JANUARY 23: TODAY'S INSPIRING WOMEN

Camilla Collett

Camilla Collett was born in 1813. A Norwegian writer, she was an early contributor to Norwegian literary realism, and a pioneer in Nordic feminism. Her polemics called for social and political change to expand women’s education and opportunities, opposing bringing up girls to be reticent and self-sacrificing.

Irene Sharaff

Irene Sharaff, a costume designer for 40 movies and 60 Broadway shows, was born in 1910. Her work earned her five Academy Awards and a Tony Award.

Broadway actress Chita Rivera was born today in 1933. She would go on to become the first 'Anita' in the Broadway production of West Side Story, and win two Tony awards for other roles. Of Puerto Rican descent, Rivera is also the first Latina woman and the only Latino American to ever receive a Kennedy Center Honors award.

Chita Rivera

Deeper Dive

Cleopatra (1963) was one of the many films Irene Sharaff worked on as a costume designer -- eventually winning an Academy Award for her work. Learn more about the famous designs.