August 26

Peggy Guggenheim was a pioneering art collector and patron who played a central role in promoting modern art in the 20th century. Born in 1898 into the wealthy Guggenheim family, she moved to Europe in the 1930s and opened the Galerie Guggenheim in Paris and Venice. She provided early support to artists such as Jackson Pollock, Max Ernst, and Marcel Duchamp. During World War II, she returned to the United States, where she continued collecting and influencing the New York art scene. In 1948, she established the Guggenheim Jeune gallery in London. After the war, she settled in Venice and opened the Peggy Guggenheim Collection in her restored palace. Her fearless taste and philanthropic spirit helped shape the careers of many avant-garde artists. She died in Venice in 1979, leaving behind one of the world’s most celebrated modern art collections.

Margaret Utinsky was an American nurse and humanitarian who provided vital assistance to Allied prisoners of war held by the Japanese in the Philippines. Arriving in Manila before World War II, she organized secret networks to smuggle food, medicine, and clothing to captives. After going into hiding herself, she adopted false identities and continued her relief efforts under constant threat of arrest. Utinsky’s courage and determination earned her the U.S. Medal of Freedom in 1948. She documented her experiences in her memoir “Miss U,” which inspired many with its account of bravery and compassion. Her work saved countless lives and exemplified selfless service. Utinsky passed away in 1970, remembered as a heroine of wartime resistance.

John Tinniswood reached the age of 111, making him one of the longest-lived men ever documented. Born just before World War I, he witnessed massive social and technological changes throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries. He attributed his longevity to a healthy lifestyle and a positive outlook on life. Tinniswood received recognition from longevity researchers and was listed in the Guinness World Records. His extraordinary lifespan provided valuable insights into human aging and inspired studies on the secrets of long life.

Benjamin C. Bradlee was a towering figure in American journalism, born in 1921, whose leadership at The Washington Post from 1968 to 1991 shaped modern investigative reporting. Under his tenure, the Post published the Pentagon Papers and broke the Watergate scandal, events that underscored the newspaper's role in upholding press freedom and government accountability. Bradlee mentored a generation of reporters, including Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein, and championed fearless journalism in the face of political pressure. He authored several books reflecting on his career and the evolution of news media. Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013, Bradlee's influence endures as a benchmark for editorial courage. He died in 2014, leaving a profound legacy on American politics and the press.

Irving R. Levine, born in 1922, built a distinguished career covering economics and politics for NBC News and later for the BBC in America. As BBC’s chief business correspondent from 1960 to 1986, he brought clarity to complex financial topics for global audiences and reported on landmark events from the White House to Wall Street. Levine authored several books on economics and world affairs, demonstrating a gift for accessible analysis. His clear on-air style and deep knowledge earned him respect from colleagues and viewers alike. Beyond broadcasting, he lectured at universities and contributed to print publications. Levine passed away in 2009, remembered for making business journalism engaging and informative.

Born in 1940, Michael Cockerell studied at Christ's College, Cambridge, before embarking on a career with the BBC. He has produced and presented numerous acclaimed documentaries on British politics, including in-depth profiles of prime ministers and the royal family. His series such as 'The Family Firm' have been praised for their insightful analysis and access to leading political figures. Cockerell’s work has earned him multiple awards, and he remains a respected voice in political journalism. He continues to create and present documentaries that shed light on the inner workings of power in the United Kingdom.

Barbet Schroeder was born in 1941 in Tehran to Swiss parents and later studied film in France. He directed his debut feature 'More' in 1969, which won awards at the Cannes Film Festival. Schroeder's diverse filmography spans thrillers, dramas, and biopics, such as 'Barfly,' 'Single White Female,' and 'Reversal of Fortune,' the latter earning him an Academy Award nomination. He often collaborated with actors like Mickey Rourke and Jeremy Irons to bring complex characters to life. As a producer, he supported emerging filmmakers through his company Les Films du Losange. Schroeder's commitment to exploring moral ambiguity and human psychology marks his work as distinct in contemporary cinema.

Bill Whitaker is an American television journalist and senior correspondent for CBS News. He joined the network in 1984 and has covered major international and domestic stories. Whitaker became a correspondent for 60 Minutes in 2014, reporting on politics, culture, and human rights. He has received awards including the NAACP Image Award for his investigative work. Known for his insightful interviews and in-depth reporting, Whitaker has covered topics ranging from social justice to global health. His career spans over three decades of journalism excellence.

Will Shortz is an American puzzle creator and editor celebrated for his work in crosswords and word games. He has served as the crossword puzzle editor for The New York Times since 1993, shaping the modern crossword landscape. Shortz founded the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament, the oldest and largest annual crossword event. He hosts NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday puzzle segment and has authored numerous puzzle books. Known for his deep understanding of wordplay and linguistic trivia, Shortz holds the only academic degree in enigmatology. His passion has inspired a new generation of puzzle enthusiasts around the world.