Leading Figures in History

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

21510 persons found

Michael Patrick Cronan

b. 1951

American designer, known for graphics and brand strategy

Michael Phelps

b. 1985

American swimmer (born 1985)

Michael Piller

b. 1948

American television producer and scriptwriter (1948–2005)

Michael Porter Jr.

b. 1998

American basketball player (born 1998)

Michael Portillo

b. 1953

British broadcaster, journalist and former politician (born 1953)

Michael Rasmussen (cyclist)

b. 1974

Danish cyclist

Michael Rennie

British actor (1909–1971)

Michael Ritchie (filmmaker)

American film director (1938–2001)

Michael Roberts (jockey)

b. 1954

South African jockey

Michael Rosen

b. 1946

British children's author and poet (born 1946)

Michael Ruse

b. 1940

Canadian philosopher (1940–2024)

Michael Russell (tennis)

b. 1978

American tennis player (born 1978)

Michael Sandberg, Baron Sandberg

b. 1927

Michael Sandle

b. 1936

British sculptor and artist (born 1936)

Michael Sarrazin

Canadian actor (1940-2011)

Michael Schwerner

American civil rights activist and murder victim (1939–1964)

Michael Sembello

b. 1954

American musician

Michael Shaara

American novelist (1928–1988)

Michael Showalter

b. 1970

American comedian, actor, director, writer, and producer

Michael Smith (chemist)

b. 1932

Canadian biochemist, businessman and Nobel Prize laureate (1932–2000)

Michael Steele (musician)

b. 1955

American rock musician

Michael Stifel

German mathematician (1487–1567)

Michael Stratton

b. 1957

Michael Tait

b. 1966

American contemporary Christian music artist (born 1966)