April 26

Born in 1284 to a prominent Norman family, Alice de Toeni inherited lands and titles that elevated her status among the English nobility. She married Guy de Beauchamp, 10th Earl of Warwick, and oversaw the management of vast estates in Warwickshire. Alice played a role in the social and political networks of medieval England, forging alliances through her family’s connections. Her life offers insight into the power and responsibilities of noblewomen during the reign of Edward II. She died in 1324, leaving a legacy reflected in the Beauchamp family’s enduring prominence.

Frederick Law Olmsted was a visionary American journalist and landscape designer who co-created New York City's Central Park alongside Calvert Vaux in 1858. His innovative approach to park design emphasized naturalistic scenery, passive recreation, and social reform. Olmsted went on to design many prominent public spaces, including Prospect Park in Brooklyn and the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. Before turning to landscape architecture, he worked as a newspaper correspondent covering social issues, including slavery in the American South. He later co-founded a successful landscape architecture firm, shaping urban planning and green space across the United States. Olmsted's principles laid the foundation for modern landscape architecture and underscored the importance of accessible public parks for community well-being.

John Grierson was born in 1898 in Deanston, Scotland, and coined the term 'documentary' for nonfiction film. He founded the Empire Marketing Board Film Unit and later the GPO Film Unit, mentoring talents like Humphrey Jennings. His films, including 'Drifters,' used cinema as a tool for social education and wartime morale. Grierson's vision laid the groundwork for documentary filmmaking in Britain and beyond. He passed away in London in 1972, leaving a lasting impact on the art of nonfiction film.

David Coleman was a pioneering sports broadcaster for the BBC whose career spanned over forty years. He joined the BBC in the 1950s and rose to become one of the network's leading sports commentators. Over a career spanning four decades, he covered ten Olympic Games and numerous high-profile international competitions. His insightful and enthusiastic commentary on athletics and football made him a household name. Coleman also presented flagship programs such as "Grandstand" and "Sportsnight". Awarded the CBE for his services to sports broadcasting, he influenced generations of commentators and presenters.

Born in Quebec City in 1931, Paul Almond began his career producing documentary shorts at the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. He made his feature debut with 'Isabel' in 1968, which won awards at the Cannes Film Festival and helped launch actress Geneviève Bujold's career. Almond continued to direct art-house dramas, including the 'Journey' trilogy, showcasing his distinctive visual style and psychological depth. He was a founding member of the Directors Guild of Canada and advocated for greater support and funding for national film production. Almond also taught film studies at universities and authored books on documentary filmmaking. Until his death in 2015, he remained a pioneering force in Canadian cinema.

Born in Manhattan in 1931, Bernie Brillstein began his career representing comedians such as Gilda Radner and John Belushi. In 1972, he co-founded the Brillstein Company, which became one of Hollywood's leading production and management firms. He produced iconic television series like 'Saturday Night Live,' 'The Simpsons,' and 'The Larry Sanders Show,' as well as the hit film 'Ghostbusters.' Known for his keen eye for comedic talent and mentorship, Brillstein influenced two generations of writers and performers. He authored a bestselling memoir detailing his experiences in the entertainment industry. Brillstein passed away in 2008, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking television and film productions.

Al McCoy is an iconic American sports broadcaster whose play-by-play commentary has defined the Phoenix Suns' radio experience since 1968. Known for his enthusiastic delivery and signature catchphrases, McCoy has narrated thousands of NBA games over five decades, earning a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame's broadcaster wing. His partnership with color commentators and his ability to capture the game's excitement have made him a beloved figure among Suns fans. McCoy has received numerous awards, including the Curt Gowdy Award for excellence in broadcasting. His dedication to the sport and his community involvement have cemented his legacy, even after stepping back from full-time duties in 2024.

Filiberto Ojeda Ríos was a prominent figure in the Puerto Rican independence movement, co-founding the Boricua Popular Army (Ejército Popular Boricua) in the 1970s to challenge US colonial authority. Operating clandestinely, he orchestrated campaigns to promote self-determination and raise awareness of political issues. After years underground, he became a symbol of resistance for supporters of Puerto Rico's sovereignty. In 2005, his death during an FBI operation sparked widespread protests and debates over law enforcement tactics. Ojeda Ríos's legacy endures as an emblem of the struggle for Puerto Rican freedom.

Peter Zumthor was born in Basel, Switzerland in 1943. He studied at the Kunstgewerbeschule in Zurich and worked in architectural offices across Europe. He founded his own practice in 1979, gaining acclaim for his focus on materiality and light. His masterpiece, the Therme Vals (1996), integrates architecture and landscape to create a sensory experience. In 2009, he was awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize for his lifetime achievements. Other notable projects include the Kunsthaus Bregenz and the Kolumba Museum. Zumthor's work is celebrated for its meticulous attention to detail and profound sense of place.

Howard Davies was born in England in 1945. He trained as an actor before turning to directing for stage and television. He led productions at the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. His Broadway work earned him Tony Award nominations, including for Death of a Salesman. He directed acclaimed television dramas for the BBC. Davies was known for his insightful interpretations of classic and contemporary plays. He passed away in 2016, leaving a significant legacy in British theatre.

Born in Paris and raised in New York City, Naudet gained fame with the 2002 documentary '9/11', which won critical acclaim and an Emmy Award. Along with his brother Gédéon, he captured footage of the first plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. He continued to work as a director and producer on documentaries and television specials, often exploring themes of urban life and crisis. His other works include projects for National Geographic and the History Channel. Naudet's unique on-the-ground perspective has made his footage a vital historical record.

After witnessing poverty and limited medical access in India, Verma established the Uday Foundation in 2010 to provide critical care for underprivileged communities. The organization has since delivered medicines, medical equipment, and emergency relief during natural disasters across the country. Verma’s initiatives include building schools, organizing blood donation drives, and facilitating free health camps. He has received national recognition for his leadership and innovative approach to philanthropy. Verma continues to expand his foundation’s reach through partnerships with government agencies and global NGOs.