April 22

Will Geer was an American actor, teacher, and social activist best remembered for his role as Grandpa Zebulon Walton on The Waltons. He began his career in theater and joined the Group Theatre in New York in the 1930s. Geer was blacklisted during the McCarthy era for his political beliefs but continued to act on stage. He lectured at UCLA and taught botany at the UCLA Arboretum, reflecting his love for nature. His gentle performance on The Waltons endeared him to audiences and earned him an Emmy nomination. Geer also appeared in films such as The Strawberry Statement and Inherit the Wind. He remained a passionate advocate for civil rights and environmental causes until his death.

Jane Froman was an American singer and actress whose career spanned radio, film, and live performances. Despite surviving a near-fatal plane crash during a USO tour in World War II, she bravely returned to entertain troops. Her hit recordings included 'Long Ago (and Far Away)' and 'Deep Purple,' which topped charts in the 1940s. Froman starred in the biographical film With a Song in My Heart (1952), earning an Academy Award nomination. She became one of the highest-paid radio personalities and a beloved figure on television. Froman's dedication to her audience and her perseverance in the face of hardship inspired countless fans. Her autobiography and recordings continue to captivate music and film enthusiasts.

Irene Rich was born in 1891 in Buffalo, New York, and began her acting career on stage before moving to film. She starred in over fifty silent pictures throughout the 1910s and 1920s. With the advent of talkies, Rich smoothly transitioned and continued to win audiences with her poise and melodic voice. She also became a popular radio performer during the 1930s and 1940s, hosting dramatic anthology programs. Throughout her career, she was known for portraying dignified and sympathetic characters. Beyond acting, Rich was involved in charitable work and the advancement of women in the entertainment industry. She retired in the late 1940s and passed away in 1988, leaving a legacy in both early cinema and broadcasting.

Born in 1928 in Massachusetts, Albert Salmi studied drama at the University of Oklahoma. He made his Broadway debut in the early 1950s before transitioning to Hollywood. Salmi appeared in iconic films such as 'The Brothers Karamazov' and gave a standout performance in 'Murder by Contract.' On television, he guest-starred in series like Gunsmoke, Rawhide, and Ironside. He was praised for his versatility and ability to convey complex characters in limited screen time. Throughout his career, Salmi balanced stage work, film roles, and teaching acting workshops. He died in 1990, and his legacy endures through the many memorable characters he brought to life.

Alida Valli was born in 1921 in Pola, then part of Italy, and made her film debut at age 13. She starred in Luchino Visconti’s Bellissima and Alfred Hitchcock’s The Paradine Case before delivering an iconic performance in Carol Reed’s The Third Man. Valli worked with directors such as Michelangelo Antonioni and Federico Fellini, crossing between Italian cinema and international productions. Her elegant screen presence and dramatic range earned her acclaim across Europe. Later in her career, she appeared on stage and television, demonstrating versatility as a performer. Alida Valli passed away on April 22, 2006, remembered as one of Italy’s finest actresses.

Shirley Knight was an American actress whose career spanned Broadway, Hollywood, and television. She won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for 'The Dark at the Top of the Stairs' (1957) and received Academy Award nominations for her performances in its film adaptation and in 'Sweet Bird of Youth' (1962). Knight delivered memorable roles in films such as 'As Good as It Gets' and 'The Rainmaker', and appeared frequently on television dramas. Known for her intense, authentic portrayals, she also worked as an acting coach and mentor. Knight's dedication to her craft and ability to capture complex characters made her a respected figure in the performing arts.

Leonard Gordon Goodman (1944–2023) was an English ballroom dancer, dance teacher, and television personality. He earned professional dance championships before becoming the head judge on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing and ABC's Dancing with the Stars. His honest critiques, warmth, and wit made him a fan favorite. Goodman authored an autobiography and appeared on various dance programs, helping to popularize ballroom dancing worldwide. His contributions inspired generations of dancers and cemented his legacy in the dance community.