Leading Figures in History

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

39104 persons found

Sam Katzman

b. 1901

American film producer and director (1901–1973)

Sam Lavagnino

b. 2006

American voice actor (born 2006)

Sam Manekshaw

Indian military officer (1914–2009)

Sam McKendry

b. 1989

NZ international rugby league footballer

Sam Mendes

b. 1965

British filmmaker and stage director (born 1965)

Sam Merwin Jr.

b. 1910

American novelist

Sam Mills

b. 1959

American football player and coach (1959–2005)

Sam Morris (cricketer)

b. 1855

Australian cricketer (1855–1931)

Sam Most

American jazz musician (1930–2013)

Sam Murphy (rugby league)

b. 1981

Australian rugby league player

Sam Myers

American musician (born 1936)

Sam Nujoma

b. 1929

President of Namibia from 1990 to 2005

Sam Perkins

b. 1961

American basketball player (born 1961)

Sam Perrett

b. 1985

NZ international rugby league footballer

Sam Phillips

American disc jockey, songwriter and record producer (1923–2003)

Sam Pollock

Canadian sports executive (1925–2007)

Sam Posey

b. 1944

American racing driver, author, artist, architect (born 1944)

Sam Retford

b. 1999

Australian actor (born 1999)

Sam Rolfe

American screenwriter

Sam Rubin

American journalist (1960–2024)

Sam Saunders (golfer)

b. 1987

American professional golfer (born 1987)

Sam Selvon

b. 1923

Trinidadian writer (1923–1994)

Sam Shepard

American playwright and actor (1943–2017)

Sam Simon

b. 1955

American television writer and producer (1955–2015)