Born Sept. 27, 1922, in Philadelphia -- the son of a watchmaker -- Arthur Penn knew theater was his calling when he was still in his teens. While stationed in South Carolina during World War II, he formed a small drama group with his fellow soldiers and continued to act after the war.

After directing several stage productions (including 1959's Tony-winning "The Miracle Worker"), Penn began to build his résumé in the film world. In 1962, he piloted the venerated screen version of The Miracle Worker, which won two Academy Awards and earned Penn an Oscar nod for Best Director.

With a history of conflict with producers, Penn left the film industry several times but has never failed to make his mark; after one hiatus, he returned to helm the pop-culture sensation Bonnie and Clyde (1967). His other notable works include Alice's Restaurant (1969), Little Big Man (1970) and Night Moves (1975). Penn died Sept. 28, 2010.