December 27

Born in 1899 in Bloomington, Indiana, he briefly practiced law before devoting himself to music. He composed over 100 songs, including standard classics like 'Stardust', 'Georgia on My Mind', and 'Heart and Soul'. His smooth songwriting blended jazz harmonies with popular song structures, influencing generations of musicians. Carmichael also appeared as an actor in films such as 'To Have and Have Not' (1944). He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He died in 1981, leaving a legacy as one of America's most beloved composers.

Born in 1929 in Ogden, Utah, he began his film career as an editor at Columbia Pictures. He won an Academy Award for Best Film Editing on 'In the Heat of the Night' (1967). He emerged as a key director of the New Hollywood movement with 'Harold and Maude' (1971) and 'The Last Detail' (1973). His films often blended dark comedy with social critique and featured offbeat characters. His 1979 film 'Being There' earned widespread critical praise and Academy Award nominations. Despite personal struggles in later years, Ashby is remembered as a visionary filmmaker of the 1970s.

George Roy Hill (1921–2002) was an influential American filmmaker who brought wit and style to mainstream cinema. After graduating from Yale and serving in World War II, he began his career directing television before moving to feature films. He won Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director with The Sting (1973) and was also celebrated for Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969). Hill appeared in minor acting roles and wrote or co-wrote screenplays for several of his projects. His films were noted for their sharp dialogue, dynamic pacing, and memorable character interactions. Hill's work left a lasting legacy on Hollywood storytelling and genre filmmaking.

Alan Bates (1934–2003) was a prominent English stage and film actor who emerged during the British New Wave. He gained international acclaim starring opposite Anthony Quinn in Zorba the Greek (1964) and won critical praise for his role in The Fixer (1968). Bates delivered nuanced performances in theater productions of Hamlet and The Lady from Dubuque. He worked with directors like Louis Malle and Sidney Lumet across diverse genres. His career spanned over four decades, marked by a dedication to complex character work. Bates also taught acting and was revered for both his on-screen presence and stage contributions.

Born Henry DeWitt Carey Jr. in 1921, he was the son of silent film star Harry Carey. He became a stalwart member of director John Ford’s stock company, appearing in films like 'She Wore a Yellow Ribbon' and 'The Searchers'. In addition to acting, Carey wrote for and produced several television and film projects. His warm presence and rugged charm made him a favorite in over 90 productions across seven decades. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in recognition of his extensive career. Carey passed away in 2012, leaving behind a legacy in American Western cinema.

Born in Pune, Sheikh studied acting at the Film and Television Institute of India. He rose to prominence in the 1970s with performances in parallel cinema classics such as 'Garam Hawa' and 'Chashme Buddoor,' while also appearing in commercial hits like 'Umrao Jaan.' Beyond acting, he hosted talk shows on state television and was a committed philanthropist supporting numerous charitable causes. His warmth and dedication made him a beloved figure across Indian cinema. He passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy of memorable performances and humanitarian work.

Carrie Fisher skyrocketed to fame with her portrayal of Princess Leia Organa in the original 'Star Wars' trilogy, becoming a pop culture icon. Born in 1956 to Hollywood royalty Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fisher, she brought wit and strength to her roles. Beyond acting, Fisher was an acclaimed writer and script doctor, penning the bestselling semi-autobiographical novel 'Postcards from the Edge,' later adapted into a film. She wrote screenplays for films like 'Sister Act' and championed mental health awareness with candor about her own bipolar disorder. Fisher's candid speaking engagements and memoirs earned her acclaim as a powerful voice for self-acceptance. She continued to reprise Leia and advocate for women's representation in film until her untimely death in 2016.

Lee Sun-kyun was born in 1975 in Seoul, South Korea. He trained at Dongyang University and began his acting career in the early 2000s. He gained critical acclaim for roles in dramas such as Coffee Prince and Thank You. Lee achieved international recognition for portraying Park Dong-ik in Bong Joon-ho's Parasite, which won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. His nuanced performances have earned him multiple awards, including the Blue Dragon Film Award for Best Actor. Beyond acting, Lee was known for his philanthropic efforts and support of independent film projects. His work had a lasting impact on Korean cinema's global influence.

Olivia Hussey was born in 1951 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She gained international fame at age 15 for her portrayal of Juliet in the film Romeo and Juliet directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Hussey received a Golden Globe Award and a special David di Donatello award for her performance. She went on to star in the horror classic Black Christmas and the TV movie Murder in the Heartland. Her nuanced performances and classical training made her a respected figure in both film and television. Hussey's career spanned over five decades, with roles in stage productions and voice work in animation. She remained a beloved icon of classic cinema.