Famous Male Authors
List of famous male authors, listed by their level of prominence with photos when available. This greatest male authors list contains the most prominent and top males known for being authors. There are thousand of males working as authors in the world, but this list highlights only the most notable ones. Historic authors have worked hard to become the best that they can be, so if you're a male aspiring to be a author then the people below should give you inspiration.
The list you're viewing is made up of people like Bruce Herschensohn and Cheech Marin.
While this isn't a list of all male authors, it does answer the questions "Who are the most famous male authors?" and "Who are the best male authors?"- Barack Obama, born in Honolulu, Hawaii on August 4, 1961, has been a significant figure in American politics. He made history as the first African American to hold the office of President of the United States. Before his presidency, he served as a senator for Illinois from 2005 to 2008. Obama's early life was marked by diverse experiences that shaped his worldview. His mother Stanley Ann Dunham - an anthropologist - and father Barack Obama Sr. - an economist from Kenya - divorced when he was young. He spent part of his childhood living with his grandparents in Hawaii and four years in Indonesia with his mother and stepfather Lolo Soetoro. These formative years instilled in him a deep appreciation for different cultures and perspectives. His career path is characterized by dedication to public service and law. After earning degrees from Columbia University and Harvard Law School – where he became the first black president of the Harvard Law Review – Obama worked as a community organizer in Chicago before serving three terms representing the 13th District on the Illinois Senate from 1997 until 2004. As President (from January 20, 2009 to January 20, 2017), Obama passed several key pieces of legislation including The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (known commonly as Obamacare) which expanded health insurance coverage for Americans; Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Bill aimed at financial sector regulation; and Don't Ask Don't Tell Repeal Act allowing gay people openly serve military.
- Birthplace: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Born on August 19, 1946, in Hope, Arkansas, William Jefferson Clinton, better known as Bill Clinton, emerged from humble beginnings to become a prominent figure in American politics. Despite facing numerous challenges and controversies during his lifetime, Clinton's tenacity and charisma have cemented his legacy as one of America's most influential leaders. Clinton's political career began with his election as the Attorney General of Arkansas in 1976, followed by his tenure as Governor of Arkansas from 1979 to 1981 and 1983 to 1992. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life, coupled with his commitment to economic growth and social justice, propelled him to national fame. In 1992, Clinton made history when he was elected the 42nd President of the United States, becoming the first Democrat since Franklin D. Roosevelt to win a second term. His presidency was marked by significant accomplishments, including economic prosperity, welfare reform, and initiatives for environmental protection. However, Clinton's time in office was not without its share of controversy. His second term was marred by the Monica Lewinsky scandal, which led to his impeachment by the House of Representatives in 1998. Despite this, Clinton left office with the highest end-of-office approval rating of any U.S. President since World War II, highlighting the complexity of his legacy. After leaving the White House, Clinton remained active in public life, establishing the Clinton Foundation and becoming an influential global humanitarian.
- Birthplace: Hope, Arkansas, USA
- Albert Einstein ( EYEN-styne; German: [ˈalbɛɐ̯t ˈʔaɪnʃtaɪn] (listen); 14 March 1879 – 18 April 1955) was a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics). His work is also known for its influence on the philosophy of science. He is best known to the general public for his mass–energy equivalence formula E = m c 2 {\displaystyle E=mc^{2}} , which has been dubbed "the world's most famous equation". He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics "for his services to theoretical physics, and especially for his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect", a pivotal step in the development of quantum theory. Near the beginning of his career, Einstein thought that Newtonian mechanics was no longer enough to reconcile the laws of classical mechanics with the laws of the electromagnetic field. This led him to develop his special theory of relativity during his time at the Swiss Patent Office in Bern (1902–1909). However, he realized that the principle of relativity could also be extended to gravitational fields, and he published a paper on general relativity in 1916 with his theory of gravitation. He continued to deal with problems of statistical mechanics and quantum theory, which led to his explanations of particle theory and the motion of molecules. He also investigated the thermal properties of light which laid the foundation of the photon theory of light. In 1917, he applied the general theory of relativity to model the structure of the universe.Except for one year in Prague, Einstein lived in Switzerland between 1895 and 1914, during which time he renounced his German citizenship in 1896, then received his academic diploma from the Swiss federal polytechnic school (later the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule, ETH) in Zürich in 1900. After being stateless for more than five years, he acquired Swiss citizenship in 1901, which he kept for the rest of his life. In 1905, he was awarded a PhD by the University of Zurich. The same year, he published four groundbreaking papers during his renowned annus mirabilis (miracle year) which brought him to the notice of the academic world at the age of 26. Einstein taught theoretical physics at Zurich between 1912 and 1914, before he left for Berlin, where he was elected to the Prussian Academy of Sciences. In 1933, while Einstein was visiting the United States, Adolf Hitler came to power. Because of his Jewish background, Einstein did not return to Germany. He settled in the United States and became an American citizen in 1940. On the eve of World War II, he endorsed a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt alerting him to the potential development of "extremely powerful bombs of a new type" and recommending that the US begin similar research. This eventually led to the Manhattan Project. Einstein supported the Allies, but he generally denounced the idea of using nuclear fission as a weapon. He signed the Russell–Einstein Manifesto with British philosopher Bertrand Russell, which highlighted the danger of nuclear weapons. He was affiliated with the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey, until his death in 1955. Einstein published more than 300 scientific papers and more than 150 non-scientific works. His intellectual achievements and originality have made the word "Einstein" synonymous with "genius". Eugene Wigner wrote of Einstein in comparison to his contemporaries that "Einstein's understanding was deeper even than Jancsi von Neumann's. His mind was both more penetrating and more original than von Neumann's. And that is a very remarkable statement."
- Birthplace: Ulm, Germany
- Bill O'Reilly is a renowned American author, journalist, and former television host. Born on September 10, 1949, in New York City, he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Marist College before earning his Master's in Broadcast Journalism from Boston University. His pursuit of knowledge didn't stop there; later, he attained another Master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. O'Reilly's career in journalism took flight at local news stations in cities like Dallas, Denver, Portland, and Boston. However, it was at the national level where he truly made his mark. He joined CBS News in 1982 as a correspondent and quickly rose to prominence due to his insightful reporting. In 1989, he joined ABC News where he served as a correspondent for ABC World News Tonight. Yet, it was his tenure at Fox News, hosting the political commentary program The O'Reilly Factor, that catapulted him to national fame. The show, which ran from 1996 to 2017, was the highest-rated cable news show for 16 consecutive years, demonstrating O'Reilly's influence and reach. Apart from his illustrious career in journalism, O'Reilly is also a successful author. His books, often revolving around historical narratives or political themes, have found their place on the best-selling lists multiple times. Some of his notable works include Killing Lincoln, Killing Kennedy, and Killing Jesus. His writing, much like his journalism, is marked by a direct approach, meticulous research, and a knack for storytelling.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Bill Maher, known for his incisive wit and controversial commentary, carved a unique niche in the entertainment industry with his acerbic political humor. Born on January 20, 1956, in New York City, he was raised in River Vale, New Jersey. Maher's interest in comedy was piqued during his university years at Cornell, where he studied English and History. After graduating in 1978, he ventured into stand-up comedy, eventually making appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and The Late Show with David Letterman. Maher's breakthrough came in 1993 when he began hosting Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher, a late-night political talk show that ran on Comedy Central and later ABC. The show, which combined elements of political debate and comedy, earned 18 Emmy nominations throughout its run. Despite its cancellation in 2002 due to controversial remarks made by Maher post 9/11, it solidified Maher's reputation as an outspoken and fearless comic. In 2003, Maher found a new platform on HBO with Real Time with Bill Maher, which continues his tradition of blending political discussion with humor. The format allows for more in-depth conversations and has featured a wide array of guests, from politicians to celebrities. It has received multiple Emmy nominations and critical acclaim for its unfiltered examination of contemporary issues. Maher's impact extends beyond television; he has authored several books, produced a documentary, Religulous, and regularly performs stand-up comedy. His bold approach to comedy and politics ensures his place as one of the most influential voices in American entertainment.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Bill Cosby, born William Henry Cosby Jr. on July 12, 1937, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, grew to become a dominant figure in American entertainment throughout the latter half of the 20th century. Known primarily for his work in comedy and acting, Cosby's career spanned over five decades, during which he achieved significant milestones that have left an indelible mark on the industry. He attended Temple University in the late 1950s but dropped out to pursue his career in stand-up comedy, only to return later in life to earn his degree. Cosby's early success began in the 1960s with I Spy, a television series that made him the first African American to co-star in a dramatic series. This achievement was followed by a string of successes. However, it was The Cosby Show, which premiered in 1984, that solidified Cosby's status as a household name. The sitcom, which portrayed a close-knit and prosperous African American family, broke racial stereotypes and topped the Nielsen ratings for an impressive five years. Despite his professional accomplishments, Cosby's personal life has been marked by controversy. In the mid-2010s, numerous sexual assault allegations were levied against him, leading to a highly publicized trial. In 2018, he was convicted and sentenced to prison.
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman on May 24, 1941, in Duluth, Minnesota, is an iconic figure in American music history. Known for his distinctive voice and thought-provoking lyrics, Dylan's influence extends beyond the realm of music, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. Raised in a tight-knit Jewish community, he developed an interest in music at a young age, deriving inspiration from the likes of Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis. His love for music propelled him to drop out of the University of Minnesota in 1960, after which he moved to New York City to pursue a career in music. In the early years of his career, Dylan was recognized as a prominent figure in the folk music scene. His debut album, Bob Dylan, was released in 1962, followed by The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan in 1963, which included the iconic track "Blowin' in the Wind." The song became an anthem for civil rights and anti-war movements, solidifying Dylan's reputation as a songwriter who could encapsulate societal issues with profound lyricism. However, his decision to go electric with the album Bringing It All Back Home in 1965 sparked controversy among his folk purist fans but also broadened his appeal to a wider audience. Throughout his decades-long career, Dylan has been known for his versatility and innovation. He has explored various genres including rock, country, gospel, and blues, demonstrating his ability to reinvent himself and remain relevant. His exceptional songwriting skills earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016, making him the first musician to receive this prestigious award. His legacy continues to inspire generations of artists across different genres, solidifying his status as one of the most influential figures in music history.
- Birthplace: Duluth, Minnesota, USA
A List of Famous Bob Dylan QuotesSee all
- 1He who is not busy being born is busy dying.149 Votes
- 2People seldom do what they believe in. They do what is convenient, then repent.101 Votes
- 3Democracy don't rule the world, you better get that in your head; this world is ruled by violence, but I guess that's better left unsaid.72 Votes
- Christopher Keith Irvine, better known by his ring name Chris Jericho, is a multifaceted personality with an inspiring career across different fields. Born on November 9, 1970, in Manhasset, New York, the Canadian-American star has made a name for himself as an accomplished professional wrestler, musician, author, and podcast host. A man of many talents, Jericho reflects the power of versatility and endurance. Jericho's wrestling career is marked by significant achievements. Debuting in 1990, he has wrestled internationally in countries like Mexico and Japan, showcasing his prowess and talent to global audiences. His work with prominent organizations such as the World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment (WWF/E) and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) won him numerous championships. Notably, he was the first undisputed WWF Champion, a feat that cemented his place in wrestling history. His dynamic persona, athletic agility, and innovative move - "The Walls of Jericho", made him an icon in the wrestling world. However, wrestling is just one aspect of Jericho's multifaceted career. He is also the lead vocalist of Fozzy, a heavy metal band he co-found in 1999. Alongside his music career, he authored four books that offer a glimpse into his thrilling life and experiences. Additionally, he hosts the "Talk Is Jericho" podcast, where he engages in insightful conversations with diverse personalities.
- Birthplace: Manhasset, New York, USA
- Al Gore, a name synonymous with environmental activism, had his roots in politics. Born on March 31, 1948, Gore was raised in Washington D.C., where he was exposed to the political atmosphere from an early age. His father, Albert Gore Sr., was a U.S. Representative and Senator from Tennessee, a legacy that Al Gore would continue. Graduating with a degree in government from Harvard University in 1969, Gore made his entry into politics as a U.S. Representative in 1976. He served as a representative until 1985, then moved onto the U.S. Senate until 1993. Gore's political career reached its zenith when he became the Vice President of the United States under President Bill Clinton in 1993. He served two terms as Vice President, during which he was deeply involved in several policy decisions, particularly those related to the environment. However, despite his successful political journey, Gore is perhaps best known for his work on climate change. Post his vice-presidency, he dedicated himself to raising awareness about global warming, turning into a global advocate for environmental issues. In 2006, Gore released An Inconvenient Truth, a documentary focusing on the dangers of climate change. This film, which was both critically acclaimed and commercially successful, catapulted Gore to international fame as an environmentalist. His efforts were recognized globally when he was co-awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007, alongside the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), for their collective efforts to disseminate knowledge about man-made climate change and to lay the foundations for counteracting such change. With a life marked by relentless service, Al Gore stands as a testament to the power of conviction and dedication.
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA
- Benjamin Franklin was a Founding Father of the United States and a polymath with many talents and accomplishments. He was a leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, Freemason, postmaster, scientist, inventor, humorist, civic activist, statesman, and diplomat. He founded many civic organizations, including the Library Company, Philadelphia's first fire department, and the University of Pennsylvania. As a scientist, he made significant contributions to the American Enlightenment and the history of physics, particularly in the area of electricity. He invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and the Franklin stove, among other things. Franklin played an important role in defining the American ethos as a blend of practical values and scientific and tolerant values. He was instrumental in uniting the colonies and was the first United States Ambassador to France. He was a successful newspaper editor and author of Poor Richard's Almanack.
- Birthplace: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Alan Cumming is a distinguished figure in the realm of entertainment, known for his versatility and talent across various mediums. Born on January 27, 1965 in Aberfeldy, Scotland, he embarked on a journey that would lead him to become an award-winning actor, author, director, and producer. He attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, which provided the foundation for his prolific career. In the world of theatre, Cumming's work is often lauded, most notably his Tony-winning performance in the Broadway revival of Cabaret where he played the enigmatic Emcee. This role catapulted him to international fame and affirmed his place as a powerful force on stage. He has since graced numerous productions both in the United States and United Kingdom, showcasing his range and depth as a performer. However, Cumming's prowess is not confined to the stage. In film and television, he has impressed audiences with performances in projects such as X2: X-Men United, where he played Nightcrawler, and The Good Wife, where his portrayal of Eli Gold earned him multiple award nominations. Moreover, Cumming's talent extends to writing, having penned several books, and to activism, as he openly advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and numerous charitable causes.
- Birthplace: Aberfeldy, Perthshire, Scotland, UK
- Craig Ferguson, born on May 17, 1962, in Glasgow, Scotland, is a multi-faceted personality who carved his niche in the entertainment world as a comedian, actor, writer, and television host. A man of extraordinary talent, Ferguson has left an indelible imprint on audiences around the globe through his diverse roles and unique comedic style. His journey is a testament to his resilience, creativity, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Ferguson's career trajectory is a compelling narrative of transformation and growth. Initially starting off as a drummer in a rock band called Dreamboys, he transitioned into comedy and acting during the mid-1980s. His breakthrough role came with the character "Nigel Wick" on the sitcom The Drew Carey Show, which cemented his place in American television. However, it was his tenure as the host of CBS's The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson from 2005 to 2014 that truly catapulted him to international fame. The show, revered for its innovative format and Ferguson's witty humor, garnered him a Primetime Emmy Nomination in 2006 and a Peabody Award in 2009. Adding another feather to his cap, Ferguson is also an acclaimed author. He has penned two books: his autobiography American On Purpose: The Improbable Adventures of an Unlikely Patriot, and the novel Between The Bridge and The River. Both publications received critical acclaim, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist.
- Birthplace: Glasgow, Scotland, UK
- Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Chris Matthews is a distinguished American political commentator, talk show host, and author. He is most reputable for his long-standing role as the host of Hardball with Chris Matthews, a nightly talk show on MSNBC. Matthews's journey into journalism began post his graduation from the College of the Holy Cross and completion of graduate studies in Economics at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Matthews's career was not exclusive to journalism from the get-go. He first delved into politics, where he served for several years in various capacities. He spent time as a trade development advisor in the U.S Peace Corps in Swaziland, then worked as a presidential speechwriter during the Carter administration before moving on to serve as the chief of staff to Speaker of the House Thomas P. O'Neill Jr. These experiences gave him a deep understanding of American politics, effectively preparing him for his later career as a political commentator. As an author, Matthews has penned several best-selling books that often combine his passion for history and politics. His works include Hardball: How Politics is Played Told by One Who Knows the Game, Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero, and Bobby Kennedy: A Raging Spirit. In these publications, Matthews provides insightful and engaging discussion on the significant figures and events in American politics, attesting to his expertise and profound knowledge in the field. Throughout his career, Matthews has exhibited an unwavering dedication to educating audiences about the complexities of American politics.
- Birthplace: USA, Somerton, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Born Maurice Joseph Micklewhite on March 14, 1933, in London, the man who would become known to the world as Michael Caine has lived a life as rich and varied as the characters he's portrayed on screen. The son of a fish-market porter and a maid, Caine grew up in a working-class family and experienced the hardships of World War II firsthand. He honed his acting skills during his military service in Korea, where he was a part of the Royal Fusiliers. Caine's career breakthrough came with the film Zulu in 1964, where he played Lieutenant Gonville Bromhead. His portrayal of the aristocratic officer set him on a path to stardom, and he quickly became one of the most recognizable faces in British cinema. His role in The Ipcress File (1965) solidified his status as a leading man, and over the years, he has been lauded for his performances in classics such as Alfie (1966), The Italian Job (1969), and Get Carter (1971). Caine's talent has not gone unrecognized by his peers. He's a two-time Academy Award winner, earning Best Supporting Actor for his roles in Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) and The Cider House Rules (1999). But perhaps what sets Caine apart is his longevity and adaptability. He has worked with some of the most respected directors of multiple generations, from Sidney Lumet and John Huston to Christopher Nolan and Steven Soderbergh.
- Birthplace: Rotherhithe, London, England, UK
The Best Michael Caine MoviesSee all- 1The Man Who Would Be King336 Votes
- 2Zulu355 Votes
- 3The Muppet Christmas Carol193 Votes
- Carl Reiner was an iconic figure in American comedy. Born on March 20, 1922, in The Bronx, New York, Reiner's passion for performance grew from an early age. His career spanned over seven decades, with contributions as an actor, comedian, director, and writer. He was a man of many talents, but perhaps most recognized for his role in creating and acting in The Dick Van Dyke Show. Reiner's journey began in the late 1940s, when he performed in several Broadway musicals. His big break came in 1950 when he joined the cast of Your Show of Shows, a popular television variety show. This experience carved out his niche in comedy writing and led to his creation of the hit sitcom The Dick Van Dyke Show in the 1960s. The show was based on his experiences as a comedy writer and won numerous Emmy Awards during its run. Beyond The Dick Van Dyke Show, Reiner made notable contributions to film and literature. As a director, his works include classic comedies like The Jerk and All of Me. In literature, he authored several books, including memoirs and children's stories. Throughout his career, Reiner received many accolades, including nine Emmy Awards and a Grammy Award. Carl Reiner passed away on June 29, 2020, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and creativity that continues to inspire generations.
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Ernesto "Che" Guevara was an Argentinian writer and actor who was known for writing "Che: Part One," "The Motorcycle Diaries," and "Che: Part Two."
- Birthplace: Rosario, Argentina
- Christopher Lee, born in Belgravia, London in 1922, was a multi-talented actor and singer who amassed a legendary career spanning nearly seven decades. His early life was marked by a rich cultural exposure, with schooling in Switzerland and later Wellington College. Unbeknownst to many, his first professional ambition was not acting; instead, he initially sought a career in diplomacy before the outbreak of World War II redirected his path. Lee served in the Royal Air Force and Special Forces during the war, an experience that honed his resilience and would later inform his gripping portrayals of complex characters. Lee's acting career launched in the late 1940s, but it wasn't until the late 1950s that he became synonymous with horror, playing the role of Count Dracula in a series of Hammer Horror films. These performances solidified him as a titan of the genre and earned him international acclaim. However, he was far from being typecast, displaying remarkable range across diverse roles. His tall stature, deep voice, and intense gaze made him an ideal choice for villainous characters, most notably Saruman in The Lord of the Rings trilogy and Count Dooku in the Star Wars prequels. In addition to his illustrious acting career, Lee also demonstrated a passion for music. He released several albums and singles in various genres, showcasing his deep, resonant voice. His musical endeavors ranged from opera to heavy metal, the latter of which earned him a place in the "Metal Hammer" Golden Gods Awards in 2010. Christopher Lee passed away in 2015, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to inspire generations of actors and entertain audiences worldwide. His legacy is a testament to his versatility, dedication, and enduring influence in the entertainment industry.
- Birthplace: Belgravia, London, England, UK
- Al Franken, born on May 21, 1951, in New York City, rose to prominence as a comedian, writer, and political commentator before transitioning into politics. A graduate of Harvard University, Franken first gained fame as one of the original writers on the acclaimed television show Saturday Night Live, where he worked from its inception in 1975 until 1980, and again from 1985 to 1995. During his tenure at SNL, Franken won multiple Emmy Awards for his contribution to television writing, further cementing his status as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. Franken's career took a significant turn in 2008 when he was elected as a United States Senator from Minnesota for the Democratic Party. His transition from comedy to politics was notable, as it demonstrated his ability to leverage his platform and influence to impact public policy. Throughout his tenure in the Senate, Franken was known for his progressive stance on issues such as healthcare, education, and climate change. His time in office was marked by his commitment to fighting for middle-class families, championing women's rights, and advocating for clean energy solutions. However, Franken's political career was not without controversy. In 2017, he resigned from the Senate following allegations of sexual misconduct. This event marked a significant setback in Franken's career, leading him to step out of the public eye. Despite this, Franken continues to contribute to societal discourse through various platforms, including hosting a weekly political podcast.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Born in New York City and raised in Leonia, New Jersey, Anthony Bourdain was an influential figure known for his compelling storytelling and love of global cuisine. A graduate of the renowned Culinary Institute of America, Bourdain spent several years honing his culinary skills in various kitchens throughout New York City. His breakthrough came with his critically acclaimed book, Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, which provided a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional cooking, catapulting him into the limelight and paving the way for his successful career in television. Bourdain went on to host a series of popular food and travel shows that struck a balance between exploration and entertainment. Among these were A Cook's Tour on the Food Network, No Reservations and The Layover on the Travel Channel, and Parts Unknown on CNN. Throughout these series, he traveled to locations far and wide, showcasing dishes from around the world and shedding light on their cultural significance. Bourdain's unique style, a blend of irreverence, curiosity, and respect, endeared him to audiences and earned him several Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. Beyond his work on screen, Bourdain was also a prolific author, penning several works of fiction and non-fiction. His writing was marked by his astute observations, razor-sharp wit, and unflinching honesty. Despite his success, struggles with mental health often shadowed his life, culminating in his untimely death in 2018. However, his influence remains undeniable, as he continues to inspire chefs and travelers alike with his passion for food, culture, and storytelling.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
Every Anthony Bourdain Show, RankedSee all- 1Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown45 Votes
- 2Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations54 Votes
- 3A Cook's Tour15 Votes
- Best known for his work in the comedic duo Cheech & Chong, Richard Anthony "Cheech" Marin has carved a niche for himself in the entertainment industry. Born on July 13, 1946, in Los Angeles, California, Marin spent his early years absorbing the rich cultural influences around him, which later played a significant role in shaping his comic style. He graduated from California State University, Northridge with a degree in English, but his life took a turn towards entertainment when he met Tommy Chong in Canada. Marin and Chong's partnership resulted in a series of successful comedy albums and feature films in the 1970s and early 80s. Their most famous film, Up in Smoke, is considered a classic in stoner comedy genre. However, Marin wasn't just content with comedy. He also pursued a career in acting, appearing in over 20 films, including Born in East L.A. and Tin Cup, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His distinctive voice has also been featured in several animated films, such as Disney's The Lion King and Pixar's Cars series. Aside from his acting and comedic endeavors, Marin has made substantial contributions to the art world. He is an avid collector of Chicano art, one of the few personalities who have championed this art form on a global scale. His collection is considered one of the finest in the world, reflecting his passion for his Mexican-American heritage. Marin has also authored books and released music albums, proving his multi-faceted talent. From comedy to acting, from art collecting to writing, Cheech Marin's influence spans across different realms of the entertainment world.
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Ben Stein, born on November 25, 1944, in Washington D.C., is a man of many talents with a multifaceted career. He began his professional life in the field of law and politics before delving into the entertainment industry. Graduating as valedictorian from Yale Law School in 1970, Stein served as a poverty lawyer in New Haven and Washington D.C., and a trial lawyer at the Federal Trade Commission. His career took a political turn when he became a speechwriter for U.S. Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Stein's entrance into the entertainment industry was marked by his role as the monotonous high school teacher in the popular 1986 film Ferris Bueller's Day Off. This iconic role catapulted him into the limelight, leading to a successful acting career with appearances in numerous films and television shows. Not limiting himself to acting, Stein also made his mark as a game show host, notably for the Emmy Award-winning show Win Ben Stein's Money, which aired from 1997 to 2003. In addition to his legal, political, and entertainment endeavors, Stein is a prolific writer. He has authored and co-authored several books spanning different genres, including novels, biographies, and books about finance. His expertise in economics, derived from his early years as a poverty lawyer and a speechwriter, has been showcased in his financial writings. Stein's diverse career, combined with his intellectual prowess and distinct charisma, has solidified his status as a unique figure in both the world of entertainment and beyond.
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA
- Dave Mustaine, born on September 13, 1961, etched his name in the annals of rock history as one of the pioneering figures of thrash metal, a sub-genre of heavy metal music. His journey began in La Mesa, California, where he spent an unruly and tumultuous childhood that fueled his passion for music. He established himself as a leading guitarist and vocalist in the industry, known for his distinctively snarling performance style and intricate guitar work. Mustaine's career took off when he co-founded Metallica in 1981, serving as the original lead guitarist. However, his tenure with Metallica was short-lived due to personal and professional disputes, leading to his expulsion from the band in 1983. Unfazed by this setback, Mustaine picked up the pieces and founded Megadeth, a band that would go on to be regarded as one of the "big four" bands of thrash metal. Under his leadership, Megadeth released several acclaimed albums like Peace Sells...But Who's Buying? and Rust in Peace, which are considered classic masterpieces of the genre. Beyond his musical prowess, Mustaine is also recognized for his outspoken political views, which often found their way into his songwriting. He battled with numerous personal issues throughout his life, including substance abuse and cancer, but his ability to overcome these challenges only strengthened his legacy. His unique blend of technical virtuosity and raw aggression continues to inspire countless musicians around the world.
- Birthplace: USA, California, La Mesa
- Christopher Hitchens, a British-born journalist, essayist, and critic, was widely recognized for his sharp wit and controversial commentary. Born in 1949, he spent the early part of his life in Portsmouth, England, where he developed a passion for politics and literature. After graduating from Balliol College, Oxford University, with a degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, Hitchens began a career in publishing that spanned over four decades. Hitchens's influence reached across the Atlantic when he relocated to the United States in 1981. His acerbic pen found a large audience through his work as a contributing editor to Vanity Fair, where he wrote on a wide array of topics, ranging from politics to literature, and everything in between. A prolific author, Hitchens penned more than twenty books throughout his career, including God is Not Great, a bold critique of religion, and the memoir Hitch-22. His ruthless honesty and intellectual rigor made him a formidable figure in public discourse. Despite being a controversial figure, Hitchens's impact on journalistic integrity and intellectual engagement is undeniable. A self-proclaimed contrarian, he never shied away from expressing unpopular opinions, often challenging the status quo and pushing readers to question their beliefs. Christopher Hitchens passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy of independent thought and fearless criticism that continues to inspire journalists and thinkers worldwide.
- Birthplace: England, Portsmouth
- Christopher Reeve, a man of many talents, was an American actor, director, and activist who left a legacy in the world of entertainment and beyond. He was born on September 25, 1952, in New York City. Reeve's acting career began at a young age when he joined the theater scene in his hometown. His passion for performing arts led him to study at Cornell University and then at the renowned Juilliard School in New York. He made his Broadway debut in 1976, but it was his role as Clark Kent/Superman in the 1978 film Superman that catapulted him into international stardom. Reeve's portrayal of Superman was so convincing and enduring that it continues to define the character in popular culture. However, his acting repertoire extended far beyond this iconic role. He appeared in over forty films and television shows, demonstrating his versatile acting skills. In addition to his acting career, Reeve also directed several films and television episodes, showcasing his comprehensive understanding of the entertainment industry. Beyond the silver screen, Reeve was known for his tireless activism following a horse-riding accident in 1995 that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center, which is dedicated to advancing spinal cord injury research. He also established the Christopher Reeve Foundation (now the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation), which is committed to finding treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury. Despite the challenges he faced, Reeve remained an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities until his death in October 2004. His legacy continues to inspire millions around the world, both in the realm of entertainment and in the fight against paralysis.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
The Best Christopher Reeve Movies, Ranked See all- 1Superman111 Votes
- 2Somewhere in Time179 Votes
- 3Superman II86 Votes
- Al Roker, born Albert Lincoln Roker Jr., is an accomplished American weather forecaster, television presenter, author, and actor. He was born on August 20, 1954, in Queens, New York, showcasing a deep interest in broadcasting from an early age. His education at the State University of New York at Oswego, where he received a degree in communications, further solidified his passion for media. Roker's career has been marked by significant accomplishments in the world of television. His longstanding tenure as a weather anchor on NBC's The Today Show began in 1996, following an initial period as a fill-in. Roker's amiable personality and professionalism established him as a household name. He additionally gained recognition for reporting on some of the most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history. Beyond his weather-forecasting duties, Roker pioneered innovative programming as the CEO of Al Roker Entertainment, a leading producer of original TV content. In addition to his television career, Roker has made his mark as an author. He has penned several non-fiction books, including an acclaimed memoir titled Never Goin' Back: Winning the Weight Loss Battle For Good, which details his personal journey with weight loss and health. His noteworthy contributions have earned him multiple Emmy Awards, further attesting to his impact on the entertainment industry.
- Birthplace: Queens, New York, USA
- Alan Alda, born Alphonso Joseph D'Abruzzo on January 28, 1936, is a celebrated American actor, director, screenwriter, comedian, and author. Born in the Bronx, New York, to a theatrical family, Alda was destined for the stage. His father, Robert Alda, was an actor and singer, and his mother, Joan Browne, was a former showgirl. Alda's early exposure to the performing arts cultivated a deep passion for acting and storytelling, ultimately shaping his illustrious career. Alda is perhaps best known for his role as Hawkeye Pierce in the iconic television series M*A*S*H, which aired from 1972 to 1983. His portrayal of the wise-cracking Army surgeon earned him five Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. Beyond M*A*S*H, Alda has maintained a diverse career spanning both film and television. He has appeared in numerous films, including The Aviator, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award, and Bridge of Spies. Alda's contributions to television include roles in The West Wing, 30 Rock, and The Blacklist. In addition to acting, Alda has made significant contributions behind the camera and beyond the entertainment industry. He directed and wrote many episodes of M*A*S*H and authored several books. His interest in science communication led him to host PBS's Scientific American Frontiers for over a decade. In 2005, Alda helped establish the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, further demonstrating his commitment to bridging the gap between science and the public. Alda's multifaceted career and enduring influence on the entertainment industry have solidified his legacy as one of America's most beloved actors.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Carl Sagan was a renowned American astronomer, astrophysicist, and author, born on November 9, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York. His profound curiosity about the cosmos was evident from his early years, which led him to study physics and astronomy. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Chicago and subsequently obtained his Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics in 1960. Sagan held academic positions at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and Cornell University, where he imparted his knowledge to eager minds. Sagan's contributions to the field of space science were nothing short of monumental. He played a pivotal role in NASA's Mariner, Viking, Voyager, and Galileo expeditions to other planets. Notably, he helped select the Mars landing sites for the Viking probes and was instrumental in the creation of the gold-anodized plaques and golden records carried by the Pioneer 10, Pioneer 11, and Voyager spacecraft. These records contained sounds and images selected to portray the diversity of life on Earth and were intended for any extraterrestrial life that might find them. Apart from his scientific endeavors, Sagan was an eloquent communicator of science, making complex concepts accessible to the general public. His landmark television series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage aired in 1980, captivating millions with its exploration of the universe's mysteries. He also penned many books, including the critically acclaimed Pale Blue Dot and Contact, the latter of which was adapted into a successful film. Sagan passed away on December 20, 1996, but his legacy continues to inspire curiosity and wonder about the cosmos.
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Theodor Seuss Geisel ( or (listen); March 2, 1904 – September 24, 1991) was an American children's author, political cartoonist, illustrator, poet, animator, screenwriter, and filmmaker. He is known for his work writing and illustrating more than 60 books under the pen name Doctor Seuss ( or abbreviated Dr. Seuss). His work includes many of the most popular children's books of all time, selling over 600 million copies and being translated into more than 20 languages by the time of his death.Geisel adopted the name "Dr. Seuss" as an undergraduate at Dartmouth College and as a graduate student at Lincoln College, Oxford. He left Oxford in 1927 to begin his career as an illustrator and cartoonist for Vanity Fair, Life, and various other publications. He also worked as an illustrator for advertising campaigns, most notably for FLIT and Standard Oil, and as a political cartoonist for the New York newspaper PM. He published his first children's book And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street in 1937. During World War II, he took a brief hiatus from children's literature to illustrate political cartoons, and he also worked in the animation and film department of the United States Army where he wrote, produced or animated many productions – both live-action and animated – including Design for Death, which later won the 1947 Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.After the war, Geisel returned to writing children's books, writing classics like If I Ran the Zoo (1950), Horton Hears a Who! (1955), If I Ran the Circus (1956), The Cat in the Hat (1957), How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1957), and Green Eggs and Ham (1960). He published over 60 books during his career, which have spawned numerous adaptations, including 11 television specials, five feature films, a Broadway musical, and four television series. Geisel won the Lewis Carroll Shelf Award in 1958 for Horton Hatches the Egg and again in 1961 for And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street. Geisel's birthday, March 2, has been adopted as the annual date for National Read Across America Day, an initiative on reading created by the National Education Association.
- Birthplace: Springfield, Massachusetts
The Best Dr. Seuss BooksSee all- 1Green Eggs and Ham703 Votes
- 2How the Grinch Stole Christmas!625 Votes
- 3The Lorax570 Votes
- Renowned for his culinary creativity and natural flair, Bobby Flay is a prominent figure in the world of gastronomy. Born Robert William Flay on December 10, 1964, in New York City, his passion for culinary arts ignited at an early age. In fact, it was at just 17 years old when he took his first steps into professional cuisine, securing a position at Joe Allen Restaurant in New York City. This experience fueled his ambition and led him to pursue formal education at the French Culinary Institute, from which he graduated with honours. Flay's career ascended rapidly after graduation, reflecting his exceptional talent and unwavering dedication. He served as the executive chef at the renowned Manhattan restaurant, Mesa Grill, where his signature style began to emerge - a blend of American Southwestern flavors with classic French techniques. This unique culinary approach garnered him widespread acclaim, eventually leading to ownership stakes in numerous restaurants spanning from Las Vegas to Atlantic City. His culinary prowess also thrust him into the spotlight as a celebrity chef, hosting multiple shows on the Food Network and Cooking Channel such as Throwdown with Bobby Flay. Despite his fame and success, Flay remained grounded and dedicated to his craft. He wrote several bestselling cookbooks, sharing his culinary expertise and innovative recipes with home cooks everywhere. Moreover, he committed himself to fostering the next generation of chefs through his role as a board member of the French Culinary Institute.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
The Best Bobby Flay Shows, RankedSee all- 1Beat Bobby Flay42 Votes
- 2Throwdown! with Bobby Flay26 Votes
- 3BBQ with Bobby Flay23 Votes
- Buzz Aldrin, born Edwin Eugene Aldrin Jr., is an American astronaut and mechanical engineer who made significant contributions to the history of space exploration. Born on January 20, 1930, in Montclair, New Jersey, Aldrin graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and later earned a doctorate in astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Aldrin's name came into prominence when he joined NASA's Astronaut Group 3 in 1963. His first spaceflight occurred in 1966 aboard Gemini 12, where he set a record for extravehicular activity and effectively proved that astronauts could work outside spacecraft. However, it was his second spaceflight that would etch his name in gold in the annals of history. As a member of the Apollo 11 mission, Aldrin became the second person to walk on the moon on July 20, 1969, following mission commander Neil Armstrong. This monumental achievement was watched by millions around the globe and stands as a pivotal moment in human space exploration. Post-NASA career, Aldrin continued to advocate for space exploration and has written numerous books and papers on the subject. He proposed a special spacecraft cycling system, now known as the Aldrin cycler, aiming to provide regular, cost-effective travel to Mars. To this day, Aldrin has remained a prominent figure in the public eye, often speaking at events and appearing in popular culture as an icon of human adventure and discovery. His life serves as a testament to the power of human ambition and the limitless possibilities of exploration.
- Birthplace: USA, Glen Ridge, New Jersey
- Originally the MTV generation's version of Dr. Ruth, Dr. Drew Pinsky later specialized in dramatic, televised treatment programs featuring substance abusing ex-rockers, former stars and fading models. Early on, "Dr. Drew," as he was affectionately known, dished helpful advice to millions of teens through his nationally syndicated radio show "Loveline," alongside comedic co-host Adam Carolla. Eventually he branched out into television with the series "Strictly Sex with Dr. Drew" (Discovery Health Channel, 2005) and the reality program "Celebrity Rehab" (VH1, 2008- ), where he spent 21 days with stars who battled alcohol and drug addiction, including actor Jeff Conaway, wrestler Chyna, and former "American Idol" (Fox, 2002- ) contestant Jessica Sierra. Pinsky continued to find success sticking to topics more relatable to the average American on his current affairs program "Dr. Drew" (HLN, 2011- ). There was no denying that Pinsky and his methods were part of the celebrity culture zeitgeist of the new millennium.
- Birthplace: Pasadena, California, USA
- Edward Andrew Schultz (January 27, 1954 – July 5, 2018) was an American television and radio host, a political commentator, news anchor, and a sports broadcaster.He was the host of The Ed Show, a weekday news talk program on MSNBC from 2009 to 2015, and The Ed Schultz Show, a talk radio show, nationally syndicated by Dial Global from 2004 to 2014. The radio show ended on May 23, 2014, and was replaced by a one-hour podcast, Ed Schultz News and Commentary, which ran from 2015 until his 2018 death. Schultz most recently hosted a daily primetime weekday show, News with Ed Schultz, on RT America TV channel based in Washington, D.C., that is part of the RT network.
- Birthplace: USA, Virginia, Norfolk
- Donny Osmond, born Donald Clark Osmond on December 9, 1957, in Ogden, Utah, is a profound figure in the entertainment industry with impressive accomplishments in music, television, and theater. He began his journey to stardom at a tender age, joining his brothers in the Osmonds as their lead vocalist when he was just six. His youthful charm and skillful singing quickly caught public attention, making him one of the standout members of the popular singing group. Osmond's career took a significant turn in the early 1970s when he stepped into the solo spotlight. This transition led to a string of successful hits, including "Go Away Little Girl" and "Puppy Love", which firmly established him as a teen idol. Meanwhile, he maintained an active presence on television alongside his sister Marie, co-hosting the variety show, Donny & Marie. This program showcased not only Osmond's musical talent but also his versatility as an entertainer, further expanding his fan base. In the 1990s, Osmond delved into the world of theatre, starring in the title role of the North American production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. His performance received critical acclaim, adding another feather to his cap. Osmond has consistently demonstrated his ability to reinvent himself throughout his career, successfully transitioning from a child pop star to a versatile entertainer. His enduring presence in the world of entertainment stands testament to his talent, resilience, and adaptability.
- Birthplace: Ogden, Utah, USA
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was a British writer who achieved global acclaim primarily for his creation of the fictional detective Sherlock Holmes. Born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland, he was educated at Stonyhurst School and later studied medicine at the University of Edinburgh. During this time, Doyle began writing short stories, marking the inception of his literary career. Although he initially struggled to find success as an author, Doyle's fortunes changed dramatically with the introduction of Sherlock Holmes in A Study in Scarlet, published in 1887. Holmes, with his distinctive deerstalker hat, pipe, and razor-sharp deductive reasoning, quickly captured the public's imagination. The character's popularity was so vast that, despite Doyle's attempt to kill off Holmes in The Final Problem to focus on other literary endeavors, public demand led him to resurrect the detective in subsequent stories. Beyond his contributions to detective fiction, Doyle was also known for his work in the genres of science fiction, historical novels, plays, and romances. He was a prolific writer, penning over 200 works in his lifetime. Additionally, Doyle had a deep interest in spiritualism and the paranormal, which significantly influenced his later works. His life and career were marked by a constant quest for truth, whether through the logical deductions of his famous detective or his exploration of the supernatural. Sir Arthur Conan Doyle passed away on July 7, 1930, but his legacy lives on through his enduring characters and stories.
- Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
The Best Actors Who Played Sherlock, RankedSee all- 1Jeremy Brett457 Votes
- 2Basil Rathbone321 Votes
- 3Benedict Cumberbatch424 Votes
- Crispin Glover, with his unconventional acting style and eclectic roles, has etched a unique space in Hollywood. Born on April 20, 1964, in New York City, he was raised in the glamour and glitz of Los Angeles as the son of actor Bruce Glover and dancer/actress Betty Glover. Crispin's inclination towards the performing arts was visible early on, leading him to study drama at The Mirman School and later at Beverly Hills High School. Glover began his acting career in television, making appearances in popular series during the late 70s and early 80s. His breakthrough role came as George McFly in the iconic sci-fi comedy, Back to the Future (1985), where his eccentric performance garnered critical acclaim. However, Glover's unorthodox acting approach often led him down a path less tread, leading to work in more independent films like River's Edge(1986) and Wild at Heart (1990). These roles solidified his reputation as one of the most intriguing character actors in the industry. Apart from acting, Glover also thrived in other creative fields. He directed several avant-garde films, including the controversial What Is It? (2005) and It is Fine! EVERYTHING IS FINE (2007). These films were deemed experimental and strange, mirroring Glover's own unique artistic vision. Additionally, he authored several books, showcasing a knack for visually driven storytelling.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
The 40+ Best Crispin Glover MoviesSee all- 1What Is It?17 Votes
- 2Wild at Heart31 Votes
- 3River's Edge39 Votes
- Born on November 29, 1964, in Kansas City, Missouri, Don Cheadle's journey to stardom was marked by hard work and unwavering dedication. He developed an interest in acting during his high school years and pursued it further at the California Institute of the Arts, graduating with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts. Cheadle's breakthrough came in 1995 when he delivered a standout performance in the critically acclaimed film, Devil in a Blue Dress, earning him an Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Male. Since then, his career has been a series of remarkable roles that have demonstrated his range and depth as an actor. His portrayal of Paul Rusesabagina in Hotel Rwanda (2004) garnered him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also gained widespread recognition for his role as Marty Kaan in the Showtime series House of Lies, which won him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Television Series Musical or Comedy. In addition to his acting prowess, Cheadle has also made his mark behind the camera. He made his directorial debut with Miles Ahead (2015), a biographical film about jazz musician Miles Davis, in which he also starred. His commitment to social issues has been equally noteworthy. An active campaigner against genocide in Darfur, Cheadle co-authored Not On Our Watch: The Mission to End Genocide in Darfur and Beyond with John Prendergast.
- Birthplace: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
The 40+ Best Don Cheadle MoviesSee all- 1Hotel Rwanda58 Votes
- 2Ocean's Eleven42 Votes
- 3Iron Man 334 Votes
- Andrew James Breitbart (; February 1, 1969 – March 1, 2012) was an American conservative publisher, writer and commentator. After helping in the early stages of The Huffington Post and the Drudge Report, Breitbart created Breitbart News, a news and right-wing opinion website, along with multiple other "BIG" sites - BIGHollywood, BIGGovernment, BIGJournalism. He played central roles in the Anthony Weiner sexting scandal, the firing of Shirley Sherrod, and the ACORN 2009 undercover videos controversy. Commenters such as Nick Gillespie and Conor Friedersdorf have credited Breitbart with changing how people wrote about politics by "show[ing] how the Internet could be used to route around information bottlenecks imposed by official spokesmen and legacy news outlets" and "wield[ing] a rhetorical flamethrower in the culture wars" by using his own personal experiences and opinions as the basis for his media career.
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, USA, California
- Booker Taliaferro Washington (c. 1856 – November 14, 1915) was an American educator, author, orator, and advisor to presidents of the United States. Between 1890 and 1915, Washington was the dominant leader in the African-American community. Washington was from the last generation of black American leaders born into slavery and became the leading voice of the former slaves and their descendants. They were newly oppressed in the South by disenfranchisement and the Jim Crow discriminatory laws enacted in the post-Reconstruction Southern states in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Washington was a key proponent of African-American businesses and one of the founders of the National Negro Business League. His base was the Tuskegee Institute, a historically black college in Tuskegee, Alabama. As lynchings in the South reached a peak in 1895, Washington gave a speech, known as the "Atlanta compromise", which brought him national fame. He called for black progress through education and entrepreneurship, rather than trying to challenge directly the Jim Crow segregation and the disenfranchisement of black voters in the South. Washington mobilized a nationwide coalition of middle-class blacks, church leaders, and white philanthropists and politicians, with a long-term goal of building the community's economic strength and pride by a focus on self-help and schooling. But, secretly, he also supported court challenges to segregation and restrictions on voter registration.Black militants in the North, led by W. E. B. Du Bois, at first supported the Atlanta compromise, but later disagreed and opted to set up the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to work for political change. They tried with limited success to challenge Washington's political machine for leadership in the black community, but built wider networks among white allies in the North. Decades after Washington's death in 1915, the civil rights movement of the 1950s took a more active and militant approach, which was also based on new grassroots organizations based in the South, such as Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Washington mastered the nuances of the political arena in the late 19th century, which enabled him to manipulate the media, raise money, develop strategy, network, push, reward friends, and distribute funds, while punishing those who opposed his plans for uplifting blacks. His long-term goal was to end the disenfranchisement of the vast majority of African Americans, who then still lived in the South.
- Birthplace: Hale's Ford, Virginia
- Charles Lindbergh, born in Detroit, Michigan on February 4, 1902, was an American aviator who achieved worldwide fame as the first person to fly solo and non-stop across the Atlantic Ocean. Born to a congressman father and a schoolteacher mother, his love for machinery and technology was evident from a young age. Lindbergh's early years were marked by frequent moves, following his father's political career, which ultimately led him to develop a strong sense of independence and a curiosity about the world. Lindbergh's fascination with flight took root during his time as a U.S. Air Mail pilot, but it was his daring transatlantic flight in May 1927 that put his name in the history books. In his single-engine plane, "The Spirit of St. Louis," he flew from New York to Paris, covering an astonishing distance of nearly 3,600 miles in thirty-three and a half hours. The feat was not only a triumph of engineering but also a testament to Lindbergh's skill, courage, and unwavering determination. This historic achievement won him the prestigious Orteig Prize and secured his place in aviation history. However, Lindbergh's life was not without controversy. His first-born son was tragically kidnapped and murdered in 1932, a case that became known as "The Crime of the Century". Later, his apparent sympathy towards Nazi Germany prior to World War II stirred public outcry. Yet, despite these tumultuous personal trials and public scrutiny, Lindbergh continued his work in aviation and conservation until his passing in 1974. A complex figure, Charles Lindbergh remains emblematic of the bold spirit of exploration and the relentless pursuit of progress that characterized the early 20th century.
- Birthplace: Michigan, USA, Detroit
- Born on January 11, 1755, on the island of Nevis in the British West Indies, Alexander Hamilton's life was a testament to the power of determination and intelligence. Despite facing numerous adversities early in his life, including being orphaned as a child, he managed to carve out an impressive career that significantly shaped the formation of the United States. Hamilton's intellect shone from a young age. Recognized by community leaders in Nevis for his potential, they pooled resources to send him to America for education. He attended King's College (now Columbia University) in New York City. During the American Revolution, Hamilton served as aide-de-camp to General George Washington, displaying exceptional strategic skills and administrative prowess. Post-war, Hamilton's influence further grew as a key contributor to the Federalist Papers, a series of essays advocating for the ratification of the Constitution. In 1789, he was appointed the first Secretary of the Treasury by President Washington, where he implemented financial systems that are still in place today. His vision of a strong central government and industrial economy often clashed with contemporaries like Thomas Jefferson, igniting debates that continue to resonate in American politics. Alexander Hamilton's legacy extends far beyond his untimely death in a duel against Aaron Burr in 1804; his foundational work in establishing modern American fiscal policy and constitutional interpretation leaves an indelible mark on the country's history.
- Birthplace: Charlestown, Saint Kitts and Nevis
- A literary icon behind one of the greatest science fiction film triumphs of the 20th century, "2001: A Space Odyssey," (1968), writer and futurist Arthur C. Clarke pioneered ideas in satellite communications, foresaw space stations and the internet, and envisioned a peaceful future where mankind committed resources to space and sea exploration instead of violence and warfare. The author of more than 100 fiction and non-fiction books, Clarke enjoyed atypical celebrity for an author and attained crossover success in other mediums, including as host of his own television show, "Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World" (BBC, 1980). Meanwhile, dividing his time between his home in Sri Lanka and the lecture circuit, Clarke churned out three sequels to his original landmark novel, one of which was turned into the film "2010" (1984). He created several other long-running novel series, earning every major sci-fi award along the way, none of which reached the unprecedented heights of "The Odyssey" book series. Stricken by polio and a wheelchair user in his final years, Clarke was an early adapter of word processors and email, remaining in direct contact via computer to fans and colleagues until his death in 2008 at the age of 90.
- Birthplace: Minehead, Somerset, England, UK
- Richard Buckminster "Bucky" Fuller was an American neo-futuristic architect, systems theorist, author, designer, and inventor. Fuller published more than 30 books, coining or popularizing terms such as "Spaceship Earth", ephemeralization, and synergetic. He also developed numerous inventions, mainly architectural designs, and popularized the widely known geodesic dome. Carbon molecules known as fullerenes were later named by scientists for their resemblance to geodesic spheres. Buckminster Fuller was the second president of Mensa from 1974 to 1983.
- Birthplace: Milton, Massachusetts
- Irwin Allen Ginsberg (; June 3, 1926 – April 5, 1997) was an American poet, philosopher and writer. He is considered to be one of the leading figures of both the Beat Generation during the 1950s and the counterculture that soon followed. He vigorously opposed militarism, economic materialism, and sexual repression and was known as embodying various aspects of this counterculture, such as his views on drugs, hostility to bureaucracy and openness to Eastern religions. He was one of many influential American writers of his time who were associated with the Beat Generation, including Jack Kerouac and William S. Burroughs. Ginsberg is best known for his poem "Howl", in which he denounced what he saw as the destructive forces of capitalism and conformity in the United States. In 1956, "Howl" was seized by San Francisco police and US Customs. In 1957, it attracted widespread publicity when it became the subject of an obscenity trial, as it described heterosexual and homosexual sex at a time when sodomy laws made homosexual acts a crime in every U.S. state. "Howl" reflected Ginsberg's own sexuality and his relationships with a number of men, including Peter Orlovsky, his lifelong partner. Judge Clayton W. Horn ruled that "Howl" was not obscene, adding, "Would there be any freedom of press or speech if one must reduce his vocabulary to vapid innocuous euphemisms?"Ginsberg was a practicing Buddhist who studied Eastern religious disciplines extensively. He lived modestly, buying his clothing in second-hand stores and residing in downscale apartments in New York's East Village. One of his most influential teachers was the Tibetan Buddhist Chögyam Trungpa, the founder of the Naropa Institute in Boulder, Colorado. At Trungpa's urging, Ginsberg and poet Anne Waldman started The Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics there in 1974.Ginsberg took part in decades of non-violent political protest against everything from the Vietnam War to the War on Drugs. His poem "September on Jessore Road", calling attention to the plight of Bangladeshi refugees, exemplifies what the literary critic Helen Vendler described as Ginsberg's tireless persistence in protesting against "imperial politics, and persecution of the powerless."His collection The Fall of America shared the annual U.S. National Book Award for Poetry in 1974. In 1979, he received the National Arts Club gold medal and was inducted into the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters. Ginsberg was a Pulitzer Prize finalist in 1995 for his book Cosmopolitan Greetings: Poems 1986–1992.
- Birthplace: USA, Newark, New Jersey
- César Felipe Millán Favela (; Spanish: [ˈsesaɾ miˈʝan]; born August 27, 1969) is a Mexican-American dog trainer with over 25 years of canine experience. He is widely known for his Emmy-nominated television series Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan, which was produced from 2004 to 2012 and is broadcast in more than 80 countries worldwide.Millan is a New York Times best-selling author and has his own line of dog products and instructional DVDs. Prior to The Dog Whisperer series, Millan focused on rehabilitating severely aggressive dogs and founded a rehab complex, the Dog Psychology Center, in South Los Angeles (2002–2008). In 2009, the Dog Psychology Center moved to Santa Clarita, California. Millan also opened an East Coast clinic at the Country Inn Pet Resort in Davie, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale.Millan's first three books, including Cesar's Way, all became New York Times best sellers, have cumulatively sold two million copies in the United States, and are available in 14 other countries.In 2009, in conjunction with IMG, Millan introduced a monthly magazine also titled Cesar's Way, with The Wall Street Journal reporting at that time that half of American consumers recognized Millan. The magazine ceased publication after its November/December 2014 issue. With Ilusión Millan, his former wife, he founded the Millan Foundation – later renamed the Cesar Millan Foundation and currently called the Cesar Millan PACK Project. The foundation was established to provide financial support to animal shelters and organizations engaged in the rescuing, rehabilitating, and re-homing of abused and abandoned animals, and to fund spay/neuter programs to help reduce dog overpopulation. It aims to "improve the health, happiness, and harmony of dogs and people — while helping both species learn from and support each other." Among other projects, the Foundation worked with Yale University to create a children's curriculum based on his work.
- Birthplace: Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico
- David Raymond Sedaris (; born December 26, 1956) is an American humorist, comedian, author, and radio contributor. He was publicly recognized in 1992 when National Public Radio broadcast his essay "Santaland Diaries". He published his first collection of essays and short stories, Barrel Fever, in 1994. He is the brother and writing collaborator of actor Amy Sedaris. Much of Sedaris's humor is ostensibly autobiographical and self-deprecating and often concerns his family life, his middle-class upbringing in the suburbs of Raleigh, North Carolina, his Greek heritage, homosexuality, jobs, education, drug use, and obsessive behaviors, and his life in France, London, and the English South Downs.
- Birthplace: Binghamton, New York, USA
- A prolific figure in British comedy, Ben Elton is a multi-faceted creative juggernaut. Born on May 3, 1959, in Catford, South East London, he moved to Godalming, Surrey, where he attended the prestigious Godalming Grammar School. Elton furthered his studies at the University of Manchester where he honed his craft in drama. This was the incubator for his comedic genius, and it wasn't long before his talent was recognized and he started his journey into stardom. Elton's career took off in the early 1980s when he began writing for the iconic television show The Young Ones, quickly establishing himself as a formidable writer. His satirical style resonated with audiences, leading to successful collaborations with Richard Curtis for the historic sitcom Blackadder. The show, starring Rowan Atkinson, brought him two BAFTA awards and firmly cemented his reputation in the annals of British comedy. In addition to scriptwriting, Elton ventured onto stage comedy, becoming well-known for his politically charged stand-up routines. Not one to limit his creativity, Elton extended his writing prowess to the literary world. His debut novel, Stark, published in 1989, became an international bestseller, paving the way for a succession of successful novels like Gridlock, Popcorn, and Blast from the Past. Several of his books have been adapted into plays and films, showcasing his versatile storytelling ability. As well as his successes in television and literature, Elton also made significant contributions to the world of theater. His musical We Will Rock You, based on the music of Queen, debuted in 2002 and ran for an impressive twelve years in London's West End. Elton's unique blend of satire, humor, and keen social commentary have made him a master storyteller and an influential figure in the realm of entertainment.
- Birthplace: United Kingdom
- Cornel West was an actor who graced the silver screen many times throughout his Hollywood career. He appeared in a number of television specials, including "The Issue Is Race" (1992-93), "Firing Line Special Debate (09/19/93)" (PBS, 1993-94) and "Firing Line Special Debate (12/17/93)" (PBS, 1993-94). He also appeared in "Violence: An American Tradition" (HBO, 1995-96). He also acted in various film roles at the time, appearing in "A Darker Side of Black" (1995) and the documentary "Black Is... Black Ain't" (1995) with Angela Davis. He next focused his entertainment career on film, appearing in the John Amos documentary "Ralph Ellison: An American Journey" (2002), the Keanu Reeves box office smash action movie "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003) and the Keanu Reeves box office smash action flick "The Matrix Revolutions" (2003). In the early 2000s and the 2010s, West lent his talents to projects like "Black in the '80s" (VH1, 2004-05), "Call + Response" with Daryl Hannah (2008) and "Examined Life" (2009). His credits also expanded to "Ghettophysics" (2010). West most recently appeared on "Mumia: Long Distance Revolutionary" (2013).
- Birthplace: Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
- Lonnie Corant Jaman Shuka Rashid Lynn, widely recognized by his stage name Common, is a distinguished figure in the world of entertainment, boasting a multifaceted career as a rapper, actor, and writer. Born on March 13, 1972, in Chicago, Illinois, he began his musical journey in the early 1990s with the release of his debut album Can I Borrow a Dollar?. However, it was his third album, One Day It'll All Make Sense, which marked a significant turning point in his career, propelling him into the mainstream music industry. Common's lyrical prowess and unique style blend elements of jazz and soul, creating a distinct sound that sets him apart from his contemporaries. His music often reflects his deep-rooted commitment to social justice and activism. This dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including several Grammy Awards. Notably, his song "Glory", a collaboration with John Legend for the film Selma, won both the Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song, solidifying his status as a celebrated artist. Beyond his musical endeavors, Common has carved out a successful acting career, appearing in a range of films and television series. Some of his notable roles include parts in American Gangster, Selma, and John Wick: Chapter 2. Moreover, he has authored several books, including his memoir One Day It'll All Make Sense and the children's book I Like Myself!.
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois
The Best Common Albums of All TimeSee all- 1Be85 Votes
- 2Like Water for Chocolate64 Votes
- 3Resurrection47 Votes
- Alan Lee Keyes (born August 7, 1950) is an American conservative political activist, pundit, author and former ambassador. A doctoral graduate of Harvard University, Keyes began his diplomatic career in the U.S. Foreign Service in 1979 at the United States consulate in Bombay, India, and later in the American embassy in Zimbabwe. Keyes was appointed Ambassador to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations by President Ronald Reagan, and served as Reagan's Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs from 1985 to 1987; in his capacities as a UN ambassador, among Keyes's accomplishments was contributing to the Mexico City Policy. Keyes ran for President of the United States in 1996, 2000, and 2008. He was the Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maryland against Paul Sarbanes in 1988 and Barbara Mikulski in 1992, as well as in Illinois against Barack Obama in 2004. Keyes lost all three elections by wide margins. Keyes hosted a radio call-in show, The Alan Keyes Show: America's Wake-Up Call, from 1994 until 1998 on WCBM. The show was briefly simulcast by National Empowerment Television. In 2002, he briefly hosted a television commentary show on the MSNBC cable network, Alan Keyes Is Making Sense. He has also been a columnist for World Net Daily.
- Birthplace: USA, New York, Long Island
- The writer behind The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, V for Vendetta and Watchmen, self-proclaimed anarchist and occultist Alan Moore revolutionised the comic book medium with socially and politically-conscious works which attracted an ever-growing adult audience. Born in Northampton in 1953, Moore developed an obsession with comic books and anti-establishment sentiments from a young age, becoming involved with a local alternative arts group and getting expelled from high school for dealing LSD in his teens. Following various dead end jobs Moore decided to pursue a career as a comic book writer, and soon forged a fruitful working relationship with 2000 AD, contributing over 50 stories to the publication's Future Shocks and Time Twisters sci-fi series, a permanent extra-terrestrial strip, Skizz, and the short-lived but much-loved The Ballad of Halo Jones. During this period Moore also wrote for Marvel UK's Captain Britain and Warrior, a new monthly magazine where he revived Miracleman and debuted V for Vendetta, a dystopian thriller based in a neo-fascist future which, like many of Moore's works, was later adapted for the big screen much to his dismay. Concerned with the lack of creator's rights, Moore soon stopped working for homegrown publications and instead focused his efforts on becoming the first British comic book writer to crack America. In 1983 DC Comics hired Moore to breathe new life into poor-selling The Saga of the Swamp Thing, and was subsequently given the chance to write stories for Vigilante, Superman and Batman, including popular graphic novel The Killing Joke. But his crowning glory arrived in 1986 with Watchmen, a superhero Cold War-based limited series which allowed Moore to experiment with narrative, further explore adult themes and essentially pave the way for a generation of darker comic book writers. As he did in his homeland Moore then became disillusioned by the issue of creator's rights and in 1989 vowed to abandon the mainstream altogether, setting up an independent company, Mad Love, with wife Phyllis and mutual lover Deborah Delano. There, Moore gravitated towards stories of ordinary citizens and socio-political issues, including anti-homophobia anthology AARGH and an unfinished miniseries based on his hometown, Big Numbers. After both his company and marriage folded, Moore produced the work A Small Killing, for Victor Gollancz Ltd. and worked with comics anthology Taboo on fictionalized Jack the Ripper account From Hell and erotic adventure Lost Girls. Moore surprised fans in 1993 by returning to the mainstream via the predominantly flashy Image Comics, writing stories for Spawn and Supreme, creating miniseries 1963 and taking control of monthly comic WildC.A.T.S. Moore was then given his own imprint, America's Best Comics, in 1999 where he created Victorian England dream team The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, post-modern superhero Tom Strong and police procedural Top 10. After yet more business disputes, Moore went independent again in 2009, launching the '21st Century's first underground magazine,' Dodgem Logic, limited series Neonomicon and digital comics app Electricomics. In 2016 Moore announced he was retiring from the comic book industry to focus on filmmaking.
- Birthplace: Northampton, England, UK
- Douglas Noel Adams (11 March 1952 – 11 May 2001) was an English author, screenwriter, essayist, humorist, satirist and dramatist. Adams was author of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, which originated in 1978 as a BBC radio comedy before developing into a "trilogy" of five books that sold more than 15 million copies in his lifetime and generated a television series, several stage plays, comics, a video game, and in 2005 a feature film. Adams's contribution to UK radio is commemorated in The Radio Academy's Hall of Fame.Adams also wrote Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency (1987) and The Long Dark Tea-Time of the Soul (1988), and co-wrote The Meaning of Liff (1983), The Deeper Meaning of Liff (1990), Last Chance to See (1990), and three stories for the television series Doctor Who; he also served as script editor for the show's seventeenth season in 1979. He also co-wrote the Monty Python sketch “Patient Abuse” which appeared in the final episode of Monty Python's Flying Circus. A posthumous collection of his works, including an unfinished novel, was published as The Salmon of Doubt in 2002. Adams was an advocate for environmentalism and conservation, a lover of fast cars, technological innovation and the Apple Macintosh, and a self-proclaimed radical atheist.
- Birthplace: England, Cambridge
- Andy Serkis, renowned for his unparalleled talent in the realm of motion capture acting, has redefined the boundaries of cinematic performance. Born in Middlesex, England, on April 20, 1964, he nurtured a passion for visual arts from an early age, eventually leading him to study visual arts at Lancaster University. Yet, his career trajectory shifted during his time at university, where he became deeply involved with the theatre, setting the stage for his future in acting. Serkis' breakthrough came when he was cast as the unforgettable Gollum in Peter Jackson's iconic The Lord of the Rings trilogy, elevating the recognition of motion capture technology within mainstream cinema. His groundbreaking role demanded physicality, vocal dexterity, and nuanced emotion, attributes that would become hallmarks of his later work. This performance marked the first of many collaborations with Jackson, including roles in King Kong and The Hobbit trilogy. In addition to his work in front of the camera, Serkis has made significant strides behind it. He co-founded The Imaginarium Studios, a production company dedicated to the advancement of performance capture technology. Also, as a director, Serkis has demonstrated a keen eye for storytelling, making his directorial debut with the film Breathe in 2017. Regardless of the role, Andy Serkis continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in the world of film, carving out a unique legacy in the process.
- Birthplace: Ruislip, London, England, UK
Best Andy Serkis MoviesSee all- 1Dawn of the Planet of the Apes35 Votes
- 2The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King35 Votes
- 3The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring19 Votes
- Johan August Strindberg (; Swedish: [ˈoːɡɵst ²strɪnːdbærj] (listen); 22 January 1849 – 14 May 1912) was a Swedish playwright, novelist, poet, essayist and painter. A prolific writer who often drew directly on his personal experience, Strindberg's career spanned four decades, during which time he wrote over sixty plays and more than thirty works of fiction, autobiography, history, cultural analysis, and politics. A bold experimenter and iconoclast throughout, he explored a wide range of dramatic methods and purposes, from naturalistic tragedy, monodrama, and history plays, to his anticipations of expressionist and surrealist dramatic techniques. From his earliest work, Strindberg developed innovative forms of dramatic action, language, and visual composition. He is considered the "father" of modern Swedish literature and his The Red Room (1879) has frequently been described as the first modern Swedish novel.In Sweden, Strindberg is known as an essayist, painter, poet, and especially as a novelist and playwright, but in other countries he is known mostly as a playwright. The Royal Theatre rejected his first major play, Master Olof, in 1872; it was not until 1881, at the age of thirty-two, that its première at the New Theatre gave him his theatrical breakthrough. In his plays The Father (1887), Miss Julie (1888), and Creditors (1889), he created naturalistic dramas that – building on the established accomplishments of Henrik Ibsen's prose problem plays while rejecting their use of the structure of the well-made play – responded to the call-to-arms of Émile Zola's manifesto "Naturalism in the Theatre" (1881) and the example set by André Antoine's newly established Théâtre Libre (opened 1887). In Miss Julie, characterisation replaces plot as the predominant dramatic element (in contrast to melodrama and the well-made play) and the determining role of heredity and the environment on the "vacillating, disintegrated" characters is emphasized. Strindberg modeled his short-lived Scandinavian Experimental Theatre (1889) in Copenhagen on Antoine's theatre and he explored the theory of Naturalism in his essays "On Psychic Murder" (1887), "On Modern Drama and the Modern Theatre" (1889), and a preface to Miss Julie, the last of which is probably the best-known statement of the principles of the theatrical movement.During the 1890s he spent significant time abroad engaged in scientific experiments and studies of the occult. A series of psychotic attacks between 1894 and 1896 (referred to as his "Inferno crisis") led to his hospitalization and return to Sweden. Under the influence of the ideas of Emanuel Swedenborg, he resolved after his recovery to become "the Zola of the Occult". In 1898 he returned to play-writing with To Damascus, which, like The Great Highway (1909), is a dream-play of spiritual pilgrimage. His A Dream Play (1902) – with its radical attempt to dramatize the workings of the unconscious by means of an abolition of conventional dramatic time and space and the splitting, doubling, merging, and multiplication of its characters – was an important precursor to both expressionism and surrealism. He also returned to writing historical drama, the genre with which he had begun his play-writing career. He helped to run the Intimate Theatre from 1907, a small-scale theatre, modeled on Max Reinhardt's Kammerspielhaus, that staged his chamber plays (such as The Ghost Sonata).
- Birthplace: Stockholm, Sweden
- Aaron Sorkin, widely recognized as one of the most respected and celebrated screenwriters in Hollywood, was born in 1961 in New York City. He burst onto the scene with his debut play, A Few Good Men, which he wrote on cocktail napkins during his bartending nights. This play was later turned into a blockbuster film starring Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise, solidifying Sorkin's reputation in the entertainment industry. Sorkin's career widened when he transitioned into television, creating and writing critically acclaimed shows such as The West Wing and The Newsroom. His unique storytelling style, characterized by rapid-fire dialogue and complex political narratives, has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Emmy Awards. Yet, his work is not limited to television. His screenplay for The Social Network, a film about the inception of Facebook, earned him an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay. In addition to his writing prowess, Aaron Sorkin ventured into directing, making his directorial debut with Molly's Game, a high-stakes poker drama based on a true story. The film was praised for its sharp dialogues and narrative progression, reflecting Sorkin's signature style. Despite his success, Sorkin remains grounded, often attributing his accomplishments to his early theater experiences and diligent work ethic. His talent for compelling scriptwriting continues to shape the landscape of modern cinema and television.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- Clive James (born 7 October 1939) is an Australian author, critic, broadcaster, poet, translator and memoirist. He has lived and worked in the United Kingdom since 1962.
- Birthplace: Kogarah, Australia
- Adam Smith (16 June [O.S. 5 June] 1723 – 17 July 1790) was a Scottish economist, philosopher and author as well as a moral philosopher, a pioneer of political economy and a key figure during the Scottish Enlightenment, also known as ''The Father of Economics'' or ''The Father of Capitalism''. Smith wrote two classic works, The Theory of Moral Sentiments (1759) and An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations (1776). The latter, often abbreviated as The Wealth of Nations, is considered his magnum opus and the first modern work of economics. In his work, Adam Smith introduced his theory of absolute advantage.Smith studied social philosophy at the University of Glasgow and at Balliol College, Oxford, where he was one of the first students to benefit from scholarships set up by fellow Scot John Snell. After graduating, he delivered a successful series of public lectures at the University of Edinburgh, leading him to collaborate with David Hume during the Scottish Enlightenment. Smith obtained a professorship at Glasgow, teaching moral philosophy and during this time, wrote and published The Theory of Moral Sentiments. In his later life, he took a tutoring position that allowed him to travel throughout Europe, where he met other intellectual leaders of his day. Smith laid the foundations of classical free market economic theory. The Wealth of Nations was a precursor to the modern academic discipline of economics. In this and other works, he developed the concept of division of labour and expounded upon how rational self-interest and competition can lead to economic prosperity. Smith was controversial in his own day and his general approach and writing style were often satirised by Tory writers such as Horace Walpole. In 2005, The Wealth of Nations was named among the 100 best Scottish books of all time.
- Birthplace: Kirkcaldy, United Kingdom
- Billy Corgan, born William Patrick Corgan Jr. on March 17, 1967, is an influential figure in the world of alternative rock music. He is best renowned as the lead vocalist, primary songwriter, and guitarist of The Smashing Pumpkins, a band that he co-founded during the late 1980s. Corgan's unique songwriting style and distinctive voice played pivotal roles in the success of the band's breakthrough albums, including Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness, both of which have achieved multi-platinum status. Corgan was born and raised in Illinois, where he developed his passion for music at a young age. He was heavily influenced by a broad spectrum of genres, including classic rock, punk, and new wave, which later became evident in his eclectic musical style. Additionally, his raw and honest lyrics often drew from his personal experiences and struggles, making his work particularly relatable to many listeners. Despite facing numerous challenges throughout his career, Corgan's resilience and dedication to his craft have cemented his position as one of the most respected figures in the industry. Beyond his work with The Smashing Pumpkins, Corgan has also pursued various solo projects and collaborations. His first solo album, TheFutureEmbrace, was released in 2005 and showcased a more electronic-oriented sound compared to his earlier works. Furthermore, he has worked with artists such as New Order and Hole, further demonstrating his versatility as a musician. Throughout his career, Corgan has been recognized with multiple awards including several Grammy nominations for his innovative contributions to music. Unquestionably, Billy Corgan's profound influence continues to resonate within the sphere of alternative rock, echoing his enduring commitment to creative expression.
- Birthplace: Elk Grove, Illinois, USA
- Cass Robert Sunstein FBA (born September 21, 1954) is an American legal scholar, particularly in the fields of constitutional law, administrative law, environmental law, and law and behavioral economics, who was the Administrator of the White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Obama administration from 2009 to 2012. Earlier, as a professor at the University of Chicago Law School for 27 years, he wrote influential works on among other topics, regulatory and constitutional law. Since leaving the White House, Sunstein is the Robert Walmsley University Professor at Harvard Law School.
- Birthplace: Concord, Massachusetts, USA
- Avul Pakir Jainulabdeen Abdul Kalam ( (listen); 15 October 1931 – 27 July 2015) was an aerospace scientist who served as the 11th President of India from 2002 to 2007. He was born and raised in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu and studied physics and aerospace engineering. He spent the next four decades as a scientist and science administrator, mainly at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was intimately involved in India's civilian space programme and military missile development efforts. He thus came to be known as the Missile Man of India for his work on the development of ballistic missile and launch vehicle technology. He also played a pivotal organisational, technical, and political role in India's Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998, the first since the original nuclear test by India in 1974.Kalam was elected as the 11th President of India in 2002 with the support of both the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the then-opposition Indian National Congress. Widely referred to as the "People's President", he returned to his civilian life of education, writing and public service after a single term. He was a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian honour. While delivering a lecture at the Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Kalam collapsed and died from an apparent cardiac arrest on 27 July 2015, aged 83. Thousands including national-level dignitaries attended the funeral ceremony held in his hometown of Rameshwaram, where he was buried with full state honours.
- Birthplace: Rameswaram, India
- At one time hailed as the strongest proponent of Dada in Australia, the multi-talented Barry Humphries has excelled as a character actor in Europe and Australia and has become one of the best loved landscape painters Down Under, but his fame rests on the Melbourne housewife he first created in connection with the Olympic Games back in 1956. Since then, Dame Edna Everage has commandeered the actor's life, blooming into an international phenomenon, a wonderful parody of celebrity and self-obsession. He delivered his first Dadaist experiments in anarchy and visual satire against the conservative background of his hometown Melbourne and moved on to the more cosmopolitan Sydney, where he played Estragon in "Waiting for Godot" (1958), the first Australian production of a Samuel Beckett play. A frequent player in London's West End during the '60s, he starred as Fagin in the 1967 revival of Lionel Bart's musical "Oliver!," featuring a young Phil Collins as the Artful Dodger. Nevertheless, he did not introduce Dame Edna to British audiences until the 1969 one-person stage production "Just a Show," which led to the BBC series "The Barry Humphries Scandals."
- Birthplace: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Charles Michael Palahniuk (; born February 21, 1962) is an American novelist and freelance journalist, who describes his work as transgressional fiction. He is the author of the award-winning novel Fight Club, which also was made into a popular film of the same name.
- Birthplace: Tri-Cities, USA, Washington, Pasco
- Andrew Michael Sullivan (born 10 August 1963) is a British-born American author, editor, and blogger. Sullivan is a conservative political commentator, a former editor of The New Republic, and the author or editor of six books. He started a political blog in 2000, and eventually moved his blog to various publishing platforms, including Time, The Atlantic, The Daily Beast, and finally an independent subscription-based format. He announced his retirement from blogging in 2015. Sullivan has been a writer-at-large at New York since 2016.Sullivan says his conservatism is rooted in his Roman Catholic background and in the ideas of the British political philosopher Michael Oakeshott; In 2003, he wrote he was no longer able to support the American conservative movement, as he was disaffected with the Republican Party's continued rightward drift on social issues during the George W. Bush era.Born and raised in Britain, he has lived in the United States since 1984 and currently resides in Washington, D.C. and Provincetown, Massachusetts. He is openly gay and a practising Roman Catholic.
- Birthplace: Godstone, England
- Henry Charles Bukowski (born Heinrich Karl Bukowski; August 16, 1920 – March 9, 1994) was a German-American poet, novelist, and short story writer. His writing was influenced by the social, cultural, and economic ambiance of his home city of Los Angeles. His work addresses the ordinary lives of poor Americans, the act of writing, alcohol, relationships with women, and the drudgery of work. Bukowski wrote thousands of poems, hundreds of short stories and six novels, eventually publishing over 60 books. The FBI kept a file on him as a result of his column Notes of a Dirty Old Man in the LA underground newspaper Open City.Bukowski published extensively in small literary magazines and with small presses beginning in the early 1940s and continuing on through the early 1990s. As noted by one reviewer, "Bukowski continued to be, thanks to his antics and deliberate clownish performances, the king of the underground and the epitome of the littles in the ensuing decades, stressing his loyalty to those small press editors who had first championed his work and consolidating his presence in new ventures such as the New York Quarterly, Chiron Review, or Slipstream." Some of these works include his Poems Written Before Jumping Out of an 8 Story Window, published by his friend and fellow poet Charles Potts, and better known works such as Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame. These poems and stories were later republished by John Martin's Black Sparrow Press (now HarperCollins/Ecco Press) as collected volumes of his work. In 1986 Time called Bukowski a "laureate of American lowlife". Regarding Bukowski's enduring popular appeal, Adam Kirsch of The New Yorker wrote, "the secret of Bukowski's appeal ... [is that] he combines the confessional poet's promise of intimacy with the larger-than-life aplomb of a pulp-fiction hero."Since his death in 1994, Bukowski has been the subject of a number of critical articles and books about both his life and writings, despite his work having received relatively little attention from academic critics in America during his lifetime. In contrast, Bukowski enjoyed extraordinary fame in Europe, especially in Germany, the place of his birth.
- Birthplace: Andernach, Germany
- Dan Savage is an actor and writer who is best known for his role in "Do I Sound Gay?." Savage was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2012 for "It Gets Better."
- Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- William Charles Ayers (; born December 26, 1944) is a former leader of the Weather Underground and American elementary education theorist. During the 1960s, Ayers participated in the counterculture movement that opposed US involvement in the Vietnam War. He is known for his 1960s radical activism and his current work in education reform, curriculum and instruction. In 1969, Ayers co-founded the Weather Underground, a self-described Communist revolutionary group with the intent to overthrow imperialism, that conducted a campaign of bombing public buildings (including police stations, the US Capitol Building, and the Pentagon) during the 1960s and 1970s in response to US involvement in the Vietnam War. Ayers is a retired professor in the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, formerly holding the titles of Distinguished Professor of Education and Senior University Scholar. During the 2008 US Presidential campaign, a controversy arose over his contacts with candidate Barack Obama. He is married to Bernardine Dohrn, who was also a leader in the Weather Underground.
- Birthplace: USA, Glen Ellyn, Illinois
- Aldous Huxley worked on a variety of projects during his entertainment career. Huxley wrote for a variety of films, including the dramedy "Pride and Prejudice" (1940) with Greer Garson and the Orson Welles dramatic adaptation "Jane Eyre" (1944). Huxley was also credited in "The Devils" (1971) starring Vanessa Redgrave, "Point Counterpoint" (PBS, 1972-73) and "Brave New World" (NBC, 1979-1980). Huxley was most recently credited in "Little Archimedes" (1979). Huxley was the grandson of T H Huxley. Huxley passed away in November 1963 at the age of 69.
- Birthplace: Godalming, Surrey, England, UK
- From his emergence with the breakout indie feature "Pi" (1998) - a sci-fi meditation on life, death and the cruelty of fate - writer-director Darren Aronofsky became something of an indie wunderkind who made the leap to directing big-budget Hollywood features. Although detractors would claim that some of his films -- particularly time travel fable "The Fountain" (2006) and philosophical meditation "Mother!" (2017) -- fell prey to artistic hubris and creative excess, the writer/director consistently managed to turn grim subject matter into exciting cinema. By drawing upon his hip-hop influences, Aronofsky created a hyperkinetic filmmaking style that encompassed high-speed editing and rapid-fire images. But beyond the surface of his filmmaking technique was an obsessive drive to artistically answer the Big Questions of why we are here and what comes after death. In the process, Aronofsky created a legion of adherents who flocked to every movie, while receiving a fair share of criticism for what were seen as overreaching pretensions. Nonetheless, Aronofsky remained a dedicated artist, steadfastly refusing to succumb to studio pressures on his way to making visually flamboyant, metaphysically probing and emotionally engaging films like "The Wrestler" (2008) and "Black Swan" (2010).
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, New York, USA
- Dominick John Dunne (October 29, 1925 – August 26, 2009) was an American writer, investigative journalist, and producer. He began his career as a producer in film and television, noted for involvement with the pioneering gay film The Boys in the Band (1970) and the award winning drug film Panic in Needle Park (1971). He turned to writing in the early 1970s. After the 1982 murder of his daughter Dominique, he came to focus on the ways in which wealth and high society interacts with the judicial system. A frequent contributor to Vanity Fair, Dunne also appeared regularly on television discussing crime from the 1980s to the end of his life.
- Birthplace: Hartford, Connecticut, USA
- A rugged British adventurer and handsome TV host, Bear Grylls grew up immersed in extreme sports and physical activity, encouraged by his aristocratic parents, and served a stint in the British Special Forces after finishing school. Although he broke his back in a parachuting accident in Africa, Grylls recovered and achieved his dream of climbing Mount Everest at age 23, which helped transform him into a media darling. Appearing in commercials and writing best-selling books, the attractive, confident Grylls became a worldwide phenomenon as host of the reality show "Man vs. Wild" (Discovery Channel, 2006-2011), which showcased his ability to survive in various hostile terrains. Although immensely popular, the show and Grylls came under fire when it was revealed certain elements of production were staged or enhanced, casting some doubt on Grylls' survival credentials, which he unwaveringly defended. Nevertheless, Grylls continued his real-life adventures around the globe to benefit various charities, was named the U.K.'s Chief Scout, and hosted the shows "Worst-Case Scenario" (Discovery Channel, 2010), "Bear Grylls: Wild Weekends" (Channel 4, 2011- ) and "Get Out Alive" (NBC, 2013). Celebrated for his questing, good-hearted nature, Bear Grylls not only earned countless fans around the world, but also inspired many would-be adventurers to follow in his courageous footsteps, if only from the comfort of their own living rooms.
- Birthplace: Isle of Wight, England, UK
- B.B. King, born as Riley B. King on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, was an iconic American blues singer, songwriter, and guitarist. His journey from a humble cotton picker and tractor driver to one of the most influential blues musicians is a testament to his sheer talent and passion for music. He was known for his unique style that combined traditional blues with jazz, pop, and other forms of music. King's career took off in earnest in 1949 when he began performing on Sonny Boy Williamson's radio program in West Memphis. This exposure led to steady engagements at the Sixteenth Avenue Grill in West Memphis, and later to a ten-minute spot on black-staffed and managed Memphis radio station WDIA. "King's Spot," became so popular, it was expanded and renamed the "Sepia Swing Club." However, it was his 1956 hit "Three O'Clock Blues" that catapulted him to national fame. Over the next several decades, he produced numerous hit records, including "Rock Me Baby," "Sweet Little Angel," and "The Thrill Is Gone," which won him his first Grammy Award in 1970. Beyond his musical prowess, King was also known for his tireless work ethic, often performing over 300 concerts a year. Despite his intense schedule, he always found time to experiment with his music and push the boundaries of blues. His profound influence on music was recognized by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, where he was inducted in 1987. B.B. King's legacy endures through his timeless music, his impact on countless musicians who followed in his footsteps, and his unwavering dedication to the blues.
- Birthplace: Itta Bena, Mississippi, USA
- Best known for his musical theatre work, actor/singer Anthony Rapp originated leading roles in "Rent" and "If/Then" but also enjoyed screen time in "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987), "Road Trip" (2000) and "Star Trek: Discovery" (CBS All Access, 2017-). Born in Chicago, IL in 1971, Rapp was already an experienced performer by the time he reached junior high, having appeared in a regional production of "Evita" and short-lived Broadway musical "The Little Prince and the Aviator." Rapp continued to pursue a stage career, studying at the Interlochen Arts Camp and bagging key parts in numerous off-Broadway shows. But after first appearing on screen as Daryl in Chris Columbus' comedy "Adventures in Babysitting" (1987), he also began to rack up numerous film and TV credits, including indie thriller "Far from Home" (1989), paranormal horror "Grave Secrets" (1989) and TV movie "Sky High" (1990). He then appeared alongside several future A-listers as prep school bully McGoo in "School Ties" (1992) and intellectual Tony in Richard Linklater's "Dazed and Confused" (1993). Having played Ben in the Broadway version of "Six Degrees of Separation," Rapp then assumed the role for its 1993 big-screen adaptation before landing his career-defining part, struggling documentarian Mark Cohen in the provocative stage musical "Rent." Following a brief appearance as storm-chaser Tony in "Twister" (1996), Rapp played a young gay man on a voyage of self-discovery in "David Searching" (1997), the same year he identified as 'queer' in an interview with Out magazine, and a gay photographer in 1920s-based farce "Man of the Century" (1999). Rapp then played songwriter Van Dyke Parks in "The Beach Boys: An American Family" (ABC, 2000), villainous teaching assistant Jacob in broad comedy "Road Trip" (2000) and aspiring physicist Bender in the Oscar-winning "A Beautiful Mind" (2001). After releasing his first solo album, Look Around, in 2000, Rapp showcased his vocal talent on screen, firstly in real estate musical "Open House" (2004) and secondly when reprising his signature role in the movie adaptation of "Rent" (2005). Rapp then enjoyed supporting parts in ensemble drama "Happy Endings" (2005) and gritty drug tale "Blackbird" (2007), landed the recurring part of Larry Kellogg in "Kidnapped" (NBC, 2006-07) and adapted his 2006 memoir, Without You, into a touring stage musical. After taking the lead in indie drama "Scaring the Fish" (2009), Rapp played Natalie Portman's best friend Simon in "The Other Woman" (2009), home invasion victim Connor in "Junction" (2010) and Zander in the musical episode of "Psych" (USA Network, 2006-2014). He then originated the role of Lucas in Tony-nominated musical "If/Then" before guesting as Dr. Thurman Drexler in medical drama "The Knick" (Cinemax, 2014-15) and Diane's accountant Glenn in spin-off "The Good Fight" (CBS, 2017-). After playing high school drama teacher Logan in "Opening Night" (2016), Rapp starred as grieving father Brad and groom-to-be Daniel in LGBT dramas "bwoy" (2016) and "Do You Take This Man" (2016), respectively. He was then cast in "Star Trek: Discovery" (CBS All Access, 2017-) as the franchise's first openly gay character, Lieutenant Paul Stamets. That high-profile casting was somewhat overshadowed in October of that year, when Rapp revealed during an interview with Buzzfeed News that in 1986, when he was 14, then-26-year-old actor Kevin Spacey attempted to physically initiate sex with the underage actor in the bedroom of Spacey's home during a party. The news, in the midst of a series of Hollywood-centric sexual abuse and harassment scandals started by the downfall of producer Harvey Weinstein, caused Netflix to indefinitely suspend production on the final season of Spacey's series "House of Cards" (Netflix 2013-18). Rapp continued working on other projects in addition to his "Star Trek: Discovery" duties, appearing on episodes of "13 Reasons Why" (Netflix, 2017- ) and James Corden's "Carpool Karaoke: The Series" (Apple, 2017- ) as well as an appearance as himself during a live TV performance of "Rent: Live" (Fox, 2019).
- Birthplace: Joliet, Illinois, USA
- Robert James Fischer (March 9, 1943 – January 17, 2008) was an American chess grandmaster and the eleventh World Chess Champion. Many consider him to be the greatest chess player of all time.Fischer showed great skill in chess from an early age; at 13, he won a brilliancy known as "The Game of the Century". At age 14, he became the US Chess Champion, and at 15, he became both the youngest grandmaster (GM) up to that time and the youngest candidate for the World Championship. At age 20, Fischer won the 1963/64 US Championship with 11 wins in 11 games, the only perfect score in the history of the tournament. His book My 60 Memorable Games, published in 1969, is regarded as essential reading. He won the 1970 Interzonal Tournament by a record 3½-point margin, and won 20 consecutive games, including two unprecedented 6–0 sweeps, in the Candidates Matches. In July 1971, he became the first official FIDE number-one-rated player. Fischer won the World Chess Championship in 1972, defeating Boris Spassky of the USSR, in a match held in Reykjavík, Iceland. Publicized as a Cold War confrontation between the USA and USSR, it attracted more worldwide interest than any chess championship before or since. In 1975, Fischer refused to defend his title when an agreement could not be reached with FIDE, chess's international governing body, over one of the conditions for the match. Under FIDE rules, this resulted in Soviet GM Anatoly Karpov, who had won the qualifying Candidates' cycle, being named the new world champion by default. After forfeiting his title as World Champion, Fischer became reclusive and sometimes erratic, disappearing from both competitive chess and the public eye. In 1992, he reemerged to win an unofficial rematch against Spassky. It was held in Yugoslavia, which was under a United Nations embargo at the time. His participation led to a conflict with the US government, which warned Fischer that his participation in the match would violate an executive order imposing US sanctions on Yugoslavia. The US government ultimately issued a warrant for his arrest. After that, Fischer lived his life as an émigré. In 2004, he was arrested in Japan and held for several months for using a passport that had been revoked by the US government. Eventually, he was granted an Icelandic passport and citizenship by a special act of the Icelandic Althing, allowing him to live in Iceland until his death in 2008. Fischer made numerous lasting contributions to chess. In the 1990s, he patented a modified chess timing system that added a time increment after each move, now a standard practice in top tournament and match play. He also invented Fischerandom, a new variant of chess known today as Chess960.
- Birthplace: USA, Chicago, Illinois
- Richard Samuel "Dick" Morris (born November 28, 1946) is an American political author and commentator who previously worked as a pollster, political campaign consultant, and general political consultant.A friend and advisor to Bill Clinton during his time as Governor of Arkansas, since his 1978 run, Morris became a political adviser to the White House after Clinton was elected president in 1992. Morris encouraged Clinton to pursue third way policies of triangulation that combined traditional Republican and Democratic proposals, rhetoric, and issues so as to achieve maximum political gain and popularity. He worked as a Republican strategist before joining the Clinton administration, where he helped Clinton recover from the 1994 midterm elections by advising the President to adopt more moderate policies. The president consulted Morris in secret beginning in 1994. Clinton's communications director George Stephanopoulos has said, "Over the course of the first nine months of 1995, no single person had more power over the president." Morris went on to become campaign manager of Bill Clinton's successful 1996 bid for re-election as President, but his tenure on that campaign was cut short two months before the election, when it was revealed that he had allowed a prostitute to listen in on conversations with the President. Morris now writes a weekly column for the New York Post which is carried nationwide, contributes columns and blogs to both the print and online versions of The Hill. He is also president of Vote.com. More recently, Morris has emerged as a harsh critic of the Clintons and has written several books that criticize them, including Rewriting History, a rebuttal to then-Senator Hillary Clinton's Living History. Morris said that he would leave the United States if Hillary Clinton were elected president in 2008.Morris was the strategist for Republican Christy Mihos's campaign in the 2010 Massachusetts gubernatorial race and supported Mitt Romney in 2012, predicting that he would achieve a landslide victory. Blogger Andrew Sullivan has named an annual award after Morris, given for "stunningly wrong political, social and cultural predictions". He has appeared in the past on the Fox News for political commentary, especially appearing on The O'Reilly Factor and Hannity. After the 2012 election, Morris did not appear on Fox News for three months, and the network ultimately opted not to renew his contract.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- David Lee Roth, best known as the flamboyant frontman of Van Halen, is a quintessential figure in the world of rock and roll. Born on October 10, 1954, in Bloomington, Indiana, Roth found his calling in music at an early age. His exposure to the sounds of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and other rock outfits of the era fostered his love for the genre, leading him to pursue a career in music. In 1974, Roth's destiny intertwined with that of the Van Halen brothers, Eddie and Alex, culminating in the formation of one of the most revered rock bands in history - Van Halen. Over the course of the next decade, Roth's charismatic stage presence coupled with Van Halen's innovative guitar work produced numerous chart-topping hits including Jump, Panama, and Hot for Teacher. Roth's tenure with the band, however, ended in 1985 after creative differences led to his departure. Notwithstanding, he has since rejoined and left the group on multiple occasions, contributing significantly to their enduring legacy each time. Apart from his exploits with Van Halen, Roth's solo career also merits mention. His debut solo album, Eat 'Em and Smile released in 1986, was met with critical acclaim, proving Roth's ability to hold his own outside of Van Halen. Throughout his career, Roth's contributions to rock have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Van Halen in 2007.
- Birthplace: Bloomington, USA, Indiana
- Daniel Clement Dennett III (born March 28, 1942) is an American philosopher, writer, and cognitive scientist whose research centers on the philosophy of mind, philosophy of science, and philosophy of biology, particularly as those fields relate to evolutionary biology and cognitive science.As of 2017, he is the co-director of the Center for Cognitive Studies and the Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy at Tufts University. Dennett is an atheist and secularist, a member of the Secular Coalition for America advisory board, and a member of the Committee for Skeptical Inquiry, as well as an outspoken supporter of the Brights movement. Dennett is referred to as one of the "Four Horsemen of New Atheism", along with Richard Dawkins, Sam Harris, and the late Christopher Hitchens.Dennett is a member of the editorial board for The Rutherford Journal.
- Birthplace: Boston, USA, Massachusetts
- Edward Lodewijk Van Halen (January 26, 1955 - October 6, 2020) was a Dutch-American musician, songwriter, and producer. He was the main songwriter and founder—with brother and drummer Alex Van Halen, bassist Mark Stone, and singer David Lee Roth—of the American hard rock band Van Halen. In 2012, he was voted number one in a Guitar World magazine reader's poll for "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
- Birthplace: Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Once hailed by Stephen King as the future of horror, author Clive Barker parlayed his success as a prose writer into a wide range of mediums, including films, visual arts and even video games. Barker was a true innovator in the horror genre, thanks in large part to his higher literary ambitions. But perhaps his greatest talent was his ability to cleverly recycle the old formulas with sexuality and over-the-top violence. By the mid-1990s, with a slew of best-selling novels, short story collections and comic book series bearing his name, the workaholic Barker was also a well-established presence in Hollywood, having written and directed the popular "Hellraiser" (1987), which spawned a long-running cult franchise that saw several theatrical and direct-to-DVD releases over the ensuing decades. Though occasionally stepping behind the camera for the likes of "Nightbreed" (1990) and "Lords of Illusion" (1995), Barker served more as an executive producer on a number of films, most of which were adapted from his novels and short stories. With his name attached to such horror fare as "Candyman" (1992) and "Hellraiser: Bloodlines" (1995), it came as a surprise to some when he executive produced the award-winning drama "Gods and Monsters" (1998), which focused on openly gay horror director James Whale. While delving into young adult novels on "The Books of Aharat" series and adult titles like "The Midnight Meat Train" (2008), Barker remained a thoughtful and articulate practitioner of the horror genre.
- Birthplace: Liverpool, England, UK
- William John Simmons III (born September 25, 1969), is an American sports writer, sports analyst, author, and podcaster. Simmons first gained attention with his website as "The Boston Sports Guy" and was recruited by ESPN in 2001, where he eventually operated the website Grantland and worked until 2015. At ESPN, he wrote for ESPN.com, hosted his own podcast on ESPN.com titled The B.S. Report, and was an analyst for two years on NBA Countdown. After departing ESPN in 2015, he founded The Ringer, a sports and pop culture website and podcast network, in 2016 and serves as its CEO. He hosted Any Given Wednesday with Bill Simmons on HBO for one season in 2016. At The Ringer, he hosts The Bill Simmons Podcast. Simmons is known for a style of writing characterized by mixing sports knowledge and analysis, pop culture references, his non-sports-related personal life, and for being written from the viewpoint of a passionate sports fan.
- William Rancic (; born May 16, 1971) is an American entrepreneur who was the first candidate hired by The Trump Organization at the conclusion of the first season of Donald Trump's reality television show, The Apprentice. He is married to E! News host Giuliana Rancic.
- Birthplace: Orland Park, Illinois, USA
- Dinesh D'Souza is a director, producer, writer, and actor who is known for directing "Death of a Nation," "Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party," and "America: Imagine A World Without Her."
- Birthplace: Bombay, India
- Robert Upshur Woodward (born March 26, 1943) is an American investigative journalist. He has worked for The Washington Post since 1971 as a reporter, and is currently an associate editor.While a young reporter for The Washington Post in 1972, Woodward teamed up with Carl Bernstein; the two did much of the original news reporting on the Watergate scandal. These scandals led to numerous government investigations and the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon. The work of Woodward and Bernstein was called "maybe the single greatest reporting effort of all time" by longtime journalism figure Gene Roberts.Woodward continued to work for The Washington Post after his reporting on Watergate. He has since written 19 books on American politics, 13 of which topped best-seller lists.
- Birthplace: USA, Geneva, Illinois
- Dennis Mark Prager () (born August 2, 1948) is an American conservative radio talk show host and writer. Born into an Orthodox Jewish family, his initial political work concerned Soviet Jews who were unable to emigrate. He gradually began offering more and broader commentary on politics. His views generally align with social conservatism. He founded PragerU, an American non-profit organization that creates videos on various political, economic, and philosophical topics from a conservative perspective.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York, USA
- David McAlister Barry (born July 3, 1947) is an American author and columnist who wrote a nationally syndicated humor column for the Miami Herald from 1983 to 2005. He has also written numerous books of humor and parody, as well as comic novels. Barry's honors include the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary (1988) and the Walter Cronkite Award for Excellence in Journalism (2005). Barry has defined a sense of humor as "a measurement of the extent to which we realize that we are trapped in a world almost totally devoid of reason. Laughter is how we express the anxiety we feel at this knowledge."
- Birthplace: Armonk, New York, USA
- Carl August Sandburg (January 6, 1878 – July 22, 1967) was an American poet, biographer, journalist, and editor. He won three Pulitzer Prizes: two for his poetry and one for his biography of Abraham Lincoln. During his lifetime, Sandburg was widely regarded as "a major figure in contemporary literature", especially for volumes of his collected verse, including Chicago Poems (1916), Cornhuskers (1918), and Smoke and Steel (1920). He enjoyed "unrivaled appeal as a poet in his day, perhaps because the breadth of his experiences connected him with so many strands of American life", and at his death in 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson observed that "Carl Sandburg was more than the voice of America, more than the poet of its strength and genius. He was America."
- Birthplace: Galesburg, Illinois, USA
- Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (Russian: Антон Павлович Чехов, tr. Antón Pávlovič Čéhov, IPA: [ɐnˈton ˈpavɫəvʲɪtɕ ˈtɕɛxəf]; 29 January 1860 – 15 July 1904) was a Russian playwright and short-story writer, who is considered to be among the greatest writers of short fiction in history. His career as a playwright produced four classics, and his best short stories are held in high esteem by writers and critics. Along with Henrik Ibsen and August Strindberg, Chekhov is often referred to as one of the three seminal figures in the birth of early modernism in the theatre. Chekhov practiced as a medical doctor throughout most of his literary career: "Medicine is my lawful wife", he once said, "and literature is my mistress."Chekhov renounced the theatre after the reception of The Seagull in 1896, but the play was revived to acclaim in 1898 by Konstantin Stanislavski's Moscow Art Theatre, which subsequently also produced Chekhov's Uncle Vanya and premiered his last two plays, Three Sisters and The Cherry Orchard. These four works present a challenge to the acting ensemble as well as to audiences, because in place of conventional action Chekhov offers a "theatre of mood" and a "submerged life in the text".Chekhov had at first written stories to earn money, but as his artistic ambition grew, he made formal innovations which have influenced the evolution of the modern short story. He made no apologies for the difficulties this posed to readers, insisting that the role of an artist was to ask questions, not to answer them.
- Birthplace: Taganrog, Russia
- John Anthony Burgess Wilson, (; 25 February 1917 – 22 November 1993), who published under the name Anthony Burgess, was an English writer and composer. Although Burgess was predominantly a comic writer, his dystopian satire A Clockwork Orange remains his best-known novel. In 1971, it was adapted into a highly controversial film by Stanley Kubrick, which Burgess said was chiefly responsible for the popularity of the book. Burgess produced numerous other novels, including the Enderby quartet, and Earthly Powers. He wrote librettos and screenplays, including the 1977 TV mini-series Jesus of Nazareth. He worked as a literary critic for several publications, including The Observer and The Guardian, and wrote studies of classic writers, notably James Joyce. A versatile linguist, Burgess lectured in phonetics, and translated Cyrano de Bergerac, Oedipus Rex, and the opera Carmen, among others. Burgess also composed over 250 musical works; he considered himself as much a composer as an author, although he enjoyed considerably more success in writing.
- Birthplace: England
- David Benjamin Rakoff (November 27, 1964 – August 9, 2012) was a Canadian-born American writer based in New York City, who wrote humorous and sometimes autobiographical non-fiction essays. Rakoff was an essayist, journalist, and actor, and a regular contributor to WBEZ's This American Life. Rakoff described himself as a "New York writer" who also happened to be a "Canadian writer", a "mega Jewish writer", a "gay writer", and an "East Asian Studies major who has forgotten most of his Japanese" writer.
- Birthplace: Montreal, Canada
- Arnold Schoenberg or Schönberg (, US also ; German: [ˈʃøːnbɛɐ̯k] (listen); 13 September 1874 – 13 July 1951) was an Austrian, and later American, composer, music theorist, teacher, writer, and painter. He is widely considered one of the most important and influential composers of the 20th century. He was associated with the expressionist movement in German poetry and art, and leader of the Second Viennese School. With the rise of the Nazi Party, Schoenberg's works were labeled degenerate music, because they were modernist and atonal. He emigrated to the United States in 1933. Schoenberg's approach, both in terms of harmony and development, has been one of the most influential of 20th-century musical thought. Many European and American composers from at least three generations have consciously extended his thinking, whereas others have passionately reacted against it. Schoenberg was known early in his career for simultaneously extending the traditionally opposed German Romantic styles of Brahms and Wagner. Later, his name would come to personify innovations in atonality (although Schoenberg himself detested that term) that would become the most polemical feature of 20th-century art music. In the 1920s, Schoenberg developed the twelve-tone technique, an influential compositional method of manipulating an ordered series of all twelve notes in the chromatic scale. He also coined the term developing variation and was the first modern composer to embrace ways of developing motifs without resorting to the dominance of a centralized melodic idea. Schoenberg was also an influential teacher of composition; his students included Alban Berg, Anton Webern, Hanns Eisler, Egon Wellesz, Nikos Skalkottas, Stefania Turkewich, and later John Cage, Lou Harrison, Earl Kim, Robert Gerhard, Leon Kirchner, Dika Newlin, and other prominent musicians. Many of Schoenberg's practices, including the formalization of compositional method and his habit of openly inviting audiences to think analytically, are echoed in avant-garde musical thought throughout the 20th century. His often polemical views of music history and aesthetics were crucial to many significant 20th-century musicologists and critics, including Theodor W. Adorno, Charles Rosen, and Carl Dahlhaus, as well as the pianists Artur Schnabel, Rudolf Serkin, Eduard Steuermann, and Glenn Gould. Schoenberg's archival legacy is collected at the Arnold Schönberg Center in Vienna.
- Birthplace: Vienna, Leopoldstadt, Austria
- Brian May, best known as the lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Queen, is a distinguished musician, songwriter, and astrophysicist. Born on July 19, 1947, in Hampton, England, May's passion for music began at an early age. He built his first guitar, famously known as the Red Special, with his father at just 16 years old. This homemade instrument would later become iconic, producing the distinctive sound that millions of Queen fans worldwide have come to love. May's musical journey took a significant turn when he co-founded Queen in 1970 with vocalist Freddie Mercury and drummer Roger Taylor. The band went on to achieve global success, with May contributing as both a guitarist and a prolific songwriter. His composition of timeless hits such as "We Will Rock You" and "The Show Must Go On" are iconic in the landscape of rock music. Beyond his music career, May's intellectual curiosity led him to delve into the world of astrophysics, earning a Ph.D. from Imperial College London in 2007. Despite his stellar achievements in music and science, May remains humble and dedicated to humanitarian causes. He is a devoted animal rights activist, co-founding the Save Me Trust in 2010 to advocate against fox hunting and badger culling in the UK. May's varied personality - a rockstar, scientist, and activist - makes him a unique figure in the entertainment industry. His exceptional contributions to music, coupled with his intellectual pursuits and philanthropy, continue to inspire many around the globe.
- Birthplace: London, United Kingdom
- Craig Lucas (born April 30, 1951) is an American playwright, screenwriter, theatre director, musical actor, and film director.
- Birthplace: Georgia, USA, Atlanta
- Brian Edward Patrick Kennedy (born 12 October 1966) is an Irish singer-songwriter and author from Belfast. He scored a number of hit singles and albums in the UK and RoI during the 1990s and 2000s. He represented Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2006 and finished in 10th place. Brian is the younger brother of the late musician Bap Kennedy.
- Birthplace: Belfast, United Kingdom
- Bill Wyman, born as William George Perks in Lewisham, England, is best known for his iconic role as the bass guitarist of the Rolling Stones, a band he was part of from 1962 until his departure in 1993. It was during this tenure that he established himself as a versatile musician, contributing to the band's dynamic sound and helping them achieve international acclaim. However, his musical journey started much earlier. At a tender age, he began playing piano and organ before venturing into bass guitar. The self-taught musician's style has been described as "driving, inimitable, and solid," setting the rhythm section's backbone for one of the world's most renowned rock bands. Wyman's contributions to the music industry extend beyond his time with the Rolling Stones. He embarked on a solo career parallelly during his time with the band, releasing his debut album Monkey Grip in 1974. His solo endeavors are marked by a distinct, more experimental approach to music, stepping away from pure rock 'n' roll to explore elements of blues, pop, and soul. This artistic exploration was personified in his 1982 UK Top 20 hit "(Si Si) Je Suis un Rock Star." In addition, Wyman formed the band Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings in 1997, further cementing his standing in the world of music. Aside from his musical prowess, Wyman is a respected author, having written several books. These works range from personal memoirs such as Stone Alone and Rolling with the Stones, providing an inside look into the life and times of the Rolling Stones, to historical explorations like Blues: The British Connection. Wyman is also an avid photographer and his work has been showcased in galleries worldwide.
- Birthplace: England, London
- Extremely shy and private writer-actor Alan Bennett lost his anonymity early when the success of the "Beyond the Fringe" revue (both in London and New York) thrust him into the limelight in the early 1960s. The least spectacular of the madcap ensemble, which also included fellow Oxford grads Jonathan Miller, Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, this sandy-haired son of a Yorkshire butcher was a deft character player who never seemed to risk the others' flights of improvisation. Never stumbling, never soaring, the cautiously letter-perfect Bennett was, even then, more the writer than performer. Yet, of that talented quartet, Bennett has shown the most staying power, becoming arguably Britain's most endearing man of letters. In his writings for the stage, film, TV and literary weeklies, one can hear the voice of the last country parson.
- Birthplace: Leeds, Yorkshire, England, UK
- Acknowledged as a leading figure in postwar American theater, playwright Arthur Miller had long been acclaimed as a writer who mixed naturalistic drama with timeless moral and political issues, with much of his work centered on the ethical responsibility of the individual in conflict with his community. His landmark play, "Death of a Salesman" (1949), won both a Tony Award and the Pulitzer Prize, while building a reputation as one of the greatest plays written in the 20th century. Four years later, he wrote "The Crucible" (1953), a thinly-guised examination of McCarthyism and the Red Scare that was a worthy addition to his already impressive canon, which included the working-class triumph of "A View from the Bridge" (1955). After himself enduring public suspicion for ties to Communism, which led to a conviction - and later appeal - for contempt of Congress, he made further headlines for his high-profile, but stormy marriage to sex symbol Marilyn Monroe, which ended right after the completion of "The Misfits" (1961), a film written by Miller for Monroe which ultimately proved to be her last. Miller went on to find success on television and in film with his Emmy-winning "Playing for Time" (CBS, 1980) and the critically acclaimed adaptation of his own work, "The Crucible" (1996), all the while enjoying his reputation as one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century.
- Birthplace: New York, New York, USA
- David Walliams, born as David Edward Williams in Surrey, England in 1971, is a multifaceted personality whose dynamic career spans across writing, acting, and comedy. He attended the University of Bristol, where he studied Drama, fueling his passion for the entertainment industry. Walliams's early career was marked by his collaboration with Matt Lucas, which bore the fruit of the popular sketch comedy show Little Britain, aired from 2003 to 2005. The show's unique blend of satire and character-driven comedy garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base, earning Walliams immense recognition. Walliams then endeavored into the realm of children's literature, creating a legacy that continues to inspire young readers worldwide. His debut novel, The Boy in the Dress, published in 2008, was an instant success, lauded for its body-positive messaging and inclusive narrative. This set the foundation for an array of best-selling books, including Mr. Stink, Gangsta Granny, and Billionaire Boy. These books have not only earned him literary accolades such as the National Book Awards Children's Book of the Year but have also been adapted into successful television films, further solidifying Walliams's reputation as a celebrated children's author. In addition to his work in comedy and literature, Walliams has also made his mark in reality television as a judge on Britain's Got Talent. His charisma and wit, coupled with his genuine engagement with contestants, have made him a favorite among audiences. Off-screen, Walliams has participated in numerous charitable endeavors, notably swimming the English Channel and the River Thames to raise funds for Sport Relief. His efforts have earned him recognition from the charity and admiration from the public, contributing to his enduring popularity.
- Birthplace: Banstead, England, UK
- Daniel Dale Johnston (born January 22, 1961) is an American singer-songwriter and visual artist who is regarded as a significant figure in outsider, lo-fi, and alternative music scenes. Most of his work consists of cassettes recorded alone in his home, and his music is frequently cited for its "pure and childlike soul".Johnston has spent extended periods in psychiatric institutions and has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He gathered a local following in the 1980s by passing out tapes of his music while working at a McDonald's in Austin, Texas. His cult status was propelled when Nirvana's Kurt Cobain was seen wearing a T-shirt that featured artwork from Johnston's 1983 album Hi, How Are You. In 2005, Johnston was the subject of the documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston.
- Birthplace: USA, California, Sacramento
- Bram Stoker was an Irish writer who was known for writing "Bram Stoker's Dracula," "Dracula Untold," and "The Last Voyage of the Demeter."
- Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
- Carlos Castaneda (December 25, 1925–April 27, 1998) was an American author. Starting with The Teachings of Don Juan in 1968, Castaneda wrote a series of books that describe his training in shamanism, particularly with a group whose lineage descended from the Toltecs. The books, narrated in the first person, relate his experiences under the tutelage of a man that Castaneda claimed was a Yaqui "Man of Knowledge" named don Juan Matus. His 12 books have sold more than 28 million copies in 17 languages. Critics have suggested that they are works of fiction; supporters claim the books are either true or at least valuable works of philosophy. Castaneda withdrew from public view in 1973, living in a large house in Westwood, California from 1973 until his death in 1998, with three colleagues whom he called "Fellow Travellers of Awareness." He founded Cleargreen, an organization that promotes "Tensegrity", which Castaneda described as the modern version of the "magical passes" of the shamans of ancient Mexico.
- Birthplace: Cajamarca, Peru
- In more than 25 years on the airwaves, Bill Moyers has established a niche unique to TV journalists, becoming the social anthropologist of the USA, the objective eye of why America is what it is and Americans are who they are. He is both the interviewer and chronicler who dares to believe that American TV viewers want to think and learn, to contemplate themselves, their pasts, their times and their futures. Although he has been associated with both CBS and NBC, Moyers has often sought the latitude of the less lucrative PBS and his TV programs--which he has moderated, hosted and usually produced--have focused on subjects ranging from the origins and connection to the song "Amazing Grace" to celebrating poets and poetry, to investigating myths, the Constitution, and even the scriptures. Moyers has spoken to America, but more key--he has listened.
- Birthplace: Hugo, Oklahoma, USA
- Carl Milton Levin (born June 28, 1934) is an American attorney and retired politician who served as a United States Senator from Michigan from 1979 to 2015. He was the chair of the Senate Committee on Armed Services and is a member of the Democratic Party. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Levin is a graduate of Swarthmore College and Harvard Law School. He worked as the General Counsel of the Michigan Civil Rights Commission from 1964 to 1967, and as a special assistant attorney general for the Michigan Attorney General's Office. Levin was elected to the Detroit City Council in 1968, serving from 1969 to 1977, and was president of the City Council from 1973 to 1977. In 1978, Levin ran for the United States Senate, defeating Republican incumbent Robert P. Griffin. Levin was re-elected in 1984, 1990, 1996, 2002 and 2008. On March 7, 2013, Levin announced that he would not seek a seventh term to the Senate. On March 9, 2015, Levin announced he was joining the Detroit-based law firm Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP.Levin became Michigan's senior senator in 1995. He is the longest-serving senator in the state's history, and was ultimately the fourth longest-serving incumbent in the U.S. Senate.
- Birthplace: Michigan, USA, Detroit
- Clive Eric Cussler (born July 15, 1931) is an American adventure novelist and underwater explorer. His thriller novels, many featuring the character Dirk Pitt, have reached The New York Times fiction best-seller list more than 20 times. Cussler is the founder and chairman of the National Underwater and Marine Agency (NUMA), which has discovered more than 60 shipwreck sites and numerous other notable underwater wrecks. He is the sole author or lead author of more than 80 books. His novels have inspired various other works of fiction in the form of films, TV, other novels and even video games.
- Birthplace: Aurora, Illinois, USA
- Paul Bruce Dickinson (born 7 August 1958) is an English singer, songwriter, musician, airline pilot, entrepreneur, author, and broadcaster. He is known for his work as the lead singer of the heavy metal band Iron Maiden and is renowned for his wide-ranging operatic vocal style and energetic stage presence. Born in Worksop, Nottinghamshire, Dickinson began his career in music fronting small pub bands in the 1970s while attending school in Sheffield and university in London. In 1979, he joined the new wave of British heavy metal band Samson, with whom he gained some popularity under the stage name "Bruce Bruce" and performed on two studio records. He left Samson in 1981 to join Iron Maiden, replacing Paul Di'Anno, and debuted on their 1982 album The Number of the Beast. During his first tenure in the band, they issued a series of US and UK platinum and gold albums in the 1980s. Dickinson quit Iron Maiden in 1993 (being replaced by Blaze Bayley) to pursue his solo career, which saw him experiment with a wide variety of heavy metal and rock styles. He rejoined the band in 1999, along with guitarist Adrian Smith, with whom he has released five subsequent studio albums. Since his return to Iron Maiden, he issued one further solo record in 2005, Tyranny of Souls. His younger cousin, Rob Dickinson, is the former lead singer of British alternative rock band Catherine Wheel, while his son, Austin, fronted the metalcore band Rise to Remain. Outside his career in music, Dickinson is well known for his wide variety of other pursuits. Most notably, he undertook a career as a commercial pilot for Astraeus Airlines, which led to a number of media-reported ventures such as captaining Iron Maiden's converted charter aeroplane, Ed Force One, during their world tours. Following Astraeus' closure, he created his own aircraft maintenance and pilot training company in 2012, Cardiff Aviation. Dickinson presented his own radio show on BBC Radio 6 Music from 2002 to 2010, and has also hosted television documentaries, authored novels and film scripts, created a successful beer with Robinsons Brewery and competed at fencing internationally.
- Birthplace: Worksop, United Kingdom
- Chuck D, born Carlton Douglas Ridenhour on August 1, 1960, is an influential figure in the world of music, renowned as a rapper, author, and producer. He hails from Queens, New York, where his passion for music was nurtured and thrived amidst the vibrant culture of hip hop during its infancy. A defining moment in his career came when he co-founded Public Enemy, a rap group that would later revolutionize the hip-hop genre with its politically charged lyrics and innovative production techniques. Chuck D's talent for using music as a social commentary platform is immensely respected. His hard-hitting lyrics and powerful delivery often addressed pressing issues such as racism and inequality, enabling him to establish himself as a voice for the marginalized and oppressed. His unique style played a pivotal role in shaping Public Enemy's image and music, contributing to their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Aside from his work with Public Enemy, Chuck D has also made significant contributions as a solo artist and collaborator. His solo discography includes critically acclaimed albums like Autobiography of Mistachuck and The Black in Man. Additionally, his collaborative work spans a number of projects with artists across different genres, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile musician. A multi-faceted personality, Chuck D has also authored books that delve into the intricacies of the music industry and the African American experience.
- Birthplace: Roosevelt, New York, USA
- Andy Borowitz is a writer, producer, and actor who is known for writing "Bel-Air," "The Facts of Life," and "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
- Birthplace: Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Colm Tóibín (Irish pronunciation: [ˈkɔl̪ˠəmˠ t̪ˠoːˈbʲiːnʲ]; born 30 May 1955) is an Irish novelist, short story writer, essayist, playwright, journalist, critic and poet.Tóibín is currently Irene and Sidney B. Silverman Professor of the Humanities at Columbia University and succeeded Martin Amis as professor of creative writing at the University of Manchester. He was appointed Chancellor of the University of Liverpool in 2017.Called "a champion of minorities" by Arts Council director Mary Cloake as he collected the 2011 Irish PEN Award, that same year John Naughton of The Observer included Tóibín among his list of Britain's three hundred "public figures leading our cultural discourse" — despite his being Irish.
- Birthplace: Enniscorthy, Republic of Ireland
- Andrew Klavan (; born July 13, 1954) is an American writer of crime and suspense novels. Dubbed by Stephen King "the most original American novelist of crime and suspense since Cornell Woolrich", Klavan has been nominated for the Edgar Award five times and has won twice. Klavan has also worked in film and as an essayist and video satirist. He hosts "The Andrew Klavan Show" podcast on The Daily Wire.
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Christopher Travis Rice (born March 11, 1978) is an American author. Rice has penned multiple bestselling novels, including: A Density of Souls, The Snow Garden, Light Before Day, Blind Fall, The Moonlit Earth, The Heavens Rise, and The Vines. His work has been described as spanning multiple genres, including suspense, crime, supernatural thriller, and erotic romance. With his mother Anne Rice he also co-authored the historical horror novel Ramses the Damned: The Passion of Cleopatra.
- Birthplace: Berkeley, California
- Alfred Edward Housman (; 26 March 1859 – 30 April 1936), usually known as A. E. Housman, was an English classical scholar and poet, best known to the general public for his cycle of poems A Shropshire Lad. Lyrical and almost epigrammatic in form, the poems wistfully evoke the dooms and disappointments of youth in the English countryside. Their beauty, simplicity and distinctive imagery appealed strongly to Edwardian taste, and to many early 20th-century English composers both before and after the First World War. Through their song-settings, the poems became closely associated with that era, and with Shropshire itself. Housman was one of the foremost classicists of his age and has been ranked as one of the greatest scholars who ever lived. He established his reputation publishing as a private scholar and, on the strength and quality of his work, was appointed Professor of Latin at University College London and then at the University of Cambridge. His editions of Juvenal, Manilius and Lucan are still considered authoritative.
- Birthplace: Bromsgrove, United Kingdom
- Carl Bernstein ( BURN-steen; born February 14, 1944) is an American investigative journalist and author. While a young reporter for The Washington Post in 1972, Bernstein was teamed up with Bob Woodward; the two did much of the original news reporting on the Watergate scandal. These scandals led to numerous government investigations and the eventual resignation of President Richard Nixon. The work of Woodward and Bernstein was called "maybe the single greatest reporting effort of all time" by longtime journalism figure Gene Roberts.Bernstein's career since Watergate has continued to focus on the theme of the use and abuse of power via books and magazine articles. He has also done reporting for television and opinion commentary. He is the author or co-author of six books: All the President's Men, The Final Days, and The Secret Man, with Bob Woodward; His Holiness: John Paul II and the History of Our Time, with Marco Politi; Loyalties; and A Woman in Charge: The Life of Hillary Rodham Clinton. Additionally, he is a regular political commentator on CNN.
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA
- Alexander Nikolaievich Prokofiev de Seversky was a Russian-American aviation pioneer, inventor, and influential advocate of strategic air power.
- Birthplace: Tbilisi, Georgia
- Edward Franklin Albee III ( AWL-bee; March 12, 1928 – September 16, 2016) was an American playwright known for works such as The Zoo Story (1958), The Sandbox (1959), Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1962), and A Delicate Balance (1966). Three of his plays won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and two of his other works won the Tony Award for Best Play. His works are often considered as frank examinations of the modern condition. His early works reflect a mastery and Americanization of the Theatre of the Absurd that found its peak in works by European playwrights such as Samuel Beckett, Eugène Ionesco, and Jean Genet. His middle period comprised plays that explored the psychology of maturing, marriage, and sexual relationships. Younger American playwrights, such as Paula Vogel, credit Albee's daring mix of theatricality and biting dialogue with helping to reinvent the post-war American theatre in the early 1960s. Later in his life, Albee continued to experiment in works such as The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia? (2002).
- Birthplace: Washington, D.C., USA
- Alex Haley was an American writer, actor, and producer who was known for writing "Malcolm X," "Malcolm X," and "Queen."
- Birthplace: Ithaca, New York, USA
- Michael Derek Elworthy Jarman (31 January 1942 – 19 February 1994) was an English film director, stage designer, diarist, artist, gardener, and author.
- Birthplace: Northwood, London, England, London
- Allan Gurganus is an American novelist, short story writer, and essayist whose work, which includes Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All and Local Souls, is often influenced by and set in his native North Carolina.
- Birthplace: Rocky Mount, USA, North Carolina
- Newton Booth Tarkington (July 29, 1869 – May 19, 1946) was an American novelist and dramatist best known for his novels The Magnificent Ambersons and Alice Adams. He is one of only three novelists to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction more than once, along with William Faulkner and John Updike. Although he is little read now, in the 1910s and 1920s he was considered America's greatest living author. Several of his stories were adapted to film. He served one term in the Indiana House of Representatives, was critical of the advent of automobiles, and set many of his stories in the Midwest. He eventually removed to Kennebunkport, Maine where he continued his life work even as he faced a loss of vision.
- Birthplace: Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Edward Bunker was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. Bunker's career in acting began with his roles in various films like "Straight Time" (1978) with Dustin Hoffman, "The Long Riders" (1980) with David Carradine and "Runaway Train" (1985) with Jon Voight. He also appeared in "The Running Man" (1987), "Shy People" (1987) and "Best of the Best" (1989). He continued to work steadily in film throughout the eighties, appearing in the Anthony Edwards adventure "Miracle Mile" (1989), the Judd Nelson action picture "Relentless" (1989) and the action film "Tango & Cash" (1989) with Sylvester Stallone. Nearing the end of his career, he tackled roles in the action flick "Desperate Motive" (1993) with Mel Harris, the action movie "Best of the Best 2" (1993) with Eric Roberts and the Chiara Mastroianni romance "Cameleone" (1996). He also appeared in the drama "Somebody to Love" (1996) with Rosie Perez and the Adam Sandler blockbuster action-packed comedy "The Longest Yard" (2005). Bunker was most recently credited in the comedy "High Hopes" (2006) with Corin Nemec. Bunker passed away in July 2005.
- Birthplace: Hollywood, California, USA
- Bret Easton Ellis (born March 7, 1964) is an American author, screenwriter, and short story writer. Ellis was first regarded as one of the so-called literary Brat Pack, which also included Tama Janowitz and Jay McInerney. He is a self-proclaimed satirist whose trademark technique, as a writer, is the expression of extreme acts and opinions in an affectless style. His novels commonly share recurring characters. When Ellis was 21, his first novel, the controversial bestseller Less Than Zero (1985), was published by Simon & Schuster. His third novel, American Psycho (1991), was his most successful; upon release, the literary establishment widely condemned it as overly violent and misogynistic. Though many petitions to ban the book saw Ellis dropped by Simon & Schuster, the resounding controversy convinced Alfred A. Knopf to release it as a paperback later that year. Ellis's novels have become increasingly metafictional. Lunar Park (2005), a pseudo-memoir and ghost story, received positive reviews. Imperial Bedrooms (2010), marketed as a sequel to Less Than Zero, continues in this vein. Four of Ellis's works have been made into films. Less Than Zero was adapted in 1987 as a film of the same name, but the film bore little resemblance to the novel. Mary Harron's adaptation of American Psycho was released to generally positive reviews in 2000. Roger Avary's 2002 adaptation The Rules of Attraction made modest box office returns. 2008's The Informers, based on Ellis's collection of short stories, was critically panned. Ellis also wrote the screenplay for the critically derided 2013 film The Canyons.
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, USA, California
- Charles Rozell "Chuck" Swindoll is an evangelical Christian pastor, author, educator, and radio preacher. He founded Insight for Living, headquartered in Plano, Texas, which airs a radio program of the same name on more than 2,000 stations around the world in 15 languages. He is currently senior pastor at Stonebriar Community Church, in Frisco, Texas.
- Birthplace: El Campo, Texas
- Alan James Hollinghurst FRSL (born 26 May 1954) is an English novelist, poet, short story writer and translator. He is the recipient of numerous awards, including the 1989 Somerset Maugham Award, the 1994 James Tait Black Memorial Prize and the 2004 Booker Prize.
- Birthplace: Stroud, United Kingdom
- Sam Irvin (born June 14, 1956) is an American film and television director, producer, screenwriter, actor, author and film teacher. Irvin's directing credits include Guilty as Charged, Oblivion, Elvira's Haunted Hills, and all the episodes of two television series: Dante's Cove and From Here on OUT. His other credits include co-executive producer of Bill Condon's Academy Award-winner Gods and Monsters; associate producer of Brian De Palma's Home Movies; and historical consultant on the Tony Award-winner Liza's at the Palace. Irvin also wrote the biography Kay Thompson: From Funny Face to Eloise (Simon & Schuster). Between projects, Irvin teaches graduate courses on directing at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts.
- Birthplace: USA, Asheville, North Carolina
