May 15

Born Léonie Bathiat in 1898, Arletty began her career as a fashion model and cabaret singer in Paris. She transitioned to film in the 1930s and gained acclaim for her performances in 'Hôtel du Nord' and 'Le jour se lève'. Her most celebrated role was Garance in Marcel Carné's 'Les Enfants du Paradis', which is considered a masterpiece of French cinema. Her sharp wit and distinctive screen presence made her a beloved figure. She retired after World War II and died in 1992, leaving a lasting mark on French film.

Born in Brooklyn in 1904, Clifton Fadiman became a guiding voice in American letters. He edited influential anthologies for Simon & Schuster, bringing classic and contemporary works to a wide audience. As the quizmaster of the radio and TV show "Information Please," he challenged guests with literary and historical questions. His warm wit and erudition made him a household name from the 1930s through the 1950s. Fadiman contributed essays, reviews, and commentary to The New Yorker and The New York Times Magazine. His passion for education and the arts left a lasting mark on mid-20th-century American culture.

Born in Petersburg, Virginia, in 1905, Joseph Cotten rose to fame in Orson Welles's Mercury Theatre. He delivered a memorable performance in "Citizen Kane" (1941) as Jedediah Leland. Over a five-decade career, he starred in classics like "The Third Man" and Hitchcock's "Shadow of a Doubt." Renowned for his distinguished voice and presence, Cotten earned an Academy Award nomination for "The Magnificent Ambersons." He appeared in over 80 films and numerous television productions, leaving a legacy of versatile character roles. Cotten's smooth acting style and on-screen charisma made him a beloved figure of Hollywood's Golden Age.

Born in Huddersfield in 1909, James Mason began his acting career on the British stage. He gained acclaim in films like "The Man in the White Suit" (1951) and "Odd Man Out" (1947). Mason transitioned to Hollywood, earning Academy Award nominations for "A Star Is Born" and "Lolita." He showcased versatility as a producer and screenwriter, bringing nuanced characters to life. His suave presence and rich voice made him a sought-after star in the 1950s and 1960s. Mason's legacy endures through his memorable performances and contributions to international cinema.

Born in Seattle in 1910, Constance Cummings moved to London to pursue stage acting. She won the Broadway Award for Best Actress for her role in "Theatre Royal." Cummings starred in films like "The War Lover" (1962) and the TV series "Murder Is Easy." Her poised performances and versatility earned her respect on stage and screen. She received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to drama in 1974. Cummings remained active in theater well into her later years, mentoring young actors.

Vera Gebuhr was born in Copenhagen in 1916 and became one of Denmark's most esteemed actresses. She made her stage debut in the 1930s and transitioned to film, starring in classics such as 'Soldaterkammerater' (1958). Gebuhr was known for her versatility, portraying both dramatic and comedic roles across theater, film, and television. Her career spanned more than six decades, earning her multiple awards from Danish arts institutions. Beyond acting, she mentored young performers and supported theatrical education programs. Gebuhr's enduring presence in Danish culture made her a beloved national figure.

Joseph Wiseman was a versatile character actor born in Canada and later working extensively in American theater, film, and television. He gained international fame for his chilling portrayal of Dr. No, the inaugural antagonist in the James Bond film series. Throughout his career, Wiseman delivered memorable performances on Broadway, including roles in A Hatful of Rain and The Cave Dwellers. He appeared in numerous TV shows such as The Twilight Zone and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Known for his magnetic presence and nuanced acting, he remained a respected figure in the performing arts until his death in 2009.

Roy Stewart was a Jamaican-English actor and stuntman who appeared in numerous British films from the 1960s to the 1980s. Born in Jamaica in 1925, he moved to England to pursue acting and stunt work. Stewart performed in films such as Dr. No, The Ipcress File, and several Hammer horror productions, showcasing his versatility. His expertise in stunt coordination made him a sought-after performer in action sequences. In addition to film, he worked in television and theatre, leaving a mark on multiple entertainment mediums. Stewart's trailblazing career opened doors for actors of Caribbean descent in the UK film industry.

Born in Japan in 1935, Akihiro Miwa debuted as a singer at age sixteen and quickly gained fame for his deep, emotive voice. He embraced the role of a performance artist, starring in films, theater productions, and television dramas across Japan. As a director and composer, he created avant-garde works that blended music, theater, and visual art. Miwa is also an accomplished author, writing memoirs and essays on identity, art, and society. His status as a prominent drag queen and atomic bomb survivor has informed his powerful advocacy for peace and human rights. With a career spanning over six decades, he remains a celebrated icon of Japanese culture and creativity.

Born in Pesaro, Italy in 1936, Anna Maria Alberghetti began her performance career as a child soprano touring Europe. She made her Broadway debut at age nineteen and won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical for 'Carnival!' in 1962. Alberghetti appeared in films such as 'The Student Prince' and was a frequent guest on The Ed Sullivan Show. Her versatile talents have led to roles in theater, television, and live concerts around the world. Fluent in multiple languages, she has charmed audiences with her crystal-clear voice and engaging stage presence. Over eight decades, she has remained an active performer and cultural ambassador for her Italian heritage.

Born in Dallas, Texas in 1937, Trinidad 'Trini' Lopez began playing guitar as a teenager and performed in local clubs. He shot to fame in the early 1960s with energetic folk and rock-pop recordings, including 'If I Had a Hammer' and 'Lemon Tree'. Lopez's upbeat performances and charismatic stage presence earned him gold records and international tours. He transitioned into acting, appearing in films such as 'The Dirty Dozen' and on popular television shows. In addition to his entertainment career, he established successful restaurants themed around his music. Lopez passed away in 2020, remembered for his multicultural impact on music and film.

Born in 1938 in Toulon, France, Mireille Darc began her acting career in the early 1960s. She rose to fame through collaborations with director Georges Lautner, becoming one of the icons of French popular cinema. Beyond acting, she directed and co-wrote several films, showcasing her creative vision behind the camera. Over a career spanning five decades, she appeared in more than 60 films and numerous television series. Darc received a César Award nomination and was admired for her versatility in drama and comedy. She remained active and respected in the industry until her passing in 2017.