American actress
American actress
American actress best known for her role as Irma Peterson in the radio and television series 'My Friend Irma'.
Marie Wilson was born in Anaheim, California, in 1916 and began her career as a telephone operator before being discovered as a model. She gained fame portraying the scatterbrained Irma Peterson in the radio hit 'My Friend Irma,' which transitioned to television from 1952 to 1954. Wilson also appeared in films such as 'Down to Earth' (1947). Adored for her comedic talent and bubbly persona, she retired from acting after a successful career and passed away from cancer in 1972 at age 56. Her portrayal of Irma influenced later sitcom character archetypes and remains a classic example of post-war American comedy.
1972
Marie Wilson
Japanese actor, director, and producer
Japanese actor
director
and producer
Sessue Hayakawa was a pioneering Japanese actor, director, and producer who achieved international stardom during the silent film era.
Born in 1889 in Tokyo, he moved to the United States and quickly rose to fame as a romantic leading man in silent films.
In 1917, he starred in "The Cheat", earning critical acclaim for his nuanced performance.
He became one of the highest-paid actors of his time and one of the first Asian stars in Hollywood.
After a hiatus, he returned to the screen in supporting roles, winning an Academy Award nomination for "The Bridge on the River Kwai" in 1957.
He also directed and produced several films, breaking barriers for Asian artists in international cinema.
His legacy paved the way for future generations of non-Western actors in Hollywood.
1973
Sessue Hayakawa
Indian-born British actress
Indian-born British actress
Indian-born British actress celebrated for her roles in Hollywood's Golden Age classics.
Born in 1911 in Bombay, Oberon moved to England as a teenager to pursue acting.
She gained stardom with her Oscar-nominated performance in "The Private Life of Henry VIII" (1933).
Her beauty and talent led to memorable roles in films such as "Wuthering Heights" (1939).
Oberon navigated scandal surrounding her mixed heritage to maintain a successful career.
Her elegance and screen presence made her one of the era's most glamorous stars.
She passed away in 1979, leaving a legacy of classic cinematic performances.
1979
Merle Oberon
Pakistani actor, producer, and screenwriter
Pakistani actor
producer
and screenwriter
Pakistani film legend known as the "Chocolate Hero" for his charismatic performances and box-office hits.
Born in 1938, Murad became one of the most popular actors in Pakistani cinema during the 1960s and 70s.
His breakthrough role in "Armaan" (1966) led to his nickname and established him as a heartthrob.
As a producer and screenwriter, he pushed creative boundaries, delivering both romantic and action hits.
Murad's style and charm influenced generations of actors in Lollywood.
Despite personal struggles, his contributions made a lasting impact on South Asian film.
He died in 1983, and is remembered as a pioneer of modern Pakistani cinema.
Waheed Murad
German-American actor and director
German-American actor and director
German-American actor and director known for his intense performances and collaborations with director Werner Herzog.
Klaus Kinski (1926–1991) was a German-American actor celebrated for his raw, intense screen presence.
He starred in several Werner Herzog films, including Aguirre, the Wrath of God; Fitzcarraldo; and Nosferatu the Vampyre.
Kinski's volatile temperament and passion fueled both his performances and mythic reputation in the film industry.
He wrote and directed several films, showcasing his range beyond acting.
Born in Poland to German parents, he later moved to the United States and returned to Europe to pursue cinema.
Despite controversies surrounding his behavior, his contributions to New German Cinema remain influential.
1991
Klaus Kinski
American-English actress
American-English actress
American-English actress who achieved acclaim on both Broadway and London's West End after a successful Hollywood debut.
Born in 1910 in Seattle, Cummings made her film debut opposite Ramon Novarro in The Devil's Holiday (1930) and quickly moved to Britain after marrying actor Ernest Butcher. She became a leading lady in British cinema and theatre, earning praise for her versatility in roles ranging from drama to comedy. In 1951, Cummings won a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play for The Country Girl on Broadway. Her career spanned over seven decades, with notable appearances on stage, film, and television in both the US and the UK. She was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her contributions to drama. Cummings' enduring presence in the performing arts made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
2005
Constance Cummings
American actress, singer, and screenwriter
American actress
singer
and screenwriter
American actress, singer, and screenwriter who, as one half of the Comden and Green duo, created some of Broadway and Hollywood’s most beloved musicals.
Betty Comden rose to fame with her partner Adolph Green, crafting groundbreaking Broadway shows like On the Town and Wonderful Town. She co-wrote the screenplays and lyrics for Hollywood classics such as Singin’ in the Rain and The Band Wagon, showcasing her wit and musical talent. Over a career spanning seven decades, Comden earned a Tony Award and multiple Writers Guild honors. Known for her sharp humor and lyrical grace, she helped shape the landscape of American musical theater and film. Her enduring works continue to enchant audiences worldwide.
Betty Comden
French actor
French actor
Celebrated French actor, best remembered for his warm, nuanced performances in European cinema classics like Cinema Paradiso.
Philippe Noiret debuted on screen in the 1950s and became one of France’s most beloved actors over a career spanning more than five decades. He received international acclaim for his role in Giuseppe Tornatore’s Cinema Paradiso, earning a BAFTA for Best Actor. Noiret’s versatility shone in films such as The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie and Mr. Klein. A recipient of multiple César Awards, he was known for his elegant presence and depth of character. Noiret’s body of work continues to influence actors and filmmakers around the world.
Philippe Noiret
English-American actress
English-American actress
English-American actress whose versatile career spanned stage, film, and television.
Joyce Howard (1922–2010) was an English-American actress celebrated for her work in British cinema during the 1940s. Born in London, she appeared in films such as 'The Gentle Sex' and 'Caesar and Cleopatra.' After moving to the United States, Howard wrote and directed television programs and taught film at the American Film Institute. Her talent extended behind the camera, where she crafted screenplays and mentored emerging filmmakers. Howard's enduring passion for storytelling left a lasting legacy in both performance and education.
Joyce Howard
Spanish actor, director, producer, and screenwriter
Spanish actor
director
producer
and screenwriter
Spanish filmmaker acclaimed for his work as an actor, director, producer, and screenwriter.
José Luis Borau (1929–2012) was a Spanish filmmaker whose multifaceted career spanned acting, directing, producing, and screenwriting. Born in Zaragoza, he co-founded the Instituto de Estudios de la Imagen to foster cinematic art in Spain. Borau directed award-winning films such as 'La Sabina' and 'Leo,' earning critical praise at international film festivals. As president of the Spanish Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences, he championed Spanish cinema and nurtured new talent. His legacy endures in the evolution of modern Spanish filmmaking.
2012
José Luis Borau
American actor, director, and producer
American actor
director
and producer
American actor best known for his iconic roles on the TV series 'Dallas' and 'I Dream of Jeannie.'
Larry Hagman (1931–2012) was an American actor who achieved fame as Major Anthony Nelson in 'I Dream of Jeannie' and as the cunning J.R. Ewing in 'Dallas.' Born in Fort Worth, Texas, he began his career on stage before moving to television. Hagman’s portrayal of J.R. became a cultural phenomenon, drawing record audiences and earning him international recognition. Beyond acting, he directed episodes of various TV shows and produced theater projects. His charismatic performances and longevity in the entertainment industry left an enduring mark on popular culture.
Larry Hagman
German-born British actor
German-born British actor
German-born British actor best known for his iconic role as Manuel in the BBC sitcom 'Fawlty Towers.'
Andrew Sachs gained widespread fame portraying Manuel, the hapless Spanish waiter, in the classic comedy 'Fawlty Towers,' winning acclaim for his comedic timing and physical humor. Born in Berlin and raised in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before embarking on a diverse career in theatre, radio, and television. Sachs appeared in shows like 'Coronation Street' and voiced characters in animated series. He also wrote and produced children's books and musicals, showcasing his creative versatility. Throughout his career, Sachs remained a beloved figure in British entertainment, remembered for both his humor and warmth.
Andrew Sachs