February 11

Born Leo Jacoby in 1911 in New York City, Lee J. Cobb trained at the American Laboratory Theatre. He gained critical acclaim on Broadway with roles in Death of a Salesman and On the Waterfront. Cobb transitioned to film, delivering memorable performances in classics like 12 Angry Men and On the Waterfront. His commanding screen presence and versatility made him a sought-after character actor in Hollywood. Over a career spanning five decades, he earned multiple award nominations and influenced generations of actors. He died on February 11, 1976, leaving a legacy of intense and nuanced performances.

Eleanor Powell was one of Hollywood's leading tap dancers during the Golden Age of cinema. Born in 1912 in Springfield, Massachusetts, she began dancing professionally as a teenager, eventually signing with MGM. Powell's dazzling footwork and athletic style shone in musicals such as 'Broadway Melody of 1936', 'Born to Dance', and 'Rosalie'. She was often compared to Fred Astaire for her technical prowess and screen presence. Beyond film, she appeared on stage and in television, later mentoring other performers. Powell's influence endures in dance history as one of the finest tap dancers of her era. She retired from performing in the late 1940s to focus on her family life.

Henry Hathaway began his career as a child actor before moving behind the camera, making his directorial debut in the silent era. Over a career spanning six decades, he helmed over 60 films, including the Oscar-winning adventure 'The Lives of a Bengal Lancer' and the cult Western 'True Grit'. Known for his crisp storytelling and strong visual style, Hathaway worked with stars such as John Wayne, Gary Cooper, and Marlene Dietrich. He navigated genres from Westerns and film noir to fantasy epics, directing 'Kiss of Death' and 'Call Northside 777'. His robust outdoor cinematography and ability to elicit powerful performances earned him a lasting reputation in Hollywood. Hathaway remained active into the 1970s, influencing future generations of filmmakers.

George O'Hanlon was an American actor, comedian, and voice artist whose career spanned radio, film, and television. He appeared in numerous Warner Bros. comedy shorts alongside Jerry Lewis and Peter Lorre before transitioning to voice acting. O'Hanlon achieved lasting fame as the voice of the lovable family man George Jetson in the animated Hanna-Barbera series 'The Jetsons'. He also wrote scripts for TV shows such as 'The Abbott and Costello Show'. O'Hanlon's warm, everyman persona endeared him to audiences across generations. He continued working in animation until his sudden death in 1989. His portrayal of George Jetson remains a beloved part of American pop culture.

Sorrell Booke was an American stage, film, and television actor whose career spanned four decades. Born in 1930, he studied acting at Yale and began performing on Broadway before moving into film and television. Booke achieved iconic status as Jefferson Davis 'Boss' Hogg, the corrupt county commissioner on 'The Dukes of Hazzard', a role he played throughout the show's seven-season run. His comedic timing and distinctive voice made Boss Hogg a beloved villain. Beyond 'The Dukes of Hazzard', Booke appeared in films such as 'True Grit' and worked as a director and acting instructor. He passed away in 1994, leaving behind a diverse body of work that continues to entertain audiences. Booke's portrayal of Boss Hogg remains a classic example of character acting in American television.

William Conrad (born John William Cann Jr., 1920–1994) was an American actor, producer, and director whose commanding presence and rich baritone voice made him a radio and television legend. He gained early fame as Marshal Matt Dillon in the long-running radio drama Gunsmoke (1952–1961), captivating audiences weekly for nearly a decade. Transitioning seamlessly to the screen, Conrad starred as private investigator Frank Cannon in the CBS series Cannon (1971–1976), earning an Emmy nomination. Behind the scenes, he produced and directed episodes of series such as The Fugitive and Jake and the Fatman, showcasing his multifaceted talent. Known for his imposing stature and warm delivery, he also lent his talents to animated productions, including narration for Rocky and Bullwinkle. With a career spanning five decades, William Conrad left an indelible mark on entertainment as a versatile creative force.

Barry Foster (1931–2002) was an English actor whose career spanned film, television, and theatre. He gained international acclaim as the charming yet sinister Bob Rusk in Alfred Hitchcock's thriller Frenzy (1972). On television, he starred as Inspector Piet Van der Valk in the BBC series Van der Valk, endearing himself to audiences with his nuanced portrayal. Foster was also a respected stage actor, performing with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. His ability to inhabit both intense villains and sympathetic characters made him a versatile and respected performer. With a career of more than four decades, Barry Foster left a lasting legacy in British acting.

Tony Pope (1947–2004) was an American voice actor whose dynamic range brought to life characters across animation, video games, and commercials. Over a career exceeding 25 years, he worked with major studios, contributing to both children's programming and adult-oriented projects. Pope's talents were featured in network commercials, Saturday-morning cartoons, and popular video game titles throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his ability to shift seamlessly between comedic and dramatic roles, he became a sought-after talent in the voiceover world. Colleagues remembered him for his creativity, professionalism, and passion for exploring new vocal techniques. Although often working behind the scenes, Tony Pope's voice touched multiple generations of audiences and left an indelible mark on entertainment.

Jackie Pallo was an English professional wrestler famed for his flamboyant persona and showmanship in the ring. Known to television audiences as 'Mr. TV,' he became one of the most popular figures in British wrestling during the 1950s and 1960s. Pallo extended his performing career into acting, appearing in television dramas and films. He published an autobiography recounting his life in the wrestling world and its colorful characters. His legacy endures as a pioneer who brought wrestling into mainstream entertainment in postwar Britain.

Whitney Houston was one of the best-selling music artists of all time, celebrated for her extraordinary vocal range and emotive delivery. She released her debut album in 1985, which spawned multiple chart-topping hits and earned her six Grammy Awards. Houston starred in the blockbuster film 'The Bodyguard' alongside Kevin Costner, and its soundtrack became one of the highest-selling albums in history. She broke racial barriers as one of the first black artists to achieve heavy rotation on MTV. Throughout her career, Houston influenced countless performers and set new standards for pop and R&B music. She died in 2012 at the age of 48, leaving behind a lasting legacy.

Alice Babs began performing at age 12 and quickly gained acclaim for her clear soprano voice. She represented Sweden in the inaugural Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, marking the start of her international career. Babs collaborated with jazz legend Duke Ellington on his European tour, showcasing her versatility across genres. She appeared in several Swedish films and became a celebrated figure in Scandinavian culture. Awarded the Royal Swedish Order of the Polar Star, she continued to perform and record music throughout her life. Babs passed away in 2014 at the age of 90.

Fernando González Pacheco was a trailblazer in Colombian television, gaining fame as a reporter and charismatic presenter. He hosted popular variety and talk shows, becoming one of the nation's most recognized media personalities. Pacheco also acted in numerous telenovelas and films, bridging journalism and entertainment. Throughout his career, he received multiple awards for broadcasting excellence and public service. His versatility and charm made him a beloved figure across Latin America. Pacheco passed away in 2014 at the age of 81.