The earliest screen debut mentioned is Gilbert M. "Bronco Billy" Anderson, who appeared in "The Messenger Boys' Mistake" in 1903. Lillian Gish, who had the longest career of any of the nominees -- 75 years -- made her debut in 1912. Mickey Rooney, with 73 years, is the runner-up.
The list ranges from such lightweights as Tab Hunter and Mitzi Gaynor to true screen legends, including Marlon Brando and Judy Garland.
The late transvestite Divine made the cut, as did Grace Kelly, Sabu, Elvis Presley, Sidney Poitier, Peter Sellers, Dorothy Dandridge, Raul Julia, Steve McQueen and Jean Seberg.
More than 11 million people watched the show last summer. The poll also became the subject of a 10-week television series, and it significantly increased video sales and rentals of many of the top 100 films.
The Video Software Dealers Association estimates that rentals of the No. 1 film, Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane," increased by more than 1,600 percent after the television special.
Sun wire services contributed to this article.
Pub Date: 1/15/99
