Born on This Day: February 27

Roman emperor whose conversion and policies transformed Christianity’s place in the empire and founded Constantinople.

American poet whose historical and narrative works helped shape nineteenth-century national literature.

English actor whose celebrated Shakespearean performances and long career influenced modern stage acting.

American physician whose investigations of workplace hazards founded industrial medicine in the United States.

American contralto whose artistry and stand against segregation opened major institutions to Black classical performers.

American novelist whose fiction portrayed labor, migration, poverty, and moral struggle in twentieth-century America.

American novelist whose Studs Lonigan trilogy became an important work of urban social realism.

British-American actor and humanitarian whose screen career and AIDS advocacy had lasting cultural and public-health impact.