Profile of the Day

Best-selling novelist Stephen King is known for blending horror, fantasy and science fiction into a consistently scary mix. Much of his work has been adapted into highly successful horror films, such as Carrie, The Shining, Misery and Salem’s Lot. Stephen King is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Stephen King’s Geni Profile

Langston Hughes Langston Hughes was an American poet and activist. Best known for his work during the Harlem Renaissance, Hughes was one of the earliest innovators of jazz poetry. Langston Hughes is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Langston Hughes’s Geni Profile

On October 20, 1964 President Herbert Hoover died at the age of 90. Hoover was the 31st President of the United States. When the Wall Street Crash of 1929 struck less than 8 months after he took office, Hoover sought to combat the ensuing Great Depression with volunteer efforts and public works projects such as the Hoover Dam. Herbert Hoover is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you… Read the full story

On October 19, 1781, British General Charles Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown, Virginia, signifying the end of the American Revolutionary War. Charles Cornwallis is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Charles Cornwallis’s Geni Profile

On October 18, 1931, inventor Thomas Edison died at the age of 84. His inventions, such as the electric light bulb, significantly influenced life around the world. Did you know he was one of the first inventors to apply the principles of mass production and team work to the process of invention? As a result, he is often credited with the creation of the first industrial research laboratory. Thomas Edison is connected to over 59… Read the full story

On October 17, 1918, legendary Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth was born. Over her long career, Hayworth appeared in over 61 films and is named one of the American Film Institute’s Greatest Stars of All Time. Rita Hayworth is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Rita Hayworth’s Geni Profile

Today we highlight American guitarist and singer-songwriter Jimi Hendrix. One of the most influential musicians in musical history, Hendrix synthesized many different styles into his own unique sound. In 1992, he was posthumously inducted into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jimi Hendrix is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Jimi Hendrix’s Geni Profile

On October 13, 1925 former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was born. In 1979, she became the first woman to be elected Prime Minister of the UK. Margaret Thatcher is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related?   View Margaret Thatcher’s Geni Profile

On October 12, 1870, General Robert E. Lee died at the age of 63. During the American Civil War, Lee commanded the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia. After the war, Lee became a Southern hero of the war, and today, remains an iconic American military figure. Robert E. Lee is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Robert E. Lee’s Geni Profile

Today, the United States celebrates Columbus Day in honor of Christopher Columbus‘s discovery of the New World in 1492. A Spanish explorer, Columbus completed four voyages across the Atlantic to the American continents. His expeditions played a significant role in Spain’s colonization of the New World. Christopher Columbus is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Christopher Columbus’s Geni Profile

Today we highlight Michelle Obama, the first African-American First Lady of the United States. As First Lady, she has focused her attention on current social issues, including education, supporting military families and promoting healthy eating for families across the country. Michelle Obama is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Michelle Obama’s Geni Profile

Yesterday, October 5, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs died at the age of 56. Considered one of the world’s greatest innovators and visionaries, Jobs revolutionized technology and changed the way the world communicates and interacts. Check out his profile on Geni. View Steve Jobs’s Geni Profile

On October 5, 1882 physicist and inventor Robert H. Goddard was born. Known as the father of modern rocketry, Goddard is credited with creating and building the world’s first liquid-fueled rocket. Robert Goddard is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Robert H. Goddard’s Geni Profile

On October 4, 1895 silent film actor Buster Keaton was born. Keaton was known as “The Great Stone Face” for getting big laughs for his physical comedy with a consistently stoic, deadpan expression. Buster Keaton is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Buster Keaton’s Geni Profile

On October 3, 1925, American author, playwright and activist Gore Vidal was born. Praised for his highly provocative works, Vidal’s writing career has spanned over six decades. His most well known and controversial book is The City and the Pillar, which was one of the first major American novels to feature unambiguous homosexuality. Gore Vidal is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Gore Vidal’s Geni Profile

Madam C.J. Walker Madam C.J. Walker was an African American business woman, philanthropist and founder of the Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing Company. According to the Guinness Book of Records, Walker was the first woman to become a millionaire by her own achievements. View Madam C.J. Walker’s Geni Profile

Laura Ingalls Wilder Laura Ingalls Wilder was an American author best known for writing the Little House series, which was based on her own childhood experiences as a pioneer. The popularity of the series continued to grow after her death in 1957. In 1974, it was eventually adapted into the long running television show, Little House on the Prairie. Laura Ingalls Wilder is connected to over 59 million profiles in the World Family Tree. How… Read the full story

Today we remember comedian and film star Harpo Marx, who died on September 28, 1964. Known for performing in silence, Marx used pantomine and often a horn or whistle to communicate during his performances. A gifted harp player, Marx often incorporated the harp into his films. View Harpo Marx’s Geni Profile

On September 27, 1722, Samuel Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, was born. Adams was an important political leader during the American Revolution and in 1776, signed the Declaration of Independence. Did you know that Samuel Adams is the second cousin of President John Adams? Samuel Adams is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View Samuel Adams’s Geni Profile  

On September 26, 1888, American poet T.S. Eliot was born. Considered one of the greatest poets in history, Eliot was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1948. T.S. Eliot is connected to over 59 million profiles in Geni’s World Family Tree. How are you related? View T.S. Eliot’s Geni Profile

On September 26, 1949, Bruce Springsteen was born. Throughout his highly successful career, Springsteen has earned several awards and sold over 200 million records worldwide. In 1999, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. How are you related to “The Boss”? View Bruce Springsteen’s Geni Profile

On September 22, 1862, President Abraham Lincoln issued the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which declared that all slaves in rebel states should be free as of January 1, 1863. The final proclamation made abolition a central goal of the American Civil War. Check out Abraham Lincoln’s family tree and see how you’re related! View Abraham Lincoln’s Geni Profile

On September 21, 1937, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien was published. The highly popular fantasy children’s book will be adapted into a movie by director Peter Jackson, who famously brought Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy to the big screen. How are you related to the fantasy author? View J.R.R. Tolkien’s Geni Profile

On September 20, 1934, actress Sophia Loren was born in Rome, Italy. Loren achieved international fame for her award winning work in film and is known as an icon of beauty and glamour. Did you know in 1962, Loren became the first actress to win an Academy Award for a non-English speaking performance for her role in the film, Two Women? How are  you related? View Sophia Loren’s Geni Profile

On September 19, 1928, actor Adam West was born. While West is most notable for his lead role in the 1960’s Batman TV series, today he is known for playing eccentric mayor, Adam West, on the animated TV show, Family Guy. How are you related to Adam West? View Adam West’s Geni Profile

On September 16, 1924, actress Lauren Bacall was born. Known for her husky voice and sultry looks, Bacall earned multiple awards for her performances in film and Broadway. How are you related? View Lauren Bacall’s Geni Profile

Today, September 15, marks Prince Harry’s 27th birthday. As the youngest son of Prince Charles and Princes Diana, he is third in the line of succession to the throne of the United Kingdom and the other Commonwealth Realms. Check out his family tree and see how you’re related! View Prince Harry’s Geni Profile

Today we remember dancer Isadora Duncan, who passed away on September 14, 1927. Dubbed the creator of modern dance, Duncan broke away from convention and developed free, emotional and natural movements. How are you related? View Isadora Duncan’s Geni Profile

Today, we remember American rapper and actor Tupac Shakur, who died on September 13, 1996. Even after his death, Shakur has become one of the best selling music artists in the world, having sold over 75 million albums worldwide. Check out his Geni profile and perhaps you can help build his family tree! View Tupac Shakur’s Geni Profile

At this Saturday’s 2011 Creative Arts Primetime Emmy Awards, Justin Timberlake took home two Emmys for his work on Saturday Night Live. Check out his family tree and see how you’re related! View Justin Timberlake’s Geni Profile

On September 9, 1960, British actor Hugh Grant was born. Grant achieved international fame in films such as Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones’s Diary and Love Actually. Check out how you’re related to Hugh Grant! View Hugh Grant’s Geni Profile

On September 8, 1925, British actor Peter Sellers was born. Sellers gained international fame for playing the inept French police inspector, Jacque Clousau, in The Pink Panther film series. Check out Peter Seller’s family tree on Geni and see how you’re related! View Peter Sellers’s Geni Profile

On September 7, 1533, Elizabeth I was born at Greenwich Palace. She was the second child of Henry VIII of England. Her reign is often referred to as the “Elizabethan Age,” during which England prospered and emerged as the dominant European power in politics, trade and the arts. How are you related? View Elizabeth I’s Geni Profile

On September 6, 1860, American social reformer and author Jane Addams was born. As a prominent leader of the Progressive Era and woman’s suffrage, Addams helped bring to the nation’s attention towards issues of public health and world peace. In 1931, she became the first American woman to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. Check out her family tree on Geni! View Jane Addams’s Geni Profile

On September 2, 1964 actor Keanu Reeves was born in Beirut, Lebanon. He is perhaps best known for his roles in Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Speed and The Matrix trilogy. Check out Keanue Reeves’s family tree and see how you’re related! View Keanu Reeves’s Geni Profile

It was recently announced that the remains of Australian folk hero Ned Kelly has been identified using DNA analysis. Scientists compared the remains with the DNA samples from the great grandson of Kelly’s sister, Ellen, which confirmed that the bones belonged to Kelly. In the late 19th century, Kelly led a gang of bank robbers in Australia and became a symbol of the Irish working class’s resistance against the oppression of the British ruling class in Australia. Check… Read the full story

On August 31, 1949, actor and activist Richard Gere was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Gere has starred in several highly successful films, including An Officer and a Gentleman, Pretty Woman, and Chicago. Did you know Gere is a descendant of Mayflower Pilgrims Francis Eaton, John Billington, George Soule, Richard Warren, Degory Priest and Francis Cooke? How are you related? View Richard Gere’s Geni Profile

Last night it was announced that Chaz Bono, transgender advocate, writer and only child of Cher and Sonny Bono, would be joining the cast of Dancing With the Stars. Chaz will be the first openly transgender contestant in the history of the show. Are you excited to watch the dancing competition’s 13th season? View Chaz Bono’s Geni Profile

Yesterday at the MTV Video Music Awards, Beyoncé Knowles announced that she and husband Jay-Z are expecting their first child. Congratulations to the happy couple! Check out Beyoncé’s growing family tree and see how you’re related! View Beyoncé Knowles’s Geni Profile

American actress Loretta Young began her career as a child actor in silent films. Throughout her long and varied career, Young earned accolades for her acting, winning an Academy Award for best actress in 1948 for her role in the film The Farmer’s Daughter. How are you related? View Loretta Young’s Geni Profile

Yesterday, August 24, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs announced he would be stepping down as the company’s CEO. Born in San Francisco, California, Jobs was adopted by Paul and Clara Jobs. In the late 1970s, he co-founded Apple with Steve Wozniak and through Jobs’s leadership, transformed the company into one of the largest and most profitable companies in the world. Check out his family tree on Geni! View Steve Jobs’s Geni Profile

On August 24, 1899, Argentine writer and poet Jorge Luis Borges was born. Considered one of Latin America’s greatest writers, Borges’s works significantly contributed to the science fiction genre and focused on the “magic of realism.” His most famous works of fiction include Ficciones and The Aleph. How are you related? View Jorge Luis Borges’s Geni Profile

Today we remember writer and theatrical producer Oscar Hammerstein II, who passed away on August 23, 1960. Noted as one of the most influential lyricists in American theater, Hammerstein won eight Tony awards and two Oscars for “Best Original Song.” Along with his partner Richard Rodgers, Hammerstein brought to life some of the most memorable Broadway musicals, including Oklahoma!, The King and I, and The Sound of Music. View Oscar Hammerstein II’s Geni Profile

On August 19, 1883, French fashion designer Coco Chanel was born. Chanel believed that “luxery must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” Her classic designs, including the Chanel suit and the “little black dress,” are still highly popular today. How are you related? View Coco Chanel’s Geni Profile

On August 18, 1952 actor Patrick Swayze was born in Houston, Texas. Today, he is fondly remembered as the romantic lead in the films Dirty Dancing and Ghost. Sadly, Swayze lost his battle with cancer on September 14, 2009. How are you related? View Patrick Swayze’s Geni Profile

On August 17, 1943, actor and director Robert De Niro was born. Considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, De Niro has played many memorable roles in such films as Taxi Driver, Goodfellas and The Godfather Part II, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Check out his family tree on Geni! View Robert De Niro’s Geni Profile

On August 16, 1948 Major League baseball player Babe Ruth died at the age of 53. One of the first players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Ruth is widely regarded as one of the greatest sports heroes in history. Check out Babe Ruth’s family tree on Geni! Perhaps you can help connect him to our World Family Tree! View Babe Ruth’s Geni Profile

Today, India celebrates its Independence Day. On August 15, 1947, India officially elected Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as its first Prime Minister. During the Indian independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi lead the campaign for independence through non-violent protest. His leadership has inspired civil rights movements throughout the world. Check out his profile on Geni! View Mahatma Gandhi’s Geni Profile

On August 12, 1881, award-winning director Cecil B. DeMille was born. DeMille was as a pioneering film director of both silent and sound films and a dominant force in Hollywood throughout his career. His best known films include The Ten Commandments, Cleopatra, and The Greatest Show on Earth. Check out his family tree and see how you’re related! View Cecil B. DeMille’s Geni Profile

Today we remember Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who passed away on August 11, 2009 at the age of 88. Shriver was the sister of President John F. Kennedy and a passionate advocate for children’s health and disability issues. She founded the Special Olympics, the world’s largest sports organization for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Check out her family tree and see how you’re related! View Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s Geni Profile