Top 10: Most Famous Poles
Poles probably aren’t the most celebrated or well-known group of people in the world. Still, there have been several who have not only altered the course of their country, but the world as well.
Here is a quick rundown of the 10 most (and yes, very arguably) famous Poles to date, including:
#1: Pope John Paul II
Otherwise known as Karol Jozef Wojtyla, Pope John Paul II was born in the small town of Wadowice. He was Pope from 1978-1995, and became the first non-Italian Pope in 455 years! Pope John Paul was great friends with many heads of state and religions, and made it a priority to spread his and the Catholic Church’s international reach and influence.
#2: Lech Walesa
For those of you who don’t know Walesa, he was the main instigator behind the “Solidarity Movement” which helped to drive Communism out of Poland. Walesa was actually an electrician by trade, and his humble background made his prominence as the Movement’s leader that much more intriguing.
#3: Ryzard Kuklinski
Kulkinski had quite the occupation – a Cold War spy for the United States. He was an army officer in the Polish Army during the Cold War and provided invaluable information for the USA as one of their chief spies stationed behind enemy lines.
#4: Henryk Sienkiewicz
Sienkiewicz is best known for winning the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1905. His novels were known for being highlighted by his strong and devote Catholic views. Sienkiewicz has had his works published in over 50 different languages.
#5: Fryderyk Chopin
Here is name that should be familiar to most music fans – at least the Classic type. Chopin was a Romantic composer of the 19th century and is best known for his concertos and work with the keyboard.
#6: Nicolaus Copernicus
Ah, here is another name that you should recognize. Copernicus, in what was seen as a heathen and damning idea at the time, proposed the once preposterous-idea of Heliocentrism or that the Earth actually rotated around the Sun, rather than vice versa.
Lo and behold, we now of course know that Copernicus’s theory was correct.
#7: Marie Curie
Curie, born of two Polish parents, forever changed the way that man viewed nuclear physics and cancer therapy through her research and finding of radium. Curie, is perhaps best known for eventually dying due to her work and the exposure she subjected herself too while studying the elements of radium.
#8: Irena Szewinska
The winner of 3 Olympic Gold medals, and 7 overall as a track and field sprinter, Szewinska was the first women to hold world records for the 100m, 200m, and 400m at the same time and participated in 5 Olympic Games before retiring.
#9: Roman Polanski
Polanski is perhaps one of the most famous European movie and Jewish directors ever. Polanski’s work was influenced heavily by the time he spent living in Krakow ghetto during WWII.
His most famous films include “Rosemary’s Baby” and “Chinatown.” He also directed “The Pianist” with Adrian Brody, and the latest version of “Oliver Twist” which he directed in 2005.
#10: Krystyna Janda
Janda is by far one of the most famous Polish actresses. Janda is known for her roles in politically-oriented films, especially films that have centered on Communism and the effect that it had on Poland, and still has today.