January 14

Anne St Leger was born in 1476 as the only surviving child of Anne of York and Sir Thomas St Leger. She inherited the title Baroness de Ros in 1483 after the death of her maternal uncle. As a ward of King Edward IV, Anne was married to George Manners, 11th Baron de Ros, strengthening her family's status. Her marriage produced heirs that continued the de Ros lineage and influenced Tudor court politics. Anne managed substantial estates in Yorkshire and Norfolk, demonstrating her authority as a landowner. She died in 1526, leaving a legacy as one of the notable noblewomen of the early Tudor period.

Born in 1856, Archibald built a career in Melbourne journalism before launching The Bulletin in 1880. The magazine became a major platform for Australian literature, politics, and national identity. Under his editorial leadership, The Bulletin supported emerging writers and fostered cultural debate. Archibald was committed to investigative reporting and elevating Australian voices in the press. He established the Archibald Prize for portraiture, which remains one of Australia's most prestigious art awards. Archibald's influence on media and the arts endured beyond his death in 1919.

Mildred Albert emerged as a leading voice in mid-20th century fashion journalism. She hosted popular radio and television segments that introduced audiences to leading designers and sartorial trends. Albert produced and directed glamorous runway shows, elevating live fashion presentations into cultural events. With keen insight and insider access, she became a trusted fashion authority. Over her decades-long career, she helped popularize American designers and shaped the modern fashion show format.

Joseph Losey began his directing career in the 1940s with socially conscious films in Hollywood. After being blacklisted during the McCarthy era, he relocated to Europe and established a prominent directing career in Britain. Losey's collaborations with playwright Harold Pinter produced classics such as The Servant and Accident. His films are noted for their psychological depth, social critique, and striking visual style. Losey also produced and co-wrote many of his projects, demonstrating his versatility. He remained active in filmmaking until his death, leaving a legacy of groundbreaking cinema.

Born in 1919 in Albany, New York, Andy Rooney served in the US Army during World War II as a correspondent. After the war, he joined CBS News and gained popularity for his curmudgeonly commentaries on 60 Minutes starting in 1978. His signature closing segment, "A Few Minutes with Andy Rooney," blended humor and social critique on everyday topics. Rooney authored several books and won numerous awards for his candid and often humorous observations. He retired and passed away in 2011, leaving behind a legacy as one of America's most recognizable television voices.

Diana Wellesley, born Diana Ruth McConnel, married the 9th Duke of Wellington in 1935. As Duchess, she held a prominent social position and supported numerous charitable organizations. She was especially known for her advocacy on behalf of military veterans and their families. Her leadership of The Duchess of Wellington's Regiment Association helped preserve the regiment's heritage. Diana balanced her noble duties with a modern approach to philanthropy. She remained a respected figure until her death in 2010.

Nina Totenberg joined NPR in 1975 and has become one of the most respected legal journalists in the United States. She has broken major stories on Supreme Court nominations and decisions, including coverage of Roe v. Wade and Bush v. Gore. Totenberg has received numerous awards, such as the George Polk Award and a duPont-Columbia Journalism Award, for her investigative reporting. Known for her tenacity and deep understanding of legal issues, she has mentored many journalists and authored a memoir detailing her storied career.

Lawrence Kasdan first gained prominence by co-writing the screenplays for The Empire Strikes Back and Raiders of the Lost Ark, earning Academy Award nominations. He directed acclaimed films such as Body Heat (1981) and The Big Chill (1983), blending sharp dialogue with ensemble storytelling. Kasdan contributed as a writer to iconic franchises, including Return of the Jedi and Star Wars: The Force Awakens. His films often explore human relationships set against compelling emotional and societal backdrops. As a producer, he has supported diverse projects, championing new talent in Hollywood. Kasdan's narrative craftsmanship and understanding of genre have influenced generations of filmmakers. He remains active in writing and producing, maintaining a reputation for both commercial success and critical respect.

İlyas Salman began his career in theater before gaining acclaim in the 1970s through roles in socially realistic Turkish films. His performances often highlight the struggles of marginalized individuals, earning critical praise. Salman has appeared in over 70 feature films and numerous television series, showcasing his versatility. As a director and screenwriter, he has created works that reflect his commitment to social themes and human resilience. His notable projects include collaborations with leading Turkish filmmakers and award-winning television dramas. Salman's contributions have been honored with multiple national acting awards and lifetime achievement recognitions. He remains an influential figure in Turkish arts, balancing his roles in front of and behind the camera.

Arthur Byron Cover launched his career with the comedic fantasy novel And the Devil Will Drag You Under (1979), building a cult following. He has written numerous science fiction and fantasy works, including Robot Dreams and Auld Lang Syne. Cover's short fiction has appeared in magazines and anthologies such as Isaac Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine. He has contributed scripts to popular animated television series, including The Transformers and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. His writing is praised for its inventive world-building, engaging characters, and blend of humor and adventure. Cover holds a degree in English and has taught creative writing workshops at universities. He continues to craft novels and screenplays that inspire fans of speculative fiction.

Shepard Smith is an American television journalist recognized for his fact-based reporting on major events. He began his career at local news outlets before joining Fox News in 1996. Smith anchored “Shepard Smith Reporting,” earning acclaim for his calm delivery during breaking news. He covered events such as Hurricane Katrina, the Iraq War, and numerous presidential elections. In 2019, he left Fox News after 23 years to pursue new opportunities in broadcast journalism. His commitment to verification and transparency has earned him multiple Emmy awards.

Born January 14, 1966, Dan Schneider started his career as a child actor before transitioning to writing for television. He created Schneider’s Bakery, a production company responsible for popular Nickelodeon shows such as All That, Kenan & Kel, iCarly, and Victorious. Schneider’s sitcoms launched the careers of stars like Miranda Cosgrove and Jennette McCurdy and drew millions of young viewers worldwide. His shows are praised for their humor, memorable characters, and inventive storytelling. Beyond television, he has authored screenplays and contributed to digital content. Schneider remains a significant figure in children’s entertainment.