August 13

He was born in 1790 in New South Wales to a prominent colonial family. In 1813, Wentworth co-led the first successful European expedition across the Blue Mountains, opening new lands for settlement. After his travels, he established a career as a newspaper editor, championing freedom of the press. He served in the New South Wales Legislative Council, advocating for representative government and civil rights. Wentworth's contributions helped shape the early political and geographic landscape of Australia.

Stone graduated from Oberlin College in 1847, becoming one of the few women of her time with a formal degree. She campaigned vigorously for the end of slavery and delivered powerful lectures across the northern states. As a founding member of key suffrage organizations, she organized conventions and advocated for voting rights. Stone famously challenged laws by keeping her maiden name after marriage, symbolizing women's autonomy. Her tireless activism laid crucial groundwork for the eventual passage of the 19th Amendment.

Smith was born in England in 1823 and became a respected academic, lecturing at the University of Oxford. He later accepted a professorship at Cornell University, where he taught modern history and political science. After returning to Canada, he wrote editorials for major newspapers, shaping public debate on national and imperial issues. His historical works combined rigorous scholarship with a clear, engaging writing style. Smith's commentary on politics and society left a lasting mark on both British and Canadian intellectual life.

Leonora Barry (1849–1930) was a pioneering labor activist and advocate for women factory workers in the United States. After emigrating from Ireland, she worked in a shoe factory before joining the Knights of Labor, where she became the first female national organizer. Barry traveled extensively to investigate workplace conditions, documenting exploitation, low wages, and child labor. Her testimony before Congress in 1888 highlighted the plight of women workers and influenced early labor legislation. As a trailblazer for gender equality in the labor movement, she laid the groundwork for future women's rights and labor reforms.

Born in 1899 in Leytonstone, London, Alfred Hitchcock began his career designing title cards for silent films before directing his first thriller, The Lodger. Relocating to Hollywood in the late 1930s, he masterminded a string of influential films including Rebecca, Shadow of a Doubt, and the groundbreaking Psycho, which reshaped the horror genre. Hitchcock pioneered storytelling techniques such as the MacGuffin and made memorable cameo appearances in nearly all his films. His collaboration with composer Bernard Herrmann produced iconic scores that heightened his suspenseful narratives. Through innovative camera angles and editing, he established himself as one of cinema's greatest auteurs. He continued directing until 1976 and passed away in 1980, leaving a profound legacy on film art.

Basil Spence was born in 1907 in Bombay, India to Scottish parents. Educated at the Edinburgh School of Architecture, he rose to prominence after World War II. His most famous work is the new Coventry Cathedral, completed in 1962, blending modernist design with traditional motifs. Spence's innovative approach earned him the Royal Gold Medal from the Royal Institute of British Architects. He also designed university campuses, churches, and government buildings across the UK. Spence's work significantly influenced postwar British architecture. He died in 1976, leaving a legacy of landmark modernist structures.

Born in 1928, Tidmarsh began his career in local newspapers before joining the BBC in the 1950s. He served as a foreign correspondent in Africa, Asia, and Europe, reporting on major global events. He helped launch 'The World at One' and anchored news bulletins on BBC Radio 4 for decades. Tidmarsh was praised for his calm delivery, insightful interviews, and in-depth reporting style. He authored several books on journalism and taught broadcast techniques to aspiring reporters. He retired in 1996 and remained a respected figure until his death in 2019.

Alexander de Renzy was born in Los Angeles, California, and began his career in mainstream film before shifting to independent production. He gained notoriety directing innovative adult films, including cult favorites like "Pretty Peaches" and "The Swimmers". De Renzy's work was characterized by high production values and narrative-driven storytelling, elevating adult cinema aesthetics. He also produced documentaries and feature films, showcasing a versatile talent behind the camera. Throughout his career, he mentored emerging directors and championed independent film distribution. De Renzy passed away in 2001, leaving a controversial yet influential legacy in underground film circles.

Howard Marks was one of the world's most prolific cannabis smugglers during the 1970s and 1980s. Adopting the alias Mr Nice, he claimed to have smuggled large quantities of hashish between continents. After his arrest and imprisonment, he chronicled his life in the bestselling memoir Mr Nice. He later became a prominent legalisation campaigner and public speaker on drug policy reform. Marks cultivated a larger-than-life persona and remained a cultural icon until his death in 2016.

Willy Rey gained attention as a model featured in major fashion magazines across North America. Born in Groningen, Netherlands, she emigrated to Canada as a child and later entered the fashion industry. Her photogenic looks led to appearances in editorial spreads and advertising campaigns. Despite a brief career, she remains remembered by collectors of vintage fashion photography. Tragically, Rey's life was cut short in 1973, but her images continue to evoke the spirit of 1960s style. Her work exemplifies the era's changing standards of beauty and fashion.

Paul Greengrass, born in 1955 in Cheltenham, began his career directing documentaries and television dramas. He gained critical acclaim with the feature film "Bloody Sunday," which won a BAFTA Award for Best Director in 2002. Greengrass is best known for helming blockbuster entries in the Jason Bourne series, including "The Bourne Supremacy" and "The Bourne Ultimatum." His 2006 film "United 93" earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Director. Greengrass’s work is celebrated for its intense realism, hand-held camera techniques, and focus on human stories within larger events.

Rohinton Fali Nariman, born in 1956, is a distinguished Indian lawyer and former Supreme Court judge. He graduated from the University of Mumbai and was designated a senior advocate before the Supreme Court in 1999. Nariman practiced in constitutional, administrative, and tax law, representing high-profile cases and government clients. In 2014, he was appointed directly to the Supreme Court of India and contributed to landmark judgments on fundamental rights and governance. After retiring in 2021, he continued to be involved in legal education and policy discussions.