July 18

Born in 1871 as Kawakami Sadayakko in Tokyo, she became one of Japan’s first female kabuki performers. Sada Yacco toured Europe and America with her troupe from 1902 to 1909, captivating audiences with a blend of traditional and Western dance. She collaborated with playwrights like Osanai Kaoru to found the Imperial Theatre in Tokyo, promoting modern drama. Her performances helped transform Japanese theater and opened doors for future generations of women on stage. Sada Yacco's influence persists in contemporary performing arts, reflecting her role as a cultural ambassador.

Olga Spessivtseva was born in 1895 and trained at the Imperial Ballet School in St. Petersburg. She became a principal dancer at the Mariinsky Theatre, acclaimed for her lyrical style and expressive technique. In the 1920s, Spessivtseva toured Europe and the United States, dazzling audiences with roles in classics like Swan Lake and Giselle. Her career was marred by bouts of mental illness, which led to periods of withdrawal from the stage. Later in life, she taught ballet in New York City, passing on her knowledge to a new generation. She died in 1991, her legacy enduring in the annals of dance history.

John Stuart was a prominent actor whose career spanned silent films and the golden age of cinema. Born in Scotland in 1898, he quickly rose to fame with his refined presence and versatile performances. He collaborated with leading directors of his era and appeared in dozens of British and American productions. Stuart seamlessly transitioned from stage to screen, earning acclaim for his dramatic roles. Over the decades, he became a fixture in both comedic and serious films. His dedication to his craft influenced future generations of actors. He continued acting until his death in 1979, leaving behind a rich cinematic legacy.

Chill Wills began his career as a singer with the Avalon Boys before transitioning to film acting in the 1930s. Born in 1902, his gravelly voice and rugged persona made him a memorable character actor in numerous westerns and comedies. He received an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in "The Alamo" (1960). Wills appeared alongside stars like John Wayne and participated in radio and television programs. His versatility allowed him to play both tough and comedic roles. Over a career spanning four decades, he left an indelible mark on Hollywood’s golden age. Wills continued working until shortly before his death in 1978.

Lupe Vélez, born Guadalupe Julieta Villalobos Vélez in 1908, captivated audiences with her fiery performances and dynamic dance moves. She starred in silent films and talkies, becoming one of the early Latina actresses to achieve mainstream success in Hollywood. Vélez was nicknamed the "Mexican Spitfire" for her energetic persona, leading to a successful series of comedic roles. Off-screen, her tumultuous personal life and tragic death in 1944 brought sensational media attention. Despite her short career, her talent and charisma paved the way for future generations of Latina performers. Vélez’s contributions to film and dance remain celebrated in cinematic history.

Harriet Nelson was born in 1909 in Des Moines, Iowa and began performing as a singer in her teens. She formed a vaudeville act with her husband, Ozzie Nelson, and transitioned into radio variety shows. In 1952, the couple launched the television series The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, which became one of America’s longest-running sitcoms. On the show, she portrayed a warm and relatable family matriarch, endearing her to millions of viewers. Nelson also appeared in films during the 1930s, starring in musicals and light comedies. Her approachable on-screen presence helped solidify the ideal of the American suburban family. She continued performing until the series ended in 1966 and remained active in community theater. Nelson passed away in 1994, remembered as a pioneering figure in early television history.

Hume Blake Cronyn Jr. was born in 1911 in Winnipeg, Canada and trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. He made his Broadway debut in 1934 and earned acclaim for roles in plays by Eugene O’Neill and Thornton Wilder. Cronyn transitioned to film and television, earning an Academy Award nomination for The Seventh Cross in 1944. He frequently collaborated with his wife, actress Jessica Tandy, starring together in productions like 'Cocoon' and 'Driving Miss Daisy.' Beyond acting, he produced off-Broadway shows and co-wrote the play Foxfire. Cronyn’s performances were noted for their warmth, intelligence, and subtle humor. He received a Tony Award, multiple Emmy nominations, and the National Medal of Arts in 1987. Cronyn continued working into his nineties, passing away in 2003 with a legacy as a beloved and respected performer.

Richard 'Red' Skelton was born in 1913 in Vincennes, Indiana and began performing as a teenager in vaudeville. He gained national fame with his radio program in the 1930s and transitioned to television in 1951 with The Red Skelton Show. His show ran for 20 years, featuring comedy sketches, pantomime, and guest stars. Skelton created enduring characters such as Clem Kadiddlehopper, Freddie the Freeloader, and Cauliflower McPugg. He was a talented painter of clowns, exhibiting his works in galleries across the United States. Skelton received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and was inducted into several halls of fame. His gentle comic style and expressive mime performances endeared him to audiences of all ages. He passed away in 1997, leaving a legacy as one of America’s most cherished entertainers.

Carequinha (1915–2006) was a celebrated Brazilian clown and actor whose career spanned over seven decades. Born in Rio de Janeiro, he began performing in the circus as a child and developed a distinctive comedic persona with a signature red costume and oversized shoes. He became a national star through circus tours, television appearances, and film roles, captivating audiences with his slapstick humor and heartwarming charm. Carequinha wrote memoirs reflecting on the golden age of Brazilian entertainment and mentored young performers. His contributions to circus arts earned him widespread recognition and inspired generations of Brazilian entertainers. He remains an iconic figure in Brazil's cultural history.

Lilia Dale (1919–1991) was an Italian actress whose career spanned both cinema and stage during the 1940s and 1950s. She appeared in a variety of films, portraying roles ranging from dramatic heroines to charming supporting characters. On stage, Dale collaborated with prominent theater companies, earning praise for her expressive performances. Her elegant screen presence and versatile talent made her a recognizable figure in post-war Italian entertainment. Though she retired from acting later in life, her work remains appreciated by fans of classic Italian cinema. Dale's contributions continue to be celebrated by historians of film and theater.

German actor Heinz Bennent began his career in theater after studying drama post-WWII. He gained international recognition for roles in films by Rainer Werner Fassbinder and Douglas Sirk. Bennent showcased his versatility in both leading and character roles across German, French, and British cinema. He appeared in productions such as Lili Marleen (1981) and played complex figures like Dr. Erwin in The Marriage of Maria Braun (1979). Throughout a career spanning over five decades, he balanced stage performances with significant screen roles until his death in 2011.

Born in London in 1923, Michael Medwin began his acting career on the stage before transitioning to film and television. He co-founded Memorial Productions, producing plays and later moving into film production. Medwin appeared in notable films such as Room at the Top (1959) and Scrooge (1970), showcasing his range. He worked extensively in British television series, including The Army Game and The Prisoner. His contributions as both actor and producer left a lasting impact on post-war British entertainment until his death in 2020.