Born on This Day: June 11

English playwright and poet whose comedies, criticism, and court masques shaped early modern literature and theater.

English painter whose fresh treatment of landscape and atmosphere influenced European art.

German composer and conductor whose tone poems and operas transformed late Romantic music.

Japanese novelist whose refined prose and explorations of beauty and loss gained worldwide literary influence.

French ocean explorer whose inventions, films, and advocacy transformed public understanding of marine life.

American football coach whose leadership and methods became enduring standards in professional sports.

American actor and writer whose comic performances became influential landmarks of modern film comedy.

English actor and musician whose television, comedy, and dramatic work have influenced contemporary performance.