Leading Figures in History

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

21510 persons found

Meir Feinstein

Israeli militant

Meir of Rothenburg

German rabbi and poet (c.1215–1293)

Mel Allen

American sports announcer (1913–1996)

Mel B

b. 1975

British singer and TV personality (born 1975)

Mel Blanc

b. 1908

American voice actor and radio personality (1908–1989)

Mel Brooks

b. 1926

American filmmaker, actor, comedian, and songwriter (born 1926)

Mel Carter

b. 1939

American soul singer

Mel Ferrer

American actor, director and producer (1917–2008)

Mel Gaynor

b. 1959

British drummer and singer

Mel Tormé

American recording artist (1925–1999)

Melania Trump

b. 1970

First Lady of the United States (2017–2021; since 2025)

Melanie Lynskey

b. 1977

New Zealand actress (born 1977)

Melanie Martinez

b. 1995

American singer-songwriter (born 1995)

Melanie Paschke

b. 1970

German sprinter

Melanie Phillips

b. 1951

English journalist (born 1951)

Melanie Thornton

b. 1967

American singer (1967–2001)

Melchior Franck

German composer

Meles Zenawi

b. 1955

Prime Minister of Ethiopia from 1995 to 2012

Melina Kanakaredes

b. 1967

American actress (born 1967)

Melissa Etheridge

b. 1961

American singer-songwriter (born 1961)

Melissa Gilbert

b. 1964

American actress (born 1964)

Melissa Hayden (dancer)

b. 1923

Canadian ballerina (1923–2006)

Melissa Hortman

American lawyer and politician (1970–2025)

Melissa Joan Hart

b. 1976

American actress, director and producer (born 1976)