July 24

Sacha Guitry (1885–1957) was a towering figure in French cultural life, celebrated as an actor, director, and writer. He authored and performed in over 120 stage productions, delighting audiences with his sharp dialogue and comedic timing. In cinema, Guitry directed and starred in more than 70 films, seamlessly bringing his theatrical sensibility to the screen. His works often satirized Parisian society and explored themes of love, identity, and artistic ambition. Known for his charismatic presence and rapid-fire delivery, he became a symbol of elegance in early 20th-century France. Today, his plays and films continue to be revived and admired for their enduring charm and sophistication.

Constance Bennett was a leading Hollywood actress during the 1920s and 1930s, celebrated for her elegance and versatility on screen. She starred in acclaimed films such as Topper and What Price Hollywood?, earning both critical and commercial success. Bennett became one of the highest-paid actresses of her era and later ventured into producing her own projects. She navigated the transition from silent to sound cinema with notable ease, solidifying her place in film history. Her glamour and talent made her an icon of Golden Age Hollywood before her death in 1965. She remains remembered for her pioneering role as a woman in both acting and film production.

Peter Sellers was a versatile English actor and comedian, best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Inspector Clouseau in The Pink Panther series. He earned widespread acclaim for his multiple roles in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove, showcasing his comedic genius. Sellers began his career in radio comedy before becoming one of the most bankable film stars of the 1960s and 1970s. His chameleon-like ability to adopt accents and personalities made each performance unique. Despite professional success, he faced personal turmoil and health issues later in life. Sellers's legacy endures as a towering figure in film comedy with an influence that spans generations.

Born Léonie Bathiat in 1898, Arletty rose to fame in the 1930s with her charismatic screen presence. She starred in classics such as Hôtel du Nord (1938) and Les Enfants du Paradis (1945), becoming a symbol of French cinema's golden age. Alongside her acting career, she released several records showcasing her melodic voice. During World War II, her personal life sparked controversy but did little to dim her stardom. Arletty's legacy endures through her timeless performances and her influence on generations of performers.

Raymond "Chad" Everett began his career in the early 1960s with guest roles on popular TV shows before landing the lead role of Dr. Joe Gannon on "Medical Center," which ran from 1969 to 1976. His portrayal of the dedicated physician made him a household name. Everett appeared in numerous films and television movies over his five-decade career and directed episodes of the series in which he starred. He was admired for his charismatic screen presence and versatility. Everett's work left a memorable mark on American television drama.

Sherman Hemsley began his acting career on stage before breaking into television in the late 1960s. He starred as George Jefferson, a brash and ambitious character, first on "All in the Family" and then on the long-running spinoff "The Jeffersons," becoming one of television's most memorable figures. In addition to his acting talents, Hemsley enjoyed singing and made several musical appearances. His sharp comedic timing and larger-than-life persona earned him widespread acclaim. Hemsley's groundbreaking work paved the way for future generations of African American actors in television comedy.

Peg Lynch was an American actress and screenwriter best known for creating and starring in the sitcom "Ethel and Albert". Born in 1916, she wrote, produced, and performed her radio show starting in 1944 before transitioning it successfully to television. Her series was praised for its subtle humor and realistic portrayal of domestic life, influencing the development of sitcoms. Lynch maintained creative control over her work, becoming one of the first female showrunners in broadcasting history. Over her career, she earned acclaim for her writing skills, earning Peabody Award recognition and a devoted audience. She continued to write and perform into her later years, leaving a lasting impact on American entertainment.

Marni Nixon was an American soprano and actress whose voice widely graced classic Hollywood musicals. Born in 1930, she became famous for dubbing the singing voices of stars such as Deborah Kerr in "The King and I" and Natalie Wood in "West Side Story." Though often uncredited, her performances contributed to some of the most enduring musical films of the 1950s and 1960s. Nixon also led a successful concert and recording career, showcasing her versatility across genres. She later taught voice and wrote a memoir, sharing her experiences as the industry’s foremost ghost singer. Her legacy endures in the memorable melodies she helped bring to life on screen.

Regis Philbin was an American actor and television host whose career spanned over six decades. Born in 1931, he first gained fame co-hosting morning talk shows, most notably "Live! With Regis and Kathie Lee." Philbin later hosted the popular game show "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", bringing it to American audiences. Known for his warm personality and quick wit, he became one of the most recognizable faces on television. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most hours spent in front of a television camera. Philbin also appeared in films, Broadway productions, and published memoirs recounting his broadcasting adventures. He remained active in media until his passing in 2020, inspiring generations of hosts and entertainers.

David Warner (1941–2022) was a celebrated English actor known for his versatility on stage and screen. He achieved acclaim in Shakespearean roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company before gaining international fame in film and television. His memorable screen performances include Harcourt in "Tron", Lord Gorkon in "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country", and Spicer Lovejoy in "Titanic". Warner appeared in over a hundred films, as well as numerous television series and voice acting roles. He received two Emmy Award nominations and was honored for his theatrical work. His charismatic presence and chameleon-like talent made him one of Britain's most respected actors.