American television personality Steve Allen is best known as the first host of The Tonight Show. He also starred on The Benny Goodman Show, and was an accomplished musician, composer, author and actor.
1921-2000
1944-
Charles Babbage was known for his contributions to the first mechanical computers, which laid the groundwork for more complex future designs.
1791-1871
1955-
1943-
Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake holds the world record for the 4-by-100-meter relay. In 2012, he won a silver medal in both the 100-meter and 200-meter races, losing to rival and fellow Jamaican Usain Bolt in both events.
1989-
Susan Butcher was a champion American dog musher and four-time winner of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.
1954-2006
1904-1980
Glenn Woodward Davis won the 1946 Heisman Trophy as a halfback at Army, setting single season records for average yards per carry, 11.5 in 1945.
1924-2005
1837-1917
1936-
1935-2005
1953-
Henry Miller was a 20th century American writer, who created a new sort of novel—later characterized as a fictionalized autobiography.
1891-1980
1940-
1949-
David Sedaris is a humorist and essayist best known for his sardonic autobiographical stories and social commentary.
1956-
Former San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals shortstop Ozzie Smith is regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in baseball history.
1954-
Phil Spector is best known for writing several No. 1 hit songs, and for being convicted of the murder of Lana Clarkson.
1940-
Poet, novelist and short-story writer Jean Toomer was a major figure during the Harlem Renaissance. He is best known for his first book, Cane.
1894-1967
Mao Tse-tung was the principal Chinese Marxist theorist, soldier and statesman who led his nation's Cultural Revolution.
1893-1976
Founder and drummer of the heavy metal band Metallica, Lars Ulrich is known for his forceful style and double bass beats, as well for suing Napster in 2000.
1963-
1883-1955
John Walsh hosts the TV series America's Most Wanted, as a result of his son being abducted and murdered in 1981.
1945-
1914-2008