Charles Gaines Writer and inventor
A successful writer, Gaines rode two huge waves in popular culture — creating the second one himself.
From This is True for 26 July 2026
writing
Book, article, TV & film writers, and journalists.
Bobby Hart Songwriter
Hart was relatively unknown, but if you were at all a fan of The Monkees, he was a big part of that.
From This is True for 14 September 2025
Stella Rimington Spy chief
Bond, James Bond: Judi Dench’s “M” is partly modeled on Rimington.
From This is True for 10 August 2025
Ihor Kalynets Ukrainian dissident
Kalynets was arrested in August 1972, tried in a secret court, convicted, and sentenced to 6 years of hard labor.
From This is True for 6 July 2025
Joseph Wambaugh Cop writer
Wambaugh changed the flavor of police shows from Adam-12 to gritty reality.
From This is True for 2 March 2025
Dan Morgenstern Jazz writer
Morgenstern wasn’t a musician, but he won 8 Grammy Awards for his extensive knowledge of Jazz.
From This is True for 8 September 2024
David Seidler Writer
His family fled World War II as he was turning 3, but he was still left with a profound impact.
From This is True for 24 March 2024
Tim Dorsey Florida Man
Dorsey was the ultimate Florida Man, with a twist.
From This is True for 3 December 2023