July 03

Édouard Beaupré (1881–1904), known as the Willow Bunch Giant, was a Canadian circus performer who grew to over eight feet tall. Born in Quebec to Métis parents, he exhibited extraordinary strength and stature from an early age. Beaupré toured with several traveling shows, lifting heavy weights and enthralling audiences with his feats of strength. Despite his fame, his health declined in his early twenties, and he died in his sleep at the age of 23. His extraordinary height and gentle demeanor made him a beloved figure, and his remains continue to be the subject of historical interest and exhibitions.

Born in Wisconsin in 1918, Daly began his acting career on the stage in the 1940s. He earned critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination for his role in the TV series "Executive Suite." Daly appeared in popular shows like "Medical Center" and "The F.B.I.," showcasing his versatility. He was a founding member of the Actors Studio and influenced American theater. Daly was the father of actress Tyne Daly, passing on his passion for performance. He died in 1978, remembered for his steadfast work as a character actor.

Ross Martin (1920–1981) was a Polish-born American actor and director renowned for his portrayal of the master of disguise Artemus Gordon on the 1960s TV series "The Wild Wild West." After emigrating to the U.S. as a child, he honed his craft in stage productions and supporting film roles. Martin's versatility shone through in both comedic and dramatic performances, earning him critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. In addition to acting, he directed episodes of television and worked behind the scenes. His charismatic presence and skillful character work left a lasting mark on classic American television.

Rudy Vallée (1901–1986) was a pioneering American singer, saxophonist, and bandleader whose smooth tenor voice helped define the crooner era. Born in Island Pond, Vermont, he rose to fame as host of The Fleischmann’s Yeast Hour on radio, delivering hit songs like “Deep Night” and “As Time Goes By.” Vallée transitioned to the silver screen in Hollywood musicals and later appeared in films and television comedies. His charismatic showmanship influenced future generations of vocalists, earning him loyal audiences across North America. Vallée’s blend of musicianship and performance solidified his place as a cultural icon of early American entertainment.

Jim Backus (1913–1989) was a versatile American actor and voice artist whose career spanned radio, film, television, and animation. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he began in radio before moving to Hollywood, where he appeared in films such as "Rebel Without a Cause." Backus’s most iconic live-action role was the affable millionaire Thurston Howell III on the sitcom "Gilligan’s Island." Simultaneously, his distinctive voice brought to life the nearsighted Mr. Magoo in a series of popular cartoons. Beyond acting, he co-authored comedic books with his wife, Henny. Backus’s warm humor and vocal talent made him a beloved figure in American entertainment.

Alberto Lattuada directed over 20 feature films, blending neorealist influences with personal storytelling. His debut feature, "Giacomo l'emigrante" (1950), earned acclaim for its humanistic portrayal of Italian life. Lattuada co-directed the anthology film "The Seven Deadly Sins" and worked with notable actors such as Gina Lollobrigida and Alain Delon. He explored diverse genres, from satire in "The Overcoat" to adventure in "Mafioso". Lattuada also wrote screenplays for other directors and occasionally acted in his own films. Honored at Cannes and Venice film festivals, he remains a significant figure in Italian cinema. His work continues to inspire filmmakers with its emotional depth and social commentary.

Clive Hornby rose to fame playing the beloved character Jack Sugden on ITV's "Emmerdale" from 1978 until his death in 2008. Before acting, he played drums in local bands, bringing musical sensibility to his performances. Hornby's portrayal of Sugden—anchoring storylines around family, tragedy, and community—made him a household name in the U.K. He received several television awards for his work. Off-screen, he was known for his dedication to charity projects and mentorship of aspiring actors. Hornby's warm presence and authentic acting style left a lasting impact on British television drama.

Andy Griffith (1926-2012) was a beloved American actor, comedian, and producer whose career spanned stage, television, and film. He gained fame as Sheriff Andy Taylor in the hit sitcom The Andy Griffith Show, which became an enduring classic. Griffith also starred in Matlock, earning acclaim as both performer and executive producer. A talented singer, he recorded several folk and gospel albums showcasing his warm baritone. His gentle humor and portrayals of small-town life resonated with audiences nationwide. Griffith's work earned him critical acclaim and a place among television legends.

Born in 1951, PJ Torokvei began her career as an actress before finding her niche as a screenwriter. She contributed to several popular comedy films in the 1980s, bringing a unique blend of wit and character-driven humor to the screen. Her scriptwriting helped define the comedic tone of the era and earned her recognition within the film industry. In addition to her film work, Torokvei wrote for television, showcasing her versatility as a storyteller. She passed away in 2013, leaving behind a portfolio of comedic writing that continues to entertain audiences.

Born in 1923 in Bermuda, Diana Douglas began her acting career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood. She married actor Kirk Douglas in 1943 and starred alongside him in films such as Spartacus and The Indian Fighter. After their divorce, she continued to act in movies and television, appearing in shows like Days of Our Lives and ER. She was the mother of Academy Award-winning actor Michael Douglas and remained active in the industry for over six decades. Douglas was celebrated for her warmth, grace, and enduring presence on screen. She passed away in 2015 at the age of 92, leaving behind a rich legacy of performances.