BORN ON THIS DAY

J. EDGAR HOOVER (18951972). The first FBI director, in post for 48 years, blackmailed everyone from politicians to judges, one of whom said he ‘was like a sewer that collected dirt.’ on screen, he’s been played by, among others, Bob hoskins, kelsey Grammer and leonardo DiCaprio. Joe Orton (1933-1967). The playwright from leicester was compared to oscar Wilde during his lifetime and fans included the Beatles, who asked him to write a film script for them, though it was never made. he was murdered with a hammer by his lover and mentor, kenneth halliwell, in their Islington bedsit.