May 25: 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 25 honorees:

Birthdays

Anne Heche - She caused a firestorm years back when she publicly announced she was gay and in a serious relationship with comedienne and talk show host Ellen De Generes. After the relationship ended, she established a heterosexual relationship and married cameraman Coley Laffoon Born on this day in Aurora, Ohio in 1969, she began her career right after high school on the soap opera "Another World." Her career slipped into neutral after the "Ellen" hoopla, but she still boasts an impressive list of film credits, including roles in "Wag the Dog" and "Donnie Brasco."

Mike Myers - This enormously successful Canadian-born actor, comedian, screenwriter and film producer was born on this day in 1963, and rose to prominence as a member of the Saturday Night Live cast. Since then, he has compiled an extraordinary resume with three separate franchises... Wayne's World (with fellow SNL cast member Dana Carvey), Austin Powers, and Shrek.

Ian McKellen - One of our most distinguished and versatile actors, Mr. Mckellen has been able to effectively straddle the Shakespearean stage and the world of science fiction. Born in Lancashire, England, on this date 1939, he is the recipient of a Tony Award and two Academy Award nominations, the latest for his portrayal of Gandalf in "The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring."

Deaths

Vic Tayback - For many actors, it really is just fine to be known and remembered for one character...as long as that role endures for nine years. Mr. Tayback, who passed away suddenly of a heart attack in 1990 at the age of 60, famously played diner owner Mel Sharples in the 1974 movie "Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore," and then followed it with a reprisal of the role on the television series "Alice," which ran from 1976 to 1985.

Charles Nelson Reilly - With as many career accomplishments as Mr. Reilly was able to accumulate, perhaps he is most remembered for his contributions as a panelist on the game show "Match Game" hosted by Gene Rayburn. He appeared on many other game shows during that era, acted in films and on stage, and was an acting teacher at the famed HB Studio, founded by Herbert Berghof and his wife, the renowned stage actress Uta Hagen. Mr. Reilly passed away after a year long bout with pneumonia. He was 76 years old.