November 15

Lewis Stone (1879–1953) was an American actor whose career spanned silent films to talkies. Born in Worcester, Massachusetts, he began on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood in the 1910s. Stone became one of MGM's most respected character actors. He earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in The Patriot (1928). Stone is best remembered for his portrayal of Judge James K. Hardy, the patriarch in the popular Andy Hardy film series. His dignified presence and warm screen persona made him a beloved figure in classic American cinema. Stone continued acting in films and on radio until his death in 1953.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Naomi Childers began her acting career on stage before transitioning to silent films. Over her career, she appeared in over 100 films, including dramas and comedies. She was known for her graceful presence and ability to convey emotion without dialogue. Childers worked with major studios such as Vitagraph and Metro Pictures. Despite the shift to talkies, she continued acting in supporting roles. She left a lasting legacy as one of the early pioneers of American cinema.

José Cuauhtémoc 'Bill' Melendez was born on November 15, 1916, in Hermosillo, Mexico. He moved to the United States and became an animator at Walt Disney Studios, working on films like Bambi and Fantasia. Melendez co-founded a production studio and gained fame for producing animated specials featuring Charles M. Schulz's Peanuts characters. He provided the distinctive voices for Snoopy and Woodstock while directing dozens of TV specials and feature films. His work earned multiple Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Melendez's innovative storytelling and animation techniques left a lasting impact on television and pop culture before his death in 2008.

Carol Bruce was born on November 15, 1919, in Manhattan, New York. She gained popularity in the 1940s for her roles in Broadway musicals such as 'No, No, Nanette' and 'Bloomer Girl.' Bruce also appeared in films, including the classic musical 'Stormy Weather.' Known for her rich contralto voice and stage presence, she captivated audiences on both stage and screen. Beyond performing, she worked as a radio and television host. Bruce's career spanned several decades, and she remained active in the arts until her passing in 2007.

Vasilis Diamantopoulos trained in acting and emerged in Greek cinema in the post-war era, starring in both dramatic and comedic roles. He extended his talent behind the camera as a director and crafted original screenplays that reflected contemporary Greek society. Diamantopoulos earned praise for his dynamic stage performances at Athens’ National Theatre and collaborated with leading directors of his time. His work bridged traditional Greek storytelling with modern cinematic techniques. Through a career spanning over four decades, he influenced generations of actors and filmmakers in Greece. Diamantopoulos’s legacy endures in the continued study of his films and writings.

Francis Brunn revolutionized the art of juggling with his unparalleled precision and creativity. Trained in Germany, he rose to international fame in the mid-20th century, captivating audiences with routines that combined technical difficulty with poetic movement. Brunn’s signature act involved complex tosses and catches performed with a serene elegance, inspiring future generations of jugglers and circus artists. He toured globally, appearing in major venues from Broadway to Europe’s leading theaters. Later in life, he taught masterclasses and published works on performance theory. Brunn is remembered as one of the greatest jugglers ever, whose artistry transformed popular perceptions of juggling from mere novelty to high art.

Francesco Rosi emerged in Italian cinema during the 1960s as a master of investigative drama, blending documentary techniques with narrative film. His works, such as Salvatore Giuliano and Hands Over the City, scrutinized political corruption and social injustice in post-war Italy. Rosi’s directing style emphasized location shooting and non-professional actors to enhance authenticity. He won the Palme d’Or at Cannes and earned an Academy Award nomination for his documentary drama. Beyond filmmaking, Rosi lectured at universities and influenced a wave of socially engaged auteurs. His legacy endures in his powerful portrayal of real-world issues and his impact on global political cinema.

Ed Asner was born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1929 and began his acting career on Broadway. He rose to fame playing Lou Grant from 1970 to 1977, earning seven Emmy Awards for both comedic and dramatic performances. Asner also had a prolific film and voice acting career, notably voicing Carl Fredricksen in Disney•Pixar's 'Up' (2009). An outspoken advocate for social and political causes, he served as president of the Screen Actors Guild in the 1980s. His versatile talent and activism left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry before his death in 2021.

John Kerr was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1931 and began acting on stage while studying at Yale University. He gained critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his film debut in 'Tea and Sympathy'. After a successful screen career, he earned a law degree from USC and practiced entertainment law. Kerr balanced dual careers, appearing in films such as 'The Pit and the Pendulum' (1961) and on television. He passed away in 2013, remembered for his nuanced performances and transition to a respected legal professional.

Petula Clark was born in Epsom, England, in 1932 and started broadcasting on BBC radio at age 8. She found international success in the 1960s with hits like 'Downtown', 'Don't Sleep in the Subway', and 'I Know a Place'. Clark also appeared in films and West End musicals, showcasing her versatility as a performer. She received a Grammy Award and an MBE for her contributions to entertainment. Her enduring career spans over eight decades, making her one of Britain's most beloved vocalists.

Gloria Foster was an American actress born in 1933 in Chicago. She began her career in theater, earning acclaim for roles in classical and contemporary plays. In film, she is best remembered for portraying The Oracle in 'The Matrix' (1999) and its sequel. She also appeared in the television series 'Shadows' and 'Law & Order.' Foster was one of the first African American actresses to enjoy success on Broadway. She received multiple awards for her stage work, including an Obie Award. She passed away in 2001, leaving a legacy of powerful, trailblazing performances.

Joanna Barnes was born in 1934 in Boston and rose to fame as an actress in the 1950s. She played the role of cynical tutor Vicki Robinson in the Disney film 'The Parent Trap' (1961). Barnes appeared in films such as 'Auntie Mame' and 'Tarzan, the Ape Man.' In the 1970s, she transitioned to writing, publishing several mystery novels. Her best-known book, 'The Deceivers,' received critical praise for its wit and style. She also wrote columns for leading magazines and newspapers. Barnes passed away in 2022 at the age of 87, leaving behind a rich legacy in film and literature.