Burt Lancaster

Burt Lancaster, born Burton Stephen Lancaster in East Harlem, certainly had the kind of tough-guy charisma that might lead one to believe he hailed from the Lower East Side. His early career as a circus acrobat certainly prepped him for a life in the spotlight, albeit a less death-defying one. Hollywood quickly recognized his rugged good looks and intense screen presence, making him a major star.

Despite a career spanning over four decades, earning him an Academy Award for "Elmer Gantry" and multiple nominations, Lancaster's heritage was firmly rooted in Protestant Irish immigrant stock. His parents, James Henry Lancaster and Elizabeth Roberts, ensured his lineage was about as Gentile as a pint of Guinness and a plate of corned beef.

While his dedication to his craft and his impressive filmography — including classics like "From Here to Eternity," "Sweet Smell of Success," and "Atlantic City" — brought significant "nachas" to cinema enthusiasts worldwide, it regrettably brought none to the tribe. His work, however, was undeniably kvell-worthy on its own merits.