April 07

Walter Huston (1883–1950) was a versatile actor and singer whose career spanned vaudeville, Broadway, and Hollywood. He delivered a memorable performance as Howard in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, earning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Huston began his career in Canadian theaters before moving to the United States and appearing in numerous stage musicals and plays. He is also remembered as the father of director John Huston and the grandfather of actress Anjelica Huston. His rich voice and commanding presence made him a beloved figure in early 20th-century entertainment.

Theda Bara (1885–1955) was an American actress and one of the most famous stars of the silent film era. Known as the original "vamp," she captivated audiences with her dramatic roles and exotic image. Starring in hits like A Fool There Was, she became one of cinema’s earliest sex symbols. Most of Bara’s films were lost in a 1937 fire, contributing to her enduring mystique. Her influence on film culture remains significant, with her persona inspiring countless portrayals of femme fatales.

David Graf was an American actor born in 1950 in Geneva, Illinois, celebrated for his comedic portrayal of Sgt. Eugene Tackleberry in the Police Academy franchise. He appeared in all seven installments of the series, earning acclaim for his deadpan delivery and memorable one-liners. Graf trained in theatre at Valparaiso University before moving to Los Angeles to pursue film and television roles. His television credits included guest spots on Knight Rider, The Facts of Life, and Magnum, P.I. Graf's sudden death in 2001 from a heart attack cut short a dynamic and beloved acting career.

Beatrice Straight was an American actress born in 1914 who earned the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her nine-minute performance in Network (1976), the shortest Oscar-winning role in film history. A member of the esteemed Whitney family, she trained in theatre at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York City. Straight's stage career included a Tony Award-winning turn in The Crucible and performances in A Streetcar Named Desire. On television, she received multiple Emmy nominations for roles in Roots and Baretta. Her versatile talent and commanding presence left a lasting impact on stage and screen.

John Agar was an American film actor born in 1921 who gained fame co-starring with Shirley Temple in Fort Apache (1948). He became a familiar face in 1950s B-movies, especially science fiction and Westerns such as Tarantula (1955) and Revenge of the Creature (1955). Agar served in the U.S. Navy during World War II before transitioning to Hollywood. His marriage to Temple made headlines, though they divorced in 1949. Over his 40-year career, he appeared in more than 60 films and television episodes, leaving a legacy in genre cinema.

Victor Argo (1934–2004) began his career in New York theater before transitioning to film with a raw, authentic style that captured the grit of urban life. He frequently teamed with director Martin Scorsese, appearing in Mean Streets, Taxi Driver, and The Last Temptation of Christ, becoming a staple in Scorsese's ensemble. His performances were marked by their intensity and depth, bringing memorable supporting characters to life. Beyond Scorsese films, Argo worked in both independent and mainstream productions, collaborating with directors like Abel Ferrara and Paul Schrader. He also appeared on television series such as Law & Order and Miami Vice, showcasing his versatility. Over a career spanning four decades, Argo became a beloved figure among fans of character-driven cinema, leaving a lasting legacy upon his death in 2004.

Barry Nelson (1917–2007) began his acting career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood, where he appeared in supporting roles during the golden age of cinema. In 1954 he made television history by portraying 'Jimmy Bond' in the first screen adaptation of Ian Fleming's Casino Royale, predating the official film series. Nelson's film credits include roles in The Shining, The Naked Spur, and The Untouchables, showcasing his range from dramatic to suspenseful parts. On television, he guested on series such as Studio One, Playhouse 90, and Dragnet, earning critical acclaim. Known for his suave demeanor and nuanced performances, he became a reliable character actor sought after by top directors. His versatility and pioneering role in James Bond lore left an enduring mark, leading to an Emmy nomination and a dedicated fan following.

Born in Dar es Salaam in 1984, Steven Kanumba became one of Tanzania’s most beloved screen actors. He starred in numerous local and Nigerian films, showcasing versatility across drama and romance genres. In 2004, he founded his own production company to support new talent in the region. Kanumba won multiple awards for his performances and was a UNICEF ambassador for children’s rights. His tragic death in 2012 from an accidental injury at age 28 shocked fans across Africa. He is remembered for elevating the profile of Tanzanian cinema on the international stage.

Stan Freberg (1926–2015) began his career as a voice actor on radio programs and in classic animated films like Disney’s "Lady and the Tramp" and Warner Bros. cartoons. He became a pioneer in comedy records with satirical sketches lampooning popular culture and politics. In advertising, Freberg revolutionized commercial spots by infusing humor and storytelling, earning him multiple Clio Awards. His innovative approach influenced generations of marketers and performers. Beyond his creative achievements, Freberg was also a writer, actor, and advocate for free expression in comedy.

Geoffrey Lewis (1935–2015) appeared in over 200 films and television episodes over a career spanning five decades. He frequently collaborated with Clint Eastwood in movies such as "Every Which Way but Loose" and "Thunderbolt and Lightfoot", earning acclaim for his rugged charm. Lewis showcased his range in dramas, comedies, and thrillers, including roles in "Mystic River" and television series like "Kung Fu". He was also a writer and stage performer, and the father of actress Juliette Lewis. His warm presence and character work made him a beloved figure in Hollywood.

Seymour Cassel (1935–2019) began his film career in John Cassavetes’ groundbreaking drama "Shadows" and earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance in Cassavetes’ "Faces". Over six decades, he appeared in iconic films such as "Dick Tracy", "Rushmore", and Wes Anderson’s "The Royal Tenenbaums". Cassel also had recurring television roles and was celebrated for his improvisational talent and authenticity on screen. His contributions to independent film helped shape American cinema, and he remained an influential figure admired by filmmakers and audiences alike.