September 01

Born in 1566 in London, Alleyn rose to fame performing in plays by Christopher Marlowe and other contemporaries. He co-founded the Lord Admiral’s Men, one of the most successful acting companies of the era. With earnings from his career, he established Dulwich College in 1619 to educate poor scholars and founded Alleyn’s School. His vision for education and theatre left a lasting legacy before his death in 1626.

Sigurd Wallén began his career as a stage actor in Stockholm before transitioning to film in the silent era. He starred in and directed numerous Swedish comedies and dramas, becoming a household name. Wallén's directorial work blended humor with social commentary, and he helped shape the Scandinavian film industry. He also performed in operettas and musicals, showcasing his versatility. Wallén's legacy endures in Swedish theatre and cinema for his pioneering contributions to both art forms.

Born Hazel Violet Carson in Manchester in 1898, she began her career in singing and stage acting during the 1920s. In 1960, she won national acclaim portraying Ena Sharples on Coronation Street, a role she inhabited for two decades and which became emblematic of British television. Carson’s stern but warm-hearted character, complete with her signature hairnet, resonated with audiences across the UK. She also recorded radio performances and songs, showcasing her musical talent. Carson was made an MBE in 1980 for her services to drama and remains a beloved figure in television history.

Born Cornelius Richard Van Mattimore in 1899 in Pennsylvania, Richard Arlen began his screen career with Universal Pictures in the 1920s. He gained widespread recognition for his performance in ‘Wings’ (1927), the first film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Arlen became known for portraying daring aviator heroes in war dramas and action adventures. He successfully transitioned to talking pictures and later worked in television, appearing in numerous series and B-movies. Over a career spanning four decades, he appeared in over 100 films, leaving a lasting legacy in early Hollywood cinema.

Born John Mack Brown in Dothan, Alabama, in 1904, he gained fame as a star halfback for the University of Alabama, leading his team to victory in the 1926 Rose Bowl. After earning All-American honors, he transitioned to acting, signing with MGM and adopting the screen name Johnny Mack Brown. He became a popular cowboy hero in Western films, starring in over 100 movies and defining the B-Western genre. His rugged persona and athletic background made him a box-office draw through the 1930s and 1940s. Brown’s dual careers in sports and cinema left a unique mark on American cultural history.

Born in 1920, Richard Farnsworth began his career as a stuntman, performing dangerous sequences in Hollywood western films. He transitioned to acting, earning acclaim for his portrayal of stoic yet compassionate characters. Farnsworth received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor at age 79 for his role in The Grey Fox, making him one of the oldest nominees in Oscar history. His naturalistic acting style endeared him to audiences and critics alike, and he worked with renowned directors such as Terrence Malick. Throughout his career, Farnsworth balanced film work with occasional television roles, leaving a memorable legacy in the western genre. He passed away in 2000, and his contributions to cinema continue to be celebrated.

Born in 1922 in Vancouver, Yvonne De Carlo rose to fame in the 1940s with roles in Hollywood musicals and dramas. She showcased her singing talent in films such as Salome, Where She Danced and Criss Cross. De Carlo achieved iconic status with her portrayal of Lily Munster in the 1960s sitcom The Munsters, endearing herself to audiences with charm and comedic timing. Her versatility as a performer allowed her to transition between film, television, and stage throughout her career. De Carlo received critical praise for her work and influenced future generations of actresses. She passed away in 2007, remembered as a beloved figure in entertainment history.

Vittorio Gassman was one of Italy's most celebrated actors, renowned for his dynamic roles in theater and cinema. He co-founded the Teatro d'Arte Italiano and shaped modern Italian theater with groundbreaking productions. Gassman starred in international films such as 'Il Sorpasso' and 'Rocco and His Brothers', blending depth and charisma on screen. A prolific director and screenwriter, he explored social themes and human complexity in his work. His legacy endures in Italian culture through countless tributes and retrospectives.

Hal Douglas enjoyed a decades-long career as one of Hollywood's most recognizable voice-over artists, lending his resonant tone to thousands of film trailers and advertisements. His work included trailers for blockbuster films like 'Philadelphia' and 'Toy Story'. Known for his clear diction and engaging delivery, Douglas was often called upon to bring excitement and gravitas to promotional campaigns. He began his career in radio before transitioning to voice acting in the 1970s. Douglas's signature style influenced generations of voice actors, and his contributions helped shape the modern trailer industry. He continued working until shortly before his death in 2014, leaving behind an enduring vocal legacy.

George Maharis rose to fame in the early 1960s as Buz Murdock on the hit series 'Route 66', showcasing deeply emotional performances. Born in New York City in 1928, he trained in theater and honed his singing voice with performances on Broadway. Beyond acting, Maharis pursued a passion for visual art, exhibiting his paintings in New York galleries. He released music albums and toured as a singer, blending his dramatic flair with musical talents. His multidisciplinary career broke traditional boundaries, inspiring artists across stage, screen, and canvas.

Lily Tomlin is an American actress and comedian born on September 1, 1939. She gained fame on the sketch comedy series Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In with memorable characters. Tomlin’s film credits include Nashville, 9 to 5, and The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe. She co-created and starred in the Netflix series Grace and Frankie, earning critical acclaim. A playwright and producer, she has received Tony, Emmy, and Grammy Awards over her career. Tomlin is also an activist, supporting environmental and LGBTQ+ causes.

Don Stroud is an American actor and martial artist born on September 1, 1943. He debuted alongside Elvis Presley in Coogan’s Bluff (1968), showcasing his stunt skills. Stroud has appeared in over 70 films and TV shows, including The Terminal Man and Friday the 13th Part III. His tough-guy persona stems from his background in martial arts and authentic action sequences. He guest-starred on series such as Hawaii Five-O and Murder, She Wrote. Stroud’s enduring career reflects his versatility and dedication to performance.