American Revolutionary Samuel Adams organized the Boston Tea Party and signed the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
1722-1803
1783-1824
1885-1965
Shaun Cassidy became a pop music sensation in the 1970s, much like his older half-brother David Cassidy. His first two albums sold more than 5 million copies.
1958-
American television icon Don Cornelius created and hosted Soul Train, which spent more than 30 years on the air.
1936-2012
Cosimo de' Medici was the "Elder" and start of the Medici dynasty that ruled Florence (Italy) from the late Middle Ages through the Renaissance, and after.
1389-1464
1913-2007
Mixing rock, punk and a rebellious style, Canadian singer Avril Lavigne's first album sold 15 million copies, thanks to hit singles "Complicated" and "Sk8er Boi."
1984-
Lil Wayne is a Grammy Award-winning rapper known for his hit albums, mixtapes and singles, including "A Milli" and "Lollipop."
1982-
Meat Loaf is a multi-platinum musician, made famous for his rock opera, Bat Out of Hell. He's acted in cult-hit films, Rocky Horror Picture Show and Fight Club.
1947-
1601-1643
Alfred Thayer Mahan was an American naval officer and historian who was an exponent of sea power in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
1840-1914
Jayne Meadows is an American actress best known for her television work on I’ve Got a Secret (1952-'59). She is the wife of comedian Steve Allen.
1920-
Thomas Nast is known as the “Father of the American Cartoon,” having created satirical art during the 19th century that critiqued slavery and crime.
1840-1902
Gwyneth Paltrow is an American actress best known for her lead roles in Seven (1995), Emma (1996) and Great Expectations (1998). In 1998 she won an Oscar for Best Actress for her role in Shakespeare in Love.
1972-
Hiram Revels is best known as the first African American to serve in the United States Senate.
1827-1901
South Korean swimming champion Park Tae-Hwan became the first Korean to win a medal in swimming, as well as the first Asian swimmer to win a gold medal in the 400-meter freestyle, at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China.
1989-