Comedian Richard Pryor introduced a new kind of humor to the stage in the 1960s. He was foul-mouthed, non-apologetic, and authentic. Despite the initial shock of his style, his insight into human nature, racism, and his personal reflections on life was appealing to both black and white audiences.

• Richard Pryor Quotes

For Michael Anderson being an astronaut was a life long dream. While he accomplished this, his life was cut short when he died on board the shuttle Columbia.

Image courtesy of NASA.

When the song “Strange Fruit” is mentioned, most think of Billie Holiday. Billie Holiday is considered one of the greatest jazz singers of all time; yet her life was marred, much like her famous song, by despair and violence. Perhaps it was her own heartbreaking life story that helped produce her captivating and extraordinary singing style.

• Quotes by Billie Holiday

Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Carl Van Vechten Collection.

For thirty years, actor Denzel Washington has been mastering the art of acting. Clearly, he has succeeded: he is the winner of two Oscars and numerous other awards. Although he has earned the title of "movie star," one is unlikely to read stories about Washington, a family man who enjoys his privacy, in tabloid magazines. However, you might catch a glimpse of him supporting one of his favorite causes—the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images.