July 11

Thomas Mitchell (1892–1962) was a versatile American actor whose career spanned vaudeville, Broadway, film, and radio. He joined Hollywood in the early 1930s and earned acclaim for his rich character portrayals. In 1940, he won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor as Doc Boone in John Ford’s Stagecoach. That same era saw him deliver a memorable performance as Gerald O'Hara in Gone with the Wind (1939). Beyond acting, Mitchell wrote screenplays and continued to appear in films and the emerging medium of television. His depth and warmth on screen made him a beloved figure, and he remains celebrated for his enduring contributions to American cinema.

Harry von Zell began his career in the 1920s as a vaudeville performer and transitioned to radio announcing in the 1930s. He became known for his work on popular comedy programs, lending his voice to classics of the Golden Age of Radio. Von Zell also appeared in films and early television shows, showcasing his versatility as an entertainer. His friendly style and professionalism made him a sought-after master of ceremonies and announcer for major network broadcasts. He continued to work in broadcasting through the 1960s and 1970s, influencing generations of announcers. Von Zell’s contributions helped shape the art of radio and television announcing.

Born in Los Angeles in 1909, Irene Hervey began her film career in the late 1920s and quickly earned recognition for her charm and versatility. She starred in musicals, comedies, and dramas for major studios throughout the 1930s and 1940s. In the 1950s, Hervey transitioned to television, appearing in popular series and made-for-TV movies. She was praised for her strong screen presence and adaptability to diverse roles. After a career spanning more than four decades, she retired from acting in the 1970s. Hervey’s longevity in entertainment and contributions to both film and television have left a lasting mark on American screen history.

Born Elizabeth Jane Young in 1910, Sally Blane was the sister of actresses Loretta Young and Polly Ann Young. She began acting in silent films and successfully transitioned to talking pictures in the early 1930s. Blane appeared in a variety of genres, including comedies, dramas, and westerns, often praised for her natural screen presence. She worked steadily with major studios before retiring after her marriage in the late 1930s. Blane’s filmography reflects the rapid evolution of Hollywood cinema during its formative years. Though she stepped away from the spotlight, her early contributions remain part of Hollywood’s Golden Era legacy.

Born in 1916 in Canning Town, Varney began his career in music halls before transitioning to television and film. He rose to fame as Stan Butler in 'On the Buses,' which ran from 1969 to 1973 and became one of Britain's most popular sitcoms. Varney also appeared in films such as 'The Ragman's Daughter' and voiced characters in animated projects. In addition to acting, he wrote scripts for various television shows. His warm comedic style endeared him to audiences across the UK. Varney retired from acting in the 1990s and passed away in 2008.

Born on July 11, 1920 in Vladivostok, Russian Empire, Yul Brynner rose to fame on Broadway before achieving film stardom. His breakout role as King Mongkut in The King and I earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor. Known for his distinctive shaved head and commanding presence, he starred in films like The Magnificent Seven and Anastasia. Brynner was also an accomplished photographer and musician, showcasing his artistic range beyond acting. He remained active in theater and film for over three decades, leaving a lasting legacy in entertainment. Brynner became an outspoken opponent of smoking after his own battle with lung cancer, which led to his death in 1985.

Born on July 11, 1922 in Holsum, North Dakota, Gene Evans served as a U.S. Marine during World War II before pursuing acting. He gained recognition for his performance in Sands of Iwo Jima alongside John Wayne. Evans appeared in numerous films and television shows, often cast as hardened soldiers or rugged frontiersmen. His credits include roles in The Steel Helmet, The Killing, and guest appearances on popular TV series. Known for his gritty screen presence, Evans built a steady career spanning over four decades until his death in 1998.

Born Uma Devi on July 11, 1923 in Indore, India, she began her career as a playback singer before transitioning to acting. Renamed Tun Tun by actor-director Guru Dutt, she became Bollywood’s first female comedian in the 1950s and 60s. Her memorable comic timing and expressive performances appeared in classics like Pyaasa and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam. Tun Tun’s roles brought laughter to millions and paved the way for future women comedians in Indian film. She passed away in 2003, leaving a legacy as a beloved figure of Indian cinema.

Born Audrey Johnston on July 11, 1924 in Saint John, New Brunswick, Brett Somers began her performance career in theater. She gained fame as a witty regular panelist on Match Game, charming audiences with her humor and style. Somers also appeared in sitcoms like The Odd Couple alongside her husband Jack Klugman. Her singing talents were showcased in cabaret performances and recordings. She left a lasting imprint on television comedy before her death in 2007.

Born in Dublin in 1929, David Kelly began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. He gained international recognition as the lovable veteran Rashers Tierney in the 1998 film Waking Ned Devine. Kelly also appeared as Mr. O'Reilly in iconic episodes of Fawlty Towers, showcasing his comedic talent. Over a career spanning six decades, he amassed over 50 screen credits. His versatility allowed him to excel in both dramatic and comedic roles. He continued acting until his death in 2012, leaving a legacy of beloved performances.

Tab Hunter, born Arthur Gelien, rose to fame in the 1950s as a heartthrob in films such as Battle Cry and Damn Yankees. He scored a number one hit with the song 'Young Love' in 1957, cementing his status as both an actor and recording artist. Hunter appeared in over 30 films and numerous television shows during his career, showcasing his versatility across genres. In later years, he authored a memoir revealing his experiences in Hollywood and his personal life, which was adapted into the documentary Tab Hunter Confidential. He continued to perform on stage and maintained a loyal fan base until his passing in 2018.

Tom Holland was born in 1943 in the United States. He began his career with small acting roles before turning to writing and directing. He wrote and directed the 1983 sequel 'Psycho II' and the 1985 hit 'Fright Night,' but he is best known for creating 'Child's Play' in 1988, introducing the now-iconic character Chucky. Holland's films often blend suspense, dark humor, and memorable characters, earning him a cult following among horror fans. He has also worked as an actor, appearing in both film and television productions. Over five decades, he has contributed significantly to the genre, influencing subsequent generations of filmmakers.