December 21

Ted Healy was born in 1896 in Kaufman, Texas. He began his career as a vaudeville comedian in the 1920s. Healy famously teamed with Moe Howard and others to form The Three Stooges. Known for his quick wit and slapstick humor on stage and screen. He starred in early sound films and Broadway productions. His volatile temper and personal struggles often overshadowed his talents. He died in 1937 under mysterious circumstances, leaving a mark on comedy history.

H.B. Warner was born in 1875 in London and began acting on the stage before transitioning to silent films in 1914. In 1927, he gained fame for portraying Jesus Christ in Cecil B. DeMille’s blockbuster silent film "The King of Kings." Warner seamlessly moved to talking pictures, delivering notable performances in films like "Lost Horizon" and "The Invisible Man." Later in his career, he charmed audiences as the kindly druggist Mr. Gower in Frank Capra’s classic "It’s a Wonderful Life." Warner appeared in over 200 films, earning a reputation as a versatile and reliable character actor. He died in 1958, leaving behind a rich body of work that spans the silent and sound eras of cinema.

Born in 1927 in Chicago, Illinois. He gained fame as Gil Favor on the TV Western series "Rawhide," which ran from 1959 to 1965. Long also starred in the popular series "The Big Valley" and appeared in several films. He directed episodes of television shows and continued to act on stage. His rugged charm and leadership roles made him a Western icon of mid-20th-century television.

Born in 1901 in New York City, USA. She studied the Stanislavski Method in the 1930s and adapted it for American actors. In 1949, she founded the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, where she trained future stars like Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro. Adler emphasized imagination and text analysis over emotional memory. She authored influential books on acting technique and taught for over five decades. Her approach to performance remains a cornerstone of actor training worldwide.

Born in 1932 in Coventry, England, Dame Billie Whitelaw became one of the finest British actresses of her generation. She had a prolific career in theatre, winning multiple awards for her interpretations of Samuel Beckett's challenging plays. On screen, she is best remembered for her chilling role in the horror film The Omen (1976). Whitelaw received a Damehood in 2000 for her services to drama. Her nuanced performances spanned decades, from West End stages to film and television. She died in 2014, leaving a profound impact on modern acting.

Born in 1962 in Johannesburg, Botes trained in drama before embarking on her television career. She gained fame for portraying Cherel de Villiers-Oosthuizen on Isidingo from 1998 onwards. Her performance earned her multiple South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs). Botes has also appeared in theatre productions and film, showcasing her versatility. Off-screen, she advocated for arts education and supported charitable causes. She died in 2024, remembered as a beloved figure in South African entertainment.

Born in 1942 in Columbus, Ohio, Evans began his acting career in the early 1970s. He appeared in a wide range of genres, from dramas like The Five Heartbeats to action films like Predators. Audiences remember him for his roles in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II and television guest spots. Evans brought depth and charisma to every character, earning him a loyal following. He influenced aspiring actors with his dedication to craft and authentic performances. He passed away in 2024, leaving behind a rich filmography that spans five decades.