August 15

Will Rogers was born in 1879 in Oklahoma Territory and became one of America’s most popular entertainers. A skilled roper and vaudeville performer, he charmed audiences with his homespun wit and syndicated newspaper columns. Rogers transitioned to film in the 1920s, starring in comedies that satirized politics and society. He hosted radio broadcasts and toured the country, offering folksy observations on current events. Rogers was also a social philanthropist, supporting veterans and the poor during the Great Depression. He died tragically in 1935 alongside pilot Wiley Post during an Alaskan flight. His humor and insight remain celebrated in American culture.

Born in 1887 in Budapest, Paul Lukas trained as an actor on the European stage before moving to the United States in the 1920s. He appeared in both silent and sound films, earning acclaim for his versatility and understated style. In 1943, Lukas won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in 'Watch on the Rhine'. His notable films include Alfred Hitchcock's 'The Lady Vanishes' and adaptations of Ernest Hemingway's 'A Farewell to Arms'. Beyond cinema, he also worked extensively in theater and early television. Lukas's career spanned over four decades, leaving a mark on both international and American film history.

Viktor Tsoi was born in 1962 in Leningrad, where he co-founded the rock band Kino and emerged as a leading figure in Soviet music. His songwriting captured the aspirations and frustrations of young people during the perestroika period, producing enduring hits like Gruppa krovi and Peremen!. In addition to his musical career, Tsoi appeared in films such as Assa, showcasing his acting talent. His sudden death in a car accident in 1990 at the age of 28 shocked fans across the USSR. Tsoi’s legacy continues to influence Russian rock artists, and he remains a cultural icon for successive generations.

Born in 1906 in Wichita, Kansas, John Cameron Swayze built a diverse career in journalism and entertainment. He became one of the first television news anchors with NBC’s Camel Newsreel Theatre, delivering newsreels in the early days of broadcast TV. Swayze later gained pop culture fame as the spokesman for Timex, immortalized by the slogan It takes a licking and keeps on ticking. He also appeared in film and radio, harnessing his distinctive voice and presence across multiple media. His contributions helped shape the modern broadcast industry before his death in 1995.

August Schellenberg (1936-2013) was a pioneering Canadian actor of Mohawk and English heritage who gained acclaim in film, television, and theater. He won three Genie Awards and delivered memorable performances in films such as Black Robe and Free Willy. Schellenberg brought nuance and authenticity to roles representing First Nations people, breaking new ground for Indigenous actors. He appeared in television series like Star Trek: Generations and remained a mentor to emerging artists. His contributions helped reshape the portrayal of Indigenous cultures in mainstream media.

Peter Marshall (1926-2024) was born in Scotland and raised in the United States, beginning his career as a singer and Broadway performer in shows like Kiss Me, Kate. In 1966, he became the original host of The Hollywood Squares, where his quick wit and warm demeanor made him a television favorite for 15 years. He later hosted Celebrity Squares and Break the Bank, and authored memoirs about his entertainment journey. Beyond television, Marshall continued performing in cabaret and charity events, displaying his versatility as an entertainer. He died on August 15, 2024, at the age of 97.