April 03

Born Jeanne Florentine Bourgeois, she adopted the stage name Mistinguett and rose to fame in Parisian cabarets. Her dynamic stage presence and signature routines made her the highest-paid female entertainer in Europe in the early 20th century. She headlined at the Folies Bergère and starred in revues that blended comedy, dance, and song. Mistinguett recorded numerous hit songs and toured internationally, leaving an indelible mark on cabaret culture. Renowned for her glamorous costumes and playful persona, she remains an icon of French popular entertainment.

Margaret Anglin began her career on Broadway, earning praise for her powerful dramatic performances. She became one of the first women to direct and produce major theatrical productions in the early 20th century. Anglin brought works by Shakespeare, Ibsen, and Shaw to wider audiences through innovative touring companies. She collaborated with leading actors and designers to introduce new staging and dramatic techniques. Her leadership broke gender barriers in theatre management and inspired future generations of female directors. Anglin's efforts professionalized touring theatre and expanded its cultural reach across North America.

Arthur 'Dooley' Wilson was an American actor and jazz singer whose most iconic role was Sam in the 1942 film 'Casablanca'. His soulful performance of 'As Time Goes By' became one of cinema’s most memorable musical moments. Before Hollywood, Wilson performed in vaudeville and toured nightclubs as a pianist and vocalist. He appeared in several films and stage productions throughout the 1930s and 1940s. Wilson’s deep warmth and musical talent left an indelible mark on screen. He continued performing until his death in 1953.

Leslie Howard began his career on the London stage, earning acclaim for his Shakespearean performances before transitioning to Hollywood in the 1930s. He starred in successful films such as 'Pygmalion', 'Pride and Prejudice', and as Ashley Wilkes in 'Gone with the Wind'. A producer and director, he founded British and Continental Film Production. During World War II, Howard made propaganda films to support the Allied cause. In 1943, his civilian aircraft was shot down over the Bay of Biscay under suspected Nazi orders. His career was cut short at age 50, but his charismatic performances endure.

Born in 1898, George Jessel began his career as a child performer in vaudeville before transitioning to silent films and Broadway musicals. Known for his sharp wit and engaging stage presence, he earned the title 'Toastmaster General' by hosting high-profile banquets and events. Jessel expanded into radio, television, and film production, showcasing his versatility across entertainment media. As an actor, singer, and producer, he remained a fixture in American popular culture for over six decades. His charismatic performances and pioneering work in comedy and hosting left an indelible mark on show business.

Born Espera Oscar de Corti on April 3, 1904, Iron Eyes Cody built a career portraying Native American characters in over 200 films and television shows. Though of Italian descent, he adopted a Native American identity on screen and in public life. His most iconic role came in the 1971 Keep America Beautiful public service announcement, in which the “Crying Indian” sheds tears over environmental pollution. Beyond his acting work, Cody became an advocate for Native American rights and environmental causes. His enduring image remains a symbol of environmental awareness.

Born Helen Gould Beck on April 3, 1904, Sally Rand became one of the most celebrated burlesque performers of the 20th century. She rose to fame at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, captivating audiences with her ostrich feather fan dance. Rand later introduced the bubble dance, solidifying her reputation as an innovator in performance art. She also appeared in several Hollywood films, including shorts with Laurel and Hardy and Tarzan adventures. Known for her daring performances, she challenged social norms and censorship, leaving a lasting impact on entertainment and popular culture.

Born April 3, 1911, in New Brunswick, Nanette Bordeaux began her career in Hollywood shorts and feature films. She frequently appeared alongside The Three Stooges, portraying comedic roles that showcased her timing and charm. In the 1950s, Bordeaux transitioned to television, guest-starring on popular series like I Love Lucy and Adventures of Superman. Over her career, she amassed more than 50 screen credits, becoming a familiar face in American comedy. She retired in the mid-1950s and passed away in 1956, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Mary Anderson was an American actress whose career spanned from the late 1930s to the mid-1940s. She made her film debut in 1939 and won audience attention with a memorable part in the epic 'Gone with the Wind.' Anderson continued to appear in a range of films, demonstrating her versatility in drama and adventure genres. She also worked in theater productions and radio dramas, showcasing her talent across media. After stepping away from Hollywood, she lived a private life away from the spotlight. Anderson is remembered for her grace on screen and her contributions to early American cinema.

Born in France, Clairette Oddera moved to Canada in the early 1950s where she became a beloved entertainer. She hosted the popular late-night variety show "Les Couche-Tard" for two decades. Clairette showcased her talents as both a singer and actress, performing in musical comedies and theatrical productions. Her warm presence and comedic timing endeared her to audiences across Quebec and beyond. She recorded several albums featuring French chansons and comedic sketches. Later in life, she founded a training school for aspiring performers in Montreal. Clairette received multiple awards recognizing her contributions to Canadian culture. Her legacy lives on as a pioneer of French-language entertainment in North America.

Robert Karvelas appeared in nearly every season of the hit 1960s comedy series Get Smart, playing the dim-witted yet endearing Agent Larabee. He began his acting career in summer stock theater before transitioning to television and film. Karvelas’s deadpan delivery and physical comedy made Larabee a fan favorite. Beyond Get Smart, he appeared in guest roles on popular series of the era, showcasing his versatility. He maintained a private life away from Hollywood while continuing to act sporadically into the 1980s. Karvelas’s portrayal of Larabee remains an iconic part of television comedy history.

Jan Sterling began her career on Broadway before making a successful transition to Hollywood in the late 1940s. Her breakout role in The High and the Mighty (1954) earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. Sterling was known for portraying complex, tough-talking women in film noir and drama throughout the 1950s. She starred opposite leading men such as Gregory Peck and Kirk Douglas, showcasing her strong screen presence. On television, Sterling made memorable appearances in anthology series and guest spots on popular shows. Despite facing personal challenges later in life, she remained a respected figure among her peers. Jan Sterling’s talent and charm left a lasting mark on classic Hollywood cinema.