Lee Grant – Born in 1925

In the 1950s, a young actress captivated audiences with her compelling performances. Lee Grant, born Lyova Haskell Rosenthal in New York City, made a stunning film debut as a shoplifter in “Detective Story” in 1951, earning an Academy Award nomination and the Best Actress Award at the 1952 Cannes Film Festival.

Her career faced a significant hurdle during the McCarthy era when she was blacklisted for over a decade. Triumphantly returning to the screen, Lee won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in “Shampoo” in 1975. In 2024, at 99, she remains a testament to resilience and talent in Hollywood’s history.

Ann Blyth – Born in 1928

Ann Blyth, born in Mount Kisco, New York, began her career on Broadway in “Watch on the Rhine” from 1941 to 1942. In 1945, she gained fame for her role as Veda Pierce in “Mildred Pierce,” earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

In the 1950s, Ann showcased her versatility in musicals like “The Student Prince” and “Kismet.” After retiring from film in the late 1950s, she continued to perform on stage and television until 1985. In 2024, at 96, Ann remains one of the most popular surviving stars from Hollywood’s Golden Age, celebrated for her contributions to classic cinema.

Susan Saint James – Born in 1946

Susan Saint James, born Susan Jane Miller in Los Angeles, California, became a television sensation in the 1970s and 1980s. She first gained attention as Peggy Maxwell in “The Name of the Game” from 1968 to 1971, earning an Emmy Award in 1969.

Her portrayal of Sally McMillan in “McMillan & Wife” alongside Rock Hudson further solidified her talent and status. In the 1980s, Susan also charmed audiences as Kate McArdle in the sitcom “Kate & Allie.” After stepping back from acting in the 1990s, she dedicated time to family and philanthropy. In 2024, Susan remains a beloved figure, occasionally appearing at industry events and supporting charitable causes.

Barbara Parkins – Born in 1952

The glitz and drama of 1960s television found one of its brightest stars in Barbara Parkins, whose captivating performances left a notable mark. Born in Vancouver, British Columbia, she rose to prominence as Betty Anderson in “Peyton Place,” earning an Emmy nomination for her role in the groundbreaking primetime soap opera.

Her big-screen success came with the role of Anne Welles in the cult classic “Valley of the Dolls” in 1967, where she portrayed a character navigating the perils of fame and ambition. Barbara will always remain a celebrated icon, beloved for her contributions to both television and film history.

Kathryn Beaumont – Born in 1938

Kathryn Beaumont became a cherished voice of Disney’s golden era. At just 10 years old, she was cast as the voice and live-action model for Alice in “Alice in Wonderland” in 1951, delighting audiences with her youthful charm. Her collaboration with Disney continued as she voiced Wendy Darling in “Peter Pan,” further solidifying her place in animation history.

After these iconic roles, Kathryn pursued a career in education, earning a degree from the University of Southern California. In 1998, she was honored as a Disney Legend, celebrating her lasting impact on the studio’s legacy. She remains a beloved figure among Disney enthusiasts, her performances continuing to enchant new generations.