March 08

Veit Bach (died 1619) was a German baker and miller living in the Franconian region near Schweinfurt. He is best known as the earliest recorded forebear of the Bach family of musicians, including Johann Sebastian Bach. While he himself was not a musician, his family's tradition of craftsmanship and diligence shaped the lineage’s later artistic achievements. The Bach dynasty produced renowned composers, instrumentalists, and vocalists who left an indelible mark on Baroque music. Veit Bach’s life highlights the humble origins of one of classical music’s most influential families.

Minna Craucher was born in 1891 and rose to prominence as a salon hostess among European elites. She used her social connections to gather intelligence for multiple governments, including the Soviet Union. Craucher's intrigues made her a controversial figure in Finnish politics and international espionage. Her double life involved blackmail and secret documents, earning her both admiration and suspicion. She was ultimately assassinated in 1932 under mysterious circumstances, cementing her reputation as a shadowy operative.

Fredy Hirsch was a prominent athlete and gymnastics instructor in Prague before World War II. During the Holocaust, he organized sporting and educational activities for Jewish youth in Theresienstadt. Hirsch's leadership and compassion provided hope and protection for thousands of children under Nazi persecution. In early 1944, he was transferred to Auschwitz, where he continued his work until his death. He is remembered for his moral courage and the lives he saved through personal sacrifice.

George Stevens was a versatile American director, producer, and screenwriter whose career spanned from silent shorts to classic Hollywood dramas. Born in 1904 in Oakland, California, he began as a cinematographer before directing acclaimed comedies such as 'Swing Time' (1936) starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. After serving in World War II filming frontline footage, Stevens returned to helm dramas like 'A Place in the Sun' (1951), 'Shane' (1953), and 'Giant' (1956), all of which earned him Academy Awards or nominations. His films are noted for their technical excellence and humanistic storytelling. Stevens co-founded the studio Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, producing influential films that shaped postwar cinema. He passed away in 1975, leaving a legacy as one of Hollywood's most respected filmmakers.

Sam Simon (1955-2015) was an influential American TV producer and writer who co-created the groundbreaking animated series 'The Simpsons'. He served as a director, producer, and head writer during the show's early seasons, shaping its satirical humor. Simon also produced popular game shows like 'The Larry Sanders Show' and worked on 'Taxi'. A devoted philanthropist, he donated millions to animal rights causes and established rescue organizations. His charitable foundation supported prison reform, homeless shelters, and medical research. Simon's creative vision and generosity left a lasting impact on television and social advocacy.