POP-A-LOOZA
Born on this day in 1919, in Los Angeles, California, comedic actress, Virginia O’Brien. Her deadpan, emotionless delivery lead to roles in The Big Store, Ship Ahoy, Two Girls and A Sailor, Ziegfeld Follies, and The Harvey Girls.
Born on this day in 1886, actor Edward Everett Horton. Horton had a lengthy career, which began in the silent era. He was a character actor of the highest caliber, appearing in the films; Arsenic & Old Lace, Ziegfeld Girl, Springtime In The Rockies, Cinderella Jones and Here Comes Mr. Jordan.
Born on this day in 1922 in Amarillo, Texas, actress and dancer, Cyd Charisse. Charisse was featured in many legendary films, including Ziegfeld Follies, The Harvey Girls, Singin’ In The Rain and Something’s Gotta Give.
Born on this day in 1900, in Wichita, Kansas, actress Ruby Dandridge. Dandridge appeared in the films King Kong, Cabin In The Sky and Carolina Blues. She was also the mother of actresses Vivian Dandridge and Dorothy Dandridge.
Happy birthday to both Hal Roach and William Bendix!
Born on this day in 1892 in Elmira, New York, movie mogul, Hal Roach. Roach’s own Hal Roach Studios spawned the careers of The Little Rascals (Our Gang) and Laurel & Hardy, among others.
Born on this day in 1906 in Manhattan, New York, actor William Bendix. Although Bendix starred in The Life Of Riley radio and TV shows, he was one of the golden era’s busiest character actors. He appeared alongside Alan Ladd, Abbott & Costello, Veronica Lake, Groucho Marx, and Bing Crosby.
Born in 1911 in Tampa, Florida, actress Butterfly McQueen. Ms. McQueen is famous for her role as Prissy in Gone With The Wind. She also appeared in Cabin In The Sky, Mildred Pierce and Duel In The Sun.
Born on this day in 1913, in New York City, actor Burt Lancaster. Lancaster. Lancaster enjoyed a lengthy career, starring in the now-classic, From Here To Eternity, Gunfight At The OK Corral, Elmer Gantry, and Judgment At Nuremberg.
Tip, Tap & Toe were one of film’s greatest dance teams in the 1930’s and 40’s. Here, they are featured in a clip from Abbott & Costello‘s Pardon My Sarong, in 1942.
Born on this day in 1893, in Birmingham, England, actress Fay Holden. Holden appeared in dozens of films during Hollywood’s Golden Era, but is perhaps best known for playing Emily Hardy in the Andy Hardy series, starring Mickey Rooney.
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.