Few actors and actresses are able to achieve what Shakespearean actress and A-list movie star, Helen Mirren has achieved: the “Triple Crown of Acting: Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award.” Born in 1945 as Ilynea Lydia Mironoff, Mirren first began her formal acting career after joining the Royal Shakespeare Company in the late 1960s. Though nominated twice before for an Emmy, it was Mirren’s 2007 performance as Queen Elizabeth II in the critically acclaimed film, “The Queen” that would finally earn the actress the Academy Award for Best Actress.
Additionally, Mirren would also go on to win an Oliver Award for Best Actress, for her performance in the drama, “The Audience” in 2013, a role in which she again acted as Queen Elizabeth II. In 2003, Mirren was formally recognized for her years of dedication and talent in the world of the Performing Arts after being appointed as a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for Services to the Performing Arts.
Moviegoers Wait in Line to Watch “The Exorcist” in Theaters, 1973
The below photo depicts the overwhelmingly large amount of people that anxiously waited in long lines out-the-door and around-the-corner, just to buy a ticket to see the 1973 horror film, “The Exorcist.” Released in cinemas on December 26th, 1973, this image illustrates the astonishing popularity of the film labeled as “one of the greatest horror films of all time”, both at the time of its release and up until today. The movie proved itself a “major commercial success”, bringing in a whopping $441 million worldwide!
Believe it or not, this terrifying horror classic is actually based on a true story. Indeed, the novel that inspired the movie, written by author William Peter Blatty, is actually based on the real-life exorcism of a young boy, known by the pseudonym Roland Doe, in 1949. After hearing about the exorcism on national news, Blatty, a student at Georgetown University at the time, soon became intrigued with the story, and ended up writing a novel based upon these terrifying real-life events.
Siblings Share a Coke, 1956
As the old saying goes, “Sharing is caring!” The below photo, captured in 1956, perfectly (and adorably) highlights this concept, as one sister is captured sharing her Coke with her fellow sibling. Coca-Cola was first introduced to the public on May 8th, 1886, by a curious, Atlanta-based pharmacist by the name of Dr. John S. Pemberton.
While Pemberton is credited with creating this famously “distinctive tasting soft drink,” it was his bookkeeper, Frank M. Robinson, that is credited with not only naming Pemberton’s soda drink “Coca-Cola,” but is also known as the man who designed the “trademarked, distinct script” stilled used by Coca-Cola today.
Julie Christie as 'Lara' in Dr. Zhivago (1965)
The below photograph is a shot of actress Julie Christie, appearing as the female love interest in the classic novel turned blockbuster hit, “Dr. Zhivago,” filmed in 1965. Though widely popular in the West at the time of its publication, not surprisingly, this book was banned in the Soviet Union. As a result, the production of the film was unable to be carried out anywhere near the borders of the powerful, socialist state. Instead, filmmakers chose to shoot this epic love story in Spain.
Interestingly enough, while a majority of the movie is set in a snow-covered, icy tundra, in reality, most of these dramatic, snow-clad scenes were filmed in Spain, during the country’s hot, sunny summer months. This epic film would go on to win a record-breaking five Oscars, taking home the winning nominations for Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score, Best Cinematography, Best Art Direction, and Best Costume Design.
Legendary Rockers Ted Nugent and Bob Seger Side-by-side,1972
The below photo of American singer-songwriters Ted Nugent and Bob Seger was taken in 1972, while the two performed together at several venues. At the time this photograph was taken, Nugent was a part of the Chicago-based American rock band “Amboy Dukes,” which is credited with helping Nugent first rise to fame. During this time, he was the lead guitarist of the musical group. First formed back in 1963, the Amboy Dukes were known for playing an interestingly unique musical combination of hard and psychedelic rock. Nugent eventually parted ways with the band, in order to pursue his career as a solo artist.
Approximately a year after this photo was captured, Bob Seger would go on to form the “Silver Bullet Band,” which was comprised of a group of Detroit-based musicians. In addition to his work with the Silver Bullet Band, throughout his musical career, Seger was also known for his extensive work with a number of other talented musicians. Similar to Nugent, Seger would also go on to pursue a solo career in music. Today, both Nugent and Seger still tour and perform their music all over the country.