July 24

Frank Wedekind began his career as an actor before gaining fame as a playwright in the 1890s. His play Spring Awakening shocked audiences with its frank exploration of adolescent sexuality and institutional repression. He went on to write the Lulu plays, which exposed the dark underbelly of society and the plight of women. Wedekind’s work anticipated Expressionist theatre and influenced generations of dramatists. Though often controversial and censored, his plays are celebrated for their bold themes and psychological depth.

Born in Milan, Maria Caserini began her stage career as a teenager before transitioning to silent films. She married director Mario Caserini and appeared in over 100 films, including the landmark productions Quo Vadis and Cleopatra. Caserini’s expressive performances helped define acting techniques for the screen’s early years. She retired from acting in the mid-1920s but continued to influence the film world through teaching and film preservation efforts. Her pioneering work remains a touchstone for silent-era enthusiasts.

Born Faye Tenasco in 1899, Chief Dan George became a respected Saulteaux chief and cultural ambassador. He began his acting career late in life, earning an Academy Award nomination for his role in 'Little Big Man' (1970). George used his platform to speak on Indigenous issues and preserve Native customs through poetry and speeches. His gentle wit and dignified presence made him a beloved figure in film and beyond. He continued to act in movies and television while remaining an outspoken advocate for Indigenous peoples until his death in 1981.

She began her career as a magazine model before signing with Paramount Pictures in the early 1940s. She appeared in films across genres, showcasing her versatility in dramas, comedies, and musicals. Her screen presence captured the optimism of the postwar era. In the late 1940s, she moved to Italy after marriage and appeared in European film productions. She returned briefly to Hollywood in the 1950s before retiring from acting. Her performances left a lasting impression on audiences of her generation.

Born in Westerly, Rhode Island, in 1936, Buzzi trained in comedy and improvisation before breaking into television. She joined the cast of Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In in 1968, creating iconic characters such as Gladys Ormphby. Buzzi earned three Emmy nominations for her work on the sketch-comedy series, showcasing her talent for physical comedy and timing. She appeared on The Tonight Show and starred in television specials throughout the 1970s. In subsequent decades, Buzzi continued to perform on stage and in television roles, delighting audiences with her comic flair.

Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, in 1936, Goddard began his television career with guest appearances in the 1950s. He rose to prominence as Colonel Kick Richardson on the detective series 77 Sunset Strip. In 1965, he was cast as Major Don West in Lost in Space, which became a beloved cult classic. Beyond acting, Goddard taught drama and directed community theater productions. His contributions to genre television have earned him a lasting fan following.

Born Harikishan Goswami in Abbottabad in 1937, Kumar adopted the screen name Manoj Kumar to launch his film career. He directed and starred in classics such as Upkar (1967) and Purab Aur Paschim (1970), earning acclaim for their nationalistic themes. Known as 'Bharat Kumar', he became synonymous with portrayals of Indian patriotism on screen. Kumar received multiple Filmfare Awards and was honored with the Padma Shri in 1992. His work has influenced generations of filmmakers and remains celebrated in Indian cinema.

Born in New York City, Dan Hedaya began his acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. He delivered standout performances in films such as Blood Simple, The Usual Suspects, and Boogie Nights. On television, Hedaya is widely remembered for his Emmy-nominated role as Nick Tortelli on the sitcom Cheers. He has also appeared in series including Seinfeld, Shark, and Grey’s Anatomy. With a career spanning over five decades, he has become a respected figure for his versatility and depth in character roles. Hedaya continues to take on diverse projects, showcasing his enduring talent.

Born in Beckley, West Virginia, Chris Sarandon began his acting journey on the stage with a Tony-nominated role in the original Broadway production of Company. He transitioned to film with memorable supporting roles in Dog Day Afternoon and Child’s Play. Sarandon achieved cult status as Prince Humperdinck in Rob Reiner’s The Princess Bride. He later provided the speaking voice for Jack Skellington in Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas. Over his career, he has appeared in television series such as Spin City and Grey’s Anatomy. Sarandon continues to act in film, theatre, and television, showcasing his distinctive voice and presence.

Born in 1946, Gallagher developed a trademark routine called “Sledge-O-Matic” during the 1980s that satirized home shopping advertisements. He gained widespread fame with televised specials and international tours showcasing his aggressive slapstick style. His iconic watermelon-smashing bit became a cultural touchstone and a highlight of live comedy shows. Gallagher released numerous comedy albums and made appearances in films and television throughout his career. He continued to tour extensively until his passing in 2022, leaving a lasting impact on stand-up comedy.

Born in 1949 in Culver City, California, Michael Richards studied acting at Los Angeles City College before embarking on a career in stand-up comedy. He achieved worldwide fame for his role as Cosmo Kramer on Seinfeld (1989–1998), earning three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Supporting Actor. Richards’s physical comedy and spontaneous delivery made Kramer one of television’s most beloved characters. After Seinfeld, he appeared in a variety of films and stage productions, though his public career was marred by controversy in 2006. Richards later returned to comedy, appearing on talk shows and in limited performances.

Born in 1951 in Phoenix, Arizona, Lynda Carter won the title Miss World USA in 1972 before transitioning to acting and music. She achieved international fame as Diana Prince/Wonder Woman on the hit TV series (1975–1979), becoming a pop culture icon. Carter released two studio albums in the late 1970s and later performed concerts showcasing her vocal talent. After Wonder Woman, she appeared in a variety of television, film, and stage roles, and remained active in charity work for women’s and veterans’ causes. Carter’s portrayal of the Amazonian heroine continues to inspire new generations of fans.