May 29

Born in 1882 in Philadelphia to legendary stage actors, Barrymore achieved fame on Broadway with his Shakespearean roles before becoming a Hollywood star. He appeared in silent classics and sound films such as 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' showcasing his versatility and charisma. Barrymore’s personal life was marked by both acclaim and personal struggles, including battles with alcoholism. His impactful presence influenced generations of actors, and his performances remain celebrated. He died on May 29, 1942.

Dame May Whitty was a celebrated English actress whose career spanned over six decades on stage and screen. She began her career in Edwardian theatre and earned acclaim for dramatic roles in London and New York. In the 1940s, Whitty transitioned to Hollywood, receiving Academy Award nominations for her performances in 'Night Must Fall' and 'Mrs. Miniver.' Her commanding presence and versatility made her a beloved figure in both British and American cinema. She was honored with a Damehood in 1918 for her contributions to the arts.

Fanny Brice rose to fame as a leading performer in the Ziegfeld Follies, showcasing her unique blend of singing and comedy. Born in 1891 in New York, she created the enduring character Baby Snooks on radio, delighting audiences nationwide. Brice also appeared in films and Broadway shows, demonstrating her versatility as an entertainer. Her turbulent personal life, including her marriage to gambler Nicky Arnstein, attracted public interest. Her legacy was immortalized in the 1964 musical Funny Girl, which dramatized her life story and starred Barbra Streisand.

James Whale was an English director born in 1889 who became a central figure in Universal Pictures' horror film legacy. He directed landmark films such as Frankenstein (1931), The Old Dark House (1932), and The Invisible Man (1933), which set stylistic standards for the genre. Whale's innovative use of lighting, camera angles, and set design influenced countless filmmakers. Before Hollywood, he worked in theatre, bringing a dramatic flair to his screen productions. Although his later career waned, Whale's impact on cinematic horror endures through retrospectives and scholarly studies.

Mary Pickford was born in Toronto in 1892 and rose to fame as a silent film star, earning the nickname "America’s Sweetheart." She co-founded United Artists in 1919 alongside Charlie Chaplin, Douglas Fairbanks, and D.W. Griffith, giving actors unprecedented control over their work. Pickford won the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1929 for her role in Coquette. She was also a pioneering producer and screenwriter, shaping the early Hollywood studio system. Her philanthropy and advocacy for actors’ rights left a lasting impact before her death on May 29, 1979.

Romy Schneider was born in Vienna in 1938 and shot to fame as Empress Elisabeth in the "Sissi" trilogy (1955–1957). She transitioned to dramatic roles in French and German cinema, working with directors like Orson Welles in The Trial and Claude Sautet in César-winning performances. Schneider’s nuanced portrayals earned her critical acclaim and multiple awards. Despite personal tragedies, she remained a beloved figure in European film. She died suddenly in Paris on May 29, 1982, at the age of 43.

Born in 1927, Harvey Korman gained fame as a principal performer on The Carol Burnett Show, where his impeccable comedic timing and characters earned him four Emmy Awards. He collaborated frequently with director Mel Brooks, appearing in classics such as Blazing Saddles and History of the World, Part I. Korman began his career as a singer and dancer before transitioning to television and film comedy. Over a career spanning five decades, he became one of the most beloved figures in American comedy, influencing generations of performers with his versatility and wit.

Born in 1936, Dennis Hopper began acting in his teens and gained early recognition in Rebel Without a Cause. He co-wrote, directed, and starred in Easy Rider in 1969, a landmark film that captured the spirit of the American counterculture. Hopper went on to work with acclaimed directors such as Francis Ford Coppola and David Lynch in films like Apocalypse Now and Blue Velvet. Beyond acting, he was a painter and photographer whose work was exhibited internationally. Hopper's unpredictable genius and rebellious persona left a lasting mark on both cinema and popular culture.

Françoise Blanchard was a versatile French actress with a career spanning over three decades. She captivated audiences with her intense portrayals in film, television, and theatre. Known for her work in both mainstream and cult cinema, she brought depth to every role. Her expressive presence and emotional range made her a standout performer of her generation. She also appeared on stage, demonstrating her versatility across mediums. Blanchard's legacy endures through her memorable characters and influence on French cinema.

Franca Rame was an Italian actress and influential playwright whose fearless works tackled social and political issues. Collaborating with her husband, Nobel laureate Dario Fo, she co-authored satirical plays that criticized power and inequality. On stage, her dynamic performances blended humor with sharp political commentary, captivating audiences. A dedicated activist, she championed women's rights and spoke out against violence and oppression. Her memoirs and monologues offered poignant insights into personal experience and public struggle. Rame's legacy lives on through her groundbreaking contributions to theatre and her unwavering commitment to social justice.

Born in 1926, Betsy Palmer began her career on stage before transitioning to film and television. She appeared in a variety of genres, showcasing her versatility and charisma. Palmer's most iconic role came in 1980 when she portrayed Jason Voorhees' vengeful mother in 'Friday the 13th', earning a cult following. In addition to horror, she guest-starred on popular TV shows like 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Matlock'. Palmer also hosted 'Queen for a Day', endearing herself to daytime audiences. Her contributions to entertainment spanned five decades, leaving a memorable legacy.