Leading Figures in History

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

62247 persons found

John Scott Haldane

b. 1860

British physiologist and researcher (1860–1936)

John Scott, 9th Duke of Buccleuch

Scottish politician and peer

John Scotus (bishop of Mecklenburg)

Bishop of Mecklenburg

John Scrope, 5th Baron Scrope of Bolton

b. 1437

English nobleman

John Searle

b. 1932

American philosopher (1932–2025)

John Sedgwick

American teacher, military officer, and Union Army general (1813–1864)

John See

b. 1844

Australian politician

John Seigenthaler

American journalist, writer, and political figure (1927–2014)

John Serry Sr.

American concert accordionist, arranger, and composer (1915–2003)

John Shakespeare

Father of playwright William Shakespeare

John Shelley (illustrator)

b. 1959

British illustrator

John Sheridan (rugby league)

English RL coach and former rugby league footballer

John Sherman Cooper

b. 1901

American politician, jurist, and diplomat (1901–1991)

John Shirley-Quirk

b. 1931

English bass-baritone (1931–2014)

John Shortland

b. 1769

Royal Navy officer (1769–1810)

John Shuster

b. 1982

American curler (born 1982)

John Sigismund Zápolya

b. 1540

Disputed King of Hungary from 1540 to 1551 and 1556 to 1570

John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg

b. 1572

Elector of Brandenburg from 1608 to 1619

John Silber

b. 1926

President of Boston University

John Silkin

British left-wing Labour politician and solicitor (1923-1987)

John Simm

b. 1970

English musician and actor (born 1970)

John Simon (rugby league)

b. 1972

Australia international rugby league footballer

John Simpson Kirkpatrick

Australian soldier (1892–1915)

John Singleton

American filmmaker (1968–2019)