1

Pizza

Image: Nik Owens

This Italian classic truly needs no introduction. From its humble beginnings in Naples, pizza conquered the world, and America is no exception. Whether it's a classic New York slice or a deep-dish Chicago pie , pizza is a staple in American diets, with endless customizable topping options.

2

Sushi

Image: Jakub Dziubak

Once considered exotic, this Japanese delicacy has become a mainstream favorite in America. From California rolls to spicy tuna, these bite-sized pieces of artfully prepared fish and rice have won over many of our palates with their fresh flavors. Not to mention the fun appeal of sushi bars!

3

Fondue

Image: angela pham

Cheese fondue or chocolate fondue? All are welcome! This Swiss tradition of dipping diced food into a communal pot has become a fun and interactive dining experience for Americans. It’s a meal as much as an event: The point is to share and enjoy!

4

Dulce de Leche

Image: Leigh Skomal

This caramel treat hails from South America, where it's slathered on everything : pancakes, fruit, ice cream —you name it! Lately, Americans have embraced this sweet indulgence, swirling it into ice cream and frappucinos, drizzling it over desserts, and even stuffing it into cookies.

5

Ramen

Image: Bon Vivant

Another convenient, exotic, and fulfilling meal that many Americans can vouch for. Whether in the form of a quick instant noodle fix or as a gourmet bowl in a Japanese bar, this is a meal that has become a favorite comfort food for many.

6

Macaron

Image: Holly Stratton

Charming to the eyes as well as delicious! Macarons are delicate French cookies that are almost too pretty to eat . They are almond-based and usually served in bright colors, already a favorite for those of us with a sweet tooth.

7

Pad Thai

Image: Hidden

Once street food in Thailand, today a go-to for American takeout lovers. It combines fried rice noodles, protein, vegetables, and a tangy sauce . Interesting! The dish offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures that has garnered many fans across the country.

8

Paella

Image: Olivier Collet

Paellas are inviting to all of the senses. This saffron rice is a staple of Spanish cuisine and often includes seafood, chicken, or chorizo. It’s accompanied with vegetables and served in a large pan. Its colorful presentation makes it a showstopper at any dinner party or food festival.

9

Pavlova

Image: Léo Roza

This meringue-based feast from New Zealand and Australia has charmed its way onto many American dessert menus. If you like a crisp crust of meringue with a fluffy interior, topped with fresh fruit like strawberries or cherries, you must try this dessert —if you haven’t already!

10

Feijoada

Image: Beatriz Braga

Feijoada (pronounced fey-zhoo-ah-dah) is a hearty black bean stew from Brazil. It’s packed with pork, spices, and often served with rice and orange slices. Sure, a bold flavor . But Americans are starting to embrace this traditional Brazilian pride!

11

Arepas

Image: Alexandra Tran

Arepas can go with anything, really. Some refer to them as culinary blank canvases . They are versatile cornmeal cakes from Colombia and Venezuela, which can be stuffed or accompanied by spreads like cheese, shredded beef, vegetables —you name it!

12

Gyro

Image: Bruna Santos

The gyro (pronounced yee-roh) is a Greek pita-wrapped delight, and a favorite of handheld dining . Packed with spiced meat, crisp veggies, and garlicky tzatziki, gyros are a satisfying and flavorful meal that Americans have embraced for their fresh taste and convenience.

13

Curry

Image: Photo By: Kaboompics.com

The fragrant aromas and complex flavors of Indian curries have captivated us for decades. From the creamy tikka masala to the fiery vindaloo , curry dishes have opened the door for Americans to incorporate rich spices from foreign cuisines.

1

Perry Mason, Defense Attorney

A defense attorney's job is to protect their clients’ rights, making sure they receive a fair trial. They investigate the case, interview witnesses, collect evidence, negotiate pleas, and defend their client in court.

Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) made the L.A. defense attorney’s job look like the work of a real-life hero on the self-titled series, which aired from 1957 to 1966. With a superior mind and strong sense of right and wrong, Mason did whatever it took to get innocent people out of seemingly hopeless situations. He rarely lost a case, and the most thrilling moments came when he exposed the real killer on the witness stand at the last minute.

2

Lieutenant Columbo, Homicide Detective

Columbo originally aired from 1971 to 1978 and later returned with new episodes from 1989 to 2003. Portrayed by Peter Falk, Columbo made us all want to be homicide detectives. He understood how society worked, and everything about his actions and appearance was part of his strategy: with his rumpled coat and beat-up car, he played the fool, deliberately making arrogant high-society suspects underestimate him. The most curious of detectives, he could notice tiny inconsistencies when no one else could. With his signature catchphrase, "Just one more thing...," he persisted until he found the truth, showing us that no detail should ever be overlooked.

3

Indiana Jones, Archaeologist

Spielberg’s Raiders of the Lost Ark was the movie franchise’s first installment, premiering in 1981, with four sequels released through 2023. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) actually lived a double life: a quiet, book-loving archaeology professor by day and an explorer whenever trouble knocked on his door. He was truly passionate about discovery. The impact was huge. Indiana Jones inspired generations of students to pursue careers in archaeology, history, and anthropology. He helped spread the idea that ancient artifacts are part of our history and deserve to be protected rather than stolen.

4

James Bond, Secret Agent

Played by six actors and counting across 25 films since 1962, the iconic British secret agent who worked for MI6 under the code number 007 was, of course, James Bond. Bond brought a level of glamour and excitement that few real-life jobs could ever match: his formal suits, high-tech gadgets, and remarkable confidence.

He always stayed calm and in control, even when things got dangerous. His missions were filled with constant risk, yet he always managed to make it out unharmed . Time and again, Bond proved that he was prepared for almost any mission. And after saving the day, there was always time for his favorite martini: shaken, not stirred.

5

Mary Richards, TV News Producer

Mary Richards (Mary Tyler Moore) was the heroine of The Mary Taylor Moore Show, which ran for seven seasons, starting in 1970. She was an independent, single woman of her decade, a TV news producer who showed women could handle demanding careers. She faced everyday office struggles, stood up for equal pay, and even asked for a raise when she realized she earned less than men doing the same work . With her characteristic humor, bravery, spunk, and determination, she helped normalize women’s ambition on television.

6

Ben Cartwright, Rancher

Ben Cartwright showed us that running a ranch in the Old West involved much more than riding horses and handling cattle. Ben, played by Lorne Greene on Bonanza from 1953 to 1973, owned the Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada, was a widower, and had three sons. He managed the land and its workers while helping his family face the everyday challenges of frontier life.

Ben showed us that a good rancher needed good judgment to survive. He worked hard to protect the Ponderosa and treated everyone fairly: family, workers, neighbors, and even strangers. As the story is set during and after the Civil War, Ben lived in a dangerous world, but he was still a leader and respected the land.

7

Scotty, Engineer

On a ship traveling through space, the engineer isn’t usually the one who gets the glory. Scotty was the exception. Played by James Doohan, Montgomery "Scotty" Scott appeared in Star Trek: The Original Series , which aired on NBC from 1966 until 1969. The show arrived at the height of the Space Race, three years before the Moon landing, when the idea of exploring distant worlds captured the country’s imagination.

As chief engineer of the Enterprise, Scotty was the man everyone turned to when things fell apart. No matter how impossible the problem seemed, he always found a way to fix it under pressure. His steady, reliable know-how made engineering feel like the most essential job on the entire ship.

8

Mike Brady, Architect

With Mike Brady, architecture found its way into mainstream television. Played by Robert Reed, Brady was the patriarch of The Brady Bunch (1969-1974) and had his own architecture firm. He showed that being an architect could go hand in hand with being a devoted husband and father of six. He sometimes worked from home, long before that became common, blending his career with everyday family life. He also prioritized public safety and honesty over profit in his projects. Mike was an ethical architect who made a complicated profession seem accessible and interesting.

9

Quincy, Medical Examiner

Quincy, played by Jack Klugman on Quincy M.E. (1976-1983), was the medical examiner who refused to let suspicious deaths go unnoticed. With his unwavering ethic, he treated every body as an important story that deserved to be understood and looked after. He constantly fought against bureaucracy and apathy, driven by his principles rather than personal convenience.

As one of the earliest forensic procedurals on TV aired in the 70s, the show made science a powerful tool for truth and justice, paving the way for modern shows like CSI . It also tackled real-world issues most shows avoided at the time, like public health crises, environmental pollution, pharmaceutical greed, and elder care, all wrapped inside a weekly mystery.

10

John-Boy Walton, Writer

Played by Richard Thomas on The Waltons , John-Boy Walton grew up in a large family in rural Virginia during the Great Depression. The show aired from 1972 to 1981. While helping his family through difficult times, he dreamed of becoming a professional writer and carefully recorded his experiences in his journal.

John-Boy treated everyday family struggles, conversations, and memories as stories worth preserving. Even when money was tight and his dream seemed distant, he continued studying and writing. Inspiring many, he proved that curiosity and discipline were the secret powers that could take a young writer far beyond.

1

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – Timeless elegance

Image: Florida Memory

Few women have left as lasting a mark on fashion as Jackie Kennedy. She was known for her bouffant hairstyle, pillbox hats, tailored coats, and sleek shift dresses, all of which became defining styles of the 1960s.

After leaving the White House, her style evolved into something more relaxed yet equally chic. Her fashion sense was never flashy; it always exuded class.

2

Grace Kelly - The Princess of sophistication

Image: Pixabay

Grace Kelly’s name alone evokes timeless glamour. Before she became a real-life princess, she was already Hollywood royalty , known for her elegant, understated fashion choices.

She was known for her simple yet sophisticated silhouettes, often wearing A-line dresses, pearls, and classic handbags.

When she married Prince Rainier of Monaco, her bridal gown—one of the most famous of all time—sealed her status as a style icon. The Hermès "Kelly" bag was even named after her, cementing her influence in the fashion world. Talk about an influencer!

3

Elizabeth Taylor - The Queen of diamonds and drama

Image: WikiImages

Known for her lavish gowns, dramatic accessories, and love of bold colors, Elizabeth Taylor always commanded attention. She had a lifelong love affair with jewelry, particularly diamonds, and owned one of the most famous collections in the world. Whether on-screen or off, her style was glamorous, extravagant, and unapologetically feminine .

She embraced figure-hugging dresses, plunging necklines, and luxurious fabrics, making her a standout in any crowd. Taylor didn’t follow trends—she created them.

4

Marilyn Monroe - The Ultimate Bombshell

Image: pure julia

When you think of iconic American fashion, Marilyn Monroe’s name is bound to come up, right? She made hourglass silhouettes, red lipstick, and platinum blonde hair synonymous with Old Hollywood glamour.

Whether it was the iconic white halter dress from The Seven Year Itch or a curve-hugging gown dripping in sequins, no one can deny that she knew how to make a statement. Her fashion choices exuded confidence, sensuality, and star power. She was all about the how , not just what to wear!

5

David Bowie - The chameleon of style

Image: David Preston

Fashion is for men too, you know? Take David Bowie, for example. He wasn’t just a music legend—he was a walking fashion revolution. He reinvented himself countless times, from the glittering, androgynous Ziggy Stardust to the sleek and sophisticated Thin White Duke.

He pushed boundaries with bold makeup, avant-garde suits, and dramatic costumes , never afraid to embrace the unusual. Bowie understood that fashion is a performance, a statement, and an extension of identity.

6

Diana Ross - Disco diva and glam goddess

Image: Gideon Hezekiah

Diana Ross took fashion to dazzling new heights. As the lead singer of The Supremes and later as a solo star, she embraced glitzy gowns, feather boas, and over-the-top glamour.

She was the definition of confidence and star power, making every sequin shine just a little brighter. In the 1970s, her big hair (isn’t that the first thing you think of?), bold colors, and dramatic silhouettes became legendary. But she also knew how to rock chic, tailored suits and exude effortless elegance when the occasion called for it. To put it simply, she was the blueprint for diva style.

7

Prince - Fashion without limits

Image: Doyoun Seo

Another man on the list, and he has truly earned this spot. Prince didn’t just wear clothes; he made them an extension of his art. Known for his purple suits, ruffled shirts, and sky-high heels, he redefined masculinity in fashion.

He blurred the lines between romantic, edgy, and flamboyant , making everything he wore feel iconic. Lace, sequins, metallic fabrics—whatever it was, he embraced it all with confidence. His signature color, purple, became an essential part of his brand. But more than anything, he made it clear that personal style should have no rules.

8

Cher - The Queen of reinvention

Image: Andrey Zvyagintsev

Did you think we would forget about her? Of course not! Cher is the original risk-taker in fashion. From iconic dresses to extravagant feathered headpieces , she’s never been afraid to push boundaries. She turned glamorous, bohemian, and rockstar styles into her signature looks.

In the ’60s, she rocked hippie-chic bell bottoms. By the ’70s and ’80s, she had become a daring fashion powerhouse on the red carpet. Even today, she continues to surprise with her bold choices. If anyone has proven that fashion is about having fun and embracing drama, it’s definitely Cher.

9

Lauren Bacall - Effortlessly cool and always classy

Image: Gabrielle Henderson

Lauren Bacall’s fashion was the epitome of effortless sophistication. She mastered the art of sharp tailoring, wide-leg trousers, and classic silhouettes . With her deep voice and signature smirk, she radiated cool confidence in everything she wore.

She made menswear-inspired fashion incredibly chic long before it became trendy. Her style was all about clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and understated glamour. If you want to channel timeless elegance, look no further—she’s the one to look up to!

10

Katharine Hepburn - The queen of trousers

Image: Khaled Ali

Speaking of power suits, before that was even a thing, Katharine Hepburn was redefining women’s fashion. She was known for her love of menswear-inspired looks , often sporting tailored trousers, crisp button-down shirts, and structured blazers.

At a time when women were expected to dress in delicate, feminine styles, Hepburn’s bold, no-nonsense aesthetic was revolutionary. She proved that style isn’t about following trends—it’s about confidence, and that a ball gown has nothing on tailored trousers!