Born on This Day: May 21

German artist whose prints, paintings, and studies transformed Renaissance art and the circulation of visual ideas.

English poet whose satire, translations, and mastery of the heroic couplet shaped eighteenth-century literature.

American aviation pioneer whose aircraft, engines, and flying boats advanced early aviation.

American pianist and composer whose stride playing and songs profoundly influenced jazz and popular music.

Canadian-American actor whose commanding television roles helped define the legal and crime drama.

Soviet physicist and dissident whose scientific work and human-rights advocacy influenced nuclear policy and democratic reform.

Irish stateswoman and human-rights leader whose presidency and international service advanced equality and climate justice.

American actor and public figure whose distinctive persona became an enduring part of television and popular culture.