December 14

Born in Pittsburgh in 1881, she began her career on the stage before moving to Hollywood. She became a popular leading lady in silent films, nicknamed 'The American Beauty'. In 1919, she founded Katherine MacDonald Pictures, making her a pioneering female producer. She starred in hits like The Caveman and The Disciple, showcasing her glamorous screen presence. After retiring from acting in the mid-1920s, she engaged in real estate and philanthropy. She died in 1956, remembered as a trailblazer for women in the film industry.

Jane Cowl (1884–1950) was a celebrated American stage actress and playwright. She achieved fame with leading roles in Broadway productions such as Smilin' Through and The Cinderella Man. Alongside actor Frederick R. Kerr, she co-wrote the successful play Lightnin', which ran for over 1,200 performances. Her emotional depth and dramatic versatility made her a standout performer of the early 20th century. Cowl continued to write and act in theater until her later years, leaving a lasting legacy on American drama.

Born in 1902 in New York City, Frances Bavier began her career on stage before transitioning to film and television. She found enduring fame in the 1960s as Aunt Bee Taylor, the warm-hearted aunt in the classic sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. Her portrayal earned her two Emmy Award nominations and endeared her to audiences nationwide. Bavier also appeared in films such as Duel in the Sun and The Ghost Breakers early in her career. After retiring from acting in the 1970s, she led a quiet life in Siler City, North Carolina. She passed away in 1989, but her legacy lives on through reruns of the beloved series.

Born in Chicago in 1908, Morey Amsterdam began his career in vaudeville and radio before transitioning to television. He achieved fame portraying the quick-witted comedy writer Buddy Sorrell on The Dick Van Dyke Show, where his timing and delivery delighted audiences. Amsterdam also co-wrote many television scripts and appeared on series such as The Betty White Show. A talented singer and pianist, he often incorporated music into his performances. His versatility made him a staple of 1950s and 1960s television comedy. He continued entertaining through stand-up and writing until his death in 1996, leaving a legacy as a pioneering TV humorist.

Born in Brooklyn in 1915, Dan Dailey began performing in vaudeville with his sister Ruth.\nHe signed with Paramount Pictures, starring opposite Betty Grable in hits like "Mother Wore Tights" (1947).\nDailey received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in "When My Baby Smiles at Me" (1948).\nHe successfully transitioned to television, starring in the series "Kentucky Jones" during the 1960s.\nDailey's charismatic presence and dance talent made him a beloved figure in American entertainment until his death in 1978.

Elyse Knox was born in Hartford, Connecticut, in 1917 and signed with Paramount Pictures at age 19.\nShe appeared in serials and B-movies such as "Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars" (1938) and "Salome, Where She Danced" (1945).\nAfter marrying football star Tom Harmon, Knox shifted her career towards fashion design, specializing in elegant knitwear.\nHer designs were sold in major department stores and featured in leading fashion magazines.\nKnox balanced creative pursuits with family life and remained active in the fashion world until her passing in 2012.

Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, in 1917, June Taylor began her dancing career in nightclubs before forming her own dance troupe.\nIn 1952, her ensemble debuted on television with The Jackie Gleason Show, dazzling audiences with synchronized routines.\nTaylor pioneered the use of an overhead camera to create kaleidoscopic patterns, a signature of her choreography.\nShe worked in television and live performance for decades, earning Emmy nominations for her innovation.\nHer creative vision left a lasting mark on American television dance until her death in 2004.

Born in Bucharest, Beligan began his acting career in the late 1930s and became one of Romania’s most revered stage performers. He directed numerous theatrical productions and films over a career spanning more than seven decades. Beligan served as the director of the National Theatre of Bucharest and taught acting to generations of performers. In recognition of his long career, he was listed by Guinness World Records as the oldest active stage actor. He published memoirs reflecting on Romanian theater history. Beligan remains an iconic figure in Eastern European performing arts.

Born into the Kapoor family of Bollywood, he made his acting debut as a child in 1935. As an adult, Kapoor starred in and directed classics such as Awaara (1951) and Shree 420 (1955). He founded R. K. Films studio, producing some of India’s most enduring movies. Kapoor’s work combined social themes with musical storytelling, making him a cultural icon. He received the Padma Bhushan and multiple Filmfare Awards for his contributions to Indian cinema. His legacy endures through his films’ influence on filmmakers and audiences worldwide.

George Furth made his mark on Broadway as a skilled playwright, crafting the book for celebrated musicals like 'Company' in collaboration with Stephen Sondheim. His dialogue and character work earned him Tony nominations and acclaim for blending humor with insight into modern relationships. As an actor, he appeared on stage, film, and television, showcasing his versatility in roles ranging from dramatic to comedic. Furth's theatrical contributions helped redefine the contemporary musical, influencing generations of writers and performers. His dual talents as a writer and actor cemented his reputation in American theater.

Abbe Lane captivated audiences in the 1950s and 1960s with her sultry vocals and charismatic dance routines, often performing alongside bandleader Xavier Cugat. She recorded multiple albums that showcased her jazz and Latin-influenced singing style, earning her a reputation as a versatile entertainer. Lane also appeared in films and television series, demonstrating her flair for both drama and comedy. Her bold stage presence and vocal talent made her a popular figure in nightclubs and on screen. Abbe Lane's enduring career reflects her ability to blend multiple performance arts into a single, memorable act.

Lewis Michael Arquette (1935-2001) was an American actor, producer, and screenwriter known for his versatile supporting roles in television and film, including appearances on The Waltons. He produced and wrote for television and documentary projects, championing educational and cultural programming. Arquette was the patriarch of the Arquette acting family, fathering Patricia, Rosanna, Alexis, and David Arquette. His behind-the-scenes contributions and character performances left a lasting legacy in American entertainment.