October 20

Chaim Reuben Weintrop, known professionally as Bud Flanagan, was born in 1896 in London. He rose to fame as a founding member of the music hall comedy troupe The Crazy Gang. Flanagan starred in films, radio shows, and stage revues, delighting audiences with his charismatic presence. He co-wrote and popularized the song 'Underneath the Arches', an anthem of perseverance during wartime. His warm humor and musical talents made him one of Britain's most beloved entertainers. Flanagan continued performing until shortly before his death in 1968, leaving a lasting mark on British popular culture.

Anthony Quayle was a renowned English actor and director with a career spanning stage, film, and television.\nBorn in 1913, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and served with distinction in the British Army during World War II.\nAfter the war, he co-directed the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre and led productions at the Old Vic.\nQuayle's film credits include memorable roles in Lawrence of Arabia, The Guns of Navarone, and The Masque of the Red Death.\nHe earned a Tony Award for his Broadway debut and received critical acclaim for his classical interpretations.\nHis commanding presence and versatility made him a beloved figure in the performing arts.

Joel McCrea was an American actor whose career spanned over five decades, emerging as a leading man in both Westerns and screwball comedies.\nBorn in 1905, he gained prominence with films like The Palm Beach Story and Foreign Correspondent.\nMcCrea became synonymous with the Western genre, starring in classics such as Wichita, Ride the High Country, and The Virginian.\nKnown for his understated style and authentic performances, he earned the respect of audiences and critics alike.\nHe also pursued ranching in California, reflecting his lifelong love of the outdoors.\nHis legacy endures through his contributions to the golden age of Hollywood.

Burt Lancaster was an iconic American actor and Academy Award winner whose versatility made him a Hollywood legend.\nBorn in 1913, he began his career as a circus acrobat before transitioning to film in the 1940s.\nHe achieved fame with roles in The Killers and Sweet Smell of Success, showcasing his intense dramatic style.\nLancaster won the Best Actor Oscar for Elmer Gantry in 1960 and was nominated for From Here to Eternity.\nHe co-founded Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, a production company that produced socially conscious films.\nHis career spanned over five decades, leaving an indelible mark on cinematic history.

Christopher Stone was an American actor, director, and screenwriter whose career spanned film and television.\nBorn in 1942, he appeared in a variety of supporting roles before transitioning behind the camera.\nAs a director, he focused on independent projects emphasizing character-driven narratives.\nHis screenplays blended dramatic tension with authentic dialogue, reflecting his passion for storytelling.\nStone was admired by colleagues for his creative versatility and dedication to his craft.\nThough he kept a low public profile, his contributions left a quiet but lasting influence on the industry.

A prolific character actor whose career spanned over six decades and more than 200 films. Born in Kansas in 1918, he turned a childhood eye injury into his trademark squint. He became famous for playing memorable villains in Westerns such as Once Upon a Time in the West and Support Your Local Sheriff. Elam later showcased his comedic talent on television series including The Texan and Dallas. His unique presence and versatility endeared him to audiences and made him a beloved icon of classic American cinema.

Jane Wyatt began her career on the Broadway stage in the 1930s before transitioning to Hollywood films. She starred in movies such as Lost Horizon and later won three Emmy Awards for her role on Father Knows Best from 1954 to 1960. Wyatt also appeared in television series including Star Trek and The Twilight Zone, showcasing her versatility. Her warm screen presence and refined performances made her a beloved figure in American entertainment. She continued acting into her nineties, leaving a rich legacy when she died in 2006.

Larri Thomas was an American actress and dancer active from the 1950s to the 1980s. She appeared in numerous Hollywood musical films and popular television series. Trained in ballet, she brought grace and energy to both dance numbers and acting roles. Beyond on-screen appearances, Thomas contributed choreography for stage and screen productions. Remembered for her vibrant talent, she left a lasting impression on mid-century American entertainment.

Michael Massee (1952–2016) was an American actor known for his versatile character roles in film and television. He gained attention with his unsettling performance in the action thriller "The Crow" (1994). He appeared in films such as "12 Monkeys" and "The Amazing Spider-Man." On television, he had memorable roles in series like "24" and "CSI: NY." Massee was respected for his deep voice and brooding on-screen presence.

James Randi (1928–2020) was a Canadian-American stage magician and science skeptic best known for exposing fraudulent paranormal and supernatural claims. Performing as "The Amazing Randi," he amazed audiences with sleight of hand while simultaneously challenging pseudoscience. He co-founded the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry and offered the Million Dollar Challenge to test paranormal assertions. Randi authored influential books such as "Flim-Flam!" and lectured on critical thinking around the world. His work popularized skepticism and promoted evidence-based investigation.