Before the actors were cast as Danny and Sandy, several well-known names were at the top of the list.

The African American writer became a leader of the Harlem Renaissance for his novels, plays, prose and, above all, the lyrical realism of his poetry.

By providing insight into the mind of a serial killer, Bundy aided detectives in capturing Gary Ridgway.

The measured elder and his headstrong protégé brought out the best in one another in the crucial early days of American independence.

On that tragic day in 1884, the future president wrote in his diary, "The light has gone out of my life."

When the former slave stood up to speak at an 1851 convention, her speech had no name — but now it’s known by a rallying refrain that she may not have even uttered.

Unable to devote his full attention to storytelling, the inventor saw his half-hearted attempt at authorship come and go with the brief newspaper run of 'In the Deep of Time.'

Finances and creative differences caused the actress to leave the show after just one season.

After receiving a letter from an 11-year-old girl suggesting he lengthen his whiskers, Lincoln became the first president to have a full beard.

The race to the top of the charts sparked a supposed rivalry between the two divas, with both adamantly squashing the rumors.

After she couldn't find a solution for her own hair loss, the self-made millionaire took matters into her own hands.

The Piano Man has found a way to turn his heartbreak into chart-topping hits like "Uptown Girl" and "Just the Way You Are."

While three members of the Nation of Islam were arrested for his 1965 murder, more than 50 years later, mystery still surrounds who really killed the civil rights activist.

The Founding Father and Continental Army commander shared some of his greatest wisdom through his words in letters and speeches.

Fifteen people have received all four awards — many winning multiples of each trophy.

The comedian's signature catchphrase was born from a joke about playing hide-and-seek.

After showing up to the set intoxicated, director Mike Nichols made the actress pay $80,000 to compensate for the production time lost.

From sharing the travails of discrimination to providing a sanctuary at home, Rachel Robinson proved to be an invaluable presence as the athlete helped integrate the national pastime.

A last-minute outfit choice to the 2000 Grammy Awards turned out to be this millennium’s most iconic fashion statement.

Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have been friends since grade school and their enduring friendship has influenced nearly every aspect of their lives.

After suffering a traumatic childhood, the St. Louis native conquered the worlds of theater, television, movies, books and poetry.

Groening named the cartoon family named after his own siblings and parents, albeit with a "Bart" in lieu of a character named after himself.

By refusing to give up her seat on a segregated bus to a white passenger in 1955, the department store seamstress launched a major movement on the road to equality.

While recording the 1977 album, professionally, the band was on top, but personally, things were falling apart.