March 29

Born in 1920, Theodore Trautwein practiced law in New Jersey before being appointed to the Superior Court, where he served with distinction. He oversaw a wide range of civil and criminal cases, earning respect for his clear reasoning and impartiality. Trautwein contributed to legal education through lectures and mentorship of young attorneys. Outside the courtroom, he was active in bar associations and community service. His commitment to justice remained steadfast until his death in 2000.

Born in 1923 in Seattle, Washington, Fletcher graduated from the University of Washington and Harvard Law School. She began her legal career as an Assistant U.S. Attorney before moving into academia and private practice. Appointed to the Ninth Circuit by President Jimmy Carter in 1979, she was among the first women to serve on a federal appellate court. Fletcher served with distinction for over three decades, taking senior status in 1998. She was known for landmark decisions in environmental law and civil rights, leaving a profound impact on American jurisprudence.

Born in 1927 in Providence, Rhode Island, McLaughlin served in the U.S. Navy before entering journalism. He worked as a news reporter and later as a political speechwriter for the White House. In 1982, he launched The McLaughlin Group, pioneering the panel-discussion format on cable news. Known for his rapid-fire questioning and combative style, he became a defining voice in American political media. McLaughlin continued to produce and host television programs until shortly before his death in 2016.

Born in 1928 in New York City, Gigante began his career as a middleweight boxer before joining organized crime. Known as "The Chin," he rose through the ranks to become boss of the Genovese family in 1981. Gigante famously wandered Greenwich Village in a bathrobe and slippers to create an insanity defense. Despite numerous indictments, he often avoided conviction until 1997, when he was sentenced to prison. His tactics and reign made him one of the most notorious figures in American organized crime before his death in 2005.

Born in 1939, Roland Arnall emigrated from France to the United States and built a business empire in real estate and lending. He co-founded Ameriquest Mortgage Company, which grew into a leading subprime lender during the 1990s housing boom. In recognition of his philanthropic and political support, President George W. Bush appointed him U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands in 2005. As ambassador, Arnall worked to strengthen bilateral trade ties and promote cultural exchange between the two nations. He balanced roles as a political donor, philanthropist, and diplomat, navigating complex international challenges. Arnall passed away in 2008, remembered for his blend of entrepreneurial ambition and public service.

John Arthur Spenkelink was born in 1949 and convicted of the 1973 kidnapping and murder of Joseph Szymankiewicz. His case was notable for being the first execution in Florida since the reinstatement of the death penalty in 1976. He was executed by electric chair in 1979, amid controversies over legal appeals and clemency requests. Spenkelink’s case influenced the national dialogue on capital punishment and legal processes in death penalty cases. He remains a significant figure in discussions about criminal justice reform.

Michel Hazanavicius is a French filmmaker celebrated for his innovative storytelling and homage to silent cinema. He achieved international acclaim with The Artist, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture and Best Director. Hazanavicius began his career making short films and television projects that showcased his comedic talent. His work often experiments with film genres, blending humor, nostalgia, and cinematic craftsmanship. He has written and produced numerous films, contributing to both the creative and technical aspects of production. Hazanavicius is praised for his ability to revive classic film techniques for modern audiences. He continues to write and direct ambitious projects that push the boundaries of contemporary cinema.

Lara Logan is a South African-born journalist who rose to prominence as a chief foreign correspondent for CBS News. She reported from conflict zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya, often delivering live coverage from the front lines. Logan's work earned several journalistic awards for courage and excellence in war reporting. She later joined 60 Minutes, where she conducted in-depth investigative pieces around the world. Throughout her career, Logan has been known for her fearless style and commitment to uncovering the human stories behind global events. She continues to work in journalism, producing documentaries and special reports.