Leading Figures in History

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

62243 persons found

Wreckless Eric

b. 1954

English singer-songwriter (born 1954)

Wren Blair

b. 1925

Canadian ice hockey coach, scout, and executive

Wright brothers

b. 1867

American aviation pioneers, inventors of the airplane

Wright Morris

American photographer and novelist

Wu Chengsi

Prince Xuan of Wei

Wu Hanyue

Wu Peifu

b. 1874

Chinese general and warlord (1874–1939)

Wu Sangui

Chinese general and rebel (1612–1678)

Wu Yuanheng

Tang dynasty Chinese official (758–815)

Wu Zhengyi

b. 1916

Chinese botanist (1916–2013)

Wubbo de Boer

b. 1948

Dutch civil servant (1948 – 2017)

Wubbo Ockels

Dutch astronaut (1946–2014)

Wude Ayalew

b. 1987

Ethiopian long-distance runner

Wulfstan (died 1023)

Archbishop of York from 1002 to 1023

Würzel

b. 1949

British guitarist (1949–2011)

Wyatt Oleff

b. 2003

American actor (born 2003)

Wyatt Roy

b. 1990

Australian politician (born 1990)

Wyatt Tee Walker

b. 1928

American civil rights activist and pastor (1928–2018)

Wyclef Jean

b. 1969

Haitian rapper (born 1969)

Wyndham Halswelle

b. 1882

British athlete and soldier (1882–1915)

Wynonie Harris

b. 1915

American blues singer (1915–1969)

Wynonna Judd

b. 1964

American country singer (born 1964)

Wynton Marsalis

b. 1961

American jazz trumpeter (born 1961)

Wyomia Tyus

b. 1945

American sprinter