20 Personalities Who Shaped The 1920s And Beyond

The 1920s roared with innovation, creativity, and a bold new spirit that still influences our world today. It was an era of change, where cultural norms were challenged, and the boundaries of art, science, and society were pushed. These 20 icons didn’t just live through the decade—they shaped it.

Louis Armstrong

Jazz legend Louis Armstrong was a trumpeter and vocalist, beloved for hits like “Hello, Dolly!” he earned a Grammy Award in 1965 and was posthumously inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2017. His legacy reigns as one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.

Albert Einstein

Physics would never be the same after Albert Einstein introduced his theories of relativity. He changed how people understood time and space, but his impact went beyond science. Einstein used his celebrity status to advocate for civil rights and humanitarian causes, making him as influential in public thought as he was in physics.

Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel revolutionized fashion with her timeless designs and elegant vision. From iconic tweed suits to the world-famous Chanel No. 5 fragrance, she redefined style in the 20th century. The founder of the Chanel brand held an influence that continues as the brand she created remains recognized worldwide.

Charlie Chaplin

Acclaimed for his beloved Tramp character, Charlie Chaplin was a master of comedy and silent film. With timeless classics like “The Gold Rush” and “City Lights,” his impact on the entertainment industry is still felt today. The English comic’s ability to convey humor and emotion without words remains unparalleled.

Al Capone

Al Capone ruled the Chicago underworld during Prohibition. Known for his violent tactics and vast criminal empire, the infamous gangster and businessman became a symbol of the lawlessness of the “Roaring Twenties.” His conviction for tax evasion was among the most famous moments in criminal history.

Henry Ford

Henry Ford revolutionized manufacturing. His assembly line didn’t just speed up car production—it changed manufacturing worldwide. Affordable cars meant mobility for the middle class, reshaping cities and economies. Ford’s influence extended beyond automobiles, shaping the modern industry from wages to mass consumption.

Babe Ruth

Baseball was never the same once Babe Ruth stepped up to the plate. His record-breaking home runs electrified fans and turned sports into a national obsession. Ruth’s larger-than-life personality made him America’s first true celebrity athlete, and it paved the way for future stars to leverage fame beyond their sport.

F. Scott Fitzgerald

F. Scott Fitzgerald is celebrated for his exploration of the Jazz Age and for leaving behind a rich literary legacy. His novels, including “The Great Gatsby” and “This Side of Paradise,” continue to capture the excess and disillusionment of the 1920s. Many of his works remain foundational to American literature.

Charles Lindbergh

A single flight across the Atlantic turned Charles Lindbergh into a global hero. It wasn’t just about aviation; his achievement shrank the world, connecting continents and inspiring new possibilities in travel and commerce. Lindbergh’s fame also marked the birth of modern celebrity culture, with its adoration and inevitable scrutiny.

Clara Bow

Clara Bow, often dubbed the “It Girl,” was a trailblazing actress who typified the Roaring Twenties flapper culture. Her infectious energy and sultry appeal helped make her a massive star in films like “It” and “Wings.” Taylor Swift even named a song after her.

Rudolph Valentino

Rudolph Valentino became a cultural icon in the 1920s, adored for his romantic roles in films like “The Sheik” and “Blood and Sand.” The silent film star’s tragic early death only cemented his status as the “Latin Lover,” and he remains one of Hollywood’s most enduring legends.

Herbert Hoover

Herbert Hoover was a mining engineer and humanitarian before taking office. As the 31st president of the United States, he is best remembered for his leadership during the early years of the Great Depression, as well as his efforts to feed Europe during WWI.

Pablo Picasso

A pioneering Spanish artist, Pablo Picasso reshaped the world of art with his groundbreaking works like “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” and “Guernica.” Famed for his role in founding the Cubist movement, Picasso is considered one of the most influential artists in history.

John Gilbert

John Gilbert was a silent film star whose striking looks and compelling performances made him one of the top box-office draws of that era. Beloved for his roles in films like “The Merry Widow” and “The Big Parade,” his rivalry with Rudolph Valentino further fueled his fame.

Gloria Swanson

Another major star of the silent film era, Gloria Swanson, became known for her larger-than-life roles in films like “Sadie Thompson.” With three Academy Award nominations, she was one of the most distinguished actresses of the “Roaring Twenties” and still remains a fashion icon.

Joan Crawford

Joan Crawford also became one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars due to her glamorous image and versatile roles. The Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer star appeared in countless films from the 1920s, including ‘Mildred Pierce.’ For this, she remains a symbol of Hollywood’s Golden Age, remembered for her beauty, style, and enduring legacy.

Al Jolson

Al Jolson, an entertainer from the Jazz Age, was a key figure in the transition from silent films to talkies. Jolson’s energetic performances, particularly in “The Jazz Singer,” revolutionized the film industry, earning him the title of “The World’s Greatest Entertainer.” The Lithuanian-born American vaudevillian rightfully earned this title.

Marcus Garvey

Marcus Garvey dreamed of a global Black unity that crossed borders and oceans, which led him to develop the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA). This Jamaican political activist’s vision of economic self-sufficiency and cultural pride has inspired civil rights leaders both the past and present—and will continue to do so in the future.

Douglas Fairbanks

Douglas Fairbanks was known for his swashbuckling roles in films like “Zorro” and “Robin Hood.” The legendary actor and one of the founding members of United Artists helped shape the early days of Hollywood, and his legacy as a film pioneer continues to impact the industry today.

Buster Keaton

A silent film comedian and director, Buster Keaton’s physical comedy and innovative storytelling techniques made him one of the most important figures in early cinema. Known for his deadpan expression and stunts, Keaton’s films like “The General” remain some of the best examples of silent comedy.