May 14: Comings and Goings

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 May 14 honorees:

Birthdays

Cate Blanchett - Enjoying a fabulous run on the silver screen, Ms. Blanchett is routinely selected to star in the blockbuster film. Consider her roles in Peter Jackson's "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy, Martin Scorsese's "The Aviator," Steven Spielberg's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," "Elizabeth: The Golden Age," and "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," just to name a few. She has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards, winning once, and is also active in theater. She was born on this day in 1969 in Melbourne, Australia.

George Lucas - There is perhaps no more successful filmmaker than George Lucas. Through his Lucasfilm organization, he has either overseen, produced, or directed some of the most popular movies of all time, including the epic Star Wars franchise. For example, though Steven Spielberg brought him to prominence, Mr. Lucas created the iconic Indiana Jones character. Lucas, Francis Ford Coppolla, and Spielberg have formed a triumvirate of filmmaker royalty, and publicly invited Martin Scorcese into that rarified atmosphere when they presented the latter with his Academy Award in 2007. Mr. Lucas was born on this day in Modesto, California in 1944.

Deaths

Frank Sinatra - The consummate entertainer was revered by generations and enjoys eternal popularity as an American superstar of music, film, and popular culture. For years, his every move was studied by legions of adoring fans. He started his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, and then went on to outstanding success as a solo artist in the mid-1940s. "The Chairman of the Board" also became an extraordinary success on the big screen starring in a Hall of Fame of musicals as well as critically acclaimed blockbusters. He won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in "From Here to Eternity," and was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for "The Man with the Golden Arm," and he performed in such musicals as "High Society," "Pal Joey," "Guys and Dolls," and "On the Town." Sinatra was honored with the Kennedy Center Honors in 1983, was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by Ronald Reagan in 1985, and was presented the Congressional Gold Medal in 1997. "Ol' Blue Eyes" passed away on this day in Los Angeles in 1998 at the age of 82.

Dave DeBusschere - He was one of the architects of the New York Knicks championship teams of 1969 and 1973, was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame, and was eventually named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. Mr. DeBusschere was one of few talents rich enough to become a player-coach, which he did at the age of 24 for the Detroit Pistons. He died in 2003 from a heart attack at the age of 62.

Harry Blackstone Jr. - One of the great magicians of our time, Mr. Blackstone made countless appearances on the "The Tonight Show," "Donahue," and "The Today Show" during his prolific performing career. He received the Magician of the Year Award in 1979 and 1985, and created four magic kits, from beginner to advanced, which were the best selling of all time. He passed away from cancer in 1997 at the age of 62.