Born on This Day: March 11

Italian poet whose epic Jerusalem Delivered became a major influence on European literature, music, and art.

French astronomer whose mathematical prediction led to the discovery of Neptune.

American engineer and science administrator whose wartime leadership and ideas influenced modern research policy and computing.

American actor whose work helped develop expressive performance in silent cinema.

American bandleader whose long-running television program shaped popular music and family entertainment.

British prime minister whose governments shaped social reform, economic policy, and decolonization.

Australian-American media executive whose global companies have had a major influence on journalism, publishing, and broadcasting.

English writer whose comic science fiction became an enduring influence on literature, radio, television, and popular culture.