March 05

Mischa Auer was a versatile Russian-American actor who brought memorable eccentricity to Hollywood's Golden Age comedies. Born Mikhail Semyonovich Unskovsky in 1905 in St. Petersburg, he emigrated with his family after the Russian Revolution. Auer gained widespread recognition with his scene-stealing role in the 1936 screwball comedy My Man Godfrey, which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He became known for portraying offbeat characters in films such as You Cant Take It With You and Topper Returns. Throughout his career, Auer displayed a unique blend of sophistication and slapstick humor, making him a beloved figure in classic cinema. He continued acting in character roles into the 1960s, showcasing his enduring talent and versatility.

Born in 1907 in Boston, Billy De Wolfe began his career in vaudeville before finding success on Broadway in musicals like 'At Home Abroad'. His elegantly campy stage presence and distinct high-pitched delivery made him a sought-after character actor in Hollywood films during the 1940s and 1950s. De Wolfe appeared in movies such as 'Lady in the Dark' and 'The Girl in the Red Velvet Swing', bringing sophisticated wit to every role. He harnessed his theatrical flair in television appearances, notably on 'The Red Skelton Show'. Honored by the Danish monarchy with a knighthood of the Order of the Dannebrog for his stage work in Denmark, he was affectionately known as 'Sir Billy'. His influence on character comedy endures through his unforgettable performances.

Born Harold Jay Smith in 1912 on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve in Ontario, Jay Silverheels excelled as a champion lacrosse player in his youth. After moving to Hollywood, he adopted the stage name Jay Silverheels and made his film debut in the early 1940s. His breakout role came in 1949 when he was cast as Tonto, the loyal companion of The Lone Ranger, a role he played for 221 episodes. Silverheels brought dignity and depth to a character that might have otherwise been stereotyped, and he reprised the role in radio shows and cinema. Beyond acting, he was a dedicated advocate for Native American rights, founding the Indian Actors Workshop to support Indigenous performers. His work paved the way for future generations of Native actors. Silverheels's portrayal of Tonto remains a landmark in television history.

Born in 1949 on Chicago's South Side, John Belushi rose to fame as a founding cast member of National Lampoon before joining Saturday Night Live's original ensemble. His unpredictable energy and improvisational talent produced unforgettable characters like the Samurai Futaba and Boisterous Blues Brother. In 1978, Belushi starred as John 'Bluto' Blutarsky in 'National Lampoon's Animal House', a role that cemented his status as a comedic icon. He reunited with Dan Aykroyd in the hit film musical 'The Blues Brothers', blending music, comedy, and stunt driving in a cult classic. Belushi's intense dedication to performance and boundaries-pushing style influenced generations of comedians and actors. His untimely death at the age of 33 from a drug overdose shocked the entertainment world. Despite his brief career, Belushi's legacy endures through his pioneering contributions to comedy and pop culture.

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1892, William Powell began his acting career on stage before transitioning to Hollywood. He gained fame for playing urbane, witty characters with effortless charm. Powell received three Academy Award nominations for Best Actor, earning acclaim for his role in 'My Man Godfrey'. His portrayal of detective Nick Charles in the 'Thin Man' films with Myrna Loy became iconic. Beyond comedy, he delivered dramatic performances in films like 'Life with Father' and 'The Great Ziegfeld'. His elegant screen presence made him one of MGM's leading stars of the 1930s and 1940s. Powell's influence endures, inspiring generations of actors with his sophistication and versatility.

Born in Rosario, Argentina, in 1933, Alberto Olmedo rose to national fame with his unique comedic style. Over a career spanning three decades, he became a television icon, starring in popular sketch shows. His energetic performances and quick wit endeared him to audiences across Latin America. Olmedo seamlessly blended physical comedy with sharp satire, leaving a lasting imprint on Argentine entertainment. He also appeared in numerous films, showcasing his range beyond television. His sudden passing in 1988 shocked fans and colleagues, cementing his status as a cultural legend. Today, his groundbreaking work continues to influence comedians throughout the Spanish-speaking world.

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1915, Merrill served as a bomber pilot before pursuing acting. His breakout role came opposite Bette Davis in the 1950 film 'All About Eve', earning critical praise. Merrill showcased versatility across genres, from drama to war films and television series. He directed several episodes of popular TV shows, demonstrating talent behind the camera. Beyond acting, he was an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness. His marriage to actress Bette Davis attracted public attention, reflecting their dynamic partnership. Merrill's contributions to mid-century American entertainment continue to be celebrated for their depth and range.

Born in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1909, Bissell carved a niche playing memorable supporting characters. He appeared in over 100 films, including 'Invasion of the Body Snatchers' and 'The Lady from Shanghai'. On television, he guest-starred in series like 'The Twilight Zone' and 'Batman', showcasing his versatility. Bissell often portrayed doctors, scientists, and authority figures with effortless credibility. His reliable screen presence made him a favorite among directors and audiences alike. He continued acting into his eighties, demonstrating enduring passion for performance. Bissell's contributions to mid-20th-century American cinema and TV remain celebrated for their consistency and quality.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1922, Richard Kiley honed his craft in community theatre and operatic training. He won the first Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Don Quixote in 'Man of La Mancha'. His rich baritone and commanding stage presence made him a favorite in both theatre and television. Kiley's versatile career spanned film, including a Golden Globe nomination for 'The Anderson Tapes'. On television, he earned acclaim as the voice of Dr. Jonathan Chase in 'The Thorn Birds'. He continued performing into his seventies, captivating audiences with storytelling and song. Kiley's legacy lives on through his definitive recordings and Broadway landmarks.

Born in Clermont-Ferrand, France, in 1963, Lolo Ferrari began her career in dance before moving to modeling and cabaret. She gained notoriety for her extravagant stage costumes and dramatic performances. Her work spanned film appearances, musical recordings, and live shows across Europe. Ferrari's larger-than-life persona and theatrical flair made her a cult figure. Despite controversies surrounding her image and health, she continued to pursue artistic projects. Her untimely death in 2000 inspired discussions on body image and the pressures of fame. Today, her bold performances remain a topic of fascination in popular culture.

Richard Stapley (1923–2010) began his career in the late 1940s with supporting roles in British cinema. He starred in films such as Pool of London (1951) and had numerous television appearances over five decades. Stapley also wrote fiction under the name Richard Wyler, publishing several adventure and crime novels. He combined his acting and writing careers, bringing a flamboyant style and charisma to both fields. His contributions to entertainment spanned from classic film to popular television series.

Philip Madoc (1934–2012) was a versatile Welsh actor trained at RADA. He gained fame for roles in popular series such as Softly, Softly and Dad's Army. Madoc appeared in three separate storylines of Doctor Who, showcasing his talent in science fiction. He provided the voice for the animated series SuperTed and performed extensively in theatre. His distinctive voice and gravitas made him a beloved figure in British entertainment.