Born: December 24, 1927
Suspense and mystery writer whose 24 published novels have sold more than 80 million copies in the United States.

Born: Jan. 22, 1915
The ageless icon is arguably the greatest barefoot waterskier of all-time. Now in his mid-90's Banana still skis on a regular basis.

Born: August 3, 1926
Silky-voiced crooner whose winging renditions of American popular standards have enjoyed a newfound popularity.

Born: February 18, 1922
Author, publisher, and businesswoman. A leader of both the feminist and sexual revolutions.

Born: November 7, 1918
Evangelical preacher who's been a spiritual adviser to every U.S. president from Dwight Eisenhower to George W. Bush. He's the author of 25 books.

Born: July 7, 1913
One the last original Delta blues musicians. A longtime sideman, Perkins released his first solo album in 1988, at 72.

Born: June 15, 1917
Nobel Prize-winning chemist who won the Nobel Prize in 2002 at the age of 85. His discoveries led directly to the development of life-saving AIDS medications.

Born: February 02, 1925
Legendary Broadway performer who has won 5 Tony's. A superlative dramatic actress, Ms. Stritch also excelled in musical comedy,

Born: September 25, 1929
Journalist and media personality. She co-hosted 20/20 for 25 years and, in the 1970s, was the first female co-anchor of a network evening-news show.

Born: May 12, 1820
Died: Aug. 13, 1910
The founder of modern nursing and the first female member of the Royal Statistical Society.

Born: Feb. 3, 1894
Died: Nov. 8, 1978
His paintings and illustrations are known the world-over for their look at everyday life in early 20th century America.

Born: April 4, 1927
Author, poet, playwright, actress, director, educator and activist who overcame homelessness to become one of the nation's most celebrated women.

Born: March 26, 1930
A mother of three from Arizona, Sandra Day O'Connor is best-known as as the first female Supreme Court Justice.

Born: May 9, 1918
Award-winning journalist; lead correspondent for CBS's 60 Minutes for 37 years. Wallace's professional honors include at least 20 Emmy Awards.


Born: Dec. 28, 1922
Legendary comic-book writer and editor. The former chairman of Marvel Comics, Lee co-created a slew of iconic characters that have since been turned into blockbuster film franchises.

Born: Sept. 7, 1860
Died: Dec. 13, 1961
One of the most famous American folk artists of all-time, she taught herself to paint when she was in her mid-70s.

Born: April 4, 1927
Founder of the Chik-fil-A fast food chain and inventor of the first fast-food chicken sandwich.

Born: Dec, 25, 1821
Died: April 12, 1912
A pioneering founder of the American Red Cross and as a nurse who tended to wounded soldiers on Civil War battlefields.

Born: Oct. 2, 1869
Died: Jan. 30, 1948
The pioneer of non-violent mass civil disobedience, Ghandi inspired movements for civil rights and freedom worldwide.

Born: August 4, 1920
Groundbreaking female journalist and bestselling author. Thomas has covered every U.S. president since John F. Kennedy.

Born: May 27, 1923
One of the most powerful media moguls of the 20th century. He has controlling interests in Viacom, CBS, MTV, Showtime, VH1, Nickelodeon, and Paramount.

Born: March 6, 1475
Died: Feb 18, 1564 An Italian sculptor, architect, painter and poet in the period known as one of the greatest artists of all-time.

Born: February 2, 1923
The Grand Dame of Dish. New York gossip columnist, at various publications, for 32 years. Her 2000 memoir, Natural Blonde, was a best-seller.

Born: June 8, 1867
Died: April 29, 1959
Considered the most influential architect of his time. A pioneer ahead of his time and is easily America's most famous architect.

Born: March 14, 1879
Died: April 18, 1955
A German-born theoretical physicist of profound genius who is widely regarded as the greatest scientist of the 20th century.

Born: April 13, 1743
Died: July 4, 1826
Author of the Declaration of Independence whovoiced the aspirations of a new America as no other individual of his era.

Born: Dec. 31, 1908
Died: Sept. 20, 2005
A survivor of the Nazi death camps who dedicated his life to tracking down fugitive Nazi's and fighting prejudice against all people.

Born: November 20, 1917
The senior Senator from West Virginia and the longest-serving senator in U.S. history. Byrd is third in the line of presidential succession.

Born: April 9, 1926
Iconic founder and editor-in-chief of Playboy. Hefner grew Playboy Enterprises internationally to include Playboy clubs, resorts, hotels, and casinos.