Leading Figures in History

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

39104 persons found

Ruth Handler

American business magnate and inventor (1916–2002)

Ruth Hesse

German opera singer (1936–2024)

Ruth Johnson Colvin

American literacy advocate (1916–2024)

Ruth Kelly

b. 1968

British Labour politician (born 1968)

Ruth Kobart

b. 1924

American actress (1924–2002)

Ruth Krauss

American poet, children's writer (1901–1993)

Ruth Laredo

American classical pianist (1937–2005)

Ruth Leach Amonette

American businesswoman, author, and educator (1916–2004)

Ruth Lowe

b. 1914

Canadian pianist and songwriter (1914–1981)

Ruth Manning-Sanders

b. 1886

Welsh-born English poet and author (1886–1988)

Ruth Marcus (journalist)

b. 1958

American journalist

Ruth Metzler

b. 1964

Swiss politician

Ruth Nanda Anshen

b. 1900

American philosopher, author and editor

Ruth Negga

b. 1981

Irish actress (born 1982)

Ruth Nelson (actress)

b. 1905

American actress

Ruth Norman

b. 1900

American religious leader (1900–1993)

Ruth Osburn

b. 1912

American discus thrower (1912–1994)

Ruth Peetoom

b. 1967

Dutch politician

Ruth Perry

b. 1939

Head of state of Liberia from 1996 to 1997

Ruth Pfau

German-Pakistani physician and nun

Ruth Prawer Jhabvala

b. 1927

British-American writer (1927–2013)

Ruth Randall Edström

b. 1867

American activist

Ruth Rendell

English writer (1930–2015)

Ruth Riley

b. 1979

American basketball player (born 1979)