July 19

Born in 1896, Faina Ranevskaya became one of the Soviet Union's most beloved comic actresses. She began her career in theatre before transitioning to film, where her sharp wit and expressive delivery won audiences across Russia. Ranevskaya's notable roles included characters in classics such as Volga-Volga and Podkidysh. She received the prestigious title of People's Artist of the USSR for her contributions to Soviet arts. Known for her memorable one-liners and unique humor, she also wrote diaries and aphorisms that remain popular in Russian culture. Ranevskaya continued performing well into her later years and passed away in 1984, leaving a rich legacy in theatre and cinema.

Born in 1907 to a family of vaudeville performers, Eddie Quillan began his stage career as a child. He transitioned to Hollywood in the 1920s, appearing in silent films before successfully adapting to talkies. Quillan had roles in notable movies such as The Grapes of Wrath (1940) and Yours, Mine and Ours (1968). His versatility made him a sought-after character actor in both comedic and dramatic parts. In later years, he appeared on television series and continued performing on stage. Quillan's career spanned over eight decades, reflecting his enduring talent and dedication to the performing arts. He died in 1990, leaving behind a diverse body of work.

Jack Warden was born in 1920 in Newark, New Jersey, and served as a paratrooper during World War II before pursuing acting. He built a prolific career playing supporting and lead roles, earning two Academy Award nominations for "Shampoo" and "Heaven Can Wait." Warden’s roles spanned genres from comedy to drama, showcasing his everyman persona and dry wit. He starred in the television series "Crazy Like a Fox" and appeared in films such as "12 Angry Men" and "The Verdict." Known for his gravelly voice and authentic presence, he became one of Hollywood’s most reliable character actors. Warden continued working into his eighties, demonstrating remarkable longevity in an ever-changing industry. He passed away on July 19, 2006, leaving behind a rich body of work that spans over five decades.

Dercy Gonçalves was a pioneering Brazilian comedian and actress whose career spanned over eight decades. Born in 1907 in Santa Maria, she became famous for her uncensored and risqué humor on stage, in films, and on television. Dercy's bold monologues challenged social norms and endeared her to audiences nationwide. She appeared in more than 30 films and countless theatrical productions, cementing her status as a cultural icon. Even in her 90s, she continued to perform, leaving an enduring legacy in Brazilian entertainment.

Cécile Aubry was a French actress, writer, and director who first gained fame as a film star in the 1940s. Born in 1928, she appeared in notable films such as The Black Rose before turning to writing and television. In the 1960s, Aubry created the beloved children's series Belle and Sebastian, adapting her own novels for the screen. She also wrote and directed several television programs, showcasing her storytelling skills. Aubry’s work left a lasting impact on French cinema and children's literature.

Tom Davis was an American comedian, actor, and screenwriter best known for his work on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s. Born in 1952, he partnered with Al Franken to create memorable sketches and characters that became series classics. Davis also wrote for film and television, contributing to comedies such as One More Saturday Night. His talents extended to acting, where he appeared in a variety of roles on stage and screen. Davis's sharp wit and creativity left a lasting mark on American comedy.

Mel Smith was a versatile English comedian, actor, and director who rose to fame in the early 1980s on the television series Not the Nine O'Clock News. Alongside Griff Rhys Jones, he co-founded the production company Talkback, which produced numerous successful comedy shows. Smith starred in films such as The Tall Guy and wrote or directed several stage productions and television specials. His sharp wit and creative vision made him a respected figure in British entertainment. Smith’s contributions to comedy and his role in shaping modern British sketch shows left a lasting impact.

Skye McCole Bartusiak was born in 1992 in Houston, Texas, and began acting at the age of six. She gained recognition for her performance as Alice in The Cider House Rules and as Mel Gibson’s daughter in The Patriot. Bartusiak appeared on television series such as 24 and JAG, demonstrating remarkable range at a young age. In addition to acting, she modeled in commercials and print campaigns. She earned nominations for Young Artist Awards for her early work. Bartusiak continued to pursue her career into her teenage years before her untimely death on July 19, 2014.

James Garner was born in 1928 in Norman, Oklahoma, and served in the Korean War before launching his Hollywood career. He rose to fame as Bret Maverick in the television series Maverick, captivating audiences with his laid-back style. Garner later starred as Jim Rockford in The Rockford Files, earning both a Golden Globe and an Emmy Award. Over six decades, he appeared in more than 50 films, including The Great Escape, Murphy’s Romance, and The Notebook. Beloved for his charismatic antihero persona, Garner remained active in film and television until his death on July 19, 2014.

Garry Marshall was a versatile American filmmaker and comedian whose creations defined television and film comedy for decades. He co-created hit TV series including 'Happy Days', 'Laverne & Shirley', and 'Mork & Mindy', launching the careers of many stars. In cinema, Marshall wrote and directed box-office successes such as 'Pretty Woman' and 'The Princess Diaries', blending humor with heart. As an actor, he made memorable cameo appearances across his productions, endearing himself to audiences. Marshall's contributions earned him industry awards and a reputation as a pioneer of feel-good entertainment.

Jon Schnepp was an American producer, director, and animator renowned for his passion for comic book culture and animation. He directed the documentary "The Death of 'Superman Lives': What Happened?" and contributed to series like "Metalocalypse" and "Superjail!". As a voice actor, Schnepp lent his talents to cartoons, bringing characters to life with his distinctive voice. A skilled cartoonist and writer, he also worked as an editor and cinematographer, showcasing his versatility across film and television. His creative vision and enthusiasm for genre entertainment inspired fans and colleagues alike, making him a beloved figure in the animation community.

Rutger Hauer was a versatile Dutch actor and filmmaker whose career spanned over four decades and dozens of international films. He gained worldwide fame for portraying the replicant Roy Batty in Ridley Scott's 'Blade Runner', delivering a performance immortalized by the 'Tears in rain' monologue. Hauer also starred in cult classics such as 'The Hitcher', 'Ladyhawke', and 'Batman Begins', showcasing his range from thriller to fantasy. Beyond acting, he wrote screenplays, directed films, and co-founded the environmental charity 'The Rutger Hauer Starfish Association' to aid those affected by HIV/AIDS. His charisma, depth, and humanitarian efforts have left a lasting impact on cinema and global social causes.