Morton Downey Jr. (December 9, 1932 – March 12, 2001) was an American television talk show host and actor, known for pioneering the "trash TV" format in the late 1980s with his program The Morton Downey Jr. Show. Born into a show business family, with a popular singer father and a mother who was a stage and film actress, Downey's roots were deeply embedded in the entertainment industry. He initially pursued a career in music, recording in both pop and country styles, and later transitioned to radio, working as a program director and announcer in various markets across the U.S. Downey's most significant impact on American culture stemmed from his syndicated late 1980s television talk show, characterized by its confrontational and abrasive style, which often resulted in heated arguments and physical confrontations among guests and audience members. Despite its controversial nature, the show gained a dedicated following and made Downey a pop culture celebrity. His career was not without its controversies, including his anti-abortion activism and financial struggles that led to bankruptcy. Downey's legacy remains intertwined with the evolution of sensationalist talk show formats and their impact on popular culture.

Morton Downey, also known as John Morton Downey, was an American singer and entertainer who gained popularity in the United States during the early 20th century. Born in Wallingford, Connecticut, to a well-known family, Downey's singing career began in the choir of Most Holy Trinity Church in his hometown. Known for his creamy and high-timbred Irish tenor voice, he achieved success in the late 1920s and early 1930s. Downey's singing style was characterized by highly artificial and "heady" male pop vocals, which eventually fell out of fashion in the mid-1930s. He made numerous recordings and also appeared in movies, including the first film released by RKO Radio Pictures, "Syncopation" (1929). Downey's influence extended to other artists, notably the famous tenor vocalist Bill Kenny. He transitioned to national radio broadcasts in the 1930s and later ventured into television in the late 1940s. Downey's personal life included marriages to actress Barbara Bennett, Peggy Boyce Schulze, and Ann Trainer, with whom he had children. He passed away in 1985 at the age of 83 in Palm Beach, Florida.

Morton C. Blackwell, born on November 16, 1939 in La Jara, Colorado, is a prominent American conservative activist. He is renowned as the founder and president of the Leadership Institute, a non-profit educational foundation that imparts political technology to conservative activists. Blackwell also holds the position of Virginia's national committeeman on the Republican National Committee. With a rich political background, he has served in various roles within the Republican Party, including as a College Republican state chairman and a Young Republican state chairman in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Blackwell's extensive involvement in youth politics and his leadership roles have solidified his influence within the party. Notably, he has been elected as Virginia's Republican National Committeeman multiple times and has also served on the Executive Committee of the RNC. Blackwell's political expertise and commitment to conservative values have positioned him as a specialist in matters relating to the rules of the Republican Party. His impactful contributions and endorsements in the Republican Party presidential primaries have further elevated his standing within the political sphere.

Morton Peto Betts (30 August 1847 – 19 April 1914) was a prominent English sportsman, known for his accomplishments in football, cricket, and as a referee. Born to a family with ties to civil engineering and railway entrepreneurship, Betts received his education at Harrow School. His most notable achievement came in the 1872 FA Cup Final, where he scored the first goal for Wanderers, securing a significant place in the tournament's history. Betts also made a mark in cricket, with appearances for Middlesex and Kent County Cricket Clubs. Beyond his athletic pursuits, he played an active role in the administration of sports, contributing to the founding of the Kent Football Association and serving on the Football Association's board for two decades. Later in life, he married twice and moved to France before his passing in Menton at the age of 66. Morton Peto Betts left a lasting legacy as a multifaceted sports figure and administrator.

Morton A. Kaplan (May 9, 1921 – September 26, 2017) was an influential American political scientist and Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science, Emeritus, at the University of Chicago. He also served as the President of the Professors World Peace Academy International and was the Editor of the World&I magazine from 1986 to 2004. Kaplan's academic journey began at Temple University and Stanford University, culminating in a Ph.D. from Columbia University in 1951. His groundbreaking works include "Science, Language and the Human Condition," "Law in a Democratic Society," and "System and Process in International Politics," which introduced the innovative concept of systems analysis to the study of international relations. Kaplan's analytical tool aimed to classify various types of international state systems, challenging traditional perspectives. However, his work received mixed reviews, with critiques from scholars such as Kenneth E. Boulding and Charles Kindleberger. Additionally, Kaplan co-authored "The Political Foundations of International Law" and edited "The Many Faces of Communism," showcasing his diverse interests and critical perspectives. Kaplan's contributions significantly impacted the field of political science and international relations, solidifying his legacy as a prominent figure in academia and global affairs.