1403day.year

Katherine Swynford

widow of John of Gaunt

widow of John of Gaunt
English noblewoman best known as mistress and later wife of John of Gaunt.
Born into a minor noble family, she became a lady-in-waiting at the English court. In the 1370s, she began her long-term relationship with John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster. Their children were later legitimized as the Beauforts, ancestors of the Tudor dynasty. She married Gaunt in 1396 after the death of his second wife. Her life story inspired later works of literature and drama.
1403 Katherine Swynford John of Gaunt
1794day.year

Élisabeth of France

(1764 - 1794)

French princess and youngest sibling of Louis XVI

French princess and youngest sibling of Louis XVI
French princess and youngest sister of Louis XVI, celebrated for her devotion to her family. She remained at the royal court until her execution during the Reign of Terror.
Born in 1764 at the Palace of Versailles, Élisabeth of France was the youngest sibling of King Louis XVI. Known for her piety and charitable works, she remained a calming presence at court. She maintained close bonds with her brother and sister Marie Antoinette, often acting as a confidante. Following the outbreak of the French Revolution, she refused to abandon her family and accompanied them to the Tuileries Palace. Arrested with the royal family in 1792, she endured harsh imprisonment. During the Reign of Terror, she was tried and convicted by the Revolutionary Tribunal. Executed by guillotine in 1794, her courage and steadfastness have been celebrated by historians.
1794 Élisabeth of France Louis XVI
1818day.year

Paul Revere

(1735 - 1818)

American engraver and soldier

American engraver and soldier
American silversmith, engraver, and patriot known for his midnight ride to warn of British forces.
Born in 1735 in Boston, Massachusetts, Paul Revere trained as a silversmith and engraver, producing influential political cartoons. He became an active member of revolutionary groups, establishing a network of riders and messengers. On the night of April 18, 1775, he rode from Boston to Lexington to alert colonial militias of advancing British troops. His act of bravery became legendary and immortalized in poem and folklore. During the American Revolution, he served as a lieutenant colonel in the Massachusetts militia and participated in key battles. After the war, he returned to artisan work and expanded into iron foundries, leaving a multifaceted legacy.
1818 Paul Revere
1994day.year

John Wayne Gacy

(1942 - 1994)

American serial killer

American serial killer
American serial killer convicted of murdering at least 33 young men and boys in the 1970s, known as the "Killer Clown."
John Wayne Gacy, infamously nicknamed the "Killer Clown" for his charitable performances at children's parties, led a double life as a community volunteer. Between 1972 and 1978, he lured victims to his home and brutally murdered them, burying many under his house. His arrest in 1978 shocked the nation and spurred advances in criminal profiling. Convicted in 1980, Gacy was sentenced to death and executed in 1994. His crimes remain a haunting chapter in the history of American criminal investigation.
1994 John Wayne Gacy
2000day.year

Jules Deschênes

(1923 - 2000)

Canadian lawyer and judge

Canadian lawyer and judge
Canadian lawyer and judge who made significant contributions to the legal field.
Jules Deschênes was born in 1923 and pursued a career in law, rising to prominence in Canada's judicial system. He served as a judge for several decades and earned a reputation for fairness and legal acumen. Throughout his career, he contributed to the development of Canadian jurisprudence. He was respected by colleagues and students alike for his commitment to justice. Deschênes passed away in 2000, leaving a legacy in Canadian law.
2000 Jules Deschênes
2012day.year

Horst Faas

(1933 - 2012)

German photographer and journalist

German photographer and journalist
German photojournalist renowned for his award-winning coverage of the Vietnam War for the Associated Press.
Horst Faas was born in 1933 in Berlin and began his career with the Associated Press in the 1950s. He captured some of the most iconic images of the Vietnam War, earning Pulitzer Prizes in 1965 and 1972. Faas's photographs brought the realities of conflict to living rooms around the world, influencing public opinion. As a photo editor, he mentored a generation of war photographers and advocated for ethical journalism. He later covered crises in Biafra, Nigeria, and elsewhere, demonstrating a commitment to frontline reporting. Faas passed away in 2012, remembered as one of the foremost photojournalists of the 20th century.
2012 Horst Faas
2024day.year

Sam Rubin

(1960 - 2024)

American journalist

American journalist
American entertainment journalist known for celebrity interviews and coverage of film and pop culture events.
Sam Rubin was a prominent entertainment reporter who covered Hollywood for decades. He co-hosted red carpet shows and conducted in-depth interviews with actors, directors, and musicians. Rubin appeared on television programs and contributed to radio segments, offering insights into the entertainment industry. His engaging style and insider knowledge made him a recognizable figure at film festivals such as Cannes and Sundance. Beyond reporting, he moderated panels and hosted podcasts exploring cinematic trends and celebrity culture. Rubin's career reflected a deep passion for storytelling and connecting audiences with the people behind the screen.
2024 Sam Rubin