April 06

Born in 1895 in Wapakoneta, Ohio, Dudley Nichols served in World War I before embarking on a career in Hollywood. He penned the screenplay for John Ford's "The Informer," earning the first Academy Award ever given to a screenwriter. Nichols famously refused to accept the Oscar in protest of the Academy's refusal to recognize the Screen Writers Guild. Over his career, he wrote scripts for over thirty films, including "Stagecoach" and "For Whom the Bell Tolls." He later directed and produced several pictures, championing writers' rights and union recognition. Nichols served as president of the Writers Guild of America, advocating for fair compensation and credit. He died in 1960, leaving a legacy as a pioneer in screenwriting advocacy and film narrative.

Tadeusz Kantor was born in Wielopole Skrzyńskie, Poland, and became a leading avant-garde artist. He gained international acclaim for his groundbreaking experimental theater productions. As a painter, his works featured surreal motifs and abstract forms. Kantor's most famous stage piece, "The Dead Class", blended performance art with visual installation. He founded the Cricot 2 theater group and influenced contemporary art worldwide. His innovative use of mannequins and multimedia elements challenged traditional stagecraft and theatre aesthetics.

Phil Leeds was born in New York City and began his acting career in the 1940s. Known for his distinctive appearance and comic timing, he became a sought-after character actor. Leeds appeared in films such as "Ghostbusters" and "The Night Stalker", and had recurring roles on TV shows including "Friends" and "Caroline in the City". His talent for quirky supporting roles made him a memorable presence on screen. Active for over five decades, he collaborated with many prominent directors and stars. Leeds continued acting into his 80s, delighting audiences until his passing in 1998.

Gordon Chater (1922–1999) was a versatile English-Australian performer celebrated for his comedic timing. He rose to fame on Australian television in shows like "The Mavis Bramston Show" and starred in numerous stage musicals. Chater won multiple Logie Awards and was admired for his ability to blend humor with character depth. Beyond acting, he directed and mentored emerging talent in the performing arts. His contributions shaped Australian comedy and theatre for decades.

Sergio Franchi (1926–1990) was an Italian-born tenor who emigrated to the United States and rose to fame in the 1960s. He starred in Broadway musicals like "Do Re Mi" and headlined sold-out concerts at Carnegie Hall. Franchi released numerous best-selling albums, blending operatic training with popular music. He became a beloved guest on shows such as "The Ed Sullivan Show" and was known for his charitable support of children’s hospitals. His rich voice and charming stage presence made him an international star.

Joi Lansing (1929–1972) began her career as a model, appearing in popular pin-up magazines and earning a reputation for glamour. She transitioned to film and television with memorable roles in series like 'I Married Joan' and films such as 'Bachelor Flat'. Lansing also showcased her vocal talents as a nightclub singer, performing in major venues across the United States. Her striking looks and charismatic stage presence made her a sought-after entertainer in Hollywood and beyond. Despite her untimely death at age 43, Lansing's screen and musical work continue to be celebrated.

Ivan Dixon (1931–2008) captured audiences as Staff Sergeant James Kinchloe on the popular sitcom 'Hogan's Heroes', winning acclaim for his performance. Transitioning behind the camera, he directed episodes of groundbreaking series such as 'Roots', 'The Waltons', and 'Scarecrow and Mrs. King'. Dixon also appeared in notable films including 'Nothing But a Man' (1964), praised for its honest portrayal of African American life. A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, he balanced acting and directing throughout his career. Dixon's contributions broke racial barriers both in front of and behind the camera.

Helmut Griem (1932–2004) emerged as a leading figure in post-war German cinema and theatre. He garnered international attention for his portrayal in Luchino Visconti's 'The Damned' (1969) and reached wider audiences as Baron Maximilian von Heune in Bob Fosse's 'Cabaret' (1972). In addition to acting, he directed stage productions at Hamburg's Schauspielhaus and contributed to various European theatre festivals. Griem's intense screen presence and directorial work played a significant role in the renaissance of German performing arts. Today, his performances continue to be studied for their depth and sophistication.

Enrique Álvarez Félix (1934–1996) was a Mexican actor known for his intense performances in film and television. He was the son of legendary actress María Félix and began his acting career in the 1950s. He gained acclaim for his roles in classic Mexican cinema, including the critically praised film La Casa del Ángel. Álvarez Félix later appeared in several popular telenovelas, showcasing his dramatic range. His contributions helped shape the Golden Age of Mexican cinema, and he remains a memorable figure in Latin American entertainment history.

Billy Dee Williams rose to fame with his charismatic portrayal of Lando Calrissian in the original Star Wars trilogy. He began his career on Broadway in the 1950s and transitioned to film and television, earning acclaim for roles in films like Mahogany and Batman Forever. In addition to acting, Williams is a talented voice artist and singer, releasing an album in the 1960s. He made his literary debut with a novel in the 1990s, showcasing his versatility as a writer. Over five decades he has received several awards and nominations for his contributions to entertainment. His enduring presence and dignified charm have made him a beloved figure in popular culture.

Paul Daniels brought magic into British living rooms with his BBC show The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran for nearly two decades. He published several books on magic and conducted nationwide tours that inspired a new generation of illusionists. Known for his catchphrase 'You'll like this... not a lot, but you'll like it', his charming persona captured audiences of all ages. Daniels was awarded an MBE in 1988 for his services to entertainment and fundraising. He supported numerous charitable causes, using his fame to raise significant funds for hospitals and childrens charities. His influence on televised magic remains unmatched.

Roy Thinnes gained fame portraying David Vincent in the cult classic sci-fi series The Invaders. He appeared in films such as Airport and made a memorable cameo in Apocalypse Now as Mr. Clean. On stage, he performed with the Yale Repertory Theatre, honing his craft in dramatic roles. In the 1980s, Thinnes had recurring appearances on the soap opera One Life to Live. He earned critical praise and an Emmy nomination for his work in television drama. Beyond acting, he wrote and directed independent films, showcasing his versatility behind the camera.