- Yahoo Serious (born Greg Gomez Pead; 27 July 1953) is an Australian film actor, director, and score composer. His films include the 1988 comedy Young Einstein, Reckless Kelly (1993), and Mr. Accident (2000). Serious writes, directs, produces, stars in, and has composed the scores for his movies.
- William Ray Engvall Jr. (born July 27, 1957) is an American comedian and actor best known for his work as a stand-up comic, his signature "Here's Your Sign" bit, and as a member of the Blue Collar Comedy group.
- Juliana Hatfield is an American musician and singer-songwriter from the Boston area, formerly of the indie rock bands Blake Babies, The Juliana Hatfield Three, Some Girls, and The Lemonheads. She has performed and recorded as a solo artist and as one half of Minor Alps with Matthew Caws of Nada Surf. In December 2014, Paste named her cover of the song "Needle in the Hay" by Elliott Smith number 10 in a list of the 20 Best Cover Songs of 2014. In 2014, she reformed The Juliana Hatfield Three, announcing the new album Whatever, My Love for 2015. In late December, Stereogum named the album "one of their most anticipated albums of 2015", and on January 4, 2015, Consequence of Sound named it "one of the 50 most anticipated albums of 2015."
- Having established himself in a number of Danish films, actor Nikolaj Coster-Waldau made himself a known presence in America and abroad with both supporting and leading roles in high-profile projects. After getting his feet wet in international waters with the British-made World War II drama "Bent" (1997), Coster-Waldau was cast by Ridley Scott to participate in the director's acclaimed war thriller "Black Hawk Down" (2001). He subsequently had turns in the action thriller "My Name is Modesty" (2004) and the romantic comedy "Wimbledon" (2004), before reuniting with Scott for the less well-received medieval adventure "Kingdom of Heaven" (2005). Coster-Waldau made a brief, but memorable splash playing a cop trapped on Earth as an immortal on the short-lived series "New Amsterdam" (Fox, 2008), before joining the acclaimed cast of the epic medieval drama, "Game of Thrones" (HBO, 2011- ), which allowed him to display his considerable talents to a wider audience. Supporting roles in mainstream films like the Jessica Chastain-starring horror hit "Mama" (2013) and Tom Cruise's "Oblivion" (2013) increased his international profile even further.
- Maya Rudolph, an eminent figure in the world of comedy, carved an illustrious career through her exceptional acting and voice talents. Born on July 27, 1972, in Gainesville, Florida, she was destined for show business, being the daughter of soul singer Minnie Riperton and composer Richard Rudolph. Her early life was steeped in artistic exposure, which later took shape in various creative endeavors, one of them being a member of The Rentals, an alternative rock band. Rudolph's journey in television commenced with her joining the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 2000, where she perfected impersonations of numerous celebrities, thereby gaining massive popularity. Her seven-year tenure at SNL left an indelible impact on her career and set the stage for future success. In addition to SNL, Rudolph's diverse body of work encompasses several noteworthy performances across both film and television platforms. Her remarkable talent shone through in films such as Bridesmaids, and Away We Go, creating memorable cinematic moments for audiences worldwide. A gifted voice artist, Rudolph lent her distinctive voice to a multitude of animated characters, adding another dimension to her multifaceted career. From Shrek the Third to Big Hero 6, she brought life to characters with her unique vocal prowess. Additionally, her musical talents never took a backseat. She frequently incorporated singing into her performances, showcasing her versatile capabilities.
- Peter Joseph Yorn (born July 27, 1974) is an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He first gained international recognition after his debut record, Musicforthemorningafter, was released to critical and commercial acclaim in 2001. He is known for playing the bulk of the instruments on his records. Released on August 9, 2019, Caretakers is Yorn's seventh solo full length studio album. It was produced by Pete Yorn and Jackson Phillips of Day Wave and released on Yorn's own Shelly Music.
- Alex Rodriguez, often referred to by his nickname A-Rod, is a renowned figure in the world of baseball who has managed to etch his name in the annals of the sport. Born on July 27, 1975, in New York City, Rodriguez spent his early years in Miami, Florida. He discovered his love for baseball at a young age and this passion propelled him into a successful career that spanned over two decades. Rodriguez's professional journey began in 1993 when he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners as the first overall pick. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career that saw him play for three major league teams - the Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees. His time with these teams was punctuated with numerous achievements including 14 All-Star selections, 10 Silver Slugger Awards, and 2 Gold Glove Awards. Rodriguez further cemented his legendary status by winning the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award thrice and securing a World Series championship with the Yankees in 2009. However, Rodriguez's career was not without controversy. His admission in 2009 to using performance-enhancing drugs during his tenure with the Rangers tainted his reputation. Despite this setback, Rodriguez demonstrated resilience by returning to the sport after a year-long suspension in 2014. Since his retirement, Rodriguez has transitioned into a successful career in broadcasting, showcasing his deep understanding and love for the game.
- Beatrix Potter (, US , 28 July 1866 – 22 December 1943) was an English writer, illustrator, natural scientist, and conservationist best known for her children's books featuring animals, such as those in The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Born into an upper-middle-class household, Potter was educated by governesses and grew up isolated from other children. She had numerous pets and spent holidays in Scotland and the Lake District, developing a love of landscape, flora, and fauna, all of which she closely observed and painted. Though Potter was typical of women of her generation in having limited opportunities for higher education, her study and watercolours of fungi led to her being widely respected in the field of mycology. In her thirties, Potter self-published the highly successful children's book The Tale of Peter Rabbit. Following this, Potter began writing and illustrating children's books full-time. In all, Potter wrote thirty books; the best known being her twenty-three children's tales. With the proceeds from the books and a legacy from an aunt, in 1905 Potter bought Hill Top Farm in Near Sawrey, a village in the Lake District which at that time was in Lancashire. Over the following decades, she purchased additional farms to preserve the unique hill country landscape. In 1913, at the age of 47, she married William Heelis, a respected local solicitor from Hawkshead. Potter was also a prize-winning breeder of Herdwick sheep and a prosperous farmer keenly interested in land preservation. She continued to write and illustrate, and to design spin-off merchandise based on her children's books for British publisher Warne, until the duties of land management and her diminishing eyesight made it difficult to continue. Potter died of pneumonia and heart disease on 22 December 1943 at her home in Near Sawrey at the age of 77, leaving almost all her property to the National Trust. She is credited with preserving much of the land that now constitutes the Lake District National Park. Potter's books continue to sell throughout the world in many languages with her stories being retold in song, film, ballet, and animation, and her life depicted in a feature film and television film.
- Henri-Robert-Marcel Duchamp (; French: [maʁsɛl dyʃɑ̃]; 28 July 1887 – 2 October 1968) was a French-American painter, sculptor, chess player, and writer whose work is associated with Cubism, Dada, and conceptual art. He was careful about his use of the term Dada and was not directly associated with Dada groups. Duchamp is commonly regarded, along with Pablo Picasso and Henri Matisse, as one of the three artists who helped to define the revolutionary developments in the plastic arts in the opening decades of the 20th century, responsible for significant developments in painting and sculpture. Duchamp has had an immense impact on twentieth-century and twenty first-century art, and he had a seminal influence on the development of conceptual art. By World War I, he had rejected the work of many of his fellow artists (such as Henri Matisse) as "retinal" art, intended only to please the eye. Instead, Duchamp wanted to use art to serve the mind.
- As famous for her role as Aunt Becky as she became for her part in the 2019 college admissions scandal, Lori Laughlin was a famous face for several decades. Born in Queens, New York in 1964, Loughlin grew up in Long Island where she began nurturing a desire to act from the time she was five. At eleven, she signed with a modeling agency and at 16, she was appearing on her first series, the soap opera "The Edge of Night" (ABC, 1956-1984). She made her movie debut in "Amityville 3-D" (1983) a few years later and went on to appear with Kelly Preston in "Secret Admirer" (1985), but Loughlin's big break came when she was cast as Rebecca "Aunt Becky" Donaldson on the hit sitcom "Full House" (NBC, 1988-1995). The role made Loughlin an icon, and she would stick with the show for all of its eight seasons. TV would prove a great fit for the actor, as she took on co-starring roles on "Summerland" (WB, 2004-05) and "90210" (CW, 2008-2013) in the years to come, but the next major phase in her career would come in 2013 when she starred in the period TV movie "When Calls the Heart" (Hallmark, 2013). The TV movie in fact doubled as a pilot, which was picked up for series the following year and proved to be a solid hit. Around this same time, Loughlin began starring in a series of light-hearted mystery TV movies known as "The Garage Sale Mysteries" (Hallmark, 2013), which proved quite popular as well. At the height of this flurry of projects, much of the cast of "Full House" signed on for a sequel series titled "Fuller House" (Netflix, 2016-19), and Loughlin joined the project as well, introducing her decades-old character to a new generation of fans. Then in 2019, Loughlin was indicted by the FBI for paying $500,000 in order to fraudulently gain admissions for her two daughters into the University of Southern California. Loughlin and her husband, fashion designer Mossimo Giannulli, were among over 50 other parents who faced charges as part of what was nicknamed the Varsity Blues College Admissions Scandal. Netflix and Hallmark both announced they were dropping Loughlin in the wake of the charges, putting a major dent in her public image.
- James Ronald Pardo, Jr. (born July 28, 1966) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and host of the long-running comedy podcast Never Not Funny. From the show's inception and until mid-2015, he performed as the Conan O'Brien program Conan's warm-up comedian and cast member, after which he received a general development deal with O'Brien's production company. He last hosted the game show Race to Escape on the Science Channel.
- Alexis Arquette (July 28, 1969 – September 11, 2016) was an American actress, cabaret performer, underground cartoonist, and activist.
- Stephen Andrew Lynch (born July 28, 1971) is an American comedian, musician and actor who is known for his songs mocking daily life and popular culture. Lynch has released three studio albums and three live albums along with a live DVD. He has appeared in two Comedy Central Presents specials and starred in the Broadway adaptation of The Wedding Singer. Lynch released a new double-disc (Studio & Live) album, Lion, on November 13, 2012. Most recently, he released a live concert video, Hello Kalamazoo, which is available on Vimeo.
- Cher Lloyd is an English singer, songwriter, rapper, and model. Lloyd rose to fame in 2010, when she finished fourth in the seventh series of The X Factor. Shortly afterwards, Lloyd was signed to Syco Music. Lloyd's debut single "Swagger Jagger" was released in July 2011. The single entered at number one on the UK Singles Chart and number two in the Republic of Ireland. Her second single "With Ur Love" was released on 31 October 2011, featuring Mike Posner, and peaked at number four on the UK Singles Chart, and number five in Ireland, preceding her debut album, Sticks and Stones, which peaked at number four in the UK Albums Chart and number seven in Ireland. She debuted her third single "Want U Back" on 22 May 2012 in the United States.
- Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini (, also US: , Italian: [beˈniːto mussoˈliːni]; 29 July 1883 – 28 April 1945) was Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Italy from the fascists' takeover of state power in 1922 until 1943, and Duce from 1919 to his execution in 1945 during the Italian civil war. As dictator of Italy and founder of fascism, Mussolini inspired several totalitarian rulers such as Adolf Hitler.A journalist and politician, Mussolini had been a leading member of the National Directorate of the Italian Socialist Party (PSI) from 1910 to 1914, but was expelled from the PSI for advocating military intervention in World War I, in opposition to the party's stance on neutrality. Mussolini served in the Royal Italian Army during the war until he was wounded and discharged in 1917. Mussolini denounced the PSI, his views now centering on nationalism instead of socialism and later founded the fascist movement which came to oppose egalitarianism and class conflict, instead advocating "revolutionary nationalism" transcending class lines. Following the March on Rome in October 1922, Mussolini became the youngest Italian Prime Minister up to that date. After removing all political opposition through his secret police and outlawing labor strikes, Mussolini and his followers consolidated their power through a series of laws that transformed the nation into a one-party dictatorship. Within five years, Mussolini had established dictatorial authority by both legal and extraordinary means and aspired to create a totalitarian state. In 1929, Mussolini signed the Lateran Treaty with the Vatican, ending decades of struggle between the Italian state and the Papacy, and recognized the independence of Vatican City. Mussolini's foreign policy aimed to expand the sphere of influence of Italian fascism. In 1923, he began the "Pacification of Libya" and ordered the bombing of Corfu in retaliation for the murder of an Italian general. In 1936, Mussolini formed Italian East Africa (AOI) by merging Eritrea, Somalia and Ethiopia following the Abyssinian crisis and the Second Italo–Ethiopian War. In 1939, Italian forces occupied Albania. Between 1936 and 1939, Mussolini ordered the successful Italian military intervention in Spain in favor of Francisco Franco during the Spanish civil war. At the same time, Mussolini's Italy tried to avoid the outbreak of a second global war and took part in the Stresa front, the Lytton Report, the Treaty of Lausanne, the Four-Power Pact and the Munich Agreement. However, Italy distanced Britain and France by forming the axis powers with Germany and Japan. Germany invaded Poland on 1 September 1939, resulting in declarations of war by France and the UK and the start of World War II. On 10 June 1940—with the Fall of France imminent—Italy officially entered the war and occupied parts of south-east France, Corsica and Tunisia. Mussolini planned to concentrate Italian forces on a major offensive against the British Empire in Africa and the Middle East, while expecting the collapse of the UK in the European theatre. The Italians invaded Egypt, bombed Mandatory Palestine, and occupied British Somaliland with initial success. However, the British government refused to accept proposals for a peace that would involve accepting Axis victories in Eastern and Western Europe; plans for an invasion of the UK did not proceed and the war continued. In October 1940, Mussolini sent Italian forces into Greece, starting the Greco-Italian War. The British air force prevented the Italian invasion and allowed the Greeks to push the Italians back to Albania.The Balkan campaign was significantly prolonged until the definition of the Axis occupation of Greece and Yugoslavia. Furthermore, the German invasion of the Soviet Union and the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour forced Mussolini to send an Italian army in Russia and declare war on the United States. Mussolini was aware that Italy, whose resources were reduced by the campaigns of the 1930s, was not ready for a long conflict against three superpowers but opted to remain in the conflict to not abandon the fascist imperial ambitions. In 1943, Italy suffered major disasters: by February the Red Army had completely destroyed the Italian Army in Russia; in May the Axis collapsed in North Africa despite previous Italian resistance at the second battle of El Alamein. On 9 July the Anglo-Americans invaded Sicily; and by the 16th it became clear the German summer offensive in the USSR had failed. As a consequence, early on 25 July, the Grand Council of Fascism passed a motion of no confidence for Mussolini; later that day the King dismissed him as head of government and had him placed in custody, appointing Pietro Badoglio to succeed him as Prime Minister. After the king agreed the armistice with the allies, on 12 September 1943 Mussolini was rescued from captivity in the Gran Sasso raid by German paratroopers and Waffen-SS commandos led by Major Otto-Harald Mors. Adolf Hitler, after meeting with the rescued former dictator, then put Mussolini in charge of a puppet regime in northern Italy, the Italian Social Republic (Italian: Repubblica Sociale Italiana, RSI), informally known as the Salò Republic. In late April 1945, in the wake of near total defeat, Mussolini and his mistress Clara Petacci attempted to flee to Switzerland, but both were captured by Italian communist partisans and summarily executed by firing squad on 28 April 1945 near Lake Como. His body was then taken to Milan, where it was hung upside down at a service station to publicly confirm his demise.
- Hollywood's original "It" Girl and the first true sex symbol of the silver screen, silent-era actress Clara Bow enjoyed unprecedented stardom. Emerging from the tenements of Brooklyn in the early 1920s, Bow was signed by independent movie producer B. P. Schulberg and placed in projects like "Black Oxen" (1923) and "Wine" (1924), films that established the free-spirited actress as Hollywood's "perfect flapper." Efforts like "The Plastic Age" (1925), "Mantrap" (1926), "Wings" (1927) and the career-defining "It" (1927) transformed Bow not only into the biggest movie star of her age, but a bona fide screen legend as well. Unlike many of her fellow silent film stars, the advent of the "talkie" failed to knock Bow off her throne as the reigning movie queen, and sound pictures like "The Wild Party" (1929) and "True to the Navy" (1930) continued to attract audiences in droves. After struggling with the pressures of stardom for some time, Bow chose to leave film forever in 1933. Though nearly forgotten, Bow's legacy was kept alive through film restoration efforts and her influence clearly evident in the style choices of many top contemporary female entertainers decades after her departure from the screen.
- Peter Charles Archibald Ewart Jennings (July 29, 1938 – August 7, 2005) was a Canadian-American journalist who served as the sole anchor of ABC World News Tonight from 1983 until his death from lung cancer in 2005. He dropped out of high school, yet he transformed himself into one of American television's most prominent journalists. Jennings started his career early, hosting a Canadian radio show at age 9. He began his professional career with CJOH-TV in Ottawa during its early years, anchoring the local newscasts and hosting the teen dance show Saturday Date on Saturdays. In 1965, ABC News tapped him to anchor its flagship evening news program. Critics and others in the television news business attacked his inexperience, making his job difficult. He became a foreign correspondent in 1968, reporting from the Middle East. Jennings returned as one of World News Tonight's three anchormen in 1978, and he was promoted to sole anchorman in 1983. He was also known for his marathon coverage of breaking news stories, staying on the air for 15 hours or more to anchor the live broadcast of events such as the Gulf War in 1991, the Millennium celebrations in 2000, and the September 11 attacks in 2001. In addition to anchoring, he was the host of many ABC News special reports and moderated several American presidential debates. He was always fascinated with the United States and became an American citizen in 2003. Jennings was one of the "Big Three" news anchormen, along with Tom Brokaw of NBC and Dan Rather of CBS, who dominated American evening network news from the early 1980s until his death in 2005, which closely followed the retirements of Brokaw in 2004 and Rather in 2005.
- Sophisticated, silver haired design guru Tim Gunn became an unlikely breakout celebrity at the age of 51 when he debuted as the fashion mentor on Bravo's reality fashion design contest, "Project Runway" (2004- ). The urbane, dryly witty man in black was previously known in academic design circles for his 25-plus years at Parsons The New School for Design in New York, a premier institution for art and design. But it was his presence as the stern but lovable guide to the fashion boot campers on "Project Runway" that turned him into a recognizable personality and a respected tastemaker for the masses. In the wake of Gunn's "Runway" success, he authored A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style and was granted his own spin-off show, "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style" (Bravo, 2007-08).
- Cynthia Rowley (born July 29) is an American fashion designer based in the West Village of New York City.
- Martina McBride has captivated audiences as both a musician and an entertainer. She worked in series television while getting her start in acting, including a part on "Austin City Limits" (PBS, 1974-2015). She appeared in a number of television specials, including "Celebrate the Spirit! Disney's All-Star 4th of July Spectacular" (1991-92), "The Women of Country" (CBS, 1992-93) and "Southern California Spectacular" (The Nashville Network, 1993-94). In the nineties and the early 2000s, McBride's music mostly appeared in films like the Sandra Bullock comedic drama "Hope Floats" (1998), the Julia Roberts box office smash comedy "Runaway Bride" (1999) and the dramatic adaptation "Where the Heart Is" (2000) with Natalie Portman. McBride also contributed music to the Vince Vaughn smash hit comedy "Four Christmases" (2008). More recently she appeared on "The 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards" (CBS, 2014-15) and other award shows such as "86th Annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center (NBC, 2018), "The 2022 CMT Music Awards" (CMT, 2022) and the digital special "Wynonna Judd: Between Hell and Hallelujah" (Paramount+, 2023).
- A brief tenure as a child actor, marked by stardom in "Stand By Me" (1985) and on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (syndicated, 1987-1994), preceded Wil Wheaton's more prolific and influential second act as a writer, blogger, gaming and tech enthusiast and spokesperson for what was termed in the media as "geek" culture. Born Richard William Wheaton III on July 29, 1972 in Burbank, California, he was the eldest of three children by Richard William, Jr., a medical technician, and his mother, actress Debra O'Connor. Wheaton began acting at an early age, appearing first in television commercials and then made-for-TV movies and specials. His first feature film appearance came in the low-budget comedy "Hambone and Hillie" (1983), starring Lillian Gish, which was quickly followed by supporting roles in "The Buddy System" (1984). Wheaton's breakout role came as the thoughtful aspiring writer Gordie Lachance in Rob Reiner's "Stand By Me" (1985). The nostalgic drama, based on a novella by Stephen King, made stars of its youthful cast, which included River Phoenix, Corey Feldman and Kiefer Sutherland, though Wheaton's primary showcase was largely television. He was cast as Wesley Crusher, aspiring ensign aboard the USS Enterprise-D on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (syndicated, 1987-1994). The son of the starship's medical officer, Wesley was afforded a somewhat idealized storyline - described as a child prodigy, he appeared to be given opportunities at adventure and decision-making that few adults would be granted - which drew the vocal ire of a section of "Trek" fans. The criticism grew so intense that Wheaton left the series after its fourth season, and relocated to Topeka, Kansas. There, he worked for the computer software company NewTek, and provided quality control and testing as well as promotion for the Video Toaster expansion card; the experience provided with not only a more balanced perspective on adulthood, but also a growing interest in all things tech-minded. Upon his return to Los Angeles, Wheaton returned to acting, but found steadier and more fulfilling work as a blogger, writer and ardent evangelist for collector/tech or "geek" culture, including gaming, science fiction, comics and podcasting. His blog led to writing assignments or online and print outlets, and Wheaton launched his own independent publishing company, Monolith Press, to publish a memoir, Dancing Barefoot (2004), with an extended edition, titled Just a Geek, following later that same year. He was a prolific audiobook narrator and voice-over actor, lending his voice to projects ranging from "Family Guy" (Fox, 1999- ), for which he played a fictionalized version of himself, to the videogame "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" (Rockstar Games, 2015), and competed in tournament-style games of poker and the role-playing game Dungeons and Dragons, while also finding time to co-create and host the YouTube series "TableTop" (2012-), in which he and celebrity guests indulge in a wide array of board and role-playing games, and w00tstock, an annual variety show dedicated to gaming, science fiction, music and comedy. By 2009, Wheaton was named by Forbes as one of the most influential celebrities on the internet, with a Twitter following in excess of three million people. But he also continued to maintain a presence as an actor, often as petty heels whose antagonistic nature was a good-natured spoof of his "nice guy" persona; most notable among these roles was a recurring turn as a fictionalized and nasty version of himself, who clashed frequently with Jim Parsons' Dr. Sheldon Cooper on "The Big Bang Theory" (CBS, 2007-2018).
- Stephen Hartley Dorff Jr. (born July 29, 1973) is an American actor, known for portraying Roland West in the third season of HBO's crime drama anthology series True Detective, PK in The Power of One, Stuart Sutcliffe in Backbeat, Johnny Marco in Sofia Coppola's Somewhere, and for his roles in Blade as vampire-overlord Deacon Frost, Cecil B. DeMented, The Motel Life, S.F.W. and Space Truckers.
- Emily Jane Brontë (, commonly ; 30 July 1818 – 19 December 1848) was an English novelist and poet who is best known for her only novel, Wuthering Heights, now considered a classic of English literature. Emily was the third-eldest of the four surviving Brontë siblings, between the youngest Anne and her brother Branwell. She published under the pen name Ellis Bell.
- Henry Ford (July 30, 1863 – April 7, 1947) was an American industrialist and a business magnate, the founder of the Ford Motor Company, and the sponsor of the development of the assembly line technique of mass production. Although Ford did not invent the automobile or the assembly line, he developed and manufactured the first automobile that many middle-class Americans could afford. In doing so, Ford converted the automobile from an expensive curiosity into a practical conveyance that would profoundly impact the landscape of the 20th century. His introduction of the Model T automobile revolutionized transportation and American industry. As the owner of the Ford Motor Company, he became one of the richest and best-known people in the world. He is credited with "Fordism": mass production of inexpensive goods coupled with high wages for workers. Ford had a global vision, with consumerism as the key to peace. His intense commitment to systematically lowering costs resulted in many technical and business innovations, including a franchise system that put dealerships throughout most of North America and in major cities on six continents. Ford left most of his vast wealth to the Ford Foundation and arranged for his family to control the company permanently. Ford was also widely known for his pacifism during the first years of World War I, and for promoting antisemitic content, including The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, through his newspaper The Dearborn Independent and the book The International Jew, having an influence on the development of Nazism and Adolf Hitler.
- The Peter Bogdanovich story is a Hollywood tale through and through, replete with memorable associations and fantastic success, along with various ups and downs. Bogdanovich was a teenage actor in NYC and directed and produced an Off-Broadway production of Clifford Odets' "The Big Knife" at age 20. He worked as a film critic for such magazines as Film Culture, Movie and Esquire and began interviewing directors in the early '60s, writing monographs for the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Howard Hawks, Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock and publishing elsewhere the results of his talks with other luminaries like John Ford, Fritz Lang and Allan Dwan. Critics compared his breakout movie, "The Last Picture Show" (1971), to "Citizen Kane." "What's Up, Doc?" (1972) was his tribute to the screwball comedies of Howard Hawks. Starring Barbra Streisand and Ryan O'Neal, "What's Up, Doc?" was a huge success, just the prescription for a country weary of the Vietnam War. Bogdanovich followed with the Depression-era comedy-drama "Paper Moon" (1973), which marked the peak of his filmmaking fame. "Nickelodeon" (1976), recreating the early days of motion pictures, was also a success, but personal tragedy sidelined him for a time following the murder of companion Dorothy Stratten. He returned in 1985 with "Mask," which opened to good reviews, and was followed by "Texasville" (1990), a sequel to "The Last Picture Show," and "Noises Off" (1992), adapted from the hit stage play. Bogdanovich continued to care about and seek out directors from the early days of Hollywood, compiling a storehouse of anecdotal information about the pioneering days of Hollywood which found its way into "Who the Devil Made It?," a huge and valuable collection of his interviews with 16 great Hollywood directors that was published in 1997. Peter Bogdanovich died on January 6, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA at the age of 82.
- Paul Albert Anka, (born July 30, 1941) is a Canadian-American singer, songwriter and actor. Anka became famous with hit songs like "Diana", "Lonely Boy", "Put Your Head on My Shoulder", and "(You're) Having My Baby". He wrote such well-known music as the theme for The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and one of Tom Jones's biggest hits, "She's a Lady". He also wrote the English lyrics to Claude François and Jacques Revaux's music for Frank Sinatra's signature song, "My Way", which has been covered by many, including Elvis Presley. In 1983 he co-wrote the song "I Never Heard" with Michael Jackson. It was retitled and released in 2009, under the name "This Is It". An additional song that Jackson co-wrote with Anka from the 1983 session, "Love Never Felt So Good", was released in 2014 on Jackson's posthumous album Xscape. The song was also released by Johnny Mathis in 1984. Anka became a naturalized US citizen in 1990.
- Born in Casablanca, Morocco, on July 30, 1948, Jean Reno is a renowned French actor who has graced both the international and French film industries with his captivating performances. His birth name, Juan Moreno y Herrera-Jiménez, reflects his Spanish descent, though he moved to France at the age of seventeen where he developed his passion for stage acting. Reno's career trajectory is marked by a series of successful collaborations with notable directors such as Luc Besson. Their partnership began in the 1980s, resulting in numerous critically acclaimed films like Le Dernier Combat (1983), Subway (1985), and The Big Blue (1988). However, it was the 1994 hit Léon: The Professional that catapulted Reno into global stardom. His portrayal of Léon, a professional hitman, showcased his ability to deliver complex performances, thus earning him widespread recognition. In addition to his collaborations with Besson, Reno's extensive filmography includes an array of diverse roles. He demonstrated his comedic skills in French films like Les Visiteurs (1993) and its sequel, while also proving his versatility in Hollywood blockbusters such as Mission: Impossible (1996), Godzilla (1998), and The Da Vinci Code (2006). Throughout his career, Reno's performances have been characterized by their depth, authenticity, and originality, thereby solidifying his reputation as one of the most respected actors in the film industry.The Best Jean Reno MoviesSee all
- 1Léon: The Professional231 Votes
- 2The Big Blue60 Votes
- 3The Crimson Rivers49 Votes
- Born into a musical household in Bexleyheath, a suburb of London, on July 30, 1958, Catherine Kate Bush displayed a prodigious talent from an early age. Bush's upbringing was steeped in creativity, her mother an amateur traditional dancer and her father a pianist, both of whom nurtured her inherent artistic abilities. With the encouragement and training from her family, and later guidance from David Gilmour of Pink Floyd who helped her secure a record deal with EMI at just 16, Bush embarked on a career that would redefine pop music. Kate Bush's debut album, The Kick Inside, released when she was just 19, made her an overnight sensation. Her unique blend of progressive rock, operatic vocals, and avant-garde performance aesthetics resonated deeply with listeners. The lead single, "Wuthering Heights," inspired by Emily Bronte's novel of the same name, topped the UK Singles Chart for four weeks, making Bush the first woman to have a UK number one with a self-written song. This album paved the way for a series of innovative and eccentric works, establishing her as one of Britain's most original and influential singer-songwriters. Over the course of her career, Kate Bush has consistently challenged the boundaries of pop music. From the theatrical storytelling of Hounds of Love to the inventive soundscapes of Aerial, Bush's discography is marked by a relentless pursuit of artistic innovation. Despite the significant gaps between her album releases, her impact on popular music has remained profound. She has influenced a generation of artists from Tori Amos to Florence Welch, and continues to be revered for her singular vision and unyielding dedication to her craft.
- Following his emergence into the spotlight with "Slacker" (1990), writer-director Richard Linklater was cited by many filmmakers and critics as having helped usher in the independent film movement of the 1990s. Without his manifesto for Generation X - who later were tagged with the sobriquet "slackers" - other independent filmmakers might not have been compelled to make their own movies, including Kevin Smith, who cited Linklater's movie as the key inspiration for making "Clerks" (1994). Linklater followed up with the classic cult comedy, "Dazed and Confused" (1993), which upped the ante for the young filmmaker. Though at this point he could have gone the studio route, Linklater instead chose to remain close to his indie roots with the dialogue-heavy "Before Sunrise" (1995), an engrossing romantic drama that showcased his growing maturity. He managed to repel a few fans with the dark and disturbing "subUrbia" (1996) and the more genre-oriented period crime drama "The Newton Boys" (1998), only to pull them back with "Waking Life" (2001), a groundbreaking film that used distinctive rotoscope animation over live action sequences. After the equally inspired "Tape" (2001), he directed the financial hit "School of Rock" (2003), before returning to familiar ground with the follow-up "Before Sunset" (2004). By the time he helmed "Fast Food Nation" (2006) and "A Scanner Darkly" (2006), Linklater had proven that he could balance the needs of commerce with his own unique creative impulses.
- Laurence Fishburne is renowned for his versatility and powerful performances. Born in Augusta, Georgia in 1961, Fishburne's journey to Hollywood stardom is a compelling tale of talent and determination. He was thrust into the limelight at a tender age, making his acting debut with the soap opera One Life to Live when he was just 12. This early exposure to the world of acting ignited a passion that would guide the course of his career. Fishburne's breakthrough moment came when he was cast in Francis Ford Coppola's war epic, Apocalypse Now, while still in his teens. Despite the harrowing experiences during filming, this role served as a stepping stone for Fishburne, leading him to a series of critically acclaimed performances. His portrayal of Morpheus in the science fiction blockbuster The Matrix trilogy elevated his status to one of the most respected actors in Hollywood. Notable among his other works are Boyz n the Hood, What's Love Got to Do With It, for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and Hannibal where he played FBI Agent Jack Crawford. Beyond his on-screen exploits, Fishburne has also made significant contributions to the theatre. He won a Tony Award for his performance in August Wilson's Two Trains Running and was part of the original cast of The Lion in Winter. His work in television is equally commendable, earning him an Emmy for the TV movie Tribeca. Despite Fishburne's accomplishments in film, television, and theatre, he remains grounded. His commitment to his craft, coupled with his ability to fully inhabit the characters he portrays, continues to captivate audiences, solidifying his place in the history of American performing arts.All Laurence Fishburne Movies, RankedSee all
- 1The Matrix109 Votes
- 2Boyz n the Hood106 Votes
- 3What's Love Got to Do with It62 Votes
- Lisa Kudrow, an American actress, writer, and producer, is renowned for her ability to bring laughter and depth to the characters she portrays. Born in Los Angeles in July 1963, Kudrow is recognized as one of the most influential comedians in the entertainment industry. Her passion for acting was evident at an early age and has carried her through a successful career spanning more than three decades. Kudrow's breakthrough role came with the portrayal of Phoebe Buffay in the legendary television sitcom Friends. Throughout its ten-season run from 1994 to 2004, Kudrow's eccentric character won the hearts of millions worldwide. For her performance, Kudrow was awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1998. This role placed her firmly on the map as one of Hollywood's sought-after comedic actors. Beyond Friends, Kudrow continued to demonstrate her versatility and talent. She co-created and starred in the critically acclaimed HBO series The Comeback, earning two more Primetime Emmy nominations. Furthermore, Kudrow lent her voice to several animated films and showcased her dramatic abilities in films like The Opposite of Sex and Wonderland. In addition to her acting pursuits, she also took on producing roles, further expanding her influence in the industry.The Best Lisa Kudrow MoviesSee all
- 1Romy and Michele's High School Reunion37 Votes
- 2Easy A27 Votes
- 3P.S. I Love You19 Votes
- Vivica A. Fox, born in South Bend, Indiana on July 30, 1964, is a multi-faceted American actress and producer, renowned for her dynamic roles across both the big and small screens. Her acting journey began in 1983 when she moved to California to pursue her dream. She first gained recognition in daytime television, particularly for her role on the NBC soap opera Days of Our Lives. However, it was her performance in blockbuster films that elevated her status to a global sensation. Fox's breakthrough moment arrived in 1996 when she starred as Jasmine Dubrow in the mega-hit sci-fi film Independence Day. Her portrayal of a brave and resourceful exotic dancer proved her versatility and acting prowess, propelling her into mainstream Hollywood. Over the ensuing years, Fox continued to impress audiences with roles in high-profile films like Set It Off, Soul Food, and Quentin Tarantino's Kill Bill series. Her role as Vernita Green in Kill Bill further established her as an actress capable of delivering powerful performances in diverse genres. In addition to her acting career, Fox has also left indelible marks as a producer. She produced and starred in the Lifetime Network's drama series Missing, earning an NAACP Image Award nomination for her efforts. Moreover, she launched her own wig line, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit. Despite her stardom, Fox has remained connected to her roots, frequently participating in philanthropic pursuits. Vivica A. Fox's journey from a soap opera actress to a Hollywood star underscores her resilience, talent, and dedication, making her an influential figure in the entertainment industry.
- Terry Crews, born on July 30, 1968 in Flint, Michigan, USA, is a multitalented personality known not only for his acting but also for his professional sports career. He spent his early years juggling between education and athletics. A product of Western Michigan University, he secured an Interdisciplinary Art scholarship for his exceptional talent in Football, which later paved the path to his NFL journey. Crews was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 1991 and over the next five years, he played as a defensive end/linebacker for several NFL teams including the San Diego Chargers and the Washington Redskins. Crews turned towards acting after retiring from football and proved his mettle with his debut in the TV series Battle Dome. However, it was his role in the comedy series Everybody Hates Chris that garnered him widespread recognition. His nuanced portrayal of Julius Rock, a thrifty and hard-working father, won him critical acclaim. He further showcased his versatility by starring in action films like The Expendables series and Deadpool 2, displaying his ability to seamlessly shift gears between genres. In addition to being a successful actor and athlete, Terry Crews is a prominent advocate for women's rights and has openly discussed his experiences with sexism in Hollywood. His candidness about his personal struggles, such as overcoming addiction, has made him a powerful voice for mental health awareness as well. Crews's autobiography Manhood: How to Be a Better Man-or Just Live with One offers an insightful look into his life, underscoring his journey from the grit of NFL fields to the glamour of Hollywood, while maintaining a strong stand on pertinent social issues.The 30+ Best Terry Crews MoviesSee all
- 1White Chicks109 Votes
- 2Training Day32 Votes
- 3The Longest Yard63 Votes
- After turning heads in a just a few minutes of onscreen time as an earnest, ill-fated aspiring actor in "L.A. Confidential" (1997), Aussie actor Simon Baker went on to become a deft specialist in playing rapier-edged television heroes with distinct antiheroic tendencies or smarmy lotharios in various film roles. Once he gained notice from "L.A. Confidential," Baker landed supporting roles in Ang Lee's "Ride With the Devil" (1999) and the big-budget bomb "Red Planet" (2000) before starring on the hit lawyer drama, "The Guardian" (CBS, 2001-04). Though he had made significant strides in his career, Baker's Hollywood fortunes fluctuated, thanks to a string of misfire movies like "The Affair of the Necklace" (2004) and "The Ring Two" (2005). He stepped up with key supporting roles in "Something New" (2006) and "The Devil Wears Prada" (2006), only to stumble when his regular role on the high-profile crime drama "Smith" (CBS, 2006) was cut short after only three aired episodes. Undeterred, Baker finally received his proper due as the star of "The Mentalist" (CBS, 2008-15), which allowed the actor to fully display the promise he had demonstrated from the start of his career.
- Misty Elizabeth May-Treanor (born July 30, 1977) is a retired American professional beach volleyball player. She is a three-time Olympic gold medalist, and as of August 2012, the most successful female beach volleyball player with 112 individual championship wins in domestic and international competition.Misty May-Treanor and teammate Kerri Walsh Jennings were gold medalists in beach volleyball at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. They also won the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007. They have been called "the greatest beach volleyball team of all time."May-Treanor retired from competitive play on August 8, 2012 after she and Walsh Jennings finished first in the 2012 Summer Olympic games. She was inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame in 2016.
- Jaime Pressly, a multifaceted actress and model from the United States, has made a significant impact in Hollywood with her diverse roles and undeniable talent. Born on July 30, 1977, in Kinston, North Carolina, Pressly's foray into the world of glamour began at an early age when she started training as a gymnast and dancer. Her dedication and hard work quickly paid off as she graced the cover of Teen Magazine at just 14 years old after winning the publication's modeling competition. Pressly's acting career took off in 1997 with her role in the drama series Push. However, it was her portrayal of Joy Turner in the NBC sitcom My Name Is Earl that catapulted her to international fame. For this role, she received critical acclaim and numerous accolades, including an Emmy award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 2007. Pressly's filmography is vast and varied, encompassing both comedy and drama genres. Some of her notable film roles include Joe Dirt, DOA: Dead or Alive, and I Love You, Man. Aside from her acting career, Pressly is known for her entrepreneurial spirit. She launched her own clothing line, J'aime by Jaime Pressly, which showcased her keen sense of style and business acumen. A dedicated mother, Pressly balances her professional endeavors with her personal life, raising her three children.
- Hope Amelia Solo (born July 30, 1981) is an American former soccer goalkeeper. She was a goalkeeper for the United States women's national soccer team from 2000 to 2016, and is a World Cup champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist. After playing at the collegiate level for the University of Washington, she played professionally for the Philadelphia Charge in the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA). When the WUSA folded after her first season, she traveled to Europe to play for the top division leagues in Sweden and France. From 2009 to 2011, she played in the Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) for Saint Louis Athletica, Atlanta Beat and MagicJack. After the WPS ceased operations in early 2012, she played for the Seattle Sounders in the W-League. She most recently played for Seattle Reign FC in the National Women's Soccer League, the top division of women's soccer in the United States. Solo is regarded as one of the top female goalkeepers in the world and currently holds the U.S. record for most career clean sheets. She was the starting goalkeeper for the majority of the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup and helped lead the U.S. national team to the semifinals having given up only two goals in four games, including three consecutive shutouts. After a controversial move made by head coach Greg Ryan to bench Solo in favor of veteran goalkeeper Briana Scurry for the semifinal, in which the United States was defeated 4–0 by Brazil, Solo made headlines with post-game remarks that resulted in many teammates shunning her. She later rebounded to help the United States win gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Summer Olympics. During the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, her exceptional skill was highlighted especially during a quarter-final match against Brazil, which the U.S. won on penalty kicks. Although the team lost to Japan in a match that ended in penalties, Solo received the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper as well as the Bronze Ball award for her overall performance at the tournament. Following her performance at the 2011 World Cup, Solo participated in the television show Dancing with the Stars and posed for various magazines, most notably the "Body Issue" of ESPN The Magazine. After the 2012 London Olympics, where she received her second Olympic gold medal, she published her bestselling autobiography Solo: A Memoir of Hope.As the starting goalkeeper at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Solo helped the U.S. win the national team's third World Cup championship since 1991. The final was the most-watched televised soccer game ever in the United States.As of August 6, 2016, Solo holds several U.S. goalkeeper records including appearances (202), starts (190), wins (153), shutouts (102), wins in a season (26), consecutive minutes played (1,256), and longest undefeated streak (55 games).
- Though she was the daughter of silent film legend Charlie Chaplin, actress Geraldine Chaplin blazed her own trail with a prominent career as a supporting actress in major films in both Hollywood and abroad. After beginning her career with a small part in her father's film "Limelight" (1952), Chaplin made her official debut as Omar Sharif's spurned wife in "Doctor Zhivago" (1965) before starting a long romantic and professional collaboration with Spanish director Carlos Suava in the late 1960s. In the following decade, she was Queen Anne in "The Three Musketeers" (1973), a role she reprised in the 1974 and 1989 sequels, and delivered a Golden Globe-nominated performance as the celebrity-obsessed BBC reporter in Robert Altman's "Nashville" (1975). From there, she collaborated several times with director Alan Rudolph on "Welcome to L.A." (1976) and "The Moderns" (1988), while playing her own mentally-disturbed grandmother in "Chaplin" (1992), starring Robert Downey, Jr. as her father. She went on to acclaimed supporting turns in Martin Scorsese's "The Age of Innocence" (1993), Jodie Foster's "Home for the Holidays" (1995) and Pedro Almodóvar's "Talk to Her" (2002), while appearing in more commercial Hollywood fare like "BloodRayne" (2006) and "The Wolfman" (2010), making Chaplin one of the more prolific character actors in film.
- With a lead role in "The Terminator" and noteworthy follow-ups in "Aliens," and "The Abyss," the rough-and-tumble Michael Biehn carved out a devoted following among sci-fi and action film fans - especially in those movies directed by his good friend, James Cameron. Often turning in highly convincing performances as soldiers, cops or other men of action - he played Navy SEALS in three movies - Biehn frequently stole the scenes he was in, either with a rousing speech or sly remarks to upper ranking officials. The fact that he was undeniably handsome in an old-Hollywood, matinee idol kind-of-way, was not lost on the female contingent either. Although he never achieved A-list status, he remained a staple of genre movies, often turning up as authority figures in later years, playing sheriffs in both the cult horror film "Cherry Falls" and in the '70s schlock film homage-to-end-all-homages, "Grindhouse," from filmmakers Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino.
- Fatboy Slim, whose real name is Quentin Leo Cook, was born on July 31, 1963, in Bromley, Kent, England. He's a renowned English musician, DJ, and record producer who has significantly influenced the electronic dance music scene over the past decades. Throughout his illustrious career, he has adopted several monikers, including Mighty Dub Katz, Pizzaman, and The Housemartins, but he gained international acclaim under the pseudonym Fatboy Slim. Cook's journey into music began at an early age as he played various instruments in several amateur bands. His initial breakthrough occurred when he joined the indie-pop band The Housemartins in the mid-1980s, where he began to establish his unique sound. However, it was during his solo career that he truly made his mark. As Fatboy Slim, Cook released chart-topping hits such as "Praise You" and "Right Here, Right Now," which became anthems for the late '90s and early 2000s. He also pioneered the Big Beat genre, which combines hip hop beats with soulful rhythm and blues. In addition to his successful music career, Cook has also made a significant impact as a record producer and remixer. He has worked with a multitude of artists, from rock bands like Cornershop to pop sensations like Britney Spears. His remixes have consistently proven popular, leading to numerous awards, including two Brit Awards for Best British Dance Act and three MTV Video Music Awards. Even though Cook has experienced periods of hiatus, his influence in the music industry remains undimmed.The Best Fatboy Slim Albums, RankedSee all
- 1You've Come a Long Way, Baby22 Votes
- 2Halfway Between the Gutter and the Stars18 Votes
- 3Better Living Through Chemistry15 Votes
- Born on July 31, 1966, as Dean George Tanaka in Mount Clemens, Michigan, Dean Cain was destined to become a multi-talented personality in the entertainment world. Adopted by film director Christopher Cain and actress Sharon Thomas, his journey began with a unique fusion of East and West, since his biological mother is of French-Canadian descent while his biological father is of Japanese descent. This blend of cultures cultivated an intriguing background for Cain, sparking his undeniable charisma and appeal that has captivated audiences worldwide. Cain's initial career trajectory took him towards professional sports after an illustrious run as a college football player at Princeton University, where he set records as a strong free safety. However, a knee injury dashed his dreams of playing in the NFL, leading him down an unexpected path into acting. It was in 1993 that Cain found stardom, landing the iconic role of Superman in the television series Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman. His portrayal of the "Man of Steel" won the hearts of millions and established him as a household name in Hollywood. While most known for his role as Superman, Cain's contributions to entertainment extend beyond that. He has showcased his acting versatility by taking on varied roles in film, TV, and theater. His credits include popular films like Out of Time, TV shows like Hit the Floor, and hosting gigs like Ripley's Believe It or Not! Cain's talent also stretches behind the screen as a producer and writer, demonstrating his all-around prowess in the entertainment industry.
- Ben Chaplin (born Benedict John Greenwood; 31 July 1969) is an English actor, director and writer.
- Zac Brown (born July 31, 1978) is the lead singer and guitarist of the band, Zac Brown Band.
- Benjamin Joseph Manaly Novak (born July 31, 1979) is an American actor, writer, comedian, and director. Novak was one of the writers and executive producers of The Office (2005–2013), in which he also played Ryan Howard.
- Symere Woods (born July 31, 1994), known professionally as Lil Uzi Vert, is an American hip hop recording artist. Based in Philadelphia, he gained recognition after releasing his debut single, "Money Longer", and several mixtapes, including Luv Is Rage, Lil Uzi Vert vs. the World, and The Perfect Luv Tape. Lil Uzi Vert has also collaborated with Migos on "Bad and Boujee", which became Lil Uzi Vert's first US Billboard Hot 100 number-one single. In August 2017, Lil Uzi Vert released his debut studio album Luv Is Rage 2, which reached number one on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart.
- Francis Scott Key (August 1, 1779 – January 11, 1843) was an American lawyer, author, and amateur poet from Frederick, Maryland who is best known for writing a poem which later became the lyrics for the United States' national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner". During the War of 1812, Key observed the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Maryland in 1814. Key was inspired upon viewing the American flag still flying over the fort at dawn, and wrote the poem "Defence of Fort M'Henry", which was published a week later. The poem was adapted to the tune of the popular song "To Anacreon in Heaven." The song with Key's lyrics became known as "The Star-Spangled Banner," and slowly gained in popularity as an unofficial anthem over the years, finally achieving official status more than a century later under President Herbert Hoover as the United States national anthem. Key was a lawyer in Maryland and Washington D.C. for four decades, and worked on important cases like the Burr conspiracy trial, and argued numerous times before the U.S. Supreme Court. Nominated for U.S. attorney by President Andrew Jackson, he served from 1833 to 1841. Key owned slaves from 1800, during which time abolitionists ridiculed his words, that America was more like the "Land of the Free and Home of the Oppressed". He freed his slaves in the 1830s, paying one ex-slave as his farm foreman. Key publicly criticized slavery and gave free legal representation to some slaves seeking freedom, but also represented owners of runaway slaves as well. Representing both slaves and slave owners is emblematic of his complex relationship with slavery. As District Attorney, Key suppressed abolitionists and did not support an immediate end to slavery. Referring to blacks as "a distinct and inferior race of people”, he was a leader of the American Colonization Society which sent freed slaves back to Africa.Key was a devout Episcopalian. He was also an author of poetry, and often wrote on religious themes. It has been speculated that the U.S. motto "In God We Trust" was adapted from a line in the fourth stanza of the "Star-Spangled Banner".
- Herman Melville (born Melvill; August 1, 1819 – September 28, 1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet of the American Renaissance period. Among his best-known works are Typee (1846), a romantic account of his experiences of Polynesian life, and his masterpiece Moby-Dick (1851). Melville was born in New York City, the third child of a merchant. Typee, his first book, was followed by a sequel, Omoo (1847). Both were successful and gave him the financial basis to marry Elizabeth Shaw, a daughter of a prominent Boston family. His first novel not based on his own experiences, Mardi (1849), was not well received. His next fictional work, Redburn (1849), and his non-fiction White-Jacket (1850) were given better reviews but did not provide financial security. Moby-Dick (1851), although now considered one of the great American novels, was not well received among contemporary critics. His psychological novel, Pierre: or, The Ambiguities (1852) was also scorned by reviewers. From 1853 to 1856, Melville published short fiction in magazines which were collected in 1856 as The Piazza Tales. In 1857, he traveled to England and then toured the Near East. The Confidence-Man (1857) was the last prose work that he published. He moved to New York to take a position as Customs Inspector and turned to poetry. Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War (1866) was his poetic reflection on the moral questions of the American Civil War. In 1867, his eldest child Malcolm died at home from a self-inflicted gunshot. Clarel: A Poem and Pilgrimage in the Holy Land was published in 1876, a metaphysical epic. In 1886, his son Stanwix died of apparent tuberculosis, and Melville retired. During his last years, he privately published two volumes of poetry, left one volume unpublished, and returned to prose of the sea. The novella Billy Budd was left unfinished at his death but was published posthumously in 1924. Melville died from cardiovascular disease in 1891. The 1919 centennial of his birth became the starting point of the "Melville Revival" with critics rediscovering his work and his major novels starting to become recognized as world classics of prominent importance to contemporary world literature.
- Ramblin' Jack Elliott (born Elliot Charles Adnopoz; August 1, 1931) is an American folk singer and performer.
- Dom DeLuise, a multi-talented icon of the entertainment industry, made his mark with an illustrious career spanning over five decades. Born on August 1st, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, DeLuise's comedic charm and versatile acting skills quickly propelled him into the limelight. His parents, John and Vincenza DeLuise, were Italian immigrants who instilled in him a love for storytelling and performance, elements that would later underpin his professional achievements. DeLuise delved into acting with appearances in children's theatre at a young age and later honed his craft at Manhattan's High School of Performing Arts. Following his graduation, he debuted on stage with the Cleveland Play House before landing television roles. In the late 1950s, he captured national attention as the mischievous Dominick the Great on The Garry Moore Show. Subsequently, he emerged as a significant figure in Hollywood, starring in timeless classics alongside renowned actors like Burt Reynolds and Gene Wilder. Some of his most notable works include The Cannonball Run, Blazing Saddles, and The End. Besides acting, DeLuise was known for his culinary prowess and authored several cookbooks that showcased his Italian heritage. He also lent his distinctive voice to numerous animated films including An American Tail, All Dogs Go To Heaven, and The Secret of NIMH. Despite battling health issues towards the latter part of his life, DeLuise continued to entertain audiences until his passing on May 4, 2009.
- Yves Henri Donat Mathieu-Saint-Laurent (French: [iv sɛ̃ lɔʁɑ̃]; 1 August 1936 – 1 June 2008), professionally known as Yves Saint-Laurent, was a French fashion designer who, in 1961, founded his eponymous fashion label. He is regarded as being among the foremost fashion designers in the twentieth century. In 1985, Caroline Rennolds Milbank wrote, "The most consistently celebrated and influential designer of the past twenty-five years, Yves Saint Laurent can be credited with both spurring the couture's rise from its 1960s ashes and with finally rendering ready-to-wear reputable." He was able to adapt his style to accommodate the changes in fashion during that period. He approached fashion in a different perspective by wanting women to look comfortable yet elegant at the same time. He is also credited with having introduced the tuxedo suit for women and was known for his use of non-European cultural references, and non-white models.
- Joseph Thomas Elliott, Jr. (born 1 August 1959) is an English singer-songwriter, musician and actor, best known as the lead singer of the English rock band Def Leppard. He has also been the lead singer of the David Bowie tribute band the Cybernauts and the Mott the Hoople cover band Down 'n' Outz. He is one of the two original members of Def Leppard and one of the three to perform on every Def Leppard album. Elliott is known for his distinctive and wide ranging raspy singing voice.
- 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.
- Born as Artis Leon Ivey Jr. on August 1, 1963, the artist better known as Coolio made a significant impact in the music industry as one of the most memorable rappers of the 1990s. Raised in Compton, California, Coolio developed a tough exterior from an early age due to the neighborhood's infamous reputation for gang violence. However, he channeled his experiences into a unique style of rap that drew heavily from his upbringing, helping him resonate with a broad audience. Coolio's journey to stardom began in earnest in 1994 with the release of his debut album, It Takes a Thief, which included the top-ten hit single "Fantastic Voyage". However, it was his next album, Gangsta's Paradise, that truly skyrocketed his career. The title track, featuring singer L.V., became a global phenomenon, topping charts worldwide and winning a Grammy for Best Rap Solo Performance. The song's popularity was further enhanced by its inclusion in the film Dangerous Minds. Notably, Coolio's music often tackled hard-hitting topics such as poverty, drug addiction, and social disparities - a reflection of his own challenging past. Beyond his music, Coolio also ventured into other forms of entertainment. He hosted his own cooking show, Cookin' with Coolio, and published a cookbook under the same name, both of which displayed his passion for food. He also had several acting roles, appeared in reality TV shows, and voiced characters in animated series. Through these endeavors, Coolio proved himself not only as a gifted musician but also as a versatile entertainer.
- Adam Fredric Duritz (born August 1, 1964) is an American musician, songwriter, record producer, and film producer. He is known as the frontman for the rock band Counting Crows, of which he is a founding member and principal composer. Since its founding in 1991, Counting Crows has sold over 20 million records, released four albums that have been certified gold or platinum, and been nominated for two Grammy Awards and an Academy Award.Duritz has recorded solo material of his own and has collaborated with other musical acts. He has also founded two record labels, E Pluribus Unum and Tyrannosaurus Records. His work scoring music for film has been recognized by the music industry, notably with an award from BMI for co-writing the song "Accidentally in Love" for the movie Shrek 2.
- Because of his highly technical and visual theater productions in London and on Broadway, Sam Mendes made a smooth transition to film with "American Beauty" (1999), which earned him an Academy Award for his directing debut. Previous to his Oscar triumph, Mendes enjoyed a long and very successful career in theater, directing acclaimed and visually stunning productions of William Shakespeare's "The Tempest," Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie," and Lionel Bart's popular musical "Oliver!" But it was his 1998 revival of "Cabaret" that attracted the attention of Hollywood - specifically Mendes fan Steven Spielberg, which led to the stage veteran directing his first feature. Following a few aborted film efforts and a triumphant return to theatre, Mendes returned to celluloid with the elaborate, lavish "Road to Perdition" (2002), which displayed some of the promise of his sterling debut, but ultimately failed to warm many hearts. Nonetheless, he maintained a steady output on stage and on screen, directing the Iraq War drama "Jarhead" (2005) and '50s period piece "Revolutionary Road" (2008), which starred his then-wife, Kate Winslet. Mendes took a huge commercial leap forward as the director of the 23rd and 24th James Bond films, "Skyfall" (2012) and "Spectre" (2015), which brought new emotional depth to the long-running series while confirming his status as an intelligent and deliberate filmmaker capable of crafting deeply resonant films.
- Peter O'Toole, a remarkably proficient actor, was born on August 2, 1932, in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. He was raised in Leeds, England, by his father, a Scottish bookmaker, and his mother, an Irish nurse. The details of his early life are somewhat obscure due to the lack of official records. Nevertheless, what is abundantly clear is O'Toole's transformative journey from a young journalist in Yorkshire to a commanding presence on stage and screen. O'Toole's acting career began with his enrollment at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, where he studied alongside notable actors such as Albert Finney and Alan Bates. His professional debut was with the Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company, but it was his performances with the Royal Shakespeare Company that propelled him to prominence. However, his global breakthrough came in 1962 when he played T.E. Lawrence in David Lean's epic film Lawrence of Arabia. This critically acclaimed role earned him the first of eight Academy Award nominations, setting a record for the most nominations without a win. Throughout his six-decade-long career, O'Toole gave memorable performances in films such as Becket, The Lion in Winter, and Goodbye, Mr. Chips. His work was marked by an extraordinary range, enabling him to portray everything from psychologically complex historical figures to whimsical animated characters. Despite his repeated Oscar snubs, O'Toole received an honorary Academy Award in 2003, acknowledging his significant contributions to the film industry. His legacy, though tinged with tales of his notorious off-stage antics and struggles with alcoholism, persists as a testament to his indomitable spirit and exceptional talent. Peter O'Toole passed away on December 14, 2013, leaving behind a cinematic oeuvre that continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.Peter O'Toole's Best MoviesSee all
- 1Lawrence of Arabia157 Votes
- 2The Lion in Winter115 Votes
- 3Becket107 Votes
- Wesley Earl Craven (August 2, 1939 – August 30, 2015) was an American film director, writer, producer, and actor. He was known for his pioneering work in the genre of horror films, particularly slasher films, where he mixed horror cliches with humor and satire. His impact on the genre was considered prolific and influential. Due to the success and cultural impact of his works in the horror film genre, Craven has been called a "Master of Horror".He is best known for creating A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) and Scream (1996), featuring the characters of Freddy Krueger, Nancy Thompson, Ghostface, and Sidney Prescott. His other films include The Last House on the Left (1972), The Hills Have Eyes (1977), Swamp Thing (1982), The Serpent and the Rainbow (1988), The People Under the Stairs (1991), Vampire in Brooklyn (1995), Music of the Heart (1999), and Red Eye (2005).Wes Craven's Best Horror CharactersSee all
- 1Freddy Krueger50 Votes
- 2Sidney Prescott39 Votes
- 3Ghostface49 Votes
- Mary-Louise Parker, an award-winning American actress and writer, has established a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry. Born on August 2, 1964, in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, she grew up as the youngest of four siblings. After graduating from North Carolina School of the Arts, Parker embarked on her acting career in the mid-1980s. With her natural flair for acting, she quickly gained attention for her performances in both theater and film. Parker's career took off with her Tony Award-winning performance in the Broadway production of David Auburn's Proof in 2001. She further solidified her star status with a Golden Globe and Emmy Award for her role in HBO's miniseries Angels in America. On the silver screen, Parker has demonstrated her versatility with roles in films such as Fried Green Tomatoes, Boys on the Side, and Red. However, it was her portrayal of Nancy Botwin, a suburban widow turned marijuana dealer in the television series Weeds, that won her another Golden Globe. In addition to her acting pursuits, Parker is also an accomplished writer. Her collection of essays titled Dear Mr. You was published in 2015 and received critical acclaim. The book showcases Parker's literary talents through a series of letters addressed to significant men in her life. Despite her numerous professional achievements, Parker maintains a balanced perspective, prioritizing her role as a mother to her two children.The 30+ Best Mary-Louise Parker MoviesSee all
- 1Fried Green Tomatoes53 Votes
- 2The Client21 Votes
- 3Red46 Votes
- Kevin Smith, born August 2, 1970, in Red Bank, New Jersey, is an acclaimed American filmmaker, actor, comedian, public speaker, comic book writer, author, and podcaster. He shot to fame with his low-budget independent film Clerks, which he directed, co-produced, and acted in. The film was highly successful and garnered immense critical acclaim, marking Smith's entry into the world of mainstream cinema. Clerks showcased his knack for crafting relatable characters coupled with humor rooted in pop culture references. His other noteworthy films include Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, all of which feature his trademark style of storytelling. Smith's unique comedic lens extends beyond film as well. His popular podcast, 'SModcast', where he shares his views on various subjects, has a wide listener base and brought him recognition as a skilled podcaster. As a comic book writer, he has contributed to titles such as Daredevil and Green Arrow for Marvel and DC Comics respectively. His flair for blending humor and commentary has made him a favorite amongst readers.Smith's talent for public speaking has led him to tour colleges nationwide, where he performs Q&A sessions that are often packed with anecdotes and insights into his life and career. In addition to his diverse professional pursuits, Smith is also known for his charity work. He is actively involved in several philanthropic endeavors, particularly those supporting LGBT+ rights and animal welfare. Regardless of the medium he works in, Kevin Smith's irreverent humor, authentic storytelling, and affable personality continue to endear him to audiences worldwide. His creativity and versatility across different platforms demonstrate his stature as one of the most influential figures in contemporary entertainment.
- Born on August 2, 1977, in Glendale, California, Edward Furlong's humble beginnings were far from the glitz and glamour of Tinseltown. Despite his troubled childhood, with a youth spent under the care of his aunt and uncle following a custody battle, Furlong found solace in the magic of acting. His journey was marked by an incredible stroke of luck when Mali Finn, a casting director, discovered him at a Pasadena Boys Club, paving the way for his unprecedented Hollywood debut. Furlong's breakthrough role as John Connor in the 1991 mega-blockbuster Terminator 2: Judgment Day, directed by James Cameron, catapulted him to instant stardom. The film showcased Furlong's raw talent and emotional depth, earning him critical acclaim and a Saturn Award for Best Young Actor. His subsequent roles in films such as American History X and Pecker further cemented his place in Hollywood, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to his craft. However, it wasn't just his acting prowess that made headlines; Furlong's tumultuous personal life often overshadowed his professional achievements. Despite the brilliance of his early career, Furlong struggled with substance abuse and legal troubles, which greatly impacted his trajectory in Hollywood. His struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction led to multiple arrests, rehab stints, and court-ordered therapy sessions, causing a significant hiatus in his acting career. Yet, amidst these adversities, Furlong demonstrated resilience and determination. He made attempts to revive his career, appearing in several independent films and television series, showcasing his undiminished talent and passion for acting. Edward Furlong's story serves as a potent reminder of the duality of fame, illustrating both its allure and its potential pitfalls.
- Tony Bennett, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto on August 3, 1926, in Queens, New York, was a legendary American singer known for his smooth voice and classic style. The son of a grocer and seamstress, Bennett's passion for music was ignited at an early age, influenced by the likes of Bing Crosby and Nat King Cole. His journey from humble beginnings to global fame is a testament to his talent, resilience, and timeless appeal. Bennett's career was first launched in the late 1940s after serving in the United States Army during World War II. His breakthrough came with the release of his first number one hit, "Because of You," in 1951. From there, his star continued to rise throughout the 1950s and 1960s, with chart-topping singles like "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." Despite facing a career lull in the 1970s and 1980s due to changing musical tastes, Bennett made an impressive comeback in the 1990s, re-establishing himself as a top-selling artist. Known for his traditional pop standards, big band songs, and jazz tunes, Bennett's impressive vocal style and stage presence earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards. His longevity in the industry spoke volumes about his adaptability and relevance, having successfully bridged generation gaps through collaborations with contemporary artists. Among his extensive discography, Bennett's duets with notable figures such as Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse stood out, showcasing his ability to merge classic and modern styles seamlessly. Even beyond his musical prowess, Bennett also stood as a respected painter under the pseudonym Anthony Benedetto, further showcasing his artistic versatility. His life and career embodied a remarkable blend of persistence, talent, and charisma.
- Martin Sheen, born Ramón Antonio Gerardo Estévez on August 3, 1940, is a highly regarded actor renowned for his extensive work in film and television. Born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, Sheen faced numerous obstacles in his early life, including a heart attack at the age of 36 while filming Apocalypse Now, but these challenges only fueled his determination to succeed. His acting career spans over six decades, with a prolific body of work that includes critically acclaimed roles in films like Badlands, The Departed, and the iconic Apocalypse Now. Sheen's acting prowess extends beyond the silver screen as he has also carved an impressive path in television. His portrayal of President Josiah Bartlet in the political drama series The West Wing earned him critical acclaim and solidified his status as one of the most respected actors of his generation. His performance in the series garnered him a Golden Globe Award and two Screen Actors Guild Awards, among other accolades. Beyond his acting career, Sheen is also known for his activism. He has been arrested over 60 times for civil disobedience and has been vocal about various social and political issues, including homelessness, labor rights, and environmental protection. Despite his fame and success in Hollywood, Sheen has remained grounded, using his platform to advocate for those less fortunate. Throughout his career and personal life, Martin Sheen has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his craft and his principles, leaving a mark on both the entertainment industry and society at large.List Of Martin Sheen Movies, RankedSee all
- 1Apocalypse Now94 Votes
- 2The Way65 Votes
- 3Badlands59 Votes
- Though not nearly a household name like contemporary filmmakers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, writer-director-occasional actor John Landis became one of the more important Hollywood filmmakers to come into prominence in the late 1970s. Enormously successful and influential, particularly because of the first half of his career, Landis directed some of the seminal comedies of the century, including "The Kentucky Fried Movie" (1977) and the college favorite "National Lampoon's Animal House" (1978). Following the huge success of "Animal House," which spawned new generations of fans throughout the years, Landis scored another big hit with "The Blues Brothers" (1980), marking a high point in his career, which he followed with the cult classic "An American Werewolf in London" (1981). Accused of being responsible for an unspeakable tragedy following the deaths of three actors, including Vic Morrow, on the set of "The Twilight Zone - The Movie" (1983), Landis hit a career skid that saw few highlights - only "Trading Places" (1983) and "Coming to America" (1988) being worthy of any note. Though he directed Michael Jackson's "Thriller" (1983), widely considered to be the best music video ever made, and later Jackson's "Black or White" (1991), one of the most-watched videos of all time, Landis was unable to resuscitate his feature career, even when trying to recapture old magic with "Blues Brothers 2000" (1998). Still, Landis remained an influential filmmaker, if only because of past glories.
- Isaiah Washington IV (born August 3, 1963) is an American actor. Washington has appeared in Spike Lee films Crooklyn, Clockers, Girl 6 and Get on the Bus. Washington is also known for his role as Dr. Preston Burke on the ABC medical drama television series Grey's Anatomy from 2005 until 2007, and again in 2014. From 2014 to 2018, Washington portrayed Thelonious Jaha on The CW's science fiction television series The 100.
- Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr., universally recognized as Tom Brady, is an American professional football player known for his exceptional career in the National Football League (NFL). Born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California, Brady's passion for football was ignited at an early age. He attended Junipero Serra High School where he excelled in both football and baseball. His prowess in baseball was so impressive that he was drafted by the Montreal Expos in the 1995 Major League Baseball Draft. However, his love for football prevailed, and he chose to pursue it, enrolling at the University of Michigan. While studying at Michigan, Brady served as a backup quarterback for his first two years before becoming the starter in the 1998 and 1999 seasons. Despite initial struggles, his perseverance led him to set several school records. His college success caught the attention of the New England Patriots, who selected him 199th overall in the 2000 NFL draft. This marked the beginning of an illustrious professional football career, in which Brady emerged as one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history. Brady spent the first 20 seasons of his career with the New England Patriots, during which he led the team to nine Super Bowl appearances, winning six of them. His performance, marked by exceptional leadership, strategic acumen, and unparalleled precision, earned him four Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards and three NFL MVP awards. In addition to these accolades, Brady holds numerous NFL records, including the most career touchdown passes and the most career passing yards. After two decades with the Patriots, Brady joined the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, leading them to victory in Super Bowl LV in his first season, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in the sport's history.
- Evangeline Lilly, born Nicole Evangeline Lilly on August 3, 1979, in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada, has become a recognized name in the global entertainment industry. With her strikingly radiant beauty and remarkable talent as an actress and author, Lilly has carved out a unique space for herself in Hollywood and beyond. Before her rise to fame, Lilly studied International Relations at the University of British Columbia, a testament to her intellectual prowess that extends beyond the realms of acting. Lilly's breakthrough arrived with ABC's hit television series Lost, where she played the role of Kate Austen from 2004 to 2010. The show was a phenomenal success, catapulting Lilly into the international spotlight and earning her a Golden Globe nomination. However, her acting prowess isn't confined to the small screen. She made her mark in the cinematic world with roles in blockbuster films such as The Hurt Locker, Real Steel, and most notably, the Ant-Man series and The Hobbit trilogy, where she showcased her versatility as an actress. In addition to her acting career, Lilly has exhibited a passion for literature. She penned a children's book series titled The Squickerwonkers, exhibiting her creativity and love for storytelling. Her dedication to philanthropy is also noteworthy. She has been involved in various humanitarian efforts, including working with non-profit organizations and contributing towards causes such as women's rights and mental health awareness.
- Hannah Simone established a show business imprint in the 2000s as a Canadian television presenter before scoring a breakthrough role as the designated bestie on the hit situation comedy "New Girl" (Fox, 2011- ). A multi-ethnic beauty whose globe-hopping childhood exposed her to the starker realities of the developing world, she trod an early career path in international public policy, but in the early 2000s, veered into a media career. She did a brief turn as a host with HGTV Canada before scoring a job as a VJ for the Canadian music video channel MuchMusic in 2006. She began dabbling in acting roles, but again found hosting duties in 2009 for Syfy's video game competition program "WCG Ultimate Gamer." In 2011, she made a splash on American television on the Zooey Deschanel sitcom "New Girl," her stoic straight-delivered snark quickly seeing her singled out as a scene-stealer as the show became a hit in Fox's Tuesday night line-up. Exotically stunning and wielding a worldly savvy, Simone, within a single season on primetime network TV, established herself on media wags' lists as one of the hot young talents to watch.
- Percy Bysshe Shelley ( (listen) BISH; 4 August 1792 – 8 July 1822) was one of the major English Romantic poets, who is regarded by some as among the finest lyric and philosophical poets in the English language, and one of the most influential. A radical in his poetry as well as in his political and social views, Shelley did not see fame during his lifetime, but recognition of his achievements in poetry grew steadily following his death. Shelley was a key member of a close circle of visionary poets and writers that included Lord Byron, John Keats, Leigh Hunt, Thomas Love Peacock and his own second wife, Mary Shelley, the author of Frankenstein. Shelley is perhaps best known for classic poems such as "Ozymandias", "Ode to the West Wind", "To a Skylark", "Music, When Soft Voices Die", "The Cloud" and The Masque of Anarchy. His other major works include a groundbreaking verse drama, The Cenci (1819), and long, visionary, philosophical poems such as Queen Mab (later reworked as The Daemon of the World), Alastor, The Revolt of Islam, Adonais, Prometheus Unbound (1820) – widely considered to be his masterpiece –, Hellas: A Lyrical Drama (1821) and his final, unfinished work, The Triumph of Life (1822). Shelley's close circle of friends included some of the most important progressive thinkers of the day, including his father-in-law, the philosopher William Godwin, and Leigh Hunt. Though Shelley's poetry and prose output remained steady throughout his life, most publishers and journals declined to publish his work for fear of being arrested for either blasphemy or sedition. Shelley's poetry sometimes had only an underground readership during his day, but his poetic achievements are widely recognized today, and his political and social thought had an impact on the Chartist and other movements in England, and reach down to the present day. Shelley's theories of economics and morality, for example, had a profound influence on Karl Marx; his early – perhaps first – writings on nonviolent resistance influenced Leo Tolstoy, whose writings on the subject in turn influenced Mahatma Gandhi, and through him Martin Luther King Jr. and others practicing nonviolence during the American civil rights movement. Shelley became a lodestar to the subsequent three or four generations of poets, including important Victorian and Pre-Raphaelite poets such as Robert Browning and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. He was admired by Oscar Wilde, Thomas Hardy, George Bernard Shaw, Leo Tolstoy, Bertrand Russell, W. B. Yeats, Upton Sinclair and Isadora Duncan. Henry David Thoreau's Civil Disobedience was apparently influenced by Shelley's writings and theories on nonviolence in protest and political action. Shelley's popularity and influence has continued to grow in contemporary poetry circles.
- Louis Armstrong, an iconic figure in the world of jazz, was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city known as the birthplace of jazz. Raised in a challenging environment marked by poverty, Armstrong had a tough upbringing that was far from ideal. However, his humble beginnings did not deter him from pursuing his passion for music. His journey into music started when he was just a child, playing a tin horn on the streets of New Orleans. A local Jewish family, the Karnofskys, who recognized his musical talent and gave him a real trumpet, significantly influenced his early life. Armstrong's career took a significant turn when he joined the "King Oliver Creole Jazz Band" in 1922. His unique style of play, characterized by creative improvisations, rhythmic innovation, and a distinctive gravelly voice, quickly made him a standout performer. He moved to Chicago in the mid-1920s, where he made some of his most influential recordings with his bands the Hot Five and the Hot Seven. These recordings showcased Armstrong's ability to transform jazz from a group-oriented folk music into an art form that emphasized solo performance. Despite facing racial discrimination throughout his life, Armstrong's influence transcended the boundaries of race and culture. He toured extensively in the 1930s and 1940s, earning the nickname "Ambassador Satch" and becoming one of the first African American entertainers to achieve widespread popularity among both white and black audiences. With hits like "What a Wonderful World" and "Hello, Dolly!", Armstrong left an indelible mark on the music industry. He passed away on July 6, 1971, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians across the globe.
- Daniel Dae Kim, an acclaimed actor and producer, is a trailblazer in the entertainment industry with a career that spans over two decades. Born in Busan, South Korea, he emigrated to the United States with his family at the young age of two. He grew up in New York and Pennsylvania, where his initial passion for performing arts was ignited. Kim's educational pursuits mirrored this passion; he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Haverford College and later a Master's degree in Fine Arts from New York University's Graduate Acting Program. Kim's versatile acting skill set has led him to secure roles across various mediums, ranging from television to film to theater. His breakthrough came with the role of Jin-Soo Kwon on the hit television series Lost, which catapulted him to international fame. Notably, Kim also starred as Chin Ho Kelly on Hawaii Five-0, further solidifying his status as a prominent actor. The diversity of his roles demonstrates his range and adaptability as an actor, which is further evidenced by his voice work in video games and animated series. Beyond acting, Kim has demonstrated a keen interest in the creative process of storytelling. This led him to establish his own production company, 3AD, which focuses on developing and producing premier content for television, film, and digital media. One of 3AD's most notable projects is the medical drama series The Good Doctor. Both behind and in front of the camera, Kim's dedication to cultural representation and narrative diversity in the entertainment industry continues to leave a significant impact.
- Neil Armstrong, a name etched in the annals of space exploration, was born on August 5, 1930, in Wapakoneta, Ohio. His journey to becoming the first man to step foot on the moon began in childhood when he developed a deep fascination for aviation. This passion led him to earn his student pilot's license even before he could drive a car. He further honed his skills as a pilot while pursuing a degree in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University, after which he served in the Korean War as a naval aviator, where he flew 78 combat missions. Armstrong's space odyssey began in earnest when he joined NASA's astronaut program in 1962, following his stint as a test pilot for the agency's predecessor, NACA. He commanded Gemini 8 in 1966, which marked the first successful docking of two vehicles in space. However, he cemented his place in history as the mission commander of Apollo 11, launched in July 1969. During this mission, Armstrong famously declared, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," as he descended the ladder of the lunar module to imprint the first human footprint on the moon's dusty surface. Despite his monumental achievement, Armstrong remained humble and elusive to the public eye post-retirement from NASA in 1971. He joined the faculty at the University of Cincinnati as a professor of aerospace engineering and continued his commitment to advancing aeronautics until his retirement from academia in 1979. Armstrong passed away in August 2012, but his legacy continues to inspire future generations. He was not just an astronaut; he was a trailblazer who pushed the boundaries of human potential, proving that the sky was not the limit but rather the beginning of a new frontier.
- American musician Georg Ruthenberg, best known for his stage name Pat Smear, was born and raised in Los Angeles. His interest in music was honed at an early age with piano lessons, which would eventually lead Ruthenberg to take up the guitar. He formed the band The Germs as a teenager after meeting vocalist Darby Crash in an alternative school, from which both ended up being expelled. Their first album, "(GI)" (1979) was produced by Joan Jett and is now considered a milestone in the history of punk rock, with Smear's work as guitarist and co-writer being thoroughly praised. Vocalist Darby passed away not too long after their first release, and Smear went on to release some solo work, do some acting, and play in different bands, such as Twisted Roots, 45 Grave and a brief stint with The Adolescents. The guitarist also played with Courtney Love's band Hole and toured with Kurt Cobain's Nirvana during the early 1990s. After Cobain's passing, Ruthenberg went on to also play with the Foo Fighters for a brief period. He would return to the spotlight with the release of "What We Do Is Secret" (2007), a film about The Germs for which he was a creative consultant. Smear rejoined the Foo Fighters in 2005 and would go on to work in the band's seventh album, "Wasting Light" (2011). The project got to the top of the United States' Billboard 200 chart and was nominated for five Grammy Awards, winning four of them. After winning several more awards for his work with the Foo Fighters, Smear was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the band in 2021.
- Adam Yauch, famously known as MCA, was an influential figure in the music industry, best known for being a founding member of the pioneering hip-hop group, Beastie Boys. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1964, Yauch grew up with an avid interest in music and film, which later played a significant role in his career. He attended Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn's Midwood neighborhood, where he met Mike Diamond and Adam Horovitz, forming the core of what would soon become the Beastie Boys. In 1981, the Beastie Boys emerged from New York City's hardcore punk scene and gradually transitioned into hip-hop, a move that was largely influenced by Yauch. His raspy voice became one of the band's most distinctive elements, contributing significantly to their unique sound. The Beastie Boys' debut album, Licensed to Ill, was the first rap record to top the Billboard chart, cementing the trio's place in music history. Throughout their career, they released several critically acclaimed albums and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a testament to their impact on popular music. Aside from his musical exploits, Yauch was also an accomplished filmmaker under his pseudonym, Nathanial Hörnblowér. He directed several of Beastie Boys' music videos and founded Oscilloscope Laboratories, an independent film production and distribution company. A passionate advocate for social justice, Yauch notably organized the Tibetan Freedom Concerts in the late 1990s to raise awareness about human rights abuses in Tibet. Despite his death in 2012, Yauch's legacy continues to influence and inspire musicians and activists around the world.
- Jonathan Elihu Silverman (born August 5, 1966) is an American actor, known for his roles in the comedy Weekend at Bernie's and its sequel Weekend at Bernie's II.
- Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson (6 August 1809 – 6 October 1892) was a British poet. He was the Poet Laureate of Great Britain and Ireland during much of Queen Victoria's reign and remains one of the most popular British poets. In 1829, Tennyson was awarded the Chancellor's Gold Medal at Cambridge for one of his first pieces, "Timbuktu". He published his first solo collection of poems, Poems Chiefly Lyrical in 1830. "Claribel" and "Mariana", which remain some of Tennyson's most celebrated poems, were included in this volume. Although decried by some critics as overly sentimental, his verse soon proved popular and brought Tennyson to the attention of well-known writers of the day, including Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Tennyson's early poetry, with its medievalism and powerful visual imagery, was a major influence on the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Tennyson also excelled at penning short lyrics, such as "Break, Break, Break", "The Charge of the Light Brigade", "Tears, Idle Tears", and "Crossing the Bar". Much of his verse was based on classical mythological themes, such as "Ulysses", although "In Memoriam A.H.H." was written to commemorate his friend Arthur Hallam, a fellow poet and student at Trinity College, Cambridge, after he died of a stroke at the age of 22. Tennyson also wrote some notable blank verse including Idylls of the King, "Ulysses", and "Tithonus". During his career, Tennyson attempted drama, but his plays enjoyed little success. A number of phrases from Tennyson's work have become commonplaces of the English language, including "Nature, red in tooth and claw" (In Memoriam A.H.H.), "'Tis better to have loved and lost / Than never to have loved at all", "Theirs not to reason why, / Theirs but to do and die", "My strength is as the strength of ten, / Because my heart is pure", "To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield", "Knowledge comes, but Wisdom lingers", and "The old order changeth, yielding place to new". He is the ninth most frequently quoted writer in The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations.
- Lucille Ball, an iconic figure in American television history, was born on August 6, 1911, in Jamestown, New York. Her journey to stardom was a fascinating tale of perseverance and innovation, marked by her unique comedic flair and business acumen. The loss of her father at a young age and the responsibility of managing a household as a teenager fostered a strong sense of independence and resilience in Ball, traits that would later define her career. Ball began her entertainment career as a model in the 1920s before turning her attention to Broadway and Hollywood. Initially, she played minor roles in several films, but it was her performance in the radio show My Favorite Husband that caught the attention of CBS executives. They offered her the opportunity to adapt the show for television, and this led to the creation of I Love Lucy in 1951. The sitcom, which also starred her real-life husband Desi Arnaz, was a tremendous success, earning Ball four Emmy awards and immortalizing her as a comedy legend. Off-screen, Ball made significant strides in the entertainment industry. In 1962, she became the first woman to run a major television studio, Desilu Productions, which produced several popular series including Star Trek and Mission: Impossible. Her pioneering spirit, combined with her talent and tenacity, made her a legend in the world of entertainment. Lucille Ball passed away on April 26, 1989, but her legacy continues to inspire comedians and entertain audiences worldwide.Lucille Ball Movies List, RankedSee all
1I Love Lucy103 Votes- 2The Long, Long Trailer118 Votes
- 3Yours, Mine and Ours98 Votes
- Andy Warhol, a leading figure in the visual art movement known as pop art, was born Andrew Warhola on August 6, 1928, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He rose from humble beginnings to become a defining persona in the contemporary art world. His parents were working-class immigrants from Slovakia, and he showed an early interest in art, studying commercial art at the Carnegie Institute of Technology in Pittsburgh. With his unique perspective on the intersection of art, celebrity, and business, Warhol's work became iconic for its boldness, simplicity, and exploration of consumer culture. After graduating, Warhol moved to New York City to pursue a career in commercial illustration, where his signature drawing style quickly garnered recognition amongst advertising agencies. However, it was during the 1960s that he pioneered the groundbreaking pop art movement, taking inspiration from popular culture and creating works based on familiar subjects such as Campbell's Soup Cans or Marilyn Monroe. These pieces not only propelled Warhol into stardom but also sparked controversy and critical debates about the nature of art itself. Warhol's impact reached beyond painting and printmaking. He ventured into various other forms of media, including film, photography, and music. In 1964, he established "The Factory," a studio where he and his collaborators made art and films, attracting a diverse crowd of bohemians, intellectuals, and celebrities. It was here that Warhol fostered an environment of creativity and eccentricity, shaping the culture of the era. He also managed the rock band The Velvet Underground, further demonstrating his influence on popular culture. Warhol died in New York City on February 22, 1987, leaving behind a vast body of work that continues to inspire and provoke to this day.
- Born on August 6, 1969, in Omaha, Nebraska, Elliott Smith was an American singer-songwriter known for his melancholic melodies and whisper-thin vocal style. His deeply introspective lyrics, often addressing personal pain and struggle with addiction, resonated with a broad audience. Smith's music career began in earnest when he formed the band Heatmiser with his friend Neil Gust while attending Hampshire College in Amherst, Massachusetts. This alternative rock band released three albums but didn't achieve remarkable commercial success. However, it was during this time that Smith started to develop his unique sound. Smith's solo career started alongside his involvement in Heatmiser. His debut album, Roman Candle, was released in 1994, showcasing his signature acoustic sound. As a solo artist, Smith gained recognition for his evocative songwriting and emotional performances, gradually becoming a pivotal figure in indie folk music. His most significant mainstream breakthrough came with the 1997 film Good Will Hunting. Smith contributed several songs to the film's soundtrack, including "Miss Misery," which earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song. Elliott Smith had a profound impact on indie music, despite his tragically short life. He passed away on October 21, 2003, under mysterious circumstances at the age of 34. Smith released five studio albums during his lifetime, each one solidifying his reputation as one of the most influential songwriters of his generation. His posthumous releases, including From a Basement on the Hill and New Moon, continue to demonstrate his poignant musical legacy. Despite facing numerous personal challenges, Smith's contribution to music remains undiminished. His emotive lyricism and haunting melodies continue to inspire countless artists around the world, solidifying his place in the annals of modern music history.
- M. Night Shyamalan, born as Manoj Nelliyattu Shyamalan, is a globally recognized filmmaker of Indian-American descent. Renowned for his exceptional talent in crafting suspense-filled narratives with unexpected twists, Shyamalan has carved out an enviable niche in the realm of supernatural and sci-fi cinema. His birthplace, Mahe, India, and his upbringing in the Penn Valley region of Philadelphia, significantly influenced his cinematic aesthetics and thematic explorations. Shyamalan's journey into filmmaking began at a young age when he received a Super-8 camera as a gift. This ignited his passion for storytelling, and by the time he was 17, he had made 45 short films. He later pursued formal education in film at the New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. The director's breakthrough came in 1999 with The Sixth Sense, a psychological thriller that earned him Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay. This film, characterized by its surprise ending, set the standard for much of his subsequent work. Over the years, Shyamalan has directed, produced, and written several notable films, including Unbreakable, Signs, The Village, and Split. His unique style, often filled with suspense and unexpected plot twists, has become his signature. His body of work not only showcases his ability to create thrilling narratives but also his commitment to exploring profound themes of identity, fate, and the human condition.11 "Bad" M. Night Shyamalan Movies That Are Actually AwesomeSee all
- 1The Village1,006 Votes
- 2Glass747 Votes
- 3The Visit671 Votes
- Born as Geraldine Estelle Halliwell on August 6, 1972, in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, Geri Halliwell is an iconic figure in the world of pop music. She rose to international prominence in the 1990s as part of the girl band Spice Girls, whose members collectively represented a new wave of empowerment for women in the entertainment industry. Known for her fiery red hair and bold character, Halliwell was fondly given the moniker "Ginger Spice" by fans and media alike. Halliwell's journey with the Spice Girls was a whirlwind of success and turmoil. The group released their debut single "Wannabe" in 1996, which catapulted them to global fame almost overnight. Their debut album, Spice, sold over 23 million copies worldwide, making it the best-selling album by a female group in history. However, in May 1998, at the peak of their popularity, Halliwell made headlines when she announced her departure from the group, citing differences between her and the other members as the reason. Post-Spice Girls, Halliwell embarked on a solo career that saw its own share of highs and lows. Her debut album, Schizophonic, produced three UK number one singles and received Platinum certification. Over the years, she released four studio albums, authored six books and even ventured into television, appearing as a judge on reality shows like Popstars: The Rivals and the X Factor. Despite a somewhat tumultuous personal life that often made tabloid fodder, Halliwell's resilience, talent, and ability to reinvent herself have secured her place as a significant figure in pop culture history.
- From her first appearance on movie screens in the mid-1990s, actress Vera Farmiga built up a long resume and increasing critical note for dramatic work in largely independent films. Like many independent film actresses, Farmiga was passionate about exploring a wide range of complex, nuanced lead characters; also like those same actresses, her options were limited in the world of male-dominated Hollywood films. Farmiga stuck to her dramatic convictions and over more than a decade, she advanced from memorable supporting roles in films including "15 Minutes" (2001) to the acclaimed lead in "Down to the Bone" (2004), a little-seen film about a working class mother battling drug addiction. As her film festival street cred grew, Farmiga caught the eye of more character-driven filmmakers and had the chance to appear before larger audiences in studio films like "The Departed" (2006) and "Up in the Air" (2009), where she showcased her fine work at crafting layered, realistic female characters.The 40 Best Vera Farmiga MoviesSee all
- 1The Departed76 Votes
- 2The Boy in the Striped Pajamas73 Votes
- 3Orphan77 Votes
- American actress Soleil Moon Frye found fame as a youngster as the star of "Punky Brewster" (NBC, 1984-88) before crafting a varied career in and around the entertainment industry as an adult. Born in Glendora, California, she made her screen debut at six in the television movie "Missing Children: A Mother's Story" (CBS, 1982), with Mare Winningham and Polly Holliday. A role opposite Ann-Margaret followed in "Who Will Love My Children?" (ABC, 1983). Other small roles came her way, including a guest appearance in "CHiPs" (NBC, 1977-83) and a role in "Ernie Kovacs: Between the Laughter" (ABC, 1984) playing the daughter of the famed comedian. Her life was altered forever, however, when she beat out seemingly every young actress in the country for the lead role on "Punky Brewster." As the orphan adopted by George Gaynes's Henry, she enjoyed a four-year run on the sitcom, which was a pet project of head of NBC Entertainment Brandon Tartikoff. When the show ended, she continued making television appearances on teen themed shows like "The Wonder Years" (ABC, 1988-93) and "Saved By the Bell" (NBC, 1989-92). Her work voicing Punky for various animated projects eventually led to what would become a second career as a voice actress. Frye would later provide voices for a number of projects, including "The Proud Family" (Disney Channel, 2001-05) and "Bratz" (Cartoon Network, 2005-08). After a memorable guest appearance on "Friends" (NBC, 1994-2004) playing a tiny, bullying love interest of Matt LeBlanc's Joey, she landed back on TV as a series regular. Frye joined the cast of the Melissa Joan Hart hit "Sabrina the Teenage Witch" (ABC, 1996-2003) for the show's last three seasons. She also tried her hand at directing with "Wild Horses" (1998), which she co-helmed with her half-brother Meeno Peluce, and the documentary "Sonny Boy" (2004), about her father's struggle with Alzheimer's Disease. After "Sabrina" ended, the actress largely turned to voice roles for a period after that while raising a family. She eventually returned to work in front of the camera, including hosting the home improvement show "Home Made Simple" (TLC/OWN, 2006- ) and guesting on "Hollywood Darlings" (Pop, 2017-18), a sitcom featuring fellow former child stars Jodie Sweetin, Christine Lakin, and Beverley Mitchell.
- Having established herself as a television superstar in her native Australia while just a teenager, actress Melissa George hit American shores at the age of 21 when she made a name for herself starring in moody features like "Dark City" (1998), "Mulholland Drive" (2001) and "30 Days of Night" (2006). Though she made strides in features, George found her greatest success on television, where her recurring role as an antagonistic government agent on the popular espionage series "Alias" (ABC, 2001-06) helped turn her into a star. From there, she appeared in films like "The Amityville Horror" (2005) and "Derailed" (2005), before earning high critical praise as an anesthesiologist with an unhealthy sexual fixation on her therapist on the award-winning series "In Treatment" (HBO, 2008-2010). George later joined the hit show "Grey's Anatomy" (ABC, 2005- ) as a bisexual surgical intern, only to leave the series on her own volition following talk of her recurring role becoming permanent. She went on to star in the highly-praised horror thriller, "Triangle" (2009), while thriving on television with the miniseries "Bag of Bones" (A&E, 2011) and as the star of the spy thriller "Hunted" (BBC One/Cinemax, 2012). Whether on the big or small screen, George continually earned accolades while positioning herself as one of the most-watched exports from Down Under.
- Louis Seymour Bazett Leakey (7 August 1903 – 1 October 1972) was a Kenyan paleoanthropologist and archaeologist whose work was important in demonstrating that humans evolved in Africa, particularly through discoveries made at Olduvai Gorge with his wife, fellow paleontologist Mary Leakey. Having established a program of palaeoanthropological inquiry in eastern Africa, he also motivated many future generations to continue this scholarly work. Several members of Leakey's family became prominent scholars themselves. Another of Leakey's legacies stems from his role in fostering field research of primates in their natural habitats, which he saw as key to understanding human evolution. He personally chose three female researchers, Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Birutė Galdikas, calling them The Trimates. Each went on to become an important scholar in the field of primatology. Leakey also encouraged and supported many other Ph.D. candidates, most notably from the University of Cambridge. Leakey also played a major role in creating organizations for future research in Africa and for protecting wildlife there.
- Margaretha Geertruida "Margreet" MacLeod (née Zelle; 7 August 1876 – 15 October 1917), better known by the stage name Mata Hari (), was a Dutch exotic dancer and courtesan who was convicted of being a spy for Germany during World War I and executed by firing squad in France.
- 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.
- Whether a blessing or a curse, actor Wayne Knight will be forever remembered as Newman, the annoying neighbor and chief nemesis to Jerry Seinfeld on the famed sitcom "Seinfeld" (NBC, 1989-1998). But aside from his enormously popular turn as Seinfeld's nefarious foil, Knight made a name for himself by appearing in a number of television series and films while lending his distinctive voice to extensive voiceover projects. He had notable supporting turns as one of Jim Garrison's investigators in "JFK" (1991), a DNA thief in "Jurassic Park" (1993) and the assistant district attorney who examines Sharon Stone during her infamous leg crossing scene in "Basic Instinct" (1992). From there, he began his long run on "Seinfeld" while simultaneously playing the uninformed officer Don Orville on "3rd Rock from the Sun" (NBC, 1996-2001). Knight also voiced characters in animated films like "Hercules" (1997), "Tarzan" (1999) and "Toy Story 2" (1999), as well as animated series on the Cartoon Network. After "Seinfeld" ended in 1998, he made a string of guest appearances on both dramas and comedies, including "Nip/Tuck" (FX, 2003-2010), "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (CBS, 2000-2015) and "Hot in Cleveland" (TV Land, 2010-15), and even reprised Newman on "Curb Your Enthusiasm" (HBO, 2000- ). By the time he had a recurring role as a CIA honcho on the British series "Torchwood: Miracle Day" (BBC One/Starz, 2011), Knight was one of the most in-demand character actors working in the business.
- Michael Shannon, a towering figure in the world of acting, began his illustrious career on stage and rapidly made his mark on both small and big screens. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, in 1974, he ventured into the acting world at an early age, making his film debut in Groundhog Day in 1993. However, it was his association with Chicago's A Red Orchid Theatre, where he served as a founding member, that honed his skills and made him a notable name in the industry. Shannon's breakout role came in the critically acclaimed drama Revolutionary Road in 2008. Under the expert direction of Sam Mendes, Shannon played John Givings, a mentally troubled man whose raw honesty shook the lives of a seemingly perfect couple, played by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. His performance was so compelling that it earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. This was not his only brush with the prestigious awards; he was nominated once again in this category for his gripping performance as a determined detective in Nocturnal Animals (2016). Despite his success in mainstream cinema, Shannon never strayed from his roots in theater. He garnered rave reviews for his work in Tracy Letts's Bug and Killer Joe. His portrayal of the troubled protagonist in Long Day's Journey Into Night on Broadway earned him a Tony Award nomination.
Charlotte Ronson
Charlotte Julia Ronson (born 7 August 1977) is an English fashion designer, currently based in New York City.- When people think of U2's guitarist, David Howell Evans, known by all as The Edge, they likely think of his great, reverb-heavy guitar work first. The second thing they remember is that he's the dude that always has a hat on. First it was a sombrero but then he moved on to a close-knit ski hat (Many fans would say that the fu-manchu mustache and cowboy hat he sported during the late 1990s never happened). He's taken pictures with presidents of various countries while wearing the cap and photos of him sans hatwear are about as rare as legitimate Bigfoot sightings.
- Richard Allan Ream (born August 8, 1961), better known by the stage name Rikki Rockett, is an American drummer for glam metal band Poison. The band has sold more than 45 million records worldwide and 15 million records in the United States alone.
- Joshua Scott "JC" Chasez (; born August 8, 1976) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, record producer, and occasional actor. He started out his career as a cast member on The Mickey Mouse Club before rising to stardom with *NSYNC, and by writing and producing for music acts such as Girls Aloud, Basement Jaxx, David Archuleta, and Matthew Morrison. He also served as a judge for America's Best Dance Crew.
- Andrew John "Drew" Lachey (born August 8, 1976) is an American singer and actor. He is known as a member of 98 Degrees, the winner of the second season of Dancing with the Stars, and the younger brother of Nick Lachey.
- Born on Aug. 8, 1980 in Dallas, TX, Michael Urie was raised in the nearby suburb of Plano, where he attended Plano Senior High School. While there, he played in the marching band and was heavily involved in his school's speech and drama program. After a starring role in the school's production of William Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Urie fell in love with theater. Shortly after high school, he trained at the prestigious Quad C Theatre where he appeared in student productions of "Sylvia" (1998) and "Locked Away" (1999). While attending the famed Juilliard School, he starred in the world premiere of "Love and Happiness" in 2001, portraying a 16-year-old who plots to get rid of his mother's lover. Before his 2003 graduation, Urie received many honors during his time at Juilliard, including The John Houseman prize for Excellence in Classical Theatre and The Laura Pels award for a career in theater. Prior to that, he won a Dramatic Interpretation award at the National Forensic League National Tournament in St. Louis, MO for "Confessions of a Nightingale" (1998). Urie made his first TV appearance on MTV's provocative and hormonally-charged nighttime series, "Undressed" (1999-2002), on which he played Justin during the show's sixth and final season. In 2005, Urie starred in the stage play "WTC View," a story about a young New Yorker living in SoHo who undergoes emotional struggles in the weeks following the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. Two years later, Urie was back on the theater stage, playing Horatio in a summer production of "Hamlet" by the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa, CA. Not wasting any time making a name for himself, Urie joined the cast of "Ugly Betty" - inspired by a Spanish-language telenovela and produced by Salma Hayek - in recurring fashion during its premiere season as Marc, the fashionable and devoted assistant to the show's resident bitch, Wilhelmina Slater (Vanessa Williams). Urie and Williams shared plenty of screen time together, resulting in hilarious diva cattiness not seen since the golden days of primetime soaps like "Dynasty" (ABC, 1981-89). Urie proved to be a popular member of the cast and was promoted to regular series status throughout the remainder of the show's four-season run. Before, during and after his time on "Ugly Betty," Urie enjoyed working behind the scenes as well, making a short documentary "Two Down," and also working on the board of Plum Productions, where he served as a casting director. He produced and appeared in stage productions of "Prachtoberfest" and "Like the Mountains," and directed "The Fantasticks" - all for Plum Productions. Meanwhile, after the incredible overnight success of "Betty" and his inevitable fame, Urie's sexuality was scrutinized by the media, something he never denied but neither talked about either. In the meantime, "Ugly Beatty" was canceled in 2010, leaving Urie adrift. He rebounded with a small supporting turn in the television movie, "Brain Trust" (TNT, 2010), before appearing in smaller features like the British comedy "The Decoy Bride" (2011) and "Petunia" (2012). Back on the small screen, Urie starred on the sitcom, "Partners" (CBS, 2012), which focused on two close friends - one straight (David Krumholtz), the other gay (Urie) - who find their business partnership and so-called bromance tested by new personal relationships.
- Meagan Good, born on August 8, 1981, in Panorama City, Los Angeles, California, is a highly acclaimed American actress and model. She kick-started her acting career at the young age of four, proving her talent with notable appearances in TV shows such as Gabriel's Fire and On Our Own during the early years. However, it was her role in the critically acclaimed series "Cousin Skeeter" that truly solidified her presence in the entertainment industry. From there, Good's career took flight, transitioning smoothly into big-screen projects. In 1997, she landed her first film role in the comedy-drama Friday, sharing screen space with the likes of Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. This opened more doors for her, leading to significant roles in blockbuster movies like Eve's Bayou for which she earned an NAACP Image Award nomination. Over time, Good has brilliantly showcased her versatility by playing diverse roles in various genres, from action thrillers like Waist Deep to romantic dramas like Stomp the Yard. In addition to her acting prowess, Good is also known for her proactive involvement in charity work. She co-produced the short film "If I Had Known I Was a Genius," which was screened at the Sundance Film Festival. This showcases her dedication not just to her craft, but also to making a difference in society.The 25+ Best Meagan Good MoviesSee all
- 1Divorce in the Black6 Votes
- 2Friday74 Votes
- 3Stomp the Yard73 Votes
Brett Ratliff
Brett Ratliff (born August 8, 1985) is a former American football quarterback. He was signed by the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He played college football at Butte College and Utah. He has also been a member of the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.- Shawn Peter Raul Mendes (born August 8, 1998) is a Canadian singer and songwriter. He gained a following in 2013, posting song covers on the video-sharing application Vine. The following year, he caught the attention of artist manager Andrew Gertler and Island Records A&R Ziggy Chareton, which led to him signing a deal with the record label. Mendes went on to release an EP in July 2014 and his debut studio album Handwritten (2015), whose single "Stitches" reached the top 10 in the United States and Canada, and number one in the United Kingdom. His second album Illuminate (2016) was supported by the singles "Treat You Better" and "There's Nothing Holdin' Me Back", which reached the top 10 in several countries. His self-titled third studio album was released in 2018. All three albums debuted atop of the US Billboard 200, with the first one making Mendes one of five artists to ever debut at number one before the age of eighteen. Mendes has headlined three concert tours: ShawnsFirstHeadlines, Shawn Mendes World Tour and Illuminate World Tour. In 2018, Mendes was included on Time's annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Currently, Shawn Mendes is the first artist to land four No. 1s on the Adult Pop Songs chart before age 20. Among his accolades, Mendes has won an American Music Award and three Juno Awards.
Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton
Elizabeth Hamilton (née Schuyler ; August 9, 1757 – November 9, 1854), also called Eliza or Betsey, was co-founder and deputy director of the first private orphanage in New York City. She was the wife of American founding father Alexander Hamilton.- Pamela Lyndon Travers, (; born Helen Lyndon Goff; 9 August 1899 – 23 April 1996) was an Australian-English writer who spent most of her career in England. She is best known for the Mary Poppins series of children's books, which feature the magical nanny Mary Poppins. Goff was born in Maryborough, Queensland, and grew up in the Australian bush before being sent to boarding school in Sydney. Her writing was first published as a teenager, and she also worked briefly as a professional Shakespearean actress. Upon emigrating to England at the age of 25, she took the name Pamela Lyndon Travers and adopted the pen name P. L. Travers in 1933, while writing the first of eight Mary Poppins books. Travers travelled to New York City during World War II while working for the British Ministry of Information. At that time, Walt Disney contacted her about selling to Walt Disney Productions the rights for a film adaptation of Mary Poppins. After years of contact, which included visits to Travers at her home in London, Walt Disney did obtain the rights and the film Mary Poppins premiered in 1964. In 2004, a stage musical adaptation of the books and the film opened in the West End; it premiered on Broadway in 2006. A film based on Disney's efforts to persuade Travers to sell him the Mary Poppins film rights was released in 2013, Saving Mr. Banks, in which Travers is portrayed by Emma Thompson.
- Melanie Griffith, an American actress, has etched her name in the annals of Hollywood with her distinctive performances and magnetic charisma. Born on August 9, 1957, in New York City to an advertising executive father and actress mother, Tippi Hedren, Griffith was destined for stardom. Her entrance into the world of acting came at a tender age of nine months when she featured in a commercial, marking an early initiation into a career that would span over five decades. Griffith's breakthrough role arrived in 1984 when she starred in the film Body Double, which earned her a National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress. However, she is best known for her compelling performance in the 1988 movie Working Girl. Her portrayal of a savvy secretary, Tess McGill, won her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, cementing her place among the Hollywood elite. Beyond her acting career, Griffith's personal life has also been in the spotlight. She has been married four times, most notably to actor Don Johnson, with whom she has a daughter, Dakota Johnson, and to Spanish actor Antonio Banderas, with whom she has a daughter, Stella Banderas.The Best Movies With Melanie GriffithSee all
- 1Working Girl200 Votes
- 2Something Wild97 Votes
- 3Shining Through121 Votes
- Michael David Kors (born Karl Anderson Jr.; August 9, 1959) is an American fashion designer. He is the honorary chairman and chief creative officer of his brand, Michael Kors, which sells men's and women's and ready-to-wear, accessories, watches, jewelry, footwear and fragrance. Kors was the first women's ready-to-wear designer for the French house Celine, from 1997 to 2003. On January 2, 2019 Michael Kors Holdings Limited officially changed its name to Capri Holdings Limited (NYSE: CPRI). Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo and Versace are the three founder-led brands under Capri Holdings Limited.
- Hoda Kotb ( HOH-də KOT-bee; Egyptian Arabic: هدى قطب, Hudā Quṭb; Egyptian Arabic pronunciation: [ˈhodæ ˈʔotˤb]; born August 9, 1964) is an American broadcast journalist, television personality and author. She is a main co-anchor of the NBC News morning show Today and co-host of its entertainment-focused fourth hour. Kotb formerly served as a correspondent for the television news magazine program Dateline NBC.
- Deion Sanders, also known as Prime Time and Neon Deion, is a name that resonates with sports enthusiasts worldwide. Born on August 9, 1967, in Fort Myers, Florida, Sanders made his mark in both football and baseball, a rare feat that underlines his exceptional athletic prowess. He attended Florida State University, where he excelled in multiple sports, including football, baseball, and track. His collegiate career was marked with numerous accolades, including the Jim Thorpe Award for the nation's best defensive back in 1988. Sanders' professional career is just as illustrious. In the NFL, he played for five teams over a 14-year span, including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens. He is notably one of the few players to have won the Super Bowl with different teams - the 49ers in 1994 and the Cowboys in 1995. In baseball, Sanders graced the fields for the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, and San Francisco Giants over a nine-year MLB career. He remains the only athlete to have played in both a Super Bowl and a World Series. Beyond his athletic achievements, Sanders has had an impactful career as a sports analyst and coach. Following his retirement from active sports, he became an analyst for CBS Sports and the NFL Network, providing insightful commentary and analysis. In 2020, he took on the role of head coach at Jackson State University, and then later became the head coach at University of Colorado Boulder in 2022. Through his journey from a multi-sport athlete to a respected sports figure, Deion Sanders' legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
- Eric Bana, born Eric Banadinović on August 9, 1968, is an Australian actor and comedian who has carved out a distinctive path in the international film industry. His roots are in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, where he was raised by a Croatian father and a German mother. Eric's determination and passion for arts led him to pursue a career in stand-up comedy during the 1990s, an endeavor that would soon open doors to the television industry. In the early stages of his career, Bana showcased his comedic skills in several Australian television series, most notably Full Frontal. His performance in this popular sketch comedy show contributed significantly to his local fame. However, it was his transformative and gripping portrayal of infamous criminal Mark "Chopper" Read in the film Chopper (2000) that catapulted him onto the international stage. This role demonstrated his versatility as an actor, shifting from comedy to a dark, dramatic role, which earned him critical acclaim and several awards. Bana's successful transition from television to film continued with an array of diverse roles in Hollywood. He featured in Ridley Scott's war film Black Hawk Down (2001) and Ang Lee's Hulk (2003), where he played the titular character. His performance in the historical drama Troy (2004), opposite Brad Pitt, further cemented his status as a leading actor. Despite his success in action films, Bana has also proven his ability in other genres, such as romantic drama in The Time Traveler's Wife (2009) and critically acclaimed thriller Munich (2005). Outside of acting, Bana reveals his passion for motor racing in the self-directed documentary Love The Beast (2009), offering a glimpse into his personal life and interests. Throughout his career, Eric Bana has consistently exhibited adaptability, proving himself as a multi-talented force in the entertainment industry.The Best Eric Bana Movies, RankedSee all
- 1Black Hawk Down71 Votes
- 2Munich76 Votes
- 3Troy88 Votes
- Joseph McGinty Nichol (born August 9, 1968), known professionally as McG, is an American director, producer, and former record producer. He began his career in the music industry, directing music videos and producing various albums. He later rose to prominence with his first film, Charlie's Angels (2000), which had the highest-grossing opening weekend for a directorial debut at the time. Since then, he has directed several other films, including Charlie's Angels sequel Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle and Terminator Salvation, co-created the television series Fastlane and has executive produced numerous television programs, such as The O.C., Chuck, and Supernatural. McG also owns a production company, Wonderland Sound and Vision, founded in 2001, which has overseen the production of the films and television shows he has worked on since Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle.
- French actress Audrey Tautou hit the international spotlight in 2001 as the star of the whimsical Parisian romance "Amélie" (2001), which went on to become the top-grossing French-language film ever released in the United States. With her wide eyes and shy, winsome smile, the brunette gamine instantly earned comparisons to Audrey Hepburn, and like Hepburn, she successfully built a film career alternating between light romantic comedies and teary dramas. Many of Tautou's popular French films did not make it to U.S. theaters, however following the art house success of "Amélie" and the World War I-set romantic drama "A Very Long Engagement" (2004), Tautou answered the call of Hollywood, co-starring opposite Tom Hanks in the blockbuster thriller "The Da Vinci Code" (2006). Tautou's experience in an overblown, critically reviled hit failed to draw her to American filmmaking, so she promptly returned to the French fold where a starring role as design icon Coco Chanel in "Coco Before Chanel" (2009) proved that the actress had a whole career of increasingly mature roles ahead of her once her quirky, youthful charm had run its course.
- Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States, carved a distinctive path in both public and private sectors. Born to a Quaker family in West Branch, Iowa, on August 10, 1874, Hoover's early life was marred by tragedy with the loss of both parents by age nine. Despite these hardships, he displayed an unwavering resilience that propelled him towards success. After being raised by his uncle in Oregon, Hoover entered Stanford University as part of its inaugural class, graduating in 1895 with a degree in geology. His expertise in geology led him to a prosperous career as a mining engineer. Over the course of two decades, Hoover worked across various continents, including Australia, China, and Europe, amassing significant wealth. His rich experience in international affairs played a pivotal role during World War I when he was appointed to head the U.S. Food Administration under President Woodrow Wilson. Here, Hoover ingeniously coordinated food conservation efforts and organized shipments of supplies to war-torn Europe, earning him an esteemed reputation for humanitarianism. This reputation catapulted him into the presidency in 1928. However, his tenure was marked by the Great Depression that began in 1929, a devastating economic downturn for which he shouldered much blame. Despite implementing various policies to mitigate the crisis, he was criticized for not doing enough to alleviate the suffering of the American people. His term ended in 1933 following defeat by Franklin D. Roosevelt. Post-presidency, Hoover remained active, contributing to various causes and penning numerous books. He passed away in New York City on October 20, 1964. Herbert Hoover's life was a testament to his resilience, humanitarian ethos, and administrative acumen, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to be examined.
- Jimmy Ray Dean (August 10, 1928 – June 13, 2010) was an American country music singer, television host, actor, and businessman. He was the creator of the Jimmy Dean sausage brand as well as the spokesman for its TV commercials. He became a national television personality starting on CBS in 1957. He rose to fame for his 1961 country music crossover hit into rock and roll with "Big Bad John" and his 1963 television series The Jimmy Dean Show, which gave puppeteer Jim Henson his first national media exposure. His acting career included appearing in the early seasons in the Daniel Boone TV series as the sidekick of the famous frontiersman played by star Fess Parker. Later he was on the big screen in a supporting role as billionaire Willard Whyte in the James Bond movie Diamonds Are Forever (1971). He lived near Richmond, Virginia, and was nominated for the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010, although he was inducted posthumously at age 81.
- Edwin John "Eddie" Fisher (August 10, 1928 – September 22, 2010) was an American singer and actor. He was one of the most popular artists during the first half of the 1950s, selling millions of records and hosting his own TV show. Fisher divorced his first wife, actress Debbie Reynolds, to marry Reynolds' best friend, actress Elizabeth Taylor, after Taylor's husband, film producer Mike Todd, was killed in a plane crash. The scandalous affair was widely reported, bringing unfavorable publicity to Fisher. He later married Connie Stevens. Fisher fathered Carrie Fisher and Todd Fisher with Reynolds, and Joely Fisher and Tricia Leigh Fisher with Stevens.
- Betsey Johnson is an American fashion designer best known for her feminine and whimsical designs. Many of her designs are considered "over the top" and embellished. She also is known for doing a cartwheel at the end of her fashion shows.
- Rosanna Arquette, an American actress with a career spanning over four decades, has made a significant impact on both the small and big screens. She was born on August 10, 1959, in New York City to a family deeply entrenched in the entertainment industry‚ Arquette's parents, Lewis Arquette and Brenda Denaut, both distinguished actors, and her siblings Patricia, Alexis, Richmond, and David Arquette are also acclaimed performers. Arquette's acting journey began in earnest during the late 1970s with television roles before transitioning successfully into film. Her breakout role arrived in the critically acclaimed film Desperately Seeking Susan (1985) alongside Madonna, earning her a British Academy Film Award (BAFTA). This performance effectively showcased her versatility as she navigated between drama and comedy with ease, establishing her as a formidable presence in Hollywood. In addition to her screen success, Arquette's contribution extends behind the camera as well. Driven by her passion for storytelling and her desire to highlight the experiences of women in Hollywood, she directed and produced the documentary Searching for Debra Winger (2002), which explores the pressures actresses face as they age. Throughout her career, Arquette has demonstrated a remarkable resilience and adaptability, evolving with the changing landscape of the film industry while maintaining her unique perspective as an artist.The 60 Best Rosanna Arquette MoviesSee all
- 1The Linguini Incident19 Votes
- 2The Big Blue39 Votes
- 3Desperately Seeking Susan58 Votes
- Antonio Banderas, born José Antonio Domínguez Bandera in 1960, is a renowned Spanish actor, director, and producer. His career has spanned several decades, beginning in Spain where he worked with acclaimed director Pedro Almodóvar in the 1980s. Banderas then transitioned to Hollywood, where he became widely recognized for his roles in high-profile films such as The Mask of Zorro and Desperado. His versatility as an actor is evident in his broad range of performances, from voice acting in animated features like Shrek to more dramatic roles in movies like Philadelphia. Banderas's contributions to the film industry extend beyond acting. He directed two films, Crazy in Alabama and Summer Rain, demonstrating his ability to manage and execute creative visions. He has also produced several projects, further showcasing his multifaceted talents in the entertainment industry. His work has been recognized by numerous awards, including a nomination for Best Actor at the Academy Awards for his role in Pain and Glory. Despite his fame and success in Hollywood, Banderas remains deeply connected to his roots in Málaga, Spain. He established a theatre, the Teatro del Soho Caixabank, in his hometown and continues to contribute to the arts scene there.The 60+ Best Antonio Banderas MoviesSee all
- 1Desperado141 Votes
- 2The 13th Warrior84 Votes
- 3The Mask of Zorro114 Votes
- One of the most influential authors of young adult novels in the 21st century, Suzanne Collins is the renowned writer behind both The Hunger Games Trilogy and The Underland Chronicles. Born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1962, Collins' family moved frequently in order to accommodate her father's career in the military. She would eventually earn her bachelor's in theater and telecommunications from Indiana University, and later went on to earn an MFA in dramatic writing from the Tisch School for the Arts. Collins was already interested in writing at this time, but she sought an outlet for her talents on the screen rather than the page, becoming a staff writer on the tween series "Clarissa Explains it All" (Nickelodeon, 1991-94). She would go on to write for "The Mystery Files of Shelby Woo" (Nickelodeon, 1996-99) and "Generation O!" (Kids' WB, 2000-01). It was around this time that Collins landed upon the idea for her first book while reflecting on the classic novel Alice in Wonderland. Collins thought that modern readers would have a greater chance of falling through a manhole than into a rabbit's hole, and soon she began creating the subterranean world of the Underland series. By 2007, the series was wildly successful with five installments, but Collins' creative drive was still active. After taking inspiration from Greek mythology, reality TV, and just-war theory, she came up with the complex world of the Hunger Games series, publishing the entire trilogy between 2008 and 2010. The books' compelling characters and dark social subtext made them a monumental hit, and in 2012 Collins was tapped to adapt the first book into a screenplay. The resulting movie, "The Hunger Games" (2012), was a smash hit, and Collins would help adapt the rest of the series into a total of four blockbuster hit films. In 2013, Collins drew on her childhood experience to publish Year of the Jungle, a picture book about a young girl coping with her father leaving to fight in the Vietnam War.
- Angie Harmon, born on August 10, 1972, in Dallas, Texas, is a multifaceted American actress and model, lauded for her striking performances in both film and television. Her career trajectory took off when she won a Seventeen modeling contest at the tender age of 15. This victory catapulted her into the high-paced world of professional modeling, leading to her work with prestigious brands like Calvin Klein, Donna Karan, and Giorgio Armani. However, Harmon's ambition didn't stop at modeling; she aspired to conquer the acting world. Harmon's breakthrough role came in 1995 when she was cast as Assistant District Attorney Abbie Carmichael in the long-running, critically acclaimed series Law & Order. Her portrayal of this character was highly praised, demonstrating her ability to bring depth and complexity to her characters. Harmon's performance in this role not only solidified her place in Hollywood but also led to her winning a SAG Award along with the ensemble cast. In 2010, Harmon landed the lead role in the police procedural series Rizzoli & Isles, playing the character of Jane Rizzoli, a tough-as-nails Boston detective. The series ran successfully for seven seasons, cementing Harmon's reputation as a leading lady in television. Beyond her work in film and television, Harmon's dedication extends to philanthropy as well. She is actively involved in various charitable organizations, including UNICEF and Stand Up To Cancer, demonstrating her commitment to making a difference in society.
- Jerry Lamon Falwell Sr. (; August 11, 1933 – May 15, 2007) was an American Southern Baptist pastor, televangelist, and conservative activist. He was the founding pastor of the Thomas Road Baptist Church, a megachurch in Lynchburg, Virginia. He founded Lynchburg Christian Academy (now Liberty Christian Academy) in 1967 and Liberty University in 1971 and co-founded the Moral Majority in 1979. On May 15, 2007, Jerry Falwell died suddenly of cardiac arrhythmia in his office at Liberty University at the age of 73. He was buried in the grounds of the university he founded.
- David Ian "Joe" Jackson (born 11 August 1954) is an English musician and singer-songwriter. Having spent years of studying music and playing clubs, Jackson scored a hit with his first release, "Is She Really Going Out with Him?", in 1979. This was followed by a number of new wave singles before he moved to more jazz-inflected pop music and had a Top 10 hit in 1982 with "Steppin' Out". He is associated with the 1980s Second British Invasion of the US. He has also composed classical music. He has recorded 19 studio albums and received 5 Grammy Award nominations.
- Viola Davis is known for being an award-winning actress of stage, television, and film. Born on August 11, 1965 in St. Matthews, South Carolina, Davis grew up in abject poverty, which fueled her desire to escape her circumstances through acting. After graduating from Rhode Island College with a degree in theater, she honed her craft at the prestigious Juilliard School in New York City. Davis made her Broadway debut in 1996 with the play Seven Guitars and earned her first Tony nomination. Her breakthrough came in 2001 when she won her first Tony Award for King Hedley II. However, it was her performance in the 2010 revival of Fences that catapulted her into the limelight, earning her a Tony Award, and later an Academy Award for the film adaptation. With a career spanning over two decades, Davis has proved herself as one of the most versatile actresses of her generation. In 2015, she became the first African American woman to win an Emmy for Best Actress in a Drama Series for her role in How to Get Away with Murder. She has also been recognized by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, winning a Golden Globe for her work in Fences. Davis's passion for storytelling extends beyond acting; she co-founded JuVee Productions, a company dedicated to giving voice to the voiceless.The 30+ Best Viola Davis MoviesSee all
- 1Fences62 Votes
- 2The Help87 Votes
- 3Widows39 Votes
- William Friedle (; born August 11, 1976) is an American actor, writer and comedian. He is best known for his comedic roles, most notably the underachieving elder brother Eric Matthews on the long-running TV sitcom Boy Meets World from 1993 to 2000. More recently, he has voiced a number of animated characters such as Terry McGinnis/Batman, the title character of Batman Beyond, and Ron Stoppable of Kim Possible. He voices Deadpool in Ultimate Spider-Man and Star-Lord in the animated version of Guardians of the Galaxy, replacing Chris Cox. He also performed the voices of Doyle in The Secret Saturdays, Lion-O in the rebooted ThunderCats series, and Blue Beetle on Batman: The Brave and the Bold. One of his most recent roles has been the speaking voice of Bumblebee in the final episode of Transformers: Prime and the movie Transformers Prime Beast Hunters: Predacons Rising and in the stand-alone sequel series Transformers: Robots in Disguise, as well as in Transformers: Rescue Bots.
- American singer and song-writer Ben Gibbard was born August 11, 1976 in Bremerton, Washington. His father was in the Navy so Gibbard moved around the United States early in life before settling back in Washington State in time to spend his teen years immersed in the nascent grunge music scene of the Pacific Northwest. He started Death Cab for Cutie initially as a solo project in 1997. The demo tape showed promise and Gibbard gathered Nathan Good, Chris Walla, and Nick Hammer to form the band Death Cab for Cutie. They released their debut album "Something About Airplanes" (1998) the following year. The band would go on to achieve widespread success producing nearly a dozen albums in 25 years. Their fourth studio album, "Transatlanticism" (2003) brought them mainstream attention with songs being featured on soundtracks of several television shows such as "Six Feet Under" (HBO, 2001-05) and movies like "The Wedding Crashers" (2005). In addition to Death Cab for Cutie, Gibbard collaborated with Jenny Lewis and Jimmy Tamborello under the band name The Postal Service and released the certified platinum album "Give Up" (2003). Death Cab for Cutie's fifth album, "Plans" (2005) featured the group's most financially successful single, "I Will Follow You into the Dark". The band's sixth album, "Narrow Stairs" (2008) was their first album to reach the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart.
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Leo: The Lion
Leos have birthdays between July 23 and August 22. They are known to be confident and joyful, committed to living life to the fullest.
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