February 02

Born in 1650 in slum London, Nell Gwyn rose from humble origins to become a celebrated actress, renowned for her comedic brilliance and sparkling personality. She was among the first women permitted to perform on the English stage after the Restoration, starring in plays by Dryden and others. Her vivacious performances and quick wit endeared her to audiences and critics alike. Around 1670, Gwyn caught the attention of King Charles II, and as his confidante and mistress she bore him two sons who were later titled the Dukes of Grafton and St. Albans. Using her influence at court, she supported charitable causes, particularly aiding impoverished women and orphans. Despite her royal connection, she maintained popularity among Londoners for her down-to-earth charm and generosity. Gwyn died in 1687 at age 37, and her life has since become a symbol of the vibrant spirit of Restoration England.

Charles Correll (1890-1972) was an American actor and pioneering radio screenwriter. He co-created the hit series Amos 'n' Andy with Freeman Gosden, portraying the character Andy Brown. The show became one of the most popular radio programs of the late 1920s and 1930s, reaching millions of listeners weekly. Correll's writing and vocal performances helped shape early broadcast comedy. His work influenced subsequent generations of radio and television comedians. Outside of Amos 'n' Andy, he wrote and performed in various radio and early television shows. His contributions to entertainment left a lasting legacy in American pop culture.

Frank Albertson was born in 1909 in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, and began acting on Broadway before moving to Hollywood. He appeared in over 100 films and television shows, often portraying good-natured supporting characters. Notable roles include Sam Wainwright in 'It's a Wonderful Life' (1946) and Tom Cassidy in Alfred Hitchcock’s 'Psycho' (1960). Albertson’s warm screen presence and versatility made him a sought-after character actor. He continued working in television throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. Albertson’s enduring performances remain beloved by classic film enthusiasts.

Poul Reichhardt was born in 1913 in Copenhagen and became one of Denmark's most beloved actors. He made his film debut in the 1930s and starred in over one hundred movies, including the acclaimed drama Jenny and the Soldier. Reichhardt also enjoyed success as a singer, recording songs for radio and live performances. His versatility allowed him to perform in comedies, dramas, and musicals across stage and screen. Over a career spanning five decades, he earned numerous awards and honors in Danish entertainment. Reichhardt's warm presence and rich voice left a lasting mark on Scandinavian culture until his death in 1985.

Stoyanka Mutafova, born in 1922 in Sofia, had a career spanning over 80 years across theater, film, and television. Dubbed 'The Queen of Bulgarian Comedy', she starred in more than 30 films and countless stage productions. Mutafova was celebrated for her sharp wit, expressive delivery, and ability to captivate audiences of all ages. She set a Guinness World Record for the longest active theatrical career. Even in her nineties, she continued performing, inspiring generations of actors in Bulgaria and beyond.

Born in Paris in 1923, Jean Babilée rose to fame as one of the 20th century’s most dynamic dancers. He studied at the Paris Opera Ballet before joining Roland Petit's Ballets des Champs-Élysées. Babilée became known for his remarkable elevation and strength in classical and contemporary roles. He also created innovative choreography that blended classical technique with modern expressiveness. His performance in Jacques Prévert’s film Les Enfants Terribles brought him international recognition. He later taught masterclasses around the world and influenced generations of dancers. Babilée’s legacy endures in the Paris Opera and in the techniques he passed on to students before his death in 2014.

Born in California in 1923, Bonita Granville began her career as a child actress and earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in These Three (1936). She starred as the young sleuth Nancy Drew in a popular Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer series from 1938 to 1939. Off-screen, she became a film and television producer, co-founding the Wrather Corporation. She produced hit series such as The Lone Ranger and Sergeant Preston of the Yukon. Granville’s talents bridged acting and producing during Hollywood’s Golden Age. She remained active in philanthropy before her death in 1988.

Born in Detroit in 1925, Elaine Stritch made her Broadway debut in 1944 in the Rodgers and Hart musical On Your Toes. She earned four Tony Award nominations for roles in shows such as Sail Away and Company. Stritch’s one-woman show, Elaine Stritch at Liberty, won the 2002 Special Tony Award and solidified her as a theater icon. She gained a new generation of fans portraying Colleen Donaghy on the television series 30 Rock. Known for her sharp wit and powerful voice, Stritch authored candid memoirs about life in show business. Her career spanned seven decades, and she remained active on stage and screen until her death in 2014.

Sheila Matthews Allen was born in 1929 in New York City and began her acting career on stage before transitioning to film and television. She appeared in popular series such as Star Trek: The Original Series, Babylon 5, and Police Woman, often portraying strong supporting characters. Allen also produced and co-wrote independent projects, demonstrating her versatility behind the camera. Her work included the cult favorite film "Fist of Fear, Touch of Death" and several made-for-television movies. A respected figure in genre entertainment, she inspired many young actors until her passing in 2013.

Věra Chytilová was born in 1929 in Ostrava, Czechoslovakia and studied filmmaking at the Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague. She emerged as a leading figure of the Czech New Wave with her 1966 film 'Daisies', celebrated for its bold visual style and satirical commentary. Throughout her career, Chytilová directed over 30 films and documentaries, often challenging social and political norms under a restrictive regime. Her work was frequently censored by communist authorities, yet she remained a vocal advocate for artistic freedom. Chytilová’s influence extends to contemporary filmmakers and continues to inspire avant-garde cinema.

Les Dawson was a celebrated English comedian who rose to fame with his deadpan delivery and self-deprecating jokes. He became a household name through television appearances on shows like 'The Les Dawson Show' and 'Blankety Blank'. Dawson was also an accomplished writer, publishing several novels and autobiographies. His satirical wit and signature comedic style influenced generations of performers. Beyond comedy, he was known for his musical sketches, famously playing deliberately off-key piano pieces. Dawson's sharp humor and warm personality made him a beloved figure in British entertainment.

Glynn Edwards was a Malaysian-born English actor who built a varied career on stage and screen. He gained widespread recognition for playing DS Tosh Lines in the popular British series 'Minder' from 1979 to 1994. Edwards began acting in repertory theaters before moving into television with early roles in 'Danger Man' and 'The Saint'. His rugged features and understated performances made him a memorable character actor. Beyond 'Minder', he appeared in numerous films and TV dramas. Edwards continued acting until his retirement, leaving a lasting impression on British television.