April 15

Wallace Fitzgerald Beery (1885–1949) was a prominent American actor, director, and screenwriter whose career spanned silent films and the golden age of Hollywood. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as aging boxer Andy Purcell in the 1931 film The Champ. Beery appeared in over 250 films, often portraying gruff yet endearing characters. His performances in Grand Hotel (1932) and Treasure Island (1934) cemented his status as one of MGM’s leading stars. Off-screen, he was known for his generous nature and mentoring of younger actors. Beery's work influenced the development of character acting in American cinema and left a lasting legacy.

Clara Blandick (1880–1962) was an American stage and screen actress whose career spanned over four decades. She appeared in more than 80 films, frequently portraying maternal or authority figures. Blandick achieved lasting fame as Auntie Em in MGM's 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz, a role that continues to endear her to audiences. Before her Hollywood career, she performed extensively on Broadway and toured nationally. Her nuanced performances brought warmth and depth to every role she inhabited. After retiring from acting, Blandick lived a private life until her death in 1962. Film historians and fans of classic cinema continue to celebrate her contributions to the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Totò (Antonio De Curtis, 1898–1967) was a celebrated Italian comedian, actor, and writer, widely regarded as the 'prince of laughter'. Over his five-decade career, he appeared in more than 100 films, blending slapstick, wordplay, and social satire. His notable works include Big Deal on Madonna Street (1958) and Totò, Peppino and the Huc dalli Baci (1954), showcasing his mastery of comedic timing. Totò also penned poems, songs, and theatrical pieces, demonstrating his versatile artistic talents. His work captured postwar Italian society with warmth and wit, earning enduring popularity. He left an indelible mark on Italian culture and inspired generations of performers. Totò's death in 1967 was mourned nationwide, cementing his status as an icon of Italian comedy.

Raymond Bailey was born in 1904 in San Francisco and served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. After his military service, he pursued a career in acting, appearing in over 30 films and numerous television programs. His breakthrough came when he was cast as the wealthy banker Milburn Drysdale on the hit sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies in 1962. Bailey's dry humor and polished delivery made Drysdale a memorable character. He continued acting on stage and screen throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. Known for his professionalism and dedication, he became a respected character actor in Hollywood. Bailey retired from acting in the late 1970s and lived quietly until his death in 1980 at the age of 75. He is remembered for his iconic television role and service to his country.

Arthur Lowe was born in 1915 in Hayfield, Derbyshire, and served with the Manchester Regiment during World War II. After the war, he pursued a career in repertory theatre and made his film debut in the late 1940s. Lowe achieved nationwide fame when he was cast as the pompous yet endearing Captain Mainwaring in Dad's Army, which ran from 1968 to 1977. His nuanced comedic timing and authoritative presence earned him a BAFTA TV Award in 1972. He continued to appear in television, film, and stage productions throughout his career. Lowe was married to Ethel Davies and had two sons. His portrayal of Mainwaring remains a cornerstone of British comedy, influencing generations of actors. He passed away in 1982, leaving behind a memorable legacy in classic television.

Tommy Cooper was born in 1921 in Caerphilly, Wales, and began performing in variety theatres before World War II. He served as a physical training instructor during the war and honed his comedic timing on military stages. Cooper developed a unique stage persona, wearing a bright red fez and executing magic tricks that deliberately went wrong to delightful comedic effect. He gained widespread popularity through television appearances on Tonight at the London Palladium and his own series, Cooper's Company. Cooper's blend of slapstick, catchphrases, and surreal humor made him a beloved figure in British entertainment. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1976 for his contributions to show business. In 1984, Cooper suffered a fatal heart attack during a live television performance, shocking the nation. His pioneering mix of comedy and magic continues to inspire performers worldwide.

Kenneth Williams was born in 1926 in London and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He first found success in radio comedy, starring on shows like Beyond Our Ken and Round the Horne. Williams became a central figure in the Carry On film series, where his distinctive voice and comic timing made him a fan favorite. He also wrote scripts for television and collaborated on various comedy projects. Williams was known for his candid diaries, which offered an intimate look at his personal struggles and observations on show business. He continued acting on stage, screen, and radio until his death in 1988. Williams struggled with anxiety and solitude but remained dedicated to his craft throughout his life. His legacy endures through his performances and literary contributions to comedy.

Greta Garbo was born in 1905 in Stockholm, Sweden, and began her career in silent films in the 1920s under director Mauritz Stiller. She moved to Hollywood in 1925 and quickly became a star with movies like The Torrent and Flesh and the Devil. With the advent of sound, Garbo delivered acclaimed performances in Anna Christie and Camille, earning Academy Award nominations. Her compelling beauty, introspective style, and refusal to grant interviews fostered an aura of mystery. Garbo retired from acting at age 36, choosing a private life in New York City over continued stardom. In 1954, she received an Academy Honorary Award for her impact on cinema. Despite her brief career, Garbo influenced generations of actors and directors with her screencraft. She died in 1990 at the age of 84, leaving behind a timeless legacy in film history.

Michael Pataki was born in 1938 in Youngstown, Ohio, and began his acting career on stage before moving to Los Angeles. He appeared in numerous television series, including "Star Trek," "The Rockford Files," and "Mr. Mom," often portraying villains or authority figures. Pataki also worked behind the camera, directing episodes of popular shows and contributing to animation voice work such as in "Super Friends." His versatility and distinctive presence made him a familiar face to audiences over decades. In addition to acting, he taught drama and mentored aspiring performers until his death in 2010.

Paul Bogart was born in 1919 in Harlem, New York, and began his career editing newsreels before transitioning to television directing. He helmed episodes of iconic series such as "All in the Family," "The Golden Girls," and "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," earning multiple Emmy Awards. Bogart also directed feature films and television movies, showcasing a versatile style that balanced comedy and drama. As a producer, he championed innovative storytelling and fostered talent both in front of and behind the camera. Bogart's influence on American television endured through his mentorship of emerging directors and writers until his death in 2012.

Richard LeParmentier began his career in British theatre before moving to screen roles in film and television in the 1970s. He rose to prominence for his memorable portrayal of Admiral Motti in Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope (1977). Over the next four decades, he appeared in a variety of British and American productions across film, television, and radio. In addition to acting, he contributed as a screenwriter, showcasing his storytelling talents. He remained a popular figure within the Star Wars community, frequently attending fan conventions and events. LeParmentier passed away in 2013 at the age of 66, leaving a lasting legacy in science fiction cinema.

Born in 1966 in Toronto, Jonathan Crombie began his career in Canadian theatre before gaining international fame. His breakout performance as Gilbert Blythe in the 1985 television adaptation of Anne of Green Gables captured audiences worldwide. Crombie reprised this role in several sequels, earning a devoted fan following. In addition to acting, he contributed as a screenwriter, developing projects for stage and screen. He appeared in numerous film, television, and theatre productions, showcasing versatility across genres. His warm presence and dedication to his craft made him a beloved figure in entertainment. Crombie died unexpectedly in 2015 at the age of 48, leaving an enduring legacy through his iconic performances.