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Renowned for both his revolutionary contributions to evolutionary biology and his ability to make science accessible to the public, Stephen Jay Gould drew upon science, sports, pop culture and art to craft a remarkable career.

Leo Tolstoy proclaimed, “The sole meaning of life is to serve humanity.” His rebellion toward society, and his philosophical and idealistic outlook fashioned his paradoxical and inquisitive nature. His romantic prose, attitude for nonviolence, and dedication to ideals influenced many political and spiritual leaders. As professor Andy Kaufman points out, “he was more than a great writer, he was a phenomenon.”

The shape-shifting aspects of Peter Sellers made him one of the most versatile actors around—his many faces, voices and impressions lending themselves to characters such as Inspector Clouseau and Dr. Strangelove. His comic genius coupled with his ability to completely immerse himself in the characters he portrayed made him beloved of audiences. Though his personal life was plagued by inner demons, he arguably shaped the nuances of British comedy we know today.

Alan Haskvitz is one of America’s best teachers. Over the past 20 years he has taught almost every grade level and core subject. He has written books and articles on the subject of education, and has garnered the admiration of both his students and of the education community.

Considered “second only to Eleanor Roosevelt in the pantheon of women,” Jane Addams was a pioneer in the field of social work, a noted pacifist and internationalist, and one of the first to express the belief that education was the gateway to equality. Addams fearlessly took unpopular stances, which earned her both notoriety and status as the “second woman in history to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.”

Renowned German documentary filmmaker Werner Herzog focuses on the eccentric, the original and the fascinating in people and stories, reflecting his own inner nature. As one critic said, “If Werner Herzog didn’t exist, Werner Herzog would surely have created him.”

Richard Wright, the first African-American man to make a living as an author, is known for landmark books like “Native Son” and “Black Boy.”

“The skyscraper poet” is how Time magazine referred to Louis Sullivan in 1951. The description holds true today, as Sullivan is widely recognized as one of America’s great architects. Sullivan’s works were a driving force within the American architectural landscape. His most significant contribution to architecture is visible in any city skyline—the invention of the high-rise skyscraper. Additionally, he was a critic and an inspiration to the Chicago and the Prairie Schools of architecture, as well as a strong influence on the work of Frank Lloyd Wright.

Terry Bradshaw has made a career out of exceeding expectations. He has earned a world record, four Super Bowl rings, a spot on the Billboard charts, multiple Emmys, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and countless other honors. While he originally gained fame as a star quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970s, these days he’s a well-loved football analyst, antidepressant spokesman and breeder of world champion stallions.

Boxer Rocky Marciano is legendary for being the only heavyweight champion in history to win every single one of his 49 professional fights, with 43 knockouts. He is remembered for his ferocity as a boxer, and conversely, for his mild manner and congeniality outside the ring.

Conan O’Brien has been entertaining audiences with his off-beat comedic style from an early age. As a young Harvard graduate, O’Brien wrote for such landmark comedy shows as “Saturday Night Live” and “The Simpsons.” His writing earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Writing at the tender age of 26. For the past 15 years, he has hosted the Emmy Award-winning show, “Late Night with Conan O’Brien.”

With a list of achievements spanning the length of his career, Pete Rose is widely considered one of the best players not in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, "Charlie Hustle" is also well known for his longtime gambling problem. Even though Rose's misdeeds threaten to overshadow his great career, his numerous records and legendary hustle stand as the true testament to his abilities as a player.

Fairy tales may seem to have existed since the beginning of storytelling, but Hans Christian Andersen is the acknowledged father of the modern form.

On April 1, 1976, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak started Apple Computer Inc., a company that would completely change the way people used technology. Apple personal computers introduced such now-common elements as graphical user interfaces and the mouse. While the company fell on hard times in the mid-nineties, its name is now a household word, thanks to the amazing success of the iPod.

While Keira Knightley’s pout has become somewhat of a trademark for the British beauty, it would seem Ms. Knightley has very little to pout about. With numerous box-office hits, such as the “Pirates of the Caribbean” trilogy, and a long list of award nominations, Knightley has proved she is much more than another pretty face on the big screen.