Actors

Trevor Howard (1913–1988) stands among the most distinguished English actors of the 20th century. With his clipped diction, commanding presence, and an understated intensity that became his trademark, Howard excelled in a wide range of roles — from romantic leads to morally complex soldiers and stiff-upper-lip bureaucrats.

Oliver Reed (1938–1999) was one of the most charismatic, unpredictable, and unapologetically bold figures in 20th-century cinema. Known for his fierce performances, striking physical presence, and off-screen wildness, Reed embodied a raw masculinity that set him apart from his contemporaries.

Robert Shaw (1927–1978) was a towering figure in mid-20th-century film, theatre, and literature. A consummate actor known for his fierce intensity, deep voice, and rugged charisma, Shaw left an indelible mark on cinema despite a tragically short life.

Peter Cushing (1913–1994) is celebrated as one of Britain’s finest and most beloved actors, best known for his roles in classic horror films, particularly those produced by Hammer Film Productions.

Sir John Gielgud (1904–2000) remains one of the most celebrated and influential figures in the history of English-speaking theatre. His illustrious career spanned over eight decades, during which he distinguished himself as a consummate actor, director, and cultural icon.

With a career spanning over six decades, Richardson’s work encompassed theatre, film, and television, establishing him as a paragon of versatility, craftsmanship, and understated brilliance.

Ava Gardner was one of Hollywood's most celebrated actresses, a stunning beauty who combined raw sensuality with remarkable talent. Known for her captivating presence on screen and her tumultuous personal life, Gardner became an enduring symbol of glamour, desire, and the darker side of fame.

Jean Harlow, often referred to as "The Blonde Bombshell," became one of the most iconic and influential stars in Hollywood during the 1930s.

Lauren Bacall was one of Hollywood's most distinctive and enduring stars — a woman whose smoky voice, sultry looks, and fierce intelligence carved out a unique space for her in the golden era of American cinema.

Rita Hayworth, known as "The Love Goddess," was one of the most luminous and complex stars of Hollywood's Golden Age

Shirley Temple is one of the most iconic figures in American cultural history — a child star whose radiant smile, ringlet curls, and effervescent charm lifted the spirits of a nation during its darkest days. Rising to fame during the Great Depression, she became the world's biggest box-office attraction before the age of ten.

Mae West stands as one of the most distinctive figures in American entertainment history.

Ginger Rogers stands among the brightest stars of classic Hollywood, a figure synonymous with grace, humour, talent, and resilience.

Grace Kelly is a name that evokes timeless beauty, elegance, and an almost mythical grace. In a remarkably brief but meteoric Hollywood career, she became one of cinema’s most beloved and enduring stars, only to leave it all behind for a real-life fairy tale as Princess of Monaco.

Barbara Stanwyck remains one of Hollywood's most celebrated and admired actresses, known for her emotional depth, striking versatility, and remarkable work ethic.

Joan Crawford is one of the most iconic, complex, and enduring figures in the history of American cinema. A woman of remarkable ambition, talent, and resilience, she rose from a troubled childhood to become a leading lady of the silver screen, redefining herself time and again across a career that spanned nearly half a century.

Marlene Dietrich stands as one of the most fascinating and enduring figures of 20th-century culture. An actress, singer, and trailblazer, she became an international symbol of sophistication, beauty, and independence. Her distinctive voice, androgynous style, and ability to embody both vulnerability and strength made her an icon who transcended cinema to leave a lasting impact on fashion, politics, and society.

Judy Garland remains one of the most beloved and tragic figures in the history of American entertainment. An extraordinary talent who rose from child stardom to international fame, Garland was an actress, singer, and performer whose emotional depth and resilience made her a timeless icon. Her life, a mixture of dazzling achievements and profound personal struggles, continues to captivate audiences and artists alike.

Greta Garbo is one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in the history of cinema. Known for her striking beauty, haunting presence, and extraordinary talent, Garbo captivated audiences during Hollywood's Golden Age, becoming a symbol of glamour, mystery, and artistic excellence. Although she retired from acting at the peak of her career, leaving behind a legacy that would shape future generations of filmmakers and audiences, her life and career remain an essential part of

William Holden was born William Franklin Beedle Jr. on April 17, 1918, in O'Fallon, Illinois. His father, a chemist and industrialist, moved the family to Pasadena, California, when William was just a few years old. Growing up in a middle-class environment, Holden had a fairly typical upbringing — excelling in sports, acting in school plays, and developing an early love of the outdoors, especially hunting and deep-sea fishing.