April 25: Births and Deaths

Birthdays are a wonderful daily occurrence in our lives. It is rare to weave through one's day without becoming privy to an announcement or celebration of a birthday or two, whether they belong to family, friends, or other eminent figures. Remembering those who have passed each day is, perhaps, just as noteworthy an endeavor, for if their memories are kept alive, one might argue, so too are their spirits.

Here is a sampling of April 25 honorees:

Birthdays

Renee Zellweger - While it's not "here's looking at you, kid," Ms. Zellweger's, "you had me at hello" from "Jerry Maguire" continues to live on as a celebrated contemporary movie line. The fabulously successful motion picture actress was born in 1969 in Katy, Texas. She has an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award to her credit and has starred in a litany of films since 1992 including "Chicago," "Bridget Jones's Diary," and "Cold Mountain."

Hank Azaria - Mel Blanc was once christened "the man of a thousand voices," but even Mr. Blanc (aka Bugs Bunny et al) would be proud of Hank Azaria. Born in Queens, New York in 1964, Mr. Azaria zoomed to stardom as one of the principal voice actors on "The Simpsons," portraying Moe Szyslak, Chief Wiggum, and a host of other characters. He's also appeared in "The Birdcage," "Godzilla," "Along Came Polly," and the stage musical "Spamalot."

Al Pacino - Among the most influential actors of all time, Mr. Pacino has portrayed some of the most memorable movie characters in history such as Michael Corleone in "The Godfather," Sonny Wortzik in "Dog Day Afternoon," and Frank Serpico in "Serpico." Born in Manhattan, New York in 1940, he's received seven Academy Award nominations and eventually won in 1992 for his role in "Scent of a Woman." Mr. Pacino is also an acclaimed stage actor.

Deaths

Ginger Rogers - There are but a handful of entertainers whose popularity transcends their career and all generations. On of them is Ginger Rogers, who passed away on this day in 1995 at the age of 83. She appeared in an amazing 73 films, and will be forever remembered as one with dance partner Fred Astaire, with whom she appeared in ten Hollywood musicals. She won an Academy Award in 1940 for her performance in "Kitty Foyle."

Lisa Lopes - Many know her for burning down football star Andre Rison's house in 1992 in a jealous rage. But before her celebrated affairs and the tragic car accident that ended her young life on this day in 2002 at the age of 30, Ms. Lopes was a Grammy Award-winning rapper, singer-songwriter, and a member of the R&B group TLC.