51 Famous Women in History Who Have Changed the World
Lucille Ball
1911–1989
While she was an undeniable light onscreen in I Love Lucy, Ball was an extremely powerful figure off camera as well. She was the first woman to own a major studio, called Desilu Productions.
Queen Elizabeth II
1926–2022
Queen Elizabeth II served as head of the royal family for 70 years, making her the longest-reigning monarch in British history. She celebrated her Platinum Jubilee in June 2022, just three months before she died at 96 years old.
Rosa Parks
Halle Berry
Amelia Earhart
1897–1939
As the first female pilot to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Earhart forever changed the world of aviation. Her mysterious disappearance while flying over the Pacific Ocean in 1937 has sparked a range of theories, from a potentially fatal crash to her spending her final days on a remote island.
Michelle Kwan
1980–present
Michelle Kwan, now 44, dominated the ice throughout the ’90s, quickly becoming the most decorated figure skater in American history. She represented both the United States and Asian Americans on the world stage, winning 43 championships and two Olympic medals.
Malala Yousafzai
1997–present
Malala Yousafzai, now 27, began fighting for girls’ rights to education in Pakistan at just 11 years old. After surviving an assassination attempt a few years later, she has courageously continued to be a worldwide voice for young women. In 2014, she became the world’s youngest Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
Related: 10 Inspiring Malala Yousafzai Quotes
Rita Moreno
1931–present
At 93, Rita Moreno is a Hollywood legend. Her singing, dancing, and acting skills shined in classics like Singin’ in the Rain (1952) and West Side Story (1961), making her a true triple threat in Hollywood. In 1962, she became the first Latina woman to win an Oscar. Fifteen years later, Moreno achieved EGOT status—something only 21 people in history have done.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg
1933–2020
Ruth Bader Ginsburg made history as the first Jewish woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court. Her entire career was highlighted with pivotal moments in American history. Consistently standing up for gender equality and civil rights, she helped pass historic rulings on topics ranging from the Affordable Care Act to the legalization of same-sex marriage before her death at age 87.
Aretha Franklin
Vera Wang
1949–present
Vera Wang, a first-generation Chinese-American fashion designer, has become one of the most beloved bridal designers of all time. Before launching her own brand, the 75-year-old worked at Vogue and Ralph Lauren. In 2005, the Council of Fashion Designers of America selected her as the Womenswear Designer of the Year.
Marie Curie
Elizabeth Taylor
1932–2011
Old Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor captivated moviegoers in hits like Cleopatra (1963) and Suddenly, Last Summer (1959). The two-time Best Actress Oscar winner was also one of the first celebrities to speak openly about the AIDS crisis, creating the Elizabeth Taylor HIV/AIDS Foundation in 1991.
Related: The Plane Crash that Changed Elizabeth Taylor’s Life
Serena Williams
Jane Austen
1775–1817
Jane Austen changed the course of English literature with her social commentary in 1813’s Pride and Prejudice. Interestingly enough, she wasn’t revealed as the author of her first three novels until after her death at age 41.
Sally Ride
1951–2012
In 1983, Sally Ride became the first American woman to travel to space. She beat out 1,000 other applicants for a spot in NASA’s astronaut program and paved the way for many women like Mae Jemison who have followed in her footsteps.
Oprah Winfrey
1954–present
From 1986 to 2011, Oprah hosted her popular talk show, which turned her into an Emmy-winning media sensation and the first Black woman to become a billionaire. Aside from her successful magazine, TV network, and producing career, the 71-year-old is also an esteemed philanthropist and political activist.
Related: All the Ways Oprah Has Made History
Rachel Balkovec
1987–present
Rachel Balkovec, 37, made history in 2022 when she was named the first woman to manage an affiliate of an MLB team. Before the New York Yankees hired her to lead its Low-A Tampa Tarpons, she worked as the team’s minor league hitting coach.
Princess Diana
Catherine Caruso joined the Biography.com staff in August 2024, having previously worked as a freelance journalist for several years. She is a graduate of Syracuse University, where she studied English literature. When she’s not working on a new story, you can find her reading, hitting the gym, or watching too much TV.
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