April 17

Born Wenceslao Moreno in Spain in 1896, he emigrated to the United States in the 1920s to pursue a career in entertainment. Adopting the stage name Señor Wences, he created beloved characters such as 'Johnny' the head and 'Pedro' the stump, often using minimal props and a rubber face for comedic effect. He became a household name through frequent appearances on 'The Ed Sullivan Show,' delighting audiences with his rapid-fire dialogue and inventive routines. Beyond television, Wences toured extensively in theaters and nightclubs, bringing his unique brand of family-friendly humor to international audiences. His innovative approach influenced generations of ventriloquists and comedians. Wences continued performing into his nineties before passing away in 1999, leaving a lasting legacy in comedic performance.

Louis Jean Heydt was born on April 17, 1905 in the United States. He began his career as a journalist before transitioning to stage and screen acting. Heydt became a prolific character actor, appearing in over 50 films during the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his versatility, playing both dramatic and comedic supporting roles. In addition to film, he also performed on Broadway and in radio dramas. He passed away in 1960, remembered for his reliable presence in classic Hollywood cinema.

Arthur Lake was born on April 17, 1905 in the United States. Starting his career as a child actor in silent films, he transitioned to talkies in the 1930s. Lake gained fame for his role as Dagwood Bumstead in over 28 'Blondie' comedy films. He also starred in radio and television adaptations of the popular comic strip. His affable on-screen persona made him a beloved figure in American entertainment. He died in 1987, leaving behind a legacy of family-friendly comedy.

Marta Eggerth was born in Budapest in 1912 and began her stage career at the tender age of fourteen. She rose to international fame in the 1930s, starring in operettas and musicals in Vienna and Berlin with her luminous soprano voice. After emigrating to the United States in 1938, Eggerth appeared in Hollywood films and Broadway productions, earning acclaim for her charm and vocal agility. She recorded numerous albums and returned to Europe for successful concert tours. Eggerth’s versatility allowed her to seamlessly transition between stage, screen, and recording studio. She received lifetime achievement awards in recognition of her contributions to musical theater. Her legacy endures through her recordings and film classics.

William Holden (1918–1981) was an acclaimed American actor whose career spanned over four decades, earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1954. Born William Beedle Jr. in Illinois, he gained fame with his breakout role in Billy Wilder’s Stalag 17 (1953) and delivered memorable performances in Sunset Boulevard (1950) and The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957). Known for his charisma and versatility, he excelled in drama, comedy, and action genres. Off-screen, he was an environmental activist and a co-founder of the Mount Kenya Safari Club. His sudden death in 1981 cut short a celebrated career, leaving an enduring legacy as one of Hollywood’s leading men.

Chavela Vargas (1919–2012) was a celebrated Costa Rican-Mexican singer whose deeply emotional renditions of traditional Mexican rancheras captivated audiences worldwide. Moving to Mexico in her teens, she developed a distinctive style, often performing in pants and smoking onstage. Vargas stripped rancheras to their raw essence, delivering haunting vocals that conveyed themes of love, heartbreak, and resilience. She collaborated with major composers and appeared in documentary films that revived her career in the 1990s. A trailblazer in gender expression, her fearless artistry and personal authenticity made her a cultural icon in Latin America and beyond.

Lindsay Anderson (1923–1994) was a pioneering British film director, actor, and critic associated with the Free Cinema movement. His debut feature, "This Sporting Life" (1963), earned critical acclaim and won the Director’s Prize at the Cannes Film Festival. Anderson began his career as a theatre critic before moving into filmmaking and acting roles in both film and television. He directed landmark films such as "If...." (1968) and "O Lucky Man!" (1973), noted for their innovative style and social commentary. A founding member of the London Film-Makers' Co-operative, he championed independent cinema and mentored emerging talent. Anderson’s work reshaped post-war British cinema and inspired future generations of directors.

Born Madeline Ellis in Hong Kong in 1926, Joan Lorring was discovered by director Mervyn LeRoy at age 18. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in 'The Corn Is Green' (1945). Lorring appeared in films such as 'The Lost Weekend' and 'Forever Amber' before transitioning to the stage and television. She enjoyed a successful Broadway career with roles in productions like 'The King and I'. Later she performed on TV series including 'Perry Mason' and 'The Twilight Zone'. Lorring also lent her voice to radio dramas during the Golden Age of Radio. She passed away in 2014, remembered for her versatile talent across media.

Anja Silja is a German soprano acclaimed for her powerful voice and intense stage presence. She rose to prominence in the 1960s, performing leading roles in operas by Wagner, Strauss, and Berg. Silja has appeared at prestigious venues such as the Bayreuth Festival, Vienna State Opera, and Metropolitan Opera. Her interpretations of complex characters like Salome and the Marschallin have earned her critical acclaim. In addition to her singing career, she has acted in theatrical productions, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Silja’s artistry is noted for its emotional depth, technical precision, and compelling dramatic expression. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she has influenced generations of opera singers. She continues to mentor young artists and remains active in concert performances and masterclasses.

Hussey made her breakthrough performance at age 15 as Juliet, receiving critical acclaim. She balanced roles in film, television, and theatre throughout her career. Her portrayal of Juliet became iconic, influencing portrayals of the character for decades. Beyond Romeo and Juliet, she appeared in genre films including horror classics and drama productions. Hussey's career spanned over five decades, leaving a lasting legacy in the performing arts.

Alaskey provided the voices for iconic Warner Bros. characters such as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and Tweety. He also lent his talents to animated series, films, and theme park attractions. With a career spanning over three decades, he became one of the most versatile performers in voice acting. Alaskey won praise for his ability to emulate classic cartoon voices while bringing his own humor. His work contributed significantly to the continuing popularity of animated characters in modern media.

Roddy Piper was one of the most popular figures in professional wrestling during the 1980s and 1990s. He gained fame in the WWF as "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, engaging audiences with his fiery promos and feuds. Beyond the ring, he appeared in films and television, most notably starring in John Carpenter's horror classic "They Live". Piper authored an autobiography and hosted his own talk show, showcasing his versatility beyond wrestling. He was inducted into multiple wrestling halls of fame in recognition of his contributions to the sport.