October 17

Nathan Field (1587–1620) began his career as a boy actor in the Children of the Queen's Revels troupe. He later joined the King's Men, performing in plays by Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Field also wrote popular stage comedies such as A Woman Is a Weathercock and The Queen of Conscience. His dual success as actor and dramatist made him a notable figure in early modern London theatre. He died at just 33, leaving a lasting mark on Jacobean drama.

Maria Dulęba (1881–1959) was one of the foremost actresses in Poland’s burgeoning theater and film scenes. Trained at the Warsaw Dramatic School, she captivated audiences with her dramatic range. She appeared in silent films and later talks, adapting to cinema’s evolving techniques. Dulęba played leading roles in classics of Polish theater and collaborated with pioneering directors. Her career spanned over four decades, marking her as a staple of Polish cultural life. Even after retiring from the screen, she influenced generations of Polish performers.

Spring Byington (1886–1971) enjoyed a prolific career spanning stage, film, and television. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 1938. Byington charmed audiences as the beloved Aunt Harriet on the sitcom 'December Bride.' Her filmography includes memorable roles in comedies and dramas throughout Hollywood’s Golden Age. Renowned for her genial screen presence, she became a symbol of kindly maternal figures. Byington’s enduring popularity led to television syndication that introduced her to new generations.

Doris Humphrey was a central figure in the development of modern dance in the United States. She studied at the Denishawn School under Ruth St. Denis and Ted Shawn, where she first embraced an innovative approach to movement. In 1928, she co-founded the Humphrey-Weidman Company, creating landmark works such as 'Water Study' and 'Air for the G String'. Humphrey developed the 'fall and recovery' technique, exploring the dynamics between gravity and human control. She later taught at Bennington College and helped establish the José Limón Dance Company. Her writings, including 'The Art of Making Dances', continue to influence dancers and choreographers worldwide.

Eileen Sedgwick began her screen career in 1914, quickly becoming a popular leading lady for Universal and Flying A Studios. She specialized in Westerns and action-packed serials, often performing her own stunts in titles like 'The Diamond from the Sky' and 'In the Days of Buffalo Bill'. Sedgwick appeared in over 100 films during the silent era, showcasing her versatility and daring spirit. With the advent of sound, she retired from acting in 1932 and led a private life away from Hollywood. Sedgwick passed away in 1991, remembered as one of the pioneering heroines of early American cinema.

Born in Plattsburgh, New York, Arthur rose to fame as a leading lady in Hollywood screwball comedies and dramas. She starred in Howard Hawks's 'Only Angels Have Wings' (1939) and became best known for her work with director Frank Capra in 'Mr. Deeds Goes to Town' (1936), 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' (1939), and 'The More the Merrier' (1943). Arthur received the New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Actress for her performance in 'The More the Merrier'. Her distinct husky voice and shy persona endeared her to audiences. After retiring from acting in the early 1950s, she lived a reclusive life until her death.

Born in El Paso, Texas, Ryan began her career in vaudeville and on Broadway before transitioning to film in the 1930s. She appeared in supporting roles in movies such as 'Captain Blood' and 'Broadway Melody of 1936'. In 1962, she was cast as Daisy 'Granny' Moses in 'The Beverly Hillbillies', winning three Emmy Award nominations. Her portrayal of the feisty matriarch made her a television icon. After the show's end in 1971, she continued to perform on stage until her death. Ryan’s endearing performance remains a staple of classic American sitcom history.

John Marley was an American character actor whose career spanned stage, film, and television. He made his screen debut in the 1950s and gained critical acclaim for his roles in films like Love Story and The Godfather. His portrayal of Jack Woltz in The Godfather earned him a nomination for Best Supporting Actor at the 1973 Academy Awards. Known for his deep voice and commanding presence, he became a sought-after supporting actor. Over five decades, he appeared in more than 100 productions and became a respected figure among his peers. Marley’s enduring performances left a mark on American cinema until his death in 1984.

Hjördis Petterson was a versatile Swedish actress celebrated for her extensive career in film, theater, and television. Born in Stockholm, she trained at the Royal Dramatic Theater’s acting school before making her screen debut in the 1930s. Over the next fifty years, she excelled in both dramatic and comedic roles, earning acclaim for her ability to bring depth to supporting characters. Petterson worked with leading directors of Swedish cinema and appeared in adaptations of classic plays. Her dedication to the craft made her a beloved figure in Scandinavian entertainment. She continued to perform until shortly before her death in 1988.

Robert Lowery was an American actor who began his career on Broadway before transitioning to Hollywood in the 1930s. He appeared in a variety of Westerns, crime dramas, and musicals, showcasing his versatility on screen. In 1949, he gained lasting recognition for his role as Batman in the film serial "Batman and Robin." His performance helped shape the early screen adaptation of the iconic superhero. Lowery continued working in film and television until his death, leaving behind a body of work that spans multiple genres.

Marian Marsh was a Trinidadian-born actress who rose to prominence in early Hollywood after signing with Warner Bros. She starred alongside John Barrymore in the 1931 film "Svengali," earning acclaim for her dramatic performances. Throughout the 1930s, she appeared in a range of genres from melodramas to mysteries. After retiring from acting in the 1940s, Marsh devoted herself to environmental causes and worked with conservation groups to protect wildlife habitats. Her legacy spans classic cinema and efforts to raise awareness about ecological preservation.

Marsha Hunt began her acting career in the late 1930s with roles in films such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1941) and Pride and Prejudice (1940). She became one of the first members of the Screen Actors Guild and later refused to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee, leading to her blacklisting in the 1950s. Hunt transitioned to Broadway and television, appearing in productions like the Broadway musical Johnny Belinda. Beyond performance, she was a dedicated activist for civil rights, environmental causes, and animal welfare. Hunt lived to be 104, sharing her experiences across eight decades of Hollywood history in her memoirs and interviews.