December 20

Ferdinand Bonn was born in 1861 and built a career on the German stage. He performed in both classical and contemporary theatrical productions. With the rise of silent cinema, he transitioned to film, appearing in several popular movies. Bonn demonstrated versatility by portraying characters ranging from nobility to common folk. He worked with filmmakers who pioneered the German Expressionist movement. Until his death in 1933, he remained active in theater and early cinema. Bonn's contributions helped shape the performing arts during a formative era in Germany.

Elsie de Wolfe was born in New York City in 1865 and began her career on the stage. She performed as an actress in the 1880s before turning to interior decoration. Rejecting Victorian excess, she introduced light, functional design concepts for domestic interiors. De Wolfe founded one of the first professional interior decorating firms, serving elite clients. Her book, The House in Good Taste (1913), became a design classic and manifesto. Through her salons and writings, she elevated interior decoration to a respected profession. She influenced generations of designers and helped establish the modern field of interior design. De Wolfe died in 1950, celebrated for her contributions to theater and design.

Charley Grapewin was born in 1869 and began his career in vaudeville and traveling theater. He transitioned to film in the early 20th century and appeared in over 50 movies. Grapewin became known for portraying warm, grandfatherly characters on screen. His most memorable roles include Uncle Henry in The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Grandpa Joad in The Grapes of Wrath (1940). He earned acclaim for his authentic performances and strong character work. Grapewin continued acting on stage and screen into his later years. He died in 1956, remembered as one of early Hollywood's most beloved character actors.

Born in Bordeaux, Arnaud studied piano at the Paris Conservatoire before moving to England. She achieved success as a concert pianist before transitioning to acting in London’s West End. Arnaud starred in comedy plays, musicals, and films, earning the nickname "The First Lady of the Theatre." Her versatility extended to radio broadcasts and television appearances. The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford stands as a testament to her enduring influence on British arts.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1898, Irene Dunne transitioned from Broadway musicals to Hollywood stardom. She starred in acclaimed films such as 'The Awful Truth,' 'Love Affair,' and 'I Remember Mama,' earning five Academy Award nominations. Praised for her versatility, she excelled in comedy, drama, and musicals. Dunne's charm and talent made her one of MGM's top stars of her era. Beyond acting, she was celebrated for her philanthropic efforts. She retired in the late 1950s and passed away in 1990, leaving a legacy of elegance and grace on screen.

Born in Berlin in 1900, Lissy Arna began her career in silent cinema with notable roles in German films. She transitioned to talking pictures, appearing in dramas and crime thrillers throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Known for her expressive performances, she worked with prominent directors of the era. After World War II, Arna stepped away from acting and later shared her expertise as an acting tutor. She passed away in 1964, remembered as one of Weimar Germany's screen icons.

Dennis Morgan rose to fame in the 1940s as a charming leading man for Warner Bros., starring opposite stars like Joan Blondell. He showcased his singing talent in musicals such as The Desert Song and romantic comedies like Christmas in Connecticut. With his charismatic screen presence, Morgan became a household name and a top box-office draw. In later years, he transitioned to television roles and stage productions. His smooth voice and affable persona endeared him to audiences, cementing his place in Golden Age Hollywood.

Audrey Totter was born in Joliet, Illinois, in 1917 and moved to Hollywood in the 1940s. Under contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, she quickly gained fame for her cool, enigmatic performances. She starred in classics such as "Lady in the Lake" and "The Unsuspected". Totter's portrayals of complex, morally ambiguous women helped define the noir genre. In later decades, she transitioned to television roles, including a long-running part on the medical drama "Medical Center". Her elegant presence and dramatic depth left a lasting impression on American cinema.

George Roy Hill was born in Minneapolis in 1921 and attended Yale University on a rugby scholarship. He began his career in theater and television before making his feature debut. Hill achieved international fame with "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" (1969) and won the Academy Award for Best Director for "The Sting" (1973). Known for blending charismatic performances with dynamic storytelling, his work often featured humor and camaraderie. His other notable films include "Slap Shot" and "Travels with My Aunt." Beyond directing, Hill was a respected teacher and mentor to young filmmakers until his death in 2002.

Charlie Callas was born in Brooklyn in 1924 and began his career as a jazz drummer before discovering his talent for comedy. He gained popularity in the 1960s and 70s with signature routines featuring improvised sound effects and exaggerated facial movements. Callas became a frequent guest on shows hosted by Dean Martin and Johnny Carson, endearing himself with his unique style. He also appeared in films such as "The Longest Yard" and voiced characters in animation. With a career spanning decades, his fearless improvisation and physical comedy influenced many performers. Callas passed away in 2011, remembered as a pioneer of modern slapstick.

Born in 1931 in San Francisco, Mala Powers began her career as a child model before transitioning to acting. She rose to fame playing Roxane opposite José Ferrer in the 1950 film 'Cyrano de Bergerac', earning critical praise. Powers appeared in numerous television dramas throughout the 1950s and 1960s, showcasing her versatility. She also taught acting and wrote a book on film and theater techniques. Powers remained active in the arts community, participating in stage productions and workshops. She published memoirs reflecting on her Hollywood experiences before her death in 2007.

Born in 1932, John Hillerman began his career on stage before transitioning to film and television. He gained international fame as the fastidious butler Jonathan Quayle Higgins III in the hit series Magnum, P.I., earning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in 1987. Hillerman appeared in films such as North Dallas Forty and made guest appearances on popular shows like Cheers and Murder, She Wrote. His refined accent, impeccable comic timing, and memorable character work made him a favorite among audiences and critics. Hillerman continued acting into the early 2000s before retiring and passed away in 2017, leaving a lasting legacy in television history.