August 19

John Wesley Hardin was one of the most infamous gunfighters of the American Old West, born in 1853. He claimed to have killed more than 40 men in feuds and gunfights, earning a reputation for deadly accuracy. Hardin fled to Florida and Texas, living as an outlaw while evading lawmen and bounty hunters. In 1878, he was captured and sentenced to prison, where he studied law and wrote an autobiography. Pardoned in 1894, he briefly practiced law before being shot and killed in a saloon in El Paso in 1895. His life and memoir contributed to the enduring legend of the Wild West.

Born in 1875 in Chile, Tomás Burgos dedicated his life to philanthropy, focusing on initiatives to support education and public health. He established charitable foundations that provided scholarships for underprivileged students and funded hospitals in rural regions. Burgos’s generosity and organizational skills helped address social inequalities in early 20th-century Chile. His contributions earned him widespread respect, leaving a legacy of civic engagement and community development.

Donald Woods served as the editor of the Daily Dispatch in South Africa and used his platform to challenge apartheid policies. His friendship with anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko led him to publish a series of articles that angered the ruling government. After Biko's death in police custody, Woods fled into exile, campaigning internationally to reveal the truth. He authored the book 'Biko', which became a powerful indictment of racial oppression. Woods's courage and determination made him a symbol of journalistic integrity and human rights advocacy. His efforts helped galvanize international pressure that contributed to the end of apartheid.

Don Hewitt was a pioneering TV producer and director who transformed broadcast journalism. He created '60 Minutes' in 1968, introducing in-depth reporting and the famous 'man-on-the-street' interview style. Hewitt also directed the first televised presidential debates, including the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon debate. Under his leadership, '60 Minutes' became one of the most-watched and respected news shows in history. He won multiple Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award for his contributions to television. His standards for storytelling and investigative reporting continue to influence journalists around the world.

Raúl Ruiz was a prolific filmmaker who directed over 100 movies across five decades. Fleeing the Pinochet dictatorship, he built a celebrated career in Europe, especially in France. Ruiz's films are noted for their dreamlike narratives, philosophical themes, and visual experimentation. Works like 'Time Regained' and 'Mysteries of Lisbon' showcase his unique storytelling and whimsical imagination. He also wrote influential essays on cinema theory and mentored aspiring filmmakers. Ruiz won awards at Cannes, Venice, and other festivals for his contributions to art-house cinema. His visionary approach continues to inspire directors worldwide.

Donal Henahan was born in 1921. He became a respected music critic for major American publications, offering incisive reviews that introduced wider audiences to classical music. Throughout his career, he combined deep musical knowledge with engaging prose, making complex works accessible to many. His writings, including concert reviews and essays, influenced both musicians and concertgoers. Henahan remained active in journalism until his death in 2012, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of music criticism.

Tony Scott was born in 1944 in England and later became a naturalized American. He began his career directing television commercials before making his feature film debut. He directed iconic films such as Top Gun and Crimson Tide, earning a reputation for energetic camera work and fast-paced storytelling. His collaborations with stars like Tom Cruise and Denzel Washington produced several box-office hits. In addition to directing, Scott produced films and supported emerging filmmakers. His untimely death in 2012 shocked the film community, which continues to celebrate his influential style.

Russell S. Doughten was born in 1927 and became a pioneering figure in faith-based filmmaking. He founded Heartland Productions and directed a series of Christian films that addressed moral themes and social issues. His work resonated with evangelical audiences, and he helped establish a network of independent Christian film festivals. Doughten mentored emerging filmmakers in the genre and advocated for stories that emphasized family values and faith. His dedication to the craft and his niche audience sustained a career that spanned several decades. He passed away in 2013, leaving a legacy in the world of religious cinema.

Born in 1973, Foley began his career photographing humanitarian crises and wars across the globe. He graduated from Marquette University before freelancing for major outlets like The New York Times and GlobalPost. His work highlighted the human cost of conflict in Libya, Syria, and Somalia. In 2012, while reporting in Syria, he was abducted by rebel forces and later held captive. In August 2014, ISIS released a video showing his execution, galvanizing international efforts to protect journalists. Foley's legacy endures through the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, which supports freelancers and advocates for press freedom.

Born in 1932, Dick Gregory began his career as a stand-up comedian, using humor to confront segregation and racial prejudice. His groundbreaking performances in the early 1960s earned him appearances on The Tonight Show and a large national following. Gregory authored several books on race relations, health, and politics, blending personal narrative with sharp social critique. A lifelong activist, he participated in Freedom Rides, marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and ran for president on the Freedom and Peace platforms. Later in life, he advocated for healthy living and alternative remedies, becoming a vegan and fitness enthusiast. Gregory’s fearless wit and unwavering commitment to justice left a profound impact when he died in 2017.

Born in 1906 in Krupsko, then part of Austria-Hungary, Tekla Juniewicz lived through both World Wars and significant social upheavals. She spent most of her life in Silesia, where she married and raised a family. Juniewicz was celebrated annually on her birthdays, which drew media attention and honors from local officials. Documented by the Gerontology Research Group, she became the oldest person in Poland and the second oldest in Europe. Her longevity and recollections provided a living link to events of the 20th century, from the fall of empires to modern European integration. She passed away in 2022 at the age of 116, leaving behind a rich oral history of a vanished era.

Maria Branyas Morera (born March 4, 1907) is an American-Spanish supercentenarian and was recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest living person. Born in San Francisco, she moved to Catalonia in her youth and has called Spain her home for most of her life. She has witnessed pivotal moments in modern history, from the aftermath of World War I to the digital revolution of the 21st century. Known for her sharp mind and warm personality, she credits her longevity to a balanced Mediterranean diet and strong family ties. Her life story offers valuable insights into aging research, inspiring scientists and the public alike with her enduring spirit and perspective on life's changes. She remains an emblem of resilience and a living connection to more than a century of human history.