June 14

John McCormack was an Irish tenor renowned for his bel canto technique and emotional expressiveness. Born in Athlone in 1884, he rose to international fame with operatic roles in Europe and the United States. McCormack also appeared in early sound films, bringing his voice to a wider audience. His extensive recording career made him one of the best-selling singers of the early 20th century. Known for his interpretations of Irish folk songs and light classical repertoire, he captivated listeners worldwide. Beyond performing, he advocated for musical education and supported charitable causes. McCormack's elegant vocal style continues to influence tenors today.

May Allison was a leading actress of the silent film era in Hollywood. She starred opposite Harold Lockwood in a series of box-office hits, becoming one of early cinema's favorite duos. Allison's charming screen presence and expressive acting captured audiences' hearts. She appeared in over 30 films before retiring in the mid-1920s. After leaving Hollywood, she lived a quiet life away from the spotlight. Allison's contributions to silent cinema helped shape the industry's golden age. She remained a beloved figure among silent film enthusiasts until her death in 1989.

June Walker rose to fame on Broadway, where her performance as Lorelei Lee in the 1926 production of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes garnered critical acclaim. She successfully transitioned to film, reprising her role in the 1928 silent adaptation. Walker's screen presence and comedic timing endeared her to audiences during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Over her career, she appeared in a variety of stage productions and movies, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her contributions to theater and film remain a highlight of early 20th-century American entertainment.

Born in 1909, Burl Ives became a beloved figure in American folk music, popularizing songs like 'Blue Tail Fly' and 'A Holly Jolly Christmas.' Transitioning to acting, he earned an Academy Award nomination for 'Cat on a Hot Tin Roof' and charmed audiences in Westerns such as 'The Big Country.' Ives hosted television specials and wrote memoirs recounting his musical journeys. His gentle presence and distinctive voice left an indelible mark on both music and film. Ives’s contributions continue to resonate in American cultural heritage.

Dorothy McGuire was born in 1916 and debuted on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood. Under contract with MGM, she delivered a memorable Oscar-nominated performance in 'Gentleman’s Agreement.' McGuire starred in classics like 'The Spiral Staircase' and 'Friendly Persuasion,' earning praise for her emotional depth. Later, she enjoyed success in television, starring in series such as 'Mr. Novak.' Known for her warmth and intelligence, McGuire’s career spanned five decades. Her legacy lives on through her enduring performances and contributions to American cinema.

Gene Barry was born in 1919 and enjoyed a distinguished career in film and television. He starred in the popular Western series 'Bat Masterson,' portraying the suave marshal with style and wit. Barry also led in 'Burke’s Law,' showcasing his trademark elegance and humor. His film credits include 'The Atomic City' and voice work for Disney’s 'The Rescuers.' Known for his polished presence and versatility, Barry remained active in stage and screen for over five decades. His enduring performances left a lasting impression on American entertainment.

Born in Chicago, Sam Wanamaker began his acting career on Broadway in the 1940s. He appeared in films such as Julius Caesar and became a prominent stage actor and director. Facing blacklisting during the McCarthy era, he moved to the United Kingdom in the 1950s. There he continued his theatre work and married actress Charlotte Holland. In 1970, he led the campaign to rebuild Shakespeare's Globe Theatre near its original site. His dedication revived interest in classical drama and created a landmark in London. Wanamaker's legacy endures through the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse and the modern Globe reconstruction.

Born in The Bronx, Martha Greenhouse trained at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. She made her professional stage debut in the late 1940s and became a fixture of American theater. Greenhouse appeared in films including The Young Savages and on television series like Fantasy Island. Her work spanned dramatic and comedic roles across Broadway, film, and soap operas. Renowned for her versatility, she maintained a career that lasted more than six decades. She passed away in 2013 but is remembered for her enduring contributions to the stage and screen.

She began her career as a sketch comedienne in Chicago before moving to television in the 1970s. Gibbs rose to fame playing the sharp-witted housekeeper Florence Johnston on the CBS sitcom The Jeffersons, earning three Emmy nominations. Her charismatic performance made Florence one of the most memorable characters in television history. She later starred in her own short-lived sitcom, 227, showcasing her talents as both lead actress and producer. In addition to acting, Gibbs has worked as a comedian, singer, and executive producer across stage and screen. Her pioneering career paved the way for African-American women in comedy and television.

Higgins began his career in the 1950s as a radio presenter and comedian; he later transitioned to television. He earned national recognition playing Ted Bullpitt in Kingswood Country from 1980 to 1984, becoming an Australian TV icon. Beyond sitcoms, he appeared in series such as Hey Dad..! and The Flying Doctors, demonstrating his range as a character actor. His distinctive voice was featured in popular Australian commercials, most famously as the croaking frog in a well-known insecticide ad. Higgins also enjoyed success on stage, performing in musicals and theatre productions across the country. His contributions to Australian entertainment were honored with awards recognizing his lasting impact on comedy and television.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Antony Sher moved to the United Kingdom in 1968 to pursue drama studies. Over a five-decade career, he became one of the Royal Shakespeare Company's most acclaimed actors, earning Olivier Awards for his portrayals of complex Shakespearean characters such as Richard III. Knighted in 2000 for his services to drama, Sher also directed numerous stage productions and wrote bestselling memoirs including Year of the King. His screen work spanned television series like The Buccaneers and film adaptations of classic plays. As an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, Sher combined his artistic talents with a commitment to social causes until his passing in 2021.

Will Patton began his career on Broadway, earning acclaim for performances in classic and contemporary plays. He gained recognition in film with roles like Coach Bill Yoast in Remember the Titans and Colonel Davis in Armageddon. Patton's credits include dramas such as Minari and horror films like Halloween (2018). He starred in the TNT science-fiction series Falling Skies, showcasing his ability to cross genres. A graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, Patton continues to balance screen work with stage projects.