Leading Figures in History

Discover the people who shaped our world — from rulers and scientists to artists and activists.

62247 persons found

James Waddell Alexander II

b. 1888

American mathematician (1888–1971)

James Ward-Prowse

b. 1994

English footballer (born 1994)

James Watney Jr

b. 1832

James Watson

American biologist (1928–2025)

James Watt

Scottish inventor, engineer and chemist (1736–1819)

James Weddell

b. 1787

British sailor and polar explorer (1787–1834)

James Weldon Johnson

b. 1871

American writer and activist (1871–1938)

James Wesolowski

b. 1987

Australian soccer player

James Westerfield

American actor (1913–1971)

James Whale

English film director (1889–1957)

James Whitcomb

American politician (1795–1852)

James Whitcomb Riley

American poet (1849–1916)

James White (author)

Northern Irish science fiction author (1928–1999)

James White (basketball)

b. 1982

American basketball player (born 1982)

James Whitelocke

English judge and politician (1570–1632)

James Whitmore

b. 1921

American actor (1921–2009)

James Whyte (Australian politician)

Australian politician (1820–1882)

James Widdoes

b. 1953

American actor and television director

James William McCarthy

b. 1872

American judge

James Williamson (musician)

b. 1949

American musician (born 1949)

James Wolfe

British Army officer (1727–1759)

James Wong Howe

b. 1899

American cinematographer (1899–1976)

James Woods

b. 1947

American actor (born 1947)

James Woolsey

b. 1941

American lawyer and public official (1941–2026)