September 05

Morris Carnovsky was born in 1897 in Atlanta and began his career in Yiddish theater. He co-founded the Group Theatre in New York in 1931, shaping American acting techniques. Carnovsky delivered acclaimed performances in plays like 'Awake and Sing!' and 'The Cradle Will Rock'. He transitioned to Hollywood with roles in 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'None Shall Escape'. During the McCarthy era, he was blacklisted for refusing to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee. After the blacklist ended, he returned to stage and screen, continuing to inspire actors with his craft. Carnovsky died in 1992, remembered as a pioneering figure in American theater and film.

Born in 1901 in Santa Monica, California, Florence Eldridge began her acting career on Broadway in the early 1920s. She made her film debut opposite Spencer Tracy and appeared in over a dozen movies. Eldridge and her husband, actor Fredric March, became one of Hollywood's most celebrated couples. She was also a pioneering radio actress, bringing compelling characters to life across the airwaves. Her versatility and strong presence earned her critical acclaim and a devoted following. She continued to act well into the 1960s before passing away in 1988.

Born in 1902 in New York City, Darryl F. Zanuck started his career as a writer and actor in silent films. He co-founded 20th Century Pictures, which later merged to become 20th Century Fox. Zanuck produced and directed some of the era's most influential films, including The Grapes of Wrath and All About Eve. As a studio executive, he championed innovation in storytelling and special effects. He earned multiple Academy Awards and was known for his keen eye for talent. Zanuck's vision and leadership helped define Hollywood's Golden Age until his death in 1979.

Kristina Söderbaum became one of Germany’s most popular screen stars during the 1930s and 1940s, starring in numerous films directed by her husband, Veit Harlan. Her performances in propaganda dramas such as Jud Süß made her both celebrated and controversial. After World War II she transitioned to photography, capturing intimate portraits and striking landscapes in postwar Europe. She held several exhibitions in Munich and other German cities, showcasing a cinematic eye in her still images. Later in life she published books of her photographs and remained active in creative circles until her death in 2001.

Frank Thomas was a key member of Walt Disney’s legendary Nine Old Men, helping to define the studio’s golden age of animation. He provided voices for characters like Bambi’s Thumper and contributed story ideas for classics such as Dumbo and Lady and the Tramp. Thomas also co-wrote screenplays and story outlines, bringing a playful sensibility to many of the studio’s most beloved films. His partnerships with fellow animator Ollie Johnston produced both animated sequences and authoritative books like The Illusion of Life. Over a career spanning six decades, he influenced generations of animators and storytellers. He died in 2004, leaving behind a rich legacy in both animation and voice work.

Frank Shuster was a Canadian comedian best known as one half of the legendary duo Wayne and Shuster. Alongside Johnny Wayne, he wrote and performed sketches on radio, television, and Broadway for over five decades. Their parodies and historical satires made them regulars on The Ed Sullivan Show and boosted Canadian comedy to international audiences. Shuster earned the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions to entertainment. His sharp wit and writing partnership helped shape modern sketch comedy. He died in 2002 after a career that spanned more than fifty years.

Luis Alcoriza was a Mexican actor, screenwriter, and director renowned for his collaborations with Luis Buñuel. Born in Spain, he fled the Civil War and established his career in the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. Alcoriza co-wrote the screenplays for Buñuel classics such as The Young One and The Exterminating Angel. He directed films like Tlayucan, which earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. His work blended social realism with dark humor and surreal touches. Alcoriza also taught screenwriting, influencing a new generation of filmmakers. He passed away in 1992, leaving behind a legacy of bold, thought-provoking cinema.

Fons Rademakers (1920–2007) was a pioneering Dutch-Swiss filmmaker and actor integral to post-war European cinema. He gained international acclaim with 'The Assault' (1986), which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. Rademakers began his career as a stage actor before transitioning to directing and producing films that explored Dutch history and society. His diverse roles included screenwriting, casting, and mentoring emerging filmmakers in the Netherlands. He served as president of the Dutch Directors Guild and championed cultural exchange across Europe. Over a five-decade career, his films won numerous awards at festivals including Cannes and Berlin.

Newhart rose to national fame with his 1960 comedy album The Button-Down Mind of Bob Newhart, which became the first comedy recording to sell over a million copies. He starred in two acclaimed sitcoms, The Bob Newhart Show (1972–1978) and Newhart (1982–1990), earning multiple Emmy nominations. His understated style and one-sided telephone bits influenced a generation of comedians. Newhart appeared in films such as Catch-22 and Elf, showcasing his versatility. He received a Kennedy Center Honor and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. Even in his later years, he continued to tour and make guest appearances on television.

Born in Texas in 1932, Lawrence studied voice at the Juilliard School before making her Broadway debut in 1957. She gained fame and a Tony nomination for her portrayal of Maria in West Side Story. Lawrence went on to star in shows like The Pajama Game, Annie Get Your Gun, and Chicago. She also appeared on television series such as Dallas and Law & Order. Over her career, she recorded albums of Broadway standards and led national tours. Later, she dedicated herself to teaching, conducting workshops and mentoring young performers across the United States.

Dennis Letts (1934–2008) was an American actor and educator. He taught English and drama at Southeastern Oklahoma State University for many years. In his later career, he performed in stage productions and television series. Letts appeared in the film adaptation of his son's play, receiving praise for his supporting roles. He was the father of Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright Tracy Letts.

Lucille Soong (born 1935) began her career in Hong Kong film and television before relocating to the United States. She has appeared in numerous TV series and films, including 'X-Men: Apocalypse' and 'Crazy Rich Asians'. Her breakthrough role came in 2015 as Grandma Jenny Huang on the ABC sitcom 'Fresh Off the Boat', earning wide recognition. Soong has been praised for her warmth and humor, breaking barriers for Asian representation in Hollywood. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she continues to inspire audiences with her performances.