Born on October 28

Dutch humanist and theologian (1466-1536), Erasmus is one of the major figures of the Renaissance. A champion of the critical study of ancient texts and religious tolerance, he embodies the humanist ideal of an education grounded in reason and wisdom.

German writer and intellectual, a figure of feminism and the democratic ideals of 1848. After the revolution failed she emigrated, hosted a cosmopolitan salon, and was a close friend of Wagner, Nietzsche, and Romain Rolland.

French chef and culinary author

Cleo Laine is a British jazz singer and actress, famous for her deep timbre and an exceptional vocal range of more than three octaves. The lifelong companion of saxophonist and bandleader John Dankworth, she became one of the major figures of 20th-century British vocal jazz.

Coluche (1944-1986) was a French comedian and actor known for his popular, provocative humor. Made famous by his sketches and his work in café-théâtre, he founded the Restos du Cœur in 1985, a food-aid charity that is still active today.

Co-founder of Microsoft, Bill Gates revolutionized personal computing with the Windows operating system. Having become one of the wealthiest people in the world, he went on to dedicate himself to philanthropy through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Florence Arthaud (1957-2015) was a French sailor, the first woman to win the Route du Rhum in 1990. Nicknamed “the little sweetheart of the Atlantic,” she established herself as a major figure in offshore racing.