Leading Figures in History

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

62243 persons found

William "Bull" Nelson

b. 1824

19th-century American naval officer and Army general

William A. Fraker

American film director, producer and cinematographer

William A. MacCorkle

b. 1857

American politician (1857–1930)

William A. Mitchell

American food chemist

William A. Rusher

b. 1923

American attorney and journalist (1923–2011)

William Adams (samurai)

English sailor and samurai (1564–1620)

William Alden Smith

b. 1859

American politician

William Alexander (author)

b. 1976

American writer and academic (born 1976)

William Alexander Smith (Boys' Brigade)

b. 1854

Founder of the Boys Brigade (1854–1914)

William Alfred Fowler

b. 1911

American nuclear physicist (1911–1995)

William Alland

American actor, producer, writer, and director

William Allen (cardinal)

English Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church

William Alwyn

English composer (1905–1985)

William Ames

English Puritan minister (1576–1633)

William Anders

American astronaut and lunar explorer (1933–2024)

William Andrew (priest)

Anglican priest

William Archibald Spooner

b. 1844

Oxford don (1844–1930)

William Arms Fisher

b. 1861

American historian, music editor, and writer on music (1861–1948)

William Armstrong (Virginia politician)

American lawyer, civil servant, politician, and businessperson

William Arnold (settler)

b. 1587

Founding settler of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

William Arnon Henry

b. 1850

American professor (1850–1932)

William Asher

American film and television producer, director, and screenwriter (1921–2012)

William Ashhurst

b. 1647

British banker, merchant and politician

William Atherton

b. 1947

American actor (born 1947)