August 18

Charles Hart (1625–1683) was a celebrated actor of the English Restoration period and a principal performer at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Under the patronage of King Charles II, Hart excelled in both heroic and comic roles, premiering works by playwrights such as John Dryden and William Wycherley. Known for his handsome appearance and dynamic acting style, he helped revive English theatre after the Puritan ban. Hart’s influence extended through his mentorship of younger actors and his contributions to the era’s vibrant theatrical culture.

Born in 1948 in Mumbai, Persis Khambatta rose to fame after being crowned Femina Miss India in 1965. She transitioned to film, debuting in Bollywood movies before gaining international attention for her portrayal of Lieutenant Ilia in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" (1979). Khambatta's striking presence and performance opened doors for South Asian actors in Hollywood. She appeared in both Indian and Western productions, breaking cultural barriers. Beyond acting, she advocated for health and fitness, reflecting her past as a model. Khambatta's career was tragically cut short by health issues, and she passed away in 1998 at the age of 49, leaving behind a unique legacy in film and fashion.

Born in 1918, Dean Riesner began his career as a child actor in Hollywood, appearing in silent and early sound films. He transitioned to screenwriting in the 1950s, crafting scripts for television and film. Riesner is best known for his work on the screenplay of "Dirty Harry" (1971), starring Clint Eastwood, and the thriller "Charley Varrick" (1973). His writing blended tight plotting with memorable dialogue, contributing to the success of several crime and action films. Over his career, he wrote or co-wrote dozens of scripts across various genres. Riesner’s ability to adapt to changing cinematic styles made him a versatile figure in Hollywood's golden age. He passed away in 2002, remembered for shaping some of the era's enduring screen characters.

Don Pardo was an American radio and television announcer whose voice became synonymous with NBC programming. Born in 1918, he began his career in radio during the 1930s and transitioned to television in the 1950s. Pardo served as the announcer for numerous game shows, news programs, and variety series. He gained iconic status as the opening voice of Saturday Night Live for over four decades. Known for his rich baritone and timeless delivery, he remained active in broadcasting well into his 90s. Pardo passed away in 2014 at the age of 96, leaving a legacy as one of the most recognizable voices in American media.

Born in 1928 in London, Bruce Forsyth became one of the United Kingdom’s most beloved television personalities. He began his entertainment career as a child and rose to fame hosting The Generation Game. Forsyth was known for his distinctive humour, energetic dance routines, and memorable catchphrases. He hosted Strictly Come Dancing for ten years, bringing ballroom dancing to a wider audience. Knighted in 2011, he also supported numerous charities and was admired for his generosity and spirit.

Born Zoe Kappella in 1944 in Athens, Zoe Laskari won the Miss Hellas beauty pageant in 1959. She made her film debut in the 1960 film ‘To Dromaki tis Ambulans’. Laskari went on to star in over thirty films, captivating audiences with her screen presence and dramatic range. She also appeared on stage and worked as a model, embodying elegance and talent. Laskari’s career continued into the 1980s and she remains celebrated for her contributions to Greek film and theatre.

Born in 1947 in London, Ben Cross studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his career on stage. He gained international fame playing Eric Liddell in the Oscar-winning film ‘Chariots of Fire’ (1981). Cross appeared in a wide range of films and television series, including ‘The Scarlet Pimpernel’ and ‘Nightflyers’. He performed with major theatre companies across the UK and the United States, earning acclaim for his versatility and intensity. Cross continued to work in film, television, and theatre until his death in 2020.

Born in 1935 in Sceaux, France, Alain Delon emerged as an international film star with his role in ‘Purple Noon’ (1960). He collaborated with acclaimed directors such as Luchino Visconti and Jean-Pierre Melville, starring in classics like ‘Rocco and His Brothers’ and ‘Le Samouraï’. Delon was known for his striking looks, intense presence, and versatility across genres. He received multiple César Award nominations and won for his role in ‘Notre histoire’ (1984). Delon also produced films and remains an emblematic figure of European cinema.

Born in 1935 in Cleveland, Phil Donahue launched The Phil Donahue Show in 1967, introducing live audience interaction to daytime television. The program addressed social and political issues, often featuring guests from diverse backgrounds and controversial topics. Donahue’s empathetic style and willingness to tackle taboo subjects earned him a Daytime Emmy Award. He influenced a generation of talk show hosts and reshaped television programming. After ending his show in 1996, Donahue continued to produce documentaries and comment on media ethics until his death in 2024.