September 19

Born in 1869 in Kansas, Turpin began his career in vaudeville before transitioning to silent cinema. His trademark crossed eyes and exuberant physical comedy made him a popular star at Essanay Studios and later at Mack Sennett’s Keystone Company. Turpin appeared in over 200 short films, often playing hapless everymen who found themselves in chaotic situations. His anarchic humor and fearless stunts endeared him to audiences during the 1910s and 1920s. Despite the advent of sound films, his reputation as a silent-era icon endured for decades. He passed away in 1940, remembered as one of early Hollywood’s most beloved clowns.

Born in 1882 in London, Stone built a career in journalism before joining the BBC in the 1920s. He pioneered the art of radio presenting by introducing popular music records interspersed with commentary. His friendly style and deep music knowledge set the template for modern disc jockeying. Stone’s programs attracted large audiences and helped establish radio as a key entertainment medium. He also recorded spoken-word pieces and sponsored emerging artists on air. He retired in the 1950s, leaving a legacy as a broadcasting innovator. He passed away in 1965 after a lifetime devoted to radio.

Born in 1887, Lynne Overman began his career in vaudeville and Broadway musicals before transitioning to Hollywood. He appeared in over 100 films between the late 1920s and early 1940s, showcasing his sharp comic timing and amiable charm. Overman became a reliable character actor in studio comedies and dramas, often playing witty sidekicks or lovable rogues. His performances endeared him to audiences and directors alike, making him a prolific figure in early American cinema. He continued working until his death in 1943.

Born in 1888, Porter Hall launched his career on the stage before moving to Hollywood in the early 1930s. He became a prominent character actor, appearing in classics such as The Thin Man (1934), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), and Sunset Boulevard (1950). Known for his distinctive voice and impeccable comic timing, Hall brought depth to every role, often portraying anxious professionals or meddlesome officials. Over his two-decade film career, he appeared in over a hundred productions, leaving a lasting mark on American cinema. He passed away in 1953.

Born Jacob Krantz in 1900, Ricardo Cortez adopted his screen name to evoke a Latin lover image in Hollywood’s silent era. He starred in numerous 1920s melodramas before successfully moving into talkies, appearing in films such as Murder by the Clock and Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934). Over a career spanning more than five decades and over 80 films, Cortez exhibited remarkable versatility, moving between romantic leads and gritty supporting characters. He passed away in 1977, leaving a diverse cinematic legacy.

Margaret Lindsay began her career on stage before transitioning to Hollywood in the early 1930s. She became a contract player for Warner Bros., appearing in films such as "The House of the Seven Gables" and "Jezebel". Lindsay was praised for her elegant screen presence and versatility, taking on roles in dramas, mysteries, and comedies. During World War II, she supported war bonds and entertained troops, showcasing her patriotism. In later years, she appeared on television and remained active in charitable work. Her performances left an enduring mark on classic American cinema, and she is remembered for her grace and talent.

Frances Farmer began acting on stage in Seattle before signing with Paramount Pictures in the 1930s. She gained attention for her performances in "Come and Get It" and "Rhythm on the River". Farmer's outspoken personality led to conflicts with studio executives, and she faced legal and mental health challenges. She was institutionalized, an experience she later recounted in her memoir, inspiring the book and film "Shadowland". Her life story influenced works by Kurt Cobain and Ken Kesey, making her a cult figure. Despite her troubled life, Farmer's talent and resilience have left a lasting cultural legacy.

Germán Valdés (1915–1973), popularly known as 'Tin Tan', was a Mexican actor, singer, and film producer celebrated for his charismatic humor and pachuco persona. He starred in over a hundred films during the 1940s and 1950s, blending Mexican folk rhythms with American jazz influences. Valdés became an icon of the pachuco culture through his playful bilingual performances and signature zoot-suit style. As a producer, he shaped Mexican cinema's Golden Age by supporting emerging talents and innovative projects. His enduring legacy lives on in Latin American popular culture, where 'Tin Tan' remains a symbol of mid-century flair and comedic genius.

Amalia Hernández (1919–2000) was a visionary Mexican dancer and choreographer celebrated for her innovative fusion of folk traditions and stage artistry. In 1952, she founded the Ballet Folklórico de México, assembling a troupe that highlighted diverse regional dances with vibrant costumes and precise movement. Hernández's meticulous research of indigenous and mestizo dance forms ensured authenticity and scholarly depth in each performance. Under her leadership, the company toured internationally, introducing global audiences to Mexico's rich cultural heritage. She received Mexico's National Prize for Arts and Sciences, and her work transformed folkloric dance into a respected art form admired worldwide.

Don Harron created the beloved rural persona Charlie Farquharson, appearing on television and in comedy sketches for decades. He worked as a writer for various CBC programs and contributed sketches to the hit country comedy show Hee Haw. As an actor, Harron appeared on both stage and screen, showcasing his talent for character-driven humor. He also authored plays and books, blending wit with observations on social and rural life. Harron's career spanned over half a century, making him a fixture of Canadian entertainment.

James Lipton was the creator and long-time host of the acclaimed series Inside the Actors Studio, where he interviewed hundreds of actors. He served as dean emeritus of the Actors Studio Drama School at Pace University, shaping curriculum and mentoring students. Lipton wrote librettos for operas and authored books on the craft of acting and storytelling. His approachable style and insightful questions made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Lipton's work bridged the worlds of academia and popular culture for nearly five decades.

Rosemary Harris trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and became a leading figure in British theatre. She won a Tony Award for her role as Eleanor of Aquitaine in The Lion in Winter on Broadway. Harris is widely recognized for portraying Aunt May in Sam Raimi's Spider-Man film trilogy. Her versatile career spans Shakespearean classics, contemporary dramas, and popular films. Recognized with a CBE, she continues to influence actors with her skill and elegance on stage and screen.