August 02

Jean-Pierre Melville, born Jean-Pierre Grumbach in 1917, was a trailblazing French director whose spare, moody films presaged the French New Wave. A veteran of the French Resistance during WWII, he adopted the name Melville in homage to author Herman Melville. His notable works include 'Le Samouraï', 'Bob le Flambeur', and 'Army of Shadows'. As an independent producer and screenwriter, he championed artistic freedom in cinema and influenced generations of filmmakers. Melville's aesthetic minimalism and existential themes have left a lasting impact on world cinema.

Born in 1921 in London, Richfield began his acting career on the British stage after World War II. He appeared in numerous films, including Quatermass and the Pit and several Carry On productions. On television, he took roles in series such as Doctor Who and The Avengers, showcasing his versatility. Richfield also wrote and contributed to a handful of screenplays during the 1960s. His career spanned over four decades, earning him recognition among British character actors. He died in 1990, remembered for his steady presence and wide-ranging performances.

Born in 1933 in New York City, Shari Lewis began her career performing with puppets on children's television in the 1950s. She created the lovable sock puppet Lamb Chop, who debuted on 'Captain Kangaroo' before starring in her own series. Lewis combined humor, music, and storytelling to captivate young audiences, earning multiple Emmy Awards for her work. In addition to her television success, she performed in stage shows and wrote books on puppetry. Lewis was a passionate educator who inspired a new generation of puppeteers and entertainers. She passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and joy.

Terence Bayler was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1930. He began his acting journey on local stages before making his way to London's theatre scene in the 1960s. Bayler became a versatile character actor, seamlessly transitioning between stage, film, and television over more than five decades. He worked alongside renowned comedy troupes and appeared in cult classics like Monty Python's Life of Brian. He passed away on August 2, 2016, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances that spanned genres and continents.

David Huddleston was born in Vinton, Virginia, in 1930. He launched his acting career on the Broadway stage before moving to film and television in the early 1970s. Over a five-decade career, he appeared in more than 200 productions, showcasing his talent in both dramatic and comedic roles. He gained widespread recognition as the unforgettable millionaire Jeffrey "The Big" Lebowski in Joel Coen's cult classic The Big Lebowski. He also charmed audiences as Santa Claus in Disney's The Santa Clause sequels. Huddleston passed away on August 2, 2016, remembered for his warmth, humor, and commanding screen presence.