April 23

Michel Fokine (1880-1942) was a groundbreaking Russian ballet dancer and choreographer associated with Sergei Diaghilev’s Ballets Russes. He challenged classical ballet conventions by emphasizing expressive movement and integrating music, dance, and design into cohesive artworks. His iconic works include "Les Sylphides," "Le Spectre de la Rose," and "Scheherazade," which remain central to the ballet repertory. Fokine collaborated with composers like Igor Stravinsky and artists like Léon Bakst to create innovative stage productions. He later taught and choreographed internationally, leaving a lasting legacy on 20th-century dance.

Frank Borzage was born in Salt Lake City in 1894 and began his career as a silent film actor before moving behind the camera. He directed the groundbreaking romance 7th Heaven (1927), earning the inaugural Oscar for Best Director. Borzage continued to helm acclaimed films such as Street Angel (1928) and Bad Girl (1931), winning a second Academy Award. Known for his poetic visual style and focus on humanistic themes, his work influenced generations of filmmakers. Despite a decline in later years, his early films remain celebrated for their emotional depth and innovation.

Joseph Green began his career as an actor on both Polish and American stages, earning acclaim in theater circles. He later expanded into directing, bringing his storytelling talent to both theater and film. Green’s work often bridged cultural divides, showcasing Polish heritage to broader audiences in the United States. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he remained a dedicated artist committed to authentic representation. He continued working in both acting and directing roles until his death in 1996.

Born in Romania, Duncan Renaldo immigrated to the United States and built a versatile acting career in the 1930s and 40s. He gained fame playing the romantic bandit The Cisco Kid in a series of films and later portrayed the character on radio and television from 1950 to 1956. Renaldo’s charming performance made The Cisco Kid one of the most beloved Western heroes of his era. He appeared in over 40 films and numerous TV episodes, earning a loyal fan following. Beyond the cowboy genre, Renaldo acted in dramas and comedies, showcasing his range. He continued to work in entertainment until his retirement, leaving a lasting legacy in Western lore.

Simone Simon began her acting career in 1930s Paris, starring in early French talkies. Her exotic screen presence caught the attention of Hollywood studios, leading to her American debut in 1935. She delivered a memorable performance in Jacques Tourneur's Cat People (1942), earning critical acclaim. Simon skillfully navigated between romantic dramas and film noir throughout the 1940s. After returning to France, she continued to act in European films and occasional stage productions. Her elegant beauty and versatility made her a lasting icon of classic cinema.

Diosa Costello began her career in the vibrant musical revues of Puerto Rico before moving to New York. She became a sought-after performer at renowned venues such as the Copacabana and La Conga. Beyond the stage, Costello produced shows that showcased emerging Latin artists. She also co-owned a popular nightclub that became a hotspot for jazz, mambo, and Latin jazz. Her pioneering efforts paved the way for Latin music's crossover into mainstream American culture. Costello's legacy is celebrated for bridging cultural divides and elevating Latino performers.

Born in Altoona, Pennsylvania in 1921, Janet Blair began her career on Broadway before making her Hollywood debut in the early 1940s. She starred in over thirty films, showcasing her warm vocals in musicals and her dramatic talent in film noir. In the 1950s, Blair transitioned to television, headlining her own variety program and making guest appearances on popular series. Later in her career, she returned to live theater, touring in national productions. Her versatility and stage presence made her a standout figure of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Shirley Temple (April 23, 1928 - February 10, 2014) was an American actress, singer, dancer, and later diplomat who rose to fame as a child star during the Great Depression. With her signature curly hair and effervescent smile, she starred in classics such as Bright Eyes, Heidi, and Curly Top, captivating audiences worldwide. Temple's performances helped lift national morale and made her a symbol of hope. As an adult, she served in the U.S. State Department, holding posts as ambassador to Ghana and chief of protocol in Washington. She received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center Honors for her contributions to entertainment and diplomacy. Temple's legacy endures through her iconic films and groundbreaking role as one of Hollywood's first major child celebrities.

Lee Majors (born 1939) is an American actor who gained fame as Steve Austin in The Six Million Dollar Man. He later starred as Colt Seavers in the hit series The Fall Guy, showcasing his action hero persona. Majors’ charismatic screen presence and athleticism made him a television icon. He has appeared in numerous films and TV shows over a career spanning six decades. His roles continue to influence popular culture and delight audiences worldwide.

Jacqueline Boyer was born in Paris in 1941 to a family of performers. She first gained international fame at the age of 18 when she represented France and won the 1960 Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'Tom Pillibi.' Her victory made her one of the youngest winners of the competition and launched a successful career across Europe. In addition to her music success, Boyer appeared in several French films and television shows, showcasing her versatility as an actress. Over the decades, she has remained active in the entertainment industry, performing on stage and participating in music festivals. Boyer’s elegant stage presence and clear soprano voice have earned her a lasting legacy in French popular culture.

Ed Stewart was born in 1941 in London and began his broadcasting career in the early days of BBC Radio 1. Nicknamed 'Stewpot', he became a beloved voice on children’s radio programs such as Junior Choice on BBC Radio 2. Stewart also presented the popular television show Crackerjack and made regular appearances on Top of the Pops. His warm style and engaging personality endeared him to audiences across radio and television for decades. He remained active in broadcasting well into the 2000s, hosting nostalgia-themed music shows. Stewart passed away in 2016, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the UK’s most beloved entertainment hosts.

Sandra Dee was born in 1942 in Bayonne, New Jersey, and began her career as a teenage model before transitioning to film. She gained stardom with her breakout role in the 1959 beach film Gidget, which made her a teen idol. Dee earned critical acclaim for her performance in the romantic drama A Summer Place, notably for her rendition of 'Teenage Symphony.' She married fellow actor and musician Bobby Darin in 1960, forming one of Hollywood’s most celebrated young couples. Dee’s on-screen innocence and charm made her one of the most popular young actresses of the early 1960s. Later in life, she faced personal health challenges and became an advocate for mental health awareness. She passed away in 2005, leaving behind a memorable legacy in classic Hollywood cinema.