July 01

Charles Laughton was born in 1899 in Scarborough, England and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He gained acclaim on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood, where he won an Academy Award for Best Actor in 'The Private Life of Henry VIII.' Laughton starred in classics such as 'Mutiny on the Bounty' and 'Witness for the Prosecution,' showcasing his powerful screen presence and dramatic range. He also directed films and theater productions, including the acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Don Carlos.' As a teacher at the University of Southern California, Laughton mentored future generations of actors. His legacy endures through his memorable characters and his influence on acting techniques.

Beatrix Lehmann was a distinguished English actress born in 1903 in London. A member of the famous Lehmann theatrical dynasty, she trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and made her stage debut in the 1920s. Lehmann performed in both West End productions and early British films, showcasing versatility in drama and comedy. She also appeared in radio broadcasts and later taught acting to aspiring performers. Her career spanned over five decades, earning her recognition for depth and charm. Lehmann passed away in 1979, remembered as a pioneering figure in British theatre and film.

Olivia de Havilland made her film debut in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935) and rose to fame as Melanie Hamilton in Gone with the Wind (1939). She won two Academy Awards for her performances in To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949). In 1943, she challenged the Warner Bros studio system in a landmark lawsuit that granted actors greater contract freedom. Her career spanned over five decades, encompassing film, stage, and television roles. De Havilland remained a respected figure in cinema and lived to the age of 104 before passing away in 2020.

Harold Sakata (1920–1982) was a Japanese-American Olympic weightlifter, professional wrestler, and actor. He won a silver medal in the light-heavyweight weightlifting category at the 1948 London Olympics. Later known in wrestling rings as 'Tosh Togo,' Sakata became a fan favorite for his powerful style. In 1964, he achieved international fame for his role as the deadly henchman Oddjob in the James Bond film 'Goldfinger'. His portrayal of the silent, bowler-hat-throwing villain remains iconic in cinematic history. After retiring from acting and wrestling, he operated a nightclub in Hawaii. Sakata’s legacy endures through his athletic achievements and memorable screen presence.

Florence Stanley was born in 1924 in New York City and trained at the Pasadena Playhouse. She appeared in Broadway productions before launching a prolific television career with guest spots on Rhoda and The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Stanley voiced Aunt Roberta in the animated series Rugrats, endearing her to a new generation of audiences. She played Judge Margaret Wilbur on the legal drama The Practice, earning critical acclaim for her strong presence. Her versatility across mediums made her a beloved figure until her passing in 2003.

Georges Rivière began his career in post-war European cinema, earning praise for his intense performances. He starred in a variety of genres, from crime thrillers to historical dramas, working with acclaimed directors. Rivière was fluent in English and French, allowing him to appear in international productions. His later work included television series and theater, showcasing his range and dedication to the craft. He remained a respected figure in French performing arts until his death in 2011.

Farley Granger was born in San Jose, California, in 1925 and began his performing career on the stage. He gained fame after being cast by Alfred Hitchcock in the experimental thriller Rope (1948) and the classic crime drama Strangers on a Train (1951). Granger's versatility led to roles in film noir, musicals, and television shows like Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Columbo. As one of the first openly gay actors in Hollywood, he later became an important figure in LGBT cinema history. He spent his later years teaching acting and directing theater before passing away in 2011.

Moustapha Akkad, born in 1930, bridged Hollywood and Middle Eastern cinema through his groundbreaking films. He produced the influential horror hit “Halloween” (1978) and its sequels, shaping the slasher genre. As a director, he helmed “The Message” (1976), a film that portrayed the origins of Islam with sensitivity and earned international acclaim. Akkad championed cross-cultural storytelling and supported emerging filmmakers. His work brought Arab narratives to global audiences and challenged industry boundaries. He passed away in 2005, remembered as a visionary who united diverse cultures through film.

Leslie Caron rose to prominence in the 1950s with her breakthrough film Lili (1953), which earned her an Academy Award nomination. She captivated audiences with her graceful dance sequences alongside Gene Kelly in An American in Paris (1951). Caron won a Tony Award in 1999 for her performance in the Broadway revival of Promises, Promises. Over her seven-decade career, she has appeared in more than 40 films and remains a celebrated figure in French and American cinema. Her memoir and award-winning performances continue to inspire new generations of actors and dancers.

Claude Berri was a prolific French director, screenwriter, and actor whose career spanned over four decades. He began as an actor before transitioning to filmmaking, directing acclaimed films such as Jean de Florette (1986) and Manon des Sources (1986), both of which received Academy Award nominations. Berri's work often explored complex human relationships with depth and humor. As a screenwriter, his scripts combined poignant drama with sharp dialogue. He produced films for other directors and supported emerging talent in French cinema, earning honors including the César Award for Best Film.

Jamie Farr gained fame portraying Corporal Klinger on the long-running sitcom M*A*S*H. Born in Toledo, Ohio, he drew upon his Lebanese heritage to bring depth and humor to his character's cross-dressing schemes. Farr's performance earned him two Golden Globe nominations and endeared him to audiences worldwide. Beyond M*A*S*H, he appeared in films such as The Cannonball Run and television shows like The Love Boat. He has also worked as a comedian and stage performer and remains active in charity work supporting children's hospitals and veterans' causes.

Jean Marsh began her career on stage before gaining prominence on British television in the 1960s. She co-created and starred in the period drama Upstairs, Downstairs, winning an Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series. Marsh portrayed companion Sara Kingdom in Doctor Who and appeared in numerous costume dramas and comedies. As a screenwriter, she contributed scripts to various television projects and adaptations. Over a 60-year career, she received multiple awards and was appointed OBE for her services to drama. Marsh passed away in 2025, leaving a lasting legacy in television history.