September 02

Born in Schloss Laxenburg as the only child of Crown Prince Rudolf and Princess Stephanie, she experienced early tragedy at Mayerling. Raised under Emperor Franz Joseph's guardianship, she navigated court life and later married Prince Otto of Windisch-Grätz. After witnessing the fall of the Habsburg Empire, she penned memoirs recounting imperial glamour and political upheaval. Known for her interest in social issues, she embraced friendships beyond the aristocracy. Her writings offer a rare glimpse into the twilight of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. She spent her later years in Switzerland, reflecting on her unique place in history. She died in 1963.

Donald Watson was a pioneer in animal rights activism during the mid-20th century. In 1944, he and a group of fellow vegetarians founded The Vegan Society and introduced the word 'vegan' to describe their philosophy. Watson served as the Society's president and edited its magazine to spread awareness of cruelty-free living. His campaigns emphasized ethical treatment of animals and plant-based nutrition long before veganism became mainstream. He authored several works on animal rights and inspired generations of activists. Watson's legacy endures in the global vegan movement he helped establish.

Leigh Kamman was a pioneering jazz radio host who introduced generations of listeners to the genre’s greatest artists. He began his broadcasting career in the 1940s at Minnesota public radio stations, developing a warm, knowledgeable on-air style. His program Jazz with Leigh Kamman featured in-depth interviews and rare recordings, earning him a devoted following. Kamman amassed one of the largest private collections of jazz recordings and memorabilia. He was honored by the American Jazz Hall of Fame for his contributions to jazz education and preservation. Even after semi-retiring, he continued to record special programs and mentor young broadcasters. His lifelong passion for jazz helped keep the music alive on radio waves for over sixty years.

Milo Hamilton (1927–2015) was a legendary American sportscaster whose career spanned over six decades. He was best known as the voice of the Chicago Cubs, partnering with Vin Scully early in his career. Hamilton also called games for the St. Louis Cardinals, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, and Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1992, he received the Ford C. Frick Award for excellence in baseball broadcasting. His warm delivery and memorable calls earned him respect among fans and players alike. Hamilton's dedication to the craft influenced generations of broadcasters and journalists.

Alice Raftary (1927–2014) was an American educator devoted to teaching blind and visually impaired adults essential life skills. She founded innovative training programs that empowered students to gain independence in daily living, vocational tasks, and community integration. Raftary authored key curricula and training materials still used by rehabilitation specialists worldwide. She served as director of several educational institutions and consulted on international projects aimed at improving blindness education. Her work helped transform societal attitudes toward the capabilities of visually impaired adults. Raftary's legacy endures through the educators she mentored and the lives she changed.

Mel Stuart (1928–2012) was an American director and producer whose work spanned film and television. He directed the beloved 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory, earning cult status for its imaginative storytelling and musical numbers. Stuart’s documentary background included projects like Four Days in November, which chronicled the aftermath of President Kennedy's assassination. He collaborated with leading actors and writers, showcasing versatility across genres from family movies to political documentaries. His approachable style and creative vision left a lasting legacy in popular culture. Stuart’s films continue to delight audiences decades after their release.

Moira Stuart began her career at BBC Radio in 1977 before joining BBC Television News in 1981. She made history as the first Black female newsreader on British national television and became a familiar face on programs like BBC Nine O'Clock News and BBC News at Six. Stuart has also presented arts and cultural programs, including 'Songs of Praise' and 'BBC Proms.' She was awarded an OBE in 2001 for her services to broadcasting. In 2020, she published her autobiography, 'Pure Brilliant Magic,' reflecting on her life and career. Stuart remains a respected voice in British media and an advocate for diversity in journalism.

Born on September 2, 1962, in Bangkok, Thailand, Prachya Pinkaew co-founded the Baa-Ram-Ewe production company to support independent Thai filmmakers. He gained international acclaim in 2003 with the release of 'Ong-Bak: Muay Thai Warrior', introducing Tony Jaa's explosive martial arts style to the world. Pinkaew followed up with successful films such as 'Tom-Yum-Goong', further elevating the profile of Thai action cinema. His work is praised for its realistic choreography, dynamic camera work, and commitment to showcasing traditional martial arts. Beyond directing, he has produced and written screenplays for numerous Thai films, mentoring a new generation of talent. His films have won awards at festivals worldwide and opened doors for Thai cinema in global markets.