Famous snakes: 12 of the best people and things born in the Year of the Snake

Apple launched this portable music player in 2001, effectively eliminating bulkier competitors like the Walkman and Discman. Apple honcho Steve Jobs described it as a product that put “1,000 songs in your pocket”. It would eventually evolve into other varieties, like the iPod Mini, iPod Nano, iPod Video, iPod Touch and iPod Shuffle.

The iPod’s influence extended beyond music. It inspired the advent of Bluetooth speakers and even influenced the creation of the podcast.

Today, the Star Wars franchise, including TV shows and merchandise, is worth tens of billions. It all started with the first film, Star Wars: A New Hope, which premiered in 1977.

The film set new standards for special effects and storytelling and paved the way for modern blockbuster filmmaking, inspiring the likes of Jurassic Park and The Avengers. Pop culture experts also credit the start of fandom culture to George Lucas’ masterpiece.

The inaugural Academy Awards was held on May 16, 1929, at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, in Los Angeles. The private dinner had 270 guests and honoured films released between 1927 and 1928. Over the decades, the Oscars has evolved into a global cultural event, influencing filmmaking trends and reflecting societal shifts. Despite criticisms of bias and lack of diversity, the annual event continues to shape the cultural landscape, serving as a measure of the entertainment industry’s evolving values.

This classic musical film, which was released in 1965, marks its 60th anniversary this year. The Sound of Music showcased the box-office potential of musicals. It became the highest-grossing film of the period and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Robert Wise.

Earworms like “Do-Re-Mi” and “My Favorite Things” have become cultural staples. Meanwhile, the movie’s themes of love, family and resilience against authoritarianism that resonated deeply during the 1960s continue to be relevant today.

The biggest pop star in the world was born on December 13, 1989. With a net worth estimated at over US$1 billion, she is one of the highest-earning musicians in the world. Swift has sold over 200 million albums worldwide, boasts more than 100 million monthly listeners on Spotify and has 14 Grammy Awards.

Her legend lies in her ability to evolve with every album and relate to her fans through her biographical songwriting style. Swift’s current boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, was also born in 1989.

Introduced in 1941 by William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman made history as one of the first female superheroes in comic books. Her Amazonian origin and feminist ideals, including empowerment, justice and equality, resonated during the early waves of the women’s rights movements. Now, Wonder Woman remains a cultural icon, representing strength, independence and resilience. Thanks to the DC Studios, her influence has only gotten stronger.

Also read: How the Lunar New Year is celebrated in different countries across Asia

The Tropic Thunder star was born on April 4, 1965. Notorious for his fall from grace at the (first) peak of his career, Robert Downey Jr’s comeback story is proof that anyone can climb out of rock bottom. After getting some much-needed help, Downey returned to work in high gear—landing the iconic role of Iron Man, which ultimately launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After 10 years of superhero flying, he won a long-awaited Academy Award for his nuanced portrayal of former United States Secretary of Commerce Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer.

Launched in 2001 by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger, Wikipedia transformed how people access and share information. For better or worse, it also democratised knowledge thanks to its free content and open-editing model. Wikipedia challenged traditional media, fostered global communication and reshaped education. Despite some issues over its accuracy and fact-checking policies, the network has inarguably revolutionised research and learning.

The 25-year-old Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne upon the death of her father, George VI, in 1952. Her official coronation happened a little over a year later on June 2, 1953. It was the first British coronation to be televised live, reaching millions and symbolising a new era of accessibility and connection for the monarchy.

The late Queen’s reign spanned seven decades, making her the second-longest-reigning monarch in history. Her legacy includes championing public service, fostering Commonwealth unity and adapting the monarchy to contemporary expectations, ensuring its relevance even in the 21st century.

Louis Cartier designed the first Cartier Tank watch in 1917. Inspired by military tanks used during the Great War, as well as the current Art Deco aesthetic, its rectangular case and sleek lines have become an icon of horological design.

The watch was first gifted to General John Pershing, solidifying its status as a luxury item. Over time, the Tank has evolved into multiple variations, including the Tank Française, Tank Américaine and Tank Solo. Famous people who have sported a Tank include Jackie Kennedy, Yves Saint Laurent and Andy Warhol.

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