July 31

Juhani Aataminpoika was a Finnish man known as one of the country’s first documented serial killers. Active in the 1850s, he committed a series of murders that shocked rural communities. His crimes led to one of Finland’s most notorious criminal trials of the era. Convicted of multiple counts of murder, Aataminpoika was executed in 1854. His case remains a dark chapter in Finnish criminal history.

Maranzano immigrated to the United States in the 1920s and rose to power during the Castellammarese War. He reorganized the Mafia into distinct families and declared himself 'Boss of Bosses.' His reforms laid the foundation for the Mafia Commission that governed crime families. In 1931, his brief reign ended when he was assassinated in a Manhattan office. Maranzano's legacy endures in the organizational model still used by criminal syndicates.

Irv Kupcinet began his career as a football end for the Chicago Bears before transitioning into journalism. He wrote 'Kup's Column' in the Chicago Sun-Times for over six decades, becoming a leading voice in city life and politics. Kupcinet was also a pioneer of television talk shows with his program 'At Random', influencing the format of future interview shows. Known for his extensive social network, he connected celebrities, politicians, and athletes through his reporting. Honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, he left a lasting legacy as both an athlete and media personality.

Mario Bava began his career as a cinematographer before directing his first feature, Black Sunday, in 1960. He crafted atmospheric visuals and innovative camera techniques that defined Italian Gothic horror. Bava’s films, including Blood and Black Lace and Kill, Baby... Kill!, influenced generations of horror and thriller directors. Known for his mastery of color and shadow, he established many tropes of the giallo style. Despite working on limited budgets, his creativity left an indelible mark on international genre cinema.

Sibte Hassan was a leading voice in Urdu journalism and literary criticism from the 1940s onward. He co-founded the Progressive Writers’ Association in Pakistan, promoting social justice through literature. As editor of influential journals, he introduced new critical approaches to Urdu poetry and prose. A passionate advocate for secularism and human rights, he wrote extensively on social and political issues. His academic and activist work inspired generations of writers and intellectuals in South Asia.

Bill Todman partnered with Mark Goodson to form Goodson-Todman Productions, reshaping television game shows. From the 1950s through the 1970s, their company produced enduring hits like The Price Is Right and Family Feud. Todman was known for his business acumen and keen sense of audience appeal. He oversaw both creative development and production logistics, setting industry standards. His influence on television entertainment is remembered through the continued popularity of his shows.

He began his broadcasting career in the 1940s and became the voice of Major League Baseball for NBC and ABC. Gowdy called World Series, NFL games, and Olympic competitions, earning widespread acclaim. His warm, conversational style set a standard for modern sports commentary. In addition to broadcasting, he made acting appearances in television series and films. He received the Sports Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1979, and his legacy endures as a pioneer in television sports broadcasting.

Born in 1921, Benenson studied law at Oxford University before practicing in London. Moved by reports of political prisoners, he launched the "Appeal for Amnesty" in 1961. His efforts led to the creation of Amnesty International, a global movement for human rights. Benenson advocated for freedom of expression and fair trials, campaigning against torture. He received international recognition, including the Erasmus Prize. He continued his human rights work until his death in 2005, inspiring generations of activists.

Born in Lincoln Ridge, Kentucky, in 1921, Young earned a degree in social work. He became executive director of the National Urban League in 1961, promoting economic opportunities for African Americans. Young advised presidents Kennedy and Johnson on civil rights and social welfare policy. He championed desegregation, employment, and education initiatives across the United States. Known for his pragmatic approach, he built alliances between activists and business leaders. Young's leadership helped shape the modern civil rights movement until his untimely death in 1971.

Stanley R. Jaffe (1940–2025) was an American film producer and director whose work spanned five decades in Hollywood. He produced the Academy Award–winning drama 'Kramer vs. Kramer' and the critically acclaimed 'The Turning Point,' showcasing his talent for identifying powerful stories. Jaffe also ventured into directing, helming films such as 'Guilty as Sin.' His collaborations with top actors and filmmakers resulted in both commercial hits and artistic successes. Known for blending creative vision with strategic production, he helped shape modern American cinema. Jaffe's films continue to resonate for their emotional depth and narrative strength.

Jonathan Dimbleby is an English journalist, broadcaster, and author known for his insightful political documentaries and interviews. Beginning his career at BBC Radio, he transitioned to television with programs like 'Weekend World' and BBC's 'This Week,' covering major global events and engaging world leaders. Dimbleby's in-depth reporting has earned him multiple awards in broadcast journalism. As an author, he has published acclaimed biographies and political histories, including works on Field Marshal Wavell and the British monarchy. His thoughtful analysis and storytelling continue to influence public understanding of contemporary politics and history.

Sherry Lansing is an American film producer and former studio executive who made history as the first woman to lead a major Hollywood studio when she became chair and CEO of Paramount Pictures. During her tenure, films like 'Fatal Attraction,' 'Terms of Endearment,' and 'Top Gun' achieved both critical and commercial success. Lansing later produced notable movies such as 'La Bamba' and 'Mrs. Doubtfire.' Off-screen, she founded The Sherry Lansing Foundation to support cancer research and education, inspired by her own experience as a survivor. Lansing's pioneering leadership opened doors for women in the film industry and her philanthropic work has had a lasting impact.