July 26

Merce Cunningham was a seminal figure in 20th-century modern dance, renowned for his collaborations with composer John Cage. He founded the Merce Cunningham Dance Company in 1953, leading tours across the globe for over five decades. Cunningham introduced chance operations and decoupled dance from music, revolutionizing choreography. His innovative use of technology and multimedia collaborations expanded the boundaries of performance. He received a MacArthur Fellowship and numerous honors for his contributions to contemporary dance.

Lupe Ontiveros (1942–2012) was an American actress best known for her compelling portrayals of Hispanic matriarchs. Her breakthrough came in films like 'Selena' and 'Real Women Have Curves', earning critical acclaim. Ontiveros appeared in over 100 film and television productions over a career spanning four decades. She advocated for greater representation of Latinos in the entertainment industry. Her comedic timing and dramatic depth made her a beloved figure among audiences. Ontiveros's legacy endures through her impactful performances and mentorship of emerging Latina actors.

June Foray is considered one of the pioneers of voice acting, with a career spanning over 80 years.\nShe voiced Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Natasha Fatale in The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, characters that became cultural icons.\nHer memorable performances also include Cindy Lou Who in Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! and Lucifer in Disney’s Sleeping Beauty.\nForay received a special Emmy Award in 2012 for her contributions to animation and was inducted into multiple halls of fame.\nHer versatility and expressive range set new standards for character animation and voice talent.\nShe inspired generations of voice actors and left a lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.

Patti Deutsch began her career in improvisational comedy troupes before breaking into television.\nShe became a series regular on the 1970s panel show Match Game, where her quick wit charmed audiences nationwide.\nDeutsch lent her voice to animated series such as A Pup Named Scooby-Doo and Dexter’s Laboratory, showcasing her versatility.\nHer ability to blend humor with character work made her a sought-after talent in both live-action and animation.\nOver four decades, she built a reputation for infectious energy and comedic timing.\nDeutsch’s contributions continue to be celebrated by fans of classic television and animation.

Russi Taylor began voicing Minnie Mouse in 1986 and became the character’s official voice for over 30 years.\nShe also voiced Martin Prince and the twins Sherri and Terri on the hit animated series The Simpsons.\nTaylor lent her talents to numerous Disney projects, theme park attractions, and video games.\nIn 1991, she married Wayne Allwine, the voice of Mickey Mouse, creating a real-life Disney power couple.\nHer contributions earned her the Disney Legend award in 2008, honoring her impact on animation.\nTaylor’s warmth and charm through her voice work continue to delight audiences worldwide.

Olivia de Havilland rose to stardom in the 1930s with performances in classics like A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Gone with the Wind.\nShe won Oscars for To Each His Own (1946) and The Heiress (1949), establishing herself as one of cinema’s leading actresses.\nIn 1943, she won a landmark lawsuit against Warner Bros. that transformed Hollywood’s studio contract system.\nHer career spanned more than five decades, including film, television, and stage roles that showcased her range.\nDe Havilland was the last surviving major star of Hollywood’s Golden Age when she passed away at age 104.\nIn recognition of her contributions to the arts, she was named a Dame by Queen Elizabeth II.