July 20

Verna Felton began her career on radio and stage before becoming a beloved character actress in film and television. She provided voices for Disney classics, including the Queen of Hearts in Alice in Wonderland, the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella, and Flora in Sleeping Beauty. Felton's warm, expressive voice and comedic timing made her a favorite among audiences of all ages. She also appeared in the sitcom December Bride and various Hollywood productions. Her enduring legacy lives on through the memorable characters she brought to life.

Loda Halama was a celebrated Polish ballerina and film actress, whose graceful dance style made her one of Poland's foremost performers in the 1930s. Trained at the Warsaw Ballet School, she gained fame for her roles in stage ballets and later transitioned to the silver screen. Halama starred in several Polish films, showcasing her talents both as an actress and a dancer. During World War II, she continued to perform in underground theaters, contributing to the resilience of Polish arts. After the war, she toured internationally and later became a respected dance instructor. Her legacy endures through her contributions to ballet and Polish cultural life.

Cindy Walker was a prolific American songwriter whose compositions became standards in country music. Over her five-decade career, she wrote hits such as You Don't Know Me, Bubbles in My Beer and Dream Baby (How Long Must I Dream). Walker's songs were embraced by artists ranging from Gene Autry to Bob Wills, showcasing her versatility and melodic gift. Starting as a performer and dancer in Texas, she transitioned to songwriting in Hollywood, quickly earning respect for her lyrical authenticity. Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1997, Walker's influence persists through the countless covers and tributes to her work. Her legacy highlights the power of skillful storytelling and memorable melodies.

Born in 1924 in Akron, Ohio, Lola Albright began her career as a nightclub singer before transitioning to acting in Hollywood. She appeared in films such as 'Champion' and 'The Stratton Story', showcasing both her dramatic range and musical talent. Albright gained widespread recognition as Edie Hart on the television series 'Peter Gunn', earning an Emmy nomination for her performance. Her smoky singing voice was featured on several jazz recordings, blending seamlessly with her on-screen persona. Throughout the 1960s and beyond, she continued to work in film, television, and theater, leaving a mark as a versatile performer. Albright's legacy endures through her memorable roles and distinctive vocal style until her death in 2017.

Born in London in 1927, Heather Chasen trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began her career in repertory theater. She became a familiar voice on BBC radio dramas and earned acclaim for her long-running role in 'The Archers.' Chasen transitioned to television with appearances in series such as 'EastEnders,' where she portrayed Lydia Simmonds. Her stage work included West End productions and tours across the UK, showcasing her range in both classical and contemporary plays. Chasen's dedication to her craft and warm presence made her a beloved figure in British entertainment until her passing in 2020.

Born in 1929, Rajendra Kumar rose to stardom in Bollywood, earning the nickname 'Jubilee Kumar' for his films' extended theater runs. He delivered memorable performances in classics like 'Dosti', 'Sangam', and 'Kanoon', captivating audiences with his charm. Transitioning behind the camera, he launched his own production company and produced several successful films. Kumar's on-screen appeal and dedication to his craft made him one of the era's most beloved stars. He continued acting and mentoring younger talent until his death in 1999, leaving an enduring legacy in Indian cinema.

Born in London into a theatrical family, Sally Ann Howes made her West End debut at age 12. She gained international fame as Caractacus Potts' eccentric daughter in the film 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' in 1968. On Broadway, she earned a Tony Award nomination for Best Actress in a Musical for her performance in 'Brigadoon.' Howes excelled in operetta and cabaret, performing at premier venues worldwide. She recorded several albums that showcased her rich soprano voice. Known for her grace and wit, she maintained a busy schedule of concerts, television appearances, and charitable work. Howes continued to act and sing well into her later years, inspiring generations of performers. She passed away in 2021, remembered as a beloved figure of classic musical theatre.

Dame Diana Rigg trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before joining the Royal Shakespeare Company. She gained fame as Emma Peel in the 1960s television series 'The Avengers', blending wit and martial arts. Rigg earned an Oscar nomination for 'Evil Under the Sun' and starred in films from 'On Her Majesty’s Secret Service' to 'The Hospital'. Her stage work included a Tony Award–winning performance in Medea and major roles on West End and Broadway. Late in life, she delighted new audiences as Lady Olenna Tyrell in 'Game of Thrones' before her death in 2020.

Child actress Natalie Wood rose to fame with 'Miracle on 34th Street' at age seven. She earned her first Oscar nomination for 'Splendor in the Grass' at 15 and starred in classics like 'Rebel Without a Cause'. Wood’s performances in 'West Side Story' and 'Gypsy' cemented her status as one of Hollywood’s brightest talents. She worked with directors from Nicholas Ray to Peter Bogdanovich and balanced dramatic and musical roles. Her tragic death in 1981 remains one of Hollywood’s enduring mysteries, adding to her legendary legacy.

Kurt Raab was a versatile talent in New German Cinema, acclaimed for his collaborations with director Rainer Werner Fassbinder. He appeared in numerous influential films, contributing both on-screen with memorable performances and off-screen as a screenwriter and production designer. His creative style helped shape the aesthetic of 1970s German film, blending raw emotion with innovative visual storytelling. Beyond Fassbinder, Raab worked on various independent projects and later co-founded his own production company. Though his life was cut short in 1988, his impact on European cinema continues to be celebrated by filmmakers and cinephiles.

Wendy Richard captured audiences as the prim and witty Miss Shirley Brahms in the BBC sitcom 'Are You Being Served?' from 1972 to 1985. She later joined the long-running soap opera 'EastEnders' in 1994, portraying the devoted matriarch Pauline Fowler for more than a decade. Her performances made her a beloved figure in British television and earned her critical acclaim. Beyond acting, Richard appeared on reality shows and supported various charities. She remained active in the entertainment industry until her passing in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of iconic television moments.

Muse Watson (born July 20, 1948) is an American actor and producer. He served in the U.S. Army before launching his acting career. Adopting the stage name Muse Watson, he has appeared in films such as Scent of a Woman and Legion. On television, he earned acclaim as Special Agent Mike Franks on the long-running series NCIS. Watson has also performed in theater productions and directed short films. He continues to work across film and television, often portraying law enforcement characters.