1921-
St. Thomas Becket, England’s Archbishop of Canterbury, refused to give King Henry II power over the church. He was murdered in 1170 and became a saint in 1173.
1118-1170
Ferdinand Waldo Demara, Jr. traveled the country posing as a Navy officer, a surgeon, a teacher, and more, beginning in the 1940s. He is known as the "Great Imposter" for pulling off some of the greatest identity hoaxes in history.
1921-1982
Actor and comedian Andy Dick has appeared in such shows as News Radio, Less Than Perfect and Dancing with the Stars.
1965-
A pioneering talk show host, Phil Donahue's Phil Donahue Show paved the way for virtually every talk show to appear on TV since.
1935-
1954-
Jane Fonda is an American actress best known for her acting career, political activism and aerobic-exercise videos. The daughter of acclaimed actor Henry Fonda, the actress has won two Oscars.
1937-
1866-1953
Samuel L. Jackson is known as one of the hardest-working Hollywood actors. In 2011, he was named the highest-grossing actor of all time.
1948-
Communist party leader Hu Jintao became vice president of China in 1998 and president in 2003. His administration has focused on social and economic reform.
1942-
Olympic gold medalist Florence Joyner brought style to track and field with form-fitting bodysuits, six-inch fingernails and amazing speed. She still holds the world records in the 100- and 200-meter events.
1959-1998
Actress Jane Kaczmarek is best known for playing the strict, yet unpredictable, Lois Wilkerson on the popular television sitcom Malcolm in the Middle.
1955-
As head football coach at Pennsylvania State University, Joe Paterno was one of the most successful coaches in the history of collegiate football.
1926-2012
American actor and comedian Ray Romano is best known for his CBS hit Everybody Loves Raymond in which Raymond plays a father and husband.
1957-
Actor Kiefer Sutherland, son of Donald Sutherland, appeared in numerous coming-of-age films throughout the 1980s, including Stand by Me and The Lost Boys.
1966-
1918-2007
Musician Frank Zappa made more than 60 albums during his career. Flouting convention and fusing musical genres, Zappa's music was often politically charged and intentionally shocking.
1940-1993