Stella Adler: The Method Woman

Despite appearing in only a handful of films, Stella Adler – born on this day in 1901 – became one of the biggest influences on American acting in the 20th century...

Lon Chaney Jr.: A Monster of a Star

Werewolves and vampires and zombies have enjoyed top billing on the silver screen in recent years. But if anyone thinks that today’s sparkly vamps and rabies-infected undead are the start of a trend, they’re dead wrong. Movie monsters have been around for just about as long as movies have, and one of the greatest monster actors of them all died 40 years ago today. He was Lon Chaney Jr. , and you might say he was born to be a monster.

Pat Quinn (1983–2020), Ice Bucket Challenge co-founder

Pat Quinn was an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) activist who co-founded the viral Ice Bucket Challenge fundraiser.

Michael Apted (1941–2021), "Coal Miner's Daughter" director

Michael Apted was a prolific British director known for "Coal Miner's Daughter" and the "Up" documentary series.

Andrew Brooks (1969–2021), scientist who developed first COVID-19 spit test

Andrew Brooks was a research professor at Rutgers University and CEO of Infinity Biologix, who developed the first FDA-approved rapid saliva test for COVID-19.

Jay Pickett (1961–2021), “Port Charles,” “General Hospital” actor

Jay Pickett was an actor whose notable roles included “Port Charles” and “General Hospital.”

Lusia Harris (1955–2022), only woman ever drafted by the NBA

Lusia Harris was a basketball pioneer and the only woman ever drafted by the NBA.

Don Wilson (1933–2022), co-founder of surf rock pioneers the Ventures

Don Wilson was a rhythm guitarist and co-founder of the pioneering surf rock instrumental band the Ventures.

Geraldine Hunt (1945–2022), “Can’t Fake the Feeling” singer

Geraldine Hunt was an R&B singer who had a disco hit in 1980 with “Can’t Fake the Feeling.”

Royston Ellis (1941–2023), Beatles-connected beat poet 

Royston Ellis began as a poet in the so-called Beat Generation, with a career spanning the 1950s through the 2010s. His primary claim to fame may be his connection to The Beatles, and to John Lennon in particular, but he also wrote dozens of books on travel, works of fiction, biographies, and poetry. 

Julia Hawkins (1916–2024), 108-year-old record-setting sprinter

Julia Hawkins was a senior cyclist who, at age 100, became a competitive sprinter and eventually set multiple records in her age group.

Roberta Flack (1937–2025), Killing Me Softly with His Song singer

Roberta Flack was a singer who had No. 1 hits with “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”