December 07

Florent Carton Dancourt (1661–1725) was a prominent actor and dramatist at the Comédie-Française. Born in Paris, he initially trained as a lawyer before turning to the stage, where he found his calling. Dancourt wrote more than fifty comedies that cleverly mocked the manners and follies of Parisian society and the aristocracy. His plays, such as 'Le Chevalier à la Mode', were celebrated for their witty dialogue and vivid characters. As an actor, he often performed leading roles in his own works and was praised for his versatility. Dancourt's blend of social satire and theatrical flair made him one of the most popular figures in early 18th-century French theater.

Huntley Gordon was born in 1887 in Montreal, Canada, and began his acting career on the London stage before moving to Hollywood. He became a familiar face in silent films, often portraying aristocratic or military characters with dignified presence. Transitioning smoothly into talkies, Gordon continued to work steadily, appearing alongside stars like Gloria Swanson and John Barrymore. His notable credits include The Sheik, The Man Who Came Back, and Madame X. With a career spanning nearly two decades, he contributed to the evolution of cinematic performance as the industry shifted to sound. After retiring from acting in the 1930s, he lived quietly until his death in 1956. Gordon’s body of work remains a testament to his versatility and the golden age of early cinema.

Eric Portman was born in Halifax, England, in 1903 and began his acting journey with local theater groups. He transitioned to the silver screen in the 1930s, quickly earning praise for his dramatic presence. Portman delivered memorable performances in films such as '49th Parallel' and 'The Browning Version'. His ability to portray both protagonists and complex antagonists made him a sought-after talent. Alongside film, he continued to perform on stage, showcasing his range in classic and contemporary plays. Celebrated for his deep voice and commanding screen presence, he left a lasting mark on British cinema. Portman passed away in 1969, leaving behind a diverse body of work.

Hardie Albright was born in 1903 and began his career on the Broadway stage before moving to Hollywood. He appeared in films such as 'Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet' and 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'. Albright was praised for bringing depth to his supporting characters in dramas and adventures. He later transitioned to television, making guest appearances in popular series of the 1950s. Known for his warm baritone voice and affable screen presence, he became a reliable character actor. Albright retired from acting in the early 1960s and focused on teaching performance arts. He died in 1975, remembered by film historians for his diverse body of work.

Born Winfield Mercer in Worthington, Indiana in 1910, Jack Mercer began his career in vaudeville before moving into radio. He joined Fleischer Studios in the late 1930s, becoming the iconic voice of Popeye from 1935 to 1983. Mercer also provided voices and story ideas for Betty Boop, Felix the Cat, and other animated shorts. His naturalistic ad-libs and vocal versatility made him a beloved figure among animation fans. Even after Fleischer Studios evolved into Famous Studios, Mercer continued to voice Popeye in cartoons and comic books until his death in 1984.

Born William Dee Calhoun in 1934, he rose to fame in the 1950s American wrestling circuit with his towering 600-pound frame and folksy charm. He headlined major promotions across the United States, delivering memorable bouts and interviews that captivated audiences. His ring persona "Haystacks Calhoun" became a cultural icon of mid-century professional wrestling. Outside the ring, he appeared in films and television shows, showcasing his unexpected acting talents. His legacy endures as one of wrestling's earliest larger-than-life characters.

Born Joan Geraldine Bennett in 1910, she began acting as a child and transitioned to complex femme fatale roles in classic films such as The Woman in the Window (1944) and Scarlet Street (1945). In the 1960s, she gained new fame playing matriarch Elizabeth Collins in the gothic soap opera Dark Shadows. Over five decades, her versatility and sultry style made her a distinctive presence on screen. She earned a Primetime Emmy nomination, cementing her status as a Hollywood icon.

Born in 1892, Kathleen Harrison began her career on stage before gaining fame in Ealing Studios comedies such as The Lavender Hill Mob (1951). She portrayed lovable matriarchs and supporting roles with a distinctive warmth and wit. Harrison’s career spanned over six decades, including appearances in early British television and radio dramas. Her talent also shone in dramatic roles, displaying remarkable range from Shakespeare to contemporary plays. Her enduring charm and versatility made her a beloved figure in British entertainment.

Harry Morgan enjoyed a prolific acting career spanning over six decades. He is best known for his role as Colonel Sherman T. Potter on the acclaimed TV series M*A*S*H. Morgan's ability to bring warmth and humor to his characters made him a beloved figure to audiences. He appeared in films such as High Noon and The Shootist, showcasing his dramatic range. Alongside his notable guest appearances, Morgan became a household name through his steady television work. His enduring presence on screen left a lasting impact on both fans and fellow actors.

Édouard Molinaro began his career as an actor before transitioning to directing in the 1960s. He directed over 50 films, including the international hit La Cage aux Folles (1978). Molinaro's work spanned comedies, dramas, and literary adaptations, showcasing his range. He also wrote and produced many of his films, contributing to their distinctive tone. His adaptation of Oscar Wilde's plays and collaborations with French stars earned critical praise. Molinaro's style blended wit with human insight, influencing generations of filmmakers.

Junaid Jamshed Khan (1964–2016) began his career as the lead vocalist of the Pakistani pop band Vital Signs, whose anthem ‘Dil Dil Pakistan’ became a national sensation. He later expanded into television presenting and launched a successful fashion label that popularized modest wear. As an occasional actor, Jamshed appeared in television dramas before a spiritual transformation led him to dedicate his life to Islamic preaching. He became a respected religious scholar, delivering sermons across Pakistan and engaging in humanitarian work. His journey from pop icon to preacher made him a unique and influential figure in Pakistani culture.

Shirley Stelfox (1941–2015) was an English actress whose career spanned stage, television, and film. She gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Edna Birch, the stern yet warm-hearted matriarch in the long-running ITV soap opera Emmerdale. Stelfox also appeared in television series such as Coronation Street and Heartbeat, showcasing her range in both comedic and dramatic roles. On stage, she delivered acclaimed performances in classic plays throughout the UK. Known for her expressive presence and dedication to her characters, she remained active in acting until her passing, earning admiration from colleagues and audiences alike.