June 27

Born in 1862 in Canada, May Irwin rose to fame on the vaudeville circuit before starring in Broadway musical comedies. Her expressive singing and comedic timing made her a household name in the late 19th century. Irwin was featured in one of the earliest motion pictures, the famous 1896 film 'The Kiss'. She influenced the development of modern musical theatre and early cinema. Throughout her career, she toured extensively and recorded songs that showcased her dynamic performance style.

Antoinette Perry was an American stage actress and co-founder of the American Theatre Wing. She starred in and directed numerous Broadway productions in the 1920s and 1930s, earning acclaim for her theatrical vision. Following her death in 1946, the American Theatre Wing established the Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Theatre, commonly known as the Tony Awards, in her honor. Perry's leadership helped to professionalize American theater and support young talent. She remains a celebrated figure for her contributions to the performing arts.

John McIntire was a prolific American actor whose career spanned radio, film, and television. Born in 1907, he began in radio before appearing in over 50 films, often portraying rugged, authoritative figures. He achieved widespread recognition for his starring role as Christopher Hale in the hit TV Western 'Wagon Train,' where his gravelly voice and commanding presence made him a fan favorite. McIntire later joined the cast of 'The Virginian,' further cementing his reputation in the Western genre. His versatility allowed him to take on diverse roles, from sheriffs to outlaws, showcasing his depth as a performer. Married to actress Jeanette Nolan, he occasionally shared the screen with her, creating memorable on-screen partnerships. McIntire continued acting until his death in 1991, leaving a lasting legacy in American entertainment.

Amala Shankar (1919–2020) was a pioneering Indian dancer whose artistry blended classical techniques with contemporary expression. Trained in various traditional styles, she performed extensively across India and abroad, bringing Indian dance to global audiences. Beyond performance, Shankar choreographed original works that wove together music, movement, and narrative. She collaborated with notable musicians and artists, contributing to the evolution of dance in the 20th century. Her enduring career and pedagogy inspired generations of dancers and helped elevate Indian performing arts on the world stage.

Muriel Pavlow was born in Lewisham, England, and trained at the Italia Conti Academy. She began her screen career in the late 1930s and gained widespread acclaim in the late 1940s. Pavlow starred alongside John Mills in "Malta Story" (1953) and Kenneth More in "Reach for the Sky" (1956), performances that established her as a leading lady of her era. In addition to her film work, she enjoyed a rich stage career in London's West End and regional theaters across the UK. Later in life, she transitioned to television, with guest appearances in series such as "Holby City" and "Doctors." Pavlow's career spanned more than seven decades, earning her recognition as one of Britain's enduring screen icons.

Bob Keeshan was born in Lynbrook, New York, and served as a U.S. Marine during World War II. He began his entertainment career on radio before becoming the iconic Clarabell the Clown on the children's show "Howdy Doody." In 1955, Keeshan created and starred as Captain Kangaroo, a gentle, grandfatherly host whose program aired until 1984. The show earned multiple Emmy Awards and became a staple of American children's television, blending education and entertainment. Keeshan was a staunch advocate for quality programming for young audiences and testified before Congress on the importance of children's media. He continued to work behind the scenes as a producer and consultant. Keeshan's legacy endures through generations who grew up under his caring guidance. He passed away in 2004.

Born in Forest Gate, London, Field began her career as a model before transitioning to acting. She gained widespread acclaim for performances in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning and The Entertainer. Her naturalistic style and strong screen presence made her a symbol of British post-war cinema. Over six decades, she appeared in film, television, and stage productions across the UK and US. Field was celebrated for portraying resilient and independent women in an era of social change. She continued to act until her death in 2023, leaving a lasting legacy on screen and stage.

Julia Duffy is an American actress whose breakout performance as Stephanie Vanderkellen on the hit sitcom 'Newhart' earned her critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations. She portrayed the witty and privileged character from 1984 to 1990, becoming a household name. Duffy’s acting career spans television, film, and theater, with roles in series like 'Designing Women' and 'The Muppets Take Manhattan.' Her comedic timing and ability to deliver sharp dialogue have made her performances memorable. In addition to comedy, she has appeared in dramatic productions, showcasing her versatility. Duffy continues to work in television and stage productions, adapting to new roles and genres. Her enduring charm and professionalism have sustained a career of over four decades.

Born in Paris in 1955, Isabelle Adjani began acting as a teenager and quickly gained critical acclaim. She won a record five César Awards for Best Actress, a testament to her exceptional talent. Her notable films include The Story of Adele H., Possession, and Camille Claudel. Adjani's performances are celebrated for their emotional depth and nuanced character portrayals. Considered one of France's greatest living actresses, she has also made successful forays into music and theater.

Michael Mayer (born June 27, 1960) is an American theatre director celebrated for his dynamic and innovative productions on Broadway and Off-Broadway. He began his career as an actor before transitioning to directing, quickly earning a reputation for bold visual storytelling. Mayer received critical acclaim for directing the rock musicals "Spring Awakening" and "American Idiot", earning multiple Tony nominations. He won the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical for "Spring Awakening" in 2007. In addition to musicals, he has directed plays and worked with leading actors and writers, contributing to the evolution of contemporary American theatre. He currently serves as an Artistic Director at New York Theatre Workshop, championing new talent and experimental works.

Jeremy Swift (born June 27, 1960) is an English actor with a versatile career in film, television, and theatre. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Mr. Molesley in the acclaimed series Downton Abbey. Swift has appeared in numerous films such as The Duchess and Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. On stage, he has performed with leading British theatre companies, earning praise for his compelling character work. His ability to bring warmth and depth to supporting roles has made him a sought-after actor in both the UK and internationally.

Michael Ball (born June 27, 1962) is an English singer, actor, and broadcaster. He rose to fame with his portrayal of Marius in the original West End production of Les Misérables in 1985. Ball has starred in numerous musicals including The Phantom of the Opera and Hairspray, earning critical acclaim. As a recording artist, he has released multiple platinum-selling albums and hosted popular radio shows. His smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence have made him one of the UK’s most beloved musical performers. Ball continues to tour internationally, delighting audiences with both musical theatre and pop repertoire.