November 29

Emma Morano was born in 1899 and became the oldest living person in the world from 2016 until her death in 2017. She held the record as the last verified person born in the 19th century. Morano attributed her longevity to a diet rich in eggs, liver, and homemade grappa. She lived independently in her hometown in Verbania, Italy, until her final years. Her life spanned three centuries, witnessing dramatic changes from horse-drawn carriages to smartphones. Emma Morano's story inspired research into the secrets of human longevity and healthy aging.

Mildred Gillars was an American expatriate who broadcast German propaganda to Allied troops under the nickname 'Axis Sally'. She worked for the Reichs-Rundfunk-Gesellschaft and recorded English-language radio segments aimed at undermining Allied morale. After the war, Gillars was tried and convicted in the United States for treason in 1949. She served 12 years in federal prison and was released on parole in 1961. Gillars's broadcasts remain a chilling example of psychological warfare through mass media. Her life story raises complex questions about propaganda, loyalty, and freedom of speech.

Jackie Stallone (1921-2020) was an American television personality and astrologer who popularized horoscope readings on TV. She founded the promotion Women of Wrestling (WOW) and championed female athletes in a male-dominated sport. As the mother of Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone, she received widespread media attention and appeared on various reality shows. Stallone authored books on psychic phenomena and offered personal readings to clients. Her colorful persona and advocacy for women’s wrestling made her a memorable figure in entertainment.

Vincent Edward Scully (1927-2022) was an iconic baseball announcer who called over 67 seasons for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. His warm, storytelling style and meticulous play-by-play made him a beloved figure among fans. Scully received the Ford C. Frick Award and was honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He also hosted television game shows early in his career, showcasing his versatility as a broadcaster. Even after retirement, his voice remained synonymous with Dodger baseball.

Derek Jameson began his journalism career at the Daily Express in the 1950s and rose to become editor of the Daily Mirror in the late 1970s. He later served as vice-chairman of Mirror Group before transitioning to broadcasting. On BBC Radio 2 he hosted a popular morning show where his candid commentary and humour won him a loyal audience. Jameson also appeared regularly on television panel shows and chat programs. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he became one of Britain's most recognised media personalities. He was honoured with an OBE in 2004 for services to journalism and broadcasting.

Born Janet Hilary Smith in Manchester, she studied law at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, and was called to the bar in 1963. After practicing as a barrister, she took silk as Queen’s Counsel in 1986 and was appointed a High Court judge in 1993. In 2012 she was commissioned to lead an independent review into allegations of sexual abuse by BBC presenter Jimmy Savile. Her report, published later that year, detailed institutional failures and led to major reforms in safeguarding policies. Dame Janet’s career on the bench included presiding over high-profile criminal and civil cases in England and Wales. She retired from the judiciary but remains a respected voice on legal accountability and ethics.