Renowned Stars From Hollywood’s Golden Time
The American Film Institute promoted a register of the top 50 stars from American theater back in 1999. These are the stars from the golden age of Hollywood, the ones that began it all. While many of today’s stars may have transcended their talent, they are even so always going to be remembered.
The register starts out with the renowned Humphrey Bogart. Humphrey Bogart acted in 75 motion pictures starting in the 1930′s and up to the 1950′s. His most distinguished role was in all probability the part of Rick Blaine in one of the most famous films of all times, “Casablanca”. He was born on Christmas day, December 25, 1899. He died on January 14, 1957 from cancer of the esophagus.
The subsequent performer on thecatalog, at the number 2 spot, is Archibald Alexander Leach, who is of course, better identified as Cary Grant. Cary Grant was born on January 18, 1904. He passed away November 29, 1986. Jimmy Stewart, who acted the lead in the much loved Christmas movie that is still shown every year, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, follows him at the number 3 spot.
Marlon Brando, Jr. is next at the number 4 spot. Marlon was born on April 3, 1924 and he died on July 1, 2004. The next spot goes to one of the most famed dancers in history, Fred Astaire. He was born Frederick Austerlitz on May 10, 1899 and he died on June 27, 1987. His film career continued over seventy-six years, during which he made thirty-one musical films. He made 10 movies with Ginger Rogers, another dancer with whom he is most often linked.
At number six on the inventory, there is Henry Fonda. Henry was born May 16, 1905 and he passed on August 12, 1982. At number 7 on the list is the man who played the lead role in the picture with the top box office accomplishment of all times, Clark Gable. In 1937, he played Rhett Butler in the picture “Gone With The Wind”.
The position of the number 8 spot goes to James Cagney. He is followed at number 9 by Spencer Tracy. Spencer Tracy was part of one of the most flourishing movie pairings in history along with Katharine Hepburn, who just happens to hold the top spot on the register of actresses.
The top ten list is rounded out by the only actor from the silent film period. Charlie Chaplin began his career in 1916 before talking movies. He did not have his first true “talking” picture until 1940 with “The Great Dictator”.
Of course, preferred actors, actresses and movies are always subjective. Everyone has a different belief on what is perceived as best. But the catalog of the top stars does consist of the players who made their mark on movie history.
