Leading Figures in History

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

62247 persons found

John Arne Riise

b. 1980

Norwegian football manager (born 1980)

John Arthur Jarvis

British swimmer

John Ashbery

b. 1927

American poet (1927–2017)

John Ashby (Royal Navy officer)

John Ashcroft

b. 1942

American lawyer and politician (born 1942)

John Ashton (actor)

American actor (1948–2024)

John Aston Sr.

b. 1921

English footballer

John Astor, 3rd Baron Astor of Hever

b. 1946

English businessman and politician

John Atta Mills

b. 1944

President of Ghana from 2009 to 2012

John Auden

b. 1894

John August

b. 1970

American film director and screenwriter (born 1970)

John Aylmer (bishop)

English bishop (1521–1594)

John B. Cocke

Confederate States Army officer (c. 1833–1864)

John B. Fenn

b. 1917

American chemistry professor

John B. Goodenough

b. 1922

American materials scientist (1922–2023)

John B. O'Reilly Jr.

b. 1948

American politician (1948–2025)

John B. Stetson

b. 1830

American hat maker (1830–1906)

John B. Watson

American psychologist (1878–1958)

John Babcock

b. 1900

Canadian World War I veteran (1900–2010)

John Badham

b. 1939

American film and television director (born 1939)

John Bailey (American actor)

American actor (1947–1994)

John Baillie (theologian)

Scottish theologian (1886–1960)

John Bainbridge (astronomer)

English astronomer and mathematician

John Baird (Canadian politician)

b. 1969

Canadian politician (born 1969)