July 25

Vladimir Vysotsky was born in Moscow in 1938 and became a legendary cultural figure in the Soviet Union. His powerful guitar-driven songs captured the struggles and ironies of everyday life under Soviet rule. As an actor, he starred in theater productions at the Taganka Theatre and appeared in popular films. Despite censorship, his music circulated through underground recordings and gained a vast following. Vysotsky's intense performances and poignant lyrics continue to influence Russian music and culture.

Born in Los Angeles, she began acting at age five and appeared in television shows, commercials, and films. She provided the voice of Ducky in the hit animated film "The Land Before Time" (1988) and starred in "Jaws: The Revenge." Her warm, expressive voice captured audiences and hinted at a bright future in Hollywood. Tragically, her life and career were cut short in 1988 at just ten years old. Despite her brief career, her memorable performances have endured and earned her a special place in the hearts of movie fans.

Born in Brooklyn, he shot to fame by originating iconic roles such as Curly in "Oklahoma!" and Fred Graham in "Kiss Me, Kate." His powerful baritone voice and dynamic stage presence set new standards for musical theatre performance. He earned multiple Tony nominations and influenced generations of performers and directors. Beyond performing, he also directed and taught, shaping young talent. His contributions to theatre were recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1985. He died in 1992, leaving a lasting impact on the Broadway community.

John Schlesinger began his career in theater and documentary filmmaking before directing his first feature, "A Kind of Loving," in 1962. He won the Academy Award for Best Director with "Midnight Cowboy" (1969), making it the first X-rated film to receive Best Picture. His work often explored social realism, sexuality, and human relationships. Later films such as "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "Marathon Man" cemented his reputation for depth and artistry. Schlesinger’s diverse talents spanned acting, producing, and screenwriting, earning him enduring acclaim.

Tom Peterson was an American television personality best known for his charismatic on-screen commercials and marketing flair. Born in 1930, he established a local retail store and gained fame through innovative TV advertisements that blended humor with salesmanship. Peterson's distinctive style and memorable catchphrases turned his business into a household name within his community. He later hosted television programs that highlighted consumer products and community events, further cementing his media presence. Peterson's energetic approach to broadcasting endeared him to viewers for decades. He passed away in 2016, remembered as a pioneering figure in local television marketing.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1939, Paul Sorvino studied drama and early in his career earned roles on Broadway. He gained widespread recognition for portraying Paulie Cicero in Martin Scorsese’s 'Goodfellas', earning critical acclaim. Sorvino appeared in films like 'Romeo + Juliet' and 'Nixon', and was a familiar face on television series such as 'Law & Order'. An accomplished stage actor and singer, he performed with opera companies and released music albums. Beyond acting, he was an author of cookbooks and an advocate for the arts. Sorvino was the father of Academy Award–winning actress Mira Sorvino and worked alongside her on several projects. He passed away in July 2022 at the age of 83, leaving a legacy of versatile performances.