William Holden

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William Holden, born on April 17, 1918, in O'Fallon, Illinois, was a distinguished American actor whose career flourished during Hollywood's golden age. Renowned for his versatility and magnetic presence, Holden captured audiences' hearts with his compelling performances across a variety of genres.

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He achieved widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Academy Award for Best Actor, for his memorable turn in Billy Wilder's Stalag 17 (1953).

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Holden's cinematic legacy is marked by a string of iconic roles in classic films such as Sunset Boulevard (1950), The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) and The Wild Bunch (1969). His ability to embody complex characters with authenticity and depth solidified his status as a cinematic icon.

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Holden became a champion for wildlife preservation after filming on location in Africa for The Lion (1962). He was best man at Ronald Regan's marriage to Nancy Davis but did not follow his friend into politics.

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A tragic accident cut his life short in 1981 at the age of 63 but his indelible impact on the film industry endures, with his contributions continuing to be celebrated by generations of movie fans.

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Gloria Swanson

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Gloria Swanson, born in Chicago, Illinois in 1899, was a legendary American actress and producer during the silent film era. With her striking beauty, extravagant style, and remarkable talent, she captivated audiences around the world.

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Swanson rose to prominence during the 1920s, starring in numerous successful silent films such as Zaza (1923) and Sadie Thompson (1928), becoming one of the highest-paid and most famous stars of the period.

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As the silent film era waned, Swanson successfully transitioned into the talkies but saw her popularity wane; she only appeared in one film between 1935 and 1949, instead focusing on other pursuits. She returned to the screen in 1950 earning critical acclaim for her performance in Sunset Boulevard, which saw her receive her third Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.

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Swanson was married six times, had a length affair with Joseph Kennedy (father of Bobby and John Fitzgerald) in the 1920s, and passed away in 1983, aged 84. Although Sunset Boulevard didn't herald a return to regular big screen ventures her legacy as a cultural and style icon endures, a century after her heyday.

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Billy Wilder

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Billy Wilder was born in on June 22, 1906 in a small town which, at that time, was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. He began a career in journalism, initially in Vienna before moving to Berlin in 1925. In 1929, he entered the film industry as a screenwriter, contributing to various German films until Adolf Hitler's rise to power in 1933 prompted him to leave the country, aware that his Jewish heritage would cause problems. He first moved to Paris and later to the United States, arriving in Hollywood in 1934.

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Although not initially proficient in English, Wilder continued to work as a screenwriter, establishing connections with the support of fellow emigree Peter Lorre, which facilitated his entry into American cinema.

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He began collaborating with Charles Brackett which led to the creation of classic comedies like Ninotchka (1939) and Ball of Fire (1941). In 1942, their partnership expanded into producing and directing, resulting in acclaimed films such as The Lost Weekend (1945), and Sunset Boulevard (1950). Brackett wasn't involved with Double Indemnity (1944) as he refused to work on a film that he felt dealt with disreputable characters. 

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When working independently, Wilder's films often took on a more caustic and cynical tone, exemplified by Ace in the Hole (1951). Nevertheless, he also produced comedic gems like Some Like It Hot (1959) and The Apartment (1960), the latter earning him Best Picture and Director Oscars. Billy Wilder retired in 1981 and passed away on March 27, 2002.