November 19

Born in colonial Maryland in 1722, Benjamin Chew moved to Philadelphia to study law and built a prominent legal career. He served as Attorney General and later as Chief Justice of Pennsylvania’s Supreme Court from 1774 to 1777. Although a colonial loyalist, he navigated the turbulent period of the American Revolution with caution. After the war, he returned to practice law and helped shape the early judiciary of the United States. His influence extended through his family and his mentorship of future American jurists. Chew’s legacy is remembered in Pennsylvania law and in the historic properties he preserved. He died in 1810, leaving a lasting mark on American legal history.

Evert van Linge was a Dutch sportsman and architect born in 1895. As a footballer, he competed at the national level, showcasing his talent on the field. Off the pitch, he pursued architecture, contributing to Dutch building projects in the early 20th century. He exemplified the combination of athletic discipline and creative design in his dual careers. His life story highlights the intersection of sports and architecture.

Born in 1904 into a wealthy Chicago family, Nathan Leopold was a prodigious student with high intellectual gifts. In 1924, at age 19, he and his friend Richard Loeb kidnapped and murdered a young boy in an attempt to commit the 'perfect crime'. The sensational trial captivated the nation and led to life sentences for both men. Leopold was granted parole in 1958, after serving 33 years in prison, and later worked as a government research scientist. His life story remains a cautionary tale about hubris, morality, and rehabilitation.

Larry King began his radio career in Florida before launching "Larry King Live" on CNN in 1985, which became one of the longest-running talk shows in television history. Over 25 years, he conducted more than 60,000 interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and ordinary people, known for his straightforward questions and signature suspenders. King won multiple Peabody and Emmy awards for his contributions to journalism. Even after retiring from full-time broadcasting, he continued to host podcasts and television specials until his death in 2021.

Jerry Sheindlin served as a judge on the New York Supreme Court before joining the television show "The People’s Court" in 1999, where he became known as Judge Jerry Sheindlin. He authored legal guides and memoirs, offering insights into courtroom proceedings and judicial decision-making. Sheindlin also taught law and lectured at various institutions, sharing his extensive experience in the legal system. His blend of legal expertise and on-screen presence brought judicial issues to a broad audience.

Ann Curry is an American journalist and photojournalist who gained prominence as a news anchor and correspondent for NBC News. She covered major global events such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, the famine in Darfur, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake, earning multiple journalism awards. From 2006 to 2012, Curry served as co-anchor of the Today Show, bringing human-interest stories to millions of viewers. Her reporting is characterized by compassion and depth, often focusing on people affected by crisis. After leaving Today, she worked as a special correspondent for various media outlets and produced documentary specials. Curry remains committed to highlighting social issues and supporting relief efforts worldwide.

Isabella Blow was an influential English magazine editor and fashion stylist who championed emerging talent in the 1990s British fashion scene. As an editor at Tatler and later at Vogue, she commissioned early work from Alexander McQueen and hired milliner Philip Treacy, helping to launch their careers. Blow was known for her eccentric personal style, particularly her elaborate hats, which became her trademark look. She collaborated on fashion exhibitions and wrote about the intersection of art and style. Despite her professional successes, she struggled with mental health challenges and depression. Blow's impact on fashion endures through museum retrospectives and the continued prominence of the designers she nurtured.

Charlie Kaufman (born November 19, 1958) is an American screenwriter, producer, and director celebrated for his original and mind-bending storytelling. He gained recognition with the Academy Award–nominated screenplay for Being John Malkovich (1999). Kaufman won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay for Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004) and penned films like Adaptation (2002). His work explores themes of identity, consciousness, and human relationships through surreal and meta-narratives. In 2008, he made his directorial debut with Synecdoche, New York, followed by co-directing Anomalisa (2015). Known for introspective dialogue and imaginative plots, Kaufman remains a defining voice in contemporary cinema.

Michael Wilbon (born November 19, 1958) is an American sports writer and commentator known for his insightful coverage of basketball and football. He began his career at the Chicago Sun-Times before joining The Washington Post in 1987 as a columnist and editor. Wilbon has co-hosted ESPN's debate show Pardon the Interruption alongside Tony Kornheiser since 2001. In 2016, he helped launch The Undefeated, ESPN’s platform on the intersections of race, sports, and culture. His work has earned multiple awards, including the National Association of Black Journalists Journalist of the Year. Known for his candid analysis and engaging on-air presence, Wilbon remains a leading voice in sports media.

Born on November 19, 1966, Rocco DiSpirito rose to fame as the executive chef of Union Pacific in New York City, where he pioneered lighter, flavor-driven dishes. He became a household name starring in the Food Network series “The Restaurant,” which chronicled his efforts to open his own establishment. An accomplished cookbook author, DiSpirito has written several best-selling books focusing on healthy cooking and accessible ingredients. Despite facing legal and financial challenges, he remains a prominent figure in the culinary world, regularly appearing on cooking shows and in media. He continues to consult for restaurants and develop new recipes, inspiring home cooks to embrace fresh, nutritious fare.

Born on November 19, 1967, Randi Kaye built her journalism career covering breaking news and special reports across the United States. She has reported on a wide range of topics, from natural disasters to high-profile criminal trials, demonstrating versatility and poise under pressure. As a correspondent for CNN, Kaye has interviewed world leaders, celebrities, and experts, earning recognition for her insightful questions and empathetic style. Her investigative segments often shed light on underreported issues, championing the stories of vulnerable communities. With numerous awards for her reporting, Kaye remains a trusted voice in American broadcast journalism.

Born in Antwerp, Belgium, Buytaert developed Drupal as a message board project during his studies at Ghent University in 2001. The platform grew into one of the world's leading CMS solutions, powering millions of websites. In 2007, he co-founded Acquia to provide enterprise products and services around Drupal. Buytaert is a frequent speaker at open-source conferences and advocates for collaborative software development. His work has significantly influenced the web publishing landscape.