November 09

Marie Dressler was a Canadian-born actress and comedian who became a major star in silent and early sound films. Born in Ontario in 1869, she began her career on stage in vaudeville and Broadway revues. In the 1910s, she transitioned to silent films, earning acclaim for her expressive performances. With the advent of sound, Dressler's career soared in roles that highlighted her warmth and comic timing. In 1930, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in Min and Bill. Known for her hearty personality, she became one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses. Dressler died in 1934, remembered as a pioneering figure in film comedy.

Edna May Oliver brought her distinctive presence and sharp voice to Hollywood comedies. She is best remembered for roles in adaptations like 'Anna Karenina' and 'Alice in Wonderland.' With her expressive eyebrows and comedic timing, she carved a niche as a supporting actress. Oliver's career spanned Broadway and film, earning critical acclaim and Academy Award nominations. Her performances continue to delight classic film enthusiasts decades after her passing.

Ed Wynn began his career in vaudeville with his signature rubber-faced comedy. He starred in the radio show 'The Fire Chief', pioneering early broadcast entertainment. Wynn transitioned to film and television roles later in life. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance in 'The Diary of Anne Frank'. His warm comedic style influenced generations of performers. Wynn provided the voice for the Mad Hatter in Disney's 'Alice in Wonderland'. He continued performing into his seventies, becoming a beloved fixture on American screens. He died in 1966, leaving behind a legacy of humor and creativity.

Mae Marsh rose to stardom in D.W. Griffith's landmark films 'The Birth of a Nation' and 'Intolerance'. Her emotive performances made her one of the era's most popular leading ladies. Marsh transitioned to character roles with the advent of sound cinema. She appeared in films alongside legends like Mary Pickford and John Barrymore. In later years, she made guest appearances on television and in documentaries. Her autobiography provides insight into early Hollywood. She died in 1968, remembered as a pioneer of cinematic acting.

Erika Mann was a multifaceted German-Swiss actress and writer born in 1905. As Thomas Mann's daughter, she co-founded the satirical political cabaret Die Pfeffermühle in 1933 to oppose the Nazi regime. Fleeing persecution, she authored travel memoirs and novels critiquing fascism. Mann lectured across Europe and the Americas before settling in the United States. She used her performances and writings to raise awareness about refugees and human rights. Erika Mann's legacy endures as a pioneering voice of resistance and cultural commentary.

Paulene Myers was an American actress born in 1913. She began her career on Broadway, starring in productions such as "Annie, Get Your Gun". Myers transitioned to film and television, with roles in movies like "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" and series including "Perry Mason". Often cast in character roles, she brought warmth and depth to each performance. Her career spanned over six decades, earning her recognition in both the African-American community and Hollywood. Paulene Myers passed away in 1996, leaving behind a rich body of work.

Hedy Lamarr was born in Vienna in 1914 and became a Hollywood star known for films like "Algiers" and "Samson and Delilah." Beyond acting, she co-invented frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology with composer George Antheil during World War II. Their work laid the groundwork for technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Despite her scientific contributions, Lamarr's achievements in engineering were not recognized until decades later. She received honors for her invention late in life and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Hedy Lamarr passed away in 2000, celebrated today as both a cinematic icon and a pioneer of wireless communication.

Eva Todor was a Hungarian-born Brazilian actress who became a household name in Brazil's entertainment industry. She began her career in the 1930s, quickly distinguishing herself on stage with dramatic and comedic roles. Todor transitioned to film and later television, starring in popular telenovelas that cemented her status as a cultural icon. Known for her expressive presence and strong character portrayals, she inspired generations of performers. She remained active well into her 90s, showcasing remarkable longevity in her craft. Todor also worked as a voice actress and dubbing artist, contributing to international film translations. Throughout her career, she received numerous awards and honors for her artistic achievements. Eva Todor passed away in 2017, leaving a rich legacy in Brazilian performing arts.

Pierrette Alarie was a celebrated Canadian coloratura soprano known for her crystal-clear tone and agile vocal technique. She made her professional debut in the 1940s, quickly gaining international recognition at major opera houses. Alarie graced the stage of the Paris Opera and later sang leading roles at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her repertoire spanned Mozart, Donizetti, and Gounod, earning praise for her dramatic interpretation and vocal purity. Beyond her stage performances, she taught voice masterclasses and nurtured young talent in Canada. Alarie recorded several operas and recitals, preserving her artistry for future generations. Married to fellow opera star Léopold Simoneau, she formed one of the most celebrated vocal duos of the 20th century. She passed away in 2011, remembered as one of Canada's finest operatic exports.

Born in 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio, Dorothy Dandridge began performing in her teens alongside her sister as part of a singing duo. She transitioned to film in the 1940s and gained acclaim for roles in movies such as Carmen Jones and Porgy and Bess. In 1954, Dandridge became the first African American actress nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Carmen Jones. Her versatile talents extended to singing and dancing, captivating audiences with her stage presence. Despite her professional achievements, she faced challenges due to racial discrimination in Hollywood. Later in her career, Dandridge toured in nightclubs and television shows, maintaining her status as an entertainment icon. She died in 1965, but her pioneering contributions paved the way for future generations of artists.

Born in 1922 in Paris to Belgian parents, Raymond Devos became famous for his stand-up performances marked by inventive language and absurdist sketches. He mixed wordplay with physical comedy to create a unique brand of humor that resonated across francophone countries. Devos wrote and performed hundreds of shows on stage and television, often playing with everyday situations to reveal their absurdity. His literary approach to comedy earned him a devoted following and several awards during his career. He continued performing into his eighties and published books of his witty monologues. Devos's influence extends to modern French comedians who admire his clever use of language. He passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of thought-provoking laughter.

Marc Favreau gained national fame in Canada for his character 'Sol,' a whimsical clown who combined humor with poetic reflections. He performed on television and stage throughout the 1960s and 1970s, bringing clever wordplay and social commentary to his acts. Favreau's poetry, both in character and independently, explored the beauty and absurdities of everyday life. His innovative fusion of performance and literature earned him respect in artistic communities and among loyal fans. Even after retiring from regular appearances, his influence persisted through recordings and the continued popularity of his work.