January 23

Born in 1767, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn, pursued a military career in the British Army and served in Gibraltar and Canada. In 1818, he married Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, and their daughter would later become Queen Victoria. Though Edward's time with his family was brief, his marriage alliance significantly influenced European royalty. He died in 1820 at age 53, and his daughter's ascension to the throne marked the beginning of the Victorian era. Prince Edward's legacy endures through his role in royal succession.

Alexander Korda was born in 1893 in Pusztatúrtő, Hungary, and began his film career in Budapest before moving to Germany and then England. He founded London Films in 1932, producing acclaimed works such as 'The Private Life of Henry VIII,' which won an Academy Award. Under Korda's leadership, British cinema entered a golden age with lavish productions, technical advances, and international collaborations. He mentored emerging talent, including David Lean and Peter Lorre, and advocated for creative freedom in filmmaking. Korda received a knighthood in 1942, becoming 'Sir Alexander Korda' and further elevating the global status of British cinema. Despite financial challenges, he persevered with ambitious projects like 'The Thief of Bagdad' and established film studios in Ealing and Shepperton. Korda died on January 23, 1956, leaving a legacy as a visionary producer and a driving force behind modern film industry practices.

Born in Turin, Italy, Giovanni Michelotti began his career designing bicycles before moving to automobile styling. Over four decades, he created designs for major brands such as Triumph, BMW, and Maserati. Michelotti's work is celebrated for its clean lines, aerodynamic form, and timeless elegance. He played a pivotal role in shaping post-war European car aesthetics. His prolific output included more than 2,500 unique designs across a wide range of vehicles. Michelotti's influence continues to be felt in modern automotive design and restoration projects.

Born in Portland, Oregon, James Beard championed American cuisine through his cooking schools and media presence. His influential cookbooks, such as James Beard Cookbook, democratized home cooking in the mid-20th century. Beard was one of the first to promote regional American ingredients and culinary traditions. He hosted radio and television programs, educating audiences on cooking techniques and flavors. In 1991, the James Beard Foundation Awards were established to honor excellence in the culinary arts. His passion and advocacy helped elevate American cooking to international recognition.

Brian Redhead began his journalism career at The Manchester Guardian before moving into broadcasting. He was one of the original presenters of BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme, where his thoughtful interviewing style earned wide acclaim. Known for his incisive questions and calm demeanor, he helped set the standard for modern radio journalism. Redhead also authored books on media and politics, sharing his insights with a broader audience. His work earned him a reputation as one of Britain’s most respected broadcasters. He passed away in 1994, leaving behind a legacy of journalistic excellence.

Born Aristide Massaccesi in 1936, Joe D'Amato began his career as a cinematographer in the 1960s Italian film industry. He adopted multiple pseudonyms and directed films across a variety of genres, including horror, erotic, and adult cinema. Notable works include the cult horror classic 'Anthropophagus' and several entries in the 'Emanuelle' series. D'Amato's efficient, low-budget approach allowed him to produce over 200 films in his lifetime. His bold style and willingness to push boundaries garnered both controversy and a devoted fan base. He passed away in 1999, leaving behind a controversial yet influential filmography that continues to be studied by genre enthusiasts.

E. Howard Hunt was a career CIA officer who served in covert operations during the Cold War. He joined the agency in 1949 and played key roles in the Bay of Pigs invasion and various Latin American assignments. Alongside his intelligence work, Hunt co-wrote several spy novels drawing on his field experience. In 1972, he was one of the operatives convicted for the break-in that sparked the Watergate scandal. His conviction and subsequent testimony contributed to President Nixon's resignation. Hunt continued to write and lecture on intelligence and espionage until his death in 2007.

Jack LaLanne was a trailblazing fitness instructor who popularized strength training and healthy living in postwar America. He opened one of the nation’s first fitness gyms in 1936 and launched the long-running TV show The Jack LaLanne Show in 1951. Known for his impressive feats—such as swimming handcuffed while towing boats—he inspired millions to embrace exercise and proper nutrition. LaLanne authored several best-selling books on fitness and dieting, coining phrases like 'Exercise is King.' He also invented exercise machines that remain staples in modern gyms. His energetic advocacy laid the groundwork for today’s health and wellness industry. LaLanne died in 2011 at the age of 96.

Wesley E. Brown was appointed to the United States District Court for the District of Kansas in 1962 and remained on the bench for over 60 years. Recognized for his sharp legal mind and dedication to justice, Brown handled a wide array of civil and criminal cases. He assumed senior status at age 85 but continued to hear cases into his 100s, setting a record as the oldest active federal judge. His long tenure reflected his commitment to public service and the rule of law. Brown’s colleagues admired his humor, intellect, and unwavering work ethic. He passed away in 2012 at the age of 104, leaving a legacy of judicial longevity.

Prosper Ego (1927–2015) established the Oud-Strijders Legioen (OSL) in 1958 as a platform for former military personnel in the Netherlands. Under his leadership, the OSL organized commemorations, advocated for veterans’ rights, and engaged in public discourse on national defense and NATO membership. Ego published newsletters and spearheaded campaigns emphasizing patriotic values, which garnered both support and controversy. He remained a steadfast champion for veterans throughout his life, ensuring their contributions were recognized in Dutch society. Ego passed away in 2015, remembered for his dedication to the veteran community and his impact on Dutch military advocacy.

Larry King was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1933 and began his career as a high school dropout working in radio. He launched 'Larry King Live' on CNN in 1985, where his fingertips-on-the-desk style and direct questioning became iconic. Over 25 years, he conducted more than 60,000 interviews with heads of state, celebrities, and everyday people. King's accessible style and longevity earned him multiple awards and a Guinness World Record for most TV interviews. After retiring from CNN in 2010, he hosted radio shows and podcasts, maintaining a presence in media. He passed away on January 23, 2021, leaving a lasting impact on broadcast journalism.

Charles Osgood was born in New York City in 1933 and began his broadcasting career at age 16. He became the voice of 'CBS Sunday Morning' in 1994, hosting the program for 19 years with his signature wit and warmth. Osgood also wrote several books, blending humor and commentary on everyday life. A talented musician, he performed and recorded songs that reflected his storytelling style. His gentle delivery and insightful observations made him a beloved figure in American media. He passed away on January 23, 2024, leaving a legacy of thoughtful broadcasting and creative versatility.