Biography.com Editors

With their leadership and bravery, these trailblazing activists left a lasting mark on American history, fighting for civil rights, labor rights and everything in between.

From the famous actress almost cast in the lead role to behind-the-scenes crushes, here are some fun facts about the 2001 film starring Reese Witherspoon.

The Swedish activist has become a leading voice against climate change all before her 18th birthday.

From the unlikely inspirations behind characters to the famous actor whose cameo was cut from the movie, here are some fun facts about the hit 2011 comedy.

The Cuban-born singer got her start playing gigs in her hometown and went on to become one of the most visible Black women in Latin music.

The celebrated author vividly wrote and pinpointed the atrocities racial inequality inflicted on Black Americans, both in fiction and nonfiction.

These African American leaders left a lasting mark with their contributions in music, art, literature and so much more.

The daughter of formerly enslaved people, Bethune went on to become an influential figure in education and the highest-ranking Black woman in the U.S. government.

The Oscar winner helped the country music superstar overcome his addiction, and they have remained by each other’s sides through the good and the bad.

The Grammy winner and the reality star-turned-businesswoman first met in 2003 as friends and nearly a decade later transformed into a Hollywood power couple.

The fan club leader was enamored with Tejano singer, which lead her to eventually take the 23-year-old’s life on March 31, 1995.

The forbidden love story between the "Queen of Tejano Music" and her guitarist-turned-husband would rule the late singer’s final years.

The pop star considers her mom, Andrea, her “guiding force” and has been by her side throughout her cancer fight and brain tumor diagnosis.

The marriage between the musician and model has remained steadfast through the highest of highs —and the lowest of lows.

The first African American Supreme Court justice was not afraid to speak his mind.

We remember the rap icon with a look at some facts about his life and legacy.

Learn about how the beloved children's book came to be and the hidden political message in its story.

The monumental love story of Richard and Mildred Loving resulted in the landmark Supreme Court case that wiped away the last segregation laws in America.

The activist encouraged millions to follow his example and shake the world in a gentle way.

On September 25, 1957, nine Black students courageously started their first full day at an all-white high school in Little Rock, Arkansas, amid an angry mob of students, pro-segregationist groups and a defiant governor.

Check out some of the iconic film's most hilarious quotes.

Here are some interesting tidbits about the Children's education activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner.

Five people were murdered at the Long Island residence in 1974 and frightening tales about the home continue to spook.

A teacher, a childhood neighbor, even her grandmother are channeled into Rowling's characters.