July 17, 1899 – March 30, 1986
No matter how much I want it to be true, James Cagney was not a gangster in real life. In fact, he was more light-hearted comedian and dancing showman than cold-blooded criminal. But, whatever, I like the version of the ultimate mobster in my head better.
Either way, Cagney was a showman. He showed his range throughout his career on stage (Vaudeville and Broadway) and in films. He even tried to sing a time or two. Continue reading
July 21, 1924 – February 24, 2006
Don Knotts will forever be associated with one of the greatest characters in television history. His portrayal of Deputy Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show cemented Knotts’ place in America’s collective living room for decades. He appeared in many post-Mayberry films and other tv shows (including wannabe-lothario landlord, Ralph Furley on ABC’s Three’s Company), but he was and always will be Barney to his adoring public. Continue reading
September 17, 1931 – June 6, 2005
Born Anna Maria Louisa Italiano in the Bronx, NY, Anne Bancroft was a multiple Oscar, Golden Globe, BAFTA, Emmy and Tony award winner (fake EGOT!) Not too shabby. She is probably best remembered for her turns as Anne Sullivan in 1962’s The Miracle Worker and the ever-seductive Mrs. Robinson opposite Dustin Hoffman in 1967’s The Graduate.
January 10, 1904 – January 15, 1987
Song and dance man, Ray Bolger, had quite the stage and film career going when he stumbled upon a little role as a scarecrow in The Wizard of Oz. Total career killer that one.
Seriously, though, Bolger was immensely talented and any lack of recognition of his work outside of Oz is strictly on us. We suck.
February 8, 1925 – June 27, 2001
Confession time: I cried the day that Jack Lemmon died.
For someone who was just barely a quarter of a century old, it was like losing a celluloid grandfather. Jack was so likable on screen that I felt like I knew him. And there were plenty of opportunities to get to know him on screen. He starred in more than 60 films including the classics Some Like It Hot (with Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe, directed by eternal neighbor, Billy Wilder,) The Apartment (also directed by Wilder) and The Odd Couple (with perennial friend and co-star, Walter Matthau.)
April 5, 1908 – October 6, 1989
One of the biggest names in the golden era of Hollywood, Bette Davis carved a spectacular career for herself without the benefit of being beautiful (her words, not mine.) She accumulated 10 Academy Award nominations – nabbing 2 wins – over the course of 90 films. Some of Davis’ most iconic films include All About Eve and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? She was often erratic on set and many considered her difficult to work with. Her daughter wrote a book about how difficult their relationship was. Kim Carnes wrote a song about her eyes.
October 31, 1950 – March 4, 1994
John Candy was a comedic giant of the 1980’s. The Canadian actor created memorable roles on the sketch comedy show, SCTV, and found great success in films such as Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Uncle Buck and Spaceballs. The rotund actor was infinitely likable and beloved by audiences and costars alike.
July 6, 1927 – October 3, 2004
In the history of the world, it is entirely likely that no one has become more famous for taking a shower.
Janet Leigh’s most notable role, obviously, was as Marion Crane in Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Legend has it that she was never again able to take a shower after making the movie. True or not, it makes for a good yarn.
June 3, 1925 – September 29, 2010
Tony Curtis (born Bernard Schwartz) was a devilishly handsome man. His looks and his broad range certainly made him one of the biggest stars of the 1950’s and 60’s. He garnered attention with Oscar nominated dramatic roles (The Defiant Ones) as well as classic comedic turns (Some Like It Hot1 alongside Jack Lemmon and Marilyn Monroe – directed by Billy Wilder) as well as more than 100 other projects. He was also an avid painter – something he continued to do later in life, claiming to enjoy it more than making movies.
August 7, 1884 – May 14, 1970
Though a prolific stage, screen and radio actress, Mary William Ethelbert Appleton “Billie” Burke is remembered for two things: 1) she was married to legendary Broadway producer Florenz Ziegfeld and 2) she played Glinda the Good Witch in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz. Personally, I believe she should be remembered for her glorious birth name above all else.
Celebrity Graveland 