Frank Sinatra

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Frank Sinatra, born on December 12, 1915, in Hoboken, New Jersey, was a legendary American singer, actor, and producer. Sinatra’s career spanned over five decades, during which he became one of the best-selling music artists of all time. His smooth, captivating voice and magnetic stage presence earned him numerous accolades, including eleven Grammy Awards.

 

In addition to his musical achievements, Sinatra had a successful acting career, starring in over 60 films. He won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in From Here to Eternity (1953).

 

Sinatra was also a member of the Rat Pack, a group of entertainers that included Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr, known for their iconic performances in Las Vegas. He was included in Time magazine’s list of the ‘20th Century's 100 Most Influential People’.

 

Beyond his entertainment career, Sinatra was known for his philanthropy and political activism. He supported various charitable causes and was a staunch advocate for civil rights. Frank Sinatra passed away on May 14, 1998, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists and fans worldwide.

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Sterling Hayden

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Sterling Hayden, born on March 26, 1916, in Upper Montclair, New Jersey, was a versatile American actor, author, and sailor. He began his career as a model before transitioning to Hollywood, where he became a prominent leading man in the 1950s.

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Hayden’s notable films include The Asphalt Jungle (1950), Johnny Guitar (1954), and The Killing (1956). His commanding presence and distinctive baritone voice made him a standout in both Westerns and film noir.

 

During World War II, Hayden was transferred from the Marine Corps OCS to the Office of Strategic Services, where he participated in numerous covert operations.  

Despite his success in Hollywood, Hayden often expressed a disdain for acting, preferring the freedom of the sea. He used his earnings to fund his sailing adventures and this passion for the sea was a defining aspect of his life.

 

In his later years, Hayden took on more supporting roles, delivering memorable performances in Dr. Strangelove (1964) and The Godfather (1972). He also wrote an acclaimed autobiography, Wanderer, and a novel, Voyage.

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Sterling Hayden passed away on May 23, 1986, in Sausalito, California, and is remembered as a talented actor and an adventurous spirit.

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Lewis Allen

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Lewis Allen (1905-2000) was a British-born director renowned for his work in both film and television.

 

He began to flourish on Broadway, and after steadily making a name of himself there he was offered a job at Paramount Pictures. In 1943, he made a memorable directorial debut with the atmospheric ghost story The Uninvited, a film that has since acquired the status of a classic of its genre.

 

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s Allen directed a diverse range of films, including Those Endearing Young Charms (1945), Desert Fury (1947), and Appointment With Danger (1950). His ability to handle various genres, from comedy to noir, showcased his versatility and skill.

 

In the mid-1950s he began to shift his focus to television and went on to direct episodes of popular series such as Perry Mason, Mission: Impossible and Bonanza.

 

Allen’s career spanned over three decades, during which time he earned a reputation for his meticulous direction and ability to bring out compelling performances from his actors. He retired from directing in the mid-1970s and passed away in Santa Monica, California at the age of 94.