January 05

George Dolenz (1908-1963) was an Italian-American actor who built a successful career in Hollywood during the 1940s and 1950s. Born in Trieste, he emigrated to the United States and began acting on Broadway before transitioning to film. Dolenz appeared in movies such as 'The Wife of Monte Cristo' and 'House of Frankenstein', earning acclaim for his versatile performances. Later, he worked in television and radio, and his legacy extended into popular music as the father of Micky Dolenz from The Monkees.

Jean-Pierre Aumont (1911-2001) was a distinguished French actor whose career spanned stage, film, and television for over six decades. He starred in French classics such as 'The Corsican Brothers' and moved to Hollywood during World War II, appearing in films like 'The Moon Is Down'. Aumont served with the Free French Forces and the U.S. Army in Europe before returning to France. As a screenwriter, he adapted numerous works for the screen and was awarded the Legion of Honour for his cultural contributions. His charm and versatility made him a celebrated figure on both sides of the Atlantic.

George Reeves (1914-1959) was an American actor whose most iconic role was as Superman in the television series 'Adventures of Superman'. He began his career in Hollywood films, appearing in classics like 'Gone with the Wind' and 'From Here to Eternity'. Reeves's portrayal of the Man of Steel made him a household name and a television pioneer. He also worked as a director and narrator before his untimely and mysterious death in 1959. His legacy endures as one of the first actors to bring comic book superheroes to life on screen.

Jane Wyman was born in 1917 in St. Joseph, Missouri, and began her career in entertainment as a dancer and nightclub performer. She transitioned to film in the late 1930s and quickly established herself as a leading actress in Hollywood. In 1948, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in "Johnny Belinda," showcasing her exceptional dramatic range. Wyman starred in a variety of films and later achieved television success with the hit series "Falcon Crest." She was married to future President Ronald Reagan from 1940 to 1949 and became a prominent public figure. Celebrated for her versatility and resilience, she remained active in the industry and philanthropic work until her passing in 2007.

Denise Bryer was born in London in 1928 and trained in drama from a young age. She specialized in voice acting and brought to life iconic characters such as Tin-Tin Kyrano and Grandma Tracy in the 1960s series Thunderbirds. Bryer also performed in radio dramas including BBC’s long-running show The Archers. She appeared on stage in a variety of productions across the UK and her career spanned more than six decades. Her distinctive voice and versatility made her a beloved figure among fans of British television and radio. Bryer continued to work into her later years before passing away in 2021, leaving behind a rich legacy in the performing arts.

Alvin Ailey was born in 1931 in Rogers, Texas. He began training in dance under Lester Horton in Los Angeles at a young age. In 1958, Ailey established the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, which premiered the groundbreaking work 'Revelations' in 1960. His choreography fused modern dance with African and African-American themes, bringing a new voice to the art form. Ailey’s company toured internationally and introduced modern dance to diverse audiences around the world. He received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Ailey died in 1989 but his dance theater continues to inspire artists and audiences today.

Robert Duvall was born in 1931 in San Diego, California. He began his acting career on stage and made his film debut in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). Duvall’s portrayal of Tom Hagen in The Godfather (1972) established him as a leading actor. He earned an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Tender Mercies (1983) and received multiple nominations for films such as Apocalypse Now and The Great Santini. In addition to acting, Duvall has directed films, including The Apostle (1997). His versatility and dedication to his craft have made him one of Hollywood’s most respected figures. Duvall continues to work on stage and screen, influencing generations of actors.

Born Diane Hall in Los Angeles, Keaton rose to prominence in the early 1970s with her breakout role in Play It Again, Sam. She won an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in Annie Hall. Keaton has starred in a diverse array of films including The Godfather series, Baby Boom, and Something's Gotta Give. She made her directorial debut with the film Heaven and has since produced and directed various projects. Known for her menswear-inspired wardrobe, she became a fashion icon with her signature fedoras and tailored suits. Beyond her acting career, Keaton ventured into real estate and launched a successful handbag line, showcasing her business acumen.

Born in Oakland, California, Lange began his acting career on Broadway before moving to television. He gained widespread fame portraying the charming bartender Isaac Washington on The Love Boat from 1977 to 1986. Lange wrote and directed episodes of the series and later directed theater productions across the United States. In addition to acting, he authored a collection of poems and children's stories. He has appeared in numerous film and TV roles, from Murder She Wrote to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Lange continues to work as an educator, teaching acting and musical theater workshops for aspiring performers.

Born in Westport, Connecticut, Martin began her acting career in daytime soap operas before landing the role of Nancy Drew in the television series The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries. Her portrayal made her a cultural icon for teenage audiences in the late 1970s. Martin later starred as the glamorous Tiffany Welles on Fantasy Island, solidifying her status in television history. She has appeared in films such as Portrait of a Hitman and starred in numerous theater productions. In addition to acting, Martin has written articles and contributed to various magazines on health and lifestyle topics. After stepping back from the spotlight in the 1980s, she returned for occasional roles and maintains a dedicated fan following. Her career spans over four decades, showcasing her versatility across screen and stage.

Clancy Brown is an American actor celebrated for his deep, resonant voice and imposing on-screen presence. He gained widespread recognition as the ruthless Kurgan in the cult classic film Highlander. Brown has portrayed memorable characters on television series such as Carnivàle, Billions, and Star Trek: Enterprise. He is also a prolific voice actor, notably as Mr. Krabs in SpongeBob SquarePants and as Lex Luthor in various DC animated projects. Brown's versatility has made him a cherished figure in both live-action and animated entertainment.

Suzy Amis began her career as a fashion model before transitioning to acting in the 1980s. She appeared in films such as 'The Usual Suspects' and portrayed Lizzy Calvert in James Cameron's blockbuster 'Titanic'. After retiring from acting, she co-founded MUSE School and MUSE Global, promoting sustainable living and education. Amis is an outspoken environmental activist, advocating for plant-based diets and green technologies. Her journey from Hollywood to environmental entrepreneurship highlights her commitment to positive change.