American singer-songwriter and actor
American singer-songwriter and actor
American musician, bandleader, and voice actor beloved for his signature charm.
Phil Harris gained fame as the jovial bandleader on radio programs like "The Jack Benny Program," where his playful personality endeared him to millions. As a singer-songwriter, he toured with his own orchestra and recorded hits such as "The Thing." Later, Harris lent his distinctive voice to Disney classics, voicing Baloo in "The Jungle Book" and Thomas O'Malley in "The Aristocats." His multifaceted career spanned live performance, recordings, radio, film, and television, making him a versatile entertainer of the 20th century.
1904
Phil Harris
Norwegian singer and revue actress
Norwegian singer and revue actress
Kari Diesen was a Norwegian singer and revue actress known for her lively performances and contributions to post-war entertainment.
Diesen trained in music and drama before becoming a fixture on the Norwegian revue circuit.
She combined singing with comedic acting, earning praise for her charismatic stage presence.
Her performances in theaters and radio brought joy to audiences during the reconstruction era after World War II.
Diesen also appeared in several films, showcasing her versatility as an entertainer.
Her legacy endures in Norway's cultural memory as a beloved performer.
1914
Kari Diesen
American actor
American actor
American actor best remembered as Al Delvecchio on the hit sitcom 'Happy Days'.
Al Molinaro was an American actor whose warm presence and comedic timing made him a TV favorite.
Born in 1919 in Kenosha, Wisconsin, he began his career in the 1950s with small film roles before breaking through on television.
In 1976, he joined the cast of 'Happy Days' as Al Delvecchio, the affable owner of Arnold's Drive-In.
His catchphrase 'Yep!' and gentle humor resonated with audiences over eight seasons.
He later starred in the short-lived series 'Joanie Loves Chachi' and made guest appearances on numerous popular shows.
Molinaro remained active in entertainment throughout his life, appearing at fan conventions and commercials until his passing in 2015.
1919
Al Molinaro
American actor and comedian
American actor and comedian
American comedian and actor known for his improvisational style and television variety shows.
Jack Carter was an American comedian and actor renowned for his quick wit and improvisational flair.
Born in 1922, he rose to fame in the 1950s with his own late-night variety show 'Carter's Beat'.
He became a staple on television, appearing on The Ed Sullivan Show and The Tonight Show.
Carter also acted in films and Broadway productions, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Known for engaging directly with audiences, he influenced modern improv comedy.
He continued to perform stand-up into his 80s until his death in 2015.
1922
Jack Carter
French actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
French actor
director
producer
and screenwriter
French New Wave filmmaker, director, producer, and screenwriter known for his suspenseful dramas.
Claude Chabrol was a leading figure of the French New Wave, directing over 50 films during a career spanning five decades. His work often explored themes of bourgeois hypocrisy and psychological suspense, blending thrills with social commentary. Chabrol made his feature debut in 1959 with 'Le Beau Serge,' hailed as one of the first New Wave masterpieces. He collaborated with actors like Isabelle Huppert and Jean-Paul Belmondo, crafting memorable performances. In addition to directing, he produced and wrote many of his films, maintaining creative control over his projects. Chabrol's stylistic innovations and darkly comic tone influenced generations of filmmakers until his death in 2010.
1930
Claude Chabrol
American actor and director
American actor and director
Robert Downey Sr. was an influential American actor and director known for his offbeat independent films.
Born in 1936 in New York City, Robert Downey Sr. became a leading figure in underground cinema during the 1960s. His experimental feature '$' (1968) and satirical masterpiece 'Putney Swope' (1969) challenged commercial filmmaking conventions. Downey's improvisational style and sharp social commentary influenced generations of indie directors. He continued to write, direct, and act in films such as 'Greaser's Palace' and 'Pound,' often casting himself and his family. As the father of actor Robert Downey Jr., his creative legacy endures in both independent film and Hollywood.
1936
Robert Downey Sr.
American actress and singer
American actress and singer
American actress and singer best known for her role as Karen Fairgate MacKenzie on the long-running TV series "Knots Landing."
Born on 24 June 1942 in Los Angeles, Lee began her career in musical theater, appearing on Broadway in shows such as "Funny Girl".
She made her television debut in the 1960s and gained fame as the resolute Karen on "Knots Landing" from 1979 to 1993.
Lee received a Golden Globe nomination for her performance and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In addition to acting, she has recorded several albums showcasing her versatile singing talent.
Lee continues to appear in film and television, while also directing and producing stage productions.
Michele Lee
American actor and director
American actor and director
American actor and director best known for his iconic role as RoboCop and his work in film and television.
Peter Weller earned a bachelor's degree in art history and later completed a master's and Ph.D. in Italian Renaissance art, combining academic pursuits with his acting career. He burst onto the scene with roles in 'The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai' (1984) and skyrocketed to fame as the title character in 'RoboCop' (1987) and its sequel. Weller has starred in acclaimed series such as 'Sons of Anarchy,' '24,' and 'Dexter,' and directed episodes of popular television shows. His scholarly background informs his thoughtful approach to filmmaking and character development. Weller continues to act, direct, and teach in the fields of art and cinema.
Peter Weller
American actress
American actress
American actress best known for her performances in Brian De Palma thrillers and as Officer Anne Lewis in the RoboCop franchise.
Nancy Allen made her film debut in Brian De Palma's Carrie (1976), earning praise for her nuanced performance.
She continued to collaborate with De Palma in Dressed to Kill (1980) and Blow Out (1981), establishing herself in suspense thrillers.
In 1987, Allen gained worldwide recognition as Officer Anne Lewis in the original RoboCop, a role she reprised in two sequels.
She received a Saturn Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her work in science fiction and genre films.
Beyond film, Allen has appeared in television series and stage productions, demonstrating her versatility as a performer.
She continues to act in independent projects and remains a respected figure in cult cinema.
1950
Nancy Allen
English director, producer, and screenwriter
English director
producer
and screenwriter
English film and television director best known for the 1981 BBC adaptation of Brideshead Revisited.
Charles Sturridge began his career as a child actor before transitioning to directing and screenwriting.
He earned critical acclaim for directing the five-part BBC series Brideshead Revisited in 1981, which won multiple BAFTA awards.
His film credits include The Road to Wellville (1994) and FairyTale: A True Story (1997), showcasing his diverse storytelling skills.
As a producer and writer, Sturridge has worked on both feature films and television dramas.
He has served as a mentor and educator, lecturing at film schools and workshops around the world.
Sturridge continues to develop and direct new projects, maintaining a reputation for literary adaptations and historical narratives.
Charles Sturridge
Scottish actor
Scottish actor
Iain Glen is a Scottish actor known for his versatile performances on stage and screen, notably as Jorah Mormont in Game of Thrones.
Born in Edinburgh, Glen trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before starting his acting career.
He has appeared in films such as "Silent Scream" and "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider", as well as TV series including "Downton Abbey".
His portrayal of Ser Jorah Mormont in "Game of Thrones" earned him international acclaim and a devoted fan following.
Glen's stage work includes performances at the National Theatre and West End productions.
With a career spanning over three decades, he is celebrated for his depth and range as an actor.
Iain Glen
French television host and producer
French television host and producer
French television presenter and producer, creator of several popular talk and reality shows.
Jean-Luc Delarue was a prominent figure in French television, known for programs like C’est mon choix and Toute une histoire. As the founder of Réservoir Prod, he produced innovative formats that became staples of daytime TV. Delarue won multiple awards for his work but also faced controversies that drew media attention. His charismatic on-screen presence made him a household name until his death in 2012. Delarue’s influence is still felt in modern French broadcasting.
1964
Jean-Luc Delarue