I love your country, Russia, its people, its history, its writer. My father was a communist at the time, he listened to Radio Moscow! It’s my culture, too.
Gérard Depardieu, French actor
Russia has produced many figures who have made an impact not only at home but around the world. From powerful leaders and bold revolutionaries to world-class writers, scientists and musicians, these individuals have shaped Russia’s identity across centuries. Whether you're curious about the country’s imperial past, its Soviet era, or its rich cultural traditions, knowing these names will help you better understand Russia’s place in history.
| Name | Role / Field | Known For |
|---|---|---|
| Peter the Great | Emperor of All Russias | Western reforms, founding Saint Petersburg |
| Catherine the Great | Empress of Russia | Domestic and foreign policy, Enlightenment influence |
| Nicholas II | Last Tsar | Russian Revolution, Romanov dynasty |
| Yuri Gagarin | Cosmonaut | First human in space (1961) |
| Vladimir Lenin | Revolutionary leader | Founder of Soviet Russia |
| Joseph Stalin | Soviet leader | Totalitarian rule, WWII leadership, Gulags |
| Mikhail Gorbachev | Soviet President | Perestroika, Glasnost, ending the Cold War |
| Nikita Khrushchev | Soviet Premier | Cuban Missile Crisis, de-Stalinization |
| Vladimir Putin | President of Russia | Long-term political dominance, international policy |
| Alexander Baranov | Colonial Governor | Russian America (Alaska), Sitka founding |
| Alexander Pushkin | Poet, Playwright | Father of modern Russian literature |
| Nikolai Gogol | Writer | Satirical and surreal stories of 19th-century Russia |
| Alexander Borodin | Composer & Chemist | Opera Prince Igor, work in organic chemistry |
| Countess of Ségur (S. Rostopchine) | Writer | Children’s literature, cultural bridge with France |
| Pyotr Tchaikovsky | Composer | Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, classical music icon |
| Leo Tolstoy | Novelist, Thinker | War and Peace, spiritual philosophy |
| Rasputin | Mystic | Influence over Russian royal family, controversial figure |
| Olga Khokhlova | Ballerina | Ballets Russes, muse and wife of Pablo Picasso |
| Andrei Sakharov | Physicist & Activist | Soviet nuclear program, human rights, Nobel laureate |
| Ivan the Terrible | First Tsar of Russia | Military campaigns, founding Tsarist rule |
The Most Famous Russians in History
Russia’s past is full of well-known names that still come up in books, movies and conversations. Some were rulers, others were creators or thinkers. This section introduces Russian historical figures who had a big influence on how Russia is seen today. These are the names most people learn first when exploring Russian history.
Ivan the Terrible, The First Russian Tsar
Ivan IV Vasilyevich was commonly known as Ivan the Terrible because of the regime he put into place during the 1560s. He is one of the most famous Russian people!
He led military campaigns against the Tatars, the Polish, and the Swedish. He remained head of Russia for nearly 50 years. Ivan the Terrible appears regularly in the arts, even in the West.
He’s appeared in everything from a painting by Ilya Repin to the video game Age of Empires. He’s an important figure who's responsible for starting the Tsarism in Russia.
Peter I or Peter the Great, The Emperor of All Russias
Then there was Peter I (or Peter the Great), who became the Tsar of Russia in 1682, then the Emperor of all the Russias in 1721. He is famous for wanting to bring together the clergy and nobility. Saint Petersburg was inspired by this leader who founded the city and made it the capital in 1703. To show off his power, he tried to get closer to the West. Following the Great Northern War, which ended with the Treaty of Nystad, Peter gained control of the Baltic Sea and the title of Imperator.
Catherine the Great, Russian Empress
Catherine II, nicknamed “Catherine the Great” was Empress of all the Russias from 1762 and was part of the Romanov Dynasty. She was married to Peter III of Russia and is one of the most famous women in Russian history. Did you know that Catherine II was raised by a French Huguenot, Babette Cardel, who taught her the customs of the French court? She’s known for both her foreign and domestic policies as well as all the things she mentioned in her memoirs. Catherine the Great is one of the most famous people in Russia!
Nicholas II of Russia, The Last Imperial Head of State
The last Tsar in Russia history, Nicholas II, or Nikolai Aleksandrovich Romanov, reigned from 1894 to 1917.
While the Soviets have a negative view of the Tsar (owing to his opposition against the Bolsheviks), he was nicknamed Saint Nicholas the Passion-Bearer. In the animated Anastasia film from 1997, the protagonist's father is Nicholas II.
Of course, the story is completely romanticized, but there are several theories that Anastasia survived despite the other Romanovs being murdered in 1918. Under his reign, Russia grew economically, politically and culturally.
Yuri Gagarin, The First Human in Space
Yuri Gagarin became the first human to journey into outer space on April 12, 1961, aboard Vostok 1.
His flight lasted just 108 minutes but made history and brought immense pride to the Soviet Union. Gagarin, a trained pilot and military officer, became an instant national hero. He toured the world as a symbol of Soviet achievement during the Cold War.
Despite his fame, he continued to serve in the air force until his untimely death in a training accident in 1968. His name remains closely tied to space exploration.
The Great Russian Political Figures
This section of the article will explore the most famous Russian historical figures. Their decisions shaped the lives of millions of people! Let's get started.
Lenin, The Creator of Soviet Russia
Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov, also known as “Lenin”, was the most famous revolutionary in Russian history. He was one of the leaders who created a Soviet Russia founded on socialism, an evolution of communism. The Marxist theorist became famous following the October Revolution in 1917 that overturned the imperial regime.
Lenin was also famous for his skills as an orator. In 1918, when he was on a train that was stuck in the snow, he gave a speech about the proletariat that motivated the passengers to dig the train out of the snow. Pretty convincing, right? The bloody events of the resulted in Lenin taking the role of head of state of the new Soviet Russia. He created the communist block in 1919 and installed a single-party dictatorship. He died in 1924 following an illness.
Stalin, The “Dear Father” of Russia
Stalin was the ideological (and elected) successor to Lenin. However, Stalinism was different to Leninism, especially with the arrival of Gulags, the Soviet forced-labor camps. Joseph Stalin had many affectionate nicknames, including “Dear Father”. The term “Destalinization” came about following his deaths. He is well known for a dark period in Russian history owing to the nationalization of land and the Great Purge (also known as the Great Terror). That said, he is still a hugely influential and famous figure.
Mikhail Gorbachev, the USSR’s Last President
Gorbachev was the leader behind the end of the Cold War as well as responsible for ending the Leninist and Stalinist communist regime in the USSR.
Mikhail Gorbachev created economic, cultural and political programs called Perestroika and Glasnost. Somewhat paradoxically, the Russian people hold a generally negative view of one of their most democratic leaders. He was a philanthropist, pacifist, environmentalist and a critic of the Kremlin. Gorbachev’s reforms were meant to modernize the Soviet system, but they revealed deep problems that had been ignored for decades.
His leadership allowed for more openness and freedom, yet also led to the unraveling of the Soviet Union. Gorbachev is part of the most renowned Russian historical figures.
Nikita Khrushchev, Reformer and Cold War Leader
Nikita Khrushchev led the Soviet Union during a crucial time in the Cold War, from 1953 to 1964. He denounced Stalin’s brutality and pushed for reforms to modernize the economy and society. Khrushchev is perhaps best known for his bold moves during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, which brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. He also played a major role in expanding the Soviet space program. Though he was later removed from power, his leadership marked a significant shift in Soviet policies and international relations.
Vladimir Putin, The Dominant Modern Leader
Vladimir Putin has been at the center of Russian politics since 2000, serving as both president and prime minister. A former KGB officer, he brought a strongman style of leadership to the Kremlin.
Under his rule, Russia has seen major changes in domestic policy, military expansion and relations with the West. His administration has been marked by economic growth in the early years and increasing international tensions more recently. Supporters view him as a symbol of national strength, while critics accuse him of authoritarianism and stifling dissent.
Alexander Baranov, Russia’s First Governor of Alaska
Alexander Baranov served as the chief administrator of Russian America, including present-day Alaska, from the late 1700s to the early 1800s. Appointed by the Russian-American Company, he established settlements, promoted trade and managed relations with Indigenous communities.
Alexander Baranov founded the city of Sitka, which became the capital of Russian America.
Baranov’s leadership helped expand Russia’s reach into North America, although his methods sometimes sparked conflict. He retired in 1818 and returned to Russia, leaving behind a legacy of exploration and colonization that shaped the early history of Alaska.
Essential Russian Artists
Russia is known for its deep tradition in literature, music and art. Many Russian artists are still studied and admired around the world. In this section, you'll find writers, composers and other creative minds whose work helped define Russian culture. They remain key to understanding the country’s artistic roots!
Discover more famous Russian people by watching Russian TV.
Alexander Pushkin, the Franco-Russian Poet
A 19th-century Romantic poet, playwright, and novelist, Pushkin is famous for the following works:
- The Fountain of Bakhchisaray
- Poltava, 1828
- Mozart and Salieri, 1830
- The Captain's Daughter, 1838
The Russian language and civilization institute is called the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute.
Nikolai Gogol, a Russian-Speaking Writer
Nikolai Gogol was a Russian writer of Ukrainian origin who often wrote about Saint Petersburg. His most famous works included:
- The Tale of How Iva Ivanovich Quarreled with Ivan Nikiforovich, 1832
- Nevsky Prospekt, 1835
- The Portrait, 1835
- Mirgorod, 1835
His earlier works were signed under the pseudonym V. Alov. His work Revizor (18360) brought him literary fame.
Alexander Borodin, Composer and Chemist
Alexander Borodin was not only a skilled composer, but also a respected chemist. Born in 1833, he helped form the group of Russian composers known as “The Mighty Handful,” who aimed to create a distinct Russian musical style. His best-known works include the opera Prince Igor and several symphonies and string quartets. At the same time, Borodin made important contributions to organic chemistry and held a teaching post in Saint Petersburg. He managed to balance his two careers with great dedication and talent until his death in 1887.
The Countess of Ségur, A Writer of Russian Origin
Born Sophie Rostopchine, the Countess of Ségur was her literary name. She was from a noble family and she spent her youth in Russia before marrying a French ambassador. Her works reflect her ideology of “write what you know”. Her works help us to see the links between Russian and Western European culture.
Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Icon of Classical Music
Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky was born in 1840 and became one of the most beloved composers in history. He created timeless ballets like Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. His music is known for its melodies and emotional depth. Tchaikovsky’s work combined Russian themes with European traditions, making it widely accessible and admired. He also composed symphonies, concertos and operas. Despite his success, he struggled with personal issues and died in 1893 under circumstances that remain debated. His music continues to live on in concert halls around the world. Here is one of his famous pieces on Spotify! Have you ever heard it before?
Leo Tolstoy, Novelist and Spiritual Thinker
Leo Tolstoy, born in 1828, is often called one of the greatest writers of all time. His novels War and Peace and Anna Karenina are celebrated for their rich characters, historical detail and philosophical depth. Tolstoy’s later years were devoted to spiritual and ethical questions. He promoted nonviolence, simple living and criticized organized religion and state power. His ideas influenced figures like Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. Though controversial in his time, Tolstoy’s influence extended far beyond literature and into global movements for justice.
Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself.
Leo Tolstoy
Other Famous Russian Figures
Some of the most famous people in Russia don’t fit into just one category. This section covers people who stood out in their own way! Each one added something special to Russia’s story.
The Myths Surrounding Rasputin
Rasputin was a Russian mystic and is famous for influencing the Russian court. He commonly appears as a character in the arts, be it in cinema, popular Russian music or video games. However, a lot of his life is shrouded in mystery. This has led to myths including one that claims he was the devil in human form sent to kill the Tsars.
Olga Khokhlova, An Influential Russian ballerina.
Khokhlova was one of the most influential Russians of the 20th century. She was the star dancer of the Ballets Russes directed by Sergei Diaghilev. Did you know that she was Picasso’s mistress and then his wife and had two children with him? She also inspired the painting Olga Khokhlova in the Mantilla, one of Picasso’s most famous paintings. Here is a YouTube video on the matter...
Andrei Sakharov, the Most Famous Russian Scientist
Born in 1921, Andrei Sakharov was a Russian nuclear physicist who was famous for having worked on the atomic bomb. He received the Nobel Peace Prize in 1975 for his work in fighting for human rights in the USSR (a prize that he was not allowed to go pick up, due to the government not granting him permission to leave the country, so his wife had to go in his place).
Did you know that the Sakharov Prize was created in 1988 by the European Union for organizations that promote human rights? This helped create a lasting memory and impression of Andrei Sakharov.
If you're interested in learning more about Russian culture, you should learn more about the Russian language. Since Russian isn't the most commonly taught language in American schools, you should consider learning it through private tutorials. With private tutorials, you can learn about all the different aspects of the Russian language, culture, and history. Start by taking on of the three main types of private tutorials offered on Superprof: one on one private tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials.
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Discover more about Russian culture and its celebrities by practicing your language skills while listening to Russian radio stations! What did you think of our article on famous people from Russia? Let us know in the comments!
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Joseph Stalin is not from Russia. He was actually born in Georgia (the country)