May 12

Edward Lear (1812-1888) was an English poet, artist, and illustrator. He popularized the limerick form with his Book of Nonsense series and pioneered literary nonsense. As a skilled ornithological illustrator, he created hundreds of detailed bird drawings for scientific publications. Lear traveled extensively across Europe, the Middle East, and India, capturing landscapes and cultures in his artworks and journals. His playful verses and humorous illustrations have influenced children's literature and continue to enchant audiences worldwide.

Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828-1882) was an English artist, poet, and translator. He co-founded the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848, seeking to return to the rich color and detail of early Renaissance art. As a painter, he created evocative works combining medieval themes and romantic symbolism. His poetry, published in The Germ and later collections, explored love, beauty, and mythology with vivid imagery. Rossetti's art and verse influenced the Symbolist movement and left a lasting mark on Victorian culture.

Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury was born in 1863 in Bengal and became a key figure in the Bengal Renaissance. He founded a printing press and introduced innovative photolithographic techniques to Indian publishing. As a writer, he created beloved children’s stories and fairy tales that remain popular in Bengal. A talented artist, he illustrated his own works and composed music for the violin. He also engaged in entrepreneurial ventures, promoting modern printing technology in India. His legacy continued through his son, Sukumar Ray, and grandson, Satyajit Ray, both of whom became celebrated artists. Upendrakishore died in 1915 but left an enduring impact on literature, art, and printing in India.

Discovered as a young man by Theosophical Society leaders, he was groomed as a world teacher but later renounced this role. Throughout his life, he traveled extensively, holding dialogues on human consciousness, free of dogma. He authored dozens of books and numerous talks exploring awareness, attention, and self-knowledge. He established schools in India, England, and the US to foster education rooted in holistic understanding. His emphasis on observation without judgment influenced modern spiritual and educational thought. He remains celebrated for his radical approach to personal freedom and universal human values.

Born in Singapore in 1907 to a Chinese-Malaayan father and English mother, Leslie Charteris moved to England as a child. After years of travel and odd jobs, he published Meet the Tiger in 1928, introducing Simon Templar, nicknamed The Saint. The series became an international hit, spawning over 50 books, radio dramas, films, and a popular television show. Charteris moved to Hollywood in the 1930s to work as a screenwriter, adapting his own characters for the silver screen. He maintained tight creative control over his creations, collaborating on numerous film and TV adaptations. Known for globe-trotting adventures and witty prose, he helped define the modern thriller genre. Charteris continued writing and overseeing The Saint franchise until his death in 1993.

Born in New York City in 1911, Charles Biro became a driving force in the Golden Age of comics as editorial director at Lev Gleason Publications. In 1942, he co-created Crime Does Not Pay, a sensational true-crime series that set sales records and influenced postwar comic storytelling. He also launched Blackhawk, chronicling the exploits of a daring squadron of World War II aviators. Biro’s dynamic artwork and gripping narratives helped establish the crime and adventure genres in comics. After the war, he applied his talents to magazine illustration and advertising, showcasing versatility across media. His career spanned print, advertising, and design until his death in 1972, leaving a lasting impact on popular culture.

Farley Mowat (1921–2014) was a Canadian writer and environmental advocate whose works brought northern landscapes and wildlife to global audiences. His breakthrough book, 'Never Cry Wolf' (1963), challenged perceptions of wolves and sparked interest in wildlife conservation. Mowat wrote over 30 books blending memoir, natural history, and social commentary. He campaigned for environmental causes, including protecting the Arctic and endangered species. His vivid storytelling and outspoken views made him a prominent voice in environmentalism. Critics debated his use of anecdote versus scientific rigor, but his influence on public awareness was profound. Mowat's legacy endures through his writings and conservation efforts that continue to inspire readers.

Jesús Franco (1930–2013) was a Spanish filmmaker, screenwriter, and composer celebrated for his extensive work in horror, erotic, and cult cinema. Over his career, he directed more than 200 films, often blending surrealism with low-budget style. Franco collaborated with actors like Christopher Lee and produced atmospheric soundtracks for his own movies. His most notable works include 'Vampyros Lesbos' (1971) and 'The Awful Dr. Orloff' (1962). Despite critical controversy, he amassed a devoted international following and influenced the European exploitation genre. Franco's underground aesthetic and prolific output made him a pioneer of independent cinema. His films continue to be rediscovered by cult film enthusiasts for their distinctive style.

George Carlin's comedic career spanned five decades, redefining stand-up with edgy insights. His routine "Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television" became a landmark in free speech debates. Carlin appeared in films and television, showcasing his versatile acting talents. As an author, he published several best-selling books of essays and comedic reflections. He won five Grammy Awards for his comedy albums and remains a towering influence in comedy.

Bruce Boxleitner was born in 1950 in Elgin, Illinois. He rose to prominence playing the title character in the 1982 film Tron and reprised the role in Tron: Legacy. Boxleitner also starred as Captain John Sheridan in the science fiction series Babylon 5, earning critical acclaim. His television credits include Scarecrow and Mrs. King, How the West Was Won, and Dallas. In addition to acting, he has written science fiction novels and screenplays. Boxleitner continues to work in film, television, and literature, maintaining a loyal fan base across genres.