August 06

Sir Cedric Webster Hardwicke was born in London in 1893 and trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He became a leading Shakespearean actor on the West End stage. Hardwicke made his Hollywood debut in 1939 and appeared in films such as 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' and 'The Invisible Man.' He was knighted by King George VI in 1934 for his services to drama. Known for his commanding presence and clear elocution, he enjoyed a versatile career spanning stage, film, and radio. Hardwicke also directed theatre productions and mentored young actors. He remained active in performance until his death in 1964.

Born Klaus Sperber in Immenstadt in 1944, Klaus Nomi moved to New York City in 1972 to pursue art and music. With his high-pitched operatic voice, he became a cult figure in the downtown scene, performing in nightclubs like CBGB. Nomi’s theatrical costumes and outlandish persona challenged norms, merging German cabaret, baroque opera, and new wave pop. He gained wider attention with his 1981 debut album and a memorable appearance on Saturday Night Live. Though his life was cut short by AIDS-related complications in 1983, his boundary-breaking performances influenced artists in music and fashion. Nomi’s legacy endures as a pioneer of performance art and queercore culture.

Emilio Fernández was born in 1904 and rose to fame as a charismatic actor in Mexico’s Golden Age of film. He launched his directing career with 'Enamorada' (1946) and achieved international acclaim with 'María Candelaria', which won the Palme d’Or at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. Fernández’s collaborations with cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa produced visually stunning films that celebrated Mexican culture and landscapes. Known affectionately as 'El Indio', he appeared in over 150 films and directed more than 30 features. His work influenced generations of filmmakers in Latin America and beyond. Fernández’s contributions as an actor, director, and screenwriter cemented his status as a cinema legend.

Dorothy Tutin was a distinguished English actress whose versatile career encompassed stage, film, and television. She earned critical acclaim for her Shakespearean performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company and won the Olivier Award for Best Actress for her role in The Collection. Tutin also appeared in films such as The Prince and the Showgirl and The Entertainer, showcasing her dramatic range. On television, she starred in numerous series and dramas that highlighted her nuanced character work. Throughout her career, she was celebrated for her emotional depth and technical skill. Her enduring influence on British theatre continues to inspire actors today.

Richard Cragun was born in 1944 in San Antonio, Texas, and trained at the San Francisco Ballet School. He joined the Stuttgart Ballet in 1967, becoming a principal dancer under choreographer John Cranko. Cragun was celebrated for his powerful technique and expressive stage presence in roles like Albrecht in 'Giselle.' He later turned to choreography, creating works for major companies around the world. His contributions to ballet earned him international recognition and a lasting legacy in the dance community.

Orna Porat (1924–2015) was a German-born Israeli actress celebrated for her influential roles in Israeli theater. She immigrated to Mandatory Palestine in 1946 and joined the Habima Theatre, where she became a leading performer in classic and contemporary productions. Porat co-founded the Orna Porat Children's Theater, dedicated to introducing young audiences to the performing arts. She received the Israel Prize for her contributions to theater and culture in 1979. Porat’s distinguished career spanned over six decades, earning her recognition as a trailblazer in Israeli arts.

Connie Chiume began her acting career in the late 1970s, performing in theater productions in KwaZulu-Natal before transitioning to television and film. She gained international recognition for her role as Dube's wife in the Academy Award-nominated film 'Hotel Rwanda' (2004). In South Africa, Chiume became a household name for her portrayal of Harriet Khoza on the hit soap opera 'The Queen,' earning multiple SAFTA awards. As a producer and director, she has championed stories that reflect South Africa's diverse cultures and histories. Chiume's career spans over four decades, marked by her commitment to nurturing new talent and promoting the arts. She died in 2024, celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to South African cinema and television.