December 11

Born Jeanne Roques in 1889, Musidora adopted her stage name while rising to fame in early French cinema. She starred as the mysterious and daring Irma Vep in the serial "Les Vampires," captivating audiences with her charisma and style. Beyond acting, she directed and produced avant-garde films and wrote screenplays that challenged social norms. Musidora's striking appearance and independent spirit made her a symbol of modern womanhood in the 1920s. Her influence extended to fashion and feminist circles, and her legacy endures in film history.

Born in San Francisco in 1888, Percy Kilbride began his acting career on the Broadway stage in the early 20th century. He appeared in numerous films during the 1930s and 1940s, often cast as a gruff but endearing supporting character. Kilbride's most iconic role came as the patriarch Pa Kettle, opposite Marjorie Main's Ma Kettle, in "The Egg and I" (1947) and its subsequent spinoffs. His comic timing and folksy delivery endeared him to audiences and made the Kettles one of cinema's favorite on-screen couples. Beyond Pa Kettle, he acted in both films and radio, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Kilbride retired from acting in the late 1950s, leaving behind a legacy of classic American humor.

George Waggner (1894–1984) was an American director, producer, and actor prominent in Hollywood's golden age. He directed the 1941 horror classic The Wolf Man, which became a landmark in Universal Monsters films. Waggner also produced and acted in a variety of genres, showcasing his versatility. He worked on Westerns, comedies, and adventure films throughout a career spanning four decades. His directorial style balanced suspense with character-driven storytelling. Waggner's legacy endures through his contributions to genre filmmaking.

Robert Q. Lewis (1921–1991) was a versatile American actor, comedian, and TV host. He gained popularity on radio game shows and panel shows during the 1940s and 1950s. Lewis became a familiar face on television quizzes and talk shows, beloved for his quick humor and conversational style. He also performed on Broadway and in comedic film roles. His longevity in entertainment made him a pioneering figure in early television. Lewis's engaging personality helped shape the format of modern TV variety shows.

David Lewis enjoyed a prolific career spanning over five decades in theatre, film, and television. Born in 1916, he appeared in various Broadway productions before transitioning to the screen. He is perhaps best remembered for playing Edward Quartermaine on the daytime soap opera 'General Hospital'. Lewis also made guest appearances in shows like 'Law & Order' and 'The Golden Girls'. His versatility and strong screen presence made him a reliable supporting actor. He continued working steadily until his death in 2000, leaving behind a diverse body of work.

Bettie Page was born in Nashville in 1923 and rose to fame in the 1950s as a pioneering pin-up model. Her photographs for magazines and calendars captured a blend of innocence and sensuality that challenged societal norms. Page worked with renowned photographers like Irving Klaw and appeared briefly on television. After retiring from modeling, she pursued acting and later raised awareness of mental health issues. Rediscovered in the 1980s, her image became a lasting symbol of erotic art and pop culture.

Galina Vishnevskaya was born in Leningrad in 1926 and studied at the Leningrad Conservatory. She made her operatic debut at the Bolshoi Theatre and became famous for roles such as Aida and Tatyana. A leading figure in Soviet opera, Vishnevskaya collaborated with her husband, cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, in international concerts and recordings. She also appeared in Russian films, showcasing her acting talent. After emigrating in 1974, she taught masterclasses worldwide and returned to Russia in the 1990s. Her powerful voice and artistry left a lasting legacy when she died in 2012.

Keith Chegwin was a British TV presenter born in 1957. He began his on-screen career as a child actor before transitioning to hosting popular programs such as Swap Shop and Cheggers Plays Pop. Chegwin's energetic and friendly persona made him a household name across the UK. In addition to presenting, he appeared in radio shows and made cameo roles in television dramas. He also took part in reality TV competitions, showcasing his enduring popularity. Remembered for his optimism and dedication, he remained an iconic figure in British entertainment until his passing in 2017.

Andre Braugher earned critical acclaim for his commanding presence and nuanced portrayals across television and film. He won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his role as Detective Frank Pembleton on Homicide: Life on the Street. Later, he charmed audiences worldwide as the steadfast Captain Raymond Holt on the hit sitcom Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Braugher’s stage work included appearances on Broadway, showcasing his versatility and depth as a performer. His contributions to acting inspired a generation of artists and left a lasting legacy in both drama and comedy.