March 12

Born in 1613 in Paris, André Le Nôtre was the leading exponent of the French formal garden style. He served as head gardener to King Louis XIV and designed the iconic terraces, fountains, and parterres at Versailles. Le Nôtre's work extended to famous estates such as Vaux-le-Vicomte and Fontainebleau. His approach combined mathematical precision with artistic vision, influencing garden design across Europe. He wrote detailed plans that shaped the Baroque aesthetic in landscape architecture. Le Nôtre died in 1700, leaving a legacy seen in grand gardens and urban spaces around the world.

Richard Steele was born in 1672 in Dublin and educated at Charterhouse School and Oxford University. He entered politics as a Member of Parliament but achieved lasting fame through his literary work. In 1711, Steele co-founded 'The Spectator' with Joseph Addison, a journal that shaped early 18th-century culture and manners. His essays, written under the pen name 'Isaac Bickerstaff,' championed morality, humor, and social commentary. Steele also authored plays and pamphlets defending liberal causes. He died in 1729, remembered as a pioneering figure in English prose and journalism.

François-Emmanuel Guignard, comte de Saint-Priest, was born in 1735 in Grenoble, France. He held key diplomatic posts, including ambassador to Portugal and head of the King's foreign affairs. As a minister under Louis XVI, he navigated the challenges leading up to the French Revolution. Guignard emigrated during the turmoil but returned after the Bourbon Restoration, serving Louis XVIII. He authored memoirs detailing the late 18th-century court and revolutionary events. He died in 1821, recognized for his diplomatic skill and firsthand accounts of a pivotal era in French history.

Born in Scotland in 1795, William Lyon Mackenzie emigrated to Canada and established himself as a fierce journalist, founding the Colonial Advocate newspaper to champion political reform. In 1834, he became the first Mayor of Toronto, advocating for municipal improvements and democratic governance. Mackenzie’s outspoken criticism of the colonial administration led to his role in the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837, after which he spent time in exile. He returned to Canada later in life and remained an influential voice for responsible government and civil liberties. His legacy endures in Canadian politics and the city he helped shape.

Born in New Hampshire in 1806, Jane Means Appleton Pierce married Franklin Pierce in 1834 and became First Lady upon his inauguration in 1853. Shy and reserved, she was known for her deep religious faith and charitable work. Tragedy marked her tenure when the Pierces’ only surviving son died in a train accident just months before his father took office. Jane’s grief led her to retreat from public life, limiting her role at formal events. After the presidency, she lived quietly in New Hampshire until her death in 1863, remembered for her piety and personal sacrifices.

Charles Cunningham Boycott (1832–1897) was an English land agent in Ireland. His harsh treatment of tenant farmers during the Land War led to his social ostracism by the local community. The tactic of eviction refusal and social exclusion coined the term 'boycott' that entered global vocabulary. Boycott’s experience became a model for nonviolent civil resistance and economic pressure tactics. After leaving Ireland, he wrote about his experiences and promoted his perspective on tenant-landlord relations. His name remains a symbol of collective action against oppression in political and social contexts.

Jiří Mucha was a Czech journalist born in 1915, renowned for his incisive reporting on art and politics. The son of Art Nouveau master Alphonse Mucha, he combined cultural heritage with journalistic rigor. He contributed to leading newspapers and magazines, documenting the shifting social landscape of Czechoslovakia. His memoirs and essays offered personal perspectives on historical events and intellectual circles. Mucha navigated the challenges of censorship during the communist era, preserving the nation’s artistic narrative. He passed away in 1991, remembered for his thoughtful analyses and dedication to Czech journalism.

Sir Antony Acland was born in 1930 and enjoyed a distinguished career in the British Diplomatic Service. He served as Ambassador to the United States from 1986 to 1991, strengthening UK–US relations during the late Cold War. Prior to that, he held key roles at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, including Permanent Under-Secretary. After retiring from diplomacy, he became Provost of Eton College in 1994, overseeing one of the world’s leading boarding schools. Acland was known for his leadership, deep knowledge of international affairs, and commitment to education. He was knighted for his services to diplomacy and education. He passed away in 2021.

Rob Cohen (born March 12, 1949) is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter whose career spans over three decades. He directed the biographical drama Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story before moving on to blockbuster franchises such as The Fast and the Furious and XXX. Cohen's films have grossed billions worldwide, blending high-energy stunts with engaging storytelling. In addition to directing, he has produced a range of film and television projects. His work helped shape early 2000s action cinema and inspired a generation of filmmakers.

Jake Tapper (born 1969) began his journalism career at ABC News as a producer and correspondent. He joined CNN in 2013, where he anchors The Lead with Jake Tapper and State of the Union. Tapper has covered every presidential election since 2004, earning multiple Emmy Awards for his reporting. He is also the author of political thrillers such as The Hellfire Club and The Devil May Dance. Known for his incisive interviews and fact-driven approach, Tapper is a leading voice in contemporary American media.