May 22: 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 22 honorees:

Birthdays

Ginnifer Goodwin - She burst into popularity with her solid performances as Margene Heffman, the third wife in a polygamous family, on the HBO series "Big Love" with Bill Paxton, and then followed that with a starring role in the romantic comedy "I'm Just Not That Into You." Born on this day in 1978 in Memphis Tennessee, Ms. Goodwin started her career with guest roles of television, and later landed significant roles in the films "Mona Lisa Smile," "Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!," and "Walk the Line," portraying Johnny Cash's first wife.

Naomi Campbell - Supermodel turned commercial spokeswoman turned entrepreneur, Ms. Campbell has established herself as an "A" list celebrity. Born on this day in 1970 in London, England, she studied at the London Academy For Performing Arts, and was discovered at the age of 15. By the age of 21, she had been selected by People magazine as one of the 50 Most Beautiful People in the world. She holds the distinction of being the first black female model on the cover of French Vogue, British Vogue, and Time Magazine.

Richard Benjamin - He starred in a short-lived but well-remembered situation comedy in the late '60's entitled "He and She," with his wife Paula Prentiss, to whom he has been married since 1961. But Benjamin, born on this day in 1938 in New York City, is also an accomplished dramatic actor, film director, and producer. Among his career highlights is a starring role in the 1969 film "Goodbye, Columbus," and his role as director for the critically acclaimed film "My Favorite Year," with Peter O'Toole.

Deaths

Rocky Graziano - In the halcyon days of boxing, Graziano was a celebrated fighter considered one of the greatest knockout artists in the history of the sport, often knocking out opponents with a single punch. As a youth, he spent years in reform school and jail until he found himself inside the squared circle. Graziano was world boxing champion, and counted Tony Zale as one of his chief rivals. He passed away on this day in 1990 at the age of 71.

Dennis Day - If you're familiar at all with Jack Benny, you know Dennis Day pretty well. Mr. Day appeared for the first time on Jack Benny's radio show in 1939 as singer and comic foil, and remained associated with Benny's radio and television programs until Benny's death in 1974. Day passed away from Lou Gehrig's disease at the age of 72 in Los Angeles, California.