December 20

Mary Ann Bevan began her career as a registered nurse in London. In adulthood, she developed acromegaly, a rare hormonal disorder that changed her appearance. To support her family, she joined traveling circus sideshows billed as "the ugliest woman in the world." Despite her label, Bevan was respected by peers for her courage and resilience. Her story highlights the challenges and stigmas faced by individuals with medical conditions.

Born in Padang, West Sumatra, Kuddus became one of the first female journalists in Indonesia. She used her writing to advocate for women's rights and national independence. In 1914, she co-founded the first women’s newspaper in the region, promoting education and empowerment. Kuddus organized literacy classes and cultural events to raise awareness of social issues. Her pioneering work laid the groundwork for future generations of Indonesian women leaders.

Born at York Cottage on December 20, 1902, Prince George was the fourth son of King George V and Queen Mary. He received naval training and served in the Royal Navy before transferring to the Royal Air Force during World War II. In 1934, he married Princess Marina of Greece, with whom he had three children. As Duke of Kent, he undertook diplomatic and public duties across the British Empire. On August 25, 1942, he died in an air crash during an RAF mission, becoming the first British royal to die on active service. His life exemplified service and modern royal engagement.

Vakkom Majeed began his career as a journalist, founding newspapers that advocated for social reform and Indian independence. He was elected to the Travancore Legislative Assembly and later served in the Kerala Legislative Assembly after state reorganization. A member of the Indian National Congress, Majeed championed education, land rights, and responsible governance. His journalistic background informed his political stance, emphasizing freedom of the press and public accountability. He remained a respected elder statesman until his death in 2000.

Born in 1927 in Washington, D.C., Jim Simpson began his broadcasting career in local radio and television. He joined ABC Sports in the 1960s and covered major events including Super Bowls, World Series games, and NCAA basketball tournaments. Simpson later moved to NBC, where he served as a lead play-by-play announcer for NFL and NBA broadcasts. Known for his clear delivery and insightful commentary, he helped shape modern sports broadcasting. Throughout his career, he mentored upcoming commentators and won multiple broadcasting awards. Even after retiring in the early 1990s, he remained active as a consultant and guest speaker. Simpson's friendly style and professionalism left an enduring mark on American sports media.

Ray Martin (born December 20, 1944) is an influential Australian television journalist and presenter whose career spans over five decades. He began his career at the Nine Network and quickly became a household name through in-depth reporting and charismatic hosting. Martin hosted the popular current affairs program A Current Affair and became a key figure on 60 Minutes, winning numerous awards for his interviews and investigations. His dedication to storytelling and uncovering the truth has earned him multiple Gold Logie awards. Martin has inspired a generation of journalists with his commitment to excellence and his impact on Australian media.

Dick Wolf (born December 20, 1946) is an influential American television producer, writer, and director whose career spans over four decades. He created the groundbreaking series Law & Order in 1990, pioneering the hybrid of police procedural and legal drama that became a global phenomenon. Wolf expanded his storytelling universe with multiple spin-offs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and the Chicago franchise, cementing his reputation for serialized, character-driven narratives. His shows have garnered numerous awards and maintained strong ratings, making him one of the most successful showrunners in television history. Wolf’s innovative approach to crime drama has shaped popular culture and set new standards for procedural storytelling.