Today’s classic TV birthday list starts with actress Barbara Hershey, who guested on classics like Daniel Boone, Gidget and Kung Fu. She was a regular on the 1966 western The Monroes, and later appeared on Chicago Hope and Once Upon a Time. Hershey, who turns 66 today, has also had roles in such big screen films as The Natural and The Right Stuff.

Screenwriter Michael Mann (Police Story, Starsky & Hutch, Vega$) is 71, entrepreneur Nolan Bushnell (founder of Atari, makers of the first TV video game Pong) turns 71 and David Selby (Dark Shadows, Falcon Crest, Flamingo Road) is 73.

Also celebrating a birthday: Stuart Damon. The now 77-year-old actor is best known for his longtime role on the daytime soap General Hospital. He’s appeared on other soaps too, including As The World Turns, Days of Our Lives and Port Charles. Damon guested on shows like Naked City and Space:1999, and had starring roles in The Champions (1968 UK espionage series) and Yanks Go Home (1967 Britcom).

Classic TV favorites born today but no longer with us include actor-comedian Red Buttons (The Red Buttons Show, frequent guest on Dean Martin Celebrity Roasts and The Tonight Show), producer Stephen J. Cannell (creator or co-creator of The A-Team, Baretta, The Rockford Files, Silk Stalkings) and Norman Grabowski (guested on The Beverly Hillbillies, Batman, Fantasy Island).

John Carradine was also born this day. The veteran actor appeared in such big screen classics as The Grapes of Wrath and Stagecoach, followed by roles in a number of B horror movies. Carradine guested on a number of classic TV shows, among them BJ and the Bear, Bonanza, Lights Out, McCloud, The Rifleman and Starsky & Hutch. He played Herman’s mortician boss on The Munsters and also appeared on his son David’s 1970s adventure-western Kung Fu.

We have also lost a number of classic TV friends on February 5. Franklin Cover (The Jeffersons), Dean Jagger (regular on 1960s drama Mr. Novak, guested on Bonanza, Harry O, Medical Center, The Twilight Zone), Doug McClure (Barbary Coast, Checkmate, Overland Trail, Search, The Virginian) and Peggy Rea (guested on I Love Lucy and The Odd Couple, regular on the final few seasons of The Waltons, later on The Dukes of Hazzard and Grace Under Fire).

Today was also the day Thelma Ritter died. Ritter received several Academy Award nominations for her film work, and later guested on classic TV series Alfred Hitchcock Presents and Wagon Train. Her first film role, although uncredited, may well be her best remembered. She played the stressed-out shopper in the 1947 holiday classic Miracle on 34th Street.

Pamelyn Ferdin leads off today’s classic TV star birthdays. The 55-year-old former child star was a regular on Blondie (1968 version), Lassie (1972), The Paul Lynde Show and Space Academy. Ferdin guested on many classic TV series of the 60s and 70s, including The Brady Bunch (she was in the memorable episode where Jan wore the black wig), Family Affair and The Odd Couple. She also did voice work on the movie Charlotte’s Web and several Peanuts cartoons.

Also marking birthdays February 4: John Shuck (McMillan & Wife, Holmes and Yo-Yo, later Law & Order SVU) turns 74, Gary Conway (Burke’s Law, Land of the Giants) is 78, comedian David Brenner (guested on The Tonight Show, starred in a show cancelled before it ever aired: 1976’s Snip) is 78 and Janet Waldo is 90. Waldo guested on classic shows like The Andy Griffith Show, I Love Lucy and Petticoat Junction but is best known for her cartoon work. You probably remember her as the voice of Judy Jetson and Josie of Josie & The Pussycats.

Classic TV stars born today but since passed include Canadian-born twin actors Conrad and Bonar Bain. Conrad starred on Maude and Diff’rent Strokes, while Bonar guested on Maude and SCTV Network. Songwriter-composer Ray Evans (and partner Jay Livingston) composed the theme songs for classic TV favorites like Bonanza, The Doris Day Show and Mister Ed. He is also credited with the Bugs Bunny theme “This Is It.” William Talman is remembered for his long-time role as D.A. Hamilton Burger on Perry Mason.

Also born this day was London-born actress-director Ida Lupino, pictured above. The former film actress starred with then-husband Howard Duff in a 1950s sitcom Mr. Adams and Eve, later guesting on numerous 60s and 70s shows like Batman, Columbo, Family Affair, Police Woman and Switch. Lupino also directed episodes of Gilligan’s Island, Have Gun Will Travel and Thriller.

Several classic TV favorites passed away February 4, including Liberace. The legendary pianist, known for his flamboyant costumes and trademark candelabra, hosted The Liberace Show and guested on shows like Batman, The Jack Benny Program and The Tonight Show. Ossie Davis guested on Bonanza and Night Gallery, later appearing on Evening Shade and Touched by An Angel. Davis was also the husband of actress Ruby Dee.

Others passing this day: singer-actress Barbara McNair (guested on Hogan’s Heroes, Mod Squad, Vega$) and George Nader. He starred on several late 1950s/early 60s shows (The Further Adventures of Ellery Queen, The Man and the Challenge, Shannon) and guested on Burke’s Law and The F.B.I.

Today’s birthday list starts off with Morgan Fairchild, who turns 64. The lovely blonde actress made appearances on such 1970s classics as The Bob Newhart Show, Kojak and Mork & Mindy. She was later in the cast of primetime soaps Falcon Crest, Flamingo Road and Paper Dolls.

Others celebrating birthdays today: Pamela Franklin (guested on Green Acres, Medical Center, The Six Million Dollar Man) turns 64, Stephen McHattie (appeared on Adam-12, Centennial, Kojak…later played Elaine’s controlling psychiatrist-boyfriend on Seinfeld) is 67, and Aussie actress-singer Trisha Noble is 70. Noble was a regular on the 1976 series Executive Suite and later appeared on Buck Rogers in the 25th Century and The Love Boat. One of her more memorable guest roles was on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, where she played a reporter trying to seduce Ted Baxter.

Also on the birthday list is 71-year-old Blythe Danner, who starred in 1973’s Adams Rib sitcom and guested on Columbo and M*A*S*H. Danner is the widow of producer Bruce Paltrow (St. Elsewhere, The White Shadow) and the mom of actress Gwyneth Paltrow. Bridget Hanley (Harper Valley PTA, Here Come The Brides) is 73 and Shelley Berman (Bewitched, Emergency!, The Twilight Zone and recently Curb Your Enthusiasm) is 88.

Classic TV stars born February 3 but no longer with us: singer-actor Russell Arms (Perry Mason, Your Hit Parade), Joey Bishop (The Joey Bishop Show, guest on The Tonight Show and numerous game shows), Victor Buono (King Tut on Batman, The Odd Couple, The Wild Wild West), Peggy Ann Garner (child star who later guested on Batman, Lou Grant, The Untouchables) and Robert Earl Jones. The father of actor James Earl Jones guest starred on shows like The Defenders, Kojak and Lou Grant. The elder Jones also worked on the big screen, appearing in The Sting and Trading Places.

John Fiedler was also born this day. You may not recognize the name, but his bespectacled face and distinctive voice are easily recognizable. He guested on TV classics The Odd Couple and The Twilight Zone, voiced characters in Disney movies and had recurring roles on The Bob Newhart Show (Mr. Peterson) and Kolchak: The Night Stalker.

A number of classic TV favorites passed away February 3, including producer Harry Ackerman (Bewitched, Dennis The Menace, Father Knows Best), actor-director John Cassavetes (starred in 1959 series Johnny Staccato, guested on Burke’s Law, Columbo, The Virginian…also starred in the movie The Dirty Dozen), Nancy Kulp (The Beverly Hillbillies, Sanford & Son), Al Lewis (Car 54 Where Are You?, The Munsters), Audrey Meadows (The Honeymooners) and Anna May Wong (guested on The Barbara Stanwyck Show, The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp).

Ben Gazzara (pictured) also died on this day. The film, stage and TV actor-director starred in the 1960s dramas Arrest and Trial and Run For Your Life, later appearing in the 1974 TV miniseries QB VII. Gazzara also appeared in three 1970s era movies that were directed by the aforementioned John Cassavetes. Ironically, both men died on February 3.

Bo Hopkins leads off today’s birthday list. The veteran character actor appeared on such classic shows as Gunsmoke, Mod Squad, The Rat Patrol and The Rockford Files. Hopkins is 72.

Other birthdays: Tom Smothers (The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour) is 77, Robert Mandan (Soap) turns 82 and Elaine Stritch is 89. Stritch played Trixie in the pilot for The Honeymooners, then starred in 1960 sitcom My Sister Eileen. She later moved to the UK and starred in the 70s comedy Two’s Company. More recently she appeared on Law & Order and 30 Rock.

Classic TV stars born this day but since passed on include character actor Frank Albertson (guested on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Andy Griffith Show, Sugarfoot), Farrah Fawcett (Charlie’s Angels), actress-producer Bonita Granville (wife of Jack Wrather, producer of Lassie, The Lone Ranger, Sergeant Preston of the Yukon), Brit actor Geoffrey Hughes (UK soap Coronation Street, Onslow on Britcom Keeping Up Appearances) and Charles Correll.

Correll was the creator of the 1950s Amos ‘n Andy Show, having voiced the Andy character on radio. He also created and provided the voice of Calvin on the animated 1961-62 series Calvin and the Colonel. Correll’s son Richard followed in his father’s show biz footsteps, playing Beaver’s friend Richard on Leave It To Beaver before moving behind the camera. Richard Correll directed the sitcom Family Matters and currently works on the Scott Baio series See Dad Run on Nick at Nite.

Several classic TV stars passed away on February 2: legendary dancer-actor Gene Kelly (he actually starred in a short-lived 1962 TV series Going My Way, based on the Bing Crosby movie), actor-turned-lawyer John Kerr (12 O’Clock High, The Streets of San Francisco), Bert Parks (emcee of The Miss America Pageant from 1955-79), Barry Morse (The Fugitive, Space: 1999) and Donald Pleasence (The Outer Limits, The Twilight Zone, later appeared in the Halloween movies).

Also passing on this day: Boris Karloff. The London-born Karloff became a film star playing classic horror movie monsters Frankenstein and The Mummy. He later made numerous appearances on such classic TV shows as Route 66 and The Wild Wild West, also hosting the 1960s anthology series Thriller. Karloff’s distinctive voice continues to entertain new generations, as he was the narrator of the classic holiday cartoon How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

Danger, Will Robinson! Hard to believe, but actor Billy Mumy turns 60 today. Mumy is best known for his role as Will Robinson on the 1960s family space adventure series Lost In Space. He also appeared in several memorable episodes of The Twilight Zone, including “The Good Life” (wish him to the cornfield, Anthony!).

Also born February 1: Garrett Morris (Saturday Night Live, currently on 2 Broke Girls) is 77, Stuart Whitman (Cimarron Strip, Highway Patrol) turns 86 and Peter Sallis is 93. Sallis was the star of the long-running Britcom The Last of the Summer Wine.

Classic TV stars born this day but since passed include Austrian-born Bibi Besch, who starred on daytime soaps The Edge of Night, The Secret Storm and Somerset. She later appeared on The Jeff Foxworthy Show and Northern Exposure. Sherman Hemsley starred in two successful sitcoms in the 1970s and 80s: The Jeffersons and Amen. Jessica Savitch was a news anchor and host for NBC and PBS. She was tragically killed in a car accident at age 36.

Several classic TV favorites passed away on February 1. Don Cornelius created and hosted the music-variety series Soul Train. Gossip columnist Hedda Hopper appeared on The Beverly Hillbillies and I Love Lucy. She was also the mother of William Hopper, who played Paul Drake on Perry Mason. Silent film legend Buster Keaton later starred on The Buster Keaton Show and guested on The Donna Reed Show, Route 66 and The Untouchables.

Also passing this day: the man who uttered the phrase “Double Secret Probation.” Canadian actor John Vernon’s most memorable role (IMHO) was as Dean Vernon Wormer in the movie National Lampoon’s Animal House. He later reprised the role on the short lived TV sitcom Delta House.

Vernon made numerous guest appearances on such TV classics as Bonanza, Cannon, Hawaii Five-0, Mannix and Mission: Impossible. He also did cartoon voiceovers and had roles in notable movies like Dirty Harry.

First up on today’s classic TV star birthday list: Carol Channing. The stage film and screen star turns 93. Best known for her role in the Broadway musical Hello Dolly!, she also guested on such classic TV series as The Flip Wilson Show, The Love Boat, The Muppet Show and What’s My Line?

Other January 31 birthdays: character actor Jonathan Banks (guested on Barnaby Jones, Lou Grant) is 67, Glynn Turnan (Centennial, Peyton Place, currently on the Showtime series House of Lies) turns 68, British actress Connie Booth (Fawlty Towers) hits the big 7-0, Jessica Walter (Amy Prentiss, For The People, Trapper John M.D., recently Arrested Development) is 73, Stuart Margolin (The Rockford Files) is 74 and Lynn Carlin turns 76. Carlin appeared on such 1970s staples as Emergency!, Insight and The Waltons, but her best-known role was as the mom on the coming-of-age drama James at 15/16.

There’s a long list of celebrities born this day but no longer with us. It starts with John Agar, an actor who appeared in several John Wayne movies but later wound up starring in a series of sci-fi and western B movies (The Mole People, anyone?). He later guested on Charlie’s Angels, Family Affair, Police Story and Rawhide. Agar’s other claim to fame? He was the first husband of former child star Shirley Temple.

Also on the list: stage, screen and radio star Tallulah Bankhead. She also appeared on the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The Tonight Show (Jack Paar and Johnny Carson versions) and was special guest villainess The Black Widow on Batman. Singer-comedian-actor Eddie Cantor guested on The Jack Benny Show and Playhouse 90. He lives on as a featured character on the HBO series Boardwalk Empire.

Others born this day: actor-stuntman Carey Loftin (BJ & The Bear, Movin’ On, The Rockford Files), TV host Garry Moore (I’ve Got A Secret, To Tell The Truth), Suzanne Pleshette (The Bob Newhart Show), Filmation Studios co-founder Norm Prescott (The Archies, Fat Albert & The Cosby Kids) and British actress Jean Simmons (guested on Hawaii Five-O, The Odd Couple).

Wrapping up the list of classic TV stars born January 31 is James Franciscus (pictured above). According to our research, he starred in 6 series in the 60s and 70s, including Doc Elliot, Hunter, The Investigators, Longstreet, Mr. Novak and Naked City (the first season half-hour version). Hunter was a short-lived 1976 espionage series co-starring Linda Evans, no connection to the 1980s crime drama Hunter.

A classic TV star also passed away on this day. Lee Bergere appeared in shows like The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mannix, Perry Mason and Wagon Train. He was also a regular on Hot L Baltimore and later, Dynasty.

Celebrating birthdays today: Gene Hackman (84) and Dorothy Malone (89). Hackman is best known for his film work, but he also appeared in many classic TV shows including The F.B.I., I Spy, Naked City and The United States Steel Hour. Malone guested on Cimarron City, The Untouchables and Vega$. She was also a regular on Peyton Place.

Classic TV stars born January 30 but since passed include Canadian actor-director John Ireland. He starred in a mystery series called The Cheaters, also appearing on classics like Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie, Quincy M.E., Rawhide, Schlitz Playhouse and Thriller. Ireland was also a regular in the short-lived Angie Dickinson detective series Cassie & Co. (1982).

Also born today: Dick Martin (Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In), financial journalist Louis Rukeyser (Wall $treet Week) and David Wayne. The veteran character actor starred in a 1950s series Norby, later he was in the cast of Ellery Queen, The Good Life (a Larry Hagman sitcom) and House Calls. Wayne also guested on many classic shows, among them Batman (he was The Mad Hatter), Hawaii Five-O and The Twilight Zone.

Celebrities passing January 30: Pierre Boulle (author of the Planet of the Apes novel, later a movie franchise which also spawned a short-lived TV series and cartoon), Huntz Hall (starred in Dead End Kids/Bowery Boys movies, later he guested on TV shows Chips, Diff’rent Strokes, Flipper), Ed Herlihy (Tonight Show announcer, Kraft Foods spokesman) and Aaron Ruben (director of The Andy Griffith Show, Gomer Pyle USMC, Sanford & Son).

Veteran actor John McIntire also died on this day. He starred in the first season, half-hour version of Naked City and replaced Ward Bond as the lead on Wagon Train. McIntire appeared in numerous classic TV shows including Daniel Boone, The Twilight Zone and The Virginian. He was also in the cast of Shirley, a 1979 comedy-drama starring Shirley Jones.

Ann Jillian leads off today’s classic TV birthday list. The 64 year old Jillian guested on 1960s classics Leave it To Beaver and The Twilight Zone, then joined the cast of Hazel in its final season. She later starred in a pair of sitcoms: It’s A Living and the self-titled Ann Jillian.

Other January 29 birthdays: Canadian actor Marc Singer is 66 (guested on Barnaby Jones and Hawaii Five, starred on V) and Tom Selleck is 69. Selleck appeared on such classics as Charlie’s Angels, The F.B.I., Lancer and Marcus Welby M.D. He achieved his greatest fame as Magnum P.I. and currently stars on the CBS crime drama Blue Bloods.

Also marking a birthday is film and TV star Katherine Ross (74). She guested on shows like Ben Casey, The Virginian and The Wild Wild West, later becoming a series regular on the Dynasty spinoff The Colbys. Ross had breakout movie roles in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and The Graduate.

Classic TV stars born January 29 but no longer with us include John Forsythe. He appeared on such shows as Lights Out, Studio One, Suspense and The Love Boat, plus starred in a number of sitcoms (Bachelor Father, The John Forsythe Show, To Rome with Love). Forsythe was later seen but not heard as the voice of Charlie on Charlie’s Angels, then as the patriarch of the Carrington family on Dynasty.

Also born this day: Anthony George (Dark Shadows, One Life To Live, Search for Tomorrow, The Untouchables), British actor Noel Harrison (guested on Ironside, Love American Style, Mission: Impossible, starred on The Girl from U.N.C.L.E.) and Ed Shaughnessy (long time drummer on The Tonight Show).

Celebrities passing away on January 29 include Freddie Prinze (Chico and the Man), Leif Erickson (The High Chaparral) and Jimmy Durante. The actor-comedian was well-known for his gravelly voice and big nose…he called it his schnozzola.

Jimmy Durante guested on Make Room for Daddy and numerous variety shows (The Andy Williams Show, The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour). He also headlined The Jimmy Durante Show in the 1950s and Jimmy Durante Presents the Lennon Sisters in 1969-70. One of his most enduring roles is as the narrator of the perennial Christmas special Frosty The Snowman.

Kicking off today’s list of classic TV birthdays is Barbi Benton. The one-time girlfriend of Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner had multiple guest appearances on 70s’ staples Fantasy Island and The Love Boat, and also headlined short-lived sitcom Sugar Time! Benton turns 64 today.

Other January 28 birthdays include Susan Howard (70), who guested on dozens of classic shows, and was later a regular on Petrocelli and Dallas). John Beck (71) appeared on shows like Bonanza, I Dream of Jeannie and The Mod Squad. He was a regular on James Garner’s quickly- cancelled western Nichols, later he was seen on primetime soaps Dallas and Flamingo Road.

One more “major” birthday, or should we say Captain…as in Captain Benjamin Franklin “Hawkeye” Pierce. Actor Alan Alda played that role on the long-running comedy-drama M*A*S*H and turns 78 today. Alda guested on 1960s classics Naked City and Route 66, then followed M*A*S*H with a hosting role on the PBS series Scientific American Frontiers. He also had a major role on The West Wing.

Classic TV stars also sharing a January 28 birthday but since passed: John Banner (guested on classics including The Lone Ranger, Mister Ed and The Partridge Family, regular on Hogan’s Heroes), Joel Crothers (Dark Shadows, later on Santa Barbara), Maurice Gosfield (The Phil Silvers Show, Top Cat) and Arnold Moss (guested on Bonanza, The Rifleman, Star Trek.)

A number of classic TV favorites passed on this day, including the aforementioned John Banner. The actor who played Sergeant Schultz (I know nothing! I see nothing! I hear nothing!) on Hogan’s Heroes died on his 63rd birthday. Henry McGee was an announcer and cast member of the British comedy-variety series The Benny Hill Show.

Another January 28 passing was character actor Hal Smith. The versatile Smith had an impressive 6 decade career, including guest appearances on The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, The Brady Bunch, Green Acres and I Married Joan. He also did extensive cartoon voiceovers on Clutch Cargo, The Flintstones and Space Angel.

Hal Smith was the voice of Goliath on the Christian stop-motion animated series Davey and Goliath too. His best known role? Many would say Otis Campbell, the town drunk on The Andy Griffith Show.

Actor-comedian John Witherspoon leads off today’s birthday list. Witherspoon guested on 1970s classics Good Times, The Incredible Hulk and What’s Happening!!

Also celebrating a birthday: James Cromwell. The veteran film and TV actor played Stretch Cunningham on All in the Family and had regular roles in 2 short-lived 1970s sitcoms: Hot L Baltimore and The Nancy Walker Show. Cromwell has appeared in many movies (including Babe) and guested on dozens of TV shows since the 70s. He’s currently a regular on the ABC drama series Betrayal.

Classic TV stars born this day but no longer with us include Troy Donahue (Hawaiian Eye, Surfside 6), Jerry Haynes (portrayed Mr. Peppermint, longtime children’s TV host in Dallas), Skitch Henderson (the original bandleader on The Tonight Show), Howard McNear (Floyd the Barber on The Andy Griffith Show) and Donna Reed. The lovely film and TV star appeared in the holiday classic It’s A Wonderful Life and later had her own long-running TV series: The Donna Reed Show. Reed also took over the role of Miss Ellie on Dallas for the 1984 season.

A number of classic TV favorites passed away on January 27. The list includes Claude Akins (B.J. and The Bear, The Misadventures of Sheriff Lobo, Movin’ On), Tige Andrews (The Detectives, Mod Squad), Jack Paar (2nd host of The Tonight Show) and Sally Starr (early Philadelphia children’s host, died 2 days after her 90th birthday).

One more January 27 death was Don Stansauk (shown above), also known as pro wrestler Hard Boiled (H.B.) Haggerty. Stansauk had quite a career, playing pro football for the NFL’s Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. He followed that with professional wrestling, then acting. Haggerty guested on classic TV series including Adam-12, Buck Rogers in the 25th Century and Happy Days.