Hafez al-Assad served as president of Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000. He is widely criticized for his brutal tactics but also praised for stabilizing the country.
1930-2000
Alexander the Great was the King of Macedonia. During his leadership he united Greece, reestablished the Corinthian League and conquered the Persian Empire.
356-323
1775-1836
Ray Charles was a pioneer of soul music, integrating R&B, gospel, pop and country to creat hits like "Unchain My Heart," "Hit the Road Jack" and "Georgia on My Mind." A blind genius, he is considered one of the greatest artists of all time.
1930-2004
Gala Dalí is best known as the wife, business manager and muse of Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí.
1894-1982
1862-1934
Marcus Garvey was a proponent of the Black Nationalism and Pan-Africanism movements, inspiring the Nation of Islam and the Rastafarian movement.
1887-1940
Antoni Gaudí was a Barcelona-based Spanish architect whose free-flowing works were greatly influenced by nature.
1852-1926
John Gotti was an organized crime leader who became head of the Gambino family.
1940-2002
1940-1982
William Inge was a playwright best known for his plays Come Back, Little Sheba; Picnic, for which he won a Pulitzer Prize; and Bus Stop.
1913-1973
Jack Johnson, nicknamed "the Galveston Giant," was the first African American world heavyweight boxing champion.
1878-1946
Louis L'Amour was a prolific and hugely popular writer of mostly Western novels and short stories.
1908-1988
Spencer Tracy was one of Hollywood's greatest film stars. He appeared in 75 films from 1930 to 1967 and was nominated for five Academy Awards, two of which he won.
1900-1967