July 17

Born in 1899 in New York City. Rose to fame portraying tough, dynamic characters in the 1930s and 1940s. Won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942). Renowned for his tap-dancing skills and charismatic screen presence. Starred in notable films such as Public Enemy, Angels with Dirty Faces, and White Heat. Worked in film for over six decades, transitioning to television and stage. Remembered as one of Hollywood's most versatile and influential actors.

Born in 1905 in Brooklyn, New York. Began his career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood films in the 1930s. Nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for They Knew What They Wanted (1940). Starred as detective Martin Kane in the popular series Martin Kane, Private Eye on radio and television. Appeared in over fifty films, including The Mad Ghoul and The Lodger. Known for his naturalistic acting style and ability to portray complex supporting characters. Continued working in television and theater into the 1970s, leaving a lasting legacy.

Arthur Gordon Linkletter was a Canadian-American radio and television personality whose career spanned over six decades. He gained fame hosting the radio program House Party from 1945 to 1969 and the television show People Are Funny from 1954 to 1961. Linkletter was especially beloved for his engaging interviews with children in his “Kids Say the Darndest Things” segments. His warm, affable style made him a household name and earned him numerous awards and nominations. Beyond broadcasting, he wrote several books and advocated for youth mentorship programs.

Bijon Bhattacharya was an influential figure in Bengal’s theatre and cinema during the mid-20th century. As a founding member of the Indian People’s Theatre Association (IPTA), he championed socially conscious performances that addressed issues of inequality and colonialism. Bhattacharya acted in landmark Bengali films such as Dharti Ke Lal (1946) and wrote scripts that blended realism with folk traditions. He also performed and composed music, contributing to the evolution of modern Indian performing arts. Despite facing political challenges, his legacy endures in India’s cultural history.

Phyllis Diller was one of America’s first female stand-up comedians, breaking ground with her sharp wit and outlandish costumes. She gained fame in the 1950s and 1960s for her rapid-fire one-liners and trademark laugh. Diller appeared in films, television sitcoms, and variety shows, and lent her voice to animated characters. Offstage, she was also a caricaturist and artist who published works featuring fellow entertainers. Her trailblazing career opened doors for women in comedy and inspired generations of performers.

František Zvarík (1921–2008) was a Slovak stage and film actor renowned for his powerful presence and versatile performances. A graduate of the Academy of Performing Arts in Bratislava, he became a leading figure at the Slovak National Theatre, excelling in both classical and contemporary roles. Zvarík appeared in numerous Czechoslovak films and television productions, earning acclaim for his depth and nuance. He was also a celebrated voice artist, dubbing many foreign films into Slovak. Throughout his career, he received multiple honors, including state awards for his contributions to the performing arts, and his legacy continues to influence Slovak theatre and cinema.

Jimmy Scott captivated audiences with his distinctive alto timbre and emotive delivery, becoming a beloved figure in jazz music. Discovered as a teenager, he recorded seminal tracks like "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" and inspired generations of singers. Despite personal and industry challenges, Scott experienced a major career resurgence in the 1990s with acclaimed albums and festival performances. He also appeared in films and television, showcasing his versatility. Jimmy Scott's haunting voice and heartfelt interpretations left an enduring mark on the world of jazz and popular music.

Keiko Awaji was a Japanese film and stage actress born on July 17, 1933, in Tokyo. She gained acclaim for her performances in classic films like "Stray Dog" and "Tokyo Twilight" directed by Akira Kurosawa and Yasujirō Ozu. Awaji's blend of emotional depth and subtlety made her one of the leading actresses of Japan's golden cinema age. She also appeared in international productions, bridging Japanese and Western film industries. In addition to acting, she was involved in theater and television, showcasing remarkable range throughout her career. Awaji passed away on January 11, 2014, leaving behind a rich legacy in Japanese performing arts.

Mimi Hines is a Canadian singer and comedian whose career spans Broadway, television, and nightclubs. She rose to fame taking on the role of Fanny Brice in the Broadway revival of Funny Girl, succeeding Barbra Streisand. Hines appeared on popular TV variety programs such as The Ed Sullivan Show and Laugh-In, showcasing her versatile talent. Known for her blend of strong vocals and sharp comic timing, she toured internationally and recorded several albums. Over decades, her warm stage presence and engaging rapport with audiences earned her lasting acclaim.

Diahann Carroll made history as one of the first African-American women to star in her own network television series, Julia, in 1968. Born in Harlem, she earned a Tony Award nomination for her Broadway debut in No Strings. Carroll’s film roles included Paris Blues and Claudine, and she won a Golden Globe and received Emmy nominations for her television work. A talented singer, she recorded jazz and pop albums that showcased her rich, soulful voice. Carroll continued to perform on stage and screen for decades, opening doors for future generations of Black actresses and performers.

Donald Sutherland was a prolific Canadian actor whose career spanned more than five decades in film, television, and theater. Born in New Brunswick in 1935, he trained at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art before making his screen debut in the early 1960s. Sutherland delivered memorable performances in classics such as M*A*S*H, Klute, Don't Look Now, and later as President Snow in The Hunger Games series. He received a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Honorary Award in 2017. Sutherland also produced films and co-founded Bunker Three Productions, leaving an indelible mark on cinema.

Andrée Champagne began her career as a celebrated Quebec television actress, starring in popular series and stage productions. In 1984, she was elected as a Progressive Conservative MP, representing a Quebec riding in the House of Commons. Champagne served as Secretary of State for Canada, championing cultural affairs and bilingualism. In 1992, she became Canada’s ambassador and permanent delegate to UNESCO, promoting international cooperation in education and culture. Recognized for her dual impact on the arts and public service, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. She passed away in 2020, remembered for her leadership and artistic talent.