Character actress Barbara Rhoades leads off today’s birthday list. The redheaded Rhoades (67) was a familiar face on 1960s and 70s TV, guesting on such classics as It Takes A Thief, Mannix, McMillan & Wife, Mod Squad, The Odd Couple and Sanford & Son. She also co-starred in the 1977 Adam Arkin sitcom Busting Loose.

Others celebrating birthdays: Mark Rydell (86) and Marty Allen (92). Rydell has acted in such classics as The Phil Silvers Show and daytime soaps As The World Turns and The Edge of Night. He has also directed movies (The Cowboys, On Golden Pond) and television programs (Ben Casey, Gunsmoke). Actor-comedian Allen has guested on The Big Valley, Love American Style and Night Gallery, along with numerous talk, variety and game shows (The Hollywood Squares, What’s My Line?)

March 23 was also the birthday of since passed Kenneth Tobey. The stage, film and TV actor appeared on TV from the 1950s to the 90s, guesting on such shows as Adam-12, Barnaby Jones, Emergency!, Gunsmoke, I Spy, Perry Mason and The Rockford Files.

Today was the day we bade farewell to a pair of big screen talents who also graced the small screen. Peter Lorre (Casablanca, The Maltese Falcon) guested on 77 Sunset Strip, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Playhouse 90 and Route 66. Elizabeth Taylor appeared as herself on a number of classic shows, including The David Frost Show, Dinah!, Here’s Lucy and What’s My Line?