January 14

Born in 1899, Humphrey Bogart rose to fame in the 1940s as a Hollywood star. He starred in classics such as Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon, and The African Queen. Bogart's on-screen persona combined rugged charm with a cynical wit. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The African Queen. Off-screen, he was respected for his professionalism and dedication to his craft. His influence endures in film noir and modern cinema.

Born in 1888, Barry Fitzgerald began his career on the stage in Dublin. He gained international acclaim for his role as Father Fitzgibbon in Going My Way. Fitzgerald received Academy Award nominations for both Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor for the same role. His performances were noted for their comedic timing and heartfelt sincerity. He appeared in films such as The Quiet Man and episodes of Alfred Hitchcock Presents. Fitzgerald remains a beloved figure in Irish and Hollywood film history.

Born in 1903 in Philadelphia, Jeanette MacDonald achieved fame in Hollywood musicals. She starred alongside Maurice Chevalier in Love Me Tonight and with Nelson Eddy in operettas. MacDonald's rich soprano voice made her one of the era's most popular singers. She appeared in films like Naughty Marietta and Rose Marie, setting box-office records. Beyond film, she performed in radio programs and concert tours. Her elegant performances helped define the Hollywood musical genre.

Peter Finch, born in 1916, began his acting career on the London stage before moving to Australia and returning to Britain. He starred in films such as Through a Glass Darkly and Sunday Bloody Sunday, showcasing his range and intensity. His most famous role was as Howard Beale in the 1976 film Network, for which he received a posthumous Academy Award, becoming the first actor to win an Oscar after death. Finch was praised for his charismatic screen presence and distinctive voice. He died in 1977 at age 60, leaving a legacy as one of cinema's memorable performers.

Blossom Rock, born Edith Marie Blossom MacDonald in 1895, began her career on Broadway before transitioning to film and television. She achieved widespread fame for playing the eccentric Grandmama in the popular 1960s TV series The Addams Family. Rock's distinctive voice and comedic talent made her portrayal a fan favorite and enduring pop culture icon. Prior to television, she appeared in Hollywood films, often in character roles that showcased her versatility. After the end of The Addams Family, she retired from acting and lived a private life until her death in 1978. Rock's performance continues to be celebrated by audiences around the world.

Born in Denison, Iowa in 1921, Reed began her film career in the early 1940s and quickly gained recognition for her warmth and versatility. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for 'From Here to Eternity' (1953) and gave a memorable performance in 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946). From 1958 to 1966, she starred in 'The Donna Reed Show', portraying an idealized American mother on one of television's most beloved family comedies. Off-screen, she advocated for civil rights and humanitarian causes throughout her life. Reed's blend of strength and grace set a standard for female roles in Hollywood and television. She passed away on January 14, 1986, leaving an enduring mark on entertainment history.

Born in Göttingen, Germany, in 1919, Uta Hagen emigrated to the United States at a young age and began her acting training in New York. She earned acclaim on Broadway for her performances in classics such as A Streetcar Named Desire and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Hagen's naturalistic acting style and emotional honesty set new standards for stage performance. As a dedicated teacher at HB Studio, she mentored generations of actors, including Al Pacino and Jack Lemmon. Her books, Respect for Acting and A Challenge for the Actor, have become essential texts in drama schools worldwide. Hagen received multiple Tony Award nominations and won two Obie Awards for her contributions to theater. She continued to act and teach until her death in 2004, leaving an indelible mark on American theater.

Born in Utica, New York, in 1937, Ron O'Neal began his career on the stage before transitioning to film and television. He shot to prominence in 1971 with Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, a low-budget independent film he wrote, directed, and starred in. The film's raw portrayal of racial tensions and its do-it-yourself production approach made it a landmark of the Blaxploitation genre. O'Neal's portrayal of the titular character showcased his powerful screen presence and commitment to authentic storytelling. Beyond acting, he directed and wrote for both TV and film, demonstrating versatility behind the camera. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he appeared in shows like Roots and Kojak, and films including The Education of Sonny Carson. Despite facing industry challenges, he remained a pioneering figure in African American cinema. O'Neal passed away in 2004, leaving a legacy as a trailblazer in independent filmmaking and Black representation on screen.

Born Shirley Schrift in 1920, Shelley Winters began her acting career on Broadway before transitioning to film in the 1940s. She earned critical acclaim for performances in films such as 'A Place in the Sun' and 'The Big Knife'. Winters won Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress for 'The Diary of Anne Frank' (1959) and 'A Patch of Blue' (1965). She later moved into television and stage roles, showcasing her versatility over six decades. Known for her outspoken personality, Winters became a respected figure both on and off screen. She passed away on January 14, 2006, leaving a legacy of memorable cinematic roles.

Born in Mexico City in 1920, Ricardo Montalbán began his Hollywood career in the 1940s. He achieved iconic status as Khan Noonien Singh in 'Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan' (1982). From 1977 to 1984, he starred as the enigmatic Mr. Roarke on the hit television series 'Fantasy Island'. Montalbán co-founded the Nosotros Foundation to support Latino actors in the entertainment industry. His career spanned over six decades, earning him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He died on January 14, 2009, leaving a lasting impact on film and television.

Born in 1919, Georgia Carroll rose to fame as a vocalist and model in the late 1930s. In 1943, she became the first female vocalist for the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, recording popular wartime hits. Carroll also modeled for major advertising campaigns, including the iconic Pepsi-Cola 'Lips That Touch' commercials. She appeared in films such as 'Sensations of 1945', showcasing her talents on screen and stage. After 1946, she retired from show business to focus on her personal life, leaving a lasting mark on big band music. She died on January 14, 2011, remembered for her contributions to music and design.

Rosy Varte (1923–2012), born Nevarte Manouelian, was an Armenian-French actress celebrated for her versatility on stage and screen. After emigrating to France, she appeared in numerous films, including comedies and dramas, and gained recognition for her expressive performances. On television, Varte became a familiar face in popular series and telefilms, endearing herself to audiences with her charisma. She also had a successful stage career, working with major theatrical troupes and directors. Her contributions to French performing arts spanned over five decades, earning her respect from peers and critics alike.