A Photo Collection of Famous Personalities of the 20th Century (21 Photos)

The 20th century was an era of incredible changes, discoveries and global events that changed the course of history. This period gave birth to many outstanding personalities who left an indelible mark on culture, science, politics, art and other areas of human activity.





Boris Grebenshchikov and Viktor Tsoi, 1983.

Viktor Tsoi and Boris Grebenshchikov are two legendary figures of Soviet rock music. They have a lot in common: Both are founders and leaders of their own groups - Tsoi "Kino", Grebenshchikov "Akvarium". Their songs became symbolic for an entire generation.



The magnificent Sophia Loren at a picnic, 1961.





Boris Pasternak, 1957.

Boris Leonidovich Pasternak (1890-1960) was an outstanding poet, writer and translator, one of the most important literary figures of the 20th century. His work left a deep mark on world culture.

Streets in various cities around the world are named after him, and he is the favorite writer of the American film director Quentin Tarantino, whose grave he has visited more than once.



Photographer: Al Less

Anthony Hopkins with his parents, 1960s.

A legendary British actor and composer, winner of numerous awards, including an Oscar, a Golden Globe and an Emmy. He is known for his unique talent for transformation and multifaceted roles.



Writer Ilya Ilf reads his novel The Twelve Chairs, co-written with Yevgeny Petrov, 1928.

Ilya Arnoldovich Ilf is a Soviet writer, journalist and satirist, whose work has become a classic of 20th century literature. He is best known for his humorous works, co-written with Yevgeny Petrov. Famous works: "The Twelve Chairs", "The Golden Calf" and "One-Story America".

Although there are not many works, they have become classics for all time.



Paul McCartney, 1968.

British musician, singer, composer, multi-instrumentalist and one of the most influential figures in the history of music. He is known as a member of the legendary group The Beatles, as well as for his successful solo career.



Actress Svetlana Savelova, 1960s.



John Travolta and Gerard Depardieu. France, 1981.



Soviet theater and film actress Anastasia Vertinskaya. USSR, 1970.

One of the most talented and bright actresses of Soviet cinema. Her filmography includes many significant roles, many of which have become classics of Russian cinema



Brigitte Bardot, 1960s.



Nikita Khrushchev treats Fidel Castro to alcohol during a hunt, January 1964.

In 1963, Fidel Castro paid an official visit to the Soviet Union. One of the key goals of his trip was to strengthen Soviet-Cuban relations, which became especially important after the Cuban Missile Crisis (1962). During the visit, Khrushchev organized not only official negotiations for the guest, but also informal meetings to create a more trusting atmosphere.



Happy mother Ingrid Bergman with her twin daughters: Isotta and Isabella Rossellini, 1952.

Ingrid Bergman is a legendary Swedish actress who became one of the most outstanding stars of world cinema. Her talent, naturalness and beauty made her a symbol of elegance and purity in Hollywood and beyond.



Leo Tolstoy with his granddaughter Tanya Sukhotina. Tula province, Yasnaya Polyana village, 1908.

Leo Tolstoy became very attached to his granddaughter Tanya, especially in the last years of his life. She often visited Yasnaya Polyana and other places where he lived with him. His granddaughter not only helped him with his daily life, but also became his confidant. Leo Tolstoy died in 1910.



Photographer: Vladimir Chertkov

Michael Jackson as Charlie Chaplin. UK, 1979.

Michael Jackson is a legendary American singer, songwriter, dancer and philanthropist, known as the "King of Pop". His contributions to the music industry, dance and music videos made him one of the most influential cultural figures of the 20th century.

Michael Jackson always admired Charlie Chaplin. He said many times that he was one of his inspirations.



Yuri Gagarin with his wife Valentina. Date of event, 1963.

In the photo, Yuri Gagarin is holding a rare copy of the Exakta Varex camera. The first cosmonaut treated cameramen and photographers with great respect, often consulting with them. Yuri Gagarin most often photographed his cosmonaut friends from the first detachment, as well as close members of his family. These photographs became not only a personal archive of the first man in space, but also unique evidence of that era, showing the daily life of the heroes of the space program and their family environment.



Photographer: Igor Snegirev

Young Robert De Niro, 1973.

Robert began his career in small independent films, which did not bring him wide fame, but allowed him to gain experience. The turning point in the career of the young De Niro was his collaboration with director Martin Scorsese.



Angela Davis during a visit to Moscow, 1971.

Angela Davis is an American activist, philosopher, teacher, and one of the most famous fighters for civil rights in the history of the United States.

In the 1960s, Angela Davis joined the civil rights movement and became an active member of the Communist Party of the USA.

In 1970, Davis was arrested for her involvement in a court robbery that resulted in the death of a judge. These events caused a wide resonance, and her case became a symbol of the fight against the US judicial system.

During her imprisonment, a global campaign "Free Angela Davis" was launched, supported by celebrities, politicians and ordinary people around the world.



Photographer: Victor Akhlomov

June Palmer is an English actress and pin-up model of the 1960s.



Actress Marion Martin, 1940s.



Pablo Picasso and Francoise Gilot, 1948

Pablo Picasso and Francoise Gilot are one of the most famous couples in the art world of the 20th century. Their affair, which lasted from 1943 to 1953, was full of passion, creative inspiration and complex relationships. Françoise became not only Picasso's muse, but also his partner in creating new artistic directions.