Swedish actress and director
Swedish actress and director
Pauline Brunius was a Swedish actress, stage director, and theater manager.
Born in 1881 in Stockholm, Brunius trained at the Royal Dramatic Theatre School.
She enjoyed a celebrated acting career on stage and in silent films, acclaimed for her dramatic range.
In the 1920s, she co-founded and managed the Gothenburg City Theatre, promoting avant-garde productions.
She directed groundbreaking plays by Swedish and international playwrights, raising theatrical standards.
Brunius influenced Swedish theater through her artistic vision and leadership.
1881
Pauline Brunius
American actor and director
American actor and director
American character actor and director remembered for his roles in classic Hollywood films.
Alan Hale Sr. was a prolific American character actor whose career spanned silent movies and the Golden Age of Hollywood.
He often appeared as a jovial sidekick or comic foil in films such as 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' and 'Robin Hood of El Dorado'.
Hale also directed several films in the early 1920s, showcasing his versatility behind the camera.
Known for his large frame and booming laugh, he became a beloved screen presence in dozens of movies.
His contributions helped shape the era's adventure and comedy genres.
Hale's legacy continued through his son, Alan Hale Jr., famous for his role in 'Gilligan's Island'.
1892
Alan Hale Sr.
American actor, singer, and pianist
American actor
singer
and pianist
American entertainer celebrated for his gravelly voice, larger-than-life persona, and memorable catchphrases.
Jimmy Durante was an iconic American entertainer whose career spanned vaudeville, radio, film, and television.
Known for his distinctive gravelly voice, trademark nose, and humorous monologues, he became a household name in the 1920s and 1930s.
Durante's signature songs like 'Inka Dinka Doo' showcased his talents as both a singer and pianist.
He appeared in numerous films and even hosted his own television show, endearing audiences with his warmth and wit.
His famous sign-off line, 'Good night, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are,' remains part of pop culture lore.
Durante's contributions to entertainment have inspired generations of comedians and musicians.
1893
Jimmy Durante
Australian actress
Australian actress
Australian-American actress acclaimed for her commanding stage presence and film roles.
Dame Judith Anderson was an Australian-born actress whose career spanned over seven decades on stage and screen.
She gained international fame for her portrayal of Mrs. Danvers in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Rebecca' and Lady Macbeth in Orson Welles' film adaptation.
A three-time Academy Award nominee, Anderson was renowned for her powerful voice and intense performances.
On Broadway, she won a Tony Award for her role in 'Macbeth' and earned acclaim in numerous Shakespearean productions.
Her versatility extended to radio and television, where she continued to command attention with her dramatic prowess.
Anderson's legacy endures as one of the most respected actresses of the 20th century.
1897
Judith Anderson
American actress and educator
American actress and educator
Stella Adler was an influential American actress and acting teacher who revolutionized performance technique.
Stella Adler (1901–1992) was a pioneering American actress and educator born in New York City. A member of the famed Adler acting family, she developed her own approach to performance that emphasized imagination and emotional truth. Adler founded the Stella Adler Studio of Acting, where she trained generations of actors, including Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro. Her teachings countered prevailing methods by focusing on text analysis and character development. Adler also wrote several books on acting theory and remained active on stage and screen throughout her career. Her impact endures in drama schools worldwide.
1901
Stella Adler
Australian-American director, producer, and screenwriter
Australian-American director
producer
and screenwriter
John Farrow was an Australian-American filmmaker celebrated for his work in film noir and adventure cinema.
John Farrow (1904–1963) was an influential director, producer, and screenwriter born in Sydney, Australia. He began his Hollywood career as a screenwriter before transitioning to directing in the 1940s. Farrow helmed notable films such as 'The Big Clock' and 'Hondo,' showcasing his skill in suspense and action. In 1956, he won an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for 'Around the World in 80 Days.' He was married to actress Maureen O'Sullivan and was the father of actress Mia Farrow. Farrow's work left an indelible mark on mid-20th-century American cinema.
1904
John Farrow
American actor
American actor
Lon Chaney Jr. was an American actor best known for his roles as Universal Monsters like The Wolf Man.
Lon Chaney Jr. (1906–1973) was a prolific American actor born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The son of silent film star Lon Chaney, he embraced his father's legacy and became famous for his portrayals of classic horror characters. Chaney starred as The Wolf Man in 1941, a role that became iconic and led to numerous sequels. He also played Frankenstein's monster and the Mummy in Universal Studios' horror series. Beyond horror, Chaney appeared in dramas and comedies, showcasing his versatility. His performances helped shape the Golden Age of horror cinema and continue to influence the genre.
1906
Lon Chaney Jr.
American harmonica player, composer, and actor
American harmonica player
composer
and actor
Larry Adler was an American virtuoso harmonica player, composer, and actor renowned for elevating the harmonica to a concert instrument.
A child prodigy, Adler made his debut on the radio at age 11.
He collaborated with composers like Ralph Vaughan Williams and performed concertos worldwide.
Adler's mastery transformed the harmonica's image, earning him international acclaim.
He appeared in Hollywood films before being blacklisted during the McCarthy era.
After relocating to England, he continued performing and recording into his eighties.
His pioneering work broadened the harmonica repertoire and inspired generations of musicians.
1914
Larry Adler
Russian actor
Russian actor
Vladimir Zeldin was a celebrated Russian actor whose stage and film career spanned over eight decades.
Zeldin began his acting career in the 1930s, quickly becoming a leading figure in Soviet theater.
He starred in numerous films and theatrical productions, earning acclaim for his versatility.
During World War II, Zeldin performed for troops, boosting morale on the front lines.
He continued to act into his centenary, setting records as Russia's longest-serving actor.
Zeldin received multiple state honors and was revered as a living legend.
His passion for performance remained undiminished until his passing at age 101.
1915
Vladimir Zeldin
American actress
American actress
Neva Patterson was an American actress known for her elegant performances on Broadway, in film, and on television.
Patterson made her Broadway debut in the late 1940s, earning praise for her stage presence.
She appeared in notable films such as 'Apartment for Peggy' and 'The Great Santini.'
On television, she guest-starred in popular series including 'Gunsmoke' and 'Perry Mason.'
Her versatility allowed her to excel in both dramatic and comedic roles.
Patterson's career spanned over six decades, earning her a dedicated following.
She is remembered for her professionalism, grace, and lasting impact on American entertainment.
Neva Patterson
Canadian radio host and actor
Canadian radio host and actor
Canadian radio host and actor famous for his satirical programs and the character 'Old Rawhide' on CBC Radio.
Max Ferguson was born in 1924 in London, England, and emigrated to Canada with his family.
He rose to fame on CBC Radio, creating a variety of satirical shows in which he voiced multiple characters, most notably 'Old Rawhide'.
Ferguson's witty monologues and creative sound effects made his programs a staple of Canadian broadcasting.
In addition to radio, he appeared in stage productions and films, showcasing his versatile acting talent.
He received numerous awards for his contributions to Canadian culture before retiring in the 1990s and passing away in 2013.
1924
Max Ferguson
French actor and director
French actor and director
French actor and director celebrated for his versatile performances in film, television, and theater.
Pierre Mondy was born in 1925 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France, and began his acting career on stage.
He appeared in over 140 films and numerous television series, captivating audiences with his charm and comic timing.
As a director, he helmed both theatrical productions and television movies, demonstrating his creative vision.
He is perhaps best known for his role in the 'Le gendarme de St. Tropez' series and the long-running TV show 'Les Monos'.
Mondy was honored with a César Award for Best Supporting Actor and remained active in the arts until his death in 2012.
1925
Pierre Mondy