Benjamin Britten

NAME Edward Benjamin Britten, Baron Britten of Aldeburgh

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Benjamin Britten was a renowned British composer, conductor, and pianist, celebrated for his operas, orchestral works, choral compositions, and song cycles. His works include the operas "Peter Grimes" and "The Turn of the Screw," the "War Requiem," and the "Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra."

BIRTH Benjamin Britten was born on November 22, 1913, in Lowestoft, Suffolk, England. The composer was born on the feast day of Saint Cecilia, the patron saint of music

FAMILY BACKGROUND Britten was the youngest of four children in a middle-class family. His father, Robert Victor Britten, was a dentist, and his mother, Edith Rhoda Britten (née Hockey), was an amateur musician who encouraged his early musical interests.

CHILDHOOD Britten showed prodigious talent from a young age, composing his first works by the age of five. His childhood was marked by his developing passion for music, nurtured by his mother and private tutors.

EDUCATION Britten attended South Lodge Preparatory School and later Gresham's School. He studied at the Royal College of Music in London under Frank Bridge and John Ireland, where he honed his compositional skills.

CAREER RECORD Britten composed prolifically across various genres, including operas, orchestral works, chamber music, vocal music, and film scores. Here's his resume.

Britten's career took off in the 1930s with his work for the General Post Office film unit and collaborations with poet W.H. Auden. 

He gained international fame with the opera "Peter Grimes" in 1945. 

Founded the Aldeburgh Festival in 1948, a prestigious music festival on the English coast.

Championed contemporary music and collaborated with prominent artists like Peter Pears, his lifelong partner, and the soprano Kathleen Ferrier.

Became a prominent cultural figure in Britain and achieved international acclaim.

APPEARANCE Britten was tall with a distinctive, thoughtful expression. He had dark hair that turned grey later in life and a neatly kept appearance, 

Britten in 1968, by Hans Wild

FASHION Britten's fashion was understated and classic. He preferred elegant and practical clothing, reflective of his reserved personality. He was often seen in well-tailored suits or casual yet sophisticated attire. 

CHARACTER Britten was known for his intense work ethic, perfectionism, and sensitivity. He was a deeply private person, often described as introspective and somewhat reserved.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Britten's sense of humor was subtle and wry, often revealed in private conversations and his playful interactions with close friends.

RELATIONSHIPS Britten had a long-term relationship with tenor Peter Pears, his professional and personal partner. They lived and worked together for nearly four decades, collaborating on many musical projects.

Britten's first encounter with legendary cellist Mstislav Rostropovich was a bruising experience - not for him, but for Dmitri Shostakovich, seated beside him in a Royal Festive Hall box for the UK premiere of Shostakovich's First Cello Concerto. Every time Britten admired Mstislav's playing, he elbowed Shostakovich in the ribs, with the result that Shostakovich ended up black and blue. 

MONEY AND FAME Britten achieved considerable fame and financial success during his lifetime. He was awarded numerous honors, including a life peerage, making him Baron Britten of Aldeburgh.

FOOD AND DRINK Britten enjoyed simple, well-prepared meals. He had a particular fondness for traditional British cuisine and was known to enjoy a good cup of tea.

MUSIC AND ARTS Britten's contributions to music were vast, encompassing a wide range of genres and styles. He had a profound influence on 20th-century classical music and was a central figure in the revival of British opera.

Benjamin Britten wasn't always the big cheese of British music. He first came to public attention with the a cappella choral work A Boy Was Born in 1934

Then came "Peter Grimes" in 1945, and that's when things got really fishy – metaphorically speaking, of course, though there probably was some actual fish involved, considering it was an opera set on the coast. Anyway, "Peter Grimes" was a smash hit, propelling Britten onto the international stage.

Over the next three decades, Britten churned out operas like a baker with a serious baguette obsession – 14 in total! He tackled grand productions for fancy London theaters, but also whipped up chamber operas for more intimate settings. Think "The Turn of the Screw" in 1954 – a spooky ghost story perfect for a smaller venue (though probably not the best choice for a first date).

Britten wasn't a one-trick pony, though. He dabbled in all sorts of musical styles – symphonies, choral pieces, songs for solo singers, even film scores. He had a soft spot for kids and amateur musicians too, composing works like the opera "Noye's Fludde" (Noah's Flood, for those who haven't brushed up on their Bible) and a collection of songs called "Friday Afternoons" – perfect for whiling away those long school hours.

The man was a real collaborator, often composing with specific performers in mind. His biggest muse (and longtime partner) was the tenor Peter Pears. They were quite the musical dream team, along with other talented folks like Kathleen Ferrier and Mstislav Rostropovich.

But Britten wasn't just a composer; he was a performer too. A darn good pianist and conductor, in fact. He'd happily belt out his own creations or take on the works of others – from Bach's Brandenburg Concertos to Mozart symphonies. Talk about range!

In 1948, Britten, along with Pears and a bloke named Eric Crozier, decided to throw a music festival in a little seaside town called Aldeburgh. It was a hit, and it's still going strong today. He even masterminded the creation of a concert hall called Snape Maltings in 1967 – proving he wasn't just good with melodies, but also with bricks and mortar (well, sort of).

By the end of his life, Britten was a national treasure. In fact, he was the first composer ever to be given a life peerage, becoming Baron Britten. 

LITERATURE Britten was well-read and had a deep appreciation for literature, often drawing inspiration from literary sources for his compositions. He collaborated with poets like W.H. Auden and used texts by Shakespeare, Donne, and Blake in his works.

NATURE Britten had a strong connection to the Suffolk coast, where he lived for much of his life. The natural landscape of Aldeburgh and its surroundings deeply influenced his music. including "Sea Interludes" from Peter Grimes.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Britten enjoyed gardening and took pleasure in maintaining the grounds of his home in Aldeburgh. He also liked sailing and walking along the Suffolk coast.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Britten had a keen analytical mind, which he applied to his compositions. His works often demonstrate a precise understanding of musical structure and theory.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Britten's works reflect a deep humanism and concern for social issues. Though not overtly religious, his "War Requiem" and other choral works show a profound engagement with spiritual and moral questions.

When Britten composed "A Hymn of St Columba" for the 1,400th anniversary of Saint Columba's voyage to Iona, he wanted it sung "with fire." This instruction is included in the published score of the work.

SCANDAL Britten's life was relatively free of scandal. However, his pacifism during World War II and his relationship with Peter Pears in a time when homosexuality was illegal in Britain., sometimes drew public and critical scrutiny.

MILITARY RECORD Britten was a conscientious objector during World War II. He registered as a pacifist and performed alternative service, which influenced some of his later works, including the "War Requiem."

Britten was moved to write his "War Requiem" following the bombing of Coventry. It pits contrasting musical ensembles against one another, as the chilling innocence of boys' voices meets the outspoken, acerbic protests of soldiers and massed choirs expressing suffering and deliverance.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Britten struggled with health issues throughout his life, including heart problems. He underwent heart surgery in 1973, which significantly affected his ability to work.

HOMES Britten lived in several homes throughout his life, with his most famous residence being the Red House in Aldeburgh, Suffolk. This house is now a museum dedicated to his life and work.

TRAVEL Britten traveled extensively for his performances and to gain inspiration. His trips included visits to the United States, Europe, and Asia.

DEATH Britten died on December 4, 1976, in Aldeburgh, Suffolk, at the age of 63. According to his biographer, Britten died of heart failure caused by undetected syphilis. He was buried in the churchyard of St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Aldeburgh.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Britten's life and work have been the subject of numerous documentaries, films, and biographies. His music is regularly performed and recorded, maintaining his presence in the classical music world.

ACHIEVEMENTS Composed a vast and significant body of music that continues to be performed worldwide.

Championed contemporary music and British culture.

Founded the Aldeburgh Festival, a lasting legacy in the music world.

Received numerous accolades, including the Order of Merit (OM) and a barony, becoming Baron Britten.

Source Radio Times

Leonid Brezhnev

NAME Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Leonid Brezhnev is famous for being the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1964 until his death in 1982, a period known as the Brezhnev Era, marked by significant political, military, and economic events, including the Cold War, détente with the West, and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.

BIRTH Leonid Brezhnev was born on December 19, 1906, in Kamenskoye, Yekaterinoslav Governorate, Russian Empire (now Kamianske, Ukraine).

FAMILY BACKGROUND Brezhnev was born into a working-class family. His father, Ilya Yakovlevich Brezhnev, was a metalworker, and his mother, Natalia Denisovna Mazalova, was a housewife.

At different times during his life, Brezhnev specified his ethnic origin alternately as either Ukrainian or Russian, opting for the latter as he rose within the Communist Party.

CHILDHOOD Brezhnev's childhood was modest, reflecting the tough economic conditions of early 20th-century Russia. He grew up in a predominantly industrial environment which influenced his later political leanings towards the working class.

EDUCATION Brezhnev attended the Kamenskoye Metallurgical Technicum and later studied at the Dniprodzerzhynsk Metallurgical Institute, where he graduated as a metallurgical engineer in 1935.

CAREER RECORD

Brezhnev started his career as a land surveyor before moving into industrial management and Communist Party work. Here's his resume:

Joined the Communist Party in 1929

Rose through the ranks of the party apparatus in Ukraine

Served as political commissar in the Red Army during World War II

Became General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1964

Also held the position of Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet (head of state) for various periods

APPEARANCE Brezhnev had a stocky build with a round face, distinctive thick eyebrows and thinning dark hair. He developed a more portly appearance later in life. 

Brezhnev June 1972 By Anefo Wikipedia

FASHION His fashion was typical of Soviet officials of his era, often seen in military uniforms or conservative suits adorned with numerous medals and decorations.

CHARACTER Brezhnev was known for his cautious and conservative approach to governance, preferring stability and gradual change over radical reforms. He was often criticized for his lack of charisma and growing rigidity in later years

SENSE OF HUMOUR Brezhnev's sense of humor was considered dry and understated. He was not known for being particularly jovial in public, though those close to him noted a more relaxed demeanor in private settings.

RELATIONSHIPS Brezhnev married Viktoria Petrovna Brezhneva (née Denisova) in 1928. They had two children, Galina and Yuri. During Brezhnev's General Secretaryship, Viktoria remained at the sidelines; she did not like attracting public attention and their family life was kept relatively private.

Leonid and Viktoria Brezhnev as a young couple, 1926

MONEY AND FAME As a high-ranking Soviet official, Brezhnev enjoyed privileges and a standard of living far above that of the average citizen, although he did not amass personal wealth in the capitalist sense. 

Brezhnev achieved immense political power and international recognition as Soviet leader.

FOOD AND DRINK Brezhnev had a taste for traditional Russian cuisine and was known to enjoy a drink, particularly vodka, which was common among Soviet leaders of his time.

MUSIC AND ARTS He had a limited public association with music and the arts, though he supported Soviet cultural policies that promoted socialist realism.

LITERATURE Brezhnev authored several memoirs and books that were published during his time in office, which were often criticized as propaganda.

Brezhnev was awarded the Lenin Prize for Literature. He received this prestigious award in 1979 for his memoirs, which were published as part of a series of autobiographical works. The series included Little Land (Malaya Zemlya), Rebirth (Vozrozhdenie), and The Virgin Lands (Tselina). These works were celebrated in the Soviet Union for their depiction of his wartime experiences, although some might say they were also a tad propagandistic. But in the end, they earned him a prestigious literary prize, adding an unexpected feather to the cap of a leader more commonly associated with tanks and tractors than with tomes and tales.

NATURE Brezhnev had a fondness for hunting, which was a popular pastime among Soviet elites. He enjoyed spending time at his dacha, a country home, where he could engage with nature.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Brezhnev enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing dominoes. He also had a keen interest in automobiles and was an avid collector of cars, both Soviet and foreign models.

He supported Spartak Moscow football club and often attended their games.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Brezhnev supported Soviet advancements in science and technology, including the space program, although he was not a scientist himself.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Brezhnev adhered to Marxist-Leninist ideology and was an atheist, in line with the Communist Party's stance on religion.

POLTICAL BELIEFS Leonid Brezhnev was the General Secretary of the Central Committee (CC) of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) from October 14, 1964, until his death in 1982. His eighteen-year term was second only to Joseph Stalin in duration, which is saying something considering the tumultuous nature of Soviet leadership.

Brezhnev was a staunch advocate of Marxist-Leninist principles, a set of beliefs that included the dictatorship of the proletariat, the abolition of private property, and the establishment of a classless, stateless society. In other words, he wanted to create a utopia where everyone was equal, although the methods to achieve this were often less than idyllic.

Known for his conservatism, Brezhnev prioritized stability and continuity over radical reform. He was the kind of leader who believed that if it wasn’t broken, don’t fix it, and if it was broken, well, maybe just tinker with it a little. He aimed to preserve the established political and economic structures of the Soviet Union, resisting significant changes to the system.

Brezhnev firmly believed in the central role of the Communist Party in governing the state. To him, the CPSU should have absolute control over all aspects of Soviet life, from the economy to culture and education. This control extended to a planned economy, with a heavy emphasis on industry, military production, and the collectivization of agriculture. Brezhnev initiated the "Developed Socialism" doctrine, which aimed to improve living standards through gradual reforms rather than bold changes.

However, Brezhnev’s policies led to what became known as the Era of Stagnation, characterized by economic slowdown, bureaucratic inefficiency, and a notable lack of innovation. It was a time when maintaining the status quo seemed to be the main agenda, with incremental improvements viewed as safer than pursuing any daring reforms that might rock the boat.

SCANDAL Brezhnev's tenure was marked by corruption and stagnation within the Soviet government. His family, particularly his daughter Galina, was involved in several scandals, including allegations of smuggling and corruption.

On January 22, 1969, an assassination attempt was made on Brezhnev. A Soviet Army deserter named Viktor Ilyin fired shots at a motorcade carrying the Soviet leader through Moscow. Though Brezhnev emerged unscathed, a driver was tragically killed. Brezhnev’s attacker was swiftly captured, but the incident was kept under wraps until after the Soviet Union’s collapse, a typical Soviet maneuver to maintain the illusion of invulnerability.

MILITARY RECORD Brezhnev served with distinction during World War II, earning several medals. As a leader, he maintained a strong focus on military strength, overseeing significant arms buildups and the invasion of Afghanistan in 1979.

Brezhnev holds the dubious distinction of being the only recipient of the Order of Victory whose award was revoked. This prestigious order was reserved for generals and marshals who successfully led combat operations involving large army groups and achieved significant strategic successes. Brezhnev conferred the rare honor upon himself in 1978, but it was posthumously revoked as he didn’t quite meet the rigorous requirements.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Brezhnev had a miserable time with his teeth. He had a slight deformity in his mouth that caused him constant pain, and despite the best efforts of Soviet and German specialists, relief eluded him. Asking the Americans for help was out of the question due to the Cold War tensions, but the KGB secretly arranged for a British professor of dentistry and his colleague to fly to Moscow for treatment. These British experts were watched around the clock by the KGB, who feared they might poison Brezhnev or, in a twist straight out of a spy novel, plant a bug in his teeth.

There was some speculation that Brezhnev’s peculiar pronunciation was due to a jaw wound from the war. However, other sources claim he had never been wounded, leaving this mystery as unresolved as the man himself.

Brezhnev's health deteriorated significantly in his later years due to a combination of heavy smoking, excessive drinking, and the stress of his political responsibilities. He suffered from multiple ailments, including heart problems and arteriosclerosis.

HOMES Brezhnev had several residences, including a well-known dacha outside Moscow. He also had access to various government residences.

TRAVEL As the Soviet leader, Brezhnev traveled extensively both within the Soviet Union and internationally, engaging in state visits and diplomatic missions.

Brezhnev's main passion was driving foreign cars, gifts from state leaders around the world. He took great delight in careening between his dacha and the Kremlin at breakneck speeds, showing a flagrant disregard for public safety that would make a modern-day stunt driver blush. His impressive collection of Western cars included a Rolls Royce that he drove with the enthusiasm of a teenager with a new license. Perhaps the most notable in his collection was a 1973 Lincoln Town Car, a gift from President Nixon, which he piloted with the same reckless abandon as all the others, leaving a trail of startled pedestrians and bewildered onlookers in his wake.

DEATH Leonid Brezhnev died of heart failure on November 10, 1982, in Moscow just three days after his last public appearance.  

His death marked the end of an era, and he was given a state funeral with full honors. His funeral followed the custom of displaying his decorations on velvet cushions carried in the procession behind his coffin. Brezhnev, having accumulated over two hundred decorations, necessitated several cushions, each bearing a glittering load of medals. It was a fittingly grand send-off for a man who had spent his life under the heavy weight of both power and honors.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Brezhnev was a prominent figure in Soviet media, with his speeches and public appearances regularly broadcast. He has been depicted in various films and documentaries about the Cold War era.

ACHIEVEMENTS Brezhnev's achievements include maintaining stability within the Soviet Union, playing a key role in détente with the United States, and overseeing significant military and space advancements. However, his era is also criticized for economic stagnation and increased political repression.

Bertolt Brecht

NAME Bertolt Brecht

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Bertolt Brecht is famous for being a playwright, poet, and theatre director. He is best known for developing the epic theatre style and for his plays, including Mother Courage and Her Children, The Threepenny Opera, and The Life of Galileo.

BIRTH Bertolt Brecht was born on February 10, 1898, in Augsburg, Germany.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Brecht was born into a middle-class family. His father, Berthold Friedrich Brecht, was a Catholic and a director of a paper mill, and his mother, Sophie Brecht (née Brezing), was a devout Protestant.

CHILDHOOD Brecht's childhood was relatively comfortable, marked by his early exposure to literature and the arts. He was influenced by his mother's religious upbringing and his father's appreciation for literature. Young Bertolt was a voracious reader and began writing poetry at an early age.

EDUCATION Brecht attended the Königliches Realgymnasium (Royal High School) in Augsburg. He later studied medicine at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich but left to serve as a medical orderly during World War I.

CAREER RECORD Brecht began his career as a playwright. Here's his resume:

Early successes as a playwright in Munich

Moved to Berlin in 1924, his most productive period

Collaborations with composers like Kurt Weill (The Threepenny Opera) and Hanns Eisler

Fled Germany due to Nazi persecution in the 1930s (exile in Denmark, Finland, USA, Switzerland)

Founded the Berliner Ensemble theatre company in East Berlin (1949)

APPEARANCE Brecht was stocky with  a round face and dark hair. He had an intellectual look, often wearing glasses and a modest, unassuming style of dress.

Brecht in 1954. By Bundesarchiv, Bild Wikipedia

FASHION Brecht preferred simple, practical clothing. He was often seen in a workmanlike jacket and trousers, emphasizing function over fashion.

CHARACTER Complex and contradictor, Brecht was known for his sharp intellect, strong will, and sometimes abrasive personality. He was a critical thinker with a passion for social justice and often challenged the status quo.

Bertolt Brecht spoke with a rasping Swabian accent. 

SENSE OF HUMOUR Brecht had a wry sense of humour, which is evident in much of his work, particularly in his plays and poems. He often used satire and irony in his work.

RELATIONSHIPS Brecht had several significant relationships. He married the Austrian opera singer Marianne Zoff in 1922 and their daughter Hanne Marianne was born on March 12, 1923.

He later married German actress Helene Weigel in 1929, who became a key collaborator in his theatrical work. They had two children, Stefan Brecht and Barbara Brecht-Schall. Weigel was a Communist Party member from 1930

Brecht also had numerous affairs and relationships with women who were often his muses and collaborators.

MONEY AND FAME Brecht achieved considerable fame and financial success, particularly after the success of The Threepenny Opera. Despite this, he often lived modestly and invested much of his money back into his theatrical projects.

FOOD AND DRINK Brecht was known to enjoy good food and drink.

MUSIC AND ARTS Music played a crucial role in Brecht's works, especially in his collaborations with composer Kurt Weill. Brecht had a deep appreciation for the arts, which is reflected in his innovative theatrical productions.

Munich is where Brecht first got his name in lights, or at least flickering gas lamps. But Berlin in the 1920s? That's where things got truly operatic – and we're not just talking about the time he teamed up with Elisabeth Hauptmann and Kurt Weill to create the smash hit, The Threepenny Opera (which was more of a two-shilling opera, let's be honest). This was also when Brecht started this lifelong jam session with composer Hanns Eisler.

Marxism was all the rage back then, and Brecht wasn't one to miss a party. He started churning out these "Lehrstücke" plays, basically plays that hit you over the head with a message like a particularly enthusiastic game of whack-a-mole.  He also became a bit of a guru for this new kind of theatre he called "epic theatre" (though later on he decided "dialectical theatre" was much more profound). Oh, and he invented a fancy term – "Verfremdungseffekt" – which basically means he liked to jolt the audience out of their usual theatre doze with a good shake-up.

Then came the Nazis, those chaps never good for a good time. Brecht wasn't exactly on their Christmas card list, so he scarpered – first to Scandinavia, then all the way across the pond to the USA during World War II.  After the war, Brecht hightailed it back to Berlin, the eastern half this time, and founded the Berliner Ensemble with his wife Helene Weigel. They were quite the power couple on the theatre scene.

LITERATURE Brecht was an avid reader and writer, influenced by a wide range of literary traditions. He was a prolific writer f plays, poetry, and theoretical writings on theatre and literature.

NATURE Brecht appreciated nature, often incorporating natural elements and settings into his works. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, finding inspiration in the natural world.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Brecht's main hobbies were reading, writing, and engaging in intellectual debates. 

SCIENCE AND MATHS Brecht had an interest in science, particularly evident in his play The Life of Galileo, which explores the conflict between science and authority.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Brecht's work was heavily influenced by Marxist philosophy. He used his plays to critique capitalist society and promote socialist ideals. His theological views were less clear, though he often questioned traditional religious values.

SCANDAL Brecht's life and work often courted controversy. His political beliefs and activities led to scrutiny and exile from Nazi Germany. He faced further controversy in the United States during the McCarthy era for his communist affiliations.

MILITARY RECORD Brecht served as a medical orderly during World War I, an experience that deeply affected his views on war and influenced his later works.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Brecht's health was often precarious. He suffered from various illnesses, including rheumatic fever in his youth, and later heart problems.

HOMES Brecht lived in various places throughout his life, including Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and the United States. After World War II, he settled in East Berlin, where he established the Berliner Ensemble.

TRAVEL Brecht traveled extensively due to his political exile and professional engagements. His travels included stays in various European countries and the United States.

DEATH Bertolt Brecht died of a heart attack on August 14, 1956, in East Berlin, at the age of 58.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Brecht's works continue to be adapted and performed worldwide, maintaining a significant presence in contemporary media.

Brecht's impact wasn't just confined to stuffy theatre halls. His team-up with composer Kurt Weill ended up rocking out in a whole new way. Bobby Darin, for instance, made a mega-hit in 1959 with "Mack the Knife" from The Threepenny Opera. Talk about a catchy tune with a criminal twist!

And get this: a poem Brecht wrote called "The Alabama Song" (originally published in his 1927 collection "Hauspostille") got a musical makeover by Weill for their play Mahagonny. Fast forward to the 1960s, and The Doors slap it on their debut album! David Bowie followed suit releasing it as a single in 1980 proving Brecht's words had a rebellious streak that resonated with the rock and roll crowd.

ACHIEVEMENTS Brecht's achievements include revolutionizing modern theatre with his epic theatre concept, creating a lasting body of plays that continue to be performed, and founding the influential Berliner Ensemble. His contributions to theatre theory and practice have left an indelible mark on the world of performing arts.

Eva Braun

NAME Eva Anna Paula Braun

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Eva Braun is famous for being the longtime companion and, briefly, the wife of Adolf Hitler.

BIRTH Eva Braun was born on February 6, 1912, in Munich, Germany.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Eva was the second daughter of Friedrich "Fritz" Braun, a school teacher, and Franziska "Fanny" Kronberger, a seamstress. She had two sisters, Ilse and Margarete (Gretl).

CHILDHOOD Eva grew up in a middle-class family in Munich. Her childhood was relatively normal and unremarkable, characterized by the stability of a traditional Bavarian family.

EDUCATION Eva attended a Catholic lyceum in Munich, followed by a year at a business school where she learned shorthand and typing. She was not an exceptional student and had a rather average academic record.

CAREER RECORD After completing her education, Eva worked as a receptionist and assistant to Heinrich Hoffmann, Adolf Hitler's personal photographer. This job led to her introduction to Hitler.

APPEARANCE Eva Braun was known for her attractive appearance, with light brown hair and a fair complexion. She was of average height and had a slender build.

Eva Braun's studio portrait, late 1930s.

FASHION In a regime obsessed with austerity and uniformity, Eva Braun stood out for her love of stylish clothes.  She wore fitted suits and elegant dresses – a stark contrast to the drab browns and blacks favored by the Nazi rank and file.  Here was a woman who, even amidst the gathering storm, clung to a sense of normalcy, a touch of glamour in a world gone increasingly mad.

CHARACTER Eva was described as lively, outgoing, and somewhat frivolous. She enjoyed socializing and the luxuries that came with her association with Hitler, but she remained largely apolitical.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Eva had a playful and light-hearted sense of humor, often engaging in jokes and pranks. She was known to bring a sense of normalcy and relaxation to Hitler’s private life.

RELATIONSHIPS Eva Braun first met Adolf Hitler in 1929 at a photographer's studio in Munich when she was a fresh-faced 17-year-old and he, rather troublingly, was already 40. But unlike the steely Brunhildas of Nazi propaganda, Braun wasn't built for parades and public pronouncements. She preferred the quiet life, a stark contrast to the bombastic world Hitler was building.

Despite the age gap and the looming shadow of the Third Reich, Braun remained by Hitler's side throughout his rise to power.  She wasn't exactly Lady Macbeth, urging him on. In fact, she mostly stayed out of the public eye, content with her private life and a passion for photography.  Some saw this as a harmless hobby, a way to capture candid moments of Hitler relaxing with his inner circle (which, let's face it, wouldn't have made for the most thrilling photo album).  Others, perhaps a tad more cynical, suggest she might have been using the camera to control her own image, a power move in a world that otherwise offered her none.

The relationship wasn't without its drama, of course. There were suicide attempts – one by gunshot, the other by pills – which some historians dismiss as melodramatic cries for attention, while others see as genuine cries of despair from a woman trapped in a gilded cage.

In the bunker's final throes, with Berlin crumbling around them, Braun finally became Hitler's wife in a hastily arranged ceremony on April 29, 1945. It was a strange coda to a strange relationship, ending just a day later with a shared cyanide capsule.  Eva Braun, the enigma in stylish heels, remained by Hitler's side to the very bitter end.

MONEY AND FAME Eva lived comfortably due to her relationship with Hitler, enjoying privileges and luxuries. However, she remained relatively unknown to the public during most of her life, only becoming widely recognized posthumously.

FOOD AND DRINK Eva enjoyed fine dining and had access to the best foods and beverages available. There are accounts of her partaking in lavish meals and indulging in sweets.

MUSIC AND ARTS Eva had an appreciation for music and the arts, often attending concerts and the theater. She enjoyed photography and filmed many home movies, capturing private moments with Hitler and his inner circle.

LITERATURE Her personal letters and diaries provide insight into her life and relationship with Hitler.

NATURE Eva enjoyed outdoor activities such as skiing, swimming, and hiking. She spent time at Hitler’s mountain retreat, the Berghof, where she could enjoy the natural surroundings.

PETS Eva Braun had two Scottish Terriers named Negus and Stasi. There are photos of her with these dogs in her home movies. She apparently kept them away from Hitler's German Shepherd, Blondi.

Hitler once forgot Eva’s birthday when she had hoped for a dachshund gift. "He was here — but no dog," she wrote in her diary.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Eva was an avid photographer and enjoyed making home movies. She was also a skilled swimmer and skier, enjoying active leisure pursuits despite the restrictions of her relationship.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Eva was raised Catholic but did not express strong philosophical or theological beliefs. Her writings and actions suggest that she was more concerned with personal pleasures and loyalty to Hitler than with deeper ideological commitments.

SCANDAL Eva Braun's relationship with Hitler was controversial and scandalous due to his role as the Führer and the secrecy surrounding their relationship. Her presence at the center of the Nazi regime’s inner circle added to the intrigue and controversy.

Braun and Hitler, June 1942 By Bundesarchiv, 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Eva was generally healthy and physically active, enjoying sports and outdoor activities. However, she did attempt suicide twice in the early years of her relationship with Hitler, possibly due to the pressures and constraints of their relationship.

HOMES Eva lived in various residences provided by Hitler, including a Munich apartment and the Berghof in the Bavarian Alps. In the final days of World War II, she stayed with Hitler in the Führerbunker in Berlin.

TRAVEL Eva traveled extensively within Germany and to the territories occupied by Nazi forces. She accompanied Hitler on many of his trips, although she remained largely in the background.

DEATH Eva Braun died on April 30, 1945, by suicide in the Führerbunker in Berlin, alongside Hitler. They both took cyanide, and Hitler also shot himself.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Eva Braun has been portrayed in various films, documentaries, and books about the Nazi era. Her home movies and photographs have been used to provide a personal glimpse into Hitler’s private life.

ACHIEVEMENTS Eva Braun’s life is primarily noted for her intimate relationship with Adolf Hitler rather than personal achievements. Her detailed home movies and photographs have provided historians with valuable insights into the private life of one of history’s most infamous figures.

Richard Branson

NAME Sir Richard Charles Nicholas Branson

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Richard Branson is famous for founding the Virgin Group, a conglomerate of over 40 companies. He is known for his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative business ventures, and daring stunts.

BIRTH Richard Branson was born on July 18, 1950, in Blackheath, London, England.

FAMILY BACKGROUND He is the son of Eve Branson, a former ballet dancer, and Edward James Branson, a barrister. Richard has two siblings: Vanessa, his sister, and Lindy, his half-sister.

CHILDHOOD Branson had a challenging childhood with dyslexia, which he struggled with in school. He was an adventurous and curious child, often indulging in escapades. 

Branson's school friends nicknamed him "Letsgo" because he was always saying "let’s go" to get everyone on to the next thing.

His entrepreneurial spirit emerged early, starting businesses like selling Christmas trees and renting budgies

EDUCATION He attended Scaitcliffe School and later moved to Stowe School, where his academic struggles continued. Despite his educational challenges, he developed a love for music and business. Branson dropped out at 16 to pursue his business ventures. On his last day at school, Branson's headmaster told him he would either end up in prison or become a millionaire.

CAREER RECORD Richard Branson's story is a classic tale of British eccentricity and can-do spirit, with a healthy dose of dyslexia thrown in for good measure.  Despite wrestling with the written word, Branson, even as a schoolboy, proved himself a dab hand at business. His first venture, a magazine called Student, wasn't exactly highbrow literature, but it did manage to sell enough ads to keep the youngster afloat.

In 1970, he set up a mail-order record business. He went on to establish Virgin Records in 1972, which grew into Virgin Group, The name Virgin came about in a delightfully unvarnished way.  Branson and his mates, all wide-eyed and new to the world of commerce, simply declared themselves "virgins" in the business sense.  Unconventional? Absolutely. But undeniably memorable.

Branson's business ventures haven't been limited to record labels. He's dabbled in radio stations, trains (though some routes have since changed hands), mobile phones, and even a space tourism company – Virgin Galactic, for those with a taste for the stratospheric.

He is known for his innovative business strategies and willingness to take risks.

APPEARANCE Branson is recognized for his distinctive appearance, characterized by his unruly white hair, tall and slender build and a neatly trimmed beard.

Branson in 2015 By Chatham House - https://www.flickr.com/photos/chathamhouse

FASHION He is known for his laid-back style, often seen in casual, comfortable clothing, favoring bright colors and a relaxed, approachable look. He embraces Virgin branding with subtle touches, like a Virgin pocket square.

Branson's disdain for neckties is legendary. The man carries around a pair of scissors, ready to snip the offending garments off unsuspecting victims. He even has a "trophy cushion" at his Necker Island abode, lovingly adorned with the liberated neckties of his sartorial conquests. Imagine facing Branson, only to have him reach for your tie with a glint in his eye!

CHARACTER Branson is known for his adventurous spirit, charisma, and relentless optimism. His leadership style is often described as visionary and unconventional. Branson possesses a strong work ethic and a competitive spirit.

SENSE OF HUMOUR He has a playful and irreverent sense of humor, frequently engaging in publicity stunts and pranks that reflect his bold personality.

RELATIONSHIPS Richard Branson has been married twice (Kristen Tomassi (1972-1979) and Joan Templeman (since 1989)) and has two children, Holly and Sam. A third child, daughter Clare Sarah (b. 1979), died only four days after birth; 

His relationships have often been publicized, and he is known for his close ties with his family and friends.

MONEY AND FAME Branson's net worth has fluctuated, but his fame has remained steady, largely due to his high-profile ventures and media presence. He is one of the wealthiest individuals in the UK, with a significant portion of his wealth tied to the Virgin brand. He uses his wealth to support various philanthropic endeavors.

Branson once lost a wager with AirAsia's Tony Fernandes on a Formula One race. Loser's prize? Donning the uniform of a flight attendant on the winner's airline – in drag, no less! Picture Branson, legs shaved and sporting questionable makeup, charming passengers on a five-hour AirAsia flight. Not only was it hilarious, but it raised a cool $200,000 for charity. Classic Branson.

FOOD AND DRINK Branson enjoys a variety of cuisines and is particularly fond of vegetarian food. He has a penchant for fine wine and has invested in the wine business. Branson often drinks over 20 cups of tea a day.

MUSIC AND ARTS  He has a deep love for music, founding Virgin Records and promoting numerous artists, including the Sex Pistols and the Rolling Stones. Branson is also an art enthusiast, supporting various art projects and exhibitions.

Branson's foray into music began with a bang, quite literally.  His first signing was none other than his school chum, Mike Oldfield. Oldfield's magnum opus, the sprawling Tubular Bells, became a surprise megahit thanks in part to its chilling use in the film The Exorcist.  Suddenly, Virgin Records was a name on everyone's lips.

LITERATURE Branson is an avid reader and has authored several books, sharing his experiences and insights into entrepreneurship and life, including Losing My Virginity.

NATURE He is a strong advocate for environmental conservation, supporting initiatives like the Virgin Earth Challenge and various sustainability projects.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Branson enjoys a range of activities, including kite surfing, ballooning, and sailing. His adventurous hobbies often intersect with his business pursuits.

In January 1991, Branson and his trusty hot air balloon embarked on a rather ambitious trip – a 6,700-mile slingshot across the Pacific Ocean, from the neon lights of Japan all the way to the icy plains of Arctic Canada. That's right, folks, 6,700 miles in a glorified basket! And guess what? They smashed the record, averaging a cool 145 miles per hour. 

Branson's ballooning adventures didn't stop there. Between 1995 and 1998, he assembled a crack team of fellow daredevils, including the likes of Per Lindstrand and Steve Fossett (another chap who clearly wasn't a fan of terra firma). Their audacious goal? To become the first to circumnavigate the entire globe in a hot air balloon – basically, a high-altitude game of hopscotch around the entire planet.

While they didn't quite manage a full loop (those pesky winds can be a real bother!), they did set another record with a monster flight from Morocco all the way to Hawaii.  Unfortunately, global ballooning bragging rights went to Bertrand Piccard and Brian Jones a few months later, but hey, you can't win 'em all, can you?

Branson, ever the restless adventurer, decided to take his record-breaking spirit to the water in 2004. This time, his weapon of choice? An amphibious vehicle called the Gibbs Aquada. Think James Bond meets a bathtub – a high-powered contraption that could zip across both land and sea.  And zip it did! Branson scorched across the English Channel from Dover to Calais in a mind-blowing 1 hour and 40 minutes, shattering the previous record of six hours by a whopping four and a half hours. 

SCIENCE AND MATHS Branson has shown a keen interest in space exploration and technology, founding Virgin Galactic to make space tourism a reality.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Branson’s philosophy centers on adventure, innovation, and social responsibility. He is a secular humanist who believes in the power of positive thinking and the importance of making a difference.

SCANDAL Branson has faced various controversies, including disputes over business practices and personal conduct, but his reputation for resilience and charisma has helped him navigate these challenges.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Branson is known for his active lifestyle and commitment to physical fitness, regularly engaging in activities like kite surfing, swimming, and yoga.

HOMES He owns multiple properties worldwide, including Necker Island in the Caribbean, where he enjoys a private retreat and hosts various events.

Here's the story of Necker Island, his luxurious Caribbean retreat. Branson, in a youthful bid to impress his then-girlfriend, jokingly offered $100,000 for the $6 million island. The owner settled for a mere $120,000. And just like that, Branson became an island owner (and, eleven years later, married the very same girlfriend on said island).

TRAVEL Branson is a passionate traveler, having visited numerous countries and explored diverse cultures. His love for travel is evident in his business ventures and personal adventures.

Airlines weren't exactly part of the original Bransonian business plan.  However, as with many a successful entrepreneur, fate intervened in the form of a canceled flight.  Stranded and ever the resourceful chap, Branson secured a charter jet, herded the stranded passengers aboard (gratis, of course!), and with a twinkle in his eye, christened the impromptu service "Virgin Atlantic Airways – Flight 1."  Some of those very passengers, tickled by Branson's audacity, even became early investors in the fledgling airline.

On July 11, 2021, Branson became a passenger on his own Virgin Galactic spacecraft, soaring 80 kilometers above Earth and experiencing the thrill of weightlessness.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Branson is frequently interviewed and featured in media outlets due to his business success and adventurous spirit. He is known for his engaging personality and willingness to share his story.

ACHIEVEMENTS Branson’s achievements include numerous business successes, awards, and honors. Notable among them are the creation of Virgin Atlantic Airways, Virgin Galactic, and his numerous philanthropic efforts, earning him accolades like the title of Knight Bachelor for services to entrepreneurship.

Marlon Brando

NAME Marlon Brando

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Marlon Brando is famous for his ground-breaking performances in film and theater, particularly his roles in A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront, and The Godfather. He is considered one of the greatest and most influential actors of the 20th century.

BIRTH Marlon Brando was born on April 3, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, USA.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Brando was the son of Marlon Brando Sr., a pesticide and chemical feed manufacturer, and Dorothy Julia Pennebaker Brando, an actress and theater administrator. 

His older sister, Jocelyn Brando was also an actress starring in The Big Heat and Mommie Dearest. She also appeared alongside Marlon in The Ugly American And The Chase.

CHILDHOOD Brando's childhood was troubled; his parents' marriage was tumultuous, and his mother struggled with alcoholism. He moved frequently between Nebraska, Illinois, and California and developed a reputation for rebelliousness These early experiences profoundly affected him and influenced his later work as an actor.

Brando c 1934

EDUCATION Brando attended several schools, due to his parents' frequent moves, including Libertyville High School in Illinois, where he was expelled for riding a motorcycle down the hallway. He briefly attended Shattuck-St. Mary's, a military academy, before expulsion.

Later Brando honed his craft at the prestigious Actors Studio under Lee Strasberg, becoming a leading figure in method acting. He later studied at the American Theatre Wing Professional School and the Actors Studio in New York City, where he learned Method Acting under the influential teacher Stella Adler.

Under the mentorship of Stella Adler, Brando learned the "emotional memory" technique – basically, reliving past experiences to fuel your performance. It was like method acting on steroids, and the results would forever change American acting (and probably give a few audience members flashbacks to their childhood anxieties).

In one acting class, the teacher threw a curveball: "Act out a chicken hearing an air-raid siren!" Most students went full barnyard meltdown, clucking and flapping like headless poultry. Brando, ever the maverick, stood there like a statue, eyes glued to the ceiling. "Why the blank stare?" asked the bewildered teacher. Brando, channelling his inner chicken logic, deadpanned: "I'm a chicken, I don't know what an air-raid siren is!" 

CAREER RECORD Here's Brando's resume:

Brando made his debut on the boards of Broadway on October 19, 1944, in I Remember Mama. He received critical acclaim for his raw intensity for this and other performances.

Made his film debut in The Men (1950) and rose to stardom with A Streetcar Named Desire (1951).

Delivered iconic performances in films like On the Waterfront (1954), The Wild One (1953), and Mutiny on the Bounty (1962).

Became known for his unconventional choices, clashing with directors and studios.

Experienced a career decline in the 1960s, followed by a resurgence with his acclaimed performance in The Godfather (1972).

Continued to act in films and on stage throughout his career, maintaining his legendary status. His career spanned six decades and included performances in over 40 films.

APPEARANCE Brando was known for his striking good looks, with a strong jawline, expressive eyes, and an athletic build. His physical presence contributed to his on-screen charisma and intensity. Brando often adopted a mumbling, unconventional style of delivery in his performances.

Brando 1950

FASHION Brando's fashion sense varied from casual, rugged attire to more sophisticated, tailored suits, reflecting his versatility and the roles he played. He popularized the white T-shirt and leather jacket look in A Streetcar Named Desire.

CHARACTER Brando was known for his rebellious and unpredictable nature, both on and off the screen. He was also known for his intelligence, sensitivity, and deep commitment to his craft and often clashed with directors and producers over creative differences. Brando became a vocal advocate for social justice causes, particularly Native American rights.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Brando had a complex sense of humor, ranging from playful and charming to dark and sarcastic. He enjoyed practical jokes on set and often used humor to deflect from his personal struggles.

RELATIONSHIPS Brando's personal life was often tumultuous, marked by family conflicts and tragedies.

Marlon Brando, Hollywood's most eligible bachelor (at least until he wasn't), finally took the plunge on October 12, 1957. His lucky lady? Anna Kashfi, an Indian actress from Darjeeling – a far cry from the Hollywood scene. Sparks flew, a son named Christian soon followed, but the marriage fizzled faster than a damp firework by 1959.

Undeterred, Brando went global for wife number two, Movita Castaneda, a Mexican-American actress with a touch more life experience (being seven years his senior). This one lasted a little longer, but by 1962, it was curtains.

Then came Mutiny on the Bounty, a film that gave Brando more than just a paycheck. It seems his on-screen love interest, Tahitian actress Tarita Teriipaia, stole his heart (and maybe a few lines) when she became his third wife on August 10, 1962. At 20 years old, she was 18 years younger than Brando, but hey, love knows no age gap (and apparently no language barrier – Brando even learned French to chat up his new wife).

Brando also had a long-term relationship with his housekeeper, Maria Cristina Ruiz, and together they had three children. 

He had a total of eleven children, some from his marriages and others from various relationships.

He and the author James Baldwin were roommates for a time in the 1940s. They would remain friends for more than 20 years.

MONEY AND FAME Brando earned significant wealth throughout his career, becoming one of the highest-paid actors of his time. He became the first actor to break the million-dollar barrier for a film role when in 1962, he commanded a king's ransom (well, a movie star's ransom) of $1 million to play Fletcher Christian in Mutiny on the Bounty.

Despite his success, he often lived modestly and used his wealth to support various causes and interests.

Brando became a cultural icon, his image synonymous with a certain type of brooding masculinity. Despite the fame, he remained a somewhat reclusive figure.

His signature was like gold bullion to collectors. Forget cashing those checks many personal checks he wrote were never cashed because his signature was usually worth more than the amount on the check.

FOOD AND DRINK Brando had a well-documented love for food and often struggled with weight gain. He enjoyed a wide variety of cuisines but particularly favored French Polynesian dishes after living in Tahiti.

Brando was a notorious ice cream fiend. We're talking five-gallon tubs devoured in one sitting at a Beverly Hills parlor. The man had a serious commitment to both his craft and his caloric intake.

The Daily Mail reported on August 8, 1994 that Marlon Brando has been on a strict diet since doctors warned that the alternative was death. The superstar, who binged on peanut butter and jam sandwiches along with his beloved ice cream, was given the warning after his weight ballooned o more than 30 stone (191 kgs).

MUSIC AND ARTS Brando had a deep appreciation for music and the arts. He enjoyed classical music, jazz, and was an avid reader of literature and poetry.

In 1944, Brando burst onto the scene in a play called I Remember Mama, becoming a Broadway hit faster than you could say "method acting." This guy was a shoo-in for greatness, and greatness it was – two Oscars and eight nominations later, he was practically Hollywood royalty.

But Brando wasn't your typical award-clutching thespian. While filming On the Waterfront, he insisted on a 4 p.m. daily cut-off time – therapist's appointment, you see. Now, some folks might scoff, but hey, whatever keeps you channeling your inner Terry Malloy, right?

Speaking of methods, Brando wasn't a huge fan of the term "Method acting," despite practically inventing it for American film. He probably preferred something cooler, like "The Art of Intense Mumbling." This "mumbling" became his trademark, much to the chagrin of his co-stars in Guys and Dolls. Apparently, Frank Sinatra (who also coveted the role) nicknamed him "Mumbles" – a testament to Brando's dedication to, well, sounding like he just rolled out of bed. Fun fact: his singing in the same movie was a Frankenstein's monster of multiple takes stitched together. Not exactly a crooner in the making.

His talent, however, was undeniable. Acting classes with Brando were like attending masterclasses with a brooding Buddha. Robin Williams, Michael Jackson, Whoopi Goldberg – you name the legend, they probably sat there soaking up his wisdom (and mumbled pronouncements).

Speaking of mumbling, Brando had a rather interesting approach to memorization. Let's just say cue cards were his best friends. Long speeches in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now became elaborate treasure hunts for his fellow actors, who sported Brando's lines taped to various body parts. In Superman, things got even more bizarre – rumor has it he read his lines off the baby's diaper during a scene. Talk about unconventional!

This aversion to memorization didn't stop him from commanding a king's ransom. For his blink-and-you'll-miss-it role in Superman, Brando snagged a cool $3.7 million and a hefty slice of the profits. Christopher Reeve, the actual Superman sweating it out for the entire film, got a measly $250,000. Now that's some serious Brando magic!

Brando loved Afro-Caribbean music! In fact, after getting hooked on the infectious rhythms pulsating through 1940s New York, he traded his drumsticks for congas. Inspired by his conga drumming hobby, he created a device in 2002 that perfectly tuned drum surfaces. No more wonky sounds, just pure rhythmic bliss. So, the next time you hear a killer drum solo, you might owe a silent thank you to the Godfather of acting (and the Godfather of perfectly tuned drums).

LITERATURE Brando was well-read and had a particular interest in philosophy, psychology, and classic literature. He often drew upon literary works for inspiration in his acting.

He spoke five languages – English, French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese. 

NATURE Brando had a profound love for nature, particularly the ocean. He owned a private atoll in French Polynesia called Tetiaroa, where he spent much of his later life.

He had a pet raccoon when he was a child named Russell.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Brando enjoyed various hobbies, including sailing, playing the congas, and painting. He was also a fan of boxing and motorcycling.

SCIENCE AND MATHS While not particularly known for an interest in science and mathematics, Brando's intellectual curiosity led him to explore various fields of knowledge throughout his life.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Brando was deeply interested in philosophy and theology, often exploring existential and humanistic themes in his work. He was known to question conventional religious beliefs and sought a deeper understanding of the human condition.

ACTIVISM Brando was a man of principle, a champion for social justice. A tenth of his income went straight to Black organizations like the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Martin Luther King Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement, his voice a powerful echo in the fight for equality.

In 1973, Brando pulled a stunner. He rejected his Oscar for The Godfather in protest of how Native Americans were portrayed in Hollywood. Talk about using your platform! It was a bold move, a middle finger to the establishment that showed his commitment went beyond awards and accolades.

SCANDAL Brando's life was marked by numerous scandals, including his tumultuous personal relationships, legal battles, and controversial statements. His son's involvement in a murder case and his daughter's suicide brought significant media attention.

MILITARY RECORD Brando was drafted into the Army during World War II but was excused due to a knee injury he had sustained while playing football at Shattuck Military Academy.  

After the Korean War broke out, and he was ordered by the draft board to report for a physical prior to induction, but the military again rejected him, this time for mental problems, as he was under psychoanalysis. 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Brando struggled with his weight and health throughout his life. He had a history of heart problems, diabetes, and ultimately succumbed to respiratory failure.

HOMES Brando owned several homes throughout his life, including properties in Beverly Hills, Mulholland Drive, and his private atoll in French Polynesia, Tetiaroa.

TRAVEL Brando traveled extensively for his film roles and personal interests, with notable stays in Tahiti, Italy, and Japan. His travels influenced his worldview and acting style.

DEATH Marlon Brando died on July 1, 2004, at the age of 80, in Los Angeles, California, from respiratory failure brought on by pulmonary fibrosis with congestive heart failure.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Brando has been the subject of numerous biographies, documentaries, and films. His life and career continue to be explored in media, highlighting his impact on acting and popular culture.

ACHIEVEMENTS Brando's achievements include two Academy Awards for Best Actor for On the Waterfront and The Godfather, as well as numerous other awards and nominations. He revolutionized acting with his Method approach, leaving a lasting legacy on the art of performance.

Louis Braille

NAME Louis Braille

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Louis Braille is famous for inventing the Braille system, a tactile writing system used by people who are visually impaired to read and write.

BIRTH Louis Braille was born on January 4, 1809, in Coupvray, France.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Louis was the son of Simon-René Braille, a harness maker, and Monique Baron. He had three older siblings.

CHILDHOOD At the age of three, Louis injured his eye with a tool from his father's workshop. The wound became infected, leading to blindness in both eyes.

EDUCATION Louis attended the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris. It was there that he developed his tactile reading and writing system, which was based on an existing military code called "night writing."

CAREER RECORD Louis became a teacher at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth and dedicated his life to improving and promoting the Braille system.  He also played the cello and the organ, both professionally and at church.

APPEARANCE Louis Braille was described as a slender man with a gentle demeanor. Due to his blindness, he often relied on touch and hearing to navigate his surroundings.

Photo of Louis Braille

FASHION As a teacher and musician, Louis dressed modestly and appropriately for his roles, often in simple, practical clothing.

CHARACTER Louis was known for his determination, creativity, and compassion. Despite his blindness, he was highly independent and focused on helping others with visual impairments. He was a strong advocate for the rights and capabilities of blind people.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Louis had a warm sense of humor and was known to be cheerful and good-natured, often lifting the spirits of those around him.

RELATIONSHIPS Louis did not marry and had no known romantic relationships. He was deeply devoted to his work and his students.

MONEY AND FAME Louis did not achieve significant wealth during his lifetime, but his invention brought him posthumous fame and recognition as a pioneer in education for the blind.

FOOD AND DRINK Details about Louis's specific preferences in food and drink are scarce, but it is known that he lived a modest life in accordance with his humble background.

MUSIC AND ARTS Louis was a talented musician who played the cello and the organ. He often performed at church and composed music for his students.

LITERATURE Louis was well-read and valued education highly. His invention of the Braille system made literature and written communication accessible to the blind.

At the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, reading involved feeling bulky raised letters – a laborious task, like trying to decipher a cryptic message carved into a brick. Then, in 1821, an artillery captain, Charles Barbier, visited the school, bringing a 12-dot code he'd devised to help soldiers communicate at night without light. It was like trying to read a message with your toes – clunky and impractical.

The captain wasn't exactly receptive to suggestions from a teenager. So, Louis, took matters into his own hands. He experimented at night, wielding an awl (think a super-sharp needle) like a mini-Excalibur. He slashed the number of dots to a manageable six, arranged them in clever combinations, and voila! The alphabet, readable and writable by touch!

Braille wasn't exactly an overnight success. It took two whole years after Louis passed away aged 43 for his school to finally adopt the system. Braille eventually spread like wildfire. It was adopted in the Netherlands as early as 1846, the US finally caught on in 1916, and by 1932, there was a universal braille code for English, the whole shebang!

NATURE Louis enjoyed spending time outdoors and appreciated nature, although his blindness limited his ability to fully experience it visually.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Music played a significant role in his leisure time. In addition to his musical talents, Louis enjoyed working with his hands and crafting tactile tools and devices.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Louis had a keen interest in the sciences, particularly in methods of tactile communication, and he applied scientific principles to develop the Braille system.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Louis was a devout Christian and his faith played a significant role in his life. He believed in the dignity and potential of all individuals, regardless of their disabilities.

SCANDAL There are no notable scandals associated with Louis Braille. He lived a life dedicated to education and helping others.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Louis suffered from respiratory issues, likely tuberculosis, which eventually led to his early death.

HOMES Louis lived in the small village of Coupvray before moving to Paris to attend and later teach at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth.

TRAVEL Louis's travels were mostly limited to his moves between Coupvray and Paris. His work and health did not permit extensive travel.

DEATH Louis Braille died on January 6, 1852, at the age of 43, in Paris, France, due to complications from tuberculosis.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Louis Braille's achievements as a young inventor have cemented his status as a role model for children. Numerous children's books tell his story Beyond literature, Braille's legacy has been explored in various media formats:

Television:

The American special Young Heroes: Louis Braille (2010) [

The French TV movie Une lumière dans la nuit (2008), released internationally as The Secret of Braille

Theater: The dramatic play Braille: The Early Life of Louis Braille (1989) by Lola and Coleman Jennings 

Music: The song "Merci, Louis" by Canadian singer-songwriter Terry Kelly, who chairs the Canadian Braille Literacy Foundation 

Musical Theater: The musical The Braille Legacy, directed by Thom Southerland and starring Jérôme Pradon, premiered at the Charing Cross Theatre in London in April 2017.

ACHIEVEMENTS  Louis Braille's most significant achievement is the invention of the Braille system, which revolutionized the way blind individuals read and write, providing them with greater independence and access to education and literature. His system is still used worldwide today.

Johannes Brahms

NAME Johannes Brahms

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Johannes Brahms is famous for being a leading composer and pianist of the Romantic era, known for his symphonies, concertos, chamber music, piano works, and choral compositions.

BIRTH Johannes Brahms was born on May 7, 1833, in Hamburg, Germany.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Johannes came from a humble but happy background. His father, Johann Jakob Brahms, was a poor (financially) musician who played the double bass in the orchestra of the Stadtheatre at Hamburg. He died in 1872.

His mother, Henrika Christiane Nissen, was a seamstress, who was seventeen years older than her husband

Johannes had an older sister and a younger brother.

CHILDHOOD As a child, Johanne's two passions were toy soldiers and music. His father gave him his first musical training then he studied piano from the age of seven with Otto Friedrich Willibald Cossel. 

Owing to the family's poverty, as a boy Brahms played in dance halls and brothels – some of the seediest places in Hamburg – surrounded by drunken sailors and prostitutes.

He improvised his first piano sonata aged 11.When he was older he found his early works a bit embarrassing and destroyed the majority of them.

Brahms in 1853

EDUCATION Johannes hated French at school which resulted in a life long hatred of the nation. (He also hated the English).

He was twice invited to accept an honary doctorate at Cambridge. He never made it as he hated the sea and the thought of crossing the choppy English channel put him off.

 
After studying the violin and cello with his father, Johannes mastered the piano and began to compose under the guidance of the German music teacher Eduard Marxsen,

 
For a time, he also learned the cello, although his progress was cut short when his teacher absconded with Brahms' instrument.

CAREER RECORD From the age of 10 Brahms helped to supplement the rather meagre family income playing the piano in dockside dance halls, cafes, theatres, inns and later brothels. He would have a book of poetry in front of him to distract him from the noisy crowd.

 
1848 At the age of 15 Brahms gave his first formal recital as a solo pianist.
Spring 1853 Brahms' first concert tour with Hungarian gypsy violinist Edvard Remery.
1856-59 Brahms divided his time between Hamburg, where he formed and conducted a ladies' choir, and the principality of Detmold, where he was court music-teacher and conductor
1859-62 Travelled in Switzerland and Germany
1862-64 Conductor of Singakademie (Choral Academy) at Vienna.
1864-68 More composing and teaching. A hard taskmaster, Brahms never gave any of his students a word of praise.
1868 As a result of success of his German Requiem, Brahms was able to abandon teaching and began career as a composer-performer.
1874 Devoted himself to composition.
1890 The 57-year-old Brahms resolved to give up composing. However, as it turned out, he was unable to abide by his decision, and in the years before his death he produced a number of acknowledged masterpieces.

APPEARANCE As a young man, long flaxen hair and beautiful blue eyes, Brahms was clean shaven until he was well past 40, then made up for it with a distinctive, flowing white beard. Slim, but grew fatter as he became more successful. Though Brahms, had the chest development of a tall man, but his legs were so short they barely reached his piano pedals.

Brahms 1872

FASHION Brahms preferred simple and traditional clothing, often seen in dark suits and bow ties, reflecting his practical and somewhat conservative nature.

CHARACTER Brahms was deeply emotional, like a cat on hot bricks, but lonely, insecure about his work and incapable of expressing himself in anything except his music. He tended to bottle things up.

Though agreeable, charitable and charming, to adults Brahms was often brusque and sarcastic, and he sometimes alienated other people. 

His pupil Gustav Jenner claimed that he was a pussycat really. He wrote: "Brahms has acquired, not without reason, the reputation for being a grump, even though few could also be as lovable as he.”

SENSE OF HUMOUR Brahms' sarcasm was a mask against his shyness. Once after a series of offensive remarks to a group of friends, he left the room with the parting words "if there is anyone here whom I have not insulted I beg his pardon."

 
He was aware of his shortcomings. On one occasion, a small child offered Brahms a rose and he responded, "Is that meant to represent my prickly nature."

 
A practical joker, Brahms would seat visitors in his trick rocking chair which unceremoniously tipped over to the accompaniment of Brahms’ loud guffaws.

RELATIONSHIPS Although linked with one or two Brahms didn't strike a chord with many women. He never came close to marriage, possibly as he had impossibly high standards... the objects of his affections had to like him. Basically his luck with his love life was not un-adjacent to that of the last dodo on earth. 

His best friend was Clara Schumann, wife of the composer Robert Schumann, who was 14 years older than him. Whether they ever became lovers after the death of her husband is unknown, but their destruction of their letters to each other may point to something beyond mere privacy.

Clara Schumann in 1857, photograph by Franz Hanfstaengl

Another of Brahms’ relationships was with one Bertha Faber, who sung in his women’s choir at Hamburg. The composer renewed his acquaintance with her when he moved to Vienna, by which time she had married. Bertha had the honor of having this lullaby written to celebrate the birth of her eldest child, Hans.

 
Brahms only really achieved intimate female companionship with prostitutes. He treated the girls well and they returned his affection. After his death, when asked about his love life, his housekeeper would only say, "he was a very naughty old gentleman."

Brahms had a wide circle of friends. Those who remained his friends, despite his sarcasm were very loyal to him, and he reciprocated in return with equal loyalty and generosity. He was a lifelong friend with Johann Strauss II though they were very different as composers.

The elderly Brahms met a 25-year-old composer called Claude Debussy in Vienna and took him out to dinner and then onto the court opera to see Bizet's Carmen.

MONEY AND FAME Brahms first recognition was as a result of an article, The One who is to Come, by his buddy Robert Schumann after he and his wife invited him to play the piano.

Starting in the 1860's, when his works sold widely, Brahms was well off financially. He preferred a modest life style, however, living in a simple three-room apartment with a housekeeper. He gave away much of his money to relatives, and also anonymously helped support a number of young musicians.

Were his fans known as Brahmins?

FOOD AND DRINK Brahms enjoyed eating out in Vienna's cheap cafes and restaurants, especially his daily visit to his favourite 'Red Hedgehog' tavern in Vienna. There, he would drink strong coffee (so strong only he could make it to his satisfaction).

On one occasion, Brahms fell ill and his doctor instructed him to go on a diet. "But this evening I'm dining with Strauss," he protested, "and we shall have chicken paprika." That's out of the question the doctor told him. "In that case," said the composer, "please consider that I did not come to consult you until tomorrow."

 
According to the autobiography of English operatic soprano and composer Liza Lehmann, when she met Brahms, she was left unimpressed by his bluff and coarse manners, particularly when he gobbled up a whole tin of sardines at breakfast and then drank the oil from the tin.

MUSIC AND ARTS A famed conductor and pianist Brahms played everything by heart. He wrote four symphonies, wrote settings for piano and voice of 144 German folk songs, and many of his lieder reflect folk themes or depict scenes of rural life. However, he never wrote an opera, nor did he ever write in the characteristic 19th century form of the tone poem.

Brahms venerated Beethoven, perhaps even more than the other Romantic composers did. In the composer's home, a marble bust of Beethoven looked down on the spot where he composed.

 
A merciless self-critic, Brahms burned all that he wrote before the age of 19 as well as some sketches of later masterpieces. It is known that he frequently reworked pieces over a period of 10 to 20 years, and before achieving the final form he often transcribed them for several different combinations of instruments.

Here's a selection of his greatest pieces:

1868 Brahms’ Lullaby (The Cradle Song) was originally written by Brahms in 1868 under the title of “Wiegenlied: Guten Abend, gute Nacht” ("Good evening, good night"), and included in his op.49 set of five songs. The lullaby's melody is one of the most famous and recognizable in the world, used by countless parents to sing their babies to sleep.

Brahms wrote this for his friend Bertha Faber, after she gave birth to her first child. He took the first verse from a collection of German folk poems called Des Knaben Wunderhorn; the second stanza was written by Georg Scherer (1824–1909) in 1849. 

The melody is based on a Viennese song that Bertha used to sing to him. Brahms later suggested with tongue in cheek that there should be a special edition in a minor key for naughty children!

1868 A German Requiem Brahms composed this choral work in three major periods of his life. An earlier version of the second movement was first composed in 1854, not long after Robert Schumann’s attempted suicide, and was later finished and used in his first piano concerto. The majority of the Requiem was composed after his mother’s death in 1865. The fifth movement was later added after the official premiere on Good Friday, April 10, 1868. 

It was so called because the text is taken from Luther's German translation of the Bible rather than the Latin texts normally used. (He used a Bible that he was given as a child to choose the passages for the work.) The piece, cast in seven divisions, focuses on the sorrow of those who mourn, rather than speculating on the fate of the dead. A great success, the Requiem marked a turning point in Brahms' career and made him famous all over Europe.

 
1876 First Symphony Brahms started this in 1862 and due to its similarities in style to Beethoven it was nicknamed Beethoven's 10th Symphony. However despite its long gestation period, Brahms was still not happy with it. He wrote in a letter to Carl Reincke: "My first symphony is long and not exactly amiable."

 
1878 Violin Concerto in D Major, Written for his great friend, Josef Joachim. According to the violinist Nigel Kennedy its the cat's whiskers. He regards it as his favorite piece of music.

In 1889, one Theo Wangemann, a representative of American inventor Thomas Edison, visited the composer in Vienna and invited him to make an experimental recording. Brahms played an abbreviated version of his first Hungarian dance on the piano. The recording was later issued on a record of early piano performances. Sadly, the piano playing is largely inaudible due to heavy surface noise, but this remains the earliest recording made by a major composer.

LITERATURE Brahms was an avid reader and had a deep appreciation for literature. He was particularly fond of German poetry and literature, which influenced many of his vocal and choral works.

Brahms was passionate about Shakespeare "In him one has everything and everyone all in one," he dais of the great English playwright in a letter.

ANIMALS Cats got Brahms back up. The composer spent much time at his window in his Vienna home trying to hit neighbourhood cats with a harpoon manufactured from a bow and arrow. He would have gone down a riot at a cat lovers convention.

NATURE Brahms enjoyed walking and being in nature, often taking long walks in the countryside to clear his mind and find inspiration for his compositions.  

HOBBIES AND SPORTS A keen walker and lover of nature, Brahms often went walking in the woods around Vienna, when he often brought penny candy with him to hand out to children. He also enjoyed walking holidays in Italy. The press noted his style of walking with his hands firmly behind his back

SCIENCE AND MATHS His music demonstrates a deep understanding of complex structures and forms, showing an intellectual rigor that parallels mathematical thinking.  

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Brahms often reflected on philosophical and theological themes in his work.

The theme of transition from anxiety to comfort runs throughout Brahms' German Requiem . However, although the Lord is the source of the comfort, a sympathetic humanism persists through the work. In fact, Brahms purposefully omitted Christian dogma. In correspondence with Carl Reinthaler, when Reinthaler expressed concern over this, Brahms refused to add to the work references to "the redeeming death of the Lord", as Reinthaler put it, such as John 3:16.

SCANDAL Brahms's life was relatively free from scandal. However, his critical and sometimes abrasive personality could lead to professional conflicts and strained relationships.

As a promising young composer Brahms was introduced to the great Franz Liszt in Weimar who promptly played Brahms' Piano Sonata in C at a house recital, heaping praise on the young whippersnapper. Liszt then played his own piano sonata to which Brahms fell asleep to.

MILITARY RECORD Brahms lived during a time when many European conflicts occurred, but he did not serve in the military.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Brahms's health was generally robust, though he faced various ailments as he aged, including liver problems. He maintained physical activity through his long walks.

In 1895 Brahms fell terminally ill with cancer of the liver though he was never told the nature of the disease.

HOMES Brahms lived in various cities throughout his life, including Hamburg, Vienna, and several other European cities. 

From 1872 to his death, Brahms lived in a third floor apartment at Karlsgasse, Vienna. His Vienna home became a center for his musical activities.

TRAVEL Brahms traveled extensively across Europe for his concert tours, performances, and to meet with other musicians. He visited cities such as Vienna, Budapest, Leipzig, and many others.

In his last years being comfortable financially, Brahms could afford to do as he pleased. He frequently travelled, both for business (concert tours) and pleasure and often visited Italy in the springtime, and usually sought out a pleasant rural location there in which to compose during the summer.

DEATH Johannes Brahms died on April 3, 1897, in Vienna, Austria, from complications due to liver cancer. He was 63 years old. He passed away in his bed watched over by his landlady and retained consciousness to the last. Brahms was buried in Vienna's Zentralfriedhof (General Cemetery).

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA 1947 Robert Walker played Brahms in Song of Love" about the Schumanns and their marriage. Katharine Hepburn was Clara Schumann. 

Francoise Sagan wrote a novel Aimez Vous Brahms?.

ACHIEVEMENTS 1. Brahms was a standard bearer of traditional music in the the late nineteenth century. One of the greatest composers of symphonic music and of songs.
2. "I believe Johannes to be the true Apostle, who will also write Revelations." said his good mate Robert Schumann

Sources My knowledge and Wikipedia