August 24

Born in 1860, Tom Norman rose to fame as one of London's most notorious showmen, managing sideshows and 'freak' exhibitions. He famously displayed attractions such as Jumbo the elephant and the so-called Elephant Man, drawing massive crowds. Known for his shrewd business sense and theatrical flair, Norman toured the UK and Europe, leaving a lasting mark on popular entertainment. His memoirs offer a rare glimpse into the moral complexities of Victorian spectacle. Despite controversies over exploitation, he remains a key figure in the history of circus and sideshow culture.

Born in London in 1927, Yootha Joyce trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama before beginning her stage career in the 1950s. She transitioned to film with roles in 'The Servant' (1963) and 'Tom Jones' (1963) before achieving television fame. Joyce’s performance as the sharp-tongued Mildred Roper in 'Man About the House' and its spin-off 'George and Mildred' earned her a BAFTA award. Known for her comedic timing and character work, she became a beloved television star. Joyce’s career was cut short by her untimely death in 1980.

Born in 1910, E. G. Marshall began his acting career on Broadway, earning acclaim for his dramatic roles. He made his film debut in "12 Angry Men" (1957) as Juror No. 4, delivering a performance that solidified his screen presence. On television, he starred as Lawrence Preston in the acclaimed series "The Defenders," earning multiple Emmy nominations. Marshall's career spanned film, TV, theater, and radio, showcasing his versatility as a character actor. He passed away in 1998, leaving a legacy as one of America's most respected performers.

Born in 1916, Mary Jane Croft began her entertainment career in radio, voicing characters on popular programs. She transitioned to television in the 1950s, becoming a beloved presence on series such as "The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet" and "I Love Lucy." Known for her warm screen persona and impeccable comic timing, she endeared herself to audiences nationwide. Over her five-decade career, Croft worked across radio, television, and stage, collaborating with many entertainment legends. She retired in the 1960s but remained a cherished icon of early American sitcoms until her death in 1999.

Jane Greer was born in 1924 in Brooklyn, New York. She gained stardom with her portrayal of Kathie Moffat in the 1947 film noir 'Out of the Past'. Her performance as a seductive and enigmatic femme fatale became a benchmark for the genre. Greer appeared in numerous films and television shows, demonstrating versatility across genres. She later transitioned to television and radio, continuing her acting career into the 1980s. Her elegance and screen presence left an indelible mark on Hollywood’s golden age.

Steve Franken enjoyed a prolific career in film, television, and theater, often portraying eccentric supporting characters. He gained recognition as Chatsworth Osborne Jr. on the sitcom The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis. Franken appeared in films like The Party (1968) and guest-starred on popular series including Bewitched and Columbo. He also lent his voice to animated shows and commercials, showcasing his versatility. Franken's expressive delivery and impeccable comedic timing made him a memorable presence on screen. He remained active in acting and voice work until his passing in 2012.

Julie Harris was one of the most celebrated American actresses of the 20th century. She made her Broadway debut in 1945 and earned critical acclaim for roles in dramas and musicals. Harris won five Tony Awards and received nine nominations over her career. She starred in the original stage production of The Member of the Wedding and appeared in films such as East of Eden and The Haunting. A founding member of the Actors Studio, she collaborated with directors like Elia Kazan and Sidney Lumet. In 2002, she received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement, cementing her legacy in theater history.

Richard Attenborough was an award-winning actor and film director whose career spanned over six decades. After early success in front of the camera in films like Brighton Rock and The Great Escape, he turned to directing with acclaimed works such as Oh What a Lovely War. Attenborough’s masterpiece Gandhi (1982) won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. As an actor, he portrayed John Hammond in Jurassic Park and Grandpa Walton in the TV series The Waltons. He was knighted in 1976 for his services to the film industry. Later in life, he served as President of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts and was a member of the House of Lords. Attenborough’s influence on cinema as both performer and visionary director has left a profound legacy.

Jay Thomas began his career as a stand-up comedian before landing breakout roles on television sitcoms. He is best remembered for playing the eccentric detective Remo DaVinci on Cheers and as Eddie LeBec on Mork & Mindy. Thomas earned two Daytime Emmy Awards for his work as a guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. He hosted the nationally syndicated The Jay Thomas Show on radio, combining humor with interviews of celebrities and newsmakers. His warm personality and quick wit made him a favorite across multiple media platforms. In addition to acting and radio, Thomas wrote two memoirs detailing his experiences in entertainment. His contributions to comedy and broadcasting endeared him to audiences until his passing in 2017.