October 05

Louise Dresser was born in 1878 in Evansville, Indiana, and began her career on the Broadway stage. She transitioned to silent films in the mid-1910s, earning acclaim for her dramatic roles. Dresser delivered one of her most celebrated performances in the 1928 film 'The Patriot,' which garnered her an Academy Award nomination. She successfully made the move to sound pictures, starring alongside major names of the era. Known for her elegance and poise, Dresser appeared in over forty films before retiring. She died in 1965, leaving a legacy as a pioneering actress of early Hollywood.

Ernst Pittschau was born in 1883 in Berlin into a family of performing artists. He made his stage debut at a young age and soon transitioned to the silver screen, appearing in German silent films of the 1910s and 1920s. Pittschau starred in a variety of genres, from melodramas to historical epics. With the advent of sound cinema, he continued acting but took on fewer leading roles. His career spanned over three decades, reflecting the evolution of German film. He passed away in 1951, remembered for his contributions to early European cinema.

Manny Ziener was a German actress whose career spanned stage and silent film. She began performing in theatre in the early 1900s, earning acclaim for her dramatic roles. She transitioned to cinema, appearing in numerous silent films that contributed to the German film industry's growth. Known for her expressive performances, Ziener collaborated with leading directors of the Weimar Republic era. She remained active on stage into the 1930s before retiring. Her work left a lasting impact on early German cinema history.

Mary Fuller was one of the first stars of American silent cinema. She began her career on stage before joining Vitagraph Studios. Fuller gained popularity for her expressive acting in early film serials and features. Later she turned to screenwriting, contributing to several silent-era productions. Known for her versatility and pioneering spirit, she helped shape the developing Hollywood industry. After retiring from film in the 1920s, she lived a private life until her death in 1973.

Born Lawrence Feinberg in Philadelphia, Larry Fine became the middle Stooge alongside Moe and Curly. He brought a violinist’s precision to slapstick comedy, performing in hundreds of shorts and features from the 1920s through the 1960s. Fine’s deadpan reactions and expressive face made him a beloved screen presence. Offstage, he was a talented painter and violinist, showcasing his artistic versatility. His contributions helped shape physical comedy for generations. Fine remained performing until health issues in the 1970s forced his retirement. He passed away in 1975, leaving a legacy in comedic performance.

Born John Hoyt Stoddard in Pennsylvania, he began his career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood. Hoyt delivered memorable supporting roles in classics like The Thing from Another World and Spartacus. His versatility allowed him to play everything from authoritative figures to friendly neighbors. In television, he guest-starred on series such as Bonanza and Perry Mason. A dedicated professional, Hoyt worked steadily from the 1930s into the 1980s. His warm screen presence endeared him to audiences and directors alike. He passed away in 1991, leaving a rich body of work.

Harriet E. MacGibbon built a career on stage, film, and television, often portraying matronly or comedic characters. She made her Broadway debut in the 1930s before appearing in Hollywood productions. On television, she gained fame as the sarcastic Mrs. Stevens in Bewitched from 1966 to 1972. MacGibbon’s sharp wit and comedic timing made her a standout in both drama and comedy. She continued acting into the 1980s, guest-starring on popular series. Beloved by audiences for her character work, she passed away in 1987, leaving an enduring legacy on screen.

Born in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, in 1917. Served in the U.S. Army during World War II. Began his broadcasting career as a radio announcer before transitioning to television. Became the host of the popular game show "Password" from 1961 to 1975, earning widespread acclaim. Known for his friendly demeanor and rapport with contestants and co-hosts. Married actress Betty White in 1961, becoming a beloved couple in the entertainment industry. Continued to host other game shows and make television appearances throughout the 1970s. Died in 1981, remembered as one of America’s most charming and professional television hosts.

Born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, England, in 1919. Served in World War II and began acting after his military service. Became a versatile character actor on stage, radio, and screen. Notable film roles include Flight Lt. Colin Blythe in "The Great Escape" (1963) and Dr. Sam Loomis in the "Halloween" series. Known for his distinctive gaunt appearance and intense screen presence. Also appeared in James Bond's "You Only Live Twice" and voiced the villain in "The Small One." Accrued over 200 film and television credits during a career spanning five decades. Died in 1995, remembered as one of Britain’s most compelling character actors.

Born in 1923 in Pretoria, South Africa, to actor parents, Glynis Johns moved to London and made her West End debut as a child. She gained acclaim for her roles in films like "Miranda" and as Desiree Armfeldt in the original London production of Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music," earning a Tony Award nomination. Johns's unique voice and ethereal presence endeared her to audiences worldwide. She appeared in classics such as "Mary Poppins" and starred on Broadway, film, and television. Over a career spanning more than 70 years, she won numerous awards including an Olivier Award in 1980. Her versatility and charm made her a beloved figure in performing arts. She passed away in 2024, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.

Born William Szathmary in 1924 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Bill Dana began performing stand-up comedy in the 1950s. He created the character José Jiménez, a well-meaning but bumbling persona that became a television staple, notably on "The Bill Dana Show" from 1963 to 1965. Dana also worked as a writer and producer for popular programs like "Get Smart" and Johnny Carson's "Tonight Show." His comedic style blended sharp wit with social commentary, earning him accolades as a pioneering television humorist. He appeared in film and continued performing until his retirement in 1994. Dana passed away in 2017, remembered for his innovative contributions to comedy and television writing.

Born in 1924 in Alberta, Canada, Barbara Kelly moved to England and gained fame alongside Sid Caesar in radio and television programs during the 1950s. She co-starred in British sitcoms such as "The Arthur Askey Show" and displayed sharp comedic timing that endeared her to audiences. Kelly also wrote episodes for various comedy series, showcasing her talents behind the scenes. Her work contributed to the golden age of British television comedy and influenced later generations of writers and performers. She retired in the 1970s but remained active in charity work until her death in 2007. Kelly's blend of on-screen charm and writing skill continues to be celebrated in television history.