October 03

Jeanne Eagels was born in 1894 in New York City and began performing as a child in vaudeville shows. She made her Broadway debut in 1914 and quickly gained acclaim for her raw emotional intensity and passionate portrayals. Eagels starred in the hit play 'Rain', earning praise for her role as Sadie Thompson and cementing her reputation as a leading actress. She transitioned to silent films in the 1920s, appearing in productions such as 'The Letter' and 'A Woman of Affairs'. Known for her fearless approach to challenging characters, Eagels pushed the boundaries of performance art in her era. Despite her success, she struggled with personal hardships that contributed to her early death at age 35. Eagels died in 1929, but her pioneering work on stage and screen influenced future generations of actors.

Zachary Scott (1914-1965) was an American stage and screen actor who rose to fame for portraying charming yet sinister characters. He made his film debut in the 1944 thriller The Mask of Dimitrios and earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in Mildred Pierce. Scott's tall, debonair presence and distinctive voice made him a natural fit for dark, suspenseful dramas. He also appeared on Broadway and in television series, demonstrating versatility across mediums. Despite a career often overshadowed by his onscreen antagonism, he left a lasting impression as one of Hollywood's premier leading men of noir.

Born in 1940 in Athens, Katerina Gogou first captured attention with her powerful film performances in the 1960s. Beyond acting, she was a prolific poet and writer whose works confronted urban alienation and political unrest. Gogou's writings, often published as books and poetry collections, are marked by emotional intensity and unflinching honesty. Her dual career in cinema and literature made her a leading voice of Greek counterculture. Despite her untimely death in 1993, her work continues to resonate with new audiences for its boldness and authenticity.

Dub Taylor was born Walter Clarence Taylor Jr. in 1907 in Richmond, Virginia. He began his career on radio before moving to Hollywood to make his film debut in 1938. With his distinctive voice and friendly demeanor, he became a memorable character actor in westerns and comedies. Over a career spanning more than five decades, he appeared in films like 'Red River' and 'The Alamo' and in television shows such as 'Gunsmoke' and 'Bonanza'. He passed away in 1994 at the age of 87, leaving behind a rich legacy of supporting performances.

Roddy McDowall was born Roderick Andrew Anthony Jude McDowall in London in 1928. He began acting as a child in British films before moving to Hollywood in the 1940s. He earned acclaim for roles in films like 'How Green Was My Valley' and received an Academy Award nomination for 'Cleopatra'. McDowall gained international fame as Cornelius and Caesar in the 'Planet of the Apes' series. He also enjoyed a prolific stage career and appeared in television series including 'The Twilight Zone' and 'The Munsters'. Beyond acting, he directed episodes of 'Batman' and authored books on art and humor. He passed away in 1998, leaving a diverse legacy in film, television, and theater.

Costas Hajihristos was born in 1921 in Athens, Greece. He began his career on the stage during the 1940s and quickly became one of the country’s leading actors. Transitioning to film, he appeared in over 100 productions spanning comedies, dramas, and musicals. Hajihristos also directed and produced numerous films and television programs, often writing or co-writing the screenplays himself. His work behind the camera helped shape modern Greek cinema, and he was honored with several national film awards. Beyond his film career, he directed acclaimed theater productions in Athens. He passed away in 2001, leaving a lasting legacy in Greek performing arts.

Florence Stanley was born in 1924 in New York City and began performing in theater at a young age. She made her Broadway debut in 'Brooklyn, U.S.A.' in 1941 and earned an Obie Award for her off-Broadway work. Stanley appeared in films such as 'Bye Bye Braverman' and voiced characters in animated features including 'A Bug’s Life'. On television, she was beloved for portraying Mrs. Moskowitz in the sitcom 'The Nanny' and appeared in dramas like 'Law & Order'. Known for her warm presence and comedic timing, she enjoyed a career that spanned over six decades. She passed away in 2003, remembered as a versatile and enduring performer.

Janet Leigh was born in 1927 in Merced, California and began her career as a model before signing with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. She gained prominence with roles in films like 'Touch of Evil' and 'Bye Bye Birdie', showcasing her versatility. Leigh's portrayal of Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock's 'Psycho' earned her a Golden Globe Award and Academy Award nomination. Over a career spanning more than six decades, she appeared in over 60 film and television productions. She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and influenced future generations of actors, including her daughter Jamie Lee Curtis. Janet Leigh passed away in 2004, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking performances.

Ronnie Barker was born in 1929 in Bedfordshire, England and began his career in repertory theatre before rising to fame on radio and television. Together with Ronnie Corbett, he created and starred in the sketch comedy series 'The Two Ronnies', which aired from 1971 to 1987 and became a staple of British entertainment. Barker was also acclaimed for his solo work in series such as 'Open All Hours' and for adapting P.G. Wodehouse stories for television. He wrote hundreds of memorable sketches, demonstrating a masterful command of wordplay and timing. In recognition of his contributions to comedy, he was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship. Barker retired from public performance in 1987 to focus on writing and gardening and passed away in 2005, leaving a lasting influence on British comedy.

Ewen Gilmour rose to fame in the mid-1990s, when he won successive Billy T Award titles for his comedic performances. Born in 1963, he became a staple of the New Zealand comedy circuit, with memorable stand-up routines that combined humor with social commentary. Gilmour also hosted television shows such as Pulp Comedy and appeared in various local productions, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He was praised for his warm on-stage persona and ability to connect with audiences across diverse backgrounds. Beyond comedy, he was involved in charity work and community outreach. Gilmour passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy as one of New Zealand’s most beloved entertainers.

Michel Blanc is a celebrated French actor, screenwriter and director born in 1952. He gained prominence as a founding member of the comedy troupe Le Splendid. His breakthrough film roles in Les Bronzés and its sequels established his fame. He has received several César Award nominations, winning for his outstanding performances. Blanc has also directed acclaimed films such as Grosse Fatigue and Les Sœurs fâchées. His versatile career spans theater, film and television, making him a fixture of French entertainment.