SPOTLIGHT May 22 Answer of the Day Was a Best Actor Oscar ever won by an actor who had directed the movie that won him the award? Sir Laurence Olivier was the first to direct himself to an Academy Award, winning for Best Actor and Best Film for Hamlet (he did not get the statuette for Best Director, however). Roberto Benigni is the only other person to achieve this feat so far, for Life is Beautiful (1997). Olivier is considered by many to be one of the greatest actors of the 20th century. Born on this date in 1907, he made his mark as a Shakespearean performer on the stage and screen. He appeared in over 120 stage roles, nearly 60 films and more than 15 television productions, and was nominated for 13 Academy Awards. In 1972, Olivier was offered the role of Don Corleone in The Godfather, but when he became ill, the part went to Marlon Brando. Quote I take a simple view of living. It is keep your eyes open and get on with it. — Laurence Olivier Word of the day (© ) Todays History War of the Roses: series of civil wars began, pitting York against Lancaster (1455) Pact of Steel: Germany and Italy committed to a military alliance (1939) Truman Doctrine: became US law; it encouraged aid to countries under communist threat (1947) Sri Lanka: became a republic, changing its name from Ceylon (1972) Republic of Yemen: was formed by the union of North Yemen and South Yemen (1990) Todays Birthdays Mary Cassatt (1844-1926): painter best known for her images of mother and child Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930): creator of Sherlock Holmes Ginnifer Goodwin (32): screen actor, Big Love, Hes Just Not That Into You; other actors born on this date include Charles Aznavour (86), Michael Constantine (83), Richard Benjamin and Frank Converse (both 72), Paul Winfield (1939-2004), Michael Sarrazin (70) and Anna Belknap and Alison Eastwood (both 37) Peter Nero (76): pianist and composer; also, songwriter Bernie Taupin (60) Naomi Campbell (40): 1990s supermodel Apolo Anton Ohno (28): speed skating champ and Dancing with the Stars winner Read more: answers/topic/saturday-may-22-2010-from-today-s-highlights-archive#ixzz32RFqyVgh
Posted on: Thu, 22 May 2014 10:23:28 +0000
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