Photo Credits – Wikipedia**I do my best to keep this page updated once or twice a week. So if I miss anyone, please send me a message .
 Gene Hackman |
 Bob Ueker |
Roberta Flack |
JANUARY
7 – Peter Yarrow (86): Musician – Best known as a member of the iconic folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, Yarrow became famous for hits like “Puff, the Magic Dragon” and “Blowin’ in the Wind.” The group’s socially conscious music made a lasting cultural impact, especially during the 1960s civil rights movement. Yarrow also advocated for peace and education, contributing to numerous charitable and humanitarian efforts throughout his career.
12 – Claude Jarman Jr. (90): Actor – Best known for his Academy Award-nominated performance as the young star of The Yearling (1946), Jarman became a beloved child actor in Hollywood. He later transitioned into a career in film production and preservation. Jarman’s iconic role and contributions to film history made him a notable figure in 20th-century American cinema.
12 – Leslie Charleson (79): Actress – Best known for her long-running role as Monica Quartmaine on the soap opera General Hospital, Charleson became a beloved daytime TV star. Her portrayal earned her multiple Daytime Emmy nominations. With a career spanning television, film, and theater, she remains one of the most recognizable figures in soap opera history.
16 – Joan Plowright (95): Actress – Tony and Golden Globe winner, known for Enchanted April and Tea with Mussolini. A distinguished stage performer, she was a longtime member of the Royal Shakespeare Company. Married to Laurence Olivier, she built a legacy of powerful performances in film, TV, and theater, earning immense respect for her grace and talent.
16 – Bob Ueker (90): Former MLB catcher turned legendary broadcaster, beloved for his humor and self-deprecating wit. Dubbed “Mr. Baseball,” he’s been the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers since 1971. Also known for his roles in Major League and Miller Lite commercials, Uecker’s impact on baseball and entertainment earned him the Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award.
30 – Dick Button (95): Legendary figure skater – two-time Olympic gold medalist (1948, 1952), and first to land a triple jump in competition. A five-time world champion, he revolutionized the sport with athleticism and innovation. Later, he became a beloved TV commentator, shaping figure skating coverage for decades with his sharp analysis and wit.
FEBRUARY
7 – David Roberts (85): Veteran actor – best known for his roles in Woody Allen films like Annie Hall and Play It Again, Sam. A versatile performer, he built a successful career in film, television, and Broadway. Recognized for his charismatic screen presence and sharp comedic timing, Roberts remains a beloved figure in American cinema.
24 – Roberta Flack (88): Iconic singer – songwriter known for timeless hits like The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly with His Song. A Grammy-winning artist, she blended soul, jazz, and R&B with emotional depth and elegance. Her smooth voice and heartfelt storytelling made her one of the most influential vocalists of her era.
27 – Gene Hackman (95): Actor – Two-time Oscar-winning actor known for The French Connection and Unforgiven. A Hollywood legend, he starred in The Conversation, Superman, and Hoosiers. Renowned for his intensity and versatility, he retired in 2004 after a career spanning five decades.
March
3 – Carl Thomas Dean (82): Dolly Parton’s late husband – Parton met Dean outside the Whishy Washy Laundromat when she moved to Nashville at 18. They married in 1966 in a small ceremony in Ringgold, Georgia and were married for nearly 60 years.
21 – George Forman (76): Boxer – Two-time world heavyweight champion (1973, 1994), Olympic gold medalist (1968), and successful entrepreneur. Known for his epic bouts with Muhammad Ali and his remarkable comeback at 45 to reclaim the title, becoming the oldest heavyweight champion. Later gained fame for the George Foreman Grill, selling over 100 million units. Inducted into the Boxing Hall of Fame.
30 – Richard Chamberlain (90): Actor – Rose to fame as Dr. Kildare in the 1960s TV series, becoming a teen idol. Known for epic miniseries Shōgun and The Thorn Birds, as well as films like The Three Musketeers (1973). One of the first major Hollywood stars to come out as gay, influencing LGBTQ+ representation in the industry.
31 – Barbara Allen (82): Politician – Trailblazing Kansas state senator who served from 1989 to 2005, known for her bipartisan leadership and advocacy for healthcare reform, education, and women’s rights. A cancer survivor, she became a vocal proponent for early detection and patient support. Widely respected for her integrity and dedication, she paved the way for more women in state and national politics.
April
1 – Vali Kilmer (65): Actor – Known for iconic roles in Top Gun (Iceman), Batman Forever (Batman), The Doors (Jim Morrison), and Tombstone (Doc Holliday). Gained fame for his versatility and charisma, battled throat cancer affecting his voice but made a triumphant return in Top Gun: Maverick (2022) using AI-assisted voice technology.
1 – Johnnie Williston (84): Businessman – Founder of Williston Industries, he revolutionized agricultural equipment with innovative, durable designs that boosted farm productivity nationwide. A self-made entrepreneur, he expanded his company globally and became a noted philanthropist, supporting rural education and sustainability projects. Celebrated for blending ingenuity with integrity, his legacy lives on in fields and communities across America.
6 – Jay North (72): Actor – Rose to fame as the mischievous title character in the 1959 sitcom Dennis the Menace, becoming one of the most recognizable child stars of his era. Though he struggled with typecasting, he later found purpose as a correctional officer and advocate for child actors. His early performance remains a classic image of mid-century American television.
10 – Joey Viera (80): Actor – Gained fame as Porky, Jeff’s lovable friend on the original Lassie TV series (1954–1957). A cousin of singer Johnny Rivers, he later transitioned into a long career in film and television under the name Donald Keeler. His early role in Lassie remains a cherished piece of classic American television, fondly remembered by fans of the golden age of family programming.
16 – Wink Martindale (89): Game Show Host – Best known for hosting “Tic-Tac-Dough” and “Gambit,” he became a household name in American television. With a smooth voice and charismatic presence, he also had a hit spoken-word song “Deck of Cards” in 1959. A fixture of game shows for decades, his career spanned radio, TV, and music, making him a beloved figure in entertainment history.