September 12

Paweł Owerłło was born in Poland in 1869 and began his career on the stage, performing in major theaters across the country. He later transitioned to film, appearing in both silent and early sound productions. Owerłło was praised for his commanding presence and versatility, often taking on complex character roles. His work captured the evolution of performing arts in Poland during a time of great change. Over several decades, he contributed to the development of Polish cinema and theater. Owerłło died in 1957, leaving behind a legacy as a pioneer of the Polish acting profession.

Matsunosuke Onoe was born in Japan in 1875 and trained in traditional kabuki theater before entering the emerging film industry. He became one of the first movie stars in Japan, starring in hundreds of short silent films and directing many of them. Onoe's dynamic performances and distinctive style helped popularize cinema among Japanese audiences. He worked with pioneering filmmakers to establish the foundations of Japanese film production. Onoe's on-screen presence earned him widespread recognition and the moniker of Japan's first movie idol. He died in 1926, leaving a foundational legacy in the history of Japanese cinema.

Maurice Chevalier was a French actor, singer, and dancer whose career spanned vaudeville, musical theater, and film. He rose to fame in 1920s Paris cabarets before transitioning to Hollywood musicals in the 1930s. Chevalier's warm baritone and playful charm made him a favorite in films such as The Love Parade and Gigi. He popularized songs like 'Thank Heaven for Little Girls' and became an international star. During World War II, he entertained Allied troops and later received an honorary Academy Award. His legacy endures as a symbol of joyful entertainment and timeless style.

Jean-François Martial was a Belgian actor whose career spanned theater, film, and early television across Europe. He trained at the Royal Conservatory in Brussels and became a fixture of Belgian and French stage productions. Martial appeared in numerous films during the 1930s and 1940s, often praised for his commanding presence and nuanced character portrayals. He transitioned to supporting roles in postwar cinema, bringing depth to historical and dramatic narratives. Beyond acting, he mentored younger performers and contributed to the revival of Belgian theater after World War II. Martial's body of work reflects the evolution of European performing arts in the mid-20th century.

Born in 1914 in Newport, Wales, Llewelyn served as a British Army officer during World War II before pursuing acting. He debuted in film in the early 1950s and gained international fame as the eccentric gadget master 'Q' in the James Bond series. Over a span of 36 years, he appeared in seventeen Bond films from 'From Russia with Love' to 'The World Is Not Enough.' His portrayal of Q became an enduring part of the franchise's identity. Llewelyn continued acting in film and television until his untimely death in a car accident in 1999.

Dickie Moore began his screen career at just six months old and became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable child actors during the late 1920s and 1930s. He appeared in the popular Our Gang comedies and over 90 films, showcasing a natural talent for both drama and comedy. After serving in World War II, he left acting for a successful career in public relations and advertising. His memoirs and interviews provide a captivating glimpse into Hollywood’s golden age from a child star’s perspective.

Ian Holm was an English actor celebrated for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre under Laurence Olivier. He transitioned seamlessly to film, delivering iconic performances such as Ash in Alien (1979) and Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings trilogy. He won a Tony Award for his portrayal of Lenny Bruce in Lenny on Broadway and received numerous accolades throughout his six-decade career.

Born in Santa Monica, California, Linda Gray began her career as a fashion model before transitioning to acting in the late 1960s. She gained international fame for her role as Sue Ellen Ewing on Dallas, appearing in over 300 episodes from 1978 to 1991. Gray’s performance earned her a Golden Globe nomination and made her a beloved television icon. Beyond Dallas, she starred in stage productions across the U.S. and U.K., showcasing her dramatic range in plays like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. She authored a memoir reflecting on her life in Hollywood and has been an advocate for women’s empowerment. Gray continues to act, produce, and mentor emerging talent in film and theater.

Christopher Neame is an English actor whose career spans stage, film, and television. He has delivered memorable performances in dramas, comedies, and period pieces, earning acclaim for his versatility. Neame trained at a prestigious drama school and has appeared in numerous British television series and feature films. His work is characterized by strong character portrayals and emotional depth. Over the years, he has built a reputation as a reliable character actor in both leading and supporting roles.

Bruce Mahler is an American performer and writer whose career blends acting and comedy writing. He appeared in popular comedies such as Police Academy 2 and 3, earning recognition for his physical humor and memorable characters. Mahler also co-wrote and performed sketches for television, demonstrating versatility behind the scenes. His work on both stage and screen showcases a talent for timing and improvisation. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the comedy genre through memorable performances and sharp writing.

Ray Gravell was a beloved Welsh rugby centre who represented Wales in 23 international matches between 1975 and 1982 and toured twice with the British & Irish Lions. Known for his powerful running and charismatic personality, he became a symbol of Welsh national pride. After retiring from rugby, he transitioned to acting, appearing in Welsh-language television series and films. His distinctive voice and commitment to Welsh culture made him a popular broadcaster in later years. Gravell's legacy endures as one of Wales' most cherished sports figures and cultural ambassadors.

Joe Pantoliano is an award-winning American character actor who has appeared in over 100 film and television productions. He gained fame as Cypher in The Matrix and as Ralph Cifaretto on HBO's The Sopranos, earning an Emmy Award for outstanding supporting actor. His versatile body of work includes Risky Business, Memento, Bad Boys, and The Goonies. Off-screen, he is an advocate for addiction recovery through his A Chance in Life foundation. With a career spanning over four decades, Pantoliano continues to captivate audiences with his magnetic screen presence.