January 26

Born in 183 in the late Eastern Han dynasty. Entered Cao Cao's household and later became the wife of his son Cao Pi. Highly admired for her beauty, intelligence, and virtue. Her influence at court grew as Cao Pi ascended to emperor of Wei. Fell victim to court intrigue leading to her forced removal and early death in 221. Her tragic story has inspired countless works of literature, opera, and film.

Frank Costello (1891-1973), born Francesco Castiglia, was a leading figure in American organized crime. As boss of the Luciano crime family, he wielded immense political and criminal influence in New York City. Known as the 'Prime Minister of the Underworld', he maintained connections with politicians and union leaders. Costello survived multiple assassination attempts and served time in prison for contempt of court. After stepping down in the 1950s, he lived quietly but remained a legendary figure in mob history. His life inspired portrayals in numerous books and films about the American Mafia.

Giuseppe Genco Russo was born in 1893 and rose to prominence as the leader of the Genco Russo Mafia family in Sicily. Under his leadership, the family expanded its activities in the Agrigento region and forged strategic alliances with other Cosa Nostra clans. He became known for his shrewd negotiations and ability to mediate disputes among rival factions. Throughout the interwar period and into the post-World War II era, he maintained a low profile while exerting significant influence over local politics and business. He died in 1976, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most enduring figures in the Sicilian underworld.

Dürrüşehvar Sultan was born in 1914 in Istanbul as the daughter of the last Ottoman Caliph, Abdulmejid II. Following the abolition of the Ottoman monarchy in 1924, she lived in exile primarily in France and later in India. She used her position to support charitable causes, focusing on education and healthcare initiatives for women and children. Dürrüşehvar maintained strong cultural ties to her heritage and was a patron of the arts. Her life spanned dramatic political changes, offering a unique perspective on a vanished empire. She died in 2006, recognized for her dignified legacy and humanitarian efforts.

Claude Ryan was a prominent Canadian journalist and politician. He began his career as the editor of Montreal's Le Devoir newspaper, earning a reputation for incisive commentary and advocacy of federalism. In 1978, he transitioned to politics, becoming leader of the Quebec Liberal Party and Leader of the Opposition in the provincial assembly. Known for his moderate stance and defense of Canadian unity, he contested the 1981 provincial election against the Parti Québécois. Following his political career, he continued to influence public discourse as a commentator and academic. His career bridged journalism and politics, leaving a lasting impact on Quebec's federalist movement.

Corrado Augias (born 1935) is an Italian journalist and politician who has built a reputation for insightful commentary and public engagement. He began his career as a reporter, covering social and cultural issues for leading newspapers. Through decades in journalism, he wrote extensively on Italian history and society, earning respect for his investigative approach. Augias later transitioned to broadcasting, hosting popular programs that explored cultural and historical topics. In politics, he served as a member of the European Parliament, advocating for journalistic freedom and cultural preservation. He has authored several books on Italian heritage and societal issues, which have received critical acclaim. Augias continues to influence Italian public life through his writings, broadcasts, and political work.

Born in Chicago in 1946, Gene Siskel became a leading film critic at the Chicago Tribune. In 1975, he teamed up with Roger Ebert to co-host the television program 'Siskel & Ebert', bringing film criticism into American living rooms. He popularized the 'thumbs up, thumbs down' rating system and won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 1975. His insightful reviews and engaging on-screen chemistry made the show a cultural phenomenon. Siskel wrote extensively on cinema and influenced generations of critics and audiences. He continued his work until his untimely death from brain cancer in 1999, leaving a lasting legacy in film criticism.

Corina Morariu (born 1978) won the women’s doubles title at Wimbledon in 1999 and the US Open in 2001. A former world No.1 in doubles, she also earned a silver medal at the 2004 Olympics. In 2001, Morariu overcame a diagnosis of leukemia and made a successful return to professional tennis. After retiring, she became a sportscaster and advocate for cancer awareness. Her resilience on and off the court has inspired many within the tennis world.

The Suleman octuplets, born January 26, 2009, in Bellflower, California, to mother Nadya Suleman, captured global media attention. They became the first octuplets in U.S. history to survive infancy, leading to widespread public fascination and debate. The siblings include six boys and two girls, all born healthy. Their unique birth sparked discussions on fertility treatments, healthcare, and media ethics. The Suleman octuplets continue to be subjects of interest regarding their upbringing and development.