Born on This Day: April 17

French-Canadian educator and religious founder whose schools helped establish enduring educational institutions in New France.

American financier whose banking organization reshaped corporate finance, railroads, industry, and the modern financial system.

Danish author whose stories and memoirs became enduring works of modern international literature.

Soviet leader whose reforms, de-Stalinization, and Cold War diplomacy reshaped the Soviet Union and international relations.

American playwright and novelist whose formal innovation and reflections on ordinary life transformed modern theater.

American physician who helped create Kaiser Permanente and pioneered modern prepaid, integrated health care.

American actor whose performances became defining examples of postwar Hollywood drama.

English designer and performer whose work has influenced international popular music, fashion, and celebrity entrepreneurship.