Biographies

Robert Catesby — leader of the Gunpowder Plot Robert Catesby English Catholic conspirator (1572–1605) who led the failed Gunpowder Plot aiming to destroy Parliament and reseat a Catholic regime; killed after the plot's discovery and remember…

Robert Chartoff: Film Producer and Philanthropist Robert Chartoff American film producer Robert Chartoff (1933–2015) produced landmark films including Rocky and Raging Bull and was active in philanthropy; his work shaped 1970s–80s American cinema…

Robert Clive, 1st Baron Clive (Clive of India) Robert Clive British East India Company officer who played a central role in establishing Company rule in Bengal and expanding British influence in India; remembered for military success and co…

Robert Cormier (1925–2000), American author of young-adult fiction Robert Cormier American novelist and journalist Robert Cormier wrote influential, often controversial young-adult novels—The Chocolate War, I Am the Cheese, After the First Death—that explore pow…

Robert Cullen Robert Cullen (born 7 June 1985) is a Japanese professional footballer known for playing as an attacking wide player in Japan and Europe. He has featured in domestic leagues and Ja…

Robert Cummings (American actor) Robert Cummings American film and television actor (1910–1990) who gained fame in 1940s–1950s films and as a television star in the 1950s; remembered for light comedy roles, a Hitchcock appearance…

Robert Curthose, Duke of Normandy (c.1050–1134) Robert Curthose Duke of Normandy from 1087 to 1106, eldest son of William the Conqueror. Noted for participation in the First Crusade, long rivalry with his brothers in England, and capture at Tin…

Robert D. Hales Robert D. Hales (1932–2017), a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; summary of his life, service, teachings, and legacy.

Robert D. Orr: Governor of Indiana and U.S. Ambassador to Singapore Robert D. Orr Concise encyclopedia entry on Robert D. Orr (1917–2004), two-term governor of Indiana, Republican leader, and U.S. ambassador to Singapore; covers background, administration priori…

Robert D. Ray Robert D. Ray (1928–2018) was an American Republican politician who served four terms as Governor of Iowa (1969–1983), noted for refugee resettlement, moderate reform policies and…

Robert Dahlqvist — Swedish guitarist known as 'Strängen' (1976–2017) Robert Dahlqvist Profile of Robert Dahlqvist, Swedish rock guitarist and singer, his career with The Hellacopters, Thunder Express/Dundertåget, musical style, and legacy.

Robert de Cotte — French architect and royal administrator Robert de Cotte Robert de Cotte (1656–1735), a leading French architect and royal building administrator, helped shape early Rococo interiors, completed major Versailles projects and ran an influe…

Robert Delpire — French publisher, editor, curator and advocate for documentary photography Robert Delpire Robert Delpire (1926–2017) was a Paris-born publisher, editor, curator and producer who shaped postwar documentary photography through influential books, exhibitions and the Photo…

Robert DeProspero — U.S. Secret Service agent and leader of presidential protection Robert DeProspero Profile of Robert L. DeProspero (1938–2019), a Secret Service agent who led and reformed the Presidential Protective Division after the 1981 Reagan assassination attempt.

Robert Devereux, 2nd Earl of Essex English nobleman (1565–1601), favourite of Elizabeth I, soldier and politician; led a failed Irish campaign and the 1601 rebellion, executed for treason; remembered in drama, music…

Robert Doisneau: life and work of a French street photographer Robert Doisneau Robert Doisneau (1912–1994) was a French photographer known for warm, candid images of mid-20th-century Paris that helped define humanist street photography and influenced generati…

Robert 'Bob' Dugard — English speedway rider and promoter Robert Dugard English motorcycle speedway rider and longtime promoter. Owner of Arlington Stadium, rode for Eastbourne Eagles, Wimbledon Dons and West Ham Hammers. Born in Hove, East Sussex; die…

Robert E. Gilka American photojournalist and longtime director of photography at National Geographic, noted for mentoring photographers and shaping editorial photo standards. Born 1916 in Milwauke…

Robert E. Glennen Jr.: Career in American Higher Education Administration Robert E. Glennen Profile of Robert E. Glennen Jr. (1933–2015), PhD, who led Emporia State and Western New Mexico University and held senior administrative roles at UNLV and Notre Dame.

Robert Edmond Grant — British anatomist and zoologist (1793–1874) Robert Edmond Grant Robert Edmond Grant was a 19th-century British anatomist and zoologist known for teaching comparative anatomy, building a zoological collection, and promoting early ideas about bio…

Robert Elsie (1950–2017): Scholar and Translator of Albanian Literature Robert Elsie Canadian scholar and translator who documented, translated, and promoted Albanian literature and oral tradition; known for translations of the Albanian national epic and reference…

Robert C. Erwin — Justice of the Alaska Supreme Court Robert Erwin Robert Cecil "Bob" Erwin (1934–2020) was an American lawyer who served on the Alaska Supreme Court from August 1970 to April 1977, appointed by Governor Keith H. Miller.

Robert Eugene Bush Robert Eugene Bush (1926–2005) was a U.S. Navy hospital corpsman who received the Medal of Honor for extraordinary courage treating and evacuating wounded under fire during the Bat…

Robert F. Marx: Diver, Shipwreck Explorer, and Underwater Archaeology Figure Robert F. Marx Robert F. Marx (1936–2019) was an American scuba diver and shipwreck investigator whose explorations, publications and recovery work made him a prominent and often controversial fi…

Robert Flemyng English actor Robert Flemyng (1912–1995) performed across stage, film, radio and television. Known for his versatility and for the title role in The Horrible Dr. Hichcock (1962), h…

Robert Flower — Australian rules footballer Robert Flower Biography of Robert Flower (1955–2014), Melbourne Football Club stalwart: career timeline, playing style, captaincy 1981–1987, club games record, later life and legacy.

Robert Fogel: Economic Historian and Pioneer of Cliometrics Robert Fogel Robert Fogel (1926–2013), American economic historian who introduced quantitative methods to economic history, won the 1993 Nobel Prize, and sparked debate with influential works o…

Robert Folsom — Dallas Mayor and Real Estate Developer (1927–2017) Robert Folsom Robert "Bob" Folsom was an American politician and real estate developer who served as mayor of Dallas from 1976 to 1981. He was a Southern Methodist University alumnus and a longt…

Robert Fortune (1812–1880) Robert Fortune Scottish plant collector and traveler who introduced Chinese tea plants and horticultural knowledge to British India and Europe; his work shaped 19th‑century tea cultivation and pl…

Robert Frank — Photographer and Filmmaker Robert Frank Swiss-American photographer Robert Frank (1924–2019) transformed documentary photography with The Americans and later explored film, montage and experimental image-making.

Robert Frost Robert Frost (1874–1963) was an influential American poet known for rural New England settings, conversational language, and layered, philosophical themes. He won four Pulitzer Pri…

Robert G. Heft: life, claim to the 50‑star flag, and legacy Robert G. Heft Biography of Robert G. Heft, who claimed to have designed the current 50‑star U.S. flag as a school project, the disputed nature of that claim, and his later career in education an…

Robert "Bob" Garcia (New York politician) Robert Garcia (New York politician) Robert "Bob" Garcia (1933–2017) was a Bronx-born Democratic politician of Puerto Rican heritage who served in the New York State Legislature and represented parts of New York in th…

Robert Gould Shaw, commander of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment Robert Gould Shaw Union officer who led the 54th Massachusetts, one of the first African American regiments; killed while leading an assault on Fort Wagner in 1863 and remembered for his leadership…

Robert Goulet: singer and stage actor known for Camelot and popular recordings Robert Goulet Robert Goulet (1933–2007) was an American-born singer and actor who rose to fame on Broadway, recorded popular albums and appeared in film and television. He was noted for his rich…

Robert Gover: American novelist and journalist Robert Gover Overview of Robert Gover (1929–2015), his career as a journalist-turned-novelist, major works such as One Hundred Dollar Misunderstanding and Time and Money, themes, reception, and…

Robert Guiscard: Norman duke and conqueror of southern Italy (c.1015–1085) Robert Guiscard Norman leader Robert Guiscard unified much of southern Italy in the 11th century, won papal recognition, fought Byzantium, and established the Hauteville dynasty's power on the Ita…

Robert H. Garff — Utah businessman, legislator and Olympic organizer Robert H. Garff Robert H. Garff (1942–2020) was a Utah businessman who led the Ken Garff Automotive Group, served as a Republican member and Speaker of the Utah House, and chaired the Salt Lake Or…

Robert H. Scarborough — U.S. Coast Guard Vice Commandant (1923–2020) Robert H. Scarborough Biography of Vice Admiral Robert H. Scarborough, the 13th Vice Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, summarizing his life, role, service era and legacy.

Robert H. Schuller: televangelist, pastor and founder of the Crystal Cathedral Robert H. Schuller Overview of Robert H. Schuller (1926–2015), his Hour of Power broadcast, ministry at the Crystal Cathedral, pastoral style, writings, later challenges and legacy.

Robert Hansen: profile of the Anchorage serial killer known as the 'Butcher Baker' Robert Hansen Profile of Robert Hansen (1939–2014), an American serial killer active in Anchorage, Alaska (1971–1983): background, crimes, investigation, trial, sentencing and legacy.

Robert Hegyes — actor best known for Juan Epstein on Welcome Back, Kotter Robert Hegyes American actor Robert Hegyes (1951–2012), known for playing Juan Epstein on the 1970s sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter; summary of his life, career, and lasting cultural presence.

Robert Helpmann: Australian dancer, actor, choreographer and director Robert Helpmann Biography of Sir Robert Helpmann (1909–1986), an Australian-born ballet star, stage director and actor best known for dance partnerships, choreography and the Child Catcher role.

Robert Herbin: French footballer and long-serving AS Saint-Étienne figure Robert Herbin Overview of Robert Herbin (1939–2020), his playing and managerial career at AS Saint-Étienne, international appearances, achievements, style and legacy.

Robert Hirsch: French stage and film actor (1925–2017) Robert Hirsch Robert Hirsch was a French actor and comedian known for a long career on stage and screen, a César-winning supporting performance, and roles in both classical and contemporary Fren…

Robert Holmes (American football) Running back Robert Holmes (1945–2018) played college football at Southern University and professionally with the Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Oilers and San Diego Chargers; he died…

Robert Hooke: 17th-century English polymath and experimentalist Robert Hooke Robert Hooke (1635–1703) was an English natural philosopher, experimental scientist, architect and inventor. He advanced microscopy, elasticity theory and helped rebuild London aft…

Robert Hughes (art critic and writer) Robert Hughes (critic) Australian-born art critic, author and documentary maker (1938–2012), best known for The Shock of the New and The Fatal Shore and for his outspoken, eloquent criticism of modern an…