Marlon Brando: Bad and Brilliant

On what would have been Marlon Brando’s 88th birthday, we share eight facts – about both his legendary talent and his fabled personal life.

Neville Marriner (1924 - 2016), renowned conductor

Neville Marriner, a renowned conductor who founded the Academy of St Martin in the Fields, died Oct. 2, 2016, according to multiple news sources. He was 92.

Stanley Donen (1924–2019), "Singin' in the Rain" director and choreographer

The last of the great directors of Hollywood's golden age.

Chuck Harmon (1924–2019), first African American to play for the Cincinnati Reds

Chuck Harmon was the first African American to play for the Cincinnati Reds, taking the field in 1954, seven years after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier. Harmon was a star baseball and basketball player for the University of Toledo. He was a utility player for the Reds for three seasons, hitting .242, than played for the Cardinals and Phillies. He retained close ties to the Reds and was often seen at games and events.

Zizi Jeanmaire (1924–2020), French ballerina danced in Hollywood films

Zizi Jeanmaire was a French modernist ballerina who won international acclaim for her sexually suggestive dancing in the ballet “Carmen,” choreographed by her husband, Roland Petit. She later appeared in the Hollywood films “Hans Christian Andersen” (1952) with Danny Kaye, and “Anything Goes” (1956) with Bing Crosby. She was billed simply as Jeanmaire.

Joye Hummel (1924–2021), pioneering writer for Wonder Woman comics

Joye Hummel was the first women to write for Wonder Woman comics, writing anonymously for several years in the 1940s.

Kenneth Kaunda (1924–2021), Zambia’s former president and liberator

Kenneth Kaunda was the former president of Zambia, who led the fight to free the country from British rule.

Leslie Phillips (1924–2022), voice of the Sorting Hat in “Harry Potter”

Leslie Phillips was an English actor known for his roles in several “Carry On” movies and as the Sorting Hat in the “Harry Potter” series.

Noreen Nash (1924–2023), actress in The Big Fix, Giant 

Noreen Nash was an actress who starred in movies including “The Bix Fix” and “The Red Stallion” and had a small role in the film “Giant.”

Sheldon Harnick (1924–2023), Fiddler on the Roof lyricist 

Sheldon Harnick was a lyricist best known for his Broadway collaborations with composer , including the hit musicals “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Fiorello!”

Art Schallock (1924–2025), oldest living ex-MLBer

Art Schallock was a pitcher for the New York Yankees who, from 2022 until his death, was the oldest living ex-Major League Baseball player.