William Shakespeare, often called England's national poet, is considered the greatest dramatist of all time. His works are loved throughout the world, but Shakespeare's personal life is shrouded in mystery.
Shirley Chisholm became the first African American congresswoman in 1968. Four years later, she became the first major-party Black candidate to make a bid for the U.S. presidency.
Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Computers with Steve Wozniak. Under Jobs' guidance, the company pioneered a series of revolutionary technologies, including the iPhone and iPad.
Queen Victoria was queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 to 1901 — the second-longest reign of any British monarch.
Ted Kaczynski is a mathematician best known for a campaign of letter bombs he sent as the 'Unabomber' over a nearly 20-year period, resulting in three fatalities.
Singer Janis Joplin rose to fame in the late 1960s and was known for her powerful, blues-inspired vocals. She died of an accidental drug overdose in 1970.
TV and rap star Drake is best known in Canada for playing wheelchair-bound Jimmy Brooks on 'Degrassi: The Next Generation,' and for hit songs like "Take Care," "One Dance" and "Hotline Bling."
Heath Ledger was an Academy Award-winning, Australian actor best known for his roles in 'Brokeback Mountain' and 'The Dark Knight.' He died of an accidental prescription drug overdose in 2008.
Chrissy Teigen is a model and popular social media personality. She has also co-hosted such TV shows as 'Lip Sync Battle' and released the best-selling cookbook 'Cravings.'
LeBron James became an immediate star after skipping college to join the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers. He led the Miami Heat to NBA titles in 2012 and 2013 and won another championship with Cleveland in 2016, before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018.
Subscribe to the Biography newsletter to receive stories about the people who shaped our world and the stories that shaped their lives.