film "Oklahoma!" (1955). He later moved behind the camera, directing stage productions and episodes of popular TV series in the 1960s and 1970s. As a writer, he contributed screenplays and story ideas for both film and television. His versatility allowed him to flourish in multiple roles within the entertainment industry. Nelson's blend of performance and production enriched mid-20th-century American musicals and television.

Onna White was a Canadian dancer and choreographer best known for her work on Broadway and in film. She performed in the original Broadway production of "Finian's Rainbow" before transitioning to choreography. White staged iconic musicals including "The Music Man," "Oliver!", and "Funny Girl." Her choreography for the film version of "Oliver!" earned her an Academy Award nomination. She received multiple Tony Award nominations for her innovative and expressive dance direction. White's style blended precision and storytelling to bring characters to life through movement. Her contributions helped define the golden age of musical theatre and film choreography.

Murray Hamilton was an American actor whose versatile career spanned theatre, film, and television. He appeared on Broadway in productions such as "Advise and Consent" before moving into screen roles. Hamilton is remembered for his portrayal of Mr. Robinson in "The Graduate" (1967). He delivered the iconic line "You're gonna need a bigger boat" as Mayor Larry Vaughn in "Jaws" (1975). His performances combined authority with vulnerability, creating memorable supporting characters. Hamilton also made numerous television appearances throughout the 1950s and 1960s. He left a lasting impact as a reliable character actor in some of Hollywood's most iconic films.

Norman Fell was an American actor whose career spanned film, stage, and television. He portrayed landlord Stanley Roper on the hit sitcom "Three's Company" and its spin-off "The Ropers." Fell earned two Primetime Emmy nominations for his performance as the bumbling, endearing character. His film work included roles in "Sunday in New York" and "Wait Until Dark." He trained at the Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg, honing his character-actor skills. Fell's timing and expressive gestures made him a memorable presence in 1970s television comedy. He continued acting until the mid-1990s, leaving a legacy of humor and charm.

Dario Fo was an Italian playwright, actor, director, and composer whose works combined satire, political commentary, and improvisation. He founded his own touring theatre company that brought performances to communities across Italy. His notable plays include 'Accidental Death of an Anarchist' and 'Can’t Pay? Won’t Pay!' He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1997 for his contribution to drama. Fo was a vocal critic of social injustices and used humour to challenge authority. He continued writing and performing until his death in 2016.

Pat Renella was an Italian-American actor who appeared in a range of supporting roles across film and television. He made his screen debut in the early 1960s and went on to feature in films such as 'Bullitt' and 'Catch-22'. Renella was often cast as tough or villainous characters, bringing authenticity and grit to each performance. On television, he guest-starred in popular series like 'Mission: Impossible' and 'The Rockford Files'. Over his career, he earned respect for his professionalism and versatility. He passed away in 2012 after leaving a mark on Hollywood character acting.

Steve McQueen was an American actor and producer whose effortless style and anti-hero screen presence made him one of Hollywood’s biggest stars. He gained fame with roles in television’s 'Wanted Dead or Alive' before starring in films like 'The Great Escape', 'Bullitt', and 'The Thomas Crown Affair'. McQueen was also an avid motorsports enthusiast, performing many of his own stunts both on and off screen. Known as the 'King of Cool', he became a cultural icon of 1960s and 1970s cinema. His performances were marked by understated charm and intensity, earning him an enduring fan base. McQueen passed away in 1980, leaving a legacy as one of the era's defining actors.

Mary Berry (born 1935) is one of Britain's most celebrated cooks and television personalities, with a career spanning over six decades. She has published more than 70 cookbooks, focusing on accessible recipes and classic baking techniques that have enlightened home cooks worldwide. As a judge on The Great British Bake Off, she became a beloved figure for her encouraging feedback and gentle wit. Berry has been honored with numerous awards for her contributions to culinary writing and broadcasting, solidifying her status as a baking icon.