February 02

Born in 1869, Grapewin began his career in vaudeville and silent films. He appeared in dozens of silent comedies before transitioning to sound pictures. His most iconic role was Uncle Henry in the 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz. He also appeared in John Ford westerns and early talkies. Known for his affable on-screen presence and comic timing. He continued acting on stage and screen into his eighties. He passed away in 1956, leaving a legacy in American cinema.

Born William Henry Pratt in 1887, he adopted the stage name Boris Karloff and began his acting career in repertory theatre. His portrayal of Frankenstein's monster in the 1931 Universal film cemented his status as a horror icon. Karloff appeared in more than 80 films, including The Mummy and The Ghoul. He also voiced the Grinch in the beloved television special How the Grinch Stole Christmas!. His versatile career spanned silent films, stage, radio, and television. He died in 1969, leaving a lasting legacy as a pioneer of the horror genre.

Lawrence Gray began his career in silent cinema and transitioned successfully to sound films. He starred in musicals and dramas at major studios, showcasing his versatility on screen. Gray worked with prominent actors and directors of Hollywood's Golden Age. He was known for his charming screen presence and smooth baritone voice. Over his career, he appeared in over 40 films, leaving a mark on early American cinema. Gray retired from acting in the late 1930s and lived away from the spotlight in his later years.

Marcel Bozzuffi (1929–1988) was a French actor whose commanding presence and versatility earned international recognition. He gained acclaim for his role as Rico in the Oscar-winning film "The French Connection" (1971). Bozzuffi also explored roles behind the camera, directing and writing screenplays that reflected his deep understanding of storytelling. His career spanned theater, television, and film, where he worked with leading directors of the French New Wave era. Known for his deep voice and brooding intensity, he brought complexity to every character he portrayed. Bozzuffi's contributions to cinema continue to be celebrated by film enthusiasts worldwide.

Born in Atlanta in 1914, Parks began his career in radio before moving to film and television. He gained national fame as the longtime host of the Miss America telecast from 1955 to 1979. His signature performance of 'There She Is, Miss America' became an iconic moment for pageant fans. In addition to hosting, Parks appeared in films such as 'Roman Scandals' and on popular TV variety programs. He released several recordings as a singer and performed in nightclubs across the country. Parks's warm stage presence and affable charm made him a beloved figure in American entertainment.

Born in Hershey, Pennsylvania in 1917, Hayward studied music at the Curtis Institute of Music. He made his operatic debut in 1941 and quickly gained recognition for his lyrical tone and expressive phrasing. Hayward sang leading roles with the New York City Opera and the Metropolitan Opera during the 1940s and 1950s. In addition to opera, he appeared in musical theatre productions on Broadway, showcasing his dramatic talents. Hayward recorded several acclaimed albums and toured internationally, earning praise for his versatility. After retiring from the stage, he taught voice and remained an influential figure in American classical music until his death in 1995.

Born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire in 1919, Pleasence served in the Royal Air Force during World War II before pursuing acting. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began his career on the British stage. Pleasence achieved international fame for his role as Dr. Sam Loomis in the original 'Halloween' film series. His filmography includes memorable performances in 'The Great Escape,' 'You Only Live Twice,' and 'Escape from New York.' Known for his piercing gaze and commanding presence, Pleasence portrayed complex characters in both leading and supporting roles. He received a BAFTA nomination and remained active in film and television until his death in 1995.

Born in Pittsburgh in 1912, Kelly trained as a dancer and began performing in nightclubs and on Broadway. He transitioned to film in the 1940s and became famous for his innovative dance sequences in movies like 'Anchors Aweigh' and 'Singin' in the Rain.' Kelly combined classical ballet techniques with tap and modern dance to create a dynamic, athletic style. He directed and choreographed films such as 'On the Town' and 'Brigadoon,' showcasing his creative versatility. Kelly won an Academy Honorary Award in 1952 for his contributions to musical cinema. His influence endures in dance, film, and popular culture, inspiring generations of performers and choreographers.

Born in Brooklyn in 1904, Meisner studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts before joining the Group Theatre. He developed the Meisner Technique, emphasizing emotional truth and spontaneous reactions in performance. Meisner taught at the Neighborhood Playhouse in New York for over 30 years, mentoring countless actors. His approach focused on listening and responding authentically, rather than rote memorization of lines. Notable students include actors such as Robert Duvall and Diane Keaton. Meisner's legacy endures through his published writings and the continued practice of his method in drama schools around the world.

Birgitte Federspiel was a revered Danish actress whose career spanned film, television, and theater for over five decades. Born in Copenhagen in 1925, she gained international recognition for her luminous performance in Dreyer’s 1955 film 'Ordet.' She later starred as the title character in the Academy Award-winning 'Babette's Feast' in 1987. Federspiel's nuanced portrayals and commanding presence made her a favorite of leading Scandinavian directors. She received numerous awards for her contributions to Danish cinema and stage. Federspiel remained active in the arts community until her death in 2005.

Vijay Arora was a popular Hindi film and television actor whose career began in the early 1970s. Born in Bombay in 1944, he delivered a memorable performance in the romantic drama 'Mehboob Ki Mehndi' (1971). Arora later gained widespread fame on Indian television with the fantasy series 'Chandrakanta' (1994–1996). Known for his charismatic screen presence and versatility, he appeared in over fifty films and dozens of TV episodes. Arora's work bridged the gap between cinema and television during a time of rapid growth in Indian entertainment. He passed away in 2007, leaving behind a legacy of beloved performances.

Born in Stockport, England and raised in Canada, Barry Morse enjoyed a six-decade acting career. He gained international fame as Lt. Philip Gerard in the 1960s TV series 'The Fugitive'. Morse starred as Professor Lucien Favre in the cult sci-fi show 'Space: 1999' during the 1970s. A versatile performer, he appeared on Broadway, London's West End, and in numerous films and radio dramas. An accomplished director and writer, he published an autobiography and stage plays late in life. Morse was honored with awards from both British and Canadian arts organizations for his enduring contributions to theatre and television.