May 17

Karl Mantzius was born in 1860 in Copenhagen and trained at the Royal Danish Theatre's drama school. He joined the Royal Theatre ensemble in 1881 and became renowned for his commanding portrayals of both classical and contemporary roles. Mantzius later served as a director at Det Kongelige Teater, introducing innovative staging techniques and modern repertoire. He also appeared in early Danish silent films, bringing his theatrical experience to the screen. As a teacher and critic, he penned essays on drama theory and influenced the next generation of Scandinavian actors. Mantzius’s enthusiasm for the performing arts extended to mentorship and theater administration. His legacy lives on in the history of Danish theater and film.

Tony Randall was born in 1920 and enjoyed a career spanning stage, film, and television. He gained widespread fame for portraying Felix Unger in the hit sitcom 'The Odd Couple' from 1970 to 1975. He appeared in films such as 'Pillow Talk' and 'Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?'. A classically trained actor, Randall founded the National Actors Theatre in New York City in 1991. He was a passionate advocate for the arts and served as a trustee of Lincoln Center. His performance style combined sophistication with comic timing. Randall died in 2004, leaving a legacy as a versatile and dedicated performer.

Frank Gorshin was born in 1933 and began his career as a stand-up comedian and impressionist. He achieved national fame for his manic performance as the Riddler in the 1966 television series 'Batman'. Gorshin's talent for mimicry and physical comedy made him a popular guest on variety shows and talk programs. He appeared in films such as 'Pete's Dragon' and earned acclaim for his stage work on Broadway. In addition to acting, he released comedy albums showcasing his vocal impressions. Gorshin continued to perform live and on screen until his health declined. He died in 2005, remembered for his dynamic and transformative performances.