September 11

Vincenza Armani was one of the first professional actresses in 16th-century Italy. She gained fame performing in commedia dell'arte troupes, known for her wit, beauty, and improvisational skills. Armani also wrote plays and was celebrated in contemporary literature and art. Her rivalry with fellow actress Barbara Flaminia captivated Venetian audiences. Armani's sudden death at around age 39 sparked rumors and immortalized her as a legend of the early Italian stage.

Born in 1875, Onoe began his career on the kabuki stage before transitioning to silent film in the early 20th century. He starred in over 1,200 short films between 1909 and 1926, earning him the nickname Japan's first movie idol. Onoe often performed his own stunts, captivating audiences with historical dramas and action scenes. His collaborations with early film studios helped establish Japan's burgeoning motion picture industry. Though most of his films are now lost, his influence paved the way for future generations of Japanese actors. Onoe's enduring fame lies in his role as a bridge between traditional kabuki theater and modern cinema.

Born in Philadelphia in 1907, Paul Douglas began his career as a Broadway actor before transitioning to Hollywood. He served as a captain in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Douglas starred in acclaimed films such as "A Letter to Three Wives" and "Angels in the Outfield", showcasing his versatility in both drama and comedy. He won praise for his work in the original production of "Bells Are Ringing" and maintained a successful stage career. Known for his wit and strong presence, Douglas became one of the era's most respected character actors. He died unexpectedly of a heart attack in 1959 at the age of 52.

Lorne Greene was a Canadian actor, radio personality, and singer whose deep baritone voice earned him widespread recognition. He first gained fame as a news announcer and war correspondent for the CBC during World War II, earning the nickname 'The Voice of Canada'. Greene's portrayal of patriarch Ben Cartwright on the long-running television western Bonanza made him a household name from 1959 to 1973. He later starred as Commander Adama in the original Battlestar Galactica series and released several recordings of country and folk music. Greene's commanding presence and distinctive voice left a lasting legacy in both broadcast journalism and television acting.

Born in London, Tandy began her career on the British stage before moving to Hollywood in the 1940s. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Driving Miss Daisy (1989) and two Tony Awards, notably for The Gin Game in 1978. Her versatility spanned Shakespearean drama to contemporary film, earning her admiration across generations. At age 80, she became the oldest actress to win an Oscar at that time, cementing her place in film history. Tandy remained active in theatre and cinema until her death from ovarian cancer in 1994.

Born Bernard Zanville in Chicago, Clark began his career on Broadway before signing with Warner Bros. in the late 1940s. He appeared in films such as Gentleman Jim, Destination Tokyo, and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, earning acclaim for his everyman persona. Transitioning to television in the 1950s, he starred in series like The Investigators and made numerous guest appearances. Known for his sincerity and depth in supporting roles, Clark became a respected figure in mid-century American cinema. He continued acting in film, television, and theater until shortly before his death in 1998, leaving behind a diverse body of work.

Kim Hunter (1922–2002) was an American actress celebrated for her versatility on stage and screen. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as Stella Kowalski in the film adaptation of 'A Streetcar Named Desire'. Hunter later earned acclaim for her portrayal of Dr. Zira in the original 'Planet of the Apes' trilogy, becoming a sci-fi icon. Her career spanned Broadway productions, feature films, and television, showcasing a broad dramatic range. Beyond acting, she was an advocate for mental health awareness, drawing from her own experiences to help others.

John Ritter (1948–2003) was an American actor and comedian renowned for his physical comedy and warm charm. He gained fame as Jack Tripper on the hit sitcom 'Three's Company,' earning an Emmy nomination for the role. Ritter's versatility shone in both comedic and dramatic parts, including roles in '8 Simple Rules' and feature films like 'Problem Child.' He won a posthumous Emmy Award for his guest appearance on 'Spin City.' His sudden death on set from aortic dissection shocked fans and colleagues, highlighting the importance of awareness about heart health.

Harold Gould began his acting career on Broadway in the 1950s before transitioning to film and television. He earned acclaim for his performance as a gangster in the Academy Award-winning film The Sting. Gould also had a memorable recurring role as Miles Webber on The Golden Girls. Over six decades, he appeared in over 200 productions, showcasing his versatility in drama and comedy. He received critical praise for his stage work and was a respected figure among character actors. After a prolific career, he passed away in 2010 at the age of 87.

Kevin McCarthy had a prolific acting career spanning stage, film, and television beginning in the 1940s. He gained fame for portraying a skeptical doctor in the 1956 sci-fi classic Invasion of the Body Snatchers. McCarthy appeared in over 100 films and numerous TV shows, including The Birds and Death of a Salesman. He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway play Inherit the Wind. Known for his intense screen presence and versatility, he remained active in acting into his 90s. McCarthy passed away in 2010 at the age of 96, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Andy Whitfield began his career as a model before transitioning to acting in Australian film and television. He gained international fame playing the lead role in Starz’s Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Whitfield’s powerful performance earned critical praise and a loyal fan base. He was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma shortly after the series premiere but continued to work between treatments. His battle with cancer and subsequent advocacy raised awareness of the disease. Whitfield passed away in 2011 at the age of 39, leaving behind a lasting impact on genre television.

Donald Sinden enjoyed a career spanning over six decades, performing in classic films, television series, and West End productions. He made his film debut in the Ealing Studios classic “The Cruel Sea” and went on to star in numerous films and television dramas. On stage, Sinden was celebrated for his performances in Shakespearean plays and long-running West End hits like “The Mousetrap.” He served as president of Equity, advocating for actors’ rights, and authored the best-selling memoir “Laughter in the Second Act.” With his characteristic wit and warmth, Sinden remained a beloved figure in British entertainment until his passing in 2014.