Google doodles

[9A]

May 27, 2022

Celebrating Jimmy Little




Today’s Doodle illustrated by guest artist Dixon Patten—a traditional descendant from the Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, and Dhuduroa people—celebrates Indigenous Australian singer-songwriter, guitarist, actor, and advocate Dr. James “Jimmy” Oswald Little. Over an illustrious 60-year career, Little championed the music, health, and education of Indigenous Australian communities as a cultural ambassador and musical sensation. On this day in 2003, Little was awarded the Red Ochre Award for his lifelong contribution to the recognition of Indigenous arts in Australia and around the world.

James Oswald Little was born to a Yorta Yorta mother and Yuin Monaro Father in 1937, on the Cummeragunja Mission Station, an Indigenous Australian reserve located in New South Wales. in 1955, Little left home to pursue his dreams of becoming a musician in Sydney. His recording career began the following year, and his breakout hit song “Royal Telephone” became the first song by an Indigenous Australian to hit number one on the pop music charts in 1963.

“Royal Telephone” sold over 75,000 copies—a platinum achievement by today’s standards that earned him the title of Australian Pop Star of the Year in 1964. Little also began acting during this era and became a household name through national tours, radio playtime, and TV appearances into the 1970s. By the 1980s, Little began to use his influence to mentor Indigenous youth and advocate for literacy and health programs throughout the rest of his career.

Little’s reinterpretations of contemporary hits released on over 29 albums earned him the title of one of the founding fathers of Australian country music, an achievement honored by his induction into Tamworth’s Country Music Roll of Renown. For his lifetime of advocacy for Indigenous peoples in Australia, he earned three honorary doctorates and was named a National Living Treasure. Today, his legacy lives on through the work of the Jimmy Little Foundation, an organisation he founded in 2006 with the aim of promoting health, education, and access to opportunity in Indigenous Australian communities.

[9A]

Feb 18, 2021

Audre Lorde's 87th Birthday


In honor of U.S. Black History Month, today’s Doodle—illustrated by Los Angeles-based guest artist Monica Ahanonu—celebrates internationally-acclaimed American poet, feminist, professor, and civil rights champion Audre Lorde, a key figure of the Black and LGBTQ+ cultural movements of 20th century. For Lorde, poetry was more than just a form of emotional expression, it was a way of life–providing the vehicle for her lifetime advocacy against discrimination and racial injustice.

Audre Geraldin Lorde was born the daughter of Caribbean immigrants on this day in 1934 in Harlem, New York City. Introverted as a child, she learned how to read and write from her neighborhood librarian Augusta Baker, who influenced her profoundly. Poetry soon became second nature for Lorde. When asked how she was, her response was often a poem she had memorized, and by eighth grade, she began to write her own verse.

A precocious student, she became the first Black student at Hunter High School, a public school for gifted girls. Her 1951 love poem “Spring” was rejected as unsuitable by the school’s literary journal, but was printed by Seventeen magazine when she was just 15—making it her first published poem. Lorde went on to earn her Master's of Library Science from Columbia University in 1961, and continued to write poetry as a librarian and English teacher in New York public schools throughout the ‘60s.

Describing herself as a “Black, lesbian, mother, warrior, poet” Lorde emerged as an essential voice in the confrontation of homophobia and racism when she published her first collection of poems, ”The First Cities” [1968]. Throughout her career, Lorde published poetry that explored identity and sexuality, while demanding social and racial justice—not only in the United States, but also abroad.

Between 1984 and 1992, Lorde spent extensive time in West Germany teaching poetry at the Free University in Berlin and organizing the local feminist movement. While in Germany, Lorde led numerous lectures and workshops on feminism, homophobia, classism, and racism. She also connected and mentored Black German women, encouraging them to define and own their identities; Lorde’s guidance was influential in sparking the Afro-German movement of the ‘80s.

Poetry wasn’t the only literary medium that Lorde was fluent in; she also earned great acclaim for her prose. Her book “Sister Outsider” [1984] is a notable collection of her essays and speeches—including “Learning from the 60s” [excerpts of which are featured in today’s Doodle artwork]. In this speech and throughout her career, Lorde explored how the complexities of contemporary social justice activism lie at the intersections of our individual differences, which include gender, class, race, and sexuality. She noted that personal identity isn’t shaped by a single factor, rather that it’s the result of the myriad aspects of experience exclusive to each individual. Lorde felt that understanding this concept was the best way to make progress against oppression; understanding that the prejudices others face vary greatly from person to person, as they are unique to their own life’s journey. Lorde is often regarded as one of the forefront voices of intersectionality and its role within the global feminist movement.

For her literary achievements, Audre Lorde was awarded the American Book Award in 1989. She was later honored as the poet laureate of New York State through the Walt Whitman Citation of Merit in 1991.

Happy birthday, Audre Lorde!

[9A]

28 Nov 2020

Celebrating Henri Salvador





In honor of a French entertainer par excellence, today’s Doodle, illustrated by Toulouse, France-based guest artist Sébastien Gravouil, celebrates multi-talented singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and comedian Henri Salvador. Salvador established himself as a beloved French figure across a seven-decade career and is widely credited with helping to introduce rock ‘n’ roll to France. On this day in 2000, he received the prestigious Prix in honorem award from France’s Charles Cros Academy. Today’s Doodle artwork highlights Salvador’s wide-ranging contributions to French culture, including his beloved rock ‘n’ roll music, children’s lullabies, and animated character voice overs.

Henri Gabriel Salvador was born July 8th, 1917 in Cayenne, French Guiana and at the age of 12 moved to Paris with his family. Inspired by the music of Belgian jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, Salvador soon took up the guitar and began to perform in Parisian cafes. Before long he caught the attention of Reinhardt himself, who invited Salvador to join his band.

After several years in the French Army during World War II, Salvador joined French bandleader Ray Ventura on a years-long South American tour, and upon his return to Paris, he saw success from his very first recording in 1947. Salvador was invited twice in 1956 to perform on the famous television showcase “The Ed Sullivan Show” in New York. In the U.S. he experienced the excitement of rock ‘n’ roll, which he helped to channel into some of France’s very first rock hits. In addition, Salvador’s 1957 song “Dans Mon Île” [On My Island] was credited by Brazilian musician Antonio Carlos Jobim as his inspiration in developing the iconic bossa nova style.

Among many accolades, Salvador was named Commander of the Legion of Honour in 2004. Salvador released his final album in 2006.

[9A]

14 October 2020

Celebrating Claudia Jones


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Today’s Doodle commemorates Trinidad-born activist, feminist, journalist, orator, and community organizer Claudia Jones. Among her groundbreaking accomplishments, Jones founded and served as the editor-in-chief for the West Indian Gazette and Afro-Asian Caribbean News—Britain’s first, major Black newspaper. Through its global news coverage, the Gazette aimed to unify the Black community in the worldwide battle against discrimination. The publication also provided a platform for Jones to organize Britain’s first Caribbean carnival in 1959, which is widely credited as the precursor to today’s annual celebration of Caribbean culture known as the Notting Hill Carnival. On this day in 2008, Jones was honored with a Great British Stamp in the “Women of Distinction” series to commemorate her lifetime of pioneering activism

[9A]

21 January 2013

Emma Gad's 161th Birthday




Emma Gad, born Emma Halkier, was a Danish writer and socialite who wrote plays and books that were often satirical. Although she was a prolific writer, many of her works fell into obscurity after her death. One work that remained popular was Takt og Tone, a book of etiquette she wrote in old age.

She received a gold Medal of Merit in 1905. Today her plays are preserved in Denmark's Royal Library.

[9A]

21 January 2018

Eua Sunthornsanan’s 108th Birthday




Today, we celebrate Eua Sunthornsanan, or “Khru Eua,” the prolific composer and musician behind such popular Thai songs as “Ram Wong Wan Songkran” and “Loy Krathong” and the man credited with pioneering a style of Thai music that struck a chord around the world.

Born on this day in 1910, Sunthornsanan started playing violin in an orchestra at nine years old. The young musician learned the instrument at a primary school in Bangkok and later sharpened his skills in harmony and arrangement at music school.

While playing in a big band for the government’s Performance Department, Sunthornsanan noticed the band’s concerts drew far bigger crowds than classical performances. His eclectic musical upbringing led him to experiment with different styles, mixing jazz and Westernized classical music with more traditional Thai classical music to create the romantic style that would earn him international acclaim. With the Suntaraporn band, one of the most prominent Thai big bands, he composed more than 2,000 songs.

On what would’ve been the musician’s 108th birthday, today’s Doodle depicts Sunthornsanan performing one of his lively compositions.

[9A]

Jul 28, 2017

Albert [Elea] Namatjira’s 115th Birthday





Today is the 115th birthday of renowned Aboriginal Australian artist Albert [Elea] Namatjira. Born in 1902 near Alice Springs in the Northern Territory of Australia, he joined the Arrernte community at the age of 13 where he developed his love for the rough and wild Australian landscape.

Namatjira loved sketching from the time he was a young boy, and quickly took to painting the natural beauty around him in the bush. His landscape images earned recognition in Australia and around the world. Namatjira also inspired the Hermannsburg School for his community in Alice Springs, teaching aspiring young artists to depict the Australian landscape.

Today’s Doodle is a painting created by Albert’s granddaughter, Gloria Pannka. To represent her grandfather, Gloria chose to paint the beautiful hills between Hamilton Downs and the West MacDonnell Ranges in central Australia. Albert’s homeland is not far away from this area, and Gloria says that visiting this landscape connects her to her grandparents.

Gloria is also a member of an artistic community, Iltja Ntjarra / Many Hands Art Centre inspired by her grandfather’s works. The art centre works to maintain and promote Aboriginal cultural heritage.

[9A]

23 January 2020

Luis Alberto Spinetta's 70th Birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates the 70th birthday of Argentine singer, composer, guitarist, and poet Luis Alberto Spinetta. Also known as El Flaco [“Skinny”], he is often regarded as the father of Spanish-language rock and roll and a Latin American music icon. The Doodle artwork features the color green as an homage to Spinetta’s iconic and irregularly-shaped album cover of Artaud, as well as his famous red and white guitar.

Born on this day in Buenos Aires in 1950, Spinetta learned how to play guitar and sing at a young age. He continued to develop his musical skills, and at age 17 Spinetta formed one of the most influential rock bands in Argentine history, named Almendra, with two of his former high school classmates. Almendra’s self-titled debut studio album revolutionized the genre as the first band to combine Spanish-language lyrics with progressive rock.

During the 1970s and 80s, Spinetta formed and led several impactful bands that inspired the international “Rock en Español” movement, including Pescado Rabioso, Invisible, and Spinetta Jade. In addition to these group projects, he released over twenty albums as a solo artist. In 2016, his latest record Los Amigo won one of the highest honors in Argentinian music, the Gold Gardel Album of the Year award.

His music struck a major chord throughout the world and continues to impact listeners to this day. For instance, in April 2019 it inspired University of Buenos Aires informatics engineer Alex Ingberg to create an artificial intelligence program to generate song lyrics in Spinetta’s style. And in 2014, in honor of Spinetta’s birthday, Argentina moved Día Nacional del Músico [National Musician’s Day] from November to January 23rd.

¡Feliz cumpleaños, Flaco!

[9A]

23 January 2010

Django Reinhard's 100th Birthday




Jean Reinhardt [23 January 1910 – 16 May 1953], known by his Romani nickname Django, was a Romani-Belgian jazz guitarist and composer. He was one of the first major jazz talents to emerge in Europe and has been hailed as one of its most significant exponents.

With violinist Stéphane Grappelli, Reinhardt formed the Paris-based Quintette du Hot Club de France in 1934. The group was among the first to play jazz that featured the guitar as a lead instrument. Reinhardt recorded in France with many visiting American musicians, including Coleman Hawkins and Benny Carter, and briefly toured the United States with Duke Ellington's orchestra in 1946. He died suddenly of a stroke in 1953 at the age of 43.

Reinhardt's most popular compositions have become standards within gypsy jazz, including "Minor Swing", "Daphne", "Belleville", "Djangology", "Swing '42", and "Nuages". Jazz guitarist Frank Vignola says that nearly every major popular-music guitarist in the world has been influenced by Reinhardt. Over the last few decades, annual Django festivals have been held throughout Europe and the U.S., and a biography has been written about his life. In February 2017, the Berlin International Film Festival held the world premiere of the French film Django.

[9A]

May 22, 2023

Barbara May Cameron's 69th Birthday





Today’s Doodle celebrates Barbara May Cameron, a Native American photographer, poet, writer, and human rights activist. The Doodle artwork is illustrated by queer Mexican and Chitimachan artist Sienna Gonzales. On this day in 1954, Barbara Cameron was born in Fort Yates, North Dakota.

Cameron was born a member of the Hunkpapa group, one of the seven council fires of the Lakota tribe, and raised on the Standing Rock Reservation by her grandparents. After graduating high school, she studied photography and film at the American Indian Art Institute in Santa Fe, New Mexico. It was here that Cameron began winning awards in theater and media arts.

After coming out as a lesbian, Cameron moved to San Francisco in 1973 and advocated for LGBTQIA+ acceptance in the Native American community and addressed racism in queer spaces. In 1975, she co-founded Gay American Indians — the first ever dedicated Native American LGBTQIA+ group — with her friend and fellow activist Randy Burns.

Cameron took part in various programs to promote human welfare. From 1980 through 1985, she organized the Lesbian Gay Freedom Day Parade and Celebration. She also co-led a lawsuit against the Immigration & Naturalization Service which had a policy of turning away gay people. The case went before the Supreme Court and ruled in favor of Barbara and her co-plaintiffs who made persuasive arguments for change.


A few years later, she became an executive director at Community United Against Violence, where she supported people affected by hate crimes and domestic violence. The San Francisco Mayor appointed Cameron to both the Citizens Committee on Community Development and the San Francisco Human Rights Commission in 1988, and the next mayor appointed her to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

HIV/AIDS disproportionately impacted Native people in the early 1990s, so Cameron stepped up to lead the charge. She was active within the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, the American Indian AIDS Institute, and served as a consultant to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control, helping with AIDS and childhood immunization programs.

Cameron is remembered for her passionate writing and speeches, many of which are housed at the San Francisco Public Library. Her words live on through her essay, No Apologies: A Lakota Lesbian Perspective which is featured in Our Right To Love: A Lesbian Resource Book.

Happy birthday Barbara May Cameron, thank you for working tirelessly to improve human rights and for giving queer Indigenous people a place to feel safe and belong.

[9A]

Mar 29, 2023

Jorge Lafond's 71st Birthday





Today’s Doodle celebrates the 71st birthday of Brazilian actor, drag queen, comedian, and dancer Jorge Lafond. Jorge Luiz Souza Lima was born in Rio de Janeiro on this day in 1952.

Jorge realized he was gay at a very young age, and tried to hide it in his adolescence. What he never disguised was his love for dancing. He studied classical ballet and African Dance, and later graduated in performing arts from the Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro. He began dancing at nightclubs and cabarets, then toured the United States and several countries in Europe with a folk group he belonged to for 10 years.

In 1974, he landed one of his first TV jobs and became a dancer for the Globo TV program Fantástico. After his television break, he went on to appear in various programs including Viva o Gordo, the soap opera Sassaricando, and the telenovela Kananga do Japan. With his rising popularity on television shows, he was soon casted in several films and received praise for his roles in Rio Babilônia, Sonhei com Você, and Bar Esperança.

Lafond began openly practicing his drag artistry in 1992 on the SBT program A Praça é Nossa as the character Vera Verão. The humorous Vera put Jorge in the spotlight, but he sometimes wasn’t invited to show up as his full authentic self. Many spaces did not welcome Jorge as an openly gay man who wore non-traditional clothing.

Nonetheless, Lafond was a trailblazer who introduced new identity representation into the culture which helped break down traditional, homophobic ways of thinking. He was and continues to be a role model for other gay in South America and around the world. He showed off his dance, fashion, and comedy skills and never apologized for being outside of anyone’s expectations about what an entertainer should be.

Happy birthday, Jorge Lafond! Thank you for showing us all how to show up in the world as our true selves.

[9A]

Jun 01, 2022

Celebrating José de Almada Negreiros



Today’s Doodle, illustrated by guest artist Melissa Crowton, celebrates the life, works and creative legacy of José de Almada Negreiros. He was a multi-faceted artist, writer and choreographer of Futurism, and widely considered one of the most influential Portuguese and European artists of the 20th century. On this day in 1911, Almada Negreiros made his artistic debut at the age of 18 by publishing a cartoon titled “A Weighty Reason” in the 4th issue of A Sátira, a Lisbon magazine.

He was born on the island of São Tomé and Príncipe in 1893, and began his creative journey as a caricaturist. What started off with satirical sketches turned into a self-taught love for all things art. At just 20 years old, Almada Negreiros hosted his first exhibition in Lisbon. A year later, in 1914, he published his first poem and, in 1915, started a progressive literary magazine called Orpheu, which promoted Portuguese Modernism.

In the 1920’s, Almada Negreiros lived in Paris and Madrid, honing his craft and skills through collaboration and sometimes even isolation. When he returned to Portugal in 1932, he expanded his artistic repertoire to include stained-glass pieces, mosaic panels, theater plays, ballets, graphic designs and more.

Almada Negreiros was awarded the Columbano Prize by the National Secretariat of Propaganda in 1942 and the Domingos Sequeira Award in 1946, as well as numerous other honors and decorations throughout his lifetime. His works are displayed far and wide around Europe, most notably in the Calouste Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, the port terminals of Alcântara and Rocha do Conde de Óbidos, and in the lounge bar of the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon.

[9A]

9 June 2023

Celebrating Willi Ninja







Today’s video Doodle celebrates Willi Ninja, an iconic dancer and choreographer known as the “Godfather of Voguing.” An acclaimed performer, Willi paved a path for Black LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in the 1980s and ’90s. The community he created, “The Iconic House of Ninja,” lives on to this day. The Doodle video was illustrated by Rob Gilliam, and edited by Xander Opiyo,with original music by Vivacious. The performers featured are current members of the House of Ninja [Archie Burnett Ninja, Javier Madrid Ninja, Kiki Ninja, and Akiko Tokuoka aka KiT Ninja] dancing in celebration of Willi’s legacy. On this day in 1990, the documentary Paris is Burning — which features Willi and the Iconic House of Ninja — was released in the US at the NewFest New York LGBT Film Festival.

Willi Ninja was born in 1961 and grew up in Flushing, Queens. He had a loving mother who supported his identity. She encouraged his interest in dance by taking him to ballet performances at the Apollo Theater. Although she couldn’t afford expensive dance lessons, it didn’t stop Willi from teaching himself the moves that would make him a star.

Willi went on to master the art of voguing, a dance style that blends fashion poses with intricate, mime and martial arts-like movements. The dance form emerged from the Harlem ballroom scene, which was a safe space founded by LGBTQ+ Black and Latino folks to celebrate self expression and togetherness.

Most Black and Latino ballroom participants belong to groups known as houses, which offer an extended social family and safety net for those who face rejection from biological relatives. Willi co-founded his very own community called the House of Ninja in 1982, and continued to provide support and guidance for his house members even after he became famous.

Inspired by Egyptian hieroglyphs and martial arts, Willi introduced new dance techniques that redefined voguing standards. Catapulted to stardom in the ’90s, Willi went on to perform in films, music videos, and luxury runway shows around the world. His moves inspired celebrities ranging from Madonna to Jean-Paul Gaultier.

Willi was prominently featured in the 1990 documentary, Paris Is Burning, where his unique dance style was showcased on the big screen. The film was a big success and exposed Willi’s work to a wider audience.

When Willi wasn’t dancing, he was a powerful advocate for his community. One of the first to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention at drag balls, Willi played a pivotal role in helping to reduce stigma surrounding the disease.

Thank you Willi Ninja for your contributions to the world of dance and for how you brought visibility to Black and Latino LGBTQ+ identities all over the world. The House of Ninja carries on dancing in your name.

[9A]

23 August 2022

Coccinelle's 91st birthday


Coccinelle was a pioneer for the LGBTQ+ community and the first French person to undergo gender-affirming surgery. Today’s Doodle celebrates the singer, entertainer and activist’s 91st birthday.

Jacqueline-Charlotte Dufresnoy was born on August 23, 1931 in Paris. Designated male at birth, she grew up with a deep, inner sense of being a female, along with interests in fashion and performance. After wearing a red dress with black polka dots to a party, a teenage Jacqueline earned the nickname Coccinelle, or ladybug in English.

In 1953, Coccinelle made her stage debut at Madame Arthur, a cabaret venue in Paris, performing a song from the film Premier rendez-vous. She earned a role at Le Carrousel de Paris, a popular music hall with many transgender performers, where her talent and stage presence captivated audiences.

Coccinelle became the first French celebrity to undergo gender-affirming surgery at a clinic in Casablanca in 1958. It was illegal to wear clothing not associated with one’s assigned gender in France at the time, and the publicity surrounding her surgery put a spotlight on LGBTQ+ rights.

After returning to France, Coccinelle quickly became an international icon. Her cabaret show toured across the world, including Europe and South America. She also began acting in films like Europa Di Notte in 1959 and Los Viciosos in 1962.

In 1960, Coccinelle got married in a Catholic wedding ceremony, under the condition that she get rebaptized beforehand. Unprecedented legally and religiously, her marriage established transgender people’s right to marry in France.

While continuing to perform, she founded the organization Devenir Femme, which provided support for transgender individuals seeking gender-affirming surgery. She also helped organize the Center for Aid, Research, and Information for Transsexuality and Gender Identity. In 1987, she published a self-titled autobiography that detailed her transition and career on stage.

Coccinelle’s legacy lives on in her work as people all over the world continue to enjoy her music and films. Happy 91st birthday, Coccinelle!

[9A]

Feb 14, 2021

Valentine's Day 2021


At the heart of each Valentine’s Day, there’s one unifying emotion that always sticks around year after year: love!

So today, let that special someone know that you love them to pieces—a million tiny sparkly ones at that!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

[9A]

Feb 14, 2016

Valentine's Day 2016




Today we celebrate love; the old, the new, the unexpected. For this Valentine’s Day doodle, artist Kevin Laughlin animated three "unlikely couples,” which began with a spark and these sketches:





Happy Valentine's Day, to unlikely couples everywhere.

[9A]

Feb 14, 2015

Valentine's Day 2015


Whether a time for a romantic date, to catch up with friends, or catch up on cat videos, Tu B'Av is a good excuse to connect with the world around you. As nerds, the doodle team wanted to sweeten up our homepage with ways in which technology brings people together. The gesture may be as subtle as charging someone else's laptop or as bold as sending an affectionate text, but technology is fully engrained in the ways we express appreciation for one another.

We hope you enjoy our five quick animations of how love and technology go hand-in-hand!



Posted by Jennifer Hom, doodler, and Olivia When, doodler

[9A]

14 February 2013

Valentine's Day and George Ferris' 154th Birthday



Romance and amusement parks often go hand in hand. In many places a carnival, fair or circus is a popular destination for a thrilling and action-packed date. Coincidentally, George W.G. Ferris Jr., the creator of the Ferris Wheel was born on Valentine’s Day in 1859. This year seemed like a golden opportunity to combine our celebration of love with the birthday of the engineer whose mechanical invention has filled so many hearts with wonder.

[9A]

Feb 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day from Google & Robert Indiana.
Courtesy of the Morgan Art Foundation / ARS, NY




Robert Indiana [born Robert Clark; September 13, 1928 – May 19, 2018] was an American artist associated with the pop art movement.

His iconic image LOVE was first created in 1964 in the form of a card which he sent to several friends and acquaintances in the art world. In 1965, Robert Indiana was invited to propose an artwork to be featured on the Museum of Modern Art's annual Christmas card. Indiana submitted several 12” square oil on canvas variations based on his LOVE image. The museum selected the most intense color combination in red, blue, and green. It became one of the most popular cards the museum has ever offered. Indiana continued to develop his LOVE series, and in 1966, worked with Marian Goodman of Multiples, Inc. to make his first LOVE sculpture in aluminum. In 1970, Indiana completed his first monumental LOVE sculpture in Cor-Ten steel which is in the collection of the Indianapolis Museum of Art.

[9A]

1 December 2022

Gerald "Jerry" Lawson's 82nd Birthday



Go behind-the-scenes of today’s Doodle below!




Today’s interactive game Doodle celebrates the 82nd birthday of Gerald “Jerry” Lawson, one of the fathers of modern gaming who led the team that developed the first home video gaming system with interchangeable game cartridges. The Doodle features games designed by three American guest artists and game designers: Davionne Gooden, Lauren Brown, and Momo Pixel.

Lawson was born in Brooklyn, New York on this day in 1940. He tinkered with electronics from an early age, repairing televisions around his neighborhood and creating his own radio station using recycled parts. He attended Queens College and City College of New York before departing early to start his career in Palo Alto, California. At the time, the city and its surrounding region had become known as “Silicon Valley” due to the explosion of new, innovative tech companies starting up in the area.

Upon arriving in California, Lawson joined Fairchild Semiconductor as an engineering consultant. A few years later, Lawson was promoted to Director of Engineering and Marketing of Fairchild’s video game department where he led the development of the Fairchild Channel F system [the “F” stood for fun!]. This was the first home video game system console that featured interchangeable game cartridges, an 8-way digital joystick and a pause menu. The Channel F paved the way for future gaming systems like the Atari, SNES, Dreamcast and more.

In 1980, Lawson left Fairchild to start his own company, VideoSoft—one of the earliest Black-owned video game development companies. The company created software for the Atari 2600, which popularized the cartridge Lawson and his team developed. Although they closed five years later, Lawson had solidified himself as a pioneer in the industry and continued to consult multiple engineering and video game companies throughout the rest of his career.

In 2011, the International Game Developers Association recognized Lawson as an industry trailblazer for his contributions to gaming. The University of Southern California also created the Gerald A. Lawson Fund to support underrepresented students who wish to pursue undergraduate or graduate degrees in game design or computer science. Lawson’s achievements are memorialized at the World Video Game Hall of Fame in Rochester, New York.

Here’s to you, Jerry!

[9A]

12 Nov 2014

Philae robotic lander lands on comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko





It may be one small step for the Philae robotic lander, but it’s one giant leap for the rest of us! The European Space Agency just made history by landing one of its robots on a comet–and our homepage–after more than 10 years of travel. Philae is expected to provide the first images ever seen from a comet’s surface.

It may be one small step for the Philae robotic lander, but it’s one giant leap for the rest of us! The European Space Agency just made history by landing one of its robots on a comet–and our homepage–after more than 10 years of travel. Philae is expected to provide the first images ever seen from a comet’s surface.

[9A]

11 Nov 2014

Kemal Sunal's 70th Birthday





Today’s doodle in Turkey celebrates the 70th birthday of actor Kemal Sunal. A beloved comedian in his country, Sunal is best remembered for the four stock characters [the funny one, the naive kid, the rebel and the totally confused guy] he portrayed in his films.

[9A]

25 September 2023

Celebrating Todd Matshikiza




Today’s Doodle celebrates South African jazz pianist, composer, and journalist Todd Matshikiza and was illustrated by South Africa-based guest artist Keith Vlahakis. On this day in 1956, his commissioned cantata Uxolo [peace] was performed by a seventy-piece orchestra and two hundred-person choir, at the 70th Johannesburg Festival.

Matshikiza was born in Queenstown, South Africa, on March 7th, 1921. His mother, a singer, and his father, an organist, taught Matshikiza and his six siblings piano while they grew up. He attended St Peter’s College in Johannesburg and went on to earn his music and teaching diplomas. Putting these degrees to work, he taught high school English and math and composed choral works and songs such as Hamba Kahle.

In 1947, Matshikiza moved back to Johannesburg, where he taught and eventually established his own private school, the Todd Matshikiza School of Music. He taught piano, his forte being jazz music. During much of this time, he was in the Syndicate of African Artists, which aimed to spread music and concerts to the whole country.

Matshikiza’s passion for jazz music and journalism came together when he became one of the first writers at Drum magazine. He wrote a column about the artistry and evolution of jazz and one on township life called With the Lid Off. Several of his articles from the latter column are immortalized in the book With the Lid Off: South African Insights from Home and Abroad 1959-2000.

As a composer, he is most famous for his work on the song Quickly in Love, which plays in the 2013 film Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, and the score for two theatrical productions, King King and Mkhumbane. The all-Black jazz musical King Kong premiered in 1958 and was a smash hit, spreading as far as London. The musical Mkhumbane [1960] with compositions by Matshikiza and script by Alan Paton was equally powerful, but the political and satirical commentary about the Black experience in Cato Manor in the 1950s limited its popularity.

He composed, played piano, was a freelance journalist, and presented BBC radio programs in London for a few years before moving to Zambia, where he worked as a broadcaster and a music archivist. His story lives on through his autobiography Chocolates for My Wife [1961], which describes apartheid in South Africa and his move to London.

Thank you for sharing your compositions, piano skills, music critiques, and story with the world, Todd Matshikiza.

[9A]

25 July 2023

Dr. Mod Helmy's 122nd Birthday



Today’s Doodle honors Dr. Mod Helmy, an Egyptian-German medical doctor who risked his life to rescue Jewish people during the Holocaust. The artwork, illustrated by Berlin-based guest artist Noa Snir, represents his Egyptian and German background and captures his open-hearted nature with his arms outreached around the community.

Dr. Helmy was born in Khartoum, Sudan, on this day in 1901 to an Egyptian father and a German mother. He moved to Germany in 1922 to study medicine. After completing his university studies, he completed his specialized training at the Robert Koch Hospital [now known as Krankenhaus Moabit] in Berlin. Soon after, as a talented physician, Dr. Helmy was appointed head of the urology department, but his good fortune was short-lived.

Adolf Hitler's rise to power in 1933 upended life in Germany. The hospital soon fired all of its Jewish staff, and a few years later, and eventually Helmy, a North African, was subjected to discrimination and persecution by the Nazis and lost his position as well.

Dr. Helmy was arrested in 1939 and again in 1940 along with other Egyptian nationals. They released him when he became gravely ill, but he was under strict ruling to report to the police twice a day and as proof that he was unfit for internment.

The Nazis further discriminated against Dr. Helmy by barring him from marrying his German fiancée and forcing him to become another doctor’s assistant. Helmy made the most of his limited position to write sick notes that helped innocent people escape hard labor.

Although Dr. Helmy was targeted by the Nazis himself, he put his life in even more danger by hiding his Jewish patient, Anna Boros, who would have been deported to a concentration camp. Helmy managed to keep her safely hidden even when he fell under direct police investigation.

Dr. Helmy also helped protect Boros’ mother, Julianna; her stepfather, Georg Wehr; and her grandmother, Cecilie Rudnik. Thanks to Dr. Helmy’s bravery, every one of them survived the Holocaust.

The Yad Vashem [also known as the World Holocaust Remembrance Center] honored Dr. Helmy with the Righteous Among the Nations award in 2013.

[9A]

Jun 06, 2023

Doodle for Google 2023 - US Winner

Congratulations to our 2023 Doodle for Google National Winner, Rebecca Wu! Rebecca’s Doodle represents what she's most grateful for - her family.

When Rebecca was thinking about how to answer this year’s Doodle for Google contest prompt, “I am grateful for…”, her mind instantly went to her sisters. She decided to highlight the ways in which they support each other using the metaphor of a garden growing. She thinks gratitude is important because it allows us to look beyond the negative to focus on the positive.

As the 2023 Doodle for Google contest national winner, Rebecca wins a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for her school.

[9A]

Sep 23, 2020

Doodle for Google 2020 - US Winner




Congratulations to Texas 5th grader Sharon Sara, winner of the US 2020 Doodle for Google contest, whose Doodle is featured on the US homepage today! Sharon was one of tens of thousands of students from across the country who entered the contest this year answering the prompt “I show kindness by…”

In her artist’s statement, Sharon describes how kindness can be practiced through friendship and inclusion: “I show kindness by sticking together with my friends in tough times. I drew people coming together and not thinking about the outside but being together because of their personality.”

Sharon’s interest in art started when she was just 4 years old, and her passion continues to grow today. As the US 2020 Doodle for Google contest national winner, Sharon has won a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for her elementary school.

Congratulations again to Sharon and a huge thank you to all of the students who shared their kind words and inspiring Doodles with us this year!

[9A]

Jun 01, 2015

Doodle 4 Google 2015 - Vietnam winner / Children's Day




Today, we are delighted to announce Vietnam’s very first Doodle 4 Google winner: 8-year old Le Hieu from Dong Nai Province, with the doodle “Year of the Goat”.

In Hieu's own words: “The Year of the Goat is here, and the image of the lion dancing with flowers falling from the apricot trees is all I can think of. That is why I want to borrow these symbolic items of Tet to decorate my doodle. This spring, I wish everyone to be happy".

[9A]

Aug 16, 2022

Doodle for Google 2022 - US Winner



“I care for myself by accepting others' care for me. Often I struggle to shoulder a burden on my own, and forget that I have so many people, like my mom, who care about me and want to help me. Opening up and letting others support me not only relieves my stress—it lets me tackle things I could never do on my own.”

Sophie’s Doodle was inspired by her relationship with her mother. During the pandemic, when isolation and loneliness started to get to her, Sophie was able to reach out to her mom and receive valuable support, comfort and encouragement. Sophie hopes her Doodle will remind people that they are not alone, even in the toughest of times.


As the U.S. 2022 Doodle for Google contest national winner, Sophie wins a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology package for her school.

Cheers to Sophie! And thank you again to the thousands of students across the U.S. who shared their self-care strategies with us!

[9A]

Jun 14, 2017

Doodle 4 Google 2017 — Canada Winner



In this year’s Doodle 4 Google contest, more than 12,000 students from across Canada submitted doodles around the theme “What I see for Canada’s future is…”. Young artists imagined a country where robots could cure disease, others dreamed of living on Mars, while some saw a world united by nature.

Following a very close public vote where Canadians voted more than 465,000 times, four incredibly talented grade group winners were revealed at the Art Gallery of Ontario. Of those four masterpieces, 11th-grader Jana Sofia Panem’s Doodle, "A Bright Future" was selected as the national winner!

In her energetic doodle, Jana sees that “wind power will be an alternative energy source for Canada's future. I believe we will have enough energy to generate power for our everyday lives such as electricity, transportation, and the internet. This transformation will greatly benefit our future generation as it will help to maximize preserving our vital nature and maintain a clean environment.”

Thank you to all the finalists for sharing your creativity with us. And a hearty congratulations to Jana Sofia!

[9A]

Dec 03, 2014


Doodle 4 Google 2014 - South Africa Winner



The overall national winner, Katya Ludick, is a Grade 8 pupil from Noordheuwel High School in Krugersdorp. She created a nature-themed doodle, symbolising a South Africa free of poaching. "The reflection symbolises 20 years of freedom. In my South African dream, there is no more poaching. We must fight for those that can't speak," Ludick said of her doodle.

[9A]

February 22, 2012

Heinrich Rudolf Hertz's 155th Birthday




Google's latest animated doodle celebrates the 155th birthday of Heinrich Hertz, the German physicist whose experiments with electromagnetic waves led to the development of the wireless telegraph and the radio.

Hertz's name later became the term used for radio and electrical frequencies, as in hertz [Hz], kilohertz [kHz] and megahertz [MHz].

[9A]

October 14, 2019

Joseph Plateau’s 218th Birthday




In the year 1830, the Belgian Joseph Plateau developed the phantoscope, a device that could project the moving images. Its invention is considered the first step in the development of film projectors.

Phantascope, still known as Wonder Wheel, is based on a physical principle. Plates depict various stages of movement of a dancer separated by slots from one another. The viewers looked through the slits on a mirror, where the drawings were reflected. When the disk is rotated, almost the human eye interacts with the drawings as a movement.

[9A]

February 18, 2015

Alessandro Volta’s 270th Birthday


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Experimenting with different metals and solutions, Volta ended up creating the first electric battery: the Voltaic Pile, a stack of alternating metal discs separated by cardboard and cloth soaked with seawater. But what made this battery so remarkable was that it was easy to construct out of common materials and enabled experimenters for the first time to produce steady, predictable flows of electricity. Within just weeks it inspired a wave of discoveries and inventions and ushered in a new age of electrical science.

[9A]

November 30, 2016

Jagadish Chandra Bose’s 158th Birthday


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Sir Jagdish Chandra Bose was a master of scientific achievement with numerous accomplishments in various fields. Born in Bangladesh in 1858, Bose was to become known not only for his work in biophysics, but also his innovation in the world of radio and microwave sciences, ultimately inventing an early version of wireless telecommunication. As a testament to his numerous contributions to the field, a moon crater was named in his honor.

Bose’s investigations into nature included the invention of the crescograph – an instrument that measures movement and growth in plant life by magnifying it 10,000 times. He went on to demonstrate the similarities between animals and plants, particularly when it came to reactions to different environmental, electrical, and chemical influences.

[9A]

Feb 22, 2020

Carnaval de Barranquilla




In honor of Colombia’s Carnaval de Barranquilla, today’s Doodle features some of the colorful costumes and masks on display during this annual celebration of cultural heritage stemming from indigenous, African, and European traditions. Across four days, over a million people will visit Barranquilla on the Caribbean coast to watch floats, dance in the streets, and maybe take part by wearing a “Marimonda” mask as seen in the Doodle artwork.

The modern Carnaval de Barranquilla is over 100 years old and reflects the legacy of blended cultures that have shaped the city since its establishment nearly 400 years ago. At its core, festivities derive from folk traditions that demonstrate what many consider to be the definition of what it means to be Colombian.

[9A]

19 Oct 2016

Kamma Rahbek’s 241st birthday




In Kamma Rahbek's famous salons, the great minds of the Danish Golden Age gathered to discuss and share poetry. Some of Denmark's most celebrated Romantic poets frequented these salons, including Bernhard Severin Ingemann, Adam Oehlenschläger, and Hans Christian Andersen. Here, they encouraged each other in developing works around the history of Denmark and its relationship to nature and the human experience. Rahbek also carried on a rich written correspondence with the great writers and philosophers of the time, including the historian and author Christian Molbech as well as the bishop Jacob Peter Mynster.

Though Rahbek grew up when few women had access to education, she studied a multitude of subjects, from botany to astronomy to languages. This cultivated a deep intellectual curiosity that led her to host the salons and later, cemented her position at the center of Copenhagen's literary circle.

Today's Doodle celebrates Rahbek's 241st birthday and her famous salons, by portraying her in her most beloved setting: at a desk in her parlor, surrounded by good company, and stimulating conversation.

[9A]

14 Oct 2016

Celebrating Mary Seacole





Today we celebrate Mary Seacole, the Jamaican/Scottish nurse widely known to the British Army as “Mother Seacole.” She learned the ways of herbal medicine from her mother, a “doctress” well-versed in traditional Caribbean and African herbal remedies. Despite the challenges she faced as a woman of mixed race in the 1850s, she began experimenting with medicine under her mother’s guidance at one of the best facilities in Kingston, Jamaica. She moved to Gorgona, where she briefly ran a women’s-only hotel before she set off on a journey that would cement her place in history.

When the Crimean War broke out, Mary’s application to assist was refused despite her nursing experience. Determined to help, she used her own limited resources to travel and set up a hotel behind the lines in Crimea. Here, she tirelessly tended to the curing and comforting of wounded soldiers coming off the battlefield and people from all walks in need: “The grateful words and smiles which rewarded me for binding up a wound or giving a cooling drink was a pleasure worth risking life for at any time.”

Here’s to Mary’s legacy as an empowered healer and humanitarian, which will continue to live on and inspire.

[9A]

16 October 2012

Hisashige Tanaka's 213th Birthday





Hisashige Tanaka was a great inventor, born in what is today called Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan on October 16th, 1799. Tanaka’s prolific career began in his youth, when he famously engineered a set of handmade karakuri dolls; small, mechanized figurines capable of performing simple tasks, such as shooting a bow and arrow, receiving an empty teacup and returning with a filled one, and writing calligraphy with a miniature brush and inkstone. I was immediately taken by the elegance of the karakuri, and set about developing a sketch in which the calligraphy writing doll completes the Google logo by painting an ‘o’ upon his canvas.

It soon became clear that in order to illustrate the fine motor movement of the doll, a bit of animation on the homepage would not go amiss. I then separated each element of the drawing into layers, which I used to create a animatable, digital puppet.

Though the karakuri dolls are only one facet of a truly inspiring career, it was truly an honor to have the opportunity to celebrate Tanaka's 213th Birthday.

Posted by Kevin Laughlin, Doodler

[9A]

12 October 2021

Paulette Nardal's 125th birthday





Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Amsterdam, Netherlands-based guest artist Jessica Coppet, celebrates the 125th birthday of Martinican-French author Paulette Nardal. She is widely considered one of the founders of Négritude, an intellectual movement produced by Black artists and writers who joined in solidarity to champion their cultural heritage and carve out space in the prevailing literary world for Black voices.

Born on this day in 1896 in Saint-Pierre, a French colonial town on the Caribbean island of Martinique, Félix Jeanne Paulette Nardal was the daughter of one of Martinique’s first Black engineers in the Department of Public Works. Nardal followed suit and established a trailblazing legacy of her own when she arrived in Paris in 1920 and became the first Black woman from Martinique to enroll at the city’s prestigious university, La Sorbonne, earning a master’s degree in English.

In the 1920s, members of the French Black community, many being West Indian immigrants like Nardal, often faced intense racial discrimination. Paulette Nardal and her sister Jane opened a Paris salon called Le Salon de Clamart in 1929 as an intellectual meeting ground to reflect on the Black condition. Known for its hospitality and elegance, the well-appointed salon allowed Nardal to gather intellectuals for conversation and mutual support. Scholars credit this salon as the birthplace of the Négritude movement, which Nardal helped initiate by authoring social commentary articles in the review journal “La Revue du monde noir” [“The Review of the Black World”].

Another significant moment of her life occurred at the beginning of World War II. Nardal left Martinique for France but suffered a lifelong injury when a submarine attacked her ship. Her demand for France to recognize her as a civilian war victim and survivor highlights the convergence of race, gender, disability, and citizenship. This event eventually inspired Nardal to establish organizations and newspapers encouraging educated women to channel their energies into social improvement and suffrage.

Nardal rose to prominence through her writings and fostered an international community of Black women who broke down barriers across race, class, and educational status. In recognition of her unifying work, Nardal was elected as a delegate to the United Nations in 1946 and was awarded the Knight of the Legion of Honour in 1976, the nation’s highest honor. There is the Promenade Jane-et-Paulette Nardal located on 100 rue Didot in Paris, and a plaque honors Nardal’s legacy in the Paris suburb of Clamart, where her salon catalyzed an international movement.

Happy Birthday, Paulette Nardal!

[9A]

25 Oct 2019

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s 119th Birthday



“As for the charges against me, I am unconcerned,” said Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the Nigerian educator and activist who fearlessly campaigned for women’s rights and the liberation of Africa from colonial rule. Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Nigerian-Italian guest artist Diana Ejaita, celebrates a formidable leader who founded what many refer to as one of the most important social movements of the twentieth century.​

Born on this day in 1900 in Abeokuta, the current capital of Nigeria’s Ogun state, the former Frances Abigail Olufunmilayo Thomas grew up witnessing Great Britain consolidating control over Nigeria. As the grandchild of a slave, she became one of the first girls to enroll in Abeokuta Grammar School, before traveling to Cheshire in England to continue her education. By the time she returned home, she’d dropped her birth names and preferred to speak Yoruba.

In 1932, Ransome-Kuti established the Abeokuta Ladies Club [ALC], fostering unity between educated women and poor market workers and setting up the first adult education programs for Nigerian women. Renamed the Abeokuta Women’s Union in 1946, the organization boasted a membership of some 20,000 and pushed for healthcare, social services, and economic opportunity. Imprisoned in 1947 for protesting against unfair treatment towards women, Ransome-Kuti and her followers also led the charge to abdicate a corrupt local leader.

A trailblazer in many ways, Ransome-Kuti was also the first Nigerian woman to drive a car. She was also the only woman in Nigeria’s 1947 delegation to London, which lodged a protest and set the nation on the path toward self-government. As one of the few women elected to Nigeria’s house of chiefs, she was recognized for her advocacy work on behalf of women's rights and education, and revered as the “Lioness of Lisabi” and the “Mother of Africa.”

Her daughter—Dolupo—and three sons—Beko, Olikoye, and Fela—likewise became leaders in education, healthcare, and music, continuing their mother’s legacy of activism and advocacy.

[9A]

Mar 22, 2023

Marcel Marceau's 100th Birthday




Today’s Doodle celebrates French mime artist Marcel Marceau. The actor and master of silence was born on this day in 1923 in Strasbourg, France with the name Marcel Mangel. During the German occupation of France, he changed his surname to Marceau to avoid being identified as Jewish.

In his childhood, Marceau was introduced to movies and dreamed of starring in silent films. He entertained his friends with impersonations of famous actors and mimes and would later use his silent acting skills to help smuggle Jewish children out of Nazi-occupied France. His pantomimes were used to keep children quiet during dangerous moments on the journey to the Switzerland border. Marceau made three of these trips and liberated at least 70 children during World War II.

After the war, Marceau studied dramatic acting and mime at the School of Dramatic Art of the Sarah Bernhardt Theatre in Paris. In 1947, he began playing his famous character Bip the Clown, a tragicomic figure with a striped shirt, white face paint, and a battered beflowered hat. Bip explored the range of human emotions and his actions spoke louder than words could. Soon after, he founded the Compagnie de Mime Marcel Marceau, the only pantomime company in the world at the time, to develop the art of silence.

Marceau performed in transcontinental tours and introduced people around the world to the art of miming. Millions more would become familiar with Marceau through his television and movie appearances. He played the role of Scrooge in A Christmas Carol in 1973 and earned an Emmy for Best Specialty Act for his 1956 appearance on the Max Liebman Show of Shows. Some of his stand-out performances in the motion picture realm include the 17 roles he played in the film First Class and his silent role in Shanks. Beyond his acting talent, Marceau also directed a mime drama and published two children's books.

Happy birthday, Marcel Marceau, you specialized in silence but continue to leave audiences roaring with laughter.

[9A]

Jul 21, 2022

Lydia Tin Ha Sum's 77th Birthday



Today’s Doodle celebrates the 77th birthday of Lydia Tin Ha Sum, one of Hong Kong’s most beloved comedians. Affectionately known as “Fei Fei” [which means “Fat Fat” in Cantonese], as well as “Happy Fruit”, the Shanghai-born actress is a household name in Chinese communities around the world who brought laughter and positive energy through her shows.

Sum was born on this day in 1945. She began her career as a teen actress working for the Shaw Brothers Studio, the largest production company in Hong Kong at the time. In 1967, she landed her breakout role as the emcee for a popular variety show called “Enjoy Yourself Tonight.”

Soon after, she starred in the popular Cantonese film, “The House of 72 Tenants,” which follows the lives of residents in a run-down apartment. Sum’s realistic portrayal of working-class women struck a chord with theater-goers. The film surpassed blockbuster films, topping Hong Kong’s box office in 1973.

Sum went on to play a similar role in “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World,” a four-part blockbuster comedy about an impoverished family in search of wealth. A powerful commentary on social inequality, the classic film series continues to drive conversation in the media today.

Beyond Hong Kong, Sum also starred in Singapore's English-language sitcom,“Living with Lydia,” which won her Best Comedy Performance at the Asian Television Awards in 2003.

Happy 77th birthday, Lydia Sum! Your films and television shows still bring laughter and joy to Chinese communities all over the world.

[9A]

May 30, 2022

Celebrating Edmond Rostand




Today’s Doodle celebrates Edmond Rostand, a Neo-Romantic French poet and playwright. His most famous work was Cyrano de Bergerac, a play about a chivalrous swordsman with an oversized nose. The play’s sentimental hero—plagued by a love triangle—went on to symbolize the spirit of the French. On this day in 1901, Rostand was elected to the French Academy [l’Académie Française].

Born in 1868 in a southern port city called Marseille, Rostand grew up in a wealthy and cultured family. His father, a poet and an economist, was a member of scholarly societies such as Académie de Marseille and Institute de France. As a young adult, Rostand attended Collège Stanislas in Paris, where he studied literature, history and philosophy. By the time he was 20-years-old, he had completed his first play, a one-act comedy called Le Gant Rouge. The play was performed at Cluny Theatre in 1888. Although Rostand’s first play received little fanfare, it didn’t discourage him from continuing to write.

A few years later, Rostand created his first successful play, Les Romanesques, which was a parody of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The satirical play follows two families who fake a feud to encourage their children to fall in love. When it premiered in 1894, it put Rostand on the map. Les Romanesques became so popular—even outside of France—that it was later adapted into The Fantasticks, the world's longest-running musical.

Three years after Les Romanesques, Rostand produced his most beloved work, Cyrano de Bergerac, in 1897. To this day, Cyrano de Bergerac remains one of the most popular plays in France, and people all over the world still seek modern versions of this tale.

Today’s artwork celebrates Rostand’s literary brilliance. More than a century later, his endearing tales continue to be performed and resonate with hopeless romantics all over the world.

[9A]

Sep 17, 2016

Irena Kwiatkowska’s 104th birthday


Beloved Polish actress Irena Kwiatkowska was born today in 1912. A household name in Poland, Kwiatkowska was celebrated for her work in cabaret, comedy, film, theater, radio, and television. She is best known for the television character "Working Woman," who did many different [and often wacky] jobs, to great humorous effect.

When Kwiatkowska was born, Poland was part of the Russian Empire. She witnessed dramatic changes in Poland's culture and politics during her lifetime. Whether she was advocating for Polish independence, teaching at the Warsaw Theatre Academy, performing a comedic monologue, or singing in a movie musical, Irena Kwiatkowska sought the best for her country -- and brought her best to her audiences.

[9A]

Oct 24, 2015

R. K. Laxman's 94th Birthday




A humorist and illustrator with an uncommon talent, R.K. Laxman was one of India’s most celebrated cartoonists. His daily political cartoon, You Said It, ran on the front page of The Times of India for more than 50 years. Laxman was best known for his Common Man character, who he drew into his cartoons as a witness to the kinds of hypocrisies and societal inequalities Laxman wanted to silently expose.

Today’s Doodle honors R.K. Laxman for his deft artistic hand and sharp, incisive wit. Doodler Olivia When in collaboration with Local Googlers wanted to salute the legendary cartoonist by creating a Doodle that payed homage to both Laxman [making sure to capture his wild shock of hair and distinctive grin] and his most popular character, who watches in his trademark checked shirt as the beloved illustrator sketches him one more time.

Early sketches by Olivia When

[9A]

Feb 10, 2024

Global Lunar New Year 2024




Lunar New Year traditions originated thousands of years ago with a legend about a mythical beast that appeared each year to torment people. Families covered their doors in red paper, left lanterns on overnight, and set off fireworks to ward off the beast. Today, many red lanterns can be seen hanging in neighborhoods. It’s also popular to gift money in red envelopes to the youngest and oldest people within communities and families.

As shown in the Doodle artwork, 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which represents strength, health, and good luck. Happy Lunar New Year to everyone who celebrates!

[9A]

Dec 17, 2023

Celebrating Ha Long Bay


This animated Doodle celebrates Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay, known for its 1000+ limestone islands that rise out of the sea.

Ha Long Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin within the Quang Ninh province and was formed some 3 million years ago. Legend has it that a mythical dragon stomped down hard into the earth to create giant valleys that were filled with water, and only a few jagged mountain peaks stayed undisturbed above the surface. The breathtaking seascape now consists of almost 2,000 islands and islets, and is home to hundreds of different species from fish to monkeys to hawks to frogs.

Its limestone pillars and emerald green waters attract millions of bucket-list visitors each year, making it one of Vietnam’s national treasures. Many delve down into the depths of Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in the bay, while others enjoy more nautical adventures like fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, and scuba diving.

Ha Long Bay was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a new age wonder of the world. It’s an invaluable cultural phenomenon that has helped scientists understand the movement of geologic plates and the history of climate change on earth.

[9A]

Dec 16, 2023

Celebrating Arthur Beetson



Beetson was born in Roma, Queensland in 1945 which is traditionally known as Gubbi Gubbi Country. His mother, a survivor of the Stolen Generation, was taken from her parents at 11 years old and forced to work as a domestic servant. Fearing that her children would suffer the same fate, she often hid Beetson and his siblings whenever a stranger’s car came close to their home.

Beetson fell in love with football as a child, and at 19, he was recruited to play for the Redcliffe Dolphins. Soon after, Redcliffe won the Brisbane premiership and Beetson was named club player of the year in 1965.

In 1973, when Beetson was appointed captain of the Kangaroos, the Australia National Rugby League team, it was a watershed moment for Indigenous representation: The government had only begun to recognize Indigenous people as Australian citizens six years earlier. Up until then, Indigenous communities were largely excluded from Australian society.

Beetson captained the Kangaroos to victory at the 1975 World Series, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players and leaders in Australian rugby league history. He continued to break new grounds throughout his four-decade career by playing in 14 test matches, four victorious World Club campaigns, 20 interstate matches, and 222 New South Wales Rugby League first-grade games. He also went on to coach for the Eastern Suburbs, Australia, Queensland, the Redcliffe Dolphins, and the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks. In 2003, Beetson was inducted into the Australian Rugby League Hall of Fame and added to the list of Immortals.

Thank you, Arthur Beetson, for helping level the playing field for Indigenous representation and being a sporting icon for all Australians.

[9A]

Dec 10, 2023

Cássia Eller's 61st Birthday




Eller was extremely interested in music from an early age and picked up the guitar when she was 14. Her music career took off in 1989 after her uncle organized a meeting with a record label — the same one that eventually signed her. At first, she mostly sang covers of artists like Cazuza, Renato Russo, Janis Joplin, The Beatles, and more. Her raspy voice, emotional delivery, and charismatic on-stage presence captured the hearts of many, and it wasn’t long until she became a household name.

Eller’s breakthrough, self-titled album released in 1990, which included hits like Malandragem and O Segundo Sol, was a turning point in her career and gave rise to her stardom. She became more recognized as an icon of the LGBTQ+ community during this time, and performed on underground stages with an electric aura. From there, she went on to record four more studio albums and collaborated with many popular Latin American artists.

Eller was perhaps one of the most noteworthy Brazilian rock musicians during the 1990s, remembered for her originality, intensity, and versatility. In 2013, Rolling Stone ranked her in Brazilian music history best voice and best artist categories. Her songs and voice live on in the hearts of many today.

Happy birthday, Cassia Eller!

[9A]

Dec 05, 2023

Celebrating the Art of Đờn Ca Tài Tử




This Doodle celebrates Đờn Ca Tài Tử, a music genre that showcases and honors Vietnamese culture. The artwork, illustrated by guest artist Camelia Pham, shows musicians performing Đờn Ca Tài Tử.

Đờn Ca Tài Tử has been practiced since the late 19th century, and it originates from ceremonial and Hue Royal Court music. Most often practiced in the Southern region, harmonious instruments blend together to create this beautiful melody. Besides a singer, the Đờn Ca Tài Tử ensemble may include a zither, stork, lute, concave guitar, song loan, flute, pipa, violin, and pliers. With all those instruments, it won’t be surprising to learn that Đờn Ca Tài Tử is almost always performed as a group.

Wise lyricists constantly create new songs as they find fresh inspiration in nearly 100 traditional songs, including ancient and original [Ancestral] songs. A teacher fluent in ancient songs will help the musicians master instruments while another teaches chanting and singing. When the group comes together, they create enchanting music.

It is always a good time to enjoy Đờn Ca Tài Tử in Vietnam. The tunes are a big part of anniversaries, weddings, Tết [Vietnamese New Year], birthdays, and just about any gathering. It connects the community through shared culture, art, and music, and will continue to do so for generations to come.