January 18

Born in 1699, Jeanne Quinault began her stage career at the Comédie-Française, captivating audiences with her comic talent. Throughout her life, she hosted influential salons that brought together leading writers, actors, and intellectuals of the Enlightenment. She authored several plays and contributed to the development of French theater behind the scenes. Her wit and cultural patronage helped shape literary trends in Paris for decades. Quinault's legacy lives on in the history of European drama and salon society.

Born in 1891, Wallace Reid became one of the most popular actors of the silent film era, starring in numerous Paramount Pictures features. He also directed and wrote screenplays, showcasing his versatility behind the camera. After sustaining injuries in a train accident, he was prescribed morphine, leading to addiction and a public struggle with drug abuse. His untimely death at age 31 sparked debates about substance use in Hollywood. Reid’s legacy endures as both a pioneer of early cinema and a cautionary tale of its perils.

Born Jerome Lester Horwitz in 1903, Curly Howard joined his brothers and Larry Fine to form The Three Stooges comedy team in 1932. He was celebrated for his slapstick humor, high-pitched voice, and iconic catchphrases like "nyuk nyuk nyuk". Curly appeared in over 90 short films, endearing himself to audiences with his playful antics and infectious energy. Health issues forced his retirement in 1946, but his influence on comedy endured. He died in 1952, remembered as one of the most beloved figures in American slapstick.

Born in 1879 in Worcester, England, Sydney Greenstreet enjoyed a long stage career before making his film debut at age 62. He quickly gained acclaim as Kasper Gutman in "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) and Signor Ferrari in "Casablanca" (1942), starring alongside Humphrey Bogart. Known for his imposing presence, deep voice, and subtle humor, Greenstreet appeared in 14 films over six years. His memorable performances helped define the golden age of Hollywood cinema. Greenstreet passed away in 1954, leaving a distinctive mark on film history.

Born in Chicago in 1897, Gertrude Olmstead won a contest that launched her acting career with Universal Pictures. She starred in films such as ‘Hot Water’ (1924) and ‘Rose-Marie’ (1928), earning praise for her expressive performances. Olmstead worked alongside stars like John Barrymore and Buster Keaton, showcasing her ability to shift between genres. With the arrival of sound films, she chose to retire in 1929 and married attorney Irving Dans. Her brief yet prolific career left a mark on the silent era, and she later devoted herself to philanthropy and family life. Olmstead passed away in 1975, remembered as one of the era’s graceful leading ladies.

Rusty Hamer was an American actor born in 1947, best known for 'My Three Sons.' He starred as Robbie Douglas from 1960 to 1965, becoming a beloved TV child star. Hamer's natural charm and comedic timing won him acclaim early in his career. After retiring from acting, he faced personal struggles away from the spotlight. He passed away in 1990, remembered for his iconic television role that captured a generation. His performance on 'My Three Sons' remains a touchstone of classic American sitcom history.

Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, known as N.T. Rama Rao or NTR, was born in 1923. He rose to fame as a Telugu film actor and producer, starring in mythological epics. Rama Rao founded the Telugu Desam Party in 1982, rapidly becoming a political force. He served as the 10th Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh in three terms from 1983 to 1994. His tenure focused on welfare schemes and populist policies that endeared him to the masses. NTR's ability to blend cinematic charisma with political leadership was unprecedented. He passed away in 1996, leaving a dual legacy in Indian cinema and politics.

Lamont Bentley began his career as a child model before landing his breakout role as Hakeem Campbell on the popular sitcom Moesha (1996–2001). He showcased his musical talents by releasing rap tracks and performing with several hip-hop groups. Bentley appeared in films such as The Wash (2001) and TV series including Celebrity Deathmatch. Off-screen, he was known for his dedication to youth outreach and mentoring aspiring artists. Tragically, he died in 2005 at age 31 after a car accident in Los Angeles. His performances continue to be celebrated by fans of 1990s television and hip-hop culture.

Lois Nettleton was an American actress celebrated for her versatility across stage, film, and television. Born in 1927, she began her career on Broadway before transitioning to a wide range of screen roles. She earned critical acclaim and multiple Emmy nominations for her television performances. Nettleton appeared in genres from legal dramas to anthology series like The Twilight Zone. Her dynamic presence and skill made her a respected figure in American entertainment until her death in 2008.

Nora Kovach was a Hungarian-American ballerina who rose to international acclaim as a principal dancer with the Ballet Russe. Born in 1931, she trained at the Budapest State Ballet School before defecting to the West in 1956. Kovach was celebrated for her technical precision and expressive stage presence. She toured worldwide and later contributed to ballet education and choreography. Her groundbreaking career helped bridge Eastern and Western ballet traditions before her death in 2009.

Trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, Sarah Marshall launched her career in the 1950s with performances in West End musicals and repertory theatre. She appeared on screen in British comedies and horror films, and was a guest on popular television series throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Marshall’s versatility allowed her to tackle both dramatic and comedic roles, earning her recognition in theatre circles. She continued acting in regional theatre and television until the late 1980s, leaving a legacy of memorable performances on stage and screen.

Yvette Mimieux gained fame in the 1960s with performances in films such as "The Time Machine" and "Where the Boys Are." Her ability to portray both dramatic and comedic roles earned critical praise. She received an Emmy nomination for her role in the television drama "Dr. Kildare." Beyond acting, Mimieux wrote screenplays and became an advocate for environmental causes. She continued to work in both film and television into the 1990s, leaving behind a diverse body of work that showcased her talent and charisma.