1811-1863
Twyla Tharp is an American dancer and choreographer who often integrated popular music--including songs by Billy Joel, Bob Dylan and Frank Sinatra--into her work.
1941-
1903-1982
1932-2002
A counterculture icon, Hunter S. Thompson was an American journalist best known for writing 1971's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and creating "Gonzo journalism."
1937-2005
American essayist, poet, and practical philosopher, Henry David Thoreau was a New England Transcendentalist and author of the book Walden.
1817-1862
The murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till on August 28, 1955 galvanized the emerging civil rights movement.
1941-1955
1940-
Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, along with brother Tamerlan, was named a suspect in the Boston Marathon bombings of April 15, 2013. Seven days later, he was charged with using a weapon of mass destruction in the attacks.
1993-
1977-
Rudy Vallée was an American singer and entertainer best known as the host of the variety hour The Rudy Vallee Show (1929-43).
1901-1986
Pauline Phillips, best known by the pen name "Abigail Van Buren," was one of America's most adored advice columnists as the author of "Dear Abby." She was the twin sister of columnist Ann Landers.
1918-2013
Gus Van Sant, the American director known best known for the blockbuster hit Good Will Hunting, starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck.
1952-
Danitra Vance appeared on Saturday Night Live in 1986 and acted in films such as Limit Up and Little Man Tate.
1954-1994
Vivian Vance was an actress chiefly known as Ethel Murtz on the 1950s TV sitcom I Love Lucy.
1909-1979
Former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura went on to a career in acting and politics, becoming the governor of Minnesota.
1951-
Sofia Vergara starred in the Tyler Perry films Meet the Browns (2008) and Madea Goes to Jail (2009). She is also known for playing Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on ABC's Modern Family, which premiered in 2009.
1972-
As a fashion journaist who worked for Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, Diana Vreeland was an influential figure in American fashion during the 20th century.
1903-1989
Rufus Wainwright is a Canadian American singer and songwriter best known for his pop albums Rufus Wainwright (1998) and Poses (2001).
1973-
Maggie Lena Walker was grand secretary of the Independent Order of St. Luke, an organization dedicated to the social and financial advancement of African Americans.
1864-1934
1915-1998
Bill Watterson is best known for his comic strip creation "Calvin and Hobbes," about a boy and his imaginary friend.
1958-
Faye Wattleton, former president and CEO of Planned Parenthood—as well as the first African-American, first female and youngest president in the organization's history—has been one of the strongest champions of women's rights and reproductive health for more than four decades.
1943-
Marlon Wayans is best known for his role in the Scary Movie series, and for being one of the Wayans siblings.
1972-
Gideon Welles was a 19th century journalist and politician who served as secretary of the U.S. Navy under presidents Abraham Lincoln and Andrew Johnson.
1802-1878
Ida B. Wells was an African-American journalist and activist who led an anti-lynching crusade in the United States in the 1890s.
1862-1931
Actor, producer and director Forest Whitaker won an Academy Award for his portrayal of dictator Idi Amin in The Last King of Scotland. He’s also known for films like Bird, Ghost Dog and The Butler.
1961-
1899-1985
Jack White is best known for singing and playing guitar with Meg White in the band the White Stripes.
1975-
1893-1955
American gymnast Jordyn Wieber is best known as the first U.S. Olympic women's gymnastics team member to hail from Michigan.
1995-
Hoyt Wilhelm was a Major League Baseball relief pitcher known for his knuckleball and who set a pitching record.
1923-2002
1908-1985
Michelle Williams became a top pop music star as part of the band Destiny's Child. She has also enjoyed some success as a solo gospel music artist and an actress.
1980-
Author and actor Montel Williams rose to fame in 1991 with the launch of his talk show, The Montel Williams Show, which ran for 17 seasons and earned its host an Emmy.
1956-
Olivia Williams is a British actress known for appearing in such films as Rushmore, The Postman and Hyde park on Hudson.
1968-
Actor and comedian Robin Williams is known for his fast-paced, improvisational performance style, and for his performances in films like Good Will Hunting and Dead Poets Society.
1951-
Wendy Williams is a radio DJ and TV talk show host known for her no-nonsense attitude and brash on-air personality.
1964-
1950-
Actress Natalie Wood starred in the films Rebel Without a Cause with James Dean and in West Side Story as Maria. She drowned during a boating trip in 1981.
1938-1981
Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki has been ranked No. 1 on the WTA Tour, and is the youngest singles player worldwide to be ranked in the top 10.
1990-
1917-2009
1902-1981
Rosalyn S. Yalow was a Nobel Prize-winning medical physicist who conducted groundbreaking research on type II diabetes.
1921-
Kristi Yamaguchi is a U.S. figure skater and Olympic gold medalist. She is also an author, philanthropist and founder of the Always Dream Foundation.
1971-
1964-
1921-1971
1953-