September 29

Greer Garson (1904–1996) was one of Hollywood's most popular leading ladies during the 1940s. She moved from England to Hollywood in 1937 and signed with MGM. In 1942, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'Mrs. Miniver.' Garson received five Oscar nominations in her career, known for roles that embodied grace and strength. After a successful film career, she appeared on stage and television, leaving a legacy of classic performances.

Gene Autry revolutionized country music and western films with his friendly stage presence and catchy songs. He gained fame on Chicago radio before starring in over 90 films as the beloved singing cowboy, blending music and storytelling. Autry recorded hits like 'Back in the Saddle Again' and 'Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,' which became holiday classics. Beyond entertainment, he built a business empire that included the California Angels baseball team and television stations. Autry’s legacy endures through his trailblazing role in popular culture and his status as a cultural ambassador of the American West.

Virginia Bruce began her career on Broadway before transitioning to film in the early 1930s. She appeared in high-profile musicals and dramas at MGM, including Broadway Melody of 1936. Known for her elegant screen presence, Bruce worked alongside stars such as Maurice Chevalier and Fred Astaire. She later signed with 20th Century Fox and showcased her versatility in comedies and dramatic roles. After a decade on the silver screen, she made occasional television and stage appearances and was remembered for her enduring grace and talent.

Trevor Howard was an English stage and film actor. He gained international acclaim with his performance in David Lean's "Brief Encounter" (1945). Known for his distinctive voice and dignified demeanor, he portrayed complex characters with depth and nuance. Howard appeared in over 70 films, including "The Third Man" (1949) and "Ryan's Daughter" (1970). He received BAFTA nominations and won a Golden Globe for his work. His career spanned theater, film, and television over five decades, leaving a lasting mark on British acting.

Brenda Marshall was an American film actress of Hollywood's Golden Age. She starred opposite Errol Flynn in swashbuckling adventures like "The Sea Hawk" (1940). Marshall's performances were praised for their charm and emotional nuance. She also appeared in dramas such as "The Constant Nymph" (1943). After marrying director William Keighley, she retired from the screen. Her work remains part of classic American cinema history.

Lizabeth Scott rose to fame with her distinctive smoky voice and cool screen presence, becoming one of Hollywood’s iconic femme fatales. She starred in classic noir films such as Dead Reckoning (1947) and Too Late for Tears (1949). Scott’s performances were praised for their complexity and emotional depth, often portraying characters caught in webs of intrigue and betrayal. Despite a relatively brief film career, she left a lasting mark on the noir genre. After retiring from acting, Scott lived a private life away from the spotlight, remembered by cinephiles for her enigmatic allure and cinematic contributions.

Steve Forrest enjoyed a versatile acting career spanning film, television, and stage. He gained widespread recognition in the 1970s as the tough, charismatic Lt. Dan ‘Hondo’ Harrelson on S.W.A.T., influencing action television for decades. Forrest appeared in notable films such as So Big and Up from the Beach, and earned acclaim for his theater performances. He also guest-starred on numerous popular TV shows, showcasing his range from drama to comedy. Forrest’s dedication to his craft and his dynamic on-screen presence secured him a special place in American entertainment history.

Anita Ekberg began her career as a model and beauty queen in Sweden before moving to Italy in the 1950s. Born in 1931, she was cast by Federico Fellini as Sylvia in La Dolce Vita (1960), delivering an iconic performance that defined the era. Her glamorous image and screen presence propelled her to international stardom. Ekberg appeared in both European and Hollywood films, showcasing her versatility as an actress. She became a symbol of the Jet Set lifestyle and remained a cultural icon for decades. Ekberg passed away in 2015, but her unforgettable scenes and lasting influence on cinema endure.

Mehmood Ali was born in 1932 in Bombay (now Mumbai) into a family of entertainers. He rose to fame as one of Bollywood’s most beloved comedians, appearing in over 300 films. Beyond acting, Mehmood showcased his talents as a singer, music composer, director, and producer. He won the Filmfare Best Comedian Award four times, thanks to his impeccable comic timing and character work. His ability to blend humor with emotion made him a standout performer of the 1960s and 1970s. Mehmood’s contributions helped define the golden era of Hindi cinema, and he is remembered as a pioneering comic actor.

Born Lawrence Alan Linville on September 29, 1939 in Ojai, California. He joined the cast of M*A*S*H in 1972 as the bumbling Major Frank Burns, starring in over 90 episodes and earning acclaim for his comedic timing. Prior to M*A*S*H, he studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and appeared in various stage productions. After leaving the series in 1975, Linville continued to work in television and film, including guest roles on shows like Dragnet and The Rockford Files. He also wrote and directed several stage plays. Linville passed away in 2000 from complications of pneumonia, remembered for bringing a memorable antagonist to life.

Born on September 29, 1942 in Boston, Massachusetts, Madeline Kahn began her career on the stage, winning a Tony Award for her performance in On the Twentieth Century. She gained widespread acclaim in the 1970s with iconic roles in Mel Brooks comedies, including Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Kahn received two Academy Award nominations for her performances in Paper Moon and What's Up, Doc?. Her distinctive comedic timing, vocal talents, and magnetic presence made her a beloved figure in film and theater. In addition to acting, she recorded several albums showcasing her singing ability. Kahn died in 1999 from ovarian cancer, remembered as one of comedy’s brightest stars.

Born on September 29, 1942 in Blackburn, Lancashire, Ian McShane trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He achieved early success on stage and in British television before breaking into international film with performances in Sexy Beast and as the voice of Tai Lung in Kung Fu Panda. McShane’s portrayal of saloon owner Al Swearengen in Deadwood (2004–2006) earned him a Golden Globe Award and Emmy nomination. He has since appeared in the John Wick franchise as the enigmatic Winston and starred in numerous stage productions. Known for his commanding presence and versatile talent, McShane continues to take on challenging roles in film, television, and theater.