Popular billiards star Jeanette Lee (1971–) was born on this day in Brooklyn, New York, the youngest of three children of Korean immigrants. Diagnosed with severe scoliosis at age 12, she underwent spinal surgery to realign her spine.

"I was in the most pain you can imagine," she recalled.

Still unable to bend more than 80 degrees, she fell in love with pool in high school and turned pro in 1993. Nicknamed “The Black Widow,” she wore black and played fiercely, her long dark hair cascading behind her.

"It almost gives me the freedom to be as bad as I want to be," she explained.

A passionate voice for femininity, she said, “Women should be proud to be women and celebrate their femininity... I want to be feminine and still be great and hold myself with class and dignity.”

Jeanette’s accomplishments include dozens of WPBA titles and the prestigious Sportsperson of the Year Award. She believed being good at anything builds confidence. “Working hard at anything and seeing its rewards feels good.”

She founded The Jeanette Lee Foundation and supported the Scoliosis Association, inspiring many as proof that you can succeed despite disability.

“My passion for pool is so much greater than my passion for glory... when I play great there's nothing better in the world.”