April 07

James Curtiss, born in 1803, began his career as a newspaper editor before entering politics. He was elected the 11th Mayor of Chicago, serving from 1847 to 1848 and 1850 to 1851, overseeing infrastructure improvements and rapid urban expansion. Curtiss navigated challenges such as public health crises and transportation development. His leadership helped lay foundations for Chicago's emergence as a major city. He returned to journalism after public office and died in 1859.

Flora Tristan was born in 1803 and became a trailblazing author and advocate for women's and workers' rights. Her travel memoir 'Peregrinations of a Pariah' detailed social injustices, while 'The Workers' Union' called for solidarity between men and women laborers. Tristan's eloquent writing and public lectures inspired early socialist and feminist thinkers. Though she died young in 1844, her ideas influenced later movements for social reform and gender equality.

Born in 1817, Francesco Selmi made foundational contributions to colloid chemistry, exploring the behavior of microscopic particles in solution. His systematic studies on coagulation and osmotic pressure advanced understanding of colloidal systems. Beyond science, Selmi was active in the Risorgimento, supporting efforts for Italian national unity. He taught at the University of Bologna, inspiring students in chemistry and nationalism. Selmi's dual legacy of scientific innovation and patriotic commitment endured until his death in 1881.

Born in 1897, Winchell began his career as a vaudeville performer before turning to journalism. His daily gossip column in the New York Daily Mirror attracted millions of readers with its sharp wit and insider scoops. On radio and later television, he became known for his rapid-fire delivery and willingness to name names. Winchell's influence extended into politics as he supported allies and targeted perceived enemies during the McCarthy era. Though controversial, his style paved the way for modern celebrity journalism and infotainment.

Alan J. Pakula was born in New York City and began his film career as a producer. He directed critically acclaimed movies such as 'Klute,' 'The Parallax View,' and 'All the President's Men.' Pakula's work often explored themes of paranoia and political intrigue. He received Academy Award nominations for Best Director and Best Picture. Known for his meticulous storytelling and visual style, he influenced generations of filmmakers. Pakula continued to produce and direct landmark films until his untimely death in 1998.

Born in Brooklyn in 1929, Joe Gallo rose through the ranks of the Profaci (later Colombo) crime family. Charismatic and unpredictable, he earned the nickname 'Crazy Joe' for his volatile behavior. In the early 1960s, Gallo led a faction that clashed with rival mobsters, sparking the first Colombo family war. His flamboyant lifestyle and fondness for the nightlife earned him celebrity status in New York City's Little Italy. On April 7, 1972, Gallo was gunned down at Umberto's Clam House, a shooting that stunned the public and inspired numerous books and films. Despite his criminal legacy, his life story remains a compelling chapter in the annals of organized crime.

Born in 1930 in Commentry, France, Roger Vergé trained under eminent chefs at the renowned Maison Troisgros. In 1969, he opened Le Moulin de Mougins near Cannes, where he pioneered his signature 'Cuisine du Soleil', emphasizing fresh vegetables, light sauces, and Mediterranean flavors. His cooking philosophy celebrated local ingredients, seasonal produce, and simplicity, inspiring the Nouvelle Cuisine movement. Vergé earned multiple Michelin stars and authored bestselling cookbooks, sharing his inventive recipes with home cooks worldwide. He mentored several future culinary stars, including Alain Ducasse and Jean-Pierre Billoux. A tireless ambassador of French gastronomy, Vergé received France's Legion of Honour and influenced generations of chefs until his passing in 2015.

Born in 1931, Daniel Ellsberg served as a strategic analyst at the RAND Corporation and as a United States Marine. Troubled by the policies behind the Vietnam War, he photocopied and leaked the Pentagon Papers in 1971, revealing decades of private administrations' misrepresentations. His actions led to a landmark Supreme Court case affirming freedom of the press. Facing charges under the Espionage Act, Ellsberg had his case dismissed in 1973 amid government misconduct. He became an outspoken activist against nuclear arms and U.S. foreign policy, cofounding the group Truthout. Ellsberg authored several books, including his memoir 'Secrets', and continued his advocacy until his death in 2023, leaving a legacy as a courageous defender of transparency.

Hodding Carter III (April 7, 1935 – December 10, 2023) was an American journalist and public official. He began his career at his family's newspaper, The Delta Democrat-Times in Mississippi, serving as editor and publisher. In 1977, he was appointed Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs by President Jimmy Carter. He managed the State Department's communications strategy during the Iranian Revolution and the Camp David Accords. After leaving government in 1980, Carter became a commentator for PBS and CNN on foreign policy and media issues. He served on the board of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, advocating for independent journalism. Carter's blend of journalism and diplomacy made him a respected voice in both media and government.

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Coppola emerged as a central figure in the New Hollywood movement of the 1960s and 70s. He won Academy Awards for Best Original Screenplay and Best Picture. His films, including The Godfather (1972) and Apocalypse Now (1979), are widely regarded as masterpieces. He co-founded American Zoetrope to give directors creative freedom, nurturing talents like George Lucas and Sofia Coppola. Coppola is also a pioneering wine-maker with his own vineyards in Napa Valley. He has written several novels and screenplays, often exploring themes of power and family. Over his career spanning more than five decades, he has influenced generations of filmmakers and remains active as a director and producer.

Born in Tenterden, Kent, Frost began his career in newspapers before moving to television in the early 1960s. He created and hosted programs such as Frost on Sunday and The Frost Report, blending humor with hard-hitting journalism. His 1977 series of interviews with former US President Richard Nixon, titled Conversations with Nixon, won global acclaim and an Emmy Award. Frost also hosted popular game shows and talk shows in the UK and US, becoming one of the era's most recognizable media personalities. Known for his meticulous research and polite persistence, he drew revealing admissions from political figures. Over his five-decade career, he won numerous awards and continued producing and presenting programs until his death in 2013. Frost's legacy endures in the field of broadcast journalism and political interviewing.

Born on April 7, 1944 in Buffalo, New York, Warner Fusselle began his career as a disc jockey before moving into sports radio. He provided play-by-play commentary for teams including the Montreal Expos and Nashville Sounds over five decades. Fusselle was celebrated for his passionate storytelling and deep knowledge of baseball history. He also hosted sports talk shows and wrote articles for baseball publications. He passed away in 2012, remembered as a beloved voice in American baseball broadcasting.