September 18

Fay Compton (1894–1978) was a versatile English actress celebrated for her work on stage, film, and radio. She began her career in repertory theatre and became known for her performances in Shakespearean and contemporary roles. Compton appeared in notable films such as Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much and Quartet. On stage, she portrayed characters from Ophelia to modern heroines, winning praise for her emotional range. She collaborated with her husbands, H. G. Pelissier and Leon Quartermaine, in various theatrical productions. Compton also embraced new media, starring in radio dramas and early television broadcasts. Her enduring legacy is preserved in recordings and films that showcase her dynamic talent.

Harold Clurman was a seminal figure in American theater, co-founding the acclaimed Group Theatre in 1931. He directed groundbreaking productions by playwrights such as Clifford Odets and Lee Strasberg. Clurman’s insightful critiques in publications like Theatre Arts magazine helped shape modern theatrical standards. He authored several influential books on directing, including "On Directing" and "The Fervent Theatre." Throughout his career, he championed a realistic acting style and fostered collaboration among artists. Clurman’s legacy endures in acting schools and theater companies worldwide.

Born in 1905, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson became one of the first African-American performers to gain national fame. He portrayed Rochester on radio and television for over two decades, earning widespread acclaim for his comedic timing and charm. Anderson appeared in films such as Cabin in the Sky and No Time for Comedy. He broke racial barriers in Hollywood and received a Peabody Award in 1968 for his contributions to broadcasting. He passed away in 1977, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer in entertainment.

Agnes de Mille was born in 1905 into a family of artists and writers. She revolutionized American dance by creating narrative ballets that blended classical ballet with American themes. Her choreography for Oklahoma! in 1943 on Broadway set a new standard for musicals. De Mille went on to create works for Ballet Theatre and companies around the world. She authored books on dance and advocated for arts education throughout her life. She died in 1993, remembered as one of the most influential choreographers of the 20th century.

Greta Garbo was born in Stockholm in 1905 and rose to fame with her performances in silent films like The Flesh and the Devil and Anna Christie. Known simply as Garbo, she became one of MGM's biggest stars, earning four Academy Award nominations. Her portrayals in classics such as Camille and Ninotchka solidified her legacy as a dramatic powerhouse. Garbo famously retired from acting at the age of 36, adding to her mystique. She lived a reclusive life in New York City until her death in 1990, remembered as one of cinema's greatest legends.

Maurice Maillot was born in 1906 and became a familiar face in French theater and film. He appeared in a variety of productions, from dramatic features to comedies, often portraying supporting characters with depth. Maillot worked with renowned directors of the era and toured extensively on stage. His versatility as an actor made him a respected figure in post-war French cinema. He continued performing until his death in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Leon Askin was born in Vienna in 1907 and began his acting career on the Austrian stage. Fleeing the Nazis in 1938, he settled in the United States and appeared in Broadway productions and Hollywood films. Askin gained widespread recognition for his comedic role as General Burkhalter on Hogan's Heroes from 1965 to 1971. After the war, he returned to Austria and continued to work in theater and television. He passed away in 2005, remembered for his charismatic performances on both sides of the Atlantic.

Rossano Brazzi was born in Rome in 1916 and launched his acting career on stage before transitioning to film. He rose to international fame with his portrayal of Emile de Becque in the 1958 musical film South Pacific. Brazzi’s warm screen presence and Italian charm made him a popular leading man in Hollywood and European productions. Over a career spanning five decades, he appeared in more than 70 films across various genres. Besides his acting, he was a skilled painter and maintained a private art collection. Brazzi continued to work in television and film until his death in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1917, June Foray became one of the most prolific voice actresses in animation history. She voiced iconic characters such as Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha Fatale in The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, and Granny and Witch Hazel in Looney Tunes. Foray’s versatility and comedic timing made her a favorite among audiences and producers. She received the prestigious Annie Award for her lifetime achievements and was honored with a Daytime Emmy. Foray continued to work actively into her nineties, lending her voice to television, film, and radio. She passed away in 2017, leaving behind an incomparable legacy in voice acting.

Jack Warden enjoyed a five-decade-long career spanning stage, film, and television. He earned critical acclaim and Academy Award and Emmy nominations for his nuanced character roles. Warden appeared in classics such as Twelve Angry Men, Shampoo, and The Bad News Bears. His rugged charm and comedic timing made him equally adept in dramatic and lighthearted parts. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in Brian's Song. Warden's enduring presence on screen left an indelible mark on American cinema.

Grayson Hall was a versatile stage and screen actress celebrated for her dramatic intensity. She portrayed Dr. Julia Hoffman in the cult television series Dark Shadows, earning a devoted following. Hall received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in The Night of the Iguana. Her theatre work included notable Broadway appearances that showcased her range and intensity. Hall's commanding presence and deep, expressive voice left a lasting impression on audiences. Decades after her passing, her performances continue to be rediscovered by fans of classic horror and drama.

Eloísa Mafalda began her acting career in the 1960s and quickly became a household name in Brazil. She starred in iconic telenovelas like 'O Bem-Amado' and 'Selva de Pedra', captivating audiences with her powerful performances. Mafalda was renowned for portraying strong, nuanced female characters that resonated across generations. Over a career spanning more than five decades, she appeared in over fifty television productions and earned numerous accolades. In recognition of her contributions to Brazilian culture, she received several lifetime achievement awards. She passed away in 2018, leaving a lasting legacy in Latin American entertainment.