Leading Figures in History

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

21510 persons found

Paul O'Grady

b. 1955

British comedian, actor and television presenter (1955–2023)

Paul Paray

b. 1886

French musician (1886–1979)

Paul Pelliot

b. 1878

French sinologist and Orientalist (1878–1945)

Paul Pietsch

German racing driver (1911–2012)

Paul Poiret

b. 1879

French fashion designer (1879–1944)

Paul Popenoe

American eugenicist (1888–1979)

Paul Popham

American gay rights activist (1941–1987)

Paul Probst (sport shooter)

b. 1869

Swiss sport shooter

Paul R. Ehrlich

b. 1932

American biologist (1932–2026)

Paul Reiffel

b. 1966

Australian cricketer and umpire

Paul Revere

American silversmith and military officer (1735–1818)

Paul Ricœur

French philosopher (1913–2005)

Paul Robeson Jr.

American academic (1927–2014)

Paul Rostock

Nazi official (1892–1956)

Paul Rotha

b. 1907

English film director (1907–1984)

Paul Rudolph (musician)

b. 1947

Canadian musician

Paul Rusesabagina

b. 1954

Rwandan human rights activist (born 1954)

Paul Sacher

b. 1906

Swiss conductor, patron and billionaire businessman (1906–1999)

Paul Salamunovich

b. 1927

American conductor (1927–2014)

Paul Samson

b. 1953

Musical artist

Paul Samuelson

b. 1915

American economist and Nobel Laureate (1915–2009)

Paul Shane

English actor and comedian

Paul Sharratt

Australian entertainer, American television producer (1933–2009)

Paul Siefert

b. 1586

German composer and organist (1586–1666)