February 17

Born Jean-Baptiste Poquelin in 1622, Molière founded his own theatre troupe in Paris. He wrote and performed numerous comedies, including classics like 'Tartuffe', 'The Misanthrope', and 'The Imaginary Invalid'. His sharp wit exposed hypocrisy among the nobility, clergy, and bourgeoisie, often courting controversy. Molière's blend of physical comedy and poetic dialogue transformed French theatre. He continued to perform on stage even as his health declined, famously collapsing during a performance. He died in 1673, leaving a legacy that endures in his timeless works.

Born in 1889 in Hoboken, New Jersey, Gibson began her career as a vaudeville performer and model. She transitioned into silent films with the Éclair studio in 1911, becoming a popular screen presence. After surviving the 1912 Titanic disaster, she wrote and starred in 'Saved from the Titanic,' the first feature film based on the tragedy. Gibson later returned to dance and theater before a car accident ended her life in 1946. Her pioneering spirit and firsthand portrayal of Titanic's story continue to fascinate film historians.

Born in 1894 in New York City, Nita Naldi became one of the era's most captivating silent film stars. She earned fame with her alluring portrayals of femme fatales in films like The Blood Ship (1927) and The Son of the Sheik (1926) opposite Rudolph Valentino. Naldi's striking features and dramatic style made her a symbol of 1920s glamour. She transitioned to Broadway in the late 1920s, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Despite the advent of sound films, she remained a popular stage presence until health issues curtailed her career. Naldi passed away in 1961, leaving behind a legacy as one of silent cinema’s most memorable actresses.

Born in 1907 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Joseph Kearns developed a reputation as a talented character actor across radio, film, and television. He gained widespread recognition for his role as the grumpy yet endearing neighbor George Wilson on the CBS sitcom Dennis the Menace from 1959 until his death. Kearns appeared in numerous radio programs, including Alka-Seltzer comedy spots and The Jack Benny Program. He also acted in films such as Atomic City (1952) and Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951). His warm portrayals and impeccable comedic timing made him a beloved figure in American entertainment. Kearns died suddenly in 1962, leaving a lasting impression on television comedy.

Born in Brooklyn in 1905, William Gargan began his career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood films in the 1930s. He earned an Academy Award nomination for his performance in Street of Chance (1945), portraying a down-on-his-luck former boxer. Gargan also starred in the radio and television series Martin Kane, Private Eye, further cementing his status as a versatile actor. Over his career, he appeared in more than 100 films and numerous television episodes, often playing detectives and authority figures. His warm presence and strong character portrayals made him a familiar face to American audiences. Gargan retired in the early 1960s and passed away in 1979, leaving a legacy as a dependable character actor in mid-century entertainment.

Born in 1901, Lee Strasberg co-founded the Group Theatre in New York City, where he developed and refined the Stanislavski-based method acting technique. As the longtime director of the Actors Studio, he trained some of the century's most acclaimed performers, including Marlon Brando, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe. Strasberg's emphasis on emotional truth and personal memory transformed American acting. He also appeared in films and directed stage productions, bringing his approach to the screen and stage. His teachings continue to influence actors and acting coaches around the world.

Born in Wexford, Ireland, Dan O'Herlihy moved to the United States to pursue acting after graduating from University College Dublin. His breakout role came in 1954 when he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe. Over a seven-decade career, he appeared in films such as Fail Safe, The Last Temptation of Christ, and RoboCop, as well as in acclaimed television series like Twin Peaks. Recognized for his versatility, he seamlessly transitioned between classical theater and contemporary cinema. He was also a founding member of the Dublin Players, fostering the development of Irish stage actors. O'Herlihy passed away in 2005 at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy of diverse and memorable performances.

Kathryn Grayson was born Kathryn Elizabeth Greer in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and began singing professionally as a teenager. She signed with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in the 1940s and starred in a series of Technicolor musicals, including Anchors Aweigh, Kiss Me Kate, and the 1951 remake of Show Boat, showcasing her operatic soprano voice. Her collaboration with stars like Frank Sinatra and Gene Kelly cemented her status as one of Hollywood's premier musical talents. Beyond film, Grayson performed in operas and stage productions, demonstrating her wide-ranging artistic abilities. She recorded numerous albums and remained active in theater well into her later years. Grayson died in 2010, remembered for her elegant presence and velvety vocal performances.

Richard Briers was an English actor famed for his charm and versatility. Born in 1934, he gained widespread recognition as the affable Tom Good in the sitcom 'The Good Life'. His stage career spanned Shakespearean roles to modern comedies, showcasing his range. Briers voiced characters in animated films and narrated documentaries with his distinctive tone. He won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Actor in 1975 for his role in 'The Good Life'. Beyond television, he appeared in films such as 'Bedazzled' and series like 'Monarch of the Glen'. Appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1988, he remained active in theater. His enduring legacy is marked by his influence on British comedy and drama.

Shmulik Kraus was an influential figure in Israeli music and cinema. Born in 1935, he co-founded the popular band The High Windows, introducing modern pop to Israel. He wrote and performed iconic songs that blended rock, folk, and avant-garde styles. As an actor, Kraus appeared in several Israeli films, showcasing his dramatic talents. His innovative compositions inspired generations of Israeli musicians and songwriters. Despite personal struggles, his creative vision left a lasting mark on the nation's cultural landscape. He received posthumous recognition for his contributions to Israeli arts. Kraus's work continues to be celebrated by music enthusiasts and historians alike.

Rush Limbaugh (1951–2021) hosted 'The Rush Limbaugh Show,' one of the highest-rated talk radio programs in U.S. history. He gained prominence for his conservative commentary, humor, and polarizing style. Limbaugh received multiple broadcasting awards and built a dedicated national audience. Beyond radio, he authored bestselling books and hosted television specials. He remains one of the most influential figures in American media and politics.

Born Francisca Viveros Barradas in 1947, Paquita la del Barrio rose to fame in Mexico City clubs before releasing her breakout hit. She became celebrated for her bold lyrics that challenged machismo and defended women's rights, earning her a devoted fan base. Throughout her career she released numerous albums blending ranchera, Latin pop, and mariachi styles, many becoming commercial successes. In addition to music, she appeared in films and telenovelas, showcasing her versatility as a performer. Her unapologetic persona and empowering songs have made her an icon of Latin American music and feminist expression.