1

Roy Chapman Andrews - Indiana Jones

Image: Intricate Explorer

Roy Chapman Andrews was an American explorer, adventurer, naturalist, and paleontologist who made it out of brawls with pythons, a whale, and armed bandits. He was erroneously reported dead a couple of times and led expeditions across the deserts of China and Mongolia—despite having a fear of snakes . One might safely say that he was the real-life Indiana Jones.

Though neither George Lucas nor Steven Spielberg, the producers behind the franchise, have ever confirmed the claims, they are fully aware of the number of parallels between the movie hero and the former director of the American Museum of Natural History , who collected dinosaur eggs as a hobby. Even Andrews’ granddaughter, Sara Appelbee, believes that Indy was at least inspired by her grandpa.

2

Chuck Wepner - Rocky Balboa

Image: Luisa Frassier

A number of real-life pugilists are said to have inspired Silvester Stalone’s hero —or at least his iconic training methods, such as pulling carts or punching meat packs. Philly boxer Joe Frazier, who even had a cameo in the first movie, was one of them. Also, the nickname "Rocky" was taken from Rocco "Rocky" Francis Marchegiano, an Italian-American heavyweight champion who finished his career undefeated.

But the heart and soul of Rocky was the boxer, Chuck Wepner. Stalone has recounted many times that it was after watching Wepner give his all against the legendary Muhammed Ali that he got the idea for an underdog boxer who would never quit. Wepner’s career and his unyielding spirit later inspired other movies, like Chuck (2016) and The Brawler (2019).

3

Belva Gaertner & Beulah Annan - Velma Kelly & Roxie Hart

Image: tadah

In 1924, reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins covered courthouse stories for the Chicago Tribune . One day, she was asked to write about the trial cases of two women accused of shooting their partners. A few months later, she quit the Chicago Tribune and proceeded to publish a play she had written: Chicago .

The two women were Belva Gaertner and Beulah Annan, both by then acquitted of the charges of murdering their respective partners. The ever-changing accounts of their alibis for the crimes, as well as the audience’s fascination with them, was what inspired Watkins to write the characters of Velma Kelly and Roxie Hart , whose storylines closely resemble those of Gaertner and Annan. Watkins, who had described Gaertner and Annan as the "beauty of the cell block" and the "most stylish of Murderess Row," later sustained that she believed both women were guilty.

4

Draper Daniels & Mary Wells Lawrence - Don Draper & Peggy Olson

Image: S O C I A L . C U T

5

It is known that the multi-award-winning TV show Mad Men focused on showcasing the lifestyle and operations of grand advertising agencies from Madison Avenue, New York, in the mid-20th century. Although parts of the show were exaggerated for dramatic effect, some experts sustain that the anti-hero Don Draper was likely based on Draper Daniels—at least in terms of his career accomplishments.

Daniels was the creative director of the legendary agency Leo Burnett and led famous campaigns for Marlboro, a leading cigarette company in the 1950s. One can only hope that his personal life was less turbulent than that of the fictional character, but the show perfectly transmitted the ingenuity of a big-buck creative director . Did you know that his apprentice, Peggy Olson, was also based on a real-life publicist? It is believed that Mary Wells Lawrence , an advertising legend and pioneering female leader in the industry, inspired the character of Peggy, a hungry and charismatic young writer who is only at the beginning of a brilliant career.

6

William Randolph Hearst - Charles Foster Kane

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Citizen Kane (1941), widely considered one of the best films ever made, was famously inspired by the life of media mogul William Randolph Hearst. Charles Foster Kane, just like his real-life counterpart, rose from humble beginnings to immense wealth by building a newspaper empire . In this case, the history of personal scandal depicted in the movie did match reality.

Like Kane, Hearst had a mansion complete with private zoos and priceless art collections. Both men had political careers and a heavy presence in the press and media. Hearst did not take the movie lightly; the portrayal was so thinly veiled that the story offended him greatly, particularly the inclusion of a doomed romance that paralleled his relationship with actress Marion Davies.

7

Pocahontas

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We know that Disney's Pocahontas (1995) is a highly romanticized version of historical accounts, but Pocahontas indeed was a real-life Native American woman in the 1600s. The movie took great liberties with facts. For example, Pocahontas was only 10 or 11 years old when she met English newcomers, not the young woman suggested in the film.

She was indeed the daughter of Powhatan , their tribe chief, and early accounts claim that she intervened to prevent the execution of English sailor John Smith, though these tales have been disputed over the centuries. The story of her life, captivity, transformation to Christianism and marriage to John Rolfe have been represented in several films, plays, books, and paintings throughout time, even though historical records of her life are scarce.

8

Howard Hughes - Tony Stark

Image: Igor Bumba

Sure, perhaps Iron Man never existed. But Tony Stark might have, in a way. The billionaire genius who became Marvel's icon was heavily inspired by real-life American industrialist and aviator Howard Hughes. Both Stark and Hughes were visionary inventors, known for their technological prowess, complex personal lives, and eccentric personalities.

During his lifetime, Hughes was one of the richest and most influential people in the world, and, like Tony Stark, he behaved accordingly. Hughes had romantic entanglements with Hollywood stars and led a luxurious lifestyle. This was parodied in Stark’s playboy personality and his interactions with the press. Interestingly, Hughes, an enthusiastic pilot, carried several injuries he had sustained from being in four different plane crashes. These wounds were paralleled by those in Stark, who carried a literal gap in his body after an accident caused by a malfunction of his own technology.

9

Peggy Lee - Miss Piggy

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Yes, even Miss Piggy drew inspiration from a real person. That person was none other than Peggy Lee, the legendary jazz singer , songwriter, and actress with a 70-year-long career. Lee was known for her sultry voice and sassy but commanding stage presence, a diva superstar personality. Does that remind you of a certain Muppet?

Miss Piggy’s signature traits include her charm and her conviction that she is destined for stardom . Many of Peggy Lee's qualities, even physical traits like her blond hair, were gracefully taken in by Miss Piggy’s creators, but not all. For instance, the tendency to karate-chop Kermit the Frog when she is mad at him might have been ad-libbed.

10

The Unsinkable Molly Brown

Image: Jean-Christophe André

Molly Brown survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic, and her persona even made it to the 1997 James Cameron film. In it, Kathy Bates played Margaret Brown, aka "The Unsinkable" Molly Brown. A socialite, activist, and philanthropist, she showed stellar leadership and bravery during the disaster as a first-class passenger who helped several people into lifeboats before being forced to board one herself.

In the movie, she is portrayed as a strong, outspoken woman ready to defy social conventions and eager to make space for more people in the lifeboats. Reportedly, that night in 1912, she insisted that the boat return to save others, but her pleas were ignored. Real-life Molly Brown was known for her flamboyant personality ; she spoke several languages and traveled extensively. She even tried her hand at acting.

11

Buzz Aldrin - Buzz Lightyear

Image: Kindel Media

Finally, it must be said: Buzz Lightyear was named and designed in honor of none other than Buzz Aldrin, the second person to walk on the Moon . Of course, as one of the faces and emblems of space exploration, Aldrin served as a direct inspiration for the beloved space ranger from the Toy Story franchise.

Sure, Buzz Lightyear was just a toy, but the yearning in his eyes when he looked at the stars was powerful enough to represent any astronaut. Was Aldrin honored by this nod to him? Yes, he even participated in several Disney events where both Buzzes discussed space travel, and the real astronaut gave the character advice about venturing "to infinity and beyond."

1

Sleep routine

Image: Tina Witherspoon

Your body is a routine animal. If you eat at a certain time, you’ll probably feel hungry around that same time the next day. If you go to sleep at a certain hour, you’ll likely feel sleepy at that same hour the next day.

Use this to your advantage by sticking to a consistent sleep schedule , both for going to bed and for waking up. If you do this consistently, your body will embrace this routine, and it will start to come naturally.

2

Food and drinks

Image: Kelsey Chance

Avoid going to bed shortly after a large meal. Your digestive system will stay active for a long period of time potentially keeping you awake until it finishes processing the food and drink you've consumed.

The same goes for alcohol: while it might make you feel drowsy at first, it can disrupt your sleep later in the night.

3

Create a good sleeping environment

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A dark, quiet, and cool bedroom makes for a good sleeping environment . Your senses will continue capturing and processing any light or sound present in your bedroom, which is why it is important to minimize these distractions as much as possible.

4

Avoid long naps

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This one is quite straightforward: your body only requires a certain amount of sleep , and if you use up a large portion of it during the day, you may find yourself staying awake longer at night. While a short, 20-minute nap during the day can help restore your energy, a longer rest period will subtract from your nighttime sleep.

5

Physical activity

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Regular physical activity and spending time outside every day are great ways to promote better sleep at night. However, it’s important to avoid physical exercise if you are too close to your bedtime to avoid overstimulation.

6

Avoid going to bed with worries

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Whatever worries you may have in your life, try to avoid thinking about them while you're trying to sleep. Stressful thoughts can delay sleep and create anxiety , leading to less-than-optimal rest. Instead, write down any issues you need to deal with and save them for the next day.

7

Light exposure

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Spending time in natural sunlight or bright light during the day can help keep your circadian rhythm healthy and, in turn, improve your daytime energy and enhance the quality and duration of your sleep at night.

In contrast, avoid exposure to screens for at least half an hour before going to bed. Nighttime light exposure can have the opposite effect from daytime exposure because it reduces your levels of melatonin, which helps you relax and get deep sleep.

8

No alcohol before bedtime

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As mentioned earlier, drinking alcohol before bedtime is not recommended . Alcohol can cause or worsen symptoms of sleep apnea, increase snoring, and disrupt normal sleep patterns. It also alters nighttime melatonin production, which plays a key role in regulating your body’s circadian rhythm.

9

A good bed and pillow

Image: Andrew Neel

Poor-quality bedding can lead to increased lower back pain , making it harder to sleep well. Firm and medium-firm mattresses are available at different price ranges and can be a good choice for comfort and to avoid back pain.

Pillows should not cause neck pain, either. Find a pillow that isn’t too high and offers comfort for your sleep style. It will make for a better rest, and your body will thank you in the morning.

10

No liquids right before bed

Image: Steve Johnson

There’s nothing wrong with being hydrated during your sleep time, but having to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom is not great. If this happens repeatedly, it can negatively affect your sleep quality and daytime energy.

To minimize interruptions, try reducing your fluid intake in the last hour before bed . This can help lower the chances of waking up during the night.

11

Good sleeping temperature

Image: Vin Jack

One way to guarantee uncomfortable sleep is a bedroom that’s either too cold or too hot . The ideal temperature can vary based on the individual, but most research suggests that sleeping in a cooler room—around 65 to 68 degrees—is optimal.

12

At least seven hours of sleep

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Each age group requires a different amount of sleep each night, but for most people, seven hours is the bare minimum to ensure proper rest. If you have a specific wake-up time, calculate a target bedtime that allows for at least seven hours of sleep . Give yourself extra time before bed to wind down and prepare for sleep whenever possible.

1

"The Star-Spangled Banner"

Arguably the most quintessential American song of all , its lyrics originated as a poem during the War of 1812, inspired by the experiences of Francis Scott Key during the British bombardment of Fort McHenry.

Surviving several controversies —from the violent content of its full lyrics to whether it is (or isn’t) easy to sing— "The Star-Spangled Banner", officially adopted as the U.S.’s national anthem in 1931, is now a symbol of unity and pride for many Americans.

2

"America the Beautiful"

Once a strong contender for the official U.S. national anthem, this song celebrates the beauty of America, from the ideals upon which it was founded to the natural wonders within its borders .

Written by Katharine Lee Bates in 1893 and inspired by the landscape of Pikes Peak in Colorado, the song reflects the American dream of a more just and unified nation.

3

"This Land Is Your Land"

A 1940 folk song by Woody Guthrie, this song was written as a response to idealized patriotism that overlooked the everyday struggles of the common American citizen .

A product of a society that was still overcoming the Great Depression, the song emphasizes the idea of the country as belonging to all its people.

4

Yankee Doodle

Originally written by British soldiers in 1755 to mock colonial soldiers during the French and Indian War, and popularized during the Revolutionary War the song was later reclaimed by American soldiers after the Battle of Yorktown and turned into a symbol of independence.

What was initially meant as a mockery of " Yankee" (a New Englander) " doodle" (a fool or simpleton) became a source of pride and one of the most iconic American nursery rhymes.

5

"Georgia on My Mind"

Composed in the 1930s by Hoagy Carmichael with lyrics by Stuart Gorrell, but famously covered by Ray Charles in 1960, this heartfelt ballad became an anthem for Southern nostalgia and love for the land .

A powerful ode to homesickness, it was adopted as the official state song of Georgia in 1979.

6

"I Walk the Line"

Released in 1956 by country legend Johnny Cash, this iconic hit works as a pledge of devotion and faithfulness in the face of temptation.

Despite being written by Cash for his first wife Vivian, the song has since been widely interpreted as a promise of staying true to oneself.

7

"Take Me Home, Country Roads"

One of the most well-known country songs of all time, the lyrics of "Take Me Home, Country Roads" were in part inspired by Maryland’s scenery as songwriter John Denver returned home for a family reunion.

Adopted as one of the official state anthems of West Virginia (due to a mention of the state in the lyrics), the song captures the fond feelings and sense of nostalgia associated with one’s hometown .

8

"Fortunate Son"

The anti-war anthem of the late 1960s, Creedence Clearwater Revival’s "Fortunate Son" , first recorded in 1969, critiques a flawed system that favors the privileged few .

Addressing inequalities in the U.S. military draft system, which often excused those well-connected or placed them in safe positions while others were sent to the front lines, the song’s message has remained relevant for decades.

9

"Sweet Home Alabama"

Written in part as a response to Neil Young's "Southern Man" and "Alabama," which were interpreted by some as blaming the entirety of the South for slavery and segregation, the 1974 Lynyrd Skynyrd song "Sweet Home Alabama" became an anthem of Southern pride in the face of prejudice and generalizations.

Sadly, the song has sometimes been misinterpreted as favorable towards segregationist policies, though members of the band have expressed their opposition to these ideas.

10

"Born in the U.S.A."

Famously considered an anthem of national pride, many fail to recognize Bruce Springsteen’s "Born in the U.S.A." (1984) as a song of protest, written during the aftermath of the Vietnam War .

Describing the alienation suffered by returning veterans, its lyrics reflect the disillusionment of those who had defended American ideals, only to feel abandoned upon their return.