February 20

William Wallace Lincoln, known as "Willie," was born in 1850 to Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. He grew up in Springfield, Illinois, before moving to the White House when his father became president. A lively and curious boy, Willie suffered from poor health throughout his childhood. On February 20, 1862, at age 11, he died of a fever, an event that deeply grieved President Lincoln. Willie’s death cast a shadow over the White House and is said to have influenced Lincoln’s tone during the Civil War. Though young, he is remembered for his spirited personality and the personal loss his family endured.

Born Mosze Waks in 1904 in Kovel, Waszyński directed over forty films in Poland during the 1930s. His most celebrated work, 'The Dybbuk' (1937), is a seminal Yiddish-language film exploring Jewish folklore. After World War II, he emigrated to Italy and continued his career under the name Michael Waszynski, working as a producer and assistant director. Waszyński also acted in several international films. He died in 1965, remembered for bridging Eastern European and Western cinema traditions.

Walter Winchell began his career as a vaudeville performer before turning to journalism in the 1920s. His syndicated gossip column in the New York Evening Graphic quickly gained popularity for its insider scoops on celebrities and politicians. In the 1930s and 1940s he became one of America’s most powerful media figures, hosting radio and early television programs. Winchell’s outspoken criticism of fascism and support for President Roosevelt bolstered his public profile, while his later involvement with anti-communist crusades generated controversy. He was credited with shaping public opinion and breaking major stories but was also accused of sensationalism. Winchell’s style combined rapid-fire delivery with theatrical flair, influencing future broadcasters. He died in 1972, leaving behind a complex legacy in American media.

Audrey Munson was born in 1891 and rose to fame as one of the most sought-after artist’s models of the early 20th century. She posed for numerous sculptures, public monuments, and artworks throughout New York City, earning the nickname “Miss Manhattan.” Munson also appeared in silent films, showcasing her classical beauty on screen. Her collaborations with prominent sculptors shaped the era’s public art and architectural ornamentation. Despite her early success, Munson faced personal challenges later in life, including mental health struggles. She spent many years in psychiatric care before passing away on February 20, 1996. Today, her legacy endures in the iconic statues and monuments that still grace American cityscapes.

Gene Siskel was born in 1946 in Chicago and developed a passion for film criticism at a young age. After graduating from Yale University, he became a film critic for the Chicago Tribune, where his sharp insights and engaging writing style earned him acclaim. In 1975, he joined Roger Ebert on the PBS show Sneak Previews, which later became At the Movies, and the duo became household names. Siskel’s ‘thumbs up’ or ‘thumbs down’ verdicts influenced public perception of films for decades. He authored several books on cinema and lectured on film theory at universities across the United States. Siskel received a Peabody Award for his contributions to television journalism. He continued to review films until his death on February 20, 1999, leaving a lasting mark on movie criticism.

Born in 1919 in Green River, Wyoming, he began his broadcasting career in local radio before joining ABC and later NBC Sports. He served as the lead voice for Boston Red Sox radio broadcasts from 1951 to 1965, earning widespread acclaim. Gowdy covered ten Olympic Games, bringing moments like the 'Miracle on Ice' at Lake Placid to television audiences. He was also a prominent voice of NFL games, including Super Bowls I through IV. His warm delivery and deep knowledge of sports made him a household name. He won multiple Emmy Awards and was inducted into the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Hall of Fame. Gowdy passed away on February 20, 2006, leaving a lasting legacy in sports journalism.

Garrick Utley was an influential American journalist and television news correspondent. Born in 1939, he joined NBC News in 1963 and was among the first to report live from Vietnam. Utley covered major events like the Civil Rights Movement, Watergate, and Middle East conflicts. He served as Moscow and London bureau chief, bringing international affairs to U.S. audiences. Later, he hosted programs for ABC News and MSNBC, earning multiple Emmy and Peabody awards. Utley also taught journalism at Northwestern University and authored books on media and diplomacy. He passed away in 2014, leaving a legacy of fearless reporting and mentorship to future journalists.