One of the most influential voices of the American women’s movement, renowned journalist and activist Gloria Steinem, has died at the age of 92. According to her foundation, she passed away peacefully at her home in New York on September 2.

Her name has long been synonymous with feminism in the United States. For decades, she spoke openly about issues that were once routinely swept under the rug: women’s right to make their own decisions about their bodies, domestic violence, sexual harassment, inequality in the workplace and women’s participation in politics.

Here are some facts about the remarkable life and legacy of Gloria Steinem.

1. Her legendary investigation began with a job as a «Playboy Bunny»

One of the most famous episodes of her career came in 1963. Using a false name, Steinem got a job as a waitress at the iconic Playboy Club in New York.

For nearly two weeks, she worked there as a so-called «Bunny» to see firsthand what working conditions were like for the women employed at the club. The experience resulted in a widely discussed investigative piece for Show magazine.

Steinem wrote about low wages, uncomfortable corsets, hours spent working in high heels, humiliating medical examinations and sexual harassment from wealthy customers.

The article brought her widespread recognition and demonstrated that journalism could be more than a way of telling a story — it could also be a tool for challenging systemic injustice.

2. She became one of the leading voices of feminism

In 1968, Steinem joined the team that launched New York magazine, where she worked as an editor and political columnist. A year later, she published an article titled «After Black Power — Women’s Liberation».

The piece helped establish her as one of the leading figures of the American women’s movement.

3. Steinem helped launch Ms. magazine

In 1972, Gloria Steinem became a co-founder of Ms. magazine. The publication quickly grew into one of the most important platforms of the feminist movement.

Its pages tackled domestic violence, sexual harassment, abortion and discrimination against women openly — subjects that traditional media often avoided.

Steinem herself also wrote for the magazine about violence against women, including female genital mutilation.

4. She publicly spoke about her own illegal abortion

Gloria Steinem had an abortion in 1957, when the procedure was illegal in the United States. However, she did not publicly discuss the experience until 1969.

Her personal story became part of the broader fight for women’s reproductive rights. During the 1970s, Steinem was among the most prominent activists advocating for women’s right to make their own decisions about pregnancy.

5. She wanted women to have a real political voice

In 1971, Steinem helped establish the National Women’s Political Caucus.

The organization was created to increase women’s representation in American political life and help them gain a genuine influence over decision-making.

That same year, Steinem delivered her famous «Address to the Women of America» speech, in which she described the fight for equality not simply as a reform, but as a revolutionary transformation of society.

6. Her quotes became part of feminist history

Steinem had a talent for expressing complex ideas in a concise and striking way. Among her most famous statements is: «If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacred right».

Another memorable line attributed to her reads: «The truth will set you free. But first, it will piss you off».

7. She challenged traditional gender roles, but married at 66

For decades, Steinem was critical of the traditional institution of marriage and spoke openly about her decision not to have children.

Her relationships included several prominent men, among them financier Franklin Thomas and Oscar-winning director Mike Nichols.

Yet in 2000, the activist surprised many people when she married at the age of 66. Her husband was David Bale — a South African businessman and environmental activist, and the father of Hollywood actor Christian Bale.

8. Barack Obama recognized her contribution to society

In 2013, then-US President Barack Obama presented Gloria Steinem with the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the highest civilian honor in the United States.

It was one of the most significant official recognitions of her decades-long work for women’s rights and gender equality.

 

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In addition to Ms., Steinem also helped establish the Ms. Foundation for Women and the Women’s Media Center — organizations dedicated to supporting women and strengthening their presence in the media and public life.

9. Her story was brought to the screen

In 2020, Julie Taymor’s biographical film «The Glorias» was released. The film explores the life of the writer and activist, with Julianne Moore, Alicia Vikander and Timothy Hutton portraying the main roles.

That same year, the series «Dear Ms.» premiered, with Rose Byrne portraying Gloria Steinem.

Photo: Instagram @gloriasteinem

Today, Céline Dion celebrates her 58th birthday. Her powerful voice, emotional ballads, and hits that have become pop classics have captivated millions of listeners and made her a true icon of the global music scene. From her victory at the Eurovision Song Contest to triumphs with Hollywood film songs – Dion’s career impresses in both scale and influence.

On the occasion of her birthday, we have gathered the most interesting facts about the singer to offer a fresh perspective on her.

She comes from a very large family

Céline is the youngest of 14 children. Her family was musical, and she began singing as a child.

First song written at age 12

Together with her mother and brother, Céline wrote Ce n’était qu’un rêve, which effectively marked the beginning of her career.

First manager mortgaged his own home for her career

Her future husband and manager, René Angélil, believed so strongly in young Céline’s talent that he mortgaged his own home to finance her first album.

Initially didn’t sing in English

At first, Dion was popular only in the Francophone world. She gained international fame among English-speaking audiences later.

Eurovision victory

In 1988, Céline represented Switzerland and won the contest, even though she is Canadian.

Studied singing after early success

Despite early popularity, at 18 she took a break to professionally train her voice and even revamp her image (including dental correction).

Unique vocals

Her vocal range and technique allow her to perform complex ballads effortlessly, making her a pop icon.

One of the most successful artists in history

Céline’s albums have sold over 200 million copies worldwide.

My Heart Will Go On almost didn’t happen

Initially, Céline didn’t want to record the main song for the film «Titanic», but it became her biggest hit.

Olympics performance

In 1996, Céline performed The Power of the Dream at the opening ceremony of the Summer Olympics.

Las Vegas record-holder

Her Las Vegas show became one of the most successful in music history, earning hundreds of millions and cementing her superstar status.

Break for family

At the height of her popularity in 1999, Céline paused her career to support her husband during his battle with cancer.

Own business

Céline launched perfume and accessory lines that became some of the most successful celebrity brands worldwide.

Love of sports

She is particularly fond of hockey – unsurprisingly for a Canadian; in 2009, she was even considered as a potential investor in the NHL’s Montreal Canadiens.

Sharp sense of humor

Although her image is often serious, she regularly jokes and parodies herself in shows and interviews.

Sang in multiple languages

In addition to French and English, Céline recorded songs in Spanish, Italian, German, and even Japanese.

Iconic live performances

Her concerts are known for live singing without backing tracks – a rare feat today.

Great personal loss

In 2016, her husband René Angélil passed away, one of the most difficult periods in her life.

Struggled with motherhood

Céline openly spoke about her challenging journey to having children and underwent IVF.

Battled a rare disease

In 2022, she revealed that she has stiff-person syndrome, affecting her ability to sing and perform.

Photo: depositphotos

Today, Reese Witherspoon celebrates her birthday – one of Hollywood’s most iconic blondes turns 50. Throughout her career, the actress has appeared in dozens of films and television series, gaining the greatest recognition for projects such as Legally Blonde, The Morning Show, and Big Little Lies.

To mark the occasion, we’ve compiled a selection of intriguing facts about the star that offer a fresh perspective on her life and career.

Her real name is quite different

In fact, the actress’s full name is Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon. «Reese» is her mother’s maiden name, which she adopted as her stage name.

Academy Award winner for a biographical role

In 2006, Witherspoon won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter in Walk the Line.

She began her career as a teenager

Her film debut came at the age of 14 in The Man in the Moon (1991), immediately drawing critical attention.

A successful producer

Reese is not only an actress but also the founder of the production company Hello Sunshine, known for creating stories centered on strong female characters.

A company worth hundreds of millions

In 2021, a controlling stake in Hello Sunshine was sold to investors for approximately $900 million.

An avid reader

Witherspoon runs her own Reese’s Book Club, which has a significant influence on the U.S. publishing market.

A driving force behind major adaptations

Thanks to her role as a producer, series like Big Little Lies and Little Fires Everywhere came to life.

Education at Stanford

She attended Stanford University, where she studied English literature, but later left to pursue her acting career.

A voice for equality in Hollywood

Reese активно advocates for gender equality, equal pay, and broader opportunities for women in the film industry.

Star on the Walk of Fame

Her name is immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Proud of her Southern roots

Born in New Orleans and raised in Nashville, her Southern background has clearly shaped her style and manner of speech.

Her own fashion brand

She founded Draper James, a brand inspired by the aesthetic of the American South.

Musical talent

For Walk the Line, she performed all of her own vocals.

An iconic role that almost went to someone else

Producers initially doubted her casting as Elle Woods, but Witherspoon insisted – and proved them wrong. The role became iconic.

Among the world’s most influential women

She has been repeatedly included in Forbes lists of the most influential women in the world.

Reese Witherspoon is a vivid example of how talent, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit can transform an actress into a true brand. And at 50, it seems she’s only gaining momentum.

Photo: Instagram @reesewitherspoon