May 23

Douglas Fairbanks (1883-1939) was a leading silent film actor, producer, director, and screenwriter celebrated for his charismatic performances and daring stunts. He rose to fame with iconic roles in The Mark of Zorro (1920), Robin Hood (1922), and The Thief of Bagdad (1924), defining the swashbuckler genre. As a co-founder of United Artists in 1919, he championed creative control and independence for filmmakers. Fairbanks served as the first president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, shaping the early film industry. His energetic style and on-screen athleticism inspired future generations of actors and filmmakers. Fairbanks remains a symbol of Hollywood's golden age and the silent era's greatest stars.

Born in London in 1890, Herbert Marshall began his acting career on the British stage. He served as a lieutenant in the Lancashire Fusiliers during World War I, losing a leg in combat. Marshall transitioned to Hollywood in the 1930s, becoming known for his smooth, cultured voice. He starred alongside Marlene Dietrich in The Blue Angel and received an Oscar nomination for The Toast of New York. Throughout his career, he appeared in over 80 films, including Foreign Correspondent and The Little Foxes. Marshall continued to act on stage and screen until his death in 1966, leaving a legacy as one of Hollywood's elegant leading men.

Scatman Crothers was an American actor, comedian, and musician whose career spanned over five decades. Born in 1910, he began as a jazz singer and guitarist before transitioning to acting. Crothers is best remembered for his performance as Dick Hallorann in Stanley Kubrick's "The Shining" and as the voice of Hong Kong Phooey in the animated series. He also appeared in films like "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and the TV show "Chico and the Man." Known for his warm presence and distinctive voice, he broke racial barriers in Hollywood. Crothers passed away in 1986, leaving a diverse and enduring body of work.

John Payne was an American actor who appeared in over 80 films across four decades. Born in Roanoke, Virginia in 1912, he began his career on Broadway before signing with Paramount Pictures. He gained wide recognition for his performance as Mr. Kirby in the Christmas classic Miracle on 34th Street (1947). Payne starred in numerous Westerns, including Texas and Kansas Pacific, showcasing his rugged charm. On television, he led the series The Restless Gun, playing the amiable gunman Vint Bonner. Known for his versatile screen presence, he also appeared in musicals like Hollywood Canteen. He retired in the late 1960s and passed away in 1989, leaving a legacy of memorable screen roles.

Betty Garrett was a versatile performer whose talents spanned Broadway stages, Hollywood films, and television sitcoms. She earned acclaim for her roles in musicals such as "On the Town" and "Meet Me in St. Louis" alongside MGM stars. Despite being blacklisted during the McCarthy era, she returned to the screen and stage with renewed passion. In later years, Garrett charmed audiences as a beloved character in the sitcom "All in the Family." Her warm presence and comedic timing made her a favorite among multiple generations. Garrett's career exemplified resilience, creativity, and enduring dedication to the performing arts.

Born in 1928 in Maysville, Kentucky, she rose to fame in the early 1950s with hit songs like "Come On-a My House." Her warm, expressive voice made her one of the leading pop and jazz singers of her era. She starred in films such as "The Stars Are Singing" and hosted her own radio and television shows. Despite personal struggles with depression and addiction, she enjoyed a career resurgence in the 1970s with acclaimed jazz recordings. She was also a published author and the aunt of actor George Clooney, leaving an enduring musical legacy.

Born in 1928, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and became a respected character actor. Davenport appeared in films such as "A Man for All Seasons," "Chariots of Fire," and the horror classic "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed." He was a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company, performing in numerous Shakespearean productions. Known for his versatility, he worked with directors like David Lean and Michael Powell. His career spanned more than fifty years, leaving a memorable mark on British theatre and cinema.

Born in 1929 in Stockholm, she trained at Sweden's Royal Dramatic Theatre school. Jacobsson gained international recognition with her role in Ingmar Bergman's "Smiles of a Summer Night." She starred opposite Michael Caine in the war film "Zulu," showcasing her versatility. Her career spanned both Swedish and Austrian cinema and theatre. Jacobsson's elegance and talent made her a beloved figure in mid-20th century film.

Born in 1931 in Chicago, she trained at HB Studio before making her Broadway debut. Barrie earned a Tony nomination for her performance in "Maybe Tuesday." She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in "Breaking Away." On television, she was known for her long-running role in the series "Barney Miller." An accomplished author, she wrote memoirs and children's books sharing insights from her career.

Born in 1933 in London, she made her film debut at age 17. Collins gained international fame as the glamorous Alexis Carrington on the hit TV series "Dynasty." Her film credits include "The Stud" and "The Bitch," adaptations of her sister's novels. She authored several bestselling books, including novels and memoirs like "Past Imperfect." An enduring style icon, she continues to act and perform on stage into the 21st century.

Ingeborg Hallstein is a German soprano admired for her lyrical voice and dramatic presence on stage. She trained at the Munich Academy of Music and made her debut at the Bavarian State Opera in 1958. Hallstein excelled in Mozart and Richard Strauss roles, earning international acclaim at leading opera houses. Beyond opera, she appeared in films and television productions, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her recordings remain benchmarks for aficionados of mid-20th-century operatic art.

Charles Kimbrough was an American actor whose career spanned stage, film, and television. He earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance in the Broadway musical Company. Kimbrough gained widespread fame as the dry-witted anchorman Jim Dial on Murphy Brown (1988–1998). He also provided voice work for animated films and series, including Batman: The Animated Series. Known for his distinctive baritone voice and comedic timing, he remains a beloved figure in television history.