May 14

Alice Barnham was born in 1592 as the daughter of Benedict Barnham, a wealthy London alderman. At the age of fourteen, she married Francis Bacon, later Lord Verulam and Lord Chancellor of England. As Bacon's wife, she was present at the Jacobean court during his rise to political prominence. Their marriage produced four children but ended amid controversy when Bacon faced impeachment over alleged corruption. After Bacon's death in 1626, Alice remarried Sir John Underhill and continued to manage her family affairs. She died in 1650, and her correspondence offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of one of England's most famous philosophers.

Fanny Imlay (1794–1816) was the daughter of feminist writer Mary Wollstonecraft and her partner Gilbert Imlay. After her mother's death, she was raised by relatives and developed a close bond with her half-sister, Mary Shelley. Imlay's life was marked by personal struggle and depression. At the age of 22, she tragically took her own life during a visit to Wales. Though she did not publish works herself, her story offers insight into the challenges faced by women in the early 19th century.

Born in Manchester, Rostron joined the Merchant Navy at a young age and rose through the ranks to become captain of the RMS Carpathia. In April 1912, he led his ship through dangerous ice fields to respond to the Titanic's distress signals. His decisive actions and efficient rescue operation saved over 700 survivors from the North Atlantic. Rostron was honored by multiple governments for his heroism and seamanship. He continued his maritime career before retiring and remained celebrated for his leadership under crisis.

Born in 1905, Herbert Morrison became one of NBC’s leading news voices, known for his vivid on-site reporting. He covered key events such as the D-Day landings in Normandy and the liberation of Dachau, bringing frontline stories to listeners back home. Morrison’s clear narration and calm professionalism set the standard for radio journalism. After the war, he anchored major news programs and mentored a generation of broadcasters. His career spanned news, documentaries, and commentary until his retirement. Morrison’s work helped establish the power of live radio reporting. He died in 1989, leaving a legacy of journalistic excellence.

Born in Marshall, Texas, Moss developed a passion for poker in his youth. He earned fame in the 1940s and 1950s as one of the best high-stakes gamblers. In 1970 he won the inaugural World Series of Poker Main Event. Known for his keen reading of opponents and fearless style, he helped popularize tournament poker. He captured the WSOP Main Event title three times between 1970 and 1974. Known affectionately as the Grand Old Man of Poker, Moss was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame in 1979. He continued to play professionally until his final years, passing away in 1995.

Robert Zemeckis studied film at the University of Southern California alongside George Lucas and John Milius. He gained fame with the time-travel adventure Back to the Future (1985) and its sequels, blending humor, storytelling, and visual effects. Zemeckis won the Oscar for Best Director for Forrest Gump (1994), a landmark film that mixed drama and groundbreaking digital effects. He pioneered performance-capture animation in films like The Polar Express and Beowulf. Zemeckis continues to produce and direct innovative films, leaving a lasting impact on modern cinema.

Christine Brennan, born in 1958, became the first female sports columnist at The Washington Post, breaking gender barriers in sports journalism. She has covered multiple Olympic Games, championing equal representation and highlighting athletes' stories. Brennan's books, including 'Inside Edge' and 'Best Seat in the House,' offer behind-the-scenes looks at major sporting events. As a national columnist for USA Today, she provides insightful commentary on figure skating, tennis, and broader sports issues. A respected voice in the field, she has received numerous awards for her writing and advocacy. Beyond journalism, she lectures on leadership and the role of women in sports.

Suzy Kolber is an American sportscaster and producer who joined ESPN in its early years and became one of the network’s most recognizable faces. She has covered a wide range of sports, including NFL, motorsports, and college football, serving as an anchor, sideline reporter, and show host. Kolber made headlines for her calm professionalism during an on-air emergency at a game in 2003. She has received multiple Sports Emmy nominations for her work and co-hosts Good Morning Football on NFL Network. A trailblazer for women in sports media, she advocates for greater diversity in broadcasting.

Born in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Tony Siragusa played college football at the University of Pittsburgh. He was drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round of the 1990 NFL Draft and played there for six seasons. In 2000, he joined the Baltimore Ravens and was a key member of the defense that won Super Bowl XXXV. Known for his charismatic personality, Siragusa earned the nickname "The Goose" on and off the field. After retiring in 2003, he transitioned into broadcasting, working as an NFL analyst for Fox Sports. He also made appearances in film and television, showcasing his larger-than-life persona. Siragusa was admired for his community work and remained a beloved figure until his passing in 2022.

Born in New York City into the renowned Coppola family, Sofia is the daughter of director Francis Ford Coppola. She began as an actress but quickly turned to writing and directing, debuting with "The Virgin Suicides" in 1999. Coppola won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for "Lost in Translation" (2003), becoming the first American woman to do so. Her films, including "Marie Antoinette" and "The Beguiled", are noted for their dreamy aesthetics and focus on female perspectives. She has collaborated with fashion brands and curated art exhibitions, blurring lines between cinema and visual art. Sofia is celebrated for exploring themes of isolation, fame, and identity with subtlety and style. Her work continues to influence independent filmmaking and inspire a new generation of directors.

Fraser Nelson is a Scottish journalist born on May 14, 1973, in Fife, Scotland. He began his career at The Scotsman before joining The Spectator magazine. Nelson became editor of The Spectator in 2009 and has overseen its political coverage ever since. He writes regular columns on UK politics, elections, and public policy, earning a reputation for incisive analysis. Under his leadership, The Spectator has expanded its readership and influence in national debates. Nelson is known for his high-profile interviews with political figures and thought-provoking editorials.

Blake Brockington (May 14, 1996 – May 29, 2015) was an American transgender man, model, and activist. He gained national attention in 2014 as the first openly transgender homecoming king in North Carolina. Brockington used his platform to raise awareness for the transgender community and LGBT rights. He appeared in photo series and interviews to share his journey and advocate for acceptance. His untimely death in 2015 sparked conversations on mental health and support for transgender youth.