Biographies

Jerry Sloan American professional basketball player and coach; long-time leader of the Utah Jazz, Basketball Hall of Famer, later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia.

Jerry Spinelli Jerry Spinelli (born 1941) is an American author of novels for children and young adults. His books — including Maniac Magee, Stargirl and Wringer — explore adolescence, identity,…

Jerry Springer (1944–2023) — Broadcaster, Politician, and Cultural Figure Jerry Springer British-born American broadcaster and former Cincinnati mayor best known for hosting The Jerry Springer Show; a polarizing figure in late 20th-century tabloid television and a pres…

Jerry Stiller American comedian and actor, half of comedy team Stiller and Meara, father of Ben Stiller, known for Frank Costanza on Seinfeld and Arthur Spooner on The King of Queens.

Jerry Tarkanian — American college basketball coach (1930–2015) Jerry Tarkanian Jerry Tarkanian, nicknamed 'Tark the Shark', was a prominent American college basketball coach best known for leading UNLV's Runnin' Rebels, an NBA stint with the Spurs, and long d…

Jerry Trainor American actor and comedian Jerry Trainor (born 1977), best known for playing Spencer Shay on iCarly and voicing Dudley Puppy in T.U.F.F. Puppy; a versatile performer in television…

Jerry Vale (Gennaro Luigi Vitaliano) — American traditional pop singer Jerry Vale American pop vocalist (1930–2014) celebrated for a smooth, Italianate ballad style; recorded many albums and made memorable film cameos in Goodfellas and Casino.

Jerry Van Dyke Jerry Van Dyke (1931–2018) was an American actor and comedian known for his warm, physical comedy, longtime television work and memorable supporting roles, including his Emmy-recog…

Jerry Weintraub: Promoter, Talent Manager and Film Producer Jerry Weintraub Profile of Jerry Weintraub (1937–2015), American talent agent, concert promoter and film producer; career highlights, notable collaborators, business roles, awards and legacy.

Jerry West: Player, Coach, and Architect of Modern NBA Franchises Jerry West Overview of Jerry West’s life and career: his playing achievements with the Lakers, role as the silhouette of the NBA logo, coaching and front-office work, nicknames, and lasting l…

Jerry Wexler: journalist, record producer, and architect of modern R&B Jerry Wexler Overview of Gerald 'Jerry' Wexler, his role in coining 'Rhythm & Blues', career at Atlantic Records, major collaborations, production approach, and legacy in popular music.

Jerry Yellin — U.S. Army Air Forces pilot who flew the final WWII combat mission Jerry Yellin Profile of Jerome “Jerry” Yellin (1924–2017), a USAAF fighter pilot best known for flying what is described as the final combat mission of World War II, his service, aircraft, late…

Jerzy Bahr — Polish diplomat and ambassador to Ukraine and Russia Jerzy Bahr Jerzy Bahr (1944–2016) was a Polish career diplomat who served as ambassador to Ukraine (1997–2001) and to Russia (2006–2010). He worked on Eastern European relations and died in 2…

Jerzy Buzek — Polish engineer, academic and political leader Jerzy Buzek Jerzy Buzek (born 1940) is a Polish chemical engineer, university professor and politician who served as Prime Minister of Poland (1997–2001) and President of the European Parliame…

Jerzy Dudek — Polish goalkeeper and 2005 Champions League hero Jerzy Dudek Jerzy Dudek (born 1973) is a retired Polish goalkeeper who played for Feyenoord, Liverpool and Real Madrid. He is best known for his decisive role in Liverpool's 2005 Champions Lea…

Jerzy Gruza Polish screenwriter and director (1932–2020) known for popular television comedies and films, including Wojna domowa, Dzięcioł and the series Czterdziestolatek.

Jerzy Kłoczowski — Polish historian, scholar and public figure Jerzy Kłoczowski Jerzy Kłoczowski (1924–2017) was a Polish historian and professor at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, a Home Army veteran of the Warsaw Uprising, a senator (1989–199…

Jerzy Kossela — Polish guitarist and founding member of Czerwone Gitary Jerzy Kossela Jerzy Kossela (1942–2017) was a Polish guitarist, singer and songwriter, best known as a founder of the influential band Czerwone Gitary and an early figure in Poland’s beat and po…

Jerzy Leśniak (1957–2017) — Polish journalist and regional historian Jerzy Leśniak Polish journalist and local historian known for Encyklopedia Sądecka, editorial leadership in regional press, and documenting the history and biographies of the Nowy Sącz area.

Jerzy Nowak (1923–2013) Jerzy Nowak Polish stage and film actor and teacher known for supporting roles in major Polish and international films, a long theatre career, and work educating younger actors.

Jerzy Popiełuszko — Polish priest and symbol of resistance against communism Jerzy Popiełuszko Polish Roman Catholic priest (1947–1984) associated with Solidarity. Known for his 'Masses for the Homeland', kidnapped and murdered by communist security agents; beatified in 2010…

Jerzy Skolimowski Polish filmmaker, writer and actor born in 1938, known for an idiosyncratic modernist cinema career spanning since the 1960s and for work across directing, screenwriting, theatre a…

Jerzy Stuhr Polish actor, director, screenwriter and playwright born in 1947 in Kraków. Renowned for film roles such as Seksmisja and Camera Buff, and for directing several feature films since…

Jerzy Turonek — Polish‑Belarusian historian (1929–2019) Jerzy Turonek Biography and overview of Jerzy Turonek, a Polish‑Belarusian historian known for studies of the Belarusian national movement, Polish‑Belarusian relations and wartime history.

Jerzy Vetulani: Polish neuroscientist, pharmacologist and biochemist Jerzy Vetulani Overview of Jerzy Vetulani (1936–2017), his scientific career in neuropharmacology and biochemistry, academic memberships, publications and legacy in Polish biomedical research.

Jesper Christensen Danish actor Jesper Christensen (born 1948) is known for a long career on stage and screen, including international roles such as Mr. White in the James Bond films and performances…

Jesper Grønkjær — Danish winger and international footballer Jesper Grønkjær Overview of Jesper Grønkjær, a Danish footballer born 12 August 1977; his playing style, club and international career, and legacy in Danish football.

Jesper Hoffmeyer — Scholar of Biosemiotics Jesper Hoffmeyer Danish biologist and leading figure in biosemiotics, known for developing ideas about sign processes in living systems and for editorial and organisational leadership in the field.

Jesper Juul — Danish family therapist and author Jesper Juul Overview of Jesper Juul (1948–2019), his ideas about parenting and family relationships, notable works such as Your Competent Child, influence, biography, and legacy.

Jesper Strömblad — Swedish guitarist and formative figure in melodic death metal Jesper Strömblad Jesper Strömblad (born 1972) is a Swedish guitarist and songwriter, best known as a founding member of In Flames and an early contributor to the Gothenburg melodic death metal scen…

Jess Harnell: Voice Actor, Singer and Longtime Announcer Jess Harnell Concise reference on Jess Harnell, his career as a voice actor and singer, signature roles across animation, video games and television, and his work as an announcer.

Jess Kersey — American basketball official Jess Kersey Profile of Jess Kersey (1941–2017), a long-serving American basketball referee who worked in the ABA and NBA, officiated nearly 2,000 regular-season games, and whose career include…

Jess Roskelley (1982–2019) Jess Roskelley American mountaineer, youngest American to summit Mount Everest in 2003; son of John Roskelley. Died in a 2019 avalanche on Howse Peak with David Lama and Hansjörg Auer.

Jess Willard American heavyweight boxer (1881–1968), world champion from 1915 to 1919; known for defeating Jack Johnson in Cuba and later losing the title to Jack Dempsey; notable for his size…

Jesse (biblical patriarch and father of King David) Jesse Jesse (Hebrew Yishai) is the Bethlehemite father of King David in the Hebrew Bible, ancestor of Jesus in Christian genealogies, and a symbolic figure in messianic prophecy and reli…

Jesse Brown — U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs (1993–1997) Jesse Brown Jesse Brown (1944–2002) was a Vietnam veteran and advocate who served as U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 1997, known for expanding outr…

Jesse Carmichael American musician Jesse Carmichael is a founding member of Maroon 5, known for keyboards, rhythm guitar, songwriting and long-term contributions to the band's arrangements, recordi…

Jesse Eisenberg: career, notable roles, and background Jesse Eisenberg Concise encyclopedia profile of Jesse Eisenberg covering his early life, career highlights in film and theatre, acting style, major roles, awards, and public reception.

Jesse Helms: North Carolina senator and conservative leader Jesse Helms Overview of Jesse Helms (1921–2008), five-term U.S. senator from North Carolina: biography, political positions, controversies, leadership roles, and legacy in late 20th-century Am…

Jesse Jackson — civil rights leader, minister and political organizer Jesse Jackson American Baptist minister, civil rights activist and two-time Democratic presidential candidate; founder of Operation PUSH and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, influential in black poli…

Jesse James — American outlaw and leader of the James–Younger Gang Jesse James Profile of Jesse James (1847–1882), his origins, raids with the James–Younger Gang, death at the hands of Robert Ford, and his lasting place in American folklore.

Jesse James (actor) American actor born September 14, 1989. Began as a child performer and has worked in film and television across a range of supporting and character roles. Not to be confused with o…

Jesse Klaver: Dutch GreenLeft Leader and Member of Parliament Jesse Klaver Profile of Jesse Klaver, Dutch politician and GreenLeft leader: background, political career, positions, and significance in the Netherlands' political landscape.

Jesse Leonard Steinfeld — U.S. Surgeon General and public health official Jesse Leonard Steinfeld American physician Jesse L. Steinfeld served as the 11th U.S. Surgeon General (1969–1973), focused on tobacco control and cancer prevention, and later worked in public health and m…

Jesse Lingard English professional footballer (attacking midfielder/winger), Manchester United youth product, has represented England internationally and is known for pace, late runs, creativity…

Jesse Metcalfe American actor Jesse Metcalfe (born 1978) is known for television roles including John Rowland on Desperate Housewives and Christopher Ewing on the Dallas revival, plus film appear…

Jesse Owens James Cleveland "Jesse" Owens was an American track and field athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and became a lasting symbol of athletic excellence and so…

Jesse Plemons — American actor and character performer Jesse Plemons Profile of Jesse Plemons, an American actor noted for roles in Friday Night Lights, Breaking Bad, Fargo and a variety of films. Overview, career highlights, notable roles and perso…