November 22

Born Edward Teach (or Thatch) around 1680, Blackbeard became one of the most notorious pirates of the Golden Age. He commanded the ship Queen Anne's Revenge and blockaded the port of Charleston in 1718. Known for his imposing appearance, he tied slow-burning fuses into his beard during battle. Blackbeard was killed in a fierce fight with Lieutenant Robert Maynard off the coast of North Carolina. His legend continues to captivate popular culture and pirate lore.

Edward J. Adams was an enigmatic figure in American crime history whose brutal methods shocked the public. Little is known about his early life, adding to the mystery that surrounded him. During a series of bank robberies along the West Coast, he resorted to extreme violence to evade capture. His criminal career came to a violent end in 1921 during a shootout with law enforcement. Adams’s ruthless actions and the unanswered questions about his background have cemented his place as a dark legend of early 20th-century crime.

Andy O'Sullivan was an Irish republican volunteer active in the fight for independence during the turbulent post-Civil War period. Imprisoned by the Free State government, he joined a hunger strike at Mountjoy Prison to demand recognition as a political prisoner. Despite his deteriorating health, O'Sullivan remained resolute in his protest. He died on November 22, 1923, becoming one of the hunger strike martyrs whose sacrifice intensified public scrutiny of prison conditions. His death underscored the ongoing tensions in Ireland following the struggle for sovereignty.

Born in 1924 in Annona, Texas, J. D. Tippit served in the United States Army during World War II before joining the Dallas Police Department. On November 22, 1963, while patrolling Dallas, Officer Tippit encountered Lee Harvey Oswald and was shot and killed shortly after President Kennedy’s assassination. His death became a pivotal event in the subsequent investigation into Kennedy’s murder. Tippit was known for his dedication to community policing and calm demeanor. He left behind a wife, Marie, and three children. His sacrifice is commemorated in memorials honoring law enforcement officers fallen in the line of duty.

Born in 1912, Tadashi Imai became a leading figure in Japanese cinema after World War II. He directed critically acclaimed works such as 'Until We Meet Again' and 'Night Drum', exploring social issues. Imai's films often focused on the struggles of ordinary people and called for empathy and justice. He received numerous awards at international festivals, including Venice Film Festival honors. Imai passed away in 1991, remembered for shaping postwar Japanese film with his compassionate vision.

Stu Ungar (1953–1998) was an American professional poker and gin rummy player known for his extraordinary card-playing talent. He earned the nickname 'The Kid' after winning major tournaments at a young age. Ungar won the WSOP Main Event in 1980, 1981, and 1997, the only player to do so three times. He was also a champion in gin rummy, dominating the game in the 1970s. Despite his success, he faced struggles with addiction throughout his life. Ungar's tragic death at age 45 cemented his status as a legendary and enigmatic figure in the world of poker.

Rafał Gan-Ganowicz (1932–2002) was a Polish soldier and mercenary known for his service in post-colonial African conflicts. He fought in the Congo Crisis and supported anti-communist forces during the Cold War. After leaving military service, Gan-Ganowicz became a journalist and public speaker, writing on defense and politics. He contributed to Polish exile publications, advocating for freedom and resistance against Soviet influence. Gan-Ganowicz's insider perspective on guerrilla warfare and international relations made him a notable commentator. His life story embodies the complexities of Cold War-era military and political struggles.

Verity Lambert (1935–2007) was a trailblazing English television producer. At age 28, she became the BBC's first female drama producer, launching the iconic series Doctor Who in 1963. She later produced acclaimed shows such as The Naked Civil Servant and Jonathan Creek. Lambert's influence shaped British television drama during the 1960s and 1970s. She received multiple awards for her work and inspired a generation of women in television production.