April 21

Vincent Scotto was born in 1874 in Marseille, France. Over his prolific career, he composed more than 4000 songs spanning popular music, operettas, and film scores. He collaborated with leading lyricists and helped define the sound of French chanson in the early 20th century. Scotto also appeared on screen as an actor in musical films, showcasing his talents in both composition and performance. His melodies, including beloved classics of the interwar period, remain part of France’s cultural heritage. He died in 1952, remembered as one of the most productive songwriters in French history.

Anthony Quinn was a versatile and charismatic actor whose career spanned over six decades in film, television, and theater. Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, he won two Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor for Viva Zapata! and Lust for Life. Quinn’s energetic portrayal of Alexis Zorba in Zorba the Greek became iconic and earned him an Academy Award nomination. Beyond acting, he was an accomplished painter and sculptor, with exhibitions around the world. His diverse roles included memorable performances in Lawrence of Arabia, The Guns of Navarone, and La Strada. Quinn’s dynamic presence and passion for the arts made him a beloved figure in international cinema. He passed away in 2001 at the age of 86.

Discovered in a beauty pageant at age 16, Silvana Mangano became an icon of Italian neorealism. She earned critical acclaim for her performance in 'Bitter Rice', showcasing a blend of vulnerability and strength. Over her career, she starred in more than 30 films, working with directors such as Giuseppe de Santis and Dino Risi. Her striking screen presence and dramatic talent made her a sought-after leading lady during the 1950s and 1960s. Mangano also recorded several popular songs and appeared in international productions. Her influence on post-war Italian cinema remains celebrated by film historians and enthusiasts.

Elaine May rose to fame in the late 1950s as part of the improv duo Nichols and May, influencing the evolution of American comedy. She co-wrote and starred in award-winning stage productions and released praised comedy albums. Transitioning to film, May co-wrote screenplays for 'Tootsie' and 'The Birdcage' and directed features such as 'Heaven Can Wait' and 'The Heartbreak Kid'. Her sharp wit and satirical edge earned Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations. After a hiatus, she returned to directing in the 2010s, receiving critical praise for films like 'A New Leaf'. May’s pioneering work has left an enduring mark on both comedy and cinema.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1935, Grodin began his career on Broadway before moving to film. He gained fame for his roles in The Heartbreak Kid, Heaven Can Wait, and Midnight Run. Known for his dry wit and timing, he became a popular character actor in Hollywood. In the 1990s, he hosted The Charles Grodin Show, showcasing his interviewing style. He also wrote books on his experiences in entertainment and philanthropy. He remained active in acting and writing until his death in 2021.

Born in New York City, Santoni made his screen debut in the 1960s with small film roles. He gained recognition for portraying Inspector Chico Gonzalez in the 1971 film Dirty Harry. On television, he played Poppie in Seinfeld and appeared in shows like Hill Street Blues. Santoni’s performances spanned drama and comedy, showcasing his range as a character actor. He continued acting in film and TV into the 2000s, leaving a memorable filmography. He passed away in 2020, remembered for his distinctive presence on screen.

Souleymane Cissé emerged as one of Africa’s leading film directors, combining social commentary with poetic storytelling. He studied at the prestigious IDHEC film school in Paris before returning to Mali to produce his first feature-length works. His 1987 film "Yeelen" won the Jury Prize at the Cannes Film Festival and remains a landmark of African cinema. Throughout his career, Cissé has directed, produced, and written films that explore post-colonial identity and traditional beliefs. He has received numerous international awards and continues to inspire filmmakers across the continent with his creative vision.

Diana Darvey gained prominence as a multi-talented performer, featuring in mime, dance, and musical numbers. She appeared as a regular on "The Benny Hill Show", dazzling audiences with her comedic timing and dance routines. Darvey also released music singles and performed in theatre productions across the UK. Her vibrant stage presence and versatility made her a memorable figure on British television. Despite her premature passing in 2000, Darvey’s performances continue to be celebrated by fans of classic variety entertainment.

Born James Newell Osterberg Jr., Iggy Pop first gained fame as the energetic vocalist for The Stooges in the late 1960s. His raw stage presence and provocative performances helped shape the punk rock movement. As a solo artist, he released critically acclaimed albums such as "Lust for Life" and collaborated with artists like David Bowie. Pop has also pursued acting roles in films and television, showcasing his versatility beyond music. With a career spanning over five decades, he remains a seminal figure in alternative and punk music scenes.

Patricia Ann LuPone was born in Northport, New York, in 1949. She honed her craft at Juilliard before debuting on Broadway in the 1970s. LuPone won her first Tony Award for her portrayal of Eva Perón in the original London production of Evita. She later earned acclaim for roles in Les Misérables, Gypsy, and Sweeney Todd, securing multiple awards including the Olivier and Drama Desk. Beyond the stage, she has appeared in film and television series such as American Horror Story. Her dynamic voice and commanding stage presence have made her a legend in musical theater.

Shivaji Satam was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India, in 1950. He has appeared in over 100 films spanning Marathi and Hindi cinema. Satam gained widespread fame for portraying ACP Pradyuman on the long-running television series CID, which aired for two decades. His authoritative yet approachable on-screen persona endeared him to audiences nationwide. Beyond CID, he has delivered strong performances in films like Khakee, Maya Memsaab, and Lage Raho Munna Bhai. Off-screen, he is respected for his dedication to the craft and mentorship of younger actors.

Anthony Salvatore Tony Danza was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1951. He rose to fame playing streetwise cab driver Tony Banta on the sitcom Taxi (1978–1983). Following that success, he headlined the popular family sitcom Who's the Boss? (1984–1992). Danza has also pursued stage acting, producing, and boxing, showcasing his versatility. He authored a memoir and taught English at a Philadelphia high school for a season, later chronicled in the series Teach: Tony Danza. His charismatic presence and everyman appeal have made him a beloved figure in American entertainment.