June 18

Blanche Sweet was a pioneering American actress of the silent film era. She began her career at Biograph Studios under director D.W. Griffith. Sweet's naturalistic acting style distinguished her from her contemporaries. She starred in landmark films such as The Birth of a Nation and Judith of Bethulia. Throughout the 1920s, she remained a popular leading lady in Hollywood. After transitioning to talking pictures, she appeared in supporting roles and on television. Her career spanned over 200 film appearances and several stage performances. Sweet's legacy endures as a trailblazer of early American cinema.

Llewellyn Rees was an English actor with a career spanning stage, film, and television. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and became a respected stage performer. Rees appeared in British film classics and worked with renowned directors. His roles included characters in historical dramas and literary adaptations. On television, he was featured in popular series of the 1950s and 1960s. Rees also served as a director and teacher, mentoring younger actors.

Jeanette MacDonald was an American singer and film actress renowned for her operetta and musical films. She rose to fame in the 1930s with a series of musicals opposite Maurice Chevalier and Nelson Eddy. MacDonald became one of the highest-paid movie stars of the era. Her clear soprano voice and graceful screen presence endeared her to audiences worldwide. She also performed on Broadway and radio, showcasing her vocal talent beyond film. MacDonald's romantic onscreen pairings and melodic performances left a lasting mark on Hollywood musicals.

Keye Luke was a Chinese-American actor and the first Chinese-American contract player at a Hollywood studio. He gained fame as 'Number One Son' Lee Chan in the Charlie Chan film series of the 1930s. Luke's versatile career spanned radio, film, and television, including roles in Batman and the series Kung Fu. He also worked as an artist and illustrator, contributing to children's literature. Luke broke barriers for Asian representation in American entertainment and inspired future generations.

Bud Collyer began his career in radio drama and comic books. He voiced Superman/Clark Kent in the 1940s radio series Adventures of Superman. Collyer transitioned to television, hosting "To Tell the Truth" and "Beat the Clock." His warm style and wit made him a household name in early TV. He produced shows and advocated for mental health awareness. Collyer's broadcasting career spanned over three decades until his passing in 1969.

Nedra Volz began performing in vaudeville and nightclubs as "Angel the Ox-Faced Woman." She transitioned to film and became a recognizable face on television sitcoms. Volz appeared in All in the Family, Sanford and Son, and The Practice. Her grandmotherly roles endeared her to audiences of the 1970s and 1980s. She also performed voice work and toured with theater companies. Volz's late-blooming career spanned over five decades before her death in 2003.

Dick Foran rose to fame as the singing cowboy in Warner Bros. Westerns. Nicknamed the "Singing Cowboy," he recorded hit songs for his films. He appeared in over 50 movies and numerous radio broadcasts. Foran transitioned to character roles in television and theater. His baritone voice and rugged charm defined the Western hero archetype. He also toured in vaudeville and appeared on Broadway stages. Foran retired from acting in the early 1950s and passed away in 1979.

Avon Long was a celebrated performer on Broadway and in nightclubs. He co-starred in the original 1941 production of Star Spangled Girl. Long's rich baritone graced jazz clubs and recordings in the 1930s and 1940s. He appeared in the film version of St. Louis Blues alongside Nat King Cole. Long championed African-American theater and mentored young artists. His dynamic stage presence earned him acclaim in musical theater. He continued performing until his death in 1984.

E. G. Marshall was an American actor whose versatile career spanned Broadway, Hollywood, and network television. He earned acclaim for his role in the film '12 Angry Men', portraying the thoughtful juror Juror #4. On television, he starred in the legal drama 'The Defenders', winning three Emmy Awards for his portrayal of attorney Lawrence Preston. Marshall's stage work included productions by the American Shakespeare Festival and performances on Broadway. He also narrated documentaries and lent his distinctive voice to radio dramas. With a career lasting over five decades, Marshall left an enduring mark on American performing arts.

Richard Boone was an American actor and singer whose commanding presence made him a star of stage, film, and television. Born in Los Angeles in 1917, he began his career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood films in the 1950s. Boone achieved fame starring as the suave gunslinger Paladin in ‘Have Gun – Will Travel,’ a role he later directed episodes for as well. He showcased his versatility in dramas, westerns, and comedies, and earned critical acclaim for his rich baritone voice. Beyond acting, he worked behind the camera as a director and mentor to younger talents. Boone’s contributions to television and film earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a lasting legacy in the western genre.

Jüri Järvet was a renowned Estonian actor and screenwriter whose career spanned stage and screen. Born in 1919, he became a leading figure at the Estonian Drama Theatre, captivating audiences with his versatility and depth. Järvet gained international acclaim for his powerful performance as King Lear in Grigori Kozintsev’s Soviet-era film, showcasing his mastery of Shakespearean tragedy. He also delivered memorable roles in Estonian cinema, contributing to scriptwriting and film production. His work earned him multiple awards, including the People’s Artist of the USSR title. Järvet’s legacy endures as one of Estonia’s most iconic performers, inspiring generations of actors.

Ian Carmichael was an English actor and singer whose light comedic touch made him a beloved figure in British entertainment. Born in Kingston upon Hull in 1920, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before debuting on stage. He starred in classic Ealing comedies such as ‘The Lavender Hill Mob’ and ‘Private’s Progress,’ showcasing his charm and wit. Carmichael later won acclaim for portraying Dorothy L. Sayers’s detective Lord Peter Wimsey in successful television adaptations. His versatile career also included radio drama, voice work, and musical theatre. With a career spanning seven decades, Carmichael’s performances remain enduring favorites of British audiences.