July 30

Samuel Rogers was born in 1763 in London. He achieved fame with his 1792 poem 'The Pleasures of Memory,' admired for its elegant style. An avid art collector, he amassed a renowned English portrait gallery at his home in St James's Place. Rogers entertained leading literary and artistic figures of the day, including Wordsworth and Turner. His social salons became cultural centers for discussion and creativity. He lived to be 92, witnessing shifts in literary and artistic movements, and remained an active patron until the end of his life.

Maria Aletta Hulshoff was born in Amsterdam in 1781 to a wealthy merchant family. She became politically active during the French occupation of the Netherlands, advocating for civil liberties. Hulshoff is known for her provocative pamphlets criticizing government policies and championing social reform. As one of the early voices for women's rights in Dutch society, she challenged traditional gender roles. She faced censorship and financial hardship due to her outspoken views. Hulshoff's work laid groundwork for later feminist movements in the Netherlands.

Emily Brontë was born in 1818 in Thornton, Yorkshire. She and her siblings created imaginary worlds and wrote early stories together. In 1847, she published 'Wuthering Heights' under the pen name Ellis Bell, shocking readers with its dark passion. The novel's innovative structure and intense emotions established it as a classic of English literature. Emily also wrote profound poetry reflecting her vivid imagination and solitary life on the moors. She died at 30, leaving behind a small but powerful body of work that continues to captivate readers.

Salvador Novo was a prominent Mexican writer whose poetry and plays captured the spirit of 20th-century Mexico. He co-founded cultural magazines and was a key figure in the literary and artistic society of Mexico City. Novo's works, blending wit and social commentary, challenged conventions and embraced modern themes. He served as a historian of Mexican culture, documenting the evolution of its arts and customs. His legacy includes numerous publications and his role in shaping Mexico's cultural institutions.

Michael Morris, 3rd Baron Killanin, was an Irish peer who built a career as a journalist and author before leading world sport. As President of the International Olympic Committee from 1972 to 1980, he oversaw the Munich and Montreal Games. He navigated political challenges, including Olympic boycotts and financial crises, to modernize the Olympic movement. Morris championed athlete welfare and sought to broaden global participation in the Games. His leadership helped shape the IOC's governance and expanded the Olympic brand internationally.

Born in Glasgow, Alexander Trocchi became known for his experimental novel Young Adam, published in 1954. He was a prominent figure in the postwar literary scene, contributing to magazines such as Merlin and London Bulletin. His writings explored themes of alienation, existential despair, and societal rebellion. Trocchi's involvement with the Situationist International reflected his interest in radical politics and culture. Despite struggles with addiction and exile, he continued to produce provocative prose and poetry. He died in London in 1984, leaving behind a legacy as an influential countercultural author.

Born in Upminster, Essex, Richard Johnson trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. He made his screen debut in the early 1950s and went on to appear in over 50 films and television productions. Johnson also produced and co-wrote several projects, showcasing his talents behind the scenes. On stage, he performed leading roles in Shakespearean and contemporary plays across the West End. His distinguished career earned him a reputation for elegance and depth in performance. He died in 2015, leaving a lasting impact on British cinema and theatre.

Dominique Lapierre gained international fame co-authoring works such as "Is Paris Burning?" and "Freedom at Midnight," blending rigorous research with narrative flair. His bestseller "The City of Joy" shed light on the struggles and spirit of Kolkata’s poorest communities and inspired philanthropic efforts. He founded the Lapierre Foundation, supporting education and healthcare projects in India and Africa. Over his career, he received French literary awards and honorary degrees for his humanitarian writings. Lapierre’s compelling storytelling brought global attention to social issues and celebrated the triumph of the human spirit.

Born in Boulogne-Billancourt, Patrick Modiano published his first novel at 23, launching a prolific literary career. His works, including Rue des boutiques obscures, dwell on themes of remembrance and the shadows of the Occupation. He received the Prix Goncourt in 1978 and the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2014 for his evocative, elliptical prose. Modiano's novels often blend fiction and memoir, set in Parisian streets haunted by history and loss. He has also written screenplays for film and television, adapting his own works and those of others. Modiano's distinctive voice has earned him international acclaim and translated editions in over thirty countries.

Linklater gained acclaim with the cult classic 'Dazed and Confused', capturing teen life in the 1970s. He is known for his conversational dialogue and experimental storytelling techniques. His film 'Before Sunrise' spawned two sequels, exploring love and connection across decades. 'Boyhood', filmed over 12 years with the same cast, earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. He studied at the University of Texas at Austin before co-founding the Austin Film Society to support independent cinema. Linklater continues to write and direct films that push the boundaries of narrative form.

Brown created and hosted 'Good Eats', blending cooking tutorials with humor and scientific explanations. He has written several best-selling cookbooks, including 'I'm Just Here for the Food'. After studying film, he launched his culinary career by revolutionizing food television production styles. Brown hosted 'Iron Chef America' and the travel-food series 'Feasting on Asphalt'. He has toured internationally with live culinary shows and lectures on food science. Through his work, Brown has inspired home cooks to understand the 'why' behind cooking techniques.

Alek Keshishian is a Lebanese-American film director, producer, and screenwriter acclaimed for his documentary Madonna: Truth or Dare. Born in 1964 in Beirut, Lebanon, he moved to the United States and studied at Harvard University. His 1991 documentary broke box office records for concert films and influenced the genre of music documentaries. Keshishian has directed music videos, commercials, and feature films, showcasing a versatile visual style. He co-wrote and produced the biographical film With Honors and worked on various television projects. His blend of documentary realism and cinematic flair has earned him recognition in both independent and mainstream film circles.