February 29

Prince George Maximilianovich was born into the Bavarian and Russian imperial families, inheriting the dukedom in 1852. Educated in Europe, he balanced his noble duties with diplomatic service for the Russian Empire. He represented Russian interests in several European courts and was known for his cultured patronage of the arts. His philanthropic efforts included support for museum collections and charitable institutions in St. Petersburg. As Duke, he maintained close ties between German and Russian nobility until his death in 1912.

James B. Donovan was an American lawyer and Yale professor noted for high-stakes Cold War negotiations. In 1962, he brokered the exchange of U-2 pilot Francis Gary Powers for Soviet spy Rudolf Abel. Donovan also secured the release of prisoners from the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. His diplomatic skill earned him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1963. He chronicled his experiences in memoirs that inspired the film "Bridge of Spies." Donovan's legacy endures as a model of legal acumen and principled negotiation.

Sonja Barend (born 1940) is a pioneering Dutch television presenter best known for her influential talk show "Sonja op Maandag," which aired from 1970 to 2006. She used her platform to address social issues, politics, and personal stories, becoming a household name in the Netherlands. Barend was one of the first women to anchor a major talk show in Dutch television. Her interviewing style was candid and empathetic, earning her widespread respect. She has received several awards for her contributions to Dutch media and public discourse.

Aileen Wuornos was convicted of murdering seven men in Florida between 1989 and 1990. Her troubled upbringing and work as a sex worker were focal points in her legal defense. She was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder during psychological evaluations. Wuornos received six death sentences and was executed by lethal injection in 2002. Her story sparked debate over capital punishment, mental health, and media portrayal of violent crime.

Richard Ramirez carried out a series of brutal home invasion murders and assaults in Southern California from 1984 to 1985. His crimes were marked by extreme violence and sexual assault, leading to widespread fear. Dubbed the 'Night Stalker' by the media, Ramirez's trial garnered massive public attention due to his satanic symbolism and courtroom outbursts. Convicted on 13 counts of murder and other felonies, he received death sentences. Ramirez died of complications from B-cell lymphoma while on death row in 2013.

Pedro Zamora (born 29 February 1972 in Havana, Cuba) was a pioneering AIDS educator, activist, and reality television personality. After immigrating to the United States, Zamora became a trained HIV/AIDS educator, working with organizations to destigmatize the disease. He rose to prominence as a cast member on MTV's 'The Real World: San Francisco' (1994), where he shared his personal battle with HIV. His candid discussions on the show educated millions and humanized the epidemic for a young audience. Zamora married his partner, Sean Sasser, in a commitment ceremony televised on MTV, one of the first same-sex ceremonies shown on television. He died later in 1994 from complications related to AIDS, leaving a legacy of advocacy that inspired subsequent HIV/AIDS education campaigns.