Relish RBG’s pop culture fame
Ruth Bader Ginsburg lived a storied life. In 1972, she became the first tenured female professor at Columbia Law School. In 1980, she was appointed to the U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. In 1993, she became the second woman to serve on the Supreme Court. It wasn’t until much later in her career, though, that she achieved celebrity status. Here’s how:
Books
“Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.” In 2013, law student Shana Knizhnik created a Tumblr account celebrating Ginsburg after her memorable dissent in Shelby County v. Holder, a voting- rights case. Knizhnik gave the justice an alter ego, Notorious R. B. G. — a play on rapper Notorious B. I. G. —
and overnight, Ginsburg’s face was plastered on stickers, memes and Tshirts. Two years later, Knizhnik and Irin Carmon, a journalist, wrote “Notorious RBG,” a breezy chronicle of the justice’s life told through illustrations, archival photographs and intimate interviews. The Tumblr site started by Knizhnik, meanwhile, now also hosts an online store, replete with R. B. G.- themed hats, mugs, totes, onesies and more.
“I Dissent: Ruth Bader Ginsburg Makes Her Mark.” In 2016, author Debbie Levy and illustrator Elizabeth Baddeley published this biographical picture book, a whimsical take on the justice’s early obstacles and notable dissents. In 2019, Levy followed up with another picture book, “Becoming RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Journey to Justice.”
“The RBG Workout: How She Stays Strong ... and You Can Too.” Ginsburg was known for staying fit well into her 80s, hitting the gym twice a week with her personal trainer, Bryant Johnson. In 2017, Johnson published this illustrated exercise book featuring the justice’s own workout.
Television
“The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” You can see the justice work out for yourself in a 2018 episode of “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert.” Wearing one of her “super diva” sweatshirts, Ginsburg invites Colbert to do push- ups and planks along to opera music. And he struggles to keep up.
“Saturday Night Live.” Ginsburg is among Kate McKinnon’s most beloved “Saturday Night Live” impressions. The actress portrayed the justice in a 2012 skit and later returned with friskier impersonations on “Weekend Update” segments.
Film
“RBG.” The 2018 documentary “RBG,” by directors Betsy West and Julie Cohen, gives viewers an unfiltered look at Ginsburg’s personal and professional triumphs.
“On the Basis of Sex.” Months after “RBG” hit theaters, this biopic followed. The drama, starring Felicity Jones and Armie Hammer, revisits the justice’s early days as a lawyer struggling to find work.