Happy Birthday, Gene Hackman!

Today we're celebrating two-time Academy Award-winning actor Gene Hackman's 82nd birthday. Although he has not appeared in a film since 2004's Welcome to Mooseport, Hackman has had quite the storied acting career. His first film appearance came in an uncredited role in the 1961 film Mad Dog Coll, and he continued to appear in television shows and movies throughout the early 1960s. He made his first credited appearance in a theatrically-released feature film in 1964's Lilith but didn't make a major splash until his role as Buck Barrow in 1967's Bonnie and Clyde, for which he earned his first Academy Award nomination. He nabbed his first win four years later for his performance in 1971's The French Connection. Hackman worked consistently throughout his career, appearing in such high-profile films as 1978's Superman, 1986's Hoosiers and 1992's Unforgiven (which gave him his second Oscar). So, to celebrate his birthday, I've listed my five favorite of Gene's performances. I hope you enjoy the videos I've found. Once again, happy birthday, Gene!

5. Lex Luthor
Superman (1978)


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4. Harry Zimm
Get Shorty (1995)


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3. Little Bill Daggett
Unforgiven (1992)


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2. Blind Man
Young Frankenstein (1974)


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1. Royal Tenenbaum
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

In Memoriam: Madeline Kahn

Today, we're celebrating the life of Madeline Kahn, who would have turned 69 today, were she still alive. Originally trained to be an opera singer, Kahn found a knack for big-screen acting, nabbing her big break in films like 1973's Paper Moon and 1974's Blazing Saddles, both of which she earned Academy Award nominations. She had a talent for comedy, as is evidenced by her long-time working relationship with Mel Brooks, who cast her in a number of films over the years. Tragically, Kahn passed away in 1999 after a bout with ovarian cancer, taking away one of the finer performers the silver screen had seen in the thirty years prior. So, to celebrate her acting legacy, I've created a list of my five favorite of her roles, like I normally do with birthday posts. I hope you enjoy the videos as you help me celebrate the memory of Madeline Kahn.

5. Empress Nympho
History of the World: Part I (1981)


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4. Jenny Hill
The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975)


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3. Elizabeth
Young Frankenstein (1974)


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2. Mrs. White
Clue (1985)


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1. Lili Von Shtupp
Blazing Saddles (1974)

Happy Birthday, Mel Brooks!

It's birthday time again! This time we're celebrating the 85th birthday of the king of spoofs, Mel Brooks! Over the course of his career, Brooks has created films that have played on some of the biggest movies that history has ever seen. What separates his films from other, more recent spoofs (like the Scary Movie franchise or any of those not-so-great off-shoots) is that Brooks' films are actually intelligent and bitingly hilarious. Sure, they delve into goofy humor now and again, but they're always entertaining. So below, I've listed my five favorite (and best-rated) of Mel Brooks' directorial efforts and have given a little snippet from each of them. Help me celebrate Mel Brooks' birthday! I hope you enjoy!

5. History of the World: Part 1
1981


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4. Spaceballs
1988


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3. Robin Hood: Men in Tights
1993


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2. Blazing Saddles
1974


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1. Young Frankenstein
1974


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