German nobleman
German nobleman
Henry of Stolberg (1509–1572) was a German noble who governed the County of Stolberg during the Reformation, navigating religious and political challenges.
Born into the House of Stolberg, Henry inherited the county amid rising tensions between Catholic and Protestant princes.
He maintained regional stability by mediating disputes and managing alliances with neighboring states.
Under his rule, Stolberg saw administrative reforms and modest economic growth through the development of mining and trade.
He balanced the interests of his subjects and the demands of the Holy Roman Empire during a period of confessional conflict.
His leadership ensured the survival and continuity of his family's territory into the early modern era.
1572
Henry of Stolberg
Hungarian swimmer and architect, designed the Grand Hotel Aranybika
Hungarian swimmer and architect
designed the Grand Hotel Aranybika
Alfréd Hajós was a pioneering Hungarian swimmer who later became a noted architect.
Born in 1878 in Budapest, Alfréd Hajós became the first Olympic champion at the inaugural Games in Athens in 1896, winning gold medals in the 100 meter and 1,200 meter freestyle events. After retiring from sports, he studied architecture at the Budapest Technical University. He designed a number of significant public buildings, including the Grand Hotel Aranybika in Debrecen. Hajós also contributed to sports administration and helped develop modern swimming facilities across Hungary. His dual legacy as an Olympic champion and accomplished architect remains celebrated in his homeland and Olympic history.
1955
Alfréd Hajós
Grand Hotel Aranybika
English racing driver and journalist
English racing driver and journalist
English racing driver and motoring journalist celebrated for his performances at Monte Carlo, Le Mans, and his automotive writing.
Tommy Wisdom was born in 1906 in England and became one of Britain's most respected racing drivers.
Over a career spanning four decades, he competed in events like the Monte Carlo Rally, Targa Florio, and Le Mans.
Wisdom drove for marque teams including Jaguar and Aston Martin, earning a reputation for skill and reliability.
He also established himself as a prominent motoring journalist, writing for The Daily Telegraph and other publications.
His dual career bridged the world of competitive racing and automotive journalism.
Wisdom's insights and experiences influenced a generation of drivers and readers.
He passed away in 1972, leaving a lasting mark on British motorsport culture.
Tommy Wisdom
American lawyer and activist
American lawyer and activist
Japanese American lawyer whose landmark Supreme Court case challenged wartime curfews imposed on Japanese Americans.
Minoru Yasui was born in Hood River, Oregon, and graduated from the University of Oregon School of Law.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, he deliberately tested the constitutionality of Japanese American curfews, leading to the Supreme Court case Yasui v. United States.
Though the Court upheld his conviction in 1943, his legal challenge laid groundwork for later redress efforts.
During World War II, Yasui worked with the War Relocation Authority, assisting interned Japanese Americans.
He later served as Hood River's city attorney and continued advocating for civil rights and social justice.
In recognition of his courage, Yasui was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
He died in 1986, remembered as a pioneering civil rights lawyer.
1986
Minoru Yasui
English chess player and theoretician
English chess player and theoretician
Tony Miles was a pioneering English chess player, the first British-born grandmaster and a leading figure in international chess during the 1970s and 1980s.
Born in 1955 in Edgbaston, Tony Miles rose to prominence by winning the British Chess Championship in 1974 and 1977. In 1976, he became the first British-born player to achieve the grandmaster title, breaking new ground for chess in the UK. Miles was known for his aggressive playing style and notable victories against world-class opponents, including a win over former World Champion Anatoly Karpov. He represented England in multiple Chess Olympiads and competed in elite international tournaments. Despite struggles with health and financial issues later in life, his legacy endures as a trailblazer who inspired a generation of British chess talent.
Tony Miles
New Zealand director and screenwriter
New Zealand director and screenwriter
Cameron Duncan was a New Zealand director and screenwriter celebrated for his poetic short films showcased at international festivals.
Born in Auckland in 1986, Cameron Duncan began making short films in his teens, quickly earning recognition for his distinctive visual storytelling. His work was featured in prestigious film festivals around the world, including Cannes, where he screened several award-winning pieces. Duncan's films often explored themes of identity, nature, and human connection, marked by lyrical cinematography and intimate narratives. In 2003, at the age of 17, he was diagnosed with bone cancer, and his illness influenced his later work with poignant reflections on life and mortality. Despite his untimely death, his films continue to inspire young filmmakers in New Zealand and beyond.
Cameron Duncan
Indian director and producer
Indian director and producer
Ravi Chopra was an Indian film director and producer known for his contributions to Bollywood cinema and television.
Born in 1946, Chopra was the son of veteran filmmaker B.R. Chopra and carried on his family's cinematic legacy. He directed popular films such as "The Burning Train" and produced landmark television series including the epic "Mahabharat". Over a career spanning four decades, he became respected for his storytelling, production skills, and ability to manage large-scale projects. His work played a significant role in shaping modern Indian entertainment. Chopra passed away in November 2014, leaving a lasting mark on both film and television.
2014
Ravi Chopra
terrorist
terrorist
Jihadi John was the alias of Mohammed Emwazi, a British-Kuwaiti militant known for appearing in ISIS propaganda videos.
Born in 1988 in Kuwait, Emwazi moved to London with his family and studied computer science at the University of Westminster. He joined the Islamic State in Syria in 2012 and became infamous for his role in high-profile execution videos broadcast online. Intelligence agencies identified him as "Jihadi John" in 2014. He was killed in a U.S.-led drone strike in November 2015. Emwazi's actions drew global condemnation and highlighted the brutality of the ISIS network.
Jihadi John