1848day.year

Jennie Lee

(1848 - 1925)

American actress

American actress
American stage actress acclaimed for her performances in late 19th-century theater.
Jennie Lee was born in 1848 in Ohio, USA. She began her acting career on the stage in the 1870s, gaining recognition for her dramatic roles. Lee toured extensively, performing in popular plays of her time. Her portrayals earned critical acclaim and contributed to American theater's golden age. She remained active on stage well into the early 20th century. Jennie Lee passed away in 1925 after a distinguished acting career.
Jennie Lee
1890day.year

Gunnar Sommerfeldt

(1890 - 1947)

Danish actor, director, and screenwriter

Danish actor director and screenwriter
Gunnar Sommerfeldt was a Danish actor, director, and screenwriter prominent in the silent film era.
Sommerfeldt began his career on the stage in Copenhagen before moving into film in the 1910s. He starred in and directed numerous silent dramas and comedies popular in Scandinavia. As a screenwriter, he adapted literary works for the silver screen, bringing Scandinavian stories to life. His 1921 film 'Growth of the Soil' is among his most notable directing achievements. Sommerfeldt helped pioneer feature filmmaking in Denmark and contributed to early European cinema. He retired from filmmaking in the 1930s but remained an influential figure in theater circles.
1890 Gunnar Sommerfeldt
1896day.year

Antonin Artaud

(1896 - 1948)

French actor, director, and playwright

French actor director and playwright
Antonin Artaud was a French playwright, actor, and theorist known for pioneering the Theatre of Cruelty movement.
Artaud's early work in film and theater in the 1920s explored non-traditional narrative forms and experimental staging. He developed the concept of the Theatre of Cruelty, aiming to shock audiences into visceral awareness. His influential essays and manifestos challenged conventional theatrical practices and inspired avant-garde movements. Artaud also acted in films by directors like Luis Buñuel, notably in 'L'Age d'Or' (1930). His struggles with mental illness led to periods in psychiatric hospitals, impacting his later writings. Despite his short life, Artaud's radical ideas reshaped modern theater and performance art worldwide.
1896 Antonin Artaud
1907day.year

Reggie Nalder

(1907 - 1991)

Austrian-American actor

Austrian-American actor
Austrian-American character actor known for his haunting appearances in horror and suspense films.
Reggie Nalder was born on September 4, 1907 in Vienna, Austria. He gained recognition for his distinctive scarred visage and eerie on-screen presence. Nalder appeared in Alfred Hitchcock’s "The Man Who Knew Too Much", the Hammer horror film "The Man Who Could Cheat Death", and the adventure classic "The Man Who Would Be King". His performances left a lasting impression on fans of suspense and horror. He also worked as a makeup artist, applying his creative skills behind the scenes. Nalder continued acting into the 1980s, showcasing his versatility across television and film. He died in 1991, remembered by genre enthusiasts worldwide.
1907 Reggie Nalder
1918day.year

Paul Harvey

(1918 - 2009)

American radio host

American radio host
Paul Harvey was a beloved American radio broadcaster known for his distinctive voice and storytelling segments.
Paul Harvey gained fame with his News and Comment and daily The Rest of the Story programs. His engaging narrative style and dramatic pauses captivated millions of listeners. Harvey's broadcasts combined news reporting with personal anecdotes, creating a unique radio experience. He received numerous broadcasting awards and was honored for his contributions to journalism. Harvey's legacy endures through his memorable catchphrases and influential radio career.
1918 Paul Harvey
1919day.year

Howard Morris

(1919 - 2005)

American actor, director, and screenwriter

American actor director and screenwriter
Howard Morris was an American actor and director best known for his energetic performances as Ernest T. Bass on The Andy Griffith Show. He also built a successful career as a screenwriter and voice artist for popular animated series.
Born in The Bronx in 1919, Howard Morris began his entertainment career in radio before transitioning to Broadway and Hollywood. He rose to prominence with his portrayal of Ernest T. Bass on The Andy Griffith Show, a role that became a cultural touchstone. In addition to acting, he wrote and directed episodes of several television series in the 1950s and 1960s. Morris's distinctive voice work brought characters to life in cartoons such as The Flintstones and The Jetsons. His creative versatility spanned stage, screen, and animation, making him a respected figure in American comedy. Over the course of his career, he directed films and television specials, earning acclaim for his work behind the camera. Morris remained active in entertainment until his death in 2005, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and contributions to the industry.
Howard Morris
1928day.year

Dick York

(1928 - 1992)

American actor

American actor
American actor best known for portraying Darrin Stephens on the television sitcom "Bewitched."
Born in Fort Wayne, Indiana in 1928, Dick York began his career as a child actor in radio and theater. He appeared in films such as "They Were Expendable" (1945) and "Red River" (1948) before finding fame on television. From 1964 to 1969, York starred as Darrin Stephens on the hit series "Bewitched," earning widespread recognition. He left the show due to chronic back pain sustained during a movie stunt and battled health issues for years. Despite his struggles, York remained an influential figure in early television comedy until his death in 1992.
1928 Dick York
1931day.year

Mitzi Gaynor

(1931 - 2024)

American actress, singer, and dancer

American actress singer and dancer
American actress, singer, and dancer best known for her starring role in the classic musical film "South Pacific."
Born in Chicago in 1931, Mitzi Gaynor trained in ballet and began performing on Broadway as a teenager. She rose to fame in Hollywood musicals of the 1950s, notably starring as Ensign Nellie Forbush in the film adaptation of "South Pacific" (1958). Gaynor's vibrant performances in movies like "There's No Business Like Show Business" showcased her singing and dancing talents. After her film career, she toured extensively in concert and television specials, earning critical acclaim and a Golden Globe nomination. Her enduring charm and stage presence have made her a beloved icon of American musical cinema.
1931 Mitzi Gaynor
1944day.year

Jennifer Salt

American actress, screenwriter, and producer

American actress screenwriter and producer
American actress turned screenwriter and producer, known for her early roles and writing for series like Taxi.
Jennifer Salt is an American actress, screenwriter, and producer. She began her acting career in films like 'Midnight Cowboy' and television series such as 'Toma'. Salt is the daughter of actress Sally Forrest and screenwriter-director Herb Sargent. In the 1980s, she shifted to writing and produced episodes of the sitcom 'Taxi'. She later wrote for shows including 'Roseanne' and 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King'. Salt continues to work as a consultant and producer in television.
Jennifer Salt
1945day.year

Bill Kenwright

(1945 - 2023)

English actor, singer, and producer

English actor singer and producer
English actor, singer, and prolific theatre producer, also known for his role as chairman of Everton FC.
Bill Kenwright was an English theatre producer, actor, and entrepreneur. He founded Bill Kenwright Ltd, one of the UK’s leading theatre production companies. Kenwright produced long-running West End shows such as 'Blood Brothers' and 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. He appeared in films and television series, including 'Doctor Who'. Kenwright served as chairman of Everton Football Club from 2004 until his death in 2023. He was appointed CBE for services to drama and charity.
Bill Kenwright
1951day.year

Judith Ivey

American actress

American actress
American actress and theater director known for her versatile work on stage and screen.
Judith Ivey (born 1951) is an American actress and stage director whose career spans theater, film, and television. She has earned critical acclaim on Broadway, winning two Tony Awards for her performances. Ivey’s screen credits include roles in films such as The Lonely Guy and recurring appearances on television series like Designing Women. As a director, she has led numerous stage productions across the United States, showcasing her storytelling range and commitment to the arts.
Judith Ivey
1957day.year

Khandi Alexander

American actress, dancer, and choreographer

American actress dancer and choreographer
American actress, dancer, and choreographer known for her dynamic performances across television and film.
Born in 1957, Khandi Alexander began her career as a dancer and choreographer, performing with major dance companies before transitioning to acting. She gained early recognition on the comedy series 'NewsRadio', showcasing her comedic timing. Alexander earned critical acclaim for her role as head nurse Alexx Levy on 'ER', displaying depth in dramatic storytelling. Her portrayal of LaDonna in HBO's 'Treme' captured post-Katrina New Orleans with authenticity and grace. Alongside television success, she has appeared in feature films and theater productions, blending her movement expertise with powerful character work. Alexander's versatile talent and dedication continue to influence aspiring performers.
1957 Khandi Alexander