January 01

Born in 1889, Charles Bickford began his career on Broadway before making his film debut in the silent era. He became known for his powerful supporting roles and commanding screen presence. Bickford earned three Academy Award nominations for The Song of Bernadette, Johnny Belinda, and Decision Before Dawn. He worked with celebrated directors and actors, showcasing his versatility across genres. Off-screen, Bickford was respected for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. His career in film and television spanned over fifty years, leaving a lasting legacy in American cinema.

Born in 1906, Manuel Silos was among the pioneers of Filipino cinema, initially working in silent films. He directed and acted in dozens of movies, blending local folklore with dramatic storytelling. His notable works include "Giliw Ko" (1939), considered a landmark in Philippine film history. After World War II, he played a key role in rebuilding the industry and mentoring emerging talent. His career spanned over five decades, influencing generations of directors and actors. He passed away in 1988, leaving a lasting legacy in Asian cinema.

Born in Collins, Mississippi, Andrews started his career on stage before moving to Hollywood. He became a leading man in the 1940s, starring in film noir classics like "Laura" (1944). His performance as Fred Derry in "The Best Years of Our Lives" (1946) earned critical acclaim. Under contract with Samuel Goldwyn and Twentieth Century Fox, he appeared in over 60 films. Later roles included Westerns and television guest spots, showcasing his versatility. He struggled with alcoholism but made a notable comeback in the 1970s. Andrews passed away in 1992, remembered as a stalwart of Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Born in London, Dearden began his career as a film editor before directing features. He co-founded Ealing Studios’ postwar revival, directing dramas and comedies. Notable films include "The Blue Lamp" (1950) and "Victim" (1961), tackling social issues. Dearden was known for his humanist approach and innovative storytelling. He collaborated with screenwriter Roger Marshall on over a dozen projects. Dearden died in a car accident in 1971, leaving a legacy in British cinema.

Born in the United States in 1917, Shannon Bolin emerged as a leading Broadway actress and vocalist. In 1941, she introduced the song 'My Ship' in Kurt Weill and Ira Gershwin's Lady in the Dark. Bolin's career spanned stage, radio, and film, with appearances in productions such as Lights of New York and The Big Show. Known for her rich soprano voice and commanding stage presence, she performed concerts and toured internationally. She married actor-director Milton Bolin, collaborating on several musical productions. Bolin remained active in theater education, mentoring young performers. She made occasional appearances well past her retirement age, demonstrating longevity in the performing arts. She died in 2016 at the age of 99, leaving a legacy in American musical theater.

Born Thomas Rocco Barbella in 1919 in the Bronx, New York, Rocky Graziano rose from a troubled youth to become the world middleweight champion. His aggressive, come-forward style and powerful punches made him a fan favorite and earned him the nickname 'The Rock'. Graziano served in the U.S. Army during World War II, returning to the ring to claim the middleweight title in 1948. He defended his crown with memorable bouts against Tony Zale and other top contenders. After retiring from boxing in 1955, Graziano pursued an acting career, appearing in films such as Somebody Up There Likes Me. He also worked as a boxing commentator for television. Graziano wrote an autobiography that inspired the movie Somebody Up There Likes Me starring Paul Newman. He died in 1990, remembered as one of boxing's toughest competitors.

Born in Fairchild, Wisconsin, in 1919, Carole Landis rose to fame in Hollywood in the late 1930s. She appeared in films such as One Million B.C., I Wake Up Screaming, and Topper Returns, showcasing her vivacious screen presence. During World War II, Landis was one of the first entertainers to join USO shows, performing in the South Pacific for American troops. Off-screen, she was known for her charitable work and high-profile relationships with stars and military figures. Despite her success, Landis struggled with personal turmoil and tragically took her own life in 1948 at the age of 29. Her death prompted Hollywood to reexamine the pressures faced by young actors. Landis left a legacy as a talented performer and a pioneering entertainer for the armed forces.

Born Sheila Betty Rix in Hull, England, in 1919, Sheila Mercier discovered acting in her youth during World War II. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed in repertory theatres across the UK. In 1972, she was cast as the strong-willed matriarch Annie Sugden in the new ITV soap opera Emmerdale Farm. Mercier portrayed Annie for over two decades, earning widespread acclaim and becoming a television icon. Her performance provided emotional depth and resilience to rural storylines, endearing her to audiences. She was awarded an OBE in 1995 for her services to drama. After retiring in 1994, Mercier remained a beloved figure in British television. She passed away in 2019 at the age of 100, remembered for her pioneering contributions to soap opera drama.

Regina Bianchi was born on January 1, 1921, in Naples, Italy. She began her acting career on the stage before transitioning to film and television roles. Bianchi appeared in dozens of Italian films, including works by renowned directors in the neorealist era. She earned critical acclaim and awards, such as the Nastro d'Argento, for her versatile performances. Her career spanned over seven decades, making her one of Italy's most respected actresses. Bianchi's legacy endures through her memorable portrayals in both classical and contemporary works.

Barbara Baxley was born on January 1, 1923, in Buffalo, New York. She had a prolific career across stage, film, and television from the 1940s to the 1980s. Baxley appeared in numerous Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, earning critical acclaim. Her film work featured supporting roles in major Hollywood dramas of the 1960s and 1970s. On television, she guest-starred on popular series, showcasing her range in both drama and comedy. Baxley is remembered as a talented character actress whose work spanned four decades.

Valentina Cortese was born on January 1, 1923, in Milan, Italy. She gained prominence in Italian cinema during the postwar neorealist movement. Cortese's collaborations with directors like Michelangelo Antonioni and Federico Fellini showcased her talent. In 1974, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in François Truffaut's 'Day for Night'. Her career spanned over six decades, encompassing stage performances and international film roles. Cortese's expressive acting style left an indelible mark on European art cinema.

Matthew 'Stymie' Beard was born in Los Angeles, California, on January 1, 1925. At age five, he joined the Our Gang series under Hal Roach, portraying the character Stymie. He appeared in over 40 shorts between 1930 and 1935, becoming one of the franchise's most beloved figures. After retiring from acting at age ten, he later served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following the war, Beard worked in television distribution and other sales roles. He died of cancer on February 7, 1981, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood's first prominent African American child actors.