October 15

Jane Darwell (1879–1967) began her acting career on the stage before transitioning to film in the silent era. With over 200 screen credits, she portrayed maternal figures in Hollywood's Golden Age. Her powerful performance as Ma Joad earned her the 1940 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Darwell's compassionate screen presence made her a beloved character actress in films like Show Boat and The Yearling. Beyond cinema, she wrote an autobiography and remained active in theater and television. Her enduring legacy lies in her ability to bring warmth and depth to every role.

Mervyn LeRoy began his career in Hollywood as an actor and editor before emerging as a prominent director.\nAt Warner Bros., he directed the influential gangster film \"Little Caesar\" (1931), shaping the genre’s conventions.\nHe later produced the iconic musical \"The Wizard of Oz\" (1939) while working at MGM.\nOver his career, LeRoy was associated with hits such as \"Random Harvest\" and \"Quo Vadis.\"\nHis versatile talents left a lasting mark on American cinema.

Born in 1917, Jan Miner had a versatile acting career on stage, radio, television, and film. She gained widespread recognition as 'Madge', the upstate New York homemaker in Palmolive ads, coining the catchphrase 'You're soaking in it.' Miner's Broadway credits include performances in dramas such as 'The Shadow of a Gunman.' On radio, she portrayed detective Gail Fisher in 'I Love a Mystery', breaking new ground for women in the genre. She also appeared in soap operas like 'All My Children' and feature films such as 'My Girl'. Miner's warm presence and range made her a beloved figure in American entertainment. She continued acting into her eighties before passing away in 2004.

Born in Hong Kong in 1920, Patricia Jessel moved to England to study acting. She trained in repertory theatre and quickly made her mark on the London stage during the 1940s. Jessel transitioned to film with a memorable debut that led to roles in critically acclaimed British productions. She was particularly praised for her performance in 'The Fallen Idol' (1948). In addition to her screen work, she remained an active and respected stage actress throughout her career. Her contributions to British drama left a lasting impression before her untimely death in 1968.

Born in Villanueva de los Infantes, Aurora Bautista trained at the National Conservatory of Dramatic Art in Madrid. She made her film debut in 1948 and quickly became one of Spain’s leading screen actresses. Bautista excelled in historical epics, dramas, and adaptations of classic literature. Her portrayal of iconic characters earned her critical acclaim and several awards. She also enjoyed a successful stage career, performing in Spain’s top theaters. In the 1970s, she expanded into television, appearing in popular series and telefilms. Bautista’s work helped bring Spanish storytelling to international audiences. She remained active in acting until her final film appearance in the early 2000s.

Born in Maidstone, Kent, Hart studied at the Canterbury School of Art. He became a regular presenter on the BBC’s children's program 'Vision On' in the 1960s. Hart later fronted shows such as 'Take Hart' and 'Hartbeat', demonstrating crafts and drawing techniques. His animated plasticine character Morph became a beloved fixture alongside Hart. Beyond television, he exhibited his own paintings and contributed to art education initiatives. Hart received a BAFTA Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to children’s television. He continued to encourage creativity through workshops, books, and public appearances. Hart’s legacy endures in the countless artists he inspired with his joyful approach to art.

Discovered by 20th Century Fox in the late 1940s, Jean Peters brought a natural charm to the screen that contrasted with Hollywood glamour. She earned critical acclaim for her performance opposite Richard Widmark in 'Pickup on South Street'. Peters portrayed Frida Kahlo in the biographical drama 'Viva Zapata!' alongside Marlon Brando. Known for her independent spirit, she stepped away from Hollywood at the height of her fame to lead a more private life. In 1957, she married billionaire recluse Howard Hughes, further fueling public fascination. Over her short career, she left a memorable mark on film noir and drama before retiring from acting in 1953.

Born in Paris in 1936, Michel Aumont joined the Comédie-Française in 1972 and became one of its leading members. He excelled in both classical plays and modern works, earning acclaim for his versatility. Aumont appeared in over 100 films, including notable roles in Éric Rohmer's 'A Summer's Tale' and Claude Sautet’s 'Une histoire simple'. He was nominated four times for the César Award for Best Supporting Actor. In addition to his stage and screen work, he taught acting at French conservatories. Aumont passed away in 2019, leaving a distinguished legacy in French theater and film.

Born in Portland, Oregon, in 1937, Linda Lavin made her Broadway debut in the early 1960s and quickly became a standout performer. She starred in the Tony Award-winning play 'Cactus Flower' and won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress twice for 'Broadway Bound' and 'Deathtrap'. Lavin gained widespread fame as Alice Hyatt on the sitcom 'Alice', which ran for eight seasons. She released several jazz and cabaret albums, showcasing her vocal talent. Throughout her six-decade career, she appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and stage productions. Lavin passed away in 2024, leaving a legacy of warmth, wit, and musicality in American entertainment.

Penny Marshall was a pioneering American actress and director whose career spanned television and film. She gained fame starring as Laverne DeFazio in the hit sitcom 'Laverne & Shirley' from 1976 to 1983. Marshall became the first female director to helm a film grossing over $100 million with 'Big' in 1988. She also directed successful dramas and comedies such as 'Awakenings' and 'A League of Their Own'. Over her career, she broke barriers for women in Hollywood and mentored emerging talent. Her warmth, humor, and trailblazing spirit left a lasting legacy in entertainment.

Born in 1946 in Kolkata, Victor Banerjee began his acting career on the stage before moving into film and television. He rose to international prominence with roles in Satyajit Ray’s Shatranj Ke Khiladi and Merchant Ivory’s A Passage to India. Over his career, he has appeared in more than fifty productions across multiple languages, showcasing his versatility. In addition to acting, Banerjee has directed and produced regional Indian films and mentored young artists. He has been honored with national and international awards for his contributions to cinema and remains a respected figure in both Indian and world film circles.

Born in 1947 in Istanbul, Hümeyra began her career in the early 1970s, quickly gaining attention with her jazz-influenced pop albums. She released several gold-certified records and won critical acclaim for her songwriting and emotive delivery. Transitioning into acting, she starred in notable Turkish films and television series, showcasing her dramatic range. With a career spanning over five decades, Hümeyra has become an icon of Turkish popular culture, influencing new generations of artists and performers.