June 05

Nils Olaf Chrisander was a Swedish-born actor and film director active during the silent era. He moved to the United States where he appeared in and directed several motion pictures. Chrisander is best remembered for his roles in early horror and adventure films. His pioneering work helped bridge European and American cinema during its formative years. Though less documented than contemporaries, his contributions remain part of silent film history.

Born in 1911 in Los Angeles, California, she began her career in radio dramas. Nolan transitioned to film and television, amassing over 200 screen credits. She was praised for her character work, notably in series like Gunsmoke and The Twilight Zone. Her rich voice led to memorable voice acting roles in animated features and commercials. Throughout her career, she earned critical acclaim and the respect of peers for her dedication to craft. Nolan's legacy endures in her diverse and influential body of work.

Ronald Reagan began his career in Hollywood, starring in over 50 films before becoming active in politics as Governor of California from 1967 to 1975. Elected President in 1980, he promoted conservative economic policies known as 'Reaganomics' aimed at reducing taxes, government spending, and regulation. His administration oversaw significant events such as the escalation of the arms race, the Strategic Defense Initiative, and negotiations with Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that helped ease Cold War tensions. Reagan survived an assassination attempt in 1981 and recovered to serve two full terms in office. A gifted communicator dubbed 'The Great Communicator,' his optimistic vision and charismatic style resonated with many Americans. After leaving office, he remained a respected figure in conservative circles and a symbol of 20th-century American politics. Reagan's presidency left a lasting legacy on domestic and foreign policy, shaping the U.S. trajectory for decades.

Richard Johnson was born in 1927 and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before making his professional debut in the West End. He enjoyed a long career spanning stage, film, and television, earning critical acclaim for his versatile performances. In 1963, he starred in Robert Wise's horror classic 'The Haunting', and two years later appeared alongside Charlton Heston in 'Khartoum'. Johnson was also a respected Shakespearean actor, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Later in life, he authored novels and memoirs reflecting on his experiences in the performing arts. He remained active in the industry until his death in June 2015 at the age of 87.

Andy Cunningham was born in 1950 and began his career as a puppeteer and actor in theatre. In 1989, he created the BBC children's series 'Bodger & Badger', in which he played Roland 'Bodger' Brown alongside his mischievous puppet, Badger. The show became a staple of 1990s British children's television with its playful sketches and interactive humour. Cunningham’s background in improvisation and physical comedy helped shape the series' unique style. After 'Bodger & Badger' ended in 1999, he continued to work in theatre, film, and television, and taught puppetry and performance workshops. He passed away in 2017, leaving a generation of fans who cherish his inventive contributions to children's entertainment.