October 08

Edythe Chapman was an American actress prominent on stage and in silent films. Born in New Hampshire in 1863, she began her career in theater before transitioning to motion pictures in the 1910s. Chapman appeared in over 60 films, often portraying matronly and dignified characters. She worked with studios such as Biograph and Vitagraph and shared the screen with stars like Mary Pickford. Her expressive performances helped shape early cinema's dramatic style. Chapman retired from acting in the late 1920s and passed away in 1948.

Born in 1879 in Canada, Huntley Gordon began his career on the stage before transitioning to motion pictures. He became a familiar face in silent cinema, often portraying sophisticated supporting characters. With the advent of sound, Gordon smoothly adapted to talkies and continued to work steadily through the 1930s. He appeared in over 60 films, including dramas and comedies, showcasing his versatility. Outside of film, he was respected for his professionalism and dedication to the craft. Gordon retired from acting in the mid-1940s and passed away in Los Angeles in 1956.

Born in Tiflis (now Tbilisi), Mamoulian studied acting and stage direction in Europe. He emigrated to the United States in 1922 and became a pioneering director during the transition to sound film. His notable works include 'Applause' (1929), recognized for its fluid camera movement, and 'Love Me Tonight' (1932), a landmark musical. Mamoulian's innovative techniques influenced generations of filmmakers and helped define Hollywood's early sound era. He later taught at the University of California, Los Angeles, mentoring future directors until his death in London at age 89.

Born in Paris, Herrand trained at the Conservatoire before joining the Comédie-Française ensemble. He gained international acclaim for his role as Lacenaire in Marcel Carné's 'Les Enfants du Paradis' (1945), showcasing his intense presence and nuanced villainy. Over a career spanning three decades, he appeared in more than fifty films, collaborating with cinema greats like Jean Renoir. Herrand's elegant style, deep voice, and ability to convey complex antagonists made him a fixture of French cinema. His performances remain iconic in the history of European film.

Born John Clark Goff in Oklahoma, Alyn studied drama before beginning his Hollywood career. He rose to fame portraying Superman and Clark Kent in the 1948 and 1950 serials, defining the hero’s silver-screen image. His charismatic performance and athleticism endeared him to audiences worldwide. Alyn later appeared on Broadway and in television series, avoiding typecasting with diverse roles. He received renewed recognition with a cameo in Richard Donner’s Superman (1978) before retiring from acting.

Born in Paris, Dubost made her stage debut at age eight and transitioned to film in the early 1930s. She worked with legendary directors such as Jean Renoir, appearing in 'La Règle du jeu' (1939) as Lisette. Her comedic talent shone in Jacques Tati’s 'Mon Oncle' (1958), where she played Madame Arpel’s friend Suzanne. Dubost’s versatility allowed her to excel in drama, comedy, and character parts across over 200 films. Celebrated in retirement, she lived to 100, embodying the evolution of French cinema through the twentieth century.

Born Kulbhushan Pandit, Raaj Kumar served in the Jammu and Kashmir Police before transitioning to acting in the 1950s. He adopted the screen name Raaj Kumar and made his debut in 1955. He achieved fame with roles in classics like Mother India (1957), Waqt (1965), and Pakeezah (1972). Known for his intense dialogue delivery and on-screen presence, he became a celebrated star of Hindi cinema. Throughout his career, he earned multiple Filmfare nominations for Best Actor. Raaj Kumar's legacy endures through his memorable performances and influence on Indian film dramas.

Born Walter Frederick George Williams in Wigan, Bill Maynard began his career in variety shows and stand-up comedy. He transitioned to film with appearances in classic comedies like the Carry On series and celebrated dramas like Last Holiday. Maynard found television fame with his role as Claude Jeremiah Greengrass in Heartbeat, winning praise for his comic timing and charm. He starred in Goodnight Sweetheart and appeared on game shows, demonstrating his versatility. In addition to acting, he wrote an autobiography and was active in charity work. Maynard enjoyed a career spanning over six decades until his passing in 2018.

Merle Park trained at Sadler’s Wells Ballet School. She joined the Royal Ballet in 1956 and became a principal dancer in 1960. Known for her technical precision and emotive performances in classics like Giselle and Sleeping Beauty. After retiring in 1979, she taught at the Royal Ballet School, mentoring the next generation. Park’s legacy endures in her influential interpretations and dedication to ballet education.

Paul Hogan gained fame in the late 1970s with 'The Paul Hogan Show', showcasing his unique humor. In 1986, he co-wrote and starred in 'Crocodile Dundee', which became a global box office hit. He received an Academy Award nomination for his screenplay. Hogan’s portrayal of Mick 'Crocodile' Dundee became an iconic representation of Australian culture. He continued acting in film and television, maintaining a status as a beloved entertainer.

Stanley Bates is an English actor and screenwriter whose career has spanned stage, film, and television. He appeared in a variety of British comedies and dramas, showcasing his versatility as a performer. Bates also wrote scripts for TV series and films, contributing to the British comedy scene behind the scenes. His writing credits include episodes of popular shows such as Dad's Army and Porridge, while his acting roles ranged from character parts in sitcoms to supporting roles in feature films. Bates' dual talents have made him a respected figure in British entertainment.

Chevy Chase is an American comedian, actor, and writer who rose to fame as one of the original cast members of NBC's 'Saturday Night Live' in 1975. He became renowned for his Weekend Update segments and physical comedy. Chase went on to star in a series of hit comedy films, including 'Foul Play', 'Caddyshack', 'National Lampoon's Vacation', and 'Three Amigos'. He received multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations for his work in television and film. Throughout his career, Chase has been celebrated for his wit, timing, and contribution to American comedy.