August 14

Carl Carl (1787–1854) was a Polish-born actor turned theatre director who played a key role in developing German stagecraft and opera production. He managed leading theatres in Hamburg and Berlin, introducing innovative staging techniques and expanding repertoire. Known for his charismatic performances, he transitioned seamlessly into theatre management, supporting emerging playwrights and composers. Carl championed the works of German Romantic dramatists and worked to professionalize ensemble acting. His leadership helped establish theatres as cultural centers, attracting audiences from across Europe. He left a lasting imprint on 19th-century theatre through his artistic vision and managerial acumen.

Born in 1906 in Pittsburgh, Levant achieved fame as a concert pianist and recording artist. He appeared in films such as “An American in Paris” and hosted radio and TV programs showcasing his humor. Levant composed music and wrote several books, blending creativity with sharp social commentary. Known for his candid discussions of mental health, he became an icon of 20th-century American culture. He influenced both the music and entertainment industries with his prodigious talent and wit. Levant passed away in 1972, remembered for his complex personality and artistic contributions.

Dorothy Stratten was a Canadian-American model and actress who gained prominence as Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month in August 1979. Born in Vancouver in 1960, she was named Playmate of the Year in 1980, capturing Hollywood's attention. She appeared in films including Barbarian Queen and Blake Edwards' romantic comedy They All Laughed. Stratten's beauty and charisma made her a rising star, and she graced magazine covers worldwide. Her promising career and life ended tragically when she was murdered by her estranged husband at age 20. Her story inspired the film Star 80 and brought attention to the challenges faced by women in the entertainment industry. Dorothy Stratten's legacy endures as a cautionary tale of fame and vulnerability.

Gale Sondergaard was an American actress born in 1899 in Minnesota, celebrated for her versatile character roles. She made her film debut in Anthony Adverse (1936), earning critical acclaim. In 1940 she won the inaugural Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in The Letter. Sondergaard appeared in over 30 films, including The Life of Emile Zola and The Mark of Zorro. On stage she performed with prestigious companies, showcasing her dramatic range. Her career was impacted by the Hollywood blacklist in the 1950s, leading to fewer screen roles. She continued acting in television and theater before retiring, passing away on August 14, 1985.

Born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1912, Alice Childress moved to New York in her teens to pursue the arts. She joined the Federal Theatre Project and appeared in the original stage production of Native Son. Childress made history as the first African-American woman to have a play produced off-Broadway with Trouble in Mind. Her works, including the novel A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich, addressed racial tensions and social justice. Throughout her career, she defied barriers in theater and literature, creating authentic portrayals of Black life. Childress's legacy endures as a pioneering voice for equality and creative expression.

Born in 1949, Bruno Kirby began his acting career in the 1970s and became known for his memorable supporting performances. He worked with renowned directors and actors, showcasing his talent in both comedy and drama. His roles in films and TV series earned him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base. Kirby's charismatic presence and comedic timing made him a standout character actor. He died in 2006 at the age of 57.

Born in 1919, Phyllis Thaxter began her acting career in the 1940s, shining in both Broadway productions and Hollywood films. She earned praise for her versatility and grace, with notable roles in drama and adventure genres. Later, she appeared frequently on television, charming audiences with her strong performances. Thaxter balanced her professional work with a dedication to family. She passed away in 2012 at the age of 92.

Fyvush Finkel was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1922 to a family of Yiddish theater performers. He began acting on the Yiddish stage at age 16 and later appeared on Broadway in productions such as The Flowering Peach and Fiddler on the Roof. Finkel earned critical acclaim and won an Emmy for his role in the television series Picket Fences. Known for his expressive face and warm stage presence, he bridged the worlds of ethnic theater and mainstream entertainment. Over his seven-decade career, he also appeared in films like A Serious Man and had recurring roles on Law & Order. Finkel's dedication to live theater and his gift for illuminating character parts made him a beloved figure in American performing arts.

Gena Rowlands was born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1930 and trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She met director John Cassavetes, whom she married in 1954, beginning a creative partnership that produced landmark films like A Woman Under the Influence (1974) and Gloria (1980). Rowlands' intense portrayals earned her Golden Globe wins and multiple Academy Award nominations. Her career spanned television, film, and theater, including Tony-nominated stage roles. She continued acting into her later years, collaborating with her children Nick and Zoe Cassavetes on projects. Rowlands' fearless artistry and emotional depth made her a pioneer of independent cinema.