Leading Figures in History

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

62247 persons found

Helen Williams (model)

b. 1935

American model (1935–2023)

Helen Wills

b. 1905

American tennis player (1905–1998)

Helena Benitez

b. 1914

Filipino Senator and civic leader (1914–2016)

Helena Blavatsky

Russian-American mystic and writer (1831–1891)

Helena Bonham Carter

b. 1966

British actress (born 1966)

Helena Carroll

b. 1928

Scottish-born U.S. based stage/film and television actress

Helena Ekholm

b. 1984

Swedish biathlete

Helena Lekapene

Byzantine empress from 919 to 959

Helena Modjeska

b. 1840

Polish-American actress (1840–1909)

Helena Rakoczy

Polish gymnast (1921–2014)

Helena Rasiowa

b. 1917

Polish mathematician

Helena Shovelton

b. 1945

Hélène Ahrweiler

b. 1926

Greek Byzantinologist (1926–2026)

Hélène Baillargeon

b. 1916

Canadian singer, actor and folklorist (1916–1997)

Hélène Boucher

b. 1908

French pilot (1908–1934)

Hélène Carrère d'Encausse

b. 1929

French historian (1929–2023)

Hélène Cixous

b. 1937

French writer (born 1937)

Hélène de Pourtalès

Swiss sailor (1868–1945)

Hélène Defrance

b. 1986

French sailor (born 1986)

Hélène Grimaud

b. 1969

French pianist (born 1969)

Helene Madison

b. 1913

American swimmer (1913–1970)

Hélène Napoleone de Montholon

b. 1816

Reputed illegitimate daughter of Napoleon

Helene Spilling Ødegaard

b. 1996

Norwegian dancer (born 1996)

Helene Stöcker

b. 1869

German feminist, pacifist and gender activist