June 06

Born in 1860, Russell became one of the most popular stage performers of her era. She starred in dozens of operettas and musical comedies on Broadway, captivating audiences with her vocal talent and glamorous style. Her public persona epitomized Gilded Age elegance and she was often featured in society columns. Beyond the stage, she advocated for better living conditions for performers and was involved in early charitable work. Her memoir, published in 1907, offers insights into the theatrical world of her time. She remained an iconic figure until her death in 1922.

Jack Haley was born in 1897 in Boston, Massachusetts, and began his performance career in vaudeville and on Broadway. He is best remembered for his iconic role as the Tin Man in the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz. Haley appeared in numerous musicals, comedies, and radio programs throughout the 1930s and 1940s. He was admired for his warm comedic timing and musical talent. Haley died of a heart attack in 1979 while performing on stage in Los Angeles.

Mark McManus was born in 1935 in Hamilton, Scotland, and built a successful career in theatre, film, and television. He achieved international fame as Detective Chief Inspector Jim Taggart in the long-running series Taggart, which debuted in 1983. McManus's portrayal of the tough, no-nonsense inspector earned him acclaim and made Taggart one of Britain's most enduring crime dramas. He also appeared in stage productions and films throughout the 1960s and 1970s. McManus died from a heart attack in 1994, leaving behind a legacy as one of Scotland's most beloved television actors.

Born in New York City, Barry Sullivan began his acting career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood. He appeared in more than 100 films over a career spanning five decades, including standout performances in 'The Bad and the Beautiful' and 'The Great Gatsby'. Renowned for his gravelly voice and commanding presence, he became a favorite for roles in Westerns and crime dramas. In addition to film, Sullivan had a prolific stage career, starring in Broadway hits such as 'The Rainmaker'. He also made frequent television appearances, showcasing his versatility. His dedication to his craft earned him respect among peers and audiences alike. Sullivan passed away on June 6, 1994, leaving behind a legacy of classic performances.

Born Anna Maria Italiano in New York City, Anne Bancroft studied acting at HB Studio and under Sanford Meisner. She achieved fame on Broadway before making her film debut in the 1950s. Her portrayal of teacher Anne Sullivan in 'The Miracle Worker' earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress in 1963. Bancroft's career spanned over five decades with acclaimed performances in films like 'The Graduate' and 'To Sir, with Love'. She was one of the few actresses to win the Triple Crown of Acting, earning awards from the Academy, Emmy, and Tony. Known for her nuanced performances and emotional depth, she inspired generations of actors. Bancroft passed away on June 6, 2005, leaving a lasting legacy in theatre and film.

Born in Houston, Texas, Billy Preston began playing piano at age three. Discovered by Little Richard, he recorded his first album at age 12. As a session musician, he worked with artists like Ray Charles and Sam Cooke before joining The Beatles on their final recordings. His solo hits include 'Will It Go Round in Circles' and 'Nothing from Nothing'. Preston won a Grammy Award and was nicknamed 'the Fifth Beatle'. He also appeared as an actor in film and television, showcasing his charismatic presence. Preston passed away on June 6, 2006, remembered for his pioneering soul-funk sound.

Born in Inglewood, California, Esther Williams set national swimming records as a teenager and was deemed Olympic-ready before the 1940 Games were canceled by World War II. Her athletic prowess caught MGM's attention, and she became the studio's most bankable female star in the 1940s and 1950s. Williams starred in a series of 'aquamusicals' such as 'Bathing Beauty' and 'Million Dollar Mermaid', showcasing synchronized swimming on film. Her blend of athleticism and glamour captivated audiences and defined a unique genre of entertainment. After retiring, she built a successful business empire with swimwear lines and swim schools. Williams authored memoirs sharing behind-the-scenes Hollywood stories and her passion for aquatic sports. She died on June 6, 2013, remembered as the original water ballet queen.