October 20

Born Daisy Cater in New York City in 1882. Began her career as an opera singer and Broadway performer. Gained fame for her roles opposite the Marx Brothers in films such as Animal Crackers, Duck Soup, and A Night at the Opera. Portrayed the dignified, oblivious foil to Groucho Marx's antics, earning the nickname 'the fourth Marx brother.' Appeared in over a dozen Marx Brothers movies and numerous stage productions. Her impeccable timing and deadpan delivery made her a beloved figure in early American comedy. Died in 1965, leaving a legacy as one of classic Hollywood's most memorable character actresses.

Born Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó in 1882 in Lugos, then part of Austria-Hungary. Began his stage career in Hungary before emigrating to the United States in 1920. Gained international fame for his role as Count Dracula in the 1931 Universal film, defining the vampire archetype. Starred in horror classics such as White Zombie, The Black Cat, and Son of Frankenstein. His dramatic accent and commanding presence made him a horror icon for decades. Struggled with typecasting and personal issues later in life, yet his legacy endures. Died in 1956, remembered as one of the genre’s most enduring figures.

Charley Chase (1893–1940) was an American comedian, actor, and director celebrated for his work in silent film comedy. He starred in and directed hundreds of two-reel comedies for Hal Roach Studios. Known for his deadpan persona and clever sight gags, Chase influenced later comic performers. He collaborated with legends like Laurel and Hardy, both in front of and behind the camera. In the sound era, he transitioned to writing and directing comedic features. Despite a prolific career, he faced challenges adapting to changing film styles. Chase's legacy endures among silent film enthusiasts and comedy historians.

Olive Thomas (1894–1920) was an American model, Ziegfeld Follies performer, and silent film actress. She became one of the first 'It Girls' of the 1910s, admired for her fashion and charisma. Thomas appeared in films such as The Flirt and The White Heather. Her rising stardom came to a tragic end in 1920 due to accidental poisoning in Paris. Her death sparked one of Hollywood's earliest sensational headlines. Despite her brief career, she left a lasting impression on early cinema's glamour. Thomas remains an icon of the silent film era's allure and mystery.

Rex Ingram (1895–1969) was an African-American actor renowned for his performance in the silent classic The Thief of Bagdad. Born in Chicago, he began his career on the stage before transitioning to film. Ingram portrayed the Nubian accomplice to Douglas Fairbanks's leading character. Beyond his landmark performance, he appeared in numerous Broadway productions. As one of the few prominent black actors in silent Hollywood, he challenged racial barriers of the era. Ingram later returned to theater and worked as a drama coach. His pioneering presence paved the way for future generations of actors of color.

Adelaide Hall gained fame in the 1920s with her collaborations with Duke Ellington. She was a star of the West End revue Blackbirds of 1928, breaking racial barriers in London theater. Her rich voice and vibrant stage presence made her an international icon of jazz and popular song. Hall continued to perform in nightclubs, on radio, and in film across Europe and America throughout her long career. Her pioneering role paved the way for future generations of Black artists on stage and screen. She remained active in preserving jazz history until her death in 1993.

Anna Neagle began her career as a chorus girl before rising to fame in London’s West End musicals. She starred in hit films such as Goodnight, Vienna (1932) and Victoria the Great (1937), winning acclaim for her singing and acting. Neagle frequently collaborated with director and husband Herbert Wilcox, helping shape British cinema’s Golden Age. Her elegant performances and box-office appeal made her one of the country’s leading film stars of the 1930s and 1940s. Later in life, she transitioned into film production, overseeing projects that cemented her legacy in the industry. Neagle was celebrated for her versatility and lasting impact on stage and screen entertainment.

Arlene Francis gained prominence with Broadway roles before transitioning to radio, film, and television. From 1950 to 1975, she was a familiar face as a panelist on CBS’s long-running game show What’s My Line?, breaking ground for women in television. Her quick wit and charm endeared her to audiences, making her one of TV’s most beloved personalities. Francis also hosted her own talk shows and appeared in films such as The Lady Pays Off (1951). She authored books and wrote a newspaper column, sharing insights on show business and society. Her career spanned stage, screen, and small screen, leaving a lasting mark on American entertainment.

Stuart Hamblen was an early star of country music, performing as a singing cowboy on radio and in western films. He wrote and recorded enduring tracks like "It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)" and "This Ole House", which became gospel standards. Hamblen hosted his own radio show, blending music, storytelling, and humor for a national audience. His crossover appeal led to acting roles alongside stars like Gene Autry and John Wayne. A devout Christian, he helped popularize gospel music within mainstream country and variety entertainment. Hamblen’s influence is recognized in both secular and religious musical traditions in America.

Carla Laemmle made her film debut with a small part in Nosferatu (1922) and later appeared in Universal’s Dracula (1931) and Frankenstein (1931). She was the niece of Universal Pictures founder Carl Laemmle and one of the last surviving actors from Hollywood’s silent era. After leaving Hollywood, Laemmle pursued photography, capturing portraits and scenes with a keen artistic eye. She returned to the screen for cameo roles in later decades and shared her memories of early cinema history. Laemmle’s longevity and personal archives provided invaluable insight into the evolution of the film industry. She lived to 104, celebrated as a living link to cinema’s formative years.

Fayard Nicholas rose to stardom with his brother Harold as the Nicholas Brothers, one of the most celebrated dance duos of the 20th century. Their innovative blend of tap, ballet, and jazz captivated audiences in Hollywood musicals such as Stormy Weather (1943) and The Pirate (1948). Known for gravity-defying leaps and theatrical flair, they broke racial barriers in film and stage, performing at illustrious venues like the Cotton Club and Radio City Music Hall. Nicholas choreographed routines for Broadway and film, mentoring younger dancers and preserving the legacy of tap dance. In recognition of his impact, he received numerous awards, including the Kennedy Center Honor in 1991.

Born Jean-Pierre Grumbach, Melville took his pen name in homage to Herman Melville and became a pioneer of French cinema. A veteran of the Free French Forces, he opened his own production company, giving him creative freedom to craft haunting, minimalist crime dramas. His seminal works include Le Samouraï (1967), Bob le flambeur (1956), and Army of Shadows (1969), which influenced the French New Wave. Melville’s cool, atmospheric style, with precise compositions and existential themes, left an indelible mark on directors like Jean-Luc Godard and Quentin Tarantino. As an actor, he appeared in minor roles, but behind the camera he was revered as a master of suspense and moral ambiguity.