Biographies

Norma Talmadge: Star of Silent-Era Melodrama and Early Film Producer Norma Talmadge Norma Talmadge (1894–1957) was a leading American silent film actress and producer, celebrated for glamorous melodramas such as Smilin' Through. Her fame peaked in the 1920s and fa…

Norman Bridwell American author and illustrator best known for creating Clifford the Big Red Dog; his picture books and adaptations influenced children's publishing and literacy programs.

Norman Corwin: Pioneer of American Radio Drama Norman Corwin Norman Corwin (1910–2011) was a leading American radio writer, producer and broadcaster whose poetic wartime programs and civic dramas shaped the Golden Age of Radio.

Norman Dewis — Jaguar test driver and development engineer Norman Dewis British automotive test driver and engineer (1920–2019). Chief test driver for Jaguar Cars from 1952–1985, later an ambassador for the marque and awarded an OBE for services to the…

Norman Fell American character actor (1924–1998), best known as landlord Mr. Roper on the sitcom Three's Company and its spin-off The Ropers; recipient of a Golden Globe Award.

Norman Geisler: American Theologian, Philosopher, and Apologist Norman Geisler Overview of Norman Geisler (1932–2019), his work as a Christian systematic theologian and philosopher, co‑founding of seminaries, role in biblical inerrancy debates, major themes a…

Norman Girvan: Jamaican Economist, Educator and Caribbean Integration Advocate Norman Girvan Jamaican economist and public intellectual (1941–2014). Secretary-General of the Association of Caribbean States (2000–2004) and a long‑time voice on Caribbean development, integra…

Norman Gordon (South African cricketer, 1911–2014) Norman Gordon South African Test cricketer who played five Tests in 1938–39 and became the oldest-ever Test player, living to 103. Born in Boksburg; died in Johannesburg in 2014.

Norman Hardie: New Zealand mountaineer, Himalayan supporter and Antarctic leader Norman Hardie Norman Hardie (1924–2017) was a New Zealand climber who took part in the 1955 British expedition to Kangchenjunga, supported Himalayan development with Edmund Hillary’s Trust, and…

Norman Hunter (English footballer, 1943–2020) Norman Hunter Long-serving English central defender best known for his time at Leeds United, capped by England and later active in coaching; hospitalised with COVID-19 in April 2020 and died age…

Norman I. Platnick — American arachnologist and systematist Norman I. Platnick Prominent American arachnologist who described over 1,800 spider species, served as a curator at the American Museum of Natural History, and maintained the World Spider Catalog unt…

Norman Mailer: American novelist, essayist and pioneering journalist Norman Mailer Norman Mailer (1923–2007) was a major American writer and public intellectual, known for novels, reportage in the New Journalism mode, cofounding The Village Voice, and outspoken p…

Norman McCabe: Warner Bros. Animator and Director of Wartime Cartoons Norman McCabe Norman McCabe (1911–2006), American animator, cartoonist and director best known for his economical black‑and‑white Looney Tunes shorts at Warner Bros. during the Golden Age and wa…

Norman Orentreich American dermatologist (1922–2019) who pioneered modern hair transplantation, helped develop the Clinique skin-care line for Estée Lauder, and served as the first president of the…

Norman Rockwell: American Illustrator and Chronicler of Everyday Life Norman Rockwell Norman Rockwell (1894–1978) was a prolific American illustrator known for warm, narrative paintings for magazines, the Four Freedoms series, and enduring images of mid-20th-century…

Norman Scribner — American choral conductor and founder of Choral Arts Society Norman Scribner Norman Scribner (1936–2015), American conductor, composer, pianist and organist; founder and long-time artistic director of The Choral Arts Society of Washington and a central figu…

Norman Thomas Gilroy: First Australian-born Cardinal and Archbishop of Sydney Norman Thomas Gilroy Concise biography of Sir Norman Thomas Gilroy (1896–1977), the first Australian-born Roman Catholic cardinal, Archbishop of Sydney (1940–1971), noted for leadership and national ho…

Normie Smith: Canadian NHL Goaltender and 1936 Stanley Cup Champion Normie Smith Overview of Normie Smith, Canadian goaltender for the Detroit Red Wings, noted for his role in the longest NHL game and the 1936 Stanley Cup run; career, key games, decline, return…

Norodom Buppha Devi — Cambodian princess, ballerina and cultural leader Norodom Buppha Devi Norodom Buppha Devi (1943–2019) was a Cambodian princess, prima ballerina and director of the Royal Ballet of Cambodia who helped revive and promote classical Khmer dance at home a…

Nosrat Karimi — Iranian actor, director, and visual artist Nosrat Karimi Nosrat Karimi (1924–2019) was an Iranian actor, director, make-up artist, sculptor and educator, best known for Agha Joon in My Uncle Napoleon and for a six-decade career across fi…

Nostradamus (Michel de Nostredame) — French apothecary, astrologer and author of prophecies Nostradamus Michel de Nostredame (Nostradamus) was a 16th-century French apothecary and writer best known for Les Propheties, a collection of cryptic quatrains later associated with many alleg…

Novak Djokovic Serbian professional tennis player Novak Djokovic is a multiple Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, widely regarded as one of the sport's all‑time greats.

Novalis (Georg Philipp Friedrich von Hardenberg) — German Romantic poet and thinker Novalis Novalis was the pen name of Georg Philipp Friedrich von Hardenberg (1772–1801), a leading early German Romantic poet and philosopher, noted for the Blue Flower motif, Hymns to the…

Nozomi Hiroyama (Japanese footballer) Nozomi Hiroyama Nozomi Hiroyama (born May 6, 1977) is a former Japanese footballer who played as an attacking wide midfielder/forward and represented the Japan national team.

Nozomu Kanaguchi — Japanese footballer Nozomu Kanaguchi Nozomu Kanaguchi (born September 8, 1981) is a Japanese professional associated with association football. Public records are limited; he is listed in player registers and regional…

Numa Pompilius Second king of Rome in Roman tradition, credited with establishing Rome's early religious institutions, calendar reforms, and a reign of peace; his historicity is debated by modern…

Nur Hassan Hussein — Somali Prime Minister and Diplomat (1937–2020) Nur Hassan Hussein Nur Hassan Hussein, Somali politician who served as Prime Minister (2007–2009) and later as ambassador to Italy (2009–2013); an experienced public servant born in Mogadishu who die…

Nur Jahan: Mughal Empress, Stateswoman and Patron (1577–1645) Nur Jahan Nur Jahan (1577–1645) was a Mughal empress and the influential wife of Emperor Jahangir. She exercised political power, shaped court culture, and acted as a major patron of arts an…

Nur Yerlitaş — Turkish fashion designer and television personality Nur Yerlitaş Biography and overview of Nur Yerlitaş (1955–2020), a Turkish fashion designer and television figure known for her bold style, career as a boutique designer, and role as a TV judge…

Nurul Amin: Bengali Muslim League leader and Pakistani statesman Nurul Amin Nurul Amin (1893–1974) was a Bengali leader of the Pakistan Muslim League who served as Chief Minister of East Pakistan and later held senior federal posts, including Vice Presiden…

Nuwan Kulasekara: Sri Lankan Fast-Medium Bowler Nuwan Kulasekara Profile of Nuwan Kulasekara, Sri Lankan right-arm fast-medium bowler known for swing and accuracy; career overview, playing style, achievements, and role in international cricket.

Nymphadora Tonks: life, abilities, and legacy in the Harry Potter series Nymphadora Tonks Nymphadora Tonks is a prominent character in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter series: a Metamorphmagus, Order of the Phoenix member, Auror, wife of Remus Lupin, and mother of Teddy Lup…

O. Henry (William Sydney Porter): Master of the Short-Story Twist O. Henry O. Henry was the pen name of American short‑story writer William Sydney Porter, celebrated for ironic twist endings, vivid urban scenes and portrayals of ordinary people in New Yor…

O. N. V. Kurup — Malayalam poet and lyricist O. N. V. Kurup Biography of O. N. V. Kurup (1931–2016), a leading Malayalam poet and film lyricist, his themes, career, major honours including the Jnanpith and Padma awards, political views and…

O'Neal Compton American character actor and businessman known for supporting film roles in the 1990s and 2000s; born in Sumter, South Carolina, educated at Clemson University, died in 2019.

Obed Mfanyana Dlamini Obed Dlamini Obed Mfanyana Dlamini (1937–2017) was a Swazi politician who served as Prime Minister of Swaziland (now Eswatini) from 1989 to 1993. He was born in Mhlosheni and died in Johannesbu…

Oberdan Cattani — Brazilian goalkeeper and Palmeiras icon Oberdan Cattani Oberdan Cattani (1919–2014) was a celebrated Brazilian goalkeeper best known for his long service at Palmeiras (1940–1954). He is remembered for consistency, leadership and his rol…

Oceanus Hopkins — infant born aboard the Mayflower Oceanus Hopkins Infant born at sea aboard the Mayflower in 1620 to Stephen and Elizabeth Hopkins. Named with the Latin word for ocean, he died young and no grave or later records survive.

Octacílio Pinheiro Guerra Brazilian footballer (1909–1967) who is recorded as a Brazil national team player. Surviving records are fragmentary; he is remembered among early 20th-century Brazilian internatio…

Octave Mirbeau: French novelist, critic and playwright Octave Mirbeau Octave Mirbeau (1848–1917) was a French novelist, journalist, art critic and dramatist known for satirical, provocative works such as The Torture Garden and Diary of a Chambermaid.

Octavia E. Butler: American Science Fiction Writer and Cultural Influencer Octavia E. Butler Overview of Octavia E. Butler, her major works, themes, awards including the MacArthur Fellowship, and her lasting influence on speculative fiction and social thought.

Octavio Paz — Mexican poet, essayist, and Nobel Prize laureate Octavio Paz Octavio Paz (1914–1998), Mexican poet, essayist and diplomat, explored cultural identity and modernity; Nobel Prize in Literature (1990). Major works include The Labyrinth of Solit…

Oda Nobunaga (1534–1582): daimyo, reformer, and central figure of the Sengoku era Oda Nobunaga Oda Nobunaga was a powerful 16th-century Japanese daimyo from Owari Province who began the process of national unification through military innovation, political reform, and ruthle…

Oda of Canterbury 10th-century Archbishop of Canterbury (d. 958), also known as Odo; a prominent churchman in England later remembered in medieval sources as 'the Good' or 'the Severe'.

Odd Bondevik (1941–2014) Odd Bondevik Norwegian theologian and Church of Norway bishop who led the Diocese of Møre (1991–2008) and served as Preses of the Bishops' Conference (1998–2002).

Odd Iversen — Norwegian football striker and goalscoring record-holder Odd Iversen Odd Iversen (1945–2014) was a Norwegian footballer renowned as a prolific striker for Rosenborg and the Norwegian top division, holding a former career-goals record and the still-s…

Oded Fehr Israeli-born film and television actor best known for his role in The Mummy films and for recurring parts in American TV dramas and action/horror franchises.

Odia Coates (1941–1991) — American singer best known for duet with Paul Anka Odia Coates Odia Coates was an American singer who rose to prominence with her 1974 duet with Paul Anka, “(You're) Having My Baby,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks.