April 15

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1894, Smith began performing on street corners and in traveling shows as a teenager. Her powerful, soulful voice and emotional delivery made her the highest-paid African-American entertainer of the 1920s. She recorded classics like "Downhearted Blues" and collaborated with jazz greats such as Louis Armstrong. Smith also appeared in the 1929 film "St. Louis Blues," showcasing her dramatic talents on screen. Despite financial success, she faced the harsh realities of segregation and racism throughout her career. Her untimely death in a car accident in 1937 at age 43 cemented her legend in the history of American music.

John Williams (1903–1983) was an English-American actor who enjoyed a prolific career on stage and screen. He began performing in London's West End before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. Williams appeared in a wide range of films from war dramas to comedies, earning acclaim for his supporting performances. He worked with notable directors and actors of his era and was respected for his professionalism. His contributions helped shape the character actor tradition in Golden Age cinema.

Lita Grey (1908–1995) was an American actress who rose to fame as a teenager starring opposite Charlie Chaplin in films like The Kid and The Gold Rush. In 1924, she married Chaplin in a highly publicized union that ended in a contentious divorce. Grey later wrote memoirs revealing behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories and became a sought-after speaker. She continued acting on stage and in early sound films before retiring. Her candid accounts contributed significantly to the understanding of Hollywood's Golden Age and Chaplin's personal life.

Hans Conried studied at Columbia University and began his career on the stage and radio in the 1930s. He gained fame as the voice of Captain Hook and Mr. Darling in Disney's 'Peter Pan' (1953) and portrayed Uncle Tonoose on the television series 'Make Room for Daddy'. Conried lent his vocal talents to numerous cartoons, including roles in Looney Tunes and Disney shorts. He appeared in films such as 'Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man' and provided voices in 'Mary Poppins'. Known for his rapid-fire delivery and comedic flair, he also guest-starred on popular radio shows throughout the 1940s and 1950s. Conried's ability to inhabit both villainous and eccentric characters made him a beloved figure in mid-century American entertainment.

Hans Billian began his career as a stage actor in Berlin before transitioning to film after World War II. He directed and wrote screenplays for a range of German features, including comedies, crime dramas, and later erotic films during the 1970s. Billian often cast himself in cameo roles, showcasing his versatility in front of and behind the camera. His contributions to the popular cinema of the era reflect shifting audience tastes and the loosening of censorship in Europe. Collaborating with major studios and independent producers, he mentored emerging filmmakers and technicians. Billian's work provides insight into the evolution of West German film from post-war recovery to the permissive era.

Born in Syria and raised in the United States, Michael Ansara built a versatile acting career spanning radio, stage, television, and film. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the Klingon commander Kang on Star Trek, a role he reprised in multiple series and movies. Ansara also starred in the Western series Broken Arrow and appeared in numerous Hollywood films. His performances were praised for their intensity and depth, making him one of the first Middle Eastern actors to achieve mainstream success in American entertainment. He continued to act and mentor young performers until his death in 2013.

Rikki Fulton (1924–2004) was a Scottish comedian and actor best known for his work on television sketch shows such as 'Scotch and Wry'. He created beloved characters like the bumbling 'Supercop' and entertained audiences with his sharp wit and comedic timing. Fulton's career spanned over five decades, during which he became a national household name in Scotland and beyond. In addition to comedy, he took on dramatic roles in film and theater, showcasing his range as a performer. His influence endures through tributes and the continued popularity of his classic sketches.

Georges Descrières was a celebrated French actor born in Bordeaux. After graduating from the Conservatoire national supérieur d'art dramatique, he joined the Comédie-Française in 1957. He gained international fame for his charming performance as the gentleman-thief Arsène Lupin in the popular 1960s TV series. Descrières appeared in over 80 film and television productions, showcasing his versatility in drama and comedy. He was honored with various French theatrical awards during his career. He remained an active stage performer well into his later years, retiring in 1998.

Elizabeth Montgomery was an American actress and producer celebrated for her iconic portrayal of Samantha Stephens in the long-running TV sitcom 'Bewitched' (1964–1972). Trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse, she demonstrated range in both comedic and dramatic roles on stage and screen. Montgomery starred in TV movies such as 'A Case of Rape' (1974), earning critical acclaim for her dramatic performances. Beyond acting, she was an advocate for environmental causes and civil liberties. Her graceful charm and talent left a lasting impression on television history. She passed away in 1995 from cancer, remembered as a beloved figure in entertainment.

Stavros Paravas was a prominent Greek actor acclaimed for his work in theater and cinema from the 1950s onwards. He joined the National Theatre of Greece and starred in comedies, dramas, and historical plays, earning praise for his versatility. Paravas also produced and directed several stage productions, contributing to the growth of modern Greek theater. In film, he appeared in classics like 'The Aunt from Chicago' (1957) and 'The Girl from Corfu' (1956). His career spanned over five decades, making him a cultural icon in Greece. He died in 2008, leaving a rich legacy in Hellenic performing arts.

Claudia Cardinale is an Italian actress born in Tunisia in 1938. She rose to fame starring in Federico Fellini's '8½' and Sergio Leone's 'Once Upon a Time in the West'. Known for her beauty and strong screen presence, she worked with directors like Luchino Visconti and Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Cardinale has appeared in over 100 films across Europe and Hollywood. She is a recipient of several awards including a Golden Globe and the David di Donatello. Beyond acting, she has been a UNICEF ambassador and advocate for women's rights.

Marty Wilde is an English singer-songwriter and actor who emerged as one of Britain's first rock stars with hits like 'Endless Sleep' and 'Donna'. Throughout the 1960s, he released a string of charting singles and wrote songs for other artists. Wilde also launched an acting career, appearing in musical films and television shows. He is recognized for influencing the early British pop scene and mentoring younger musicians, including his daughter Kim Wilde. In later years, he has continued to perform and record, maintaining a legacy in rock and roll history.