September 29

Roscoe Turner was born in 1895 and became one of America’s most celebrated air racers and stunt pilots. Known for his trademark goggles, mustache, and bright yellow planes, he won the prestigious Bendix and Thompson Trophy races multiple times. Turner set several transcontinental speed records and performed barnstorming displays that thrilled crowds across the country. During World War II, he worked as a test pilot and contributed to training military aviators. He was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame in 1965 for his contributions to the field. Turner’s daring feats and larger-than-life persona helped popularize aviation in the golden age of air racing. He passed away in 1970, leaving a legacy as a pioneering figure in American aviation history.

Herbert Agar (1897–1980) was an American journalist and historian best known for winning the Pulitzer Prize for Biography in 1930 with his book "The People's Choice." He served as editor and editorial writer at several newspapers and founded the weekly magazine Liberty. Agar's writing focused on democratic institutions, leadership, and political history. His biographies and commentary brought historical figures to life for a broad readership. Through his editorial work, he influenced public understanding of politics in both the United States and Europe.

Diana Vreeland (1903–1989) was a pioneering fashion editor who shaped 20th-century style journalism. She began her career writing the "Why Don't You?" column for Harper's Bazaar in the 1930s. In 1963, she became editor-in-chief of Vogue, introducing groundbreaking photo stories and championing emerging designers. After leaving Vogue, she served as a consultant to the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her flamboyant personality and creativity left an enduring mark on the fashion world.

Michał Waszyński (1904–1965) was a leading figure in Polish cinema during the 1930s. He directed over 40 films in Poland, including the cult classic 'The Dybbuk' (1937). During World War II, he fled to Italy and transitioned to producing, working on major historical epics. Waszyński collaborated with notable filmmakers like Orson Welles and managed international productions. His work bridged European film industries and left a mark on mid-century cinema.

Fidel LaBarba emerged as a teenage boxing prodigy by capturing the flyweight gold medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics at just 17. He turned professional in 1925 and went on to win the world flyweight championship, defending his title in several memorable bouts. After retiring from the ring with an impressive record, he transitioned to sports journalism and covered boxing for major newspapers. LaBarba’s insightful commentary and firsthand experience earned him respect in both the sporting and writing communities. He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in recognition of his dual legacy as a champion athlete and chronicler of the sport.

Michelangelo Antonioni was an Italian film director and screenwriter. Born in Ferrara in 1912, he emerged as a leading figure in art cinema. His landmark films, including "L'Avventura" and "Blow-Up", are celebrated for their innovative narrative structures and visual style. Antonioni's work often explored themes of alienation, modernity, and existential anxiety. He won the Palme d'Or at the 1969 Cannes Film Festival for "Zabriskie Point". Throughout his career, he influenced generations of filmmakers and critics. He received Lifetime Achievement Awards from Venice and Cannes for his cinematic legacy.

Stanley Kramer was an American director and producer celebrated as "the conscience of Hollywood." He created impactful films such as "Inherit the Wind" (1960) and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" (1967). His productions addressed topics like racism, nuclear threat, and religious intolerance. Kramer founded his own production company to ensure creative autonomy. He earned multiple Academy Award nominations for both directing and producing. His commitment to socially conscious storytelling influenced future generations of filmmakers.

Cid Moreira was a pioneering Brazilian news anchor who became the face of Jornal Nacional, the premiere news program on Rede Globo, from its launch in 1969 until 1996. His deep, authoritative narration style earned him national recognition. Beyond television, Moreira recorded one of the most popular audio versions of the Bible in Portuguese and authored several books. He received numerous awards for journalism excellence and remained an influential media figure for over half a century.

Carmen Delgado Votaw was a trailblazing advocate for civil and women's rights who dedicated her life to advancing equality for Puerto Rican and Hispanic communities. She played a key role in founding several organizations aimed at political empowerment and anti-discrimination efforts. Votaw lobbied the U.S. Congress for legislation protecting voting rights and fair representation. Throughout her career, she collaborated with national and international groups to raise awareness of social justice issues. Her tireless work earned her numerous honors, and her legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists.

Born on September 29, 1941 in Bainbridge Island, Washington, Jon Brower Minnoch gained fame for his extreme obesity. At his peak, he weighed an estimated 635 kilograms (1,400 pounds), a record still unmatched by medical science. In 1978, he was hospitalized, sparking a prolonged treatment that saw him lose over 400 kilograms with intensive care and diet management. Minnoch’s condition highlighted the challenges of morbid obesity and led to increased medical research on metabolic disorders. Despite his health struggles, he became a public figure who raised awareness about the complexities of weight-related illnesses. He passed away in 1983 at the age of 41, leaving behind a legacy in medical case studies on extreme obesity.

Bryant Gumbel is an American journalist and sportscaster who rose to prominence as co-anchor of NBC's Today show from 1982 to 1997. He later became the face of HBO's long-running sports newsmagazine Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel. Gumbel has won multiple Emmy Awards for his work in both news and sports broadcasting. He is praised for in‐depth reporting and candid interviews with leading figures across fields. Gumbel's career spans over four decades, influencing generations of broadcasters. His commentary combines journalistic rigor with a distinctive on‐screen presence.

Douglas Frantz is an American journalist and author renowned for his investigative reporting on international affairs. He has held senior editorial positions at The New York Times and Los Angeles Times. Frantz's work has exposed corruption, arms trafficking, and human rights abuses around the world. He has authored several books analyzing global terrorism and political intrigue. Frantz has received multiple journalism awards for his in-depth coverage and narrative style. His reporting continues to inform public debate on complex global issues.