1947day.year

William Fay

(1872 - 1947)

Irish actor and producer, co-founded the Abbey Theatre

Irish actor and producer co-founded the Abbey Theatre
Irish actor and theatre producer who co-founded Dublin's Abbey Theatre.
Born in Dublin in 1872, William Fay became a pioneering force in Irish drama. In 1904, he co-founded the Abbey Theatre alongside his brother Frank Fay, W.B. Yeats, and Lady Gregory. His work as an actor and stage manager helped launch the Irish Literary Revival and gave a platform to new Irish playwrights. Fay toured with his company to London and the United States, showcasing Irish theatre internationally. He was known for his dedication to promoting native talent and authentic Irish storytelling. Throughout his career, he mentored actors and fostered a sense of national cultural identity. Fay's legacy endures in Ireland's vibrant theatre tradition.
1947 William Fay Abbey Theatre
1988day.year

Charles Hawtrey

(1914 - 1988)

English actor, singer, and pianist

English actor singer and pianist
English character actor and pianist best known for his roles in the 'Carry On' film series.
Charles Hawtrey was born George Frederick Joffre Hartree on November 30, 1914 in Hounslow, England. He began his career as a child actor on stage before transitioning to radio and film. He became a familiar face in the popular 'Carry On' comedy film series, known for his diminutive stature and campy persona. In addition to acting, he was a skilled pianist and often performed musical numbers. Despite personal struggles, he remained a beloved character actor in British comedy throughout his career. He made over 20 appearances in 'Carry On' films and influenced generations of comic performers. He died on October 27, 1988, leaving behind a legacy of classic British humor.
1988 Charles Hawtrey
1990day.year

Jacques Demy

(1931 - 1990)

French actor, singer, director, and screenwriter

French actor singer director and screenwriter
French film director, screenwriter, and occasional actor known for his vibrant musical films of the French New Wave.
Jacques Demy was born on June 5, 1931 in Pont-Château, France. He emerged as a leading voice of the French New Wave cinema with his distinctive musical films. His breakthrough work 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' (1964) featured all dialogue set to music and won the Palme d'Or at Cannes. He collaborated with composer Michel Legrand on vibrant scores that became integral to his storytelling. Other notable films include 'Les Demoiselles de Rochefort' (1967) and 'Bay of Angels' (1963). Demy also acted in small roles and wrote the screenplays for many of his projects. His colorful style and blending of music and narrative influenced filmmakers around the world. He died on October 27, 1990, leaving a legacy of innovative cinematic musicals.
Jacques Demy
1990day.year

Ugo Tognazzi

(1922 - 1990)

Italian actor, director, and screenwriter

Italian actor director and screenwriter
Italian actor and filmmaker known for his versatile performances in comedy and drama.
Ugo Tognazzi was born on March 23, 1922 in Cremona, Italy. He began his career in stage revues before becoming a prominent actor in Italian cinema. Tognazzi starred in both comedic and dramatic roles, earning acclaim for films such as 'La Cage aux Folles' (1978). He also directed and co-wrote films, showcasing his versatility behind the camera. His work in dark comedies like 'La Grande Bouffe' (1973) solidified his reputation as a daring artist. Throughout his career, he collaborated with major directors of the Italian film industry, including Dino Risi. He passed away on October 27, 1990, leaving an indelible mark on European cinema.
Ugo Tognazzi
2001day.year

Pradeep Kumar

(1925 - 2001)

Indian actor, director, and producer

Indian actor director and producer
Indian film actor, director, and producer prominent in Hindi cinema from the 1950s to the 1970s.
Pradeep Kumar was a versatile Indian film actor born in 1925 who rose to fame in the golden era of Hindi cinema. He debuted in the late 1940s and quickly became known for his leading roles in romantic and mythological films. Kumar starred in classics such as 'Mughal-e-Azam' and established himself as a bankable star. He later transitioned into directing and producing, showcasing his passion for storytelling. Kumar worked with celebrated filmmakers and co-starred alongside legends like Dilip Kumar and Madhubala. His charming screen presence and dignified style earned him a loyal audience. He continued acting into the 1980s before retiring. Kumar passed away in 2001, leaving a rich cinematic legacy.
2001 Pradeep Kumar
2003day.year

Rod Roddy

(1937 - 2003)

American game show announcer

American game show announcer
American game show announcer best known for his work on 'The Price Is Right'.
Rod Roddy was an American television announcer born in 1937. He gained fame as the energetic voice of 'The Price Is Right' from 1986 to 2003. Roddy's signature style included upbeat catchphrases and colorful jackets that became part of his persona. Before game shows, he worked in radio and television news reporting. He also announced for shows like 'Press Your Luck' and 'Card Sharks'. Roddy battled colon cancer publicly, raising awareness and inspiring fans. His warm personality endeared him to audiences nationwide. He passed away in 2003, and his contributions remain celebrated in game show history.
2003 Rod Roddy
2007day.year

Moira Lister

(1923 - 2007)

South African actress

South African actress
South African-born actress known for her work in British film, stage, and television during the mid-20th century.
Moira Lister was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1923 and rose to fame after moving to the United Kingdom. She became known for her supporting and leading roles in British films of the 1940s and 1950s, often cast in comedic and light-comedy parts. Lister also had a successful stage career in London's West End and toured internationally in theatrical productions. Later, she appeared on television in series and guest roles, showcasing her versatility and charm. Beyond acting, she wrote her memoir and was respected for her wit and contributions to the performing arts. Her career spanned more than six decades across multiple mediums. Lister passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a devoted following.
2007 Moira Lister
2008day.year

Chris Bryant

(1936 - 2008)

English actor and screenwriter

English actor and screenwriter
English actor and screenwriter known for his work in film and television.
Chris Bryant was born in 1936 in England and built a career as both an on-screen performer and a writer. He took on various supporting roles in British films and television series from the 1960s through the 1990s, earning recognition for his versatility and comedic timing. As a screenwriter, he contributed scripts to television dramas and co-wrote original screenplays for feature films. Bryant's dual talents allowed him to collaborate closely with directors and fellow actors, shaping memorable characters and stories. He also appeared on stage in regional theaters and toured with repertory companies. His thoughtful approach to storytelling and character development made him a respected figure in the industry. Bryant died in 2008, leaving behind a body of work that continues to resonate with audiences.
2008 Chris Bryant
2008day.year

Roy Stewart

(1925 - 2008)

Jamaican-English actor and stuntman

Jamaican-English actor and stuntman
Jamaican-English actor and stuntman known for his dynamic performances in British film and television.
Roy Stewart was born in Jamaica in 1925 and moved to England, where he forged a career in acting and stunt work. He appeared in a variety of British films, often playing physically demanding roles that showcased his athleticism. Stewart also worked extensively as a stuntman, coordinating and performing challenging action sequences for both cinema and television. His dual talents allowed him to bridge on-screen presence with behind-the-scenes expertise, earning respect from actors and crew alike. Stewart's performances contributed to greater representation of Caribbean actors in British media. Over several decades, he maintained a reputation for professionalism and dedication to his craft. He passed away in 2008, remembered for his pioneering work in film stunts and acting.
Roy Stewart
2009day.year

John David Carson

(1952 - 2009)

American actor

American actor
American actor known for his roles in film and television during the 1970s and 1980s.
John David Carson was born in 1952 in Los Angeles and pursued acting from a young age. He appeared in a variety of television series and feature films, earning notice for his natural charisma and versatility on screen. Carson worked with prominent directors and co-starred with leading actors of the era, often portraying youthful and dynamic characters. His film credits included comedies, dramas, and thrillers, showcasing his adaptability across genres. In addition to screen work, he performed on stage in regional theater productions. Carson's dedication to his roles endeared him to audiences and critics alike, leading to a steady career through the 1980s. He died in 2009, leaving a body of work that reflects the spirit of his generation of performers.
2009 John David Carson
2012day.year

Regina Dourado

(1952 - 2012)

Brazilian actress

Brazilian actress
Brazilian actress acclaimed for her performances in television, film, and theater.
Regina Dourado (1952–2012) was a celebrated actress from Salvador, Brazil. She gained fame through her roles in popular telenovelas on Rede Globo. Dourado showcased her versatility in both dramatic and comedic parts on stage and screen. Her contributions to Brazilian arts earned her critical accolades and a loyal fan base. She remained active in Brazilian entertainment until her untimely passing.
Regina Dourado
2012day.year

Göran Stangertz

(1944 - 2012)

Swedish actor and director

Swedish actor and director
Swedish actor and film director known for his compelling performances on stage and screen.
Göran Stangertz (1944–2012) was a versatile Swedish actor celebrated for both comedy and drama roles. He made his debut at the Gothenburg City Theatre and gained prominence in Swedish cinema. Stangertz directed several films and brought a nuanced understanding of character to his directorial work. His contributions earned him awards at the Guldbagge Awards, Sweden's national film awards. He remained active in theater and film until his death, leaving a lasting legacy in Scandinavian arts.
Göran Stangertz