May 21: 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 21 honorees:

Birthdays

Lisa Edelstein - Fans of the critically acclaimed television drama "House" know her as Lisa Cuddy, the administrative superior of congenial soft-hearted Doctor House. Born on this day in Boston, Massachusetts in 1966, Ms. Edelstein is also a talented playwright, and toiled for many years making guest appearances in comedies such as "Mad About You," "Wings," "The Larry Sanders Show" and "Seinfeld." She's also appeared in feature films including "What Women Want," "Keeping the Faith," "As Good as it Gets," and "Daddy Day Care."

Mr. T - It may be hard to believe there was once a Mr. T hysteria in the United States, with people often spouting his instantly recognizable "I pity the fool" catchphrase. Born in Chicago, Illinois in 1952, be became famous for his tough guy image and Mohawk haircut as he skillfully portrayed this character in successful television series, "The A-Team," and feature film "Rocky III," as well as many other appearances.

Deaths

Howard Morris - Many baby boomers will remember Mr. Morris as the irritating Ernest T. Bass on the "Andy Griffith Show" in the 1960's. Observing his performance there, one would never believe he was an accomplished Shakespearean actor, and later in his career, a distinguished director. Born in the Bronx, New York, he started writing and performing on Sid Caesar's "Your Show of Shows," in the early '50's. After Andy Griffith and several other guest starring roles, he directed a multitude of film and television projects including "Police Academy," "Richie Rich," "Bionic Six," "Hogan's Heroes," "Galaxy High," "The Snorks," "The Mighty Orbots," "Rose Petal Place," and "The Dogfather."

Sir John Gielgud - The consummate actor, Sir Arthur John Gielgud, who passed away on this day in 2000, was the only British actor who has won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. His Shakespearean roles represented his best work. He played Hamlet more than 500 times in six productions, Richard II in three productions, Benedick in Much Ado About Nothing which he first played in 1930 and revived throughout the 1950s, Macbeth and Oberon in A Midsummer Night's Dream twice, Romeo three times, and King Lear four times.

John Garfield - It is years ago that Mr. Garfield passed away....on this day in 1952 in fact... but his story is timeless, and very unfortunate. John Garfield was a shooting star, playing brooding, rebellious, working-class character roles. He was a revered actor with two Academy Award nominations and a slew of films to his credit. He was then blacklisted by the House Committee on Un-American Activities when he refused to cooperate. Tragically, he passed away at the age of 39 due to a heart condition which had plagued him for much of his life.