December 15

Born in Scarborough, England in 1899. He made his film debut in the early 1930s, quickly earning acclaim for his commanding presence. In 1933, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for portraying King Henry VIII. Laughton also directed films such as The Night of the Hunter. He worked on Broadway and in Hollywood, showcasing his versatility. Known for his deep voice and expressive features, he became a screen legend. He also produced and wrote, leaving a lasting impact on cinema. He passed away in California in 1962.

Born in Kiev in 1902, he began his film career in European cinema. Litvak gained international recognition with stylish thrillers and dramas. He moved to the United States in the late 1930s and signed with major studios. His film The Snake Pit (1948) earned critical acclaim for its portrayal of mental health. In 1956, he directed Anastasia, showcasing his flair for historical epics. Litvak also worked as a producer and screenwriter throughout his career. He died in 1974, leaving a body of work that bridged European and Hollywood filmmaking.

Chill Wills was born in 1903 and began his career as a singing cowboy on radio. He transitioned to film in the 1930s, where his gravelly timbre became his trademark. He appeared in Western classics such as 'The Alamo' and received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Wills also lent his voice to animated characters, most famously the cantankerous mule FRANCIS. His warm personality and unique vocal style made him a memorable character actor. He continued working in television and stage until shortly before his death in 1978. His legacy endures in both classic cinema and radio history.

Edward Underdown was born in 1908 and began his acting career on the West End stage. He appeared in over 40 films, including 'The Cruel Sea' and 'Our Fighting Navy,' often portraying authoritative characters. Alongside acting, Underdown pursued his passion for horse racing and achieved several wins as an amateur jockey. He served in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve during World War II, balancing service, sport, and stage. After the war, he returned to acting and racing until his retirement. Underdown's versatile talents made him a respected figure in both entertainment and equestrian circles. He passed away in 1989.

Born in 1929 in Buenos Aires, Olga Zubarry made her film debut as a teenager and quickly became one of Argentina's most prolific actresses. Over her career, she appeared in more than 80 films spanning drama, comedy, and thriller genres. Zubarry earned critical acclaim for her versatile performances and was celebrated as a cinema icon of the 1940s and 1950s. She continued to act in theater and television well into her later years, influencing generations of Argentine performers. Zubarry passed away on December 15, 2012, remembered for her enduring contributions to Latin American cinema.

Born in Tokyo in 1917, Joan Fontaine moved to California as a child and began her acting career with small film roles. She achieved stardom with her performances in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rebecca' (1940) and won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Suspicion (1941). Fontaine was one of the first actresses to star in psychological thrillers, earning praise for her nuanced portrayals of complex women. Throughout her career, she appeared on stage, radio, and television, demonstrating her range as a performer. She died on December 15, 2013, remembered as one of Hollywood's Golden Age icons and for being the only sibling pair to both win acting Oscars alongside her sister Olivia de Havilland.