People of the PastThink the whole world revolves around you? Read about some Very Important Historical Figures and the fascinating lives they led while changing the world and having no idea that you even exist.
Just because a historical figure may not be widely known doesn't mean their story isn't worth telling. In fact, films are a great - if not strictly accurate - way to introduce people to lesser-known figures. That's certainly true of movies like Hidden Figures, Ammonite, and The Imitation Game, which helped 21st-century folks get to know historical figures Katherine Johnson, Mary Anning, and Alan Turing.
Similarly, the people on this list should have their stories told, too. From soldiers who exemplified military chutzpah to writers who demonstrated that the pen is mightier than the sword, these historical figures lived epic lives that would be compelling fodder for biopics.
Joe Medicine Crow Became A War Chief While Fighting The Third Reich
Who Was He? Joe Medicine Crow, a decorated veteran and revered elder among the Crow, became his community's last war chief during World War II.
When And Where: 1920s-2010s in the United States and Europe
Notable Achievements: Joe Medicine Crow's exploits during WWII earned him the status of "War Chief," making him the last Crow to achieve that honor. Medicine Crow earned the title because he completed specific tasks while fighting Nazis in the European theater of war: He touched an enemy, robbed an enemy of his weapon, stole horses, and led a group of fighters.
When And Where: 1800s in the United States and Russia
Notable Achievements: Cassius Marcellus Clay was born into privilege in 19th-century Kentucky. Though Clay and his family owned enslaved workers, he ultimately freed them and became an outspoken abolitionist who served as a politician in the Blue Grass State.
Clay's bold abolitionism made him a target of pro-slavery Americans, and he survived attacks on his life. Armed with a Bowie knife, Clay defended himself by stabbing would-be assassins on multiple occasions.
Clay never shied from violence, as he participated in many duels. In fact, The New York Times credits him with having "slain more men in duels than anyone else in the country."
His beliefs and fiery reputation won him the nickname the "lion of White Hall."
Jonas Salk, a scientist based at the University of Pittsburgh, led a team of scientists who developed the vaccine. Even more impressive, Salk opted not to patent the vaccine. When famed journalist Edward R. Murrow questioned Salk's decision, the scientist replied, "Could you patent the sun?"
Who Was She? Ida B. Wells was a fearless journalist and suffragist.
When And Where: 1890s-1920s in Memphis and Chicago
Notable Achievements: Ida B. Wells was one of the most notable journalists in American history. After living through tragedy as a child, Wells turned her pen to the plight of Black Americans in the era of Jim Crow, when segregation and discrimination plagued the country. She risked her life to publish exposés on the lynchings of Black Americans and helped establish the NAACP. Her writings earned her a posthumous Pulitzer Prize decades after her passing.
But Wells wasn't just a successful journalist and activist for racial justice. She was also an ardent suffragist who worked to get all women - regardless of the color of their skin - the right to vote.
That was no easy task. Activists in the American suffragist movement routinely ignored, dismissed, and discounted their Black sisters. During a suffrage parade in 1913, for example, she was exasperated when fellow suffragist Alice Paul tried to have Wells march in the back of the procession. Wells refused and retorted, "Either I go with you or not at all." Sounds like the beginning of a speech that would win someone an Oscar.
Ching Shih is the ultimate rags-to-riches story, with an epic Black Sails twist. Ching Shih got her start as a sex worker before marrying a pirate lord. After her husband passed in 1807, she claimed his ships as her own. In total, she commanded the loyalty of tens of thousands of pirates.
