October 23

Born in 1801 in Berlin, Lortzing began his stage career as an actor and tenor in provincial theaters. His musical talents led him to compose his first opera at age 22, blending spoken dialogue with melodic numbers. Works like Zar und Zimmerman (Tsar and Carpenter) and Der Wildschütz (The Poacher) became staples of the German Romantic opera repertoire. Lortzing's wit, charm and naturalistic style endeared him to audiences across Europe. He died in 1851 while preparing a production in Leipzig, leaving behind a legacy of light-hearted operatic innovation.

Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923) rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most famous actresses of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Dubbed 'The Divine Sarah,' she captivated audiences in Paris and on international tours with her emotive voice and striking stagecraft. She originated iconic roles in plays by Dumas, Sardou, and Victorien Sardou, and she even starred in silent films at the turn of the century. Bernhardt also managed her own theater, the Théâtre de la Renaissance, and was known for her flamboyant personality and artistry. Her groundbreaking career paved the way for modern acting techniques and left a lasting influence on theater and film.

Una O'Connor was born in 1880 in Belfast, Northern Ireland and trained as a stage actress in London. She moved to the United States in the 1920s, earning acclaim on Broadway for her versatile performances. O’Connor transitioned to Hollywood, appearing in classic films such as The Invisible Man (1933) and Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Her energetic presence and unique vocal delivery made her a standout character actress. She enjoyed a prolific career spanning theater, film, and television until her death in 1959.

Born in Brooklyn in 1896, Lilyan Tashman began her career on Broadway, appearing in the Ziegfeld Follies. She transitioned to silent films and later talkies, starring in dramas and comedies during the 1920s and early 1930s. Her notable roles include performances in The Marriage Circle and The Masks of the Devil. Off-screen, she was known for her fashionable style and high-profile social life in Hollywood. Tashman's career was cut short when she died of uterine cancer at age 37, but she left a lasting impression on early American cinema.

Hayden Rorke was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1910 and began his career on the stage before transitioning to film and television. He appeared in movies such as 'Les Girls' and guest-starred on popular series like 'Perry Mason' and 'The Twilight Zone'. From 1965 to 1970, Rorke gained fame for his role as the skeptical Dr. Alfred Bellows on the hit sitcom 'I Dream of Jeannie'. His comedic timing and deadpan delivery made the character a fan favorite. Rorke also served in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. He continued acting in television and film until his death in 1987. Rorke’s performances left a memorable mark on post-war American entertainment.

Augusta Dabney was born in 1918 in Berkeley, California. She began her acting career on Broadway before transitioning to television and film. Dabney appeared in popular soap operas such as 'Search for Tomorrow' and 'The Doctors'. Her versatility allowed her to play diverse roles ranging from dramatic to comedic characters. Over her career spanning five decades, she appeared in numerous television series and movies. Dabney's dedication to her craft made her a respected figure in American entertainment. She passed away in 2008, remembered for her warmth and talent on screen and stage.

James Daly was born in Wisconsin in 1918 and developed a passion for acting early in life. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II before pursuing a career in performance arts. Daly made his Broadway debut in the late 1940s and transitioned to Hollywood by the 1950s. He guest-starred in numerous television series and had a recurring role on 'Medical Center'. Daly was also the patriarch of a talented acting family, fathering Tyne and Tim Daly. His deep voice and authoritative presence made him a standout character actor. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a range that spanned drama, suspense, and westerns. He died in 1978, leaving a legacy as a respected and versatile performer.

Coleen Gray (1922–2015) was an American actress who rose to prominence in the 1940s. Born in Staplehurst, Nebraska, she signed a contract with 20th Century Fox and quickly became noted for her screen presence and versatility. Her breakthrough came with standout performances in film noir classics such as Nightmare Alley and Kiss of Death (both 1947). Over a career spanning film, television, and theater, she appeared in series like Perry Mason and numerous stage productions. Praised for her dramatic range, she continued acting into the 1980s before retiring. Gray lived quietly until her passing in 2015, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances.

Frank Sutton (1923–1974) was an American actor who gained fame for his portrayal of Gunnery Sergeant Vince Carter on Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. Born in Clarksville, Tennessee, he served with distinction in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. Sutton joined television after being discovered by comedian Jim Nabors in the early 1960s. His dynamic chemistry with Nabors made the show a hit and earned him lasting recognition. After Gomer Pyle, he appeared in various TV series and stage productions. Sutton's career was cut short by his untimely death from a heart attack in 1974.

Johnny Carson (1925–2005) was an American television host best known for hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1962 to 1992. Born in Corning, Iowa, he served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and later studied broadcast journalism at the University of Nebraska. Carson's wit, charm, and improvisational skills transformed late-night television, breaking new ground in comedy and interview formats. He introduced generations of comedic talents, from David Letterman to Jay Leno, and earned numerous Emmy Awards and a Kennedy Center Honor. His influence extended beyond entertainment into popular culture. Carson retired in 1992, leaving a lasting legacy as 'King of Late Night.'

Luis Alarcón began acting in the 1950s and quickly became a leading figure in Chilean cinema. He starred in classic films such as 'El Chacal de Nahueltoro' and delivered memorable performances on television. A devoted theatre artist, he contributed to landmark stage productions in Santiago and beyond. His versatility earned him critical acclaim for dramatic, comedic, and character roles alike. In 2015, he received the National Prize for Performing and Audiovisual Arts, Chile's highest cultural honor. Alarcón remained active into his nineties, inspiring generations of actors before his passing in 2023.

Diana Dors rose to fame in the 1950s as a blonde bombshell in British cinema, starring in films like 'Yield to the Night' and 'The Unholy Wife'. She captivated audiences with her wit, charm, and comedic timing in both drama and comedy roles. Dors expanded her career to stage and television, appearing in popular series and West End productions. Despite personal scandals and financial difficulties, she maintained a devoted fan base. Her image as a sex symbol influenced fashion and pop culture in post-war Britain. Dors' legacy endures as a trailblazer for women balancing glamour with acting talent before her untimely death in 1984.