April 24

Born on April 24, 1879, Susanna Bokoyni emigrated from Hungary to the United States and joined the vaudeville circuit. She gained fame as a contortionist, captivating audiences with her flexibility and daring routines. Bokoyni performed with major traveling circuses and theaters across America and Europe for decades. Her performances combined athletic skill with theatrical flair, making her a popular attraction in the early 20th century. She remained active on stage well into later life, leaving a legacy as one of the era's most enduring circus artists.

Marceline Day rose to fame in the 1920s as a leading actress in silent films produced by Universal Pictures. Born in 1908, she delivered a memorable performance opposite Buster Keaton in The Cameraman (1928). Over her career, she appeared in more than 80 films, showcasing her talent in comedies, dramas, and early talkies. Day embraced the transition to sound, starring in musical comedies before retiring in the late 1930s. Her expressive face and comedic timing made her a favorite of silent-era audiences. Though she left Hollywood, her films remain celebrated by silent film enthusiasts. Day lived a quiet life until her death in 2000, leaving behind a lasting screen legacy.

Ruth Kobart was born in 1924. She began her career as a singer, performing in regional musical theatre productions. Kobart made her professional debut on stage in the late 1940s, showcasing her versatile soprano voice. Over the next three decades, she appeared in numerous operettas, musicals, and television anthology series. Known for her warm stage presence and musical range, she garnered acclaim from audiences across the country. She retired from performing in the 1980s and passed away in 2002.

Marilyn Erskine was born in 1926 in the United States. She made her screen debut in the 1940s, quickly gaining roles in Hollywood films. Erskine also appeared on early television series, showcasing her range in drama and comedy. She worked steadily throughout the 1950s with various studios and directors. Known for her graceful presence and emotive performances, she remained in demand. Later in life, she retired from acting to pursue personal interests and family.

Dr. Rajkumar was born in 1929 in Mysore, India. He debuted in Kannada films in the early 1950s and quickly rose to stardom. Renowned for his versatile acting and commanding screen presence, he starred in over 200 films. Rajkumar was also a gifted singer, recording numerous popular film songs. He received multiple state and national awards, cementing his status as a cultural icon. His legacy endures in Indian cinema, and he is celebrated annually by fans following his death in 2006.

Richard Donner (1930-2021) was an American filmmaker whose dynamic direction helped shape modern Hollywood blockbusters. He first gained prominence with the horror classic The Omen, showcasing his ability to build suspense and complex characters. In 1978, Donner redefined the superhero genre with his film Superman, starring Christopher Reeve, blending human drama with groundbreaking special effects. He went on to direct and produce the Lethal Weapon series, uniting sharp wit with thrilling action sequences. Donner co-founded The Donner Company and mentored emerging talent behind the scenes as a producer. His legacy endures in the enduring popularity of his films and the stylistic influence he imparted to subsequent generations of directors.

Shirley MacLaine (born 1934) is an American actress, singer, dancer, and author whose career spans over six decades. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Terms of Endearment and received nominations for films like The Apartment and Steel Magnolias. MacLaine began her career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood, earning acclaim for her dynamic screen presence. Beyond acting, she has penned best-selling books on spiritual exploration and metaphysics, reflecting her interest in New Age philosophies. Her candid memoirs and public lectures have inspired audiences to pursue personal growth. MacLaine's enduring charm and fearlessness in tackling new creative avenues have made her a beloved cultural icon.

Jill Ireland (1936-1990) was an English actress whose career spanned British and American film and television. She gained early recognition in shows like The Saint and The Professionals before starring in movies such as Theatre of Blood and Where Eagles Dare. Married to actor Charles Bronson, Ireland co-starred with him in several action films, forming one of Hollywood’s most enduring screen couples. Later in life, she became a published author, writing candidly about her family’s battles with illness, including her own fight against breast cancer. Her books and advocacy raised awareness for cancer support and patient rights. Ireland’s grace under adversity and versatile performances continue to inspire audiences.

Barbra Streisand has won multiple Academy, Grammy, Emmy, and Golden Globe Awards for her work in music and film. Rising to fame in the 1960s with Broadway and nightclub performances, she released chart-topping albums like 'The Way We Were' and starred in films such as 'Funny Girl' and 'A Star Is Born.' A vocal advocate for civil rights and environmental causes, Streisand continues to produce, perform, and inspire new generations of artists.

Phil Robertson (born April 24, 1946) is an American hunter, businessman, and reality television personality. He co-founded Duck Commander, a company specializing in duck calls, in 1972. His outspoken views and family dynamics were featured on the hit A&E series Duck Dynasty, which ran from 2012 to 2017. Robertson's success on television turned the Duck Dynasty family into cultural icons and launched a merchandise empire. He has authored books on hunting, faith, and life lessons and remains active in outdoor sports and philanthropy. Robertson has also been involved in various Christian ministries and public speaking engagements.

Eric Bogosian is an American actor, playwright, and novelist known for his intense solo performances. He gained prominence with his darkly comedic one-man shows such as 'Talk Radio,' which was adapted into a feature film directed by Oliver Stone. As a novelist, he has published works like 'Mall' and 'Wasted Beauty' that explore contemporary American life with sharp wit. Bogosian has appeared in films including 'Under Siege' and television series such as 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent.' His writing often dissects themes of alienation, media saturation, and the darker side of the human psyche. He continues to write, direct, and perform, maintaining a dynamic presence in theater and screen.

Born in Mount Vernon, New York, in 1955, O’Keefe studied acting at the Lee Strasberg Institute. He received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor in "The Great Santini" (1979). He gained widespread recognition as Danny Noonan in the comedy classic "Caddyshack" (1980). He has appeared in films such as "Roxanne" and "The Slugger’s Wife," and in series like "True Blood." Known for his versatility, he has starred in dramas, comedies, and thrillers. With a career spanning over four decades, he remains active in film and television.