15 Historical Figures Who Looked Good and Played Good

Many people throughout history have accomplished great things, pushing humanity to greater heights. Not all of them though, did it while looking incredibly good. This is an admittedly shallow thing to focus on, but a fun one nonetheless, since looking good while doing good is always a great match.

Due to this, we’ve gathered the historical figures that, at least according to us, are great looking and incredible achievers. We might not have every single individual you’re thinking about, but we certainly have the heavy hitters right here.

President John F. Kennedy

Kennedy is often remembered as perhaps the most attractive US president in history. Many historians actually credit his famously handsome face and television presence as the main reasons he was able to win the election against Nixon.

Princess Grace of Monaco

Before she became royalty, Grace Kelly was a wildly successful American actress who won an Academy Award and 3 Golden Globes. She remains a permanent beacon of elegance, ranking 13th among the greatest female film stars.

The Poet Lord Byron

Born in 1788, George Noel Gordon Byron was a leading figure in the Romantic movement. Widely regarded as one of the greatest British poets, his famously brooding appearance perfectly matched the intense emotion of his written work.

Actress and Inventor Hedy Lamarr

Lamarr was a wildly successful film star who was widely celebrated for her beauty. Beyond her glamorous screen presence, she was also highly intelligent and famously co-invented frequency hopping technology.

The Inventor Nikola Tesla

The famous inventor had striking features that made him stand out just as much as his brilliant mind. His intense gaze and sharp bone structure matched the electric brilliance he brought to the world of science.

Entertainer and Spy Josephine Baker

Described famously as an ‘American Beauty,’ Baker was a world-renowned dancer and incredibly talented performer. She used her massive fame as a cover to serve as a French Resistance agent and spy during World War II.

Film Actor James Dean

Recognized as one of the most influential fashion icons of all time, the American actor defined Golden Age cool. He earned 2 posthumous Academy Award nominations and remains ranked as the 18th greatest male film star.

Film Actress Audrey Hepburn

Widely considered one of the most beautiful women of all time, she is remembered as the ultimate style icon. Her talent matched her looks, winning an Academy Award, BAFTA, and Golden Globe for Roman Holiday.

Swiss Psychiatrist Hermann Rorschach

Born in 1884, the Swiss psychiatrist and psychoanalyst looked more like a modern movie star than a doctor. His background in art education eventually helped him develop the famous inkblot tests used to measure a subject’s personality.

English Poet Rupert Brooke

The English poet was widely celebrated for his boyish good looks. W. B. Yeats even described him as ‘the handsomest young man in England,’ though he is best remembered for writing a series of highly idealistic war sonnets.

German Composer Johannes Brahms

Born in 1833, the German composer and pianist was a major force during the mid-Romantic period. In his younger years, he possessed incredibly striking features before growing the massive, iconic beard he is usually associated with today.

Legendary Boxer Muhammad Ali

The boxing legend did not just float like a butterfly in the ring, he was undeniably photogenic. Ali always carried himself with massive confidence, proving that he really was as pretty as he constantly claimed to be.

Queen Nefertiti of Egypt

Born around 1370 BC, this royal figure remains one of the most famous symbols of ancient beauty. Surviving historical busts show incredibly striking facial symmetry that still looks remarkably modern thousands of years after her reign ended.

Founding Father Alexander Hamilton

Before Broadway turned his life into a hit 2015 musical, this Founding Father was known for cutting a very dashing figure. His sharp features and well-tailored appearance helped him stand out among his revolutionary peers.

Military Leader Simon Bolivar

The famous military leader who fought for South American independence possessed a striking intensity. Historical portraits show a man with sharp features and a commanding gaze, matching the serious determination required to reshape a continent.