Bess Armstrong, born December 11, 1953, is an accomplished American actress known for her diverse roles in film, television, and stage productions. She gained recognition for her performances in notable films such as The Four Seasons (1981), High Road to China (1983), Jaws 3-D (1983), and Nothing in Common (1986). Armstrong's career began with an Off-Off Broadway debut in Harmony House in 1975, leading to her television debut in 1977 on the CBS sitcom On Our Own. She achieved widespread acclaim in the 1990s for her role as Patty Chase in the series My So-Called Life, and has since appeared in various television films and series, displaying her versatility as an actress. Armstrong has also made appearances in popular shows such as Castle, Mad Men, NCIS, S.W.A.T., and Grey's Anatomy. Her personal life includes marriage to John Fiedler and speaking openly about her abortion in the book The Choices We Made: Twenty-Five Women and Men Speak Out About Abortion. With a continuing presence in film, television, and stage productions, Bess Armstrong remains an influential figure in the entertainment industry.

Elizabeth Virginia Truman, born Elizabeth Virginia Wallace on February 13, 1885, was the longest-lived First Lady of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953 as the wife of President Harry S. Truman. She was born in Independence, Missouri, and was known for her strong opinions about privacy and the responsibilities of a spouse, shaped by the suicide of her father when she was 18. After marrying Harry in 1919, she managed the Truman household and played a significant role in her husband's political career. As First Lady, Bess avoided social obligations and media attention whenever possible, choosing to keep her opinions private. Despite her privacy, she influenced her husband's presidency through their private conversations. After their tenure in the White House, Bess lived in retirement at her home in Independence until her death in 1982. Known for her devotion to privacy, limited historical analysis exists about her performance as First Lady or her influence on her husband's presidency. Her early life was marked by her father's suicide, and she took responsibility for raising her younger brothers. She graduated from Independence High School and studied at Miss Barstow's Finishing School for Girls in Kansas City, Missouri. Bess and Harry S. Truman met in school but did not form a closer bond until later in life due to various factors.

Elizabeth Talbot, Countess of Shrewsbury, widely known as Bess of Hardwick, was a prominent figure in Elizabethan English society. Through strategic marriages, she ascended to the highest echelons of English nobility and amassed great wealth. Bess was renowned for her astute business acumen, expanding her fortune through ventures such as mining and glass-making. Her marriage to George Talbot, 6th Earl of Shrewsbury, who was involved in the captivity of Mary, Queen of Scots, further elevated her status.Not only a savvy businesswoman, Bess was also an accomplished needlewoman, collaborating with her husband on the renowned Oxburgh Hangings. Her legacy includes the preservation of an extensive 400-year-old collection of textiles, now known as the Hardwick Hall textiles.Famed for her architectural endeavors, Bess is celebrated for her construction projects, particularly Chatsworth and Hardwick Hall. Her upbringing in the minor gentry family of Hardwick transformed with her fourth marriage, propelling her to the esteemed title of "countess" and positioning her as one of the wealthiest women in the kingdom.Bess's early life is shrouded in mystery, with limited details known about her upbringing. However, her remarkable journey from modest origins to becoming a leading figure in Elizabethan England is a testament to her exceptional abilities and resilience.

Bess Motta, born Bess Motter on February 10, 1958, is an accomplished American actress, singer, choreographer, and exercise demonstrator. She gained recognition for her role in the Canadian television series "20 Minute Workout," which aired from 1983 to 1984. Hailing from Woodland Hills, California, Motta is credited with popularizing TV aerobics and is often referred to as the "Aerobics queen of the 1980s." Her journey as a fitness advocate began after returning from England 30 pounds overweight. In addition to her television work, she had a notable appearance in "The Terminator" as Linda Hamilton's roommate, Ginger, in 1984. Motta's diverse talent also led her to portray Rita, a friendly and vibrant waitress, in the syndicated show "New Monkees" in 1987. Her contributions extended to appearing in the early seasons of "The Home Show." Motta's insights have been shared in various interviews and appearances, including her participation in ComicCon events and an engaging discussion on Ken Reid's TV Guidance Counselor Podcast in December 2014. For more information, visit her official website and IMDb profile.

Bess Lomax Hawes (January 21, 1921 – November 27, 2009) was an influential American folk musician, folklorist, and researcher. Born in Austin, Texas, she was immersed in folk music from an early age due to her father's work as the Honorary Curator of American folk songs at the Library of Congress. Hawes excelled at classical piano and later learned to play the guitar, developing a deep passion for folk music. She made significant contributions to the folk music scene, being an on-and-off member of the Almanac Singers and actively involved in the folk music scene in New York City during the early 1940s.Hawes was recognized for her pioneering teaching method, which involved instructing large groups of people simultaneously and played a crucial role in the folk music revival of the 1950s and 1960s. She moved to California in the 1950s, where she continued to teach and perform at local clubs and folk festivals. Later in her career, she held prominent positions at institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution, where she organized the 1976 Bicentennial Festival of American Folklife on the National Mall.Her legacy lives on through her influential teaching method and her significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of American folk music and traditions. Bess Lomax Hawes remains an iconic figure in the history of American folk music and folklore.