Edgar Allan Poe was born on January 19, 1809 in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents were David Poe Jr. and Elizabeth Arnold Hopkins Poe, both traveling actors. Edgar had an older brother named William and a younger sister named Rosalie. His father abandoned the family in 1810 and his mother died of tuberculosis in 1811 in … Read more
Oprah Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi to Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey. Her mother was a housemaid and her father was a coal miner, barber, and city councilman. She had a difficult childhood dealing with poverty and sexual abuse. Family and Living Conditions Oprah lived with her grandmother Hattie Mae … Read more
George Washington was born on February 22, 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia. He was the first child of Augustine Washington and his second wife Mary Ball Washington. As a young boy, Washington received a basic education at local schools and was also tutored at home. He showed an aptitude for mathematics but never received a … Read more
Steve Jobs was born on February 24, 1955 in San Francisco, California. His birth parents, Joanne Schieble and Abdulfattah Jandali, were two graduate students from Wisconsin who gave him up for adoption. Steve was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs, a lower-middle class couple, and was raised in Mountain View, California. As a young boy, … Read more
Taylor Swift was born on December 13, 1989 in Reading, Pennsylvania. Her father, Scott Swift, worked as a financial advisor at Merrill Lynch. Her mother, Andrea Swift (née Finlay), previously worked as a mutual fund marketing executive. Taylor has a younger brother named Austin. When Taylor was young, her family moved to Wyomissing, Pennsylvania where … Read more
A Martinez is a prolific American film and television actor, singer, writer and producer best known for his portrayal of Cruz Castillo in the long running ABC daytime drama Santa Barbara, for which he won a Daytime Emmy. Over a career spanning more than 50 years in the entertainment industry, Martinez has showcased his versatility … Read more
Will Wood was born on April 16th, 1993 in New Jersey. From a young age, Will was fascinated by music and performance. He started taking violin lessons at age 6 and participated in talent shows and musical theater during middle school and high school. Discovering His Voice During his teenage years, Will started writing angsty … Read more
Will Smith was born on September 25, 1968 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His mother Caroline was a school board administrator and his father Willard was a refrigeration engineer. Smith was raised in a Baptist household along with his three siblings. He attended Overbrook High School in West Philadelphia. Smith was an excellent student and also excelled … Read more
Don Williams was born on May 27, 1939 in Floydada, Texas, a small rural community in the Texas Panhandle. He grew up on a farm and was one of seven children in his family. From a young age, Williams was immersed in country and folk music through the radio. What were Don Williams’ early musical … Read more
Frida Kahlo was an influential Mexican painter known for her striking self-portraits and artwork inspired by indigenous Mexican culture and artifacts. Considered one of Mexico’s greatest artists, she overcame polio as a child and a tragic trolley car accident at age 18 that left her with lifelong health problems. Frida married the famous muralist Diego … Read more