July 01

Eugene Maurice Orowitz, known as Michael Landon, was born in 1936 in Forest Hills, New York. He achieved fame as Little Joe Cartwright on the long-running western series Bonanza. In 1974, he created and starred as Charles Ingalls in the hit family drama Little House on the Prairie. Landon later produced and starred in the inspirational series Highway to Heaven, further cementing his legacy. Off-screen, he was involved in charitable work and authored an autobiography. Landon died of pancreatic cancer in 1991, leaving behind a devoted fanbase and memorable television legacy.

Wolfman Jack (1938-1995) was a pioneering radio personality known for his distinctive growling voice and high-energy broadcasts. Broadcasting from border blaster stations, he reached millions of listeners across North America. He hosted influential shows such as the American Top 40 and appeared in films like American Graffiti. His on-air persona blended humor, music, and wild sound effects, earning him a cult following. Wolfman Jack became a symbol of 1960s and 1970s rock radio culture whose influence endures among DJs today.

Margaux Hemingway (1954-1996) rose to fame in the 1970s as a top fashion model, gracing the covers of Vogue and Cosmopolitan. She transitioned to acting, earning critical notice for her performance in the film Lipstick (1976). As a member of the famed Hemingway family, she faced intense media scrutiny while struggling with personal challenges. Margaux battled substance abuse and depression, which colored her later career. She died at the age of 41, leaving behind a complex legacy in both fashion and film.

Robert Mitchum (1917-1997) was one of Hollywood's most enduring stars, known for his laconic style and antihero roles. He gained fame in classics such as Out of the Past (1947), The Night of the Hunter (1955), and Cape Fear (1962). Mitchum's versatility allowed him to excel in dramas, comedies, and musicals over a career spanning six decades. He received a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination for his work. With his rugged charm and understated delivery, Mitchum remains an icon of American cinema.

Born in New York City in 1910, Sylvia Sidney rose to fame in the 1930s with her debut in Street Scene. Her collaborations with directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Fritz Lang showcased her dramatic range and haunting presence. Later in her career, she earned Emmy nominations for her television work and a Golden Globe nod for Summer Wishes, Winter Dreams. Sidney also lent her voice to Disney and other animated projects, delighting new generations. She continued acting well into her 80s, leaving a legacy as one of Hollywood’s most versatile character actresses.

Born in New York City in 1920, Walter Matthau began his career on Broadway before transitioning to film in the 1950s. His dry wit and deadpan delivery won him an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor in The Fortune Cookie (1966). Matthau’s partnership with Jack Lemmon yielded classic comedies like The Odd Couple, where his portrayal of the grumpy Oscar Madison became iconic. Over a five-decade career, he appeared in dramas, thrillers, and comedies, showcasing remarkable versatility. He remained a box-office draw into the 1990s, endearing audiences as one of Hollywood’s great character actors.

Born in Omaha in 1924, Marlon Brando revolutionized film acting with his naturalistic style. He rose to fame on Broadway before his iconic portrayal of Stanley Kowalski in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951). Brando won Academy Awards for On the Waterfront (1954) and The Godfather (1972), delivering some of cinema’s most memorable performances. Beyond acting, he directed and produced films, and used his platform to advocate for civil rights and Native American causes. His complex legacy includes roles in Last Tango in Paris and Apocalypse Now, inspiring generations of actors.

Mladen George Sekulovich, known professionally as Karl Malden, was born in Chicago to Serbian immigrant parents. He studied at the Goodman School of Drama and served in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War II. Malden won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Mitch in the 1951 film 'A Streetcar Named Desire.' He starred alongside Marlon Brando and formed a lifelong friendship with him. Malden also earned an Emmy Award for his role as Lt. Mike Stone in the television series 'The Streets of San Francisco.' He appeared in over 70 films and numerous TV shows, known for his distinctive features and expressive performances. Malden contributed to the American Film Institute and supported actors’ education. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 97.

Mollie Sugden was born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before beginning her career in repertory theatre. She became a household name in the 1970s for playing the formidable and eccentric Mrs. Slocombe in the BBC sitcom 'Are You Being Served?' (1972–1985). Her character’s distinctive wigs and witty double entendres made her an icon of British comedy. She later reprised the role in the spin-off series 'Grace & Favour.' Sugden also appeared in shows like 'The Liver Birds' and toured extensively in stage productions and pantomimes. Her warm comedic presence and impeccable timing endeared her to audiences across generations. She passed away in 2009, leaving a lasting legacy in television humor.

Ilene Woods lent her voice and song to the title character in Disney's 1950 classic "Cinderella," singing the timeless songs "A Dream Is a Wish Your Heart Makes" and "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo." Born in 1929, Woods began performing on radio as a teenager and signed with MGM Records before her Disney breakthrough. Her clear soprano voice and gentle persona made Cinderella an enduring heroine. Beyond the film, she performed on television variety shows and in nightclubs. Woods' portrayal defined the character for generations of fans. She retired from show business in the late 1950s but remained beloved by Disney aficionados until her passing in 2010.