Born on This Day: July 20

Italian poet and scholar whose humanism and lyric verse helped inspire the Renaissance and shaped European literature.

Moravian scientist whose experiments with peas established the fundamental laws of heredity.

German painter whose realism and Impressionism influenced modern German art and cultural institutions.

New Zealand mountaineer and humanitarian who made the first confirmed ascent of Everest and supported Himalayan communities.

Korean-American artist whose experiments with television and electronics helped found video art.

American novelist whose stark language and moral vision made a lasting contribution to contemporary literature.

American actor whose performances became enduring landmarks of postwar Hollywood cinema.

Mexican-American guitarist whose fusion of rock, blues, jazz, and Latin rhythms transformed popular music.