Born on this date…four Hollywood greats!

The film gods have blessed us cinephiles with countless talented performers throughout movie history, but April 5th marks the birthday of four of the most celebrated and legendary actors to grace the silver screen.

Spencer Tracy (1900-1967)
One of Hollywood’s greatest leading men, Spencer Tracy starred in more than 70 films in his 30 year career, excelling in everything from romantic comedies, like Adam’s Rib (1949) to serious dramas like Judgment at Nuremberg (1961). Mr. Tracy was nominated nine times for an Academy Award and was the first actor to win back-to-back Oscars (in 1938 for Captain Courageous and for Boys Town in 1939). His acting style was subtle yet powerful and realistic, making each of his celebrated performances seem effortless.

Melvyn Douglas (1901-1981)
Melvyn Douglas was a two-time Academy Award winning actor, for Hud (1964) and Being There (1979), who starred in more than 100 films during his 50 year career. He also starred in several Broadway plays (winning a Tony Award in 1960 for “The Best Man”) and TV series. Mr. Douglas famously made Garbo laugh in Ninotchka (1939) and later in his career developed into a first-rate character actor, including a turn as a mentally unstable commanding officer in The Americanization of Emily (1964).

Bette Davis (1908-1989)
Bette Davis, considered one of the silver screen’s greatest performers, starred in more than 100 films in her nearly 60 year acting career. Nominated for an Academy Award 11 times (the first actress to receive 10 nominations), Ms. Davis brought home the gold twice, for Dangerous (1935) and Jezebel (1938). Ms. Davis blazed a trail for women on the big screen by playing a variety of difficult and powerful roles in a wide array of genres, securing her status as a cinema icon and legendary diva.

Gregory Peck (1916-2003)
One of the post-war era's most successful actors, Gregory Peck was a tall, rugged, and heroic presence on-screen with a basic decency that transcended his roles. His performances embodied the virtues of strength, conviction, and intelligence so highly valued by American audiences. He received an Academy Award in 1963 for his iconic role as Atticus Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). The Academy also awarded Mr. Peck with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1968 for his many contributions to various charitable causes throughout his life.

Happy Birthday and thanks for the memories!