July 17

Born into the prominent Salviati family, Maria married into the Medici dynasty and became a key figure at the court of Florence. As the mother of Cosimo I de’ Medici, she actively supported her son’s rise to power and consolidation of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany. She maintained extensive correspondence and was respected for her political acumen. A patron of Renaissance artists and scholars, Maria contributed to the cultural flourishing of Florence. Her legacy endures in the art collections and charitable institutions she helped establish. She died in 1543, leaving a lasting mark on Italian noble society.

Born into the House of Leiningen, Christian Karl Reinhard inherited vast estates and titles in the Rhineland. During his reign, he managed local administration, justice, and economic affairs of his counties. He navigated the complex politics of the Holy Roman Empire, maintaining his family's standing among the German nobility. He was a patron of regional churches and supported local cultural and charitable initiatives. Count Leiningen's leadership helped stabilize his territories through periods of war and social change. He died in 1766, remembered for his stewardship and contributions to his ancestral lands.

Bertrand Goldberg was an American architect whose innovative designs blended organic forms with functionalism. Born in Chicago, he studied at the Bauhaus-influenced Institute of Design before establishing his own firm. His most famous project, Marina City, completed in 1964, featured distinctive corncob-shaped residential towers that became a landmark on the Chicago skyline. Goldberg’s work challenged conventional high-rise design and emphasized human-centered urban living. Throughout his career, he designed hospitals, parking structures, and civic buildings that showcased his commitment to structural daring and aesthetic unity.

Juan Antonio Samaranch (1920–2010) was a Spanish sports official who led the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for over two decades. Under his presidency, the Olympic Movement expanded globally, welcoming professional athletes and increasing commercial sponsorship. He played a key role in securing successful bids for multiple host cities and modernizing the Games’ financial structure. In recognition of his service, he was named honorary life president of the IOC upon retirement. Samaranch’s tenure transformed the Olympics into a truly global and financially robust event, influencing the direction of international sports governance.

Willis Carto founded the Liberty Lobby and published The Spotlight newspaper, using media to advance his political views. He was a prominent figure in far-right movements, supporting white supremacist and anti-Semitic causes. Carto also established the Institute for Historical Review, notorious for Holocaust denial. His organizations and propaganda influenced fringe groups and sparked significant controversy. Despite legal challenges and internal disputes, he remained active in extremist circles for decades. Carto's legacy is marked by his persistent promotion of radical ideologies and impact on American political extremism.

Ted Sampley served in Vietnam and became a leading voice in the POW/MIA movement, co-founding Vietnam Veterans Against the War and later leading the National League of Families. His direct and often controversial tactics brought national attention to the fate of missing American service members. Sampley organized protests, engaged with the media, and lobbied Congress to secure funding for recovery missions. He remained a polarizing figure until his death in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to veterans' rights and government accountability.

Born in 1949, Charley Steiner began his career in print journalism before transitioning to radio and television broadcasting. He joined ESPN in 1987, where he co-anchored SportsCenter and covered major sporting events. In 2005, Steiner became the radio play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Dodgers, a role he continues to hold. His distinctive voice and insightful commentary have made him a respected figure in sports media. Steiner’s career spans over four decades, during which he has covered baseball, football, basketball, and more.

Suzanne Moore began her career as a local reporter and rose to prominence with her columns in The Guardian and The Independent. Her writing often addresses gender equality, social justice, and cultural criticism. Moore has published several collections of her essays and has been nominated for multiple journalism awards. She is recognized for her fearless opinions and engaging writing style. Through her work, Moore has sparked important conversations on contemporary social challenges.

Born in 1960, Nancy Giles is an American journalist and actress. She gained recognition for her insightful commentary on CBS News' Sunday Morning, where her wit and perspective resonated with audiences. Giles has also pursued acting, notably portraying Private Frankie Bunsen in the Vietnam War drama series China Beach. Beyond television, she has appeared in independent films and on stage, showcasing her versatility. Her engaging personality and journalistic acumen have made her a respected voice in broadcast media.

Born in Hong Kong in 1960, Robin Shou began training in martial arts at a young age and later moved to Hollywood. He achieved international fame for his role as Liu Kang in the 1995 film Mortal Kombat and its sequel. Shou has since appeared in action movies such as Romeo Must Die and The Legend of Bruce Lee, often performing his own stunts. Beyond acting, he has choreographed fight scenes and founded a martial arts studio to train students in various disciplines. His blend of martial prowess and on-screen charisma has made him a staple of the genre.

Born in Torre del Greco, Italy, Gino D'Acampo moved to the UK and built a culinary empire with his Italian restaurants and bestselling cookbooks such as "Fantastico!" He became a familiar face on shows like "This Morning" and "Celebrity Juice", celebrated for his engaging personality. D'Acampo has launched restaurant chains across the UK and hosted numerous cooking tours. His passion for fresh ingredients and authentic Italian cuisine has won him fans worldwide.

Justine Triet, born July 17, 1978, is a French film director and screenwriter. She gained recognition with her debut feature “Age of Panic,” screened at the Cannes Directors' Fortnight. Triet’s works, including “Sibyl” and “Anatomy of a Fall,” showcase her talent for blending intense emotional narratives with sharp social commentary. In 2023, “Anatomy of a Fall” won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a major milestone in her career. She often explores themes of feminism, identity, and moral complexity through intimate storytelling. Triet is regarded as one of the leading voices in contemporary French cinema.