August 25

Born Frederich Meshilem Meier Weisenfreund in 1895 in Lemberg, Austrian Galicia, he emigrated to the United States with his family as a child. Muni began his career on the Yiddish stage before moving to Broadway and Hollywood. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of Louis Pasteur in 1936's 'The Story of Louis Pasteur' and earned acclaim for roles in 'Scarface', 'I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang', and 'The Life of Emile Zola'. Known for his intense preparation and versatility, he brought historical and real-life figures to vivid life. Muni's dedication to craft influenced generations of actors.

Gower Champion was born in 1919 in Ohio and began his career in vaudeville and Broadway ensemble work. He gained fame as a choreographer for musicals such as Texas Li’l Darlin’ before achieving major success with Bye Bye Birdie in 1960, earning a Tony Award. His dynamic and athletic choreography for Hello, Dolly! in 1964 won him a second Tony and helped define Broadway’s golden era. Champion also worked in film and television, bringing his theatrical vision to a wider audience. Known for his innovative staging and partnership with his wife Marge, he left a lasting legacy in musical theater. His sudden death in 1980, moments before a performance, added a dramatic end to his storied career.

Nassos Kedrakas was born in 1915 in Athens and trained at the National Theatre Drama School. He appeared in numerous Greek films and stage productions from the 1940s through the 1970s, earning acclaim for his versatility in comedies and dramas. Later, he took on roles behind the camera as a cinematographer, helping to shape the visual style of postwar Greek cinema. Kedrakas worked with leading directors of the Greek New Wave, capturing the country’s landscapes and social changes on film. He was also a mentor to younger actors and cinematographers, influencing generations of Greek filmmakers. His dual talents bridged performance and technical artistry in Greece’s film industry.

Aaliyah Dana Haughton (1979-2001) was an American singer, actress, and model who rose to fame in the 1990s. She was discovered by R. Kelly and later worked closely with Timbaland and Missy Elliott, reshaping the sound of contemporary R&B with her innovative production and smooth vocals. Aaliyah’s albums Age Ain’t Nothing but a Number and One in a Million achieved critical and commercial success. She also pursued acting, starring in films like Romeo Must Die and Queen of the Damned. Her style and musical approach influenced a generation of artists. Tragically, Aaliyah died in a plane crash at the age of 22. She is remembered for her artistry, grace, and enduring impact on music.

Florencio Amarilla began his playing career with Club Nacional in Paraguay before joining Elche CF in Spain in the 1950s. The prolific striker was one of the first Paraguayans to succeed in European football. Following retirement, he turned to coaching youth teams, passing on his expertise to aspiring players. Later, Amarilla pursued acting, appearing in several Paraguayan films and stage productions. His dual passions for football and the arts made him a celebrated cultural figure in his homeland. He died in 2012, leaving behind a unique legacy across sports and entertainment.

Marvin Kaplan was an American actor and voice artist whose career spanned film, television, and theater. He gained fame for his role as the nervous newspaper delivery boy Henry Bumstead in the 1963 comedy film 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'. Kaplan also lent his distinctive voice to the character Choo-Choo in the popular Hanna-Barbera cartoon 'Top Cat'. Over the decades, he appeared in numerous TV series including 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Cheers' and performed on stage and in commercials. Known for his unique voice and comedic timing, he became a beloved character performer. Kaplan continued acting well into his eighties, delighting audiences with his charm and versatility. He passed away in 2016 at the age of 89.