Born on This Day: August 11

Last of the Medici line, whose family pact preserved Florence’s great artistic collections for public benefit.

American orator whose advocacy of secularism, civil liberties, and humanism influenced public debate.

American forester whose leadership helped establish scientific conservation and the United States Forest Service.

American singer and television host whose daytime program helped shape talk-show entertainment.

American writer whose Roots transformed public engagement with African American genealogy and slavery.

American engineer whose design of early Apple computers helped launch the personal-computing revolution.

American wrestler whose fame helped turn professional wrestling into global mass entertainment.

American actor and producer whose performances and advocacy have expanded opportunities and representation in film and theater.