Biographies

Wanderlei Silva Brazilian mixed martial artist known as 'The Axe Murderer', famed for an aggressive striking style and a dominant run in PRIDE; later a UFC competitor and a controversial figure in…

Wang Danfeng — Chinese Film Actress (1924–2018) Wang Danfeng Chinese film actress active from the 1940s through the 1960s. Wang Danfeng appeared in over 60 films, was named a 'movie star of New China', and received multiple lifetime achievem…

Wang Dongxing: Mao's Chief Bodyguard and Senior Communist Official Wang Dongxing Wang Dongxing (1916–2015) was a Chinese Communist Party security chief who served as Mao Zedong's principal bodyguard, became a vice chairman after the Cultural Revolution, and hel…

Wang Guozhen (汪国真) — Chinese poet and painter Wang Guozhen Wang Guozhen (1956–2015) was a widely read Chinese poet and painter known for short, optimistic verse. He published multiple collections from 1990 and became a distinctive voice in…

Wang Jin (1926–2020), Chinese archaeologist Wang Jin (archaeologist) Chinese archaeologist noted for work on the Jianghan Plain, co-discoverer of the Qujialing Neolithic culture, and leader of major excavations such as Tonglüshan and the Shang-era s…

Wang Jun (Chinese business executive, 1941–2019) Wang Jun (businessman) Wang Jun (1941–2019) was a Chinese state-owned enterprise leader who chaired Poly Group and CITIC, held ministerial rank, retired in 2006, and was influential in China's corporate…

Wang Lisi — Chinese football midfielder Wang Lisi Profile of Wang Lisi, a Chinese association football midfielder born in 1991 in Nanjing; club member of Jiangsu Huatai and a player for the China women's national football team.

Wang Xiaobo (1952–1997) Wang Xiaobo Wang Xiaobo was a Chinese novelist and essayist known for ironic, candid prose and critiques of social conformity; his work gained wide influence in mainland China after his death.

Wang Yang — Chinese politician and chairman of the CPPCC Wang Yang Wang Yang (born 12 March 1955) is a senior Chinese politician, former provincial leader and vice premier, serving as chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Poli…

Waqar Ahmad Shah (Indian politician) Waqar Ahmad Shah Waqar Ahmad Shah was an Indian state legislator and cabinet minister who represented constituencies in Uttar Pradesh from 1993 to 2017. Born 1943 in Bahraich, he died in 2018 of bl…

Ward Just — American novelist and former war correspondent Ward Just Biography and overview of Ward Just (1935–2019), an American reporter-turned-novelist known for political fiction about journalism, diplomacy and moral ambiguity; two novels were m…

Ward Ruyslinck — Flemish writer (Raymond De Belser) Ward Ruyslinck Biography and overview of Ward Ruyslinck (born Raymond De Belser), his major works, life events, awards and legacy in postwar Flemish literature.

Waris Shah: 18th‑century Punjabi Sufi poet and author of Heer Waris Shah Waris Shah (1722–1798) was an influential Punjabi Sufi poet best known for his epic poem Heer, a landmark of Punjabi literature that blends love narrative, social commentary and sp…

Warner Saunders (1935–2018), American Television Journalist and Educator Warner Saunders Profile of Warner Saunders, long-serving Chicago television news co-anchor and educator, covering his broadcasting career, teaching work, influence in local journalism, and legacy.

Warrel Dane American heavy metal singer and songwriter, lead vocalist of Sanctuary and Nevermore, known for a dramatic baritone and earlier high-range delivery; also a voice actor and influent…

Warren "Pete" Moore: Bass voice, songwriter and arranger with The Miracles Warren "Pete" Moore Warren "Pete" Moore (1939–2017) was the bass singer, vocal arranger, songwriter and producer for Motown's The Miracles. He co-wrote key hits, earned industry awards, and was induct…

Warren Adler: Novelist, Playwright and Author of The War of the Roses Warren Adler Overview of Warren Adler (1927–2019), his major novels, stage work and film adaptations, themes and legacy. Covers biography, notable books, adaptations and lasting influence.

Warren Allen Smith Warren Allen Smith (1921–2017) was an American writer, gay rights activist and secular humanist known for journalism, reference works and long‑term advocacy for nonreligious and LG…

Warren B. Hamilton: American geologist and synthesizer of tectonic processes Warren B. Hamilton Profile of Warren B. Hamilton (1925–2018), US geologist known for field synthesis of plate tectonics, crust–mantle evolution, Antarctic studies, and an alternative view on mantle p…

Warren Hastings: first Governor‑General of British India and his contested legacy Warren Hastings Warren Hastings (1732–1818) was the first Governor‑General of India (1773–1785). This article outlines his career in the East India Company, administrative reforms, impeachment, an…

Warren Hinckle American journalist and editor noted for his leadership of Ramparts magazine in the 1960s, a combative writing style, and influence on investigative and alternative journalism.

Warren Keith Urbom — United States District Judge from Nebraska Warren Keith Urbom Warren K. Urbom (1925–2017) was a U.S. District Judge for the District of Nebraska from 1970 to 2014, nominated by President Richard Nixon; born in Atlanta, Nebraska, educated at N…

Warren Lamb: Movement Analyst and Creator of Movement Pattern Analysis Warren Lamb Warren Lamb (1923–2014) was an English movement analyst who adapted Laban Movement Analysis into Movement Pattern Analysis, applying nonverbal observation to management, leadership…

Warren Oates: American character actor known for rugged film roles Warren Oates Concise profile of Warren Oates (1928–1982), an influential American character actor noted for roles in The Wild Bunch, Dillinger, Two-Lane Blacktop and collaborations with Sam Pec…

Warren Plunkett: American football blocking back and Minnesota judge Warren Plunkett Warren Plunkett (1920–2018) was an American football player who appeared with the Cleveland Rams in 1942 and later served as a judge in Minnesota, remembered for his public service…

Warren Weinstein — American economist and development contractor Warren Weinstein Warren Weinstein (1941–2015) was an American economist and development contractor abducted in Pakistan in 2011 and later killed in a U.S. counterterrorism strike; his case raised q…

Washington Benavides: Uruguayan poet, musician and educator Washington Benavides Overview of Washington Benavides (1930–2017), his life in Tacuarembó and Montevideo, major works including Tata Vizcacha, teaching career, themes, musical collaborations, and liter…

Washington Irving (1783–1859) Washington Irving American writer and diplomat Washington Irving wrote Rip Van Winkle and The Legend of Sleepy Hollow; he produced biographies, promoted American letters, and served as U.S. minister…

Washington SyCip — Filipino-American accountant, entrepreneur and educator Washington SyCip Washington SyCip (1921–2017) was a Filipino-American accountant who founded SGV & Company and the Asian Institute of Management; celebrated for building major institutions in Phili…

Wat Tyler — leader of the 1381 Peasants' Revolt Wat Tyler Wat Tyler led the English Peasants' Revolt in 1381. He became a symbol of popular resistance after his death during a confrontation with King Richard II's party at Smithfield.

Wataru Misaka — pioneering Japanese American professional basketball player Wataru Misaka Wataru “Wat” Misaka (1923–2019) was a Japanese American basketball player who broke racial ground as the first player of Asian descent to appear in the Basketball Association of Am…

Wataru Ota — Japanese footballer (born 1981) Wataru Ota Brief encyclopedia entry for Wataru Ota (太田 渉, b. 1981), a former Japanese football player, with context on Japanese football development, typical career paths, and where to find f…

Wayne Barrett: Investigative Reporter and Chronicler of New York Politics Wayne Barrett Wayne Barrett (1945–2017) was an American investigative journalist known for decades of reporting on New York City politics, long service at the Village Voice, Columbia teaching, a…

Wayne Cochran — the “White Knight of Soul” singer and showman Wayne Cochran Wayne Cochran (1939–2017), American soul singer, bandleader of the C.C. Riders, and songwriter of “Last Kiss”; noted for his white pompadour, flamboyant stage clothes and energetic…

Wayne Hardin — American college football coach (1926–2017) Wayne Hardin Profile of Irving Wayne Hardin, coach of Navy and Temple, mentor to Heisman winners, Continental League champion and College Football Hall of Fame inductee.

Wayne Hillman — Canadian NHL defenceman and Stanley Cup winner Wayne Hillman Overview of Wayne James Hillman (1938–1990), a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman who played 14 NHL seasons, won the Stanley Cup with Chicago and finished his career in th…

Wayne Huizenga American entrepreneur who built major national companies (Waste Management, Blockbuster, AutoNation) and owned the Miami Dolphins, Florida Panthers and Florida Marlins; noted for a…

Wayne M. Meyers — American physician, microbiologist and medical missionary Wayne M. Meyers Wayne M. Meyers (1924–2018) was an American physician, microbiologist and medical missionary noted for work on leprosy, Buruli ulcer and filarial diseases and for training generati…

Wayne Maki — Canadian NHL left winger Wayne Maki Wayne Maki (1944–1974) was a Canadian ice hockey left winger who played 246 NHL games with Chicago, St. Louis and Vancouver; noted for his competitive style and a career cut short…

Wayne Maunder (1937–2018) Wayne Maunder Canadian-born American actor best known for television westerns such as Lancer and Custer, and for film roles in The Seven Minutes and Porky's. Active chiefly from the 1960s throug…

Wayne Messam 2020 presidential campaign Summary of Wayne Messam's 2020 presidential bid: announcement, campaign activity, challenges, and legacy of the short-lived run by the Mayor of Miramar, Florida.

Wayne Morse (1900–1974) Wayne Morse U.S. senator from Oregon (1945–1969) known for political independence, opposition to executive escalation in Vietnam, and his memorable lone dissent on the Gulf of Tonkin Resolutio…

Wayne Walker (American football player and broadcaster) Wayne Walker Biography of Wayne Walker, longtime Detroit Lions linebacker and placekicker who became a television sports broadcaster and sports director, with notes on career, honors, and later…

Wayne Westner — South African professional golfer Wayne Westner South African professional golfer (1961–2017). Turned pro in 1982, recorded 13 professional wins including the 1993 Dubai Desert Classic and the 1996 World Cup (with Ernie Els); ca…

Wayson Choy: Life and Work of a Canadian Novelist Wayson Choy Concise overview of Wayson Choy (1939–2019), a Chinese‑Canadian novelist and memoirist from Vancouver; his major works, themes, awards and cultural influence.

Wazhma Frogh — Afghan Advocate for Women's Rights and Civic Participation Wazhma Frogh Overview of Afghan women's rights activist Wazhma Frogh, her advocacy areas, international recognition, methods, and the challenges faced by activists in Afghanistan.

Wazner (Wazenez, Wadjenedj) — Predynastic ruler of Lower Egypt Wazner Wazner, also spelled Wazenez or Wadjenedj, is a poorly attested Predynastic king of Lower Egypt mentioned on the Palermo Stone; his historicity and dating remain debated due to fra…

Wei Chueh — Chan master and founder of Chung Tai Shan Wei Chueh Wei Chueh (1928–2016) was a Chinese-born Buddhist monk who founded Chung Tai Shan in Taiwan and played a major role in reviving Chan (Zen) practice, monastic training and large-sca…