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1-50 of 1,425
- Composer
- Writer
Benjamin Constant was born on 23 October 1767 in Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland. He was a composer and writer, known for Adolphe, ou l'âge tendre (1968), Adolphe (2002) and Novela (1963). He died on 8 December 1830 in Paris, France.- Composer
- Music Department
- Writer
Albert Lortzing was born on 23 October 1801 in Berlin, Prussia, Holy Roman Empire [now Germany]. He was a composer and writer, known for Zar und Zimmermann (1956), Zar und Zimmermann (1970) and Zar und Zimmermann: Singschule (1908). He was married to Rosina Regina Ahles. He died on 21 January 1851 in Berlin, Prussia [now Germany].- Soundtrack
Isaac Baker Woodbury was born on 23 October 1819 in Beverly, Massachusetts, USA. Isaac Baker died on 26 October 1858 in Columbia, South Carolina, USA.- Adalbert Stifter was born on 23 October 1805 in Oberplan, Krumau, Bohemia, Austrian Empire [now Horní Planá, Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic]. He was a writer, known for Bergkristall (1949), La valle di pietra (1992) and Die Flucht (1978). He was married to Amalia Mohaupt. He died on 28 January 1868 in Linz, Upper Austria, Austria-Hungary [now Austria].
- Charles Fechter was born on 23 October 1824 in London, England, UK. He was a writer, known for Monte Cristo (1922) and The Count of Monte Cristo (1913). He was married to Mlle. Robert (actress) and Lizzie Price (actress). He died on 4 August 1879 in Rockland Centre, Quakertown, Pennsylvania, USA.
- F. Hopkinson Smith was born on 23 October 1838 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. F. Hopkinson was a writer, known for Desperate Youth (1921), A Kentucky Cinderella (1917) and Felix O'Day (1920). F. Hopkinson died on 7 April 1915 in New York City, New York, USA.
- Sophus Bauditz was born on 23 October 1850 in Aarhus, Denmark. He was a writer, known for Historien om Hjortholm (1950). He died on 16 August 1915 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
- While filming a comedy in 1918, Lillian fell while leaping from one running automobile to another. She suffered severe internal injuries but was able to appear before the cameras again later on. However, during a later filming, the injuries sustained in the previous accident, caused her to become incapacitated and eventually caused her untimely death. Peacock died on a Sunday at her parent's home (1230 Westlake Avenue) near downtown Los Angeles, her funeral was held there two days later.
- Actress
- Writer
- Additional Crew
This celebrated star of the French stage had a sporadic love-hate affair with early cinema. After her film debut in Le duel d'Hamlet (1900) she declared she detested the medium; yet she consented to appear in another film, La Tosca (1909). Upon seeing the results, she reportedly recoiled in horror, demanding that the negative be destroyed. Her next film appearance, in the Film d'Art production of La dame aux camélias (1912), was a critical and popular success, helping give cinema artistic dignity. The following year she made Les amours de la reine Élisabeth (1912) in Britain. The receipts from this film's distribution in the US provided Adolph Zukor with the funds to found Paramount. Bernhardt, at 69, was offered a fortune to make films with other companies, but stayed with Film d'Art, appearing in Adrienne Lecouvreur (1913). She appeared in two more pictures after losing a leg in 1915, Jeanne Doré (1915) and Mothers of France (1917), both produced as WWI morale boosters. In 1923, when she was 79, her hotel room was turned into a studio so that she could appear in the film La voyante (1924). But her failing health halted production and she died before the film was completed. She was portrayed on the screen by Glenda Jackson in The Incredible Sarah (1976).- John Herbert Quick was born on 23, October, 1861, on a farm near Steamboat Rock in Grundy County, Iowa, the son of Martin (1816-1891) and Margaret Coleman Quick. (1832-1912).
Herbert Quick had been a school teacher at Mason City, Iowa, when he passed his bar exam and decided to set up a law practice in Sioux City. There he became a successful businessman, counselor for a citizens committee prosecuting boodlers (officials that accept or demand bribes) and mayor. In 1909 he left public life and began a seven year stint as editor of Farm and Fireside magazine. In 1916 Quick was appointed to the Federal Farm Loan Bureau in Washington DC. When he left in 1919, President Wilson personally thanked him for his service and for the way he had helped organized the FFLB. The following year Quick became a Colonel in the Red Cross and supervised the closing down of their operations in Siberia.
Herbert Quick is principally remembered for his trilogy of historical novels, "Vandemark's Folly" (1922), "The Hawkeye" (1923) and "The Invisible Woman" (1924), that were set in nineteenth century Iowa during the westward expansion. He was also well known for his numerous writings on farming and politics. His autobiography, "One Man's Life" (1925), was completed shortly before his death.
John Herbert Quick died of a heart attack on 10 May, 1925, at the University of Missouri Hospital in Columbia. He had been speaking in front of a group of students when he became ill. He left behind his wife of thirty-five years, the former Ella D. Corey. - Additional Crew
Walter Hansen was born on 23 October 1889 in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. He is known for Robin Hood, Jr. (1923). He died on 26 July 1925 in Los Angeles, California, USA.- Fanny Petersen was born on 23 October 1847 in Copenhagen, Denmark. She was an actress, known for The President (1919) and Strandingen i Vesterhavet (1912). She died on 24 September 1925.
- Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
William J. Rau was born on 23 October 1890 in Illinois, USA. William J. was an assistant director, known for The Shock (1923). William J. was married to Marion Rau. William J. died on 29 September 1925 in Los Angeles, California, USA.- Calvert Carter was born on 23 October 1858 in Virginia, USA. He was an actor, known for Less Than Kin (1918), Broadway Fever (1929) and The Fighting Shepherdess (1920). He died on 29 August 1932 in Long Beach, California, USA.
- Actor
Sam Marx was born on 23 October 1859 in Alsace, France. He was an actor. He was married to Miene Schönberg. He died on 10 May 1933 in Los Angeles, California, USA.- Lilyan Tashman was born on October 23, 1896 in Brooklyn, New York to Rose (Cook) from Germany and Morris Tashman from Bialystock, Poland. After toying with stage work, Lilyan made her film debut with Experience (1921), followed the next year by Head Over Heels (1922) (this was at a time when some studios and their performers were turning out one film per week. She had no other offers for 1923, but her constant rounds of the casting offices finally did some good. In 1924 she appeared in no fewer than 6 films. For a while she averaged 7 films per year. She was one of relatively few performers who easily made the transition to the sound era, In 1934 she finished filming Frankie and Johnnie (1936) and went into a New York City hospital to have some tumors removed; she died there on March 21, 1934 at age 37. The film was released two years after her death.
- Eric Lewis was born on 23 October 1855 in Northampton, England, UK. He was an actor, known for Brown Sugar (1922) and The Happy Ending (1925). He died on 1 April 1935 in Margate, Kent, England, UK.
- Camera and Electrical Department
Harry Harsha was born on 23 October 1894 in Hutchinson, Kansas, USA. Harry died on 27 August 1937 in Los Angeles, California, USA.- Leó Leöwey was born on 23 October 1869 in Kolozsvár, Austria-Hungary [now Cluj-Napoca, Romania]. He was an actor, known for Palika (1918) and Az apacs álma (1914). He died on 29 July 1938 in Budapest, Hungary.
- Director
- Writer
- Actor
Georges Monca was born on 23 October 1867 in Paris, France. He was a director and writer, known for Sans famille (1925), L'ironie du sort (1924) and Le choc en retour (1937). He died on 26 December 1939 in Paris, France.- Édouard Branly was born on 23 October 1844 in Amiens, Somme, France. He died on 24 March 1940 in Paris, France.
- Actor
- Writer
Dapper, blue-eyed Parisian character actor of Polish-Jewish ancestry, educated at the Lycée Carnot and the Conservatoire National College of Paris. His surname was originally spelled Kalisz, but he dropped the 's' once embarked on a show business career. Having cut his teeth on the French operatic stage he spent much of the 1910s headlining on the Keith Orpheum vaudeville circuit where he was partnered by Amelia Stone (later a Broadway soubrette). Armand was himself featured on the Great White Way in 'Spice of 1922', a musical revue which he also produced. He entered films in 1917, usually cast as assorted lordly figures of either good or evil persuasion: choice roles included Greta Garbo's marquis husband in The Temptress (1926), a villainous count in The Belle of Broadway (1926) and a Creole dandy with the unlikely name of Jean Delicado in The Love Mart (1927) (an occasion which afforded him the opportunity to showcase his real life fencing skills). During the early days of sound pictures, Armand was briefly able to command more or less substantial roles in several A-grade productions, notably Gold Diggers of Broadway (1929), Little Caesar (1931) (as Monsieur De Voss, manager of The Bronze Peacock) and Flying Down to Rio (1933). However, despite taking vocal lessons, his heavy French accent eventually proved to be a detriment to his career. By the mid1930s, Armand had slipped down the cast list to be consigned to the usual no name roles and bit parts invariably reserved to actors whose time had passed. Armand nonetheless soldiered on in Hollywood right up until his death in February 1941 at the age of 53.- Production Manager
- Writer
Andrzej Lomakowski was born on 23 October 1883 in Yekaterinoslav, Russian Empire [now Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine]. He was a production manager and writer, known for Zabawka (1933), Ludzie Wisly (1938) and Nie miala baba klopotu (1935). He died on 23 July 1941 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.- Director
- Writer
- Editor
Henryk Szaro was born on 23 October 1900 in Warsaw, Poland, Russian Empire [now Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland]. He was a director and writer, known for Mocny czlowiek (1929), Dzikuska (1928) and Rok 1914 (1932). He died on 8 August 1942 in Warsaw, Mazowieckie, Poland.- Edgar Høyer was born on 23 October 1859 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was a writer, known for Leaves From Satan's Book (1920), Den farlige leg (1911) and Tante Cramers testamente (1941). He died on 29 October 1942.
- Samuel T. Shaw was born on 23 October 1860 in New York City, New York, USA. He died on 10 February 1945 in New York City, New York, USA.
- Actor
- Writer
- Composer
Koos Speenhoff was born on 23 October 1869 in Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands. He was an actor and writer, known for Geeft ons kracht (1920), Rooie Sien (1975) and Artistenrevue (1926). He was married to Cesarine Prinz. He died on 3 March 1945 in The Hague, Zuid-Holland, Netherlands.- Hyman Meyer was born on 23 October 1876 in San Francisco, California, USA. He was an actor, known for The Saturday Night Kid (1929), She's a Boy (1927) and Circus Blues (1928). He died on 7 October 1945 in Hollywood, California, USA.
- Writer
- Script and Continuity Department
- Editor
Ewart Adamson (1881-1945), born in Dundee, Scotland, went to sea at the age of 14. He fought in the Canadian army during WWI, and was promoted through the ranks from private to major during his tour of duty in France and Belgium.
Prior to his arrival in Hollywood, in 1930, Adamson spent five years as a tin-mine manager in Perak, Malaya, where the inspiration for what later became the 1944 Republic serial Haunted Harbor (1944) came when he and several associates discussed several ways of salting a mine. A discussion only, by bored men, but a 1943 novel, "Haunted Harbor", came from it.
Settling in Hollywood in 1930, Adamson became a prolific screenwriter and, in addition to writing over 145 shorts, also provided stories and screenplays for features for Warner Bros., RKO, Chesterfield and Grand National, among others. In the 1940s he wrote four features for Republic and films for PRC and Monogram.
His novel (using his "nom de plume" of Dayle Douglas) was published by Mystery House of New York on June 12, 1943, and was sold to Republic Pictures on December 6, 1943. Retaining the novel's title, Republic produced it as a serial shot between April 14 and May 18, 1944.- Gerda Bormann was born on 23 October 1909 in Konstanz, Germany. She was married to Martin Bormann. She died on 23 March 1946 in Merano, Italy.
- Soundtrack
Songwriter ("Toot Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye", "Sail On, Silv'ry Moon", "Nobody's Sweetheart") and composer, and pianist in the New Orleans Original Jazz Band. He was on the staff of several Chicago music publishers. Joining ASCAP in 1920, his chief musical collaborators included Gus Kahn, Ted Fiorito, Robert King, Elmer Schoebel, and Billy Meyers. His other popular-song compositions include "Underneath Hawaiian Skies", "Jean", "Ireland and Someone I Love", "No No Nora", "The Waltz That Made You Mine", "I'm Going Back, Back, Back to Carolina", and "The Little Red School House".- Charles Withers was born on 23 October 1888 in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. He was an actor, known for Hideaway (1937), Aladdin from Manhattan (1936) and The Oily Bird (1936). He was married to May Withers. He died on 10 July 1947 in Bayside, New York, USA.
- Gloria Grey was born on 23 October 1909 in Portland, Oregon, USA. She was an actress, known for Blake of Scotland Yard (1927), A Girl of the Limberlost (1924) and Bag and Baggage (1923). She was married to Ramon Romero. She died on 22 November 1947 in Hollywood, California, USA.
- Hungarian film and theater actor. He was born in Budapest in 1894. After attending the Academy of Dramatic Art, he entered the Magyar Theater in Budapest as an actor. In 1918 he was hired by the National Theater, where he would play until his death, distinguishing himself particularly in sentimental and dramatic roles. In addition to the intense theatrical activity, he took part in some films, in none of which he was notable, both during the silent and during the sound. He died in 1949.
- Maud Gill was an English character actress, chiefly in comic roles. Born in London, she began her stage career as a dancing girl in a company run by the theatrical knight Herbert Beerbohm Tree. She recalls in her autobiography 'To See the Players' that a young Claude Rains, six years her junior, was the call-boy, who alerted the cast to their entrances. She came to notice playing Thirza Tapper, the title character in 'Eden Philpotts'' comedy play 'The Farmer's Wife', which ran for several years in London, and she repeated the role in 'Alfred Hitchcock''s silent film version. She married the actor E. Stuart Vinden and retired from acting after the 1930s. Maud Gill died in Birmingham in 1950.
- Producer
- Director
- Writer
József Daróczy was born on 23 October 1885 in Budapest, Hungary. He was a producer and director, known for Késö (1943), Férfihüség (1942) and Rákóczi nótája (1943). He was married to Eta Hajdú. He died on 25 March 1950 in Budapest, Hungary.- Cinematographer
- Director
Vasile Gociu was born on 23 October 1897 in Burdusaci, Tutova County, Romania. He was a cinematographer and director, known for Turnu-Severin si împrejurimile (1927), Centenarul eliberarii Giurgiului (1929) and Aripi Românesti (1939). He died on 15 November 1950 in Bucharest, Romania.- Producer
- Director
- Writer
Al Christie began his career in 1909 with the Nestor Company. In 1912 he was put in charge of production for a series of westerns. By 1916 he had set up his own production company that produced comedy two-reelers and occasionally a full-length feature. He was the brother of producer/director Charles Christie. In 1926 Christie, along with Vera Steadman and H. Prevost, Marie Prevost's mother, was in a car accident in Florida that left Mrs. Prevost dead from a broken spine. Steadman and Christie suffered cuts and bruises.- Billie Bennett was born on 23 October 1874 in Evansville, Indiana, USA. She was an actress, known for The Wall Street Whiz (1925), Ranson's Folly (1926) and The Tragedy of Youth (1928). She was married to August M. "Gus" Muhlhausen. She died on 19 May 1951 in Los Angeles, California, USA.
- Casting Director
Fred A. Datig was born on 23 October 1891 in Carnegie, Pennsylvania, USA. Fred A. was a casting director, known for The Cheerful Fraud (1926), Why Bring That Up? (1929) and Rolling Home (1926). Fred A. was married to Celia Villa. Fred A. died on 11 December 1951 in Culver City, Los Angeles, California, USA.- Louis Møller was born on 23 October 1872 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was an actor, known for Slægternes Kamp (1918). He died on 6 April 1952.
- Ernest Friderich was born on 23 October 1886 in Paris, France. He died on 22 January 1954 in Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France.
- Maurice Tillet, better known by his Professional wrestling name, "The French Angel". Maurice was born in St. Petersburg, Russia on October 23, 1903 of French parents. His father was an engineer involved in the construction of the Trans-Siberian railroad and his mother was a teacher of languages. By age 8 Maurice had lost his father. Sometime afterwards Maurice's mother moved him to Moscow Russia, where she taught at a St. Philip Neri Catholic School where Maurice attended classes.
With the Russian Revolution underway in 1917, his mother decided to move to Rheims, France. She found employment teaching languages at a local girl's college. Probably due to his mother's influence, Maurice learned to speak many languages. Maurice was a devout Catholic and attended church every Sunday. Once in 1947 he was even given an audience with the Pope.
By age 17, Maurice's head, chest, hands, and feet started to expand. By age 19, he was diagnosed with acromegaly. Acromegaly is a disease caused by a tumor on the pituitary gland that then causes bones to thicken to abnormal proportions. It took an angelic young man and turned him into what the public perceived as a monster.
Maurice received his secondary education at St. Stanislaus, a Catholic school in Paris. Once complete he went onto his post-secondary education at Toulouse University of Law.
He was always the athlete, enjoying rugby in particular. Once in 1926 he was named to an all-France rugby team. After a game in London, he received the distinction of shaking the hand of King George V., a distinction he would often mention.
Maurice completed his law degree however chose not to practice.
In the French Navy, Maurice worked as an engineer aboard many battleships eventually achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer serving a total of 5 years. He eventually got bored with Navy life and rejoined the civilian population.
It was in this time-frame he tried his hand at a number of occupations, and acted in the French cinema. When in the course of WWII he heard the French Navy sunk his ship to avoid capture by the Nazi's, he wept.
Maurice was discovered in Paris, France in 1936 by Lithuanian light-heavyweight champion amateur wrestler Karl Pojello. Karl knew Maurice's interesting look could make him a professional wrestling sensation. At that time Maurice was working for a local Paris studio as an actor and as a doorman. 1939 saw Maurice wrestle in England as, "The Angel", a nickname given to him by his mother. Other names given to him were not as kindly including "Ugliest Man in the World". The bear hug became his signature move.
By late 1939, Maurice had a proven track record and was ready to invade professional wrestling in the United States. Maurice made his American debut on January 24, 1940 at Boston Garden against Luigi Bacigaiupi. Maurice walked down the aisle, entered the ring, leaned over the ropes, and roared at the crowd.
At his American debut were Harvard scientists anticipating the sight of Maurice. They asked him if he would submit to be measured for science and Maurice agreed. They were curious about Maurice as acromegalics often did not live past their 30th year. Acromegalics would often get weak, where-as Maurice was still very strong, and healthy at his current 37 years of age. Maurice was 5 foot 8.5 inches in height, 276 pounds, 47 inch chest. Maurice had a head almost twice that of normal for a man of his size, and hands that could shuffle three decks of cards. He was declared to be the closest living specimen to that of Neanderthal man known to exist.
The crowds flocked to see this monster of a man who was a throwback to prehistoric times. Maurice proved incredibly strong and staged events where he would pull a bus or street car. He wrestled and won against all the greatest wrestlers of his day. His persona was fierce, and although he was sold as a heel, he was kind, gentle, educated, and well-mannered.
On May 13, 1940 Maurice defeated Steve Casey by disqualification for the American Wrestling Association World Title in Boston, and beat him clean again two weeks later. Maurice reinvigorated professional wrestling as crowds dramatically increased to witness his body and his ability. He remained unbeaten for nineteen months but on May 13, 1942, Maurice lost the AWA title back to Steve Casey.
Although no longer billed as unbeatable, "The Angel" remained a very popular draw. Maurice held the AWA World Title (Boston) from May 13, 1940 to May 13, 1942 and the Montreal World Title March 30, 1942 to June 25, 1942. He was also the AWA champion from August 1, 1944 until August 15, 1944.
Maurice reported to the U.S. Army in 1942 to serve in the war effort but was told that he would be a curiosity and distraction and was denied service. In February of 1947, Maurice took his oath of citizenship to the United States.
Wrestling promoter Jack Pfefer recognized the genius in the wrestling nickname "Angel" and started importing other "Angels" with physical abnormalities. This influx forced Maurice to change his nickname "Angel to "The French Angel." With the "theft" of his very personal nickname it likely explains why Maurice's first face-to-face meeting with Pfefer ended with him slapping Jack across the face.
Maurice's appearance drew significant attention when he was in public. This is likely why he chose to live a very private life and was particular about his friends.
Karl, his wife Olga, and Maurice went in together on a mansion at 726 W. Garfield Blvd in Chicago. The three of them were living at that location together in 1954. In 1954, Karl had lung cancer and Maurice had recently recovered from bought of pneumonia. Maurice was also suffering from an enlarged heart caused by his acromegaly.
Karl died on September 4, 1954. When informed of Karl's passing, Maurice became ill and was taken to county hospital where he passed away thirteen hours after his friend. They were buried side by side in the Pojello family plot in the Lithuanian National Cemetery in Justice, Illinois.
Maurice is widely believed to have been the inspiration for the cartoon character "Shrek", although DreamWorks has never confirmed precisely from where Shrek's inspiration arose. The film was originally written and animated to fit actor Chris Farley. When Farley died, a whole new film was written. In a rush to create a new film, it is presumed Dreamworks found in Maurice the perfect representation of an older, wiser, grumpier ogre, yet possessing a noble character of a hero. The physical characteristics, as well personality traits of Maurice, and his wrestling persona "The French Angel", appear to be evident throughout the film.
Maurice was found in the 1935 French Film Princesse Tam Tam, starring Josephine Baker. - Ernest Bourbon was born on 23 October 1886 in Vierzon, Cher, France. He was an actor and director, known for Onésime et le billet de mille (1918), La calomnie punie (1912) and Onésime est trop timide (1912). He died on 19 November 1954 in Paris, France.
- Larry Crockett was born on 23 October 1926 in Cambridge City, Indiana, United States. He died on 20 March 1955 in Bristol, Pennsylvania, United States.
- Actor
- Director
- Additional Crew
Ib Schønberg was born on 23 October 1902 in Copenhagen, Denmark. He was an actor and director, known for Café Paradis (1950), Take What You Want (1947) and For frihed og ret (1949). He was married to Inger Lisbeth Hammer. He died on 24 September 1955 in Skodsborg, Denmark.- Frieda Fromm-Reichmann was born on 23 October 1889 in Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. She was married to Eric Fromm. She died on 28 April 1957 in Rockville, Maryland, USA.
- Editor
- Editorial Department
Ernie Leadlay was born on 23 October 1888 in Canada. He was an editor, known for Honeymoon Limited (1935), The Spanish Cape Mystery (1935) and Dick Tracy (1945). He died on 26 July 1957 in Orange, California, USA.- Producer
- Production Manager
- Additional Crew
Erich von Neusser was born on 23 October 1902 in Brünn, Austria-Hungary [now Brno, Czech Republic]. He was a producer and production manager, known for Child, I'm Happy on Your Coming (1933), Frau im Strom (1939) and Donauschiffer (1940). He died on 30 August 1957 in Vienna, Austria.- Gian Battista Mantegazzi was born on 23 October 1889 in Riva San Vitale, Tessin, Switzerland. He was a composer, known for Bergführer Lorenz (1943) and De Winzig simuliert (1942). He died on 5 February 1958 in Zürich, Switzerland.