Marie Curie (November 7, 1867 – July 4, 1934)
- Brief biography: Polish-French physicist and chemist who conducted pioneering research on radioactivity.
- Key achievements: First woman to win a Nobel Prize, only person to win Nobel Prizes in two scientific fields.
- Historical context: Early 20th century scientific revolution.
- Impact: Her work led to the development of X-rays in surgery and the treatment of cancer.
- Notable work: Discovery of polonium and radium.
- Legacy: Inspiration for women in science, her work continues to influence nuclear physics and chemistry.
Carl Sagan (November 9, 1934 – December 20, 1996)
- Brief biography: American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, and author.
- Key achievements: Pioneered exobiology, promoted the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence (SETI).
- Historical context: Space Age, Cold War era.
- Impact: Popularized science for the general public.
- Notable work: TV series “Cosmos: A Personal Voyage,” book “Pale Blue Dot.”
- Legacy: Continues to inspire interest in space exploration and scientific inquiry.
Grace Kelly (November 12, 1929 – September 14, 1982)
- Brief biography: American actress who became Princess of Monaco.
- Key achievements: Academy Award for Best Actress, Princess consort of Monaco.
- Historical context: Golden Age of Hollywood, post-war European royalty.
- Impact: Iconic figure in fashion and film, later focused on philanthropic work.
- Notable work: “Rear Window,” “To Catch a Thief.”
- Legacy: Remembered as a cultural icon, bridging Hollywood and European royalty.
Bruce Lee (November 27, 1940 – July 20, 1973)
- Brief biography: Hong Kong American actor, director, martial artist, and philosopher.
- Key achievements: Founder of Jeet Kune Do martial arts philosophy.
- Historical context: 1960s-70s counterculture, rise of martial arts in Western popular culture.
- Impact: Helped change the way Asians were presented in American films.
- Notable work: “Enter the Dragon,” “Fist of Fury.”
- Legacy: Continues to be a pop culture icon and inspiration in martial arts.
Mark Twain (November 30, 1835 – April 21, 1910)
- Brief biography: American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer.
- Key achievements: Wrote classic novels of American literature.
- Historical context: Post-Civil War America, Gilded Age.
- Impact: Pioneered distinctly American literature and humor.
- Notable works: “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer,” “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”
- Legacy: Considered the “father of American literature,” his works continue to be widely read.