Ian Holm
Sir Ian Holm (1931–2020) was a distinguished British actor known for his versatility across stage and screen. Born on September 12, 1931, in Essex, England, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and became a key figure in the Royal Shakespeare Company. Holm gained widespread acclaim for his roles in films such as Alien (1979), Chariots of Fire (1981), and The Fifth Element (1997). He is also beloved for portraying Bilbo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit trilogies. Renowned for his ability to bring depth and nuance to every character, Holm’s career spanned over six decades. He passed away on June 19, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.
Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman (born 1958) is a highly acclaimed British actor known for his remarkable versatility and transformative performances across film, television, and stage. Born on March 21, 1958, in London, England, he trained at the Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance before rising to prominence with intense roles in films such as Sid and Nancy (1986) and JFK (1991). Oldman gained further recognition for his performances in Dracula (1992), Léon: The Professional (1994), and The Fifth Element (1997). He captivated audiences as Sirius Black in Harry Potter, Commissioner Gordon in The Dark Knight trilogy, and won an Academy Award for his portrayal of Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour (2017). Celebrated for his ability to fully embody characters, Oldman remains one of the most respected and versatile actors of his generation.
John Hurt
John Hurt (1940–2017) was a distinguished British actor renowned for his distinctive voice, emotional depth, and ability to bring gravitas to a wide range of roles. Born on January 22, 1940, in Chesterfield, England, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before making a name for himself with breakout performances in A Man for All Seasons (1966) and The Naked Civil Servant (1975). He earned critical acclaim for his heartbreaking portrayal of John Merrick in The Elephant Man (1980) and left a lasting mark on sci-fi cinema with his role in Alien (1979). Hurt’s diverse career spanned 1984 (1984), V for Vendetta (2005), and Harry Potter, where he played the enigmatic wandmaker Ollivander. A two-time Academy Award nominee and BAFTA-winning actor, he was celebrated for his ability to convey profound humanity in every role. He passed away on January 25, 2017, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable performances.
Gene Hackman
Gene Hackman (1930–2025) was a celebrated American actor renowned for his compelling performances across a diverse range of films. Born on January 30, 1930, in San Bernardino, California, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps before pursuing acting. Hackman’s breakthrough role came with Bonnie and Clyde (1967), earning him an Academy Award nomination. He won his first Oscar for Best Actor in The French Connection (1971) and a second for Best Supporting Actor in Unforgiven (1992). His extensive filmography includes notable works like The Conversation (1974), Hoosiers (1986), and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001). After retiring from acting in 2004, Hackman turned to writing, authoring several novels. He passed away on February 26, 2025, at his home in Santa Fe, New Mexico, alongside his wife, Betsy Arakawa. Hackman’s enduring legacy is marked by his profound impact on cinema and storytelling.
Gandalf
According to the Red Book of Westmarch, Gandalf was one of the most powerful and influential figures in the history of Middle-earth. Known to many as a wizard, he was far more than an old man with a staff—he was an immortal being sent by higher powers to aid in the struggle against darkness. Gandalf first arrived in Middle-earth around T.A. 1000, appearing as a wise wanderer, often dressed in gray robes, carrying a wooden staff, and possessing incredible magical abilities.
As a wizard, Gandalf could command fire, light, and other mystical forces, but his greatest strength was his wisdom and ability to inspire courage in others. Rather than ruling from a throne, he traveled across Middle-earth, advising kings, rallying warriors, and helping those in need. His role was not to defeat evil himself, but to guide and empower the Free Peoples—Elves, Dwarves, Men, and Hobbits—so they could stand against it.
His influence was felt in many great events, such as the Quest of Erebor, where he helped a group of Dwarves reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug, and later, in the War of the Ring, where he led the fight against the dark lord Sauron. He became one of the key leaders of the Fellowship of the Ring, a group tasked with destroying the One Ring, Sauron’s most powerful weapon.
During their journey, Gandalf battled an ancient demon, the Balrog of Moria, and fell into the abyss. Though believed dead, he was reborn as Gandalf the White, returning stronger than before, with greater power and renewed purpose. In this new form, he took command of the wizards and led the final stand against Sauron, ensuring his downfall in T.A. 3019.
With his mission fulfilled, Gandalf left Middle-earth on September 29, T.A. 3021, sailing from the Grey Havens to the Undying Lands. His presence had shaped history for over 2,000 years, and his name remained legendary among all who had fought for the fate of Middle-earth.
Fiona Shaw
Fiona Shaw (born 1958) is an acclaimed Irish actress known for her commanding stage presence and remarkable versatility across film, television, and theater. Born on July 10, 1958, in County Cork, Ireland, she trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where she honed her craft before rising to prominence in the British theater scene. Shaw gained widespread recognition for her powerful performances in classical roles, including Medea and Richard II, as well as her acclaimed work with the Royal Shakespeare Company. On screen, she is widely known for portraying Petunia Dursley in the Harry Potter series, as well as her gripping performances in Killing Eve (2018–2022), Andor (2022), and The Tree of Life (2011). A five-time Olivier Award winner, Shaw’s career is marked by her ability to bring depth, intelligence, and emotional intensity to every role she undertakes. She continues to be a prominent and respected figure in the world of acting.
Ray Liotta
Ray Liotta (1954–2022) was a celebrated American actor known for his intense and dynamic portrayals in film and television. Born on December 18, 1954, in Newark, New Jersey, he was adopted by Mary and Alfred Liotta. Liotta’s breakthrough role came as the volatile ex-con Ray Sinclair in Something Wild (1986), earning him a Golden Globe nomination. He gained further acclaim for his portrayal of Shoeless Joe Jackson in Field of Dreams (1989) and as mobster Henry Hill in Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas (1990). Throughout his career, Liotta showcased versatility in films like Unlawful Entry (1992), Cop Land (1997), and Narc (2002). He also won a Primetime Emmy Award for his guest role on ER in 2005. Beyond the screen, Liotta lent his voice to the video game character Tommy Vercetti in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (2002). He passed away in his sleep on May 26, 2022, at the age of 67, while filming in the Dominican Republic. Posthumously, Liotta was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 24, 2023. His daughter, Karsen Liotta, has spoken fondly of her father, describing him as her “best friend” and recalling his kind-hearted nature.
Ralph Fiennes
Ralph Fiennes (born 1962) is an esteemed English actor known for his commanding presence, exceptional range, and deep commitment to his craft. Born on December 22, 1962, in Ipswich, England, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art before making a name for himself with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Fiennes gained international recognition for his haunting portrayal of the sadistic Nazi officer Amon Göth in Schindler’s List (1993), earning an Academy Award nomination. He further cemented his legacy with performances in The English Patient (1996), Red Dragon (2002), and The Constant Gardener (2005). Modern audiences widely recognize him as Lord Voldemort in the Harry Potter series and M in the James Bond franchise. A two-time Oscar nominee and multiple BAFTA and Tony Award winner, Fiennes continues to captivate audiences with his intense, nuanced performances across film, stage, and television.
Fujiwara-no-Sai
Fujiwara-no-Sai is a legendary Heian-era spirit and master of Go, whose presence transcends time. A former imperial Go instructor, Sai was renowned for his elegant and unyielding pursuit of the Divine Move—an ultimate strategy that embodies the purest form of Go.
Tragedy struck when jealousy and intrigue led to his unjust downfall, forcing him to take his own life. However, his spirit persisted, bound to the mortal world by his unfulfilled desire to perfect his game. Centuries later, his restless soul found an unlikely vessel in modern Japan—Hikaru Shindo, a young boy who unknowingly awakened Sai’s spirit upon discovering an old Go board.
Despite his ethereal nature, Sai’s passion for Go remained undiminished. Through Hikaru, he once again took up the game, displaying his otherworldly skill against the strongest modern players. His presence became both a guiding force and a profound burden for Hikaru, who gradually came to understand the weight of Sai’s longing. Yet, even as he soared to new heights, Sai’s existence was bound to the flow of fate.
One day, just as mysteriously as he had appeared, Sai vanished—his purpose fulfilled, his soul finally at peace. But his legacy endured, not only in Hikaru’s growth as a player but in the game of Go itself, where echoes of his spirit still linger in every brilliant move played upon the board.
Michael Horvath
Sergeant Michael Horvath was a dedicated soldier and the trusted second-in-command to Captain John H. Miller in a Ranger special mission squad organized to locate a Private Ryan during the Normandy campaign of World War II. A seasoned infantryman in the 2nd Ranger Battalion, having already seen action in Africa and Italy, Horvath served with distinction and unwavering loyalty, guiding his squad through the harrowing mission to locate Private James Francis Ryan. His experience and battlefield intuition often proved invaluable, whether navigating enemy territory, maintaining morale, or making difficult tactical decisions under fire.
A pragmatic yet compassionate leader, Horvath was deeply committed to his men, often balancing the line between duty and personal conviction. His steady demeanor and camaraderie made him a pillar of strength in the unit, especially as tensions rose during their perilous journey through war-torn France. He carried the weight of responsibility with a quiet resilience, offering both guidance and solace to his comrades. Despite the brutality of battle, Horvath remained grounded, reminding his fellow soldiers of the importance of their mission and the cost of war. His legacy endures as a testament to the quiet heroism, sacrifices, and unshakable brotherhood forged on the front lines.