George Kennedy (February 18, 1925 – February 28, 2016)

February 18th - Birthday Tribute

George Kennedy (February 18, 1925 – February 28, 2016) remains one of cinema’s most memorable character actors, a towering presence with a quiet humanity that shone through every role. From Cool Hand Luke to countless film and television appearances, he brought depth, grit, and unexpected warmth to the screen, earning both accolades and enduring admiration. On his birthday, we remember not just an Oscar-winning performer, but a true professional who elevated every project he touched. This pencil drawing, created by artist Greg Joens, honors George Kennedy’s legacy and keeps his spirit vividly alive for generations to come.

Paul Lynde (June 13, 1926 – January 10, 1982)

 Paul Lynde (June 13, 1926 – January 10, 1982) was a unique comedian whose sharp wit and campy charm lit up television, film, and stage. From his memorable appearances on Bewitched and The Hollywood Squares to his distinctive voice work and character roles, Lynde’s timing and delivery made every line stand out. Behind the sarcasm was a performer who understood how deeply laughter can connect us. His legacy lives on in the joy he brought to millions, and in every sly smile, his work continues to inspire today.

Artwork by pencil artist Greg Joens, whose finely detailed portrait of Paul Lynde was created to honor the comedian’s personality, presence, and lasting legacy.

Robert Duvall (1931–2026)

 

Pencil Art by Greg Joens

Robert Duvall (1931–2026), a titan of American cinema, passed away peacefully at his Virginia home on February 15, 2026, at the age of 95. His legendary career spanned seven decades, beginning with his haunting debut as Boo Radley in To Kill a Mockingbird.

Duvall was a master of transformation, celebrated for his role as the loyal consigliere Tom Hagen in The Godfather and the surf-obsessed Lt. Col. Kilgore in Apocalypse Now. In 1983, he won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his soulful portrayal of a faded country singer in Tender Mercies. A true "actor's actor," he leaves behind an unmatched legacy of authenticity and grace. 

Pencil Sketch of the Day (15FEB26): Oliver Hardy Pencil sketch on drawing paper - Greg Joens.

Pencil Sketch of the Day (15FEB26):

Oliver Hardy

Pencil sketch on drawing paper - Greg Joens.

Oliver Hardy (1892–1957) was an American comic actor best known as one half of the legendary duo Laurel and Hardy. With his round figure, expressive face, and mix of bluster and vulnerability, he brought warmth and humanity to slapstick comedy. Hardy’s meticulous timing and distinctive mannerisms turned simple gags into unforgettable moments on screen. Working with Stan Laurel, he appeared in dozens of silent shorts and sound films that helped define early Hollywood comedy. Beyond the laughs, Hardy’s legacy endures in the joy he brought to audiences worldwide and the lasting influence he left on generations of comedians.

Pencil Sketch of the Day: Leslie Nielsen 13FEB26

Pencil Sketch of the Day: Leslie Nielsen

13FEB26

Leslie Nielsen (born February 11, 1926 – died November 28, 2010) was a master of deadpan comedy whose perfectly straight face made the wildest jokes even funnier. After years as a dramatic actor, he reinvented himself in classics like Airplane! and The Naked Gun series, becoming a legend of parody and slapstick. His timing, charm, and commitment to every absurd moment made him beloved around the world. Though he is gone, his films continue to make us laugh, reminding us of his unique genius and timeless gift for comedy.

 

Burt Reynolds - Born February 11, 1936

 Artist Greg Joens presents a pencil tribute portrait of iconic American actor Burt Reynolds (born Burton Leon Reynolds Jr. on February 11, 1936, in Lansing, Michigan; died September 6, 2018, in Jupiter, Florida), whose rugged charm and magnetic screen presence made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable stars of the 1970s and 1980s. Celebrated for roles in films like Deliverance, Smokey and the Bandit, and Boogie Nights, Reynolds balanced action, comedy, and vulnerability in a way few actors could. A little‑known fact about Reynolds is that before his film career took off, he was a standout college football player at Florida State University and dreamed of going pro, but a devastating knee injury and a subsequent car accident ended those hopes—ultimately steering him toward acting and the legendary career this portrait honors.

Sketch of the Day: Buster Keaton (1895–1966)

 Sketch of the Day: 11FEB26

Buster Keaton

Buster Keaton (1895–1966), often called “The Great Stone Face,” was a pioneering American silent film comedian, director, and stunt performer whose deadpan expression and groundbreaking physical comedy reshaped the language of cinema. Raised in a vaudeville family, Keaton honed astonishing acrobatic skills from childhood, later bringing that precision to films like The General, Sherlock Jr. and Steamboat Bill, Jr., where he performed many of his own daring stunts long before safety standards or special effects as we know them existed. His meticulous timing, inventive gags, and willingness to risk real danger made him a favorite among fellow filmmakers and a lasting influence on generations of comedians. A little‑known fact about Keaton is that magician Harry Houdini was his godfather—and may even have been the one who gave young Joseph Keaton the nickname “Buster” after watching him take a spectacular fall as a child.