December 31

Born in 1887 in New York City, Walsh began acting in D.W. Griffith’s silent epics, including The Birth of a Nation. He transitioned to directing in the 1910s, helming crime dramas, westerns, and war films with dynamic visual style. Walsh collaborated with stars like James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Errol Flynn in classics such as High Sierra and The Roaring Twenties. His adventurous spirit extended beyond the screen, surviving a plane crash during the filming of They Died with Their Boots On. With over 140 directorial credits, Walsh left an indelible mark on multiple film genres over five decades.

Born Eric Hilliard Nelson in 1940, he rose to fame on the family sitcom Ozzie and Harriet, showcasing his musical talents. Nelson recorded hits like Hello Mary Lou and Travelin’ Man, blending rockabilly with pop sensibilities. He sold over 40 million records worldwide and was one of the first teen idols to write and perform his own songs. Nelson’s career paved the way for future singer-songwriters in popular music, earning him a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Tragically, he died in a plane crash in 1985 while on tour, immortalizing him as a rock legend.

Born in 1914 in Los Angeles, Woody Strode was one of the first African American players in the modern NFL, joining the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. After his football career, he ventured into professional wrestling before finding success as a character actor. Strode appeared in films such as 'Sergeant Rutledge' and 'Spartacus', often portraying strong, dignified roles that challenged racial stereotypes. His presence and talent opened doors for future generations of black actors in Hollywood. Strode continued acting in movies and television until his death on December 31, 1994, leaving a legacy in both sports and film.

Born in 1913, Wesley Addy trained as a stage actor and became known for his work on Broadway and with the American Shakespeare Festival. He made his film debut in the early 1950s, eventually appearing in both movies and television shows across multiple genres. Addy brought a distinctive presence to roles ranging from authoritative figures to complex character parts. His stage career included acclaimed performances in classics and contemporary plays until the 1970s. In later years, he continued guest-starring in TV dramas before passing away on December 31, 1996, leaving a versatile legacy.

Billie Dove was an American actress born in 1903. She rose to fame in the silent film era and was celebrated for her photogenic beauty. Often billed as the American Beauty, she starred opposite Douglas Fairbanks in The Black Pirate. Dove became one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1920s with hits like Woman to Woman. She made a successful transition to talking pictures but retired from acting after 1932. During World War II she contributed to war bond drives and public appearances. Dove's legacy endures as a symbol of Hollywood's golden age glamour.

José Greco was born in 1918 in Italy and raised in the United States. He studied dance in New York and made his professional debut in the 1940s. Greco popularized flamenco through tours across Europe, North America, and Asia. He founded the José Greco Dance Company and choreographed original works blending classical and folk styles. Greco appeared in Broadway productions and on television, bringing Spanish dance to mainstream audiences. A passionate teacher, he mentored generations of dancers through workshops and festivals. He died in 2000, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of flamenco.

Eileen Heckart was born in 1919 and began her career in Broadway theater during the 1940s. She received critical acclaim for her role in The Bad Seed, earning both Tony and Academy Award nominations. Heckart won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Butterflies Are Free. Over her six-decade career she appeared in films such as The First Wives Club and Heartbreak Ridge. She was also a familiar face on television, with guest roles on series like The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Heckart was respected for her depth, warmth, and comedic timing in character roles. She passed away in 2001 at the age of 81, leaving a legacy of memorable performances.

Born in Chicago in 1919, Bill Idelson began his career as a child actor on radio programs. He voiced Rush Gook on 'The Fred Allen Show' and later transitioned to on-screen roles. Idelson wrote and produced episodes for popular series like 'The Doris Day Show' and 'The Andy Griffith Show'. He appeared as Pete in 'The Dick Van Dyke Show', endearing himself to television audiences. Beyond acting, he penned scripts for radio dramas and comedies. Idelson also authored memoirs chronicling the golden age of radio. His multifaceted career spanned seven decades, leaving a lasting mark on American entertainment.

Born in 1927, Per Oscarsson became an icon of Swedish cinema and stage. He rose to international fame with his unforgettable performance in the 1966 film Hunger, winning the Best Actor Award at the Cannes Film Festival. Over his career, he appeared in more than 50 films and directed numerous theatrical productions. Oscarsson’s skill as an actor was matched by his talents as a screenwriter and producer, making him a versatile figure in the arts. He continued to engage audiences with new projects until his death on December 31, 2010. His legacy endures as a benchmark of Scandinavian performance art.

James La Rue Avery (1945–2013) was an American actor celebrated for his commanding presence and warmth. He began his career in theater before transitioning to television and film. His portrayal of Uncle Phil became an iconic figure in 1990s pop culture. Avery also enjoyed success as a voice actor in animated series and video games. Beloved by colleagues for his generosity, he mentored young performers throughout his career. He passed away in 2013, leaving a lasting legacy as a television legend and role model.

Edward Kirk Herrmann (1943–2014) was an American actor with a distinguished career on stage and screen. He won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the miniseries Eleanor and Franklin. Herrmann is perhaps best remembered as Richard Gilmore on the beloved series Gilmore Girls. His deep voice made him a sought-after narrator for documentaries such as Nova and The History Channel. A Broadway veteran, he earned Tony Award nominations for his theatrical performances. Herrmann’s warmth and gravitas left a lasting impression before his passing in 2014.

Natalie Cole (1950–2015) was an American singer-songwriter and actress who rose to fame in the 1970s. Her upbeat single This Will Be garnered her a Grammy Award and widespread acclaim. Cole won multiple Grammys for both contemporary R&B and traditional pop recordings. In 1991, she performed a virtual duet with her late father on Unforgettable, earning fresh acclaim. She also appeared in films and television, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Cole’s resilience in overcoming personal struggles made her an inspirational figure in music history.