POP-A-LOOZA
Born on this day in 1900, in Edinburgh, Scotland, actor Alastair Sim. Sim starred in dozens of films, including one that brought him cinematic immortality, playing Ebenezer Scrooge in the 1951 production of A Christmas Carol.
Born on this day in 1914, in Astoria, New York, actress, Hillary Brooke. Brooke appeared in a couple of Sherlock Holmes movies with Basil Rathbone, as well as a slew of film noirs. She later moved to television, with a recurring role as a neighbor on The Abbott and Costello Show.
Born on this day in 1936, in Lubbock, Texas, entertainer, Buddy Holly. Holly and his band, The Crickets, scored with a dozen hit songs, including Peggy Sue and That’ll Be The Day, in less than two years.
Born on this day in 1951, in Herefordshire, England, drummer and songwriter, Martin Chambers. Chambers is known for his work with The Pretenders and Mott The Hoople.
Born on this day in 1915, in Stockholm, Sweden, actress, Ingrid Bergman. Bergman was one of the biggest stars during the Golden Age, appearing in Casablanca, Gaslight, Joan Of Arc, Notorious, and many more. Her co-stars included; Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Helen Hayes, and Bing Crosby.
Born on this day in 1966, in Edinburgh, Scotland, singer and actor, Shirley Manson. Manson is the lead vocalist for the band Garbage. Her acting roles include Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Knife Fight, and Top Wing.
Born on this day in 1949, in Glasgow, Scotland, guitarist and producer, Mark Knopfler. Knopfler is the brains behind the rock band Dire Straits. Dire Straits scored several hits during the MTV era, most noteably, Money For Nothing, Walk of Life and So Far Away. The group disbanded in 1995, and since then, Knopfler has enjoyed a successful solo career.
Born on this day in 1921, in Inglewood, California, actress and athlete, Esther Williams. Williams was a marquee star for MGM in the 1940’s and 50’s, appearing in 25+ films, usually featuring her incredible swimming skills. In her teen years, those same swimming skills won her several competitive time records and national championships.
Born on this day in 1905, actress, Myrna Loy. Loy starred in over 100 films, and found herself hitting major success after being teamed with William Powell for The Thin Man series. Her instant likability and charm also resulted in being a frequent co-star of Clark Gable. Her career was one of Hollywood’s longest, beginning in the 1920’s and running into the 1980’s. She received an honorary Oscar for her life’s work, in 1991.
Born on this day in 1892, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, actor William Powell. Though Powell had a long career, he is best-remembered as playing sleuth Nick Charles, opposite Myrna Loy, in The Thin Man movies.