September 17

Arthur Saint-Léon studied dance at the Paris Opera Ballet and quickly rose through its ranks. In 1859, he was appointed Ballet Master of the Imperial Ballet in St. Petersburg, where he influenced Russian dance. He is celebrated for choreographing Coppélia, a ballet that premiered in 1870 and remains a cornerstone of the repertoire. Saint-Léon’s innovative use of mime and character dance helped establish narrative techniques in classical ballet. His cross-cultural contributions left a lasting legacy in both French and Russian ballet before his death in 1870.

Irena Kwiatkowska (1912–2011) was a beloved figure of Polish theater and cabaret, known for her sharp wit and expressive presence. She starred in acclaimed films such as 'Ewa chce spać' and became a household name through television appearances on satirical programs. Her role as 'Kobieta Pracująca' (Working Woman) in the 'Kabaret Starszych Panów' made her an icon of post-war Polish culture. Kwiatkowska received numerous state honors, including the Order of Polonia Restituta for her contributions to the arts. She mentored young actors at the National Theatre, leaving a lasting influence on Polish performing arts. Her remarkable longevity on stage and screen reflected her adaptability and enduring talent.

Born Dinah Nadyejda Ginsburg in 1920 in London, Sheridan trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before making her film debut in the 1940s. She gained popularity with roles in 'The Holly and the Ivy' and the classic comedy 'Genevieve'. Sheridan's warm presence and comic timing made her a favorite on both stage and screen. She starred as the mother in the beloved family film 'The Railway Children' (1970), which remains a British cinema classic. Sheridan also appeared in West End productions and television series such as 'Sherlock Holmes' and 'Vanity Fair'. She received an OBE in 2004 for her services to drama. Sheridan passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy of endearing performances.

Dorothy Loudon was an American actress and singer celebrated for her dynamic presence on stage. Born in Boston in 1925, she began her career in local theater and later moved to New York City. She achieved her breakthrough in 1977 as Miss Hannigan in the original Broadway production of Annie, winning a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. Loudon appeared in numerous television shows, films, and cabaret performances, showcasing her comedic talent and vocal range. Her other notable Broadway credits include The Fig Leaves Are Falling and The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, earning multiple Tony nominations. She continued to perform and teach until her death in 2003, leaving a lasting legacy in American musical theater.

Curtis Harrington was an American filmmaker whose career spanned experimental shorts to feature films. Born in 1926 in Los Angeles, he studied architecture before immersing himself in the avant-garde art scene. He directed the landmark feature Night Tide in 1961, gaining acclaim for its moody atmosphere and surreal imagery. Harrington directed horror and suspense films such as Games and What's the Matter with Helen?, blending genre and art-house styles. He collaborated with underground artists Kenneth Anger and Jack Smith, contributing to the American experimental film movement. Throughout his life, he continued to act, write, and mentor younger filmmakers until his death in 2007.

Roddy McDowall was an English-American actor whose six-decade career encompassed film, television, and theater. Born in 1928 in London, he made his screen debut as a child in How Green Was My Valley, earning an Academy Award nomination. After moving to Hollywood, he appeared in classics such as Life with Father and served on the board of the Screen Actors Guild. McDowall achieved worldwide fame as Cornelius and Caesar in the Planet of the Apes film series during the 1960s and 1970s. He was also a talented photographer and art collector, contributing portraits and essays to various publications. McDowall continued acting on stage and screen until his death in 1998, remembered for his wit and adaptability.

David Huddleston was an American actor known for his commanding presence and versatility on stage and screen. He appeared in over 100 film and television productions during a career spanning five decades. Huddleston is best remembered for his role as the titular millionaire in the cult classic film "The Big Lebowski." He earned critical acclaim for performances in films such as "Blazing Saddles" and "Santa Claus: The Movie." On television, he had recurring roles in series like "Gunsmoke" and "The West Wing." His warm, authoritative screen persona made him a beloved character actor in Hollywood.

Anne Bancroft was an American actress celebrated for her powerful performances on stage and screen. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Anne Sullivan in "The Miracle Worker." Bancroft earned a Tony Award for her work on Broadway in productions such as "Two for the Seesaw." She starred opposite Dustin Hoffman in the classic film "The Graduate," delivering an iconic performance. Her career spanned over four decades with memorable roles in film, television, and theater. Bancroft’s versatility and depth made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.

Jean-Claude Carrière was a prolific French screenwriter and actor whose career spanned more than six decades. He is best known for his collaborations with Luis Buñuel on films such as The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and That Obscure Object of Desire. Carrière also wrote novels, plays, and essays, demonstrating a versatile literary talent. He received numerous awards including an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement. In 2008 he was elected to the Académie Française in recognition of his cultural contributions. His imaginative storytelling and wit left a lasting impact on world cinema.

Paul Benedict was born in Silver City, New Mexico and studied acting at the Yale School of Drama. He gained wide recognition for his role as Harry Bentley, the British neighbor on the long-running sitcom The Jeffersons. Benedict appeared in numerous stage productions, including Broadway performances and collaborations with the Yale Repertory Theatre. His film credits include The Goodbye Girl (1977) and Time Bandits (1981), showcasing his versatility as a character actor. He continued to work in television, film, and theater until his death in 2008, leaving a legacy of memorable supporting roles.

Shelby Flint was born in Burbank, California and began her music career as a teenager. She scored a Top 40 hit with the song 'Angel on My Shoulder' in 1961 and released several albums throughout the 1960s. Flint also lent her voice to characters in animated television series for studios such as Hanna-Barbera. Her gentle vocal style and songwriting have earned her a dedicated cult following over the decades. In addition to performance, she has composed music for film and television, showcasing her versatility in the arts.

Lupe Ontiveros was an American actress whose career spanned film, television, and stage. She appeared in over 200 productions, often portraying strong maternal figures in works such as Selena and Chuck & Buck. Ontiveros received critical acclaim and multiple ALMA awards for her performances. Beyond acting, she was a fierce advocate for accurate and respectful representation of Hispanic characters in Hollywood. She co-founded the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) to support Latino performers. Ontiveros’s legacy endures through her memorable roles and contributions to diversity in entertainment.