Biographies

Curtis Hanson American film director, screenwriter and producer (1945–2016) best known for L.A. Confidential, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Wonder Boys, 8 Mile and In Her Shoes.

Curtis McClarin (1969–2014), American actor Curtis McClarin Curtis L. McClarin was an American actor active in film, television and musical theatre, known for Broadway's Bring in 'da Noise, Bring in 'da Funk and roles in Fresh and The Happe…

Cus D'Amato: Boxing Trainer, Strategist, and Mentor Cus D'Amato Cus D'Amato (1908–1985) was an influential American boxing trainer and manager, known for the peek-a-boo style, psychological coaching, and guiding fighters such as Floyd Patterson…

Saint Cuthbert: Anglo‑Saxon monk, hermit and patron of the North Cuthbert Saint Cuthbert (c.634–687) was an Anglo‑Saxon monk, hermit and bishop associated with Melrose and Lindisfarne. His relics, cult and shrine at Durham made him a central medieval sai…

Cuthbert A. "Bill" Pattillo Cuthbert A. Pattillo Major General Cuthbert A. "Bill" Pattillo (1924–2014), a United States Air Force officer, World War II and Vietnam veteran, pioneer of jet aerobatic demonstration teams, and longti…

Cuthbert Sebastian: Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis (1996–2013) Cuthbert Sebastian Biography of Sir Cuthbert Montraville Sebastian (1921–2017), Governor-General of Saint Kitts and Nevis from 1996 to 2013, noted as the world's oldest de facto head of state during…

Cuthred of Wessex Cuthred was king of Wessex from about 740 to 756. He revived West Saxon standing, resisted Mercian dominance—notably at the battle of Burford—and left a more secure realm to his su…

Cwichelm of Wessex Early 7th-century ruler of the Gewisse (Wessex) known from limited Anglo-Saxon sources; ruled c.626–c.636, involved in regional conflicts and recorded as converting to Christianity…

Cy Thomas (Cyril James Thomas) — Welsh-born NHL winger Cy Thomas Cyril 'Cy' Thomas (1926–2009) was a Welsh-born professional ice hockey winger who played two seasons in the NHL with the Chicago Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs and is one of fe…

Cy Twombly: American Painter of Calligraphic Gesture and Mythic Imagery Cy Twombly Cy Twombly (1928–2011), known for large, scribbled, calligraphic paintings, blended drawing and painting with classical myth, poetry and graffiti-like marks to reshape postwar abst…

Cy Young: career, records and lasting legacy Cy Young Comprehensive overview of Denton 'Cy' Young, his major-league pitching records, career arc, style, and the award named in his honor.

Cy Young (Cyrus C. Young) — American Olympic javelin champion Cy Young (athlete) Profile of Cyrus Charles "Cy" Young, American javelin thrower and 1952 Olympic gold medalist; overview of his life, athletic career, Olympic victory, technique, and legacy.

Cybill Shepherd American actress and former model known for film and television roles from the 1970s onward, including The Last Picture Show, Moonlighting and the sitcom Cybill; she has spoken pub…

Cyd Charisse: American ballet dancer and Hollywood musical star Cyd Charisse Cyd Charisse (1922–2008) was an American dancer and film actress, celebrated for her balletic technique and iconic performances in classic MGM musicals such as Singin' in the Rain…

Cyndi Lauper: Singer, Songwriter, Actress and Human Rights Advocate Cyndi Lauper Overview of Cyndi Lauper’s life and career: breakthrough album, hit singles, awards (Grammy, Emmy, Tony), acting and theatre work, activism for LGBT and youth rights, and continuin…

Cynegils of Wessex Early 7th‑century king of the Gewisse (later Wessex). Traditionally dated c.611–643; noted for beginning the kingdom’s conversion to Christianity and for his place in Anglo‑Saxon s…

Cynewulf of Wessex (d. 786) Cynewulf of Wessex King of Wessex from 757 to 786; a West Saxon noble and witan member whose reign is recorded in the Anglo‑Saxon Chronicle and ended with his killing by Cyneheard.

Cynric of Wessex Early 6th-century Anglo-Saxon ruler traditionally counted among the founders of the West Saxon dynasty; recorded in the Anglo‑Saxon Chronicle and debated by modern historians.

Cynthia Bendlin — Paraguayan human rights activist against human trafficking Cynthia Bendlin Cynthia Bendlin is a Paraguayan human rights activist known for her work combating human trafficking. She received the 2008 International Women of Courage Award for her advocacy an…

Cynthia Cockburn: feminist scholar, peace activist, and sociologist Cynthia Cockburn British feminist sociologist and peace activist (1934–2019) known for work on gender, conflict, and social movements; visiting professor at City University London and honorary prof…

Cynthia Kadohata American novelist and children's author, winner of the Newbery Medal for Kira-Kira; known for humane stories about family, memory and Japanese American experience.

Cynthia Lennon — first wife of John Lennon and mother of Julian Lennon Cynthia Lennon Cynthia Lennon (1939–2015) was an English artist and writer, known as John Lennon's first wife and mother of Julian Lennon. She published memoirs and later lived for many years on…

Cynthia Lynn (Latvian–American actress) Cynthia Lynn Latvian-American actress (1937–2014), born Zinta Valda Zimilis; best known as the original Fraulein Helga on Hogan's Heroes. Mother of Lisa Brando and died of hepatitis-related org…

Cynthia McKinney: American politician, former U.S. Representative and Green Party candidate Cynthia McKinney Overview of Cynthia McKinney, her congressional service, political positions, controversies, and role as the 2008 Green Party presidential nominee.

Cynthia Nixon — American actress, activist, and political figure Cynthia Nixon Overview of Cynthia Nixon, known for Sex and the City, her stage work, activism on education and LGBT rights, and her 2018 campaign for Governor of New York.

Cyprian: 3rd-century Bishop, Writer, and Christian Martyr Cyprian Overview of Thascius Caecilius Cyprianus, bishop of Carthage, his life, writings, role in 3rd-century church controversies, martyrdom, and lasting influence on Christian theology a…

Cyril and Methodius: Byzantine missionaries and founders of Slavic literary tradition Cyril and Methodius Brothers and 9th‑century Byzantine missionaries who created a Slavic liturgical language, developed an alphabet and helped convert and culturally shape many Slavic peoples.

Cyril Bourlon de Rouvre: French businessman and public figure Cyril Bourlon de Rouvre Profile of Cyril Bourlon de Rouvre, a French businessman born in 1945, summarizing his commercial activities, public life, associations with motorsport and media, and his public re…

Cyril Lawrence English professional footballer (1920–2020), a winger who played in the English Football League for Rochdale and Wrexham; lived to 99 and died during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.

Cyril Leonoff Canadian civil engineer, historian and author; founding president of the Jewish Historical Society of British Columbia and an advocate for preserving Jewish community history in we…

Cyril Ramaphosa South African politician, trade unionist, businessman and the fifth President of South Africa; former ANC negotiator and African Union chair with a career spanning activism, commer…

Cyrille Regis — English international footballer and pioneering striker Cyrille Regis Cyrille Regis (1958–2018) was an English international forward known for his strength and pace. He starred for West Bromwich Albion and Coventry City, earned five England caps and…

Cyrus Avery — Father of U.S. Route 66 Cyrus Avery Cyrus S. Avery (1871–1963) was an Oklahoma businessman and civic leader who helped create and promote U.S. Route 66, organizing early efforts to align, pave and market the highway…

Cyrus Chothia: structural biologist and pioneer in protein evolution Cyrus Chothia Summary of Cyrus H. Chothia (1942–2019), his work on protein structure, sequence–structure relationships, antibody canonical forms, and role at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biol…

Cyrus K. Holliday (1826–1900) Cyrus K. Holliday American entrepreneur and civic leader who helped found Topeka, led free-state efforts during Bleeding Kansas and established the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway.

Cyrus McCormick: Inventor of the Mechanical Reaper and Agricultural Industrialist Cyrus McCormick American inventor Cyrus H. McCormick (1809–1884) developed the mechanical reaper, founded a major harvesting-machine company, and helped industrialize grain production in 19th-cent…

Cyrus the Great (c. 600–530 BC) — founder of the Achaemenid Empire Cyrus the Great Persian king who established the Achaemenid Empire, notable for wide territorial conquests, administrative innovations, policies of tolerance, and the famous Cyrus Cylinder and tom…

Cyrus Vance American lawyer and diplomat who served as U.S. Secretary of State (1977–1980); noted for negotiation-first approach, arms-control work and resignation over the 1980 Iran hostage r…

Cyrus West Field — organizer of the first transatlantic telegraph cable Cyrus West Field Cyrus W. Field (1819–1892) was an American businessman and financier who led the effort to create the Atlantic Telegraph Company and lay the first transatlantic telegraph cable in…

D. Babu Paul Daniel Babu Paul (1941–2019) was an Indian civil servant, Malayalam writer and academic administrator who served in the Indian Administrative Service and later held roles including…

D. C. Fontana — Television Writer and Star Trek Story Editor D. C. Fontana Dorothy Catherine "D. C." Fontana (1939–2019) was an American television writer and story editor who helped shape characters and Vulcan culture on the original Star Trek and wrote…

D. H. Lawrence (David Herbert Lawrence) D. H. Lawrence English novelist, poet and essayist (1885–1930), known for psychological fiction, candid treatment of sexuality, and works such as Sons and Lovers and Lady Chatterley's Lover.

D. J. Finney (David John Finney) — British statistician and academic D. J. Finney Overview of David John Finney (1917–2018), his career in agricultural and medical statistics, leadership roles, honours, and influence on drug safety monitoring and experimental de…

D. J. Fontana: Elvis Presley's Longtime Drummer and Rockabilly Pioneer D. J. Fontana Profile of Dominic Joseph “D. J.” Fontana (1931–2018), the American drummer who helped define early rock and roll with Elvis Presley, his style, career highlights, honors and legac…

D. L. Menard — Cajun singer‑songwriter and guitarist D. L. Menard American Cajun musician D. L. Menard (1932–2017), known for the standard "La Porte En Arrière" and nicknamed the "Cajun Hank Williams," was nominated for a 2010 Grammy for Best Zyd…

D. T. Suzuki: life and influence of a promoter of Zen and Buddhist studies D. T. Suzuki D. T. Suzuki (1870–1966) was a Japanese scholar, translator, and writer whose works on Zen and Mahayana Buddhism played a major role in introducing Eastern thought to Western audie…

Da Chen (1962–2019) Da Chen Chinese-born writer known for memoirs and novels that depict childhood during the Cultural Revolution. Author of Colors of the Mountain and Brothers, which received wide critical p…

Daan Myngheer — Belgian professional cyclist Daan Myngheer Overview of Belgian cyclist Daan Myngheer (1993–2016), his career, the circumstances of his death during the Criterium International, and his legacy in the cycling community.