English-American actor
English-American actor
English-American actor known for his distinctive voice and performances in films like Casablanca and The Invisible Man.
Claude Rains was born on November 10, 1889 in Clapham, London. He began his acting career on the stage before moving to Hollywood in the 1930s. Rains delivered iconic performances as Captain Louis Renault in Casablanca, Dr. Jack Griffin in The Invisible Man, and Alexander Woollcott in The Adventures of Mark Twain. His nuanced portrayals earned him multiple Academy Award nominations. Beyond film, Rains performed on Broadway and radio, showcasing his versatility in both drama and comedy. He retired in the 1960s and was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Rains died in 1967, leaving behind a legacy as one of classic cinema’s most memorable supporting actors.
1889
Claude Rains
American actress and singer
American actress and singer
American actress and singer known for her warm vocals and performances on radio, film, and television.
Jane Froman gained fame in the 1930s as a popular singer on radio programs and in films. Her rich contralto voice and engaging stage presence made her a household name. In 1943, she survived a plane crash that left her with serious injuries, but she continued to perform, earning admiration for her resilience. She co-starred in the biographical film From Here to Eternity in 1953. Over her career, she recorded dozens of hit songs and made numerous television appearances. She remained active in entertainment until her death in 1980 at age 73.
1907
Jane Froman
American radio and television announcer
American radio and television announcer
American radio and television announcer best known as the straight man to Groucho Marx on 'You Bet Your Life'.
George Fenneman began his broadcasting career in Seattle before moving to national radio and television. As announcer and foil on 'You Bet Your Life', he provided deadpan introductions and clever banter alongside Groucho Marx. Fenneman’s calm, clear delivery and quick wit made him a beloved personality to audiences. He later hosted and narrated other programs and commercials over a career spanning five decades. Fenneman’s voice became synonymous with mid-20th-century American entertainment.
1919
George Fenneman
English actress
English actress
English actress known for her work on stage and in British film and television productions.
Ina Clough was born in 1920 in England and began her acting career shortly after World War II. She appeared in numerous stage productions in the West End and regional theatres. Clough also took roles in British films and television dramas, earning recognition for her versatility. Over a career spanning five decades, she portrayed supporting characters with depth and warmth. She retired in the early 2000s, leaving behind a body of work celebrated by colleagues and audiences.
1920
Ina Clough
Australian comedian, actor, and bandleader
Australian comedian
actor
and bandleader
Australian comedian, actor, and bandleader best known for hosting popular television variety shows in the 1950s and 60s.
Bobby Limb began his entertainment career as a bandleader on radio before transitioning to television, where he headlined The Bobby Limb Show. His easygoing humor and musical talent made him a household name across Australia. He founded the weekly musical variety program Melbourne Hit Parade and later captivated audiences nationwide. Beyond television, Limb was instrumental in promoting Australian music and supporting emerging artists. He received numerous accolades for his contributions to entertainment before retiring in the late 1970s.
1924
Bobby Limb
Welsh actor and singer
Welsh actor and singer
Welsh stage and film actor celebrated for his commanding baritone voice and intense performances.
Richard Burton rose to prominence in the 1950s with acclaimed roles in films such as The Robe and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. He earned seven Academy Award nominations throughout his career, showcasing remarkable versatility across Shakespearean dramas and Hollywood blockbusters. Burton’s tumultuous marriage to Elizabeth Taylor and their on-screen collaborations fueled public fascination. His rich voice and brooding presence left a lasting legacy in theater and cinema. Off-screen, he was known for his extensive literary knowledge and outspoken personality.
1925
Richard Burton
Lebanese singer and actress
Lebanese singer and actress
Lebanese singer and actress celebrated as a cultural icon in Arab entertainment.
Born Jeanette Gergis al-Feghali, Sabah’s career spanned over six decades during which she recorded more than 50 albums and starred in over 100 films. Nicknamed ’the Golden Nightingale,’ her powerful voice and charismatic performances captivated audiences from the 1940s to the 2000s. She collaborated with leading composers and filmmakers, helping to modernize Arabic music and cinema. Sabah’s repertoire ranged from melancholic ballads to lively folk songs, showcasing her versatility. She remained active in the arts until her passing in 2014, leaving an enduring legacy across the Middle East.
Sabah
Cuban-Mexican actress and dancer
Cuban-Mexican actress and dancer
Cuban-Mexican actress and dancer celebrated as a star of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema’s rumberas films.
Ninón Sevilla (1929–2015) was a Cuban-born actress and dancer who became one of the most iconic figures of Mexican cinema’s rumberas genre. She moved to Mexico in the 1940s and starred in classic musicals and melodramas, showcasing her sultry dance style and magnetic screen presence. Her breakthrough role in María Cristina (1951) made her a household name. Over a career spanning decades, she worked with leading directors and choreographers, earning critical acclaim for her performances. Sevilla’s contributions to film and dance have left a lasting legacy in Latin American arts.
Ninón Sevilla
American actor
American actor
American actor renowned for his intense performances in Jaws and The French Connection.
Roy Scheider (1932–2008) was an acclaimed American actor best known for starring as Chief Martin Brody in Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. He received an Academy Award nomination for his role as Officer Buddy Russo in The French Connection (1971). Scheider’s versatile career included roles in films like All That Jazz, Marathon Man, and The Seven-Ups, showcasing his dramatic range. He also appeared in stage productions and television series, demonstrating strong character presence. Scheider’s enduring screen performances continue to influence actors and filmmakers today.
Roy Scheider
American actor
American actor
Albert Hall is an American actor notable for his versatile character performances in film, television, and theater.
He began his career on stage before appearing in films such as 'Purple Rain' and 'Ragtime'. Hall has guest starred in television series like 'The West Wing' and 'Law & Order', earning praise for his commanding presence. A graduate of UCLA, he remains active in regional theater and film workshops. With a career spanning over five decades, Hall is respected for his professionalism and mentorship of young actors. He has also taught acting workshops and supported arts education in his community.
1937
Albert Hall
American activist, actor, and musician
American activist
actor
and musician
American Oglala Lakota activist, actor, and musician who was a leader in the American Indian Movement.
Russell Means was born in 1939 on the Pine Ridge Reservation and became a prominent figure in the American Indian Movement (AIM) during the 1970s. He played a key role in the 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee, advocating for Native American rights and sovereignty. Means also pursued acting, appearing in films such as 'The Last of the Mohicans' and 'Natural Born Killers'. He recorded traditional Lakota music and spoke widely about indigenous culture and history. In his later years, he ran for political office and wrote his autobiography, blending activism with personal reflection. Means passed away in 2012, remembered as a passionate voice for Native peoples.
Russell Means
American actress, dancer, and choreographer
American actress
dancer
and choreographer
Tony Award-winning American actress, dancer, and choreographer celebrated for her work in musical theater.
Ann Reinking (1949–2020) was an American Broadway actress, dancer, and choreographer renowned for her collaborations with Bob Fosse. She earned a Tony Award for her performance and choreography in the revival of Chicago. Reinking began her career touring with the Broadway production of Coco before starring in Pippin and Dancin'. As a choreographer, she developed her distinctive dance style, merging jazz and contemporary movements. She also founded the Broadway Theatre Project to train young performers. Her legacy continues through her influential contributions to dance and theater.
1949
Ann Reinking