Entertainers

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

An entertainer may refer to any person who is involved in amusing or entertaining audiences. An entertainer may be a film star, a circus clown, a singer or even a magician. A person, who attracts the attention and holds the interests of a large group of audiences for a particular period of time with his talent, is known as an entertainer. Entertainers existed as early as the 14th century, when the royal courts appointed entertainers, dancers and singers to entertain the guests and the royals in the kingdom. May royal events, also required entertainers to be present, for example in 1595, the celebrations of Queen Elizabeth I was graced by many entertainers. In the later part of the 20th century, there were significant developments in the field of technology and the electronic media emerged. With the arrival of the electronic media, the mass audiences were entertained with a variety of entertainment packages like music, movies, TV shows and the like. In the 21st century, the entertainment industry rapidly developed and expanded due to many factors like globalization and the global convergence of media. To learn more about famous and well-known entertainers in the world, move on to read their biographies that include trivia, interesting facts, timeline and life history.
Vote for Your Favourite Entertainers
 1 
Diana Ross
(Lead Singer of 'the Supremes', the Best-Charting Female Group in History)
Diana Ross
4
Birthdate: March 26, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States

With several prestigious honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, under her belt, Diana Ross is one of the most popular and influential singers of all time. In 1976, Billboard named her the Female Entertainer of the Century. She has influenced popular artists like Madonna, Beyoncé, and Michael Jackson.

 2 
Bob Barker
(Television Game Show Host)
Bob Barker
6
Birthdate: December 12, 1923
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Darrington, Washington, United States

Bob Barker is a retired TV game show host. Barker is credited with making CBS's The Price Is Right the longest-running daytime game show in the history of North American television, hosting the show from 1972 to 2007. Also an animal rights activist, Barker has supported groups like the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the United Activists for Animal Rights.

 3 
Evel Knievel
(American Stunt Performer Known for His Motorcycle Kumps)
Evel Knievel
6
Birthdate: October 17, 1938
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Butte, Montana, United States
Died: November 30, 2007

Evel Knievel was an entertainer and stunt performer. He attempted more than 75 ramp-to-ramp motorcycle jumps in his career, a feat that gained him much popularity. In 1999, he was inducted into the Motorcycle Hall of Fame. He was known to be a man of values and actively preached anti-drug messages to youngsters. He also campaigned for motorcycle helmet safety. 

Recommended Lists:
 4 
Chang Bunker
(Showmen)
Chang Bunker
6
Birthdate: May 11, 1811
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Meklong, Thailand
Died: January 17, 1874

Chang Bunker was a Siamese-American man and one-half of the popular conjoined twin brothers. Chang and his conjoined twin Eng were two of the most studied human beings during the 19th century. They toured the United States and Europe as part of their freak shows, gaining financial success and fame. They are credited with coining the colloquial term Siamese twins.

Recommended Lists:
 5 
Jon Pertwee
6
Birthdate: July 7, 1919
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Chelsea, London, England, UK
Died: May 20, 1996
 6 
Ed Sullivan
(Legendary Host of the TV Variety Show 'The Ed Sullivan Show')
Ed Sullivan
8
Birthdate: September 28, 1901
Sun Sign: Libra
Birthplace: Harlem, New York, United States
Died: October 13, 1974
Sports reporter and TV personality Ed Sullivan is best remembered as the host and creator of the variety show named The Toast of the Town, later renamed The Ed Sullivan Show. One of TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time, he was also a skilled columnist.
Recommended Lists:
 7 
Chris Pontius
(Actor, Television actor)
Chris Pontius
6
Birthdate: July 16, 1974
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Pasadena

Chris Pontius is an American actor and stunt performer. After appearing in the popular reality slapstick comedy TV series Jackass, Pontius went on to contribute as a writer for the comedy film Jackass: The Movie, a continuation of the series. He then went on to contribute as a writer for the subsequent Jackass movies, including Jackass 3D and Jackass Forever.

 8 
Gypsy Rose Lee
(One of the First Burlesque Artists to Imbue a Striptease With Grace and Style)
Gypsy Rose Lee
4
Birthdate: January 8, 1911
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Seattle, Washington, United States
Died: April 26, 1970

Gypsy Rose Lee was an American vedette and burlesque entertainer best remembered for her striptease act. She was also an actress, playwright, and author whose memoir inspired the 1959 stage musical, Gypsy. Lee's life inspired several works of art, including a song titled Gypsy Rose Lee by The Distillers. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Recommended Lists:
 9 
Don Ameche
(Actor and Comedian Best Known for His Leading Man Roles in 1930's and 40's)
Don Ameche
5
Birthdate: May 31, 1908
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States
Died: December 6, 1993
Don Ameche started as a comedian and vaudeville performer. He later gained fame on radio, too, appearing in the sketch comedy The Bickersons. He also earned a 20th Century Fox contract, appeared in movies such as Trading Places, and won an Academy Award for his role in Cocoon.
 10 
General Tom Thumb
(American Dwarf Who Achieved Great Fame as a Performer Under Circus Pioneer P. T. Barnum)
General Tom Thumb
6
Birthdate: January 4, 1838
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Bridgeport, Connecticut, United States
Died: July 15, 1883

General Tom Thumb was a dwarf best remembered as a performer in P. T. Barnum's circus. He achieved significant fame as a performer and has been portrayed by several actors in films, such as The Mighty Barnum and Jules Verne's Rocket to the Moon. In the 2017 movie The Greatest Showman, General Tom Thumb was played by Sam Humphrey.

Recommended Lists:
 11 
Marcel Marceau
(French Mime Artist and Actor)
Marcel Marceau
3
Birthdate: March 22, 1923
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Strasbourg, France
Died: September 22, 2007
 12 
Debra Paget
(Actress)
Debra Paget
3
Birthdate: August 19, 1933
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado, United States
Recommended Lists:
 13 
Jaina Lee Ortiz
5
Birthdate: November 20, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Birthplace: Fort Ord National Monument, California, United States
 14 
Rolf Harris
(Australian Singer-Songwriter & Actor Best Known for His Songs: ‘Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport’ & ‘Jake the Peg’)
Rolf Harris
6
Birthdate: March 30, 1930
Sun Sign: Aries
Birthplace: Bassendean, Australia
Australian singer, painter, and TV personality Rolf Harris is remembered for songs such as Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport and Two Little Boys, and for inventing the wobble board. He was a champion swimmer in his adolescence. He also spent almost 3 years in prison for assaulting underage girls. 
 15 
Michel Lotito
(French Entertainer Known for Consuming Indigestible Objects)
Michel Lotito
5
Birthdate: June 15, 1950
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Grenoble, France
Died: June 25, 2007
Featured on Ripley’s 100 Best BIONS, Michel Lotito was known for his bizarre diet, consisting of glass and metal parts, TV sets, bicycles, and even a Cessna 150 airplane. The Guinness record holder was nicknamed Monsieur Mangetout, meaning Mr. Eat-All. The French entertainer died of natural causes later.
 16 
Neil Tennant
(Musician)
Neil Tennant
5
Birthdate: July 10, 1954
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: North Shields, Tyne-and-Wear, England, UK
Recommended Lists:
 17 
Esme Bianco
(Actress)
Esme Bianco
7
Birthdate: May 25, 1982
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England
 18 
George M. Cohan
(Entertainer, Playwright and Composer Who is Considered to be ‘The Father of American Musical Comedy’)
George M. Cohan
3
Birthdate: July 3, 1878
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Died: November 5, 1942
Recommended Lists:
 19 
Eric Morecambe
(actor, comedian)
Eric Morecambe
3
Birthdate: May 14, 1926
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Morecambe
Died: May 28, 1984
 20 
Phil Silvers
(Actor, Stage actor, Television actor)
Phil Silvers
3
Birthdate: May 11, 1911
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: New York City
Died: November 1, 1985

Phil Silvers was an American comedian and entertainer. Dubbed the King of Chutzpah, Silvers won two Primetime Emmy Awards and two Tony Awards during his illustrious career that spanned almost six decades. In 1996, he was ranked 31st on TV Guide's list of 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time. Silvers’ work has inspired other comedians like Dick Van Dyke.

Recommended Lists:
 21 
James A. Bailey
(American Owner and Manager of Several 19th-Century Circuses)
James A. Bailey
3
Birthdate: July 4, 1847
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Detroit, Michigan, United States
Died: April 11, 1906

James A. Bailey was an American impresario and circus ringmaster. He is credited with co-founding one of the greatest circus companies of all time, Barnum and Bailey's Circus. A year after his death, his widow sold the circus to the Ringling brothers, resulting in the formation of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.

 22 
Lisa Joyner
(TV Host, Entertainer)
Lisa Joyner
5
Birthdate: December 31, 1966
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: San Diego, California, United States
Recommended Lists:
 23 
Sahara Davenport
(Drag Queen)
Sahara Davenport
6
Birthdate: December 17, 1984
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Dallas, Texas, United States
Died: October 1, 2012

Sahara Davenport was an American reality television personality, drag queen, singer, and classically trained dancer. She came into prominence after appearing in the popular reality competition TV series RuPaul's Drag Race in 2010. Davenport, who struggled with drug addiction throughout her life, died of heart failure, at the age of 27.

 24 
Maurice Chevalier
(French Singer Best Known for His Signature Songs: "Livin' In The Sunlight", "Valentine", "Louise" and "Mimi")
Maurice Chevalier
3
Birthdate: September 12, 1888
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Paris, France
Died: January 1, 1972
Best remembered for the song Valentine and the musical Gigi, French musician Maurice Chevalier not only fought in World War I, but was also injured and later imprisoned. During World War II, he reluctantly agreed to perform in exchange of the release of a few French prisoners. 
Recommended Lists:
 25 
Adrian Cronauer
(Lawyer, Radio personality)
Adrian Cronauer
3
Birthdate: September 8, 1938
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Pittsburgh

Adrian Joseph Cronauer, a United States Air Force Radio and Television Broadcasting Specialist, posted in Vietnam during 1965-1966, opened his show, the Dawn Buster, with "Goooooood morning Vietnam!", an experience that later inspired the 1987 film, Good Morning, Vietnam. In later years, he practiced law, specializing in information and communications law, concurrently continuing to remain involved with radio and television.

 26 
Don Ho
(Best known for theme song Tiny Bubbles)
Don Ho
3
Birthdate: August 13, 1930
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Kaka'ako, Hawaii, United States
Died: April 14, 2007
Recommended Lists:
 27 
Ernie Wise
(Comedian, Actor, Screenwriter)
Ernie Wise
3
Birthdate: November 27, 1925
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Birthplace: Bramley, Leeds
Died: March 21, 1999
 28 
Kristina Rihanoff
(Ballroom Dancer and Choreographer)
Kristina Rihanoff
3
Birthdate: September 22, 1977
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Vladivostok, Russia

Kristina Rihanoff is a Russian professional ballroom dancer, author, choreographer, and instructor. She achieved popularity after competing in the popular British television dance contest, Strictly Come Dancing. Also known for her philanthropic efforts, Kristina Rihanoff works closely with a children's charity named The Dot Com Foundation, which helps children handle challenging situations.

Recommended Lists:
 29 
Emo Philips
(Actor, Comedian known for album E=mo², recorded live at Caroline's in Manhattan, New York City, won the 1985 New Music Award for best comedy album)
Emo Philips
3
Birthdate: February 7, 1956
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, United States

An American actor and stand-up comedian, Emo Philips is famous as much for his unique look as for his on-stage antics, appearing as a highly intelligent, but restless and nervous individual.  That apart, he has also been featured in numerous film and television roles and has recorded three comedy albums, the first of which won the 1985 New Music Award.

 30 
Anna Haining Bates
(Circus performer)
Anna Haining Bates
0
Birthdate: August 6, 1846
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: New Annan, Canada
Died: August 5, 1888
Recommended Lists:
 31 
Frank Lentini
(Entertainer)
Frank Lentini
3
Birthdate: May 18, 1889
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Rosolini, Italy
Died: September 21, 1966

Frank Lentini was a Sicilian-American sideshow performer who was featured in several circuses including the famous Barnum and Bailey circus. Lentini gained popularity as he was born with a parasitic twin, which resulted in a third leg. In a career spanning more than four decades Lentini worked with every major circus in the US.

 32 
Wavy Gravy
(Comedian, Street artist, Circus performer, Writer)
Wavy Gravy
5
Birthdate: May 15, 1936
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: East Greenbush

Wavy Gravy is an American peace activist and entertainer best known for his countercultural beliefs and hippie persona. He is credited with founding or co-founding many organizations, such as the Hog Farm, Seva Foundation, and Camp Winnarainbow. During the 1960s, he founded a secret society called the Phurst Church of Phun which aimed at opposing the Vietnam War.

Recommended Lists:
 33 
Dolores Hope
(Singer)
Dolores Hope
7
Birthdate: May 27, 1909
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: New York City
Died: September 19, 2011

Born Dolores L. DeFina, she became Dolores Hope after her marriage to actor and comedian, Bob Hope.  A fine singer and a woman of words, she entertained American overseas soldiers for fifty years, recording her first CD, Dolores Hope: Now and Then, at the age of eighty-three. e.

 34 
Don Arden
(Businessman, Talent manager)
Don Arden
3
Birthdate: January 4, 1926
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Birthplace: Manchester, England
Died: July 21, 2007
Recommended Lists:
 35 
Flavia Cacace
(Italian–British Professional Dancer and Choreographer.)
Flavia Cacace
3
Birthdate: March 13, 1980
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Naples, Campania, Italy

Italian-British dancer Flavia Cacace is part of the dance duo Vincent and Flavia, with her dance partner Vincent Simone. She appeared multiple times on the reality show Strictly Come Dancing and won in its 10th season. She has also appeared on The Magicians. Flavis is married to actor Jimi Mistry.

 36 
Rod Hull
(Comedian)
Rod Hull
3
Birthdate: August 13, 1935
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Isle of Sheppey, United Kingdom
Died: March 17, 1999
 37 
Danny La Rue
(Singer)
Danny La Rue
3
Birthdate: July 26, 1927
Sun Sign: Leo
Birthplace: Cork, Ireland
Died: May 31, 2009
 38 
Rick Dees
(Best Known for His Internationally Syndicated Radio Show 'The Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown')
Rick Dees
3
Birthdate: March 14, 1950
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Jacksonville, Florida, United States

Rick Dees is an American comedian, entertainer, radio personality, voice artist, and actor. He is credited with co-founding Fine Living which was later renamed Cooking Channel. He is also credited with creating an internationally syndicated radio program named Rick Dees Weekly Top 40 Countdown. He has been inducted into the Broadcast Hall of Fame.

 39 
Alan Hamel
(Television presenter)
Alan Hamel
5
Birthdate: June 30, 1936
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Toronto
 40 
Reggie Tsiboe
(Ghanaian-British Singer and a Member of the Chart-Busting Disco Group 'Boney M')
Reggie Tsiboe
2
Birthdate: September 7, 1950
Sun Sign: Virgo
Birthplace: Kumasi, Gold Coast (now Ghana)

Though born in Ghana, singer Reggie Tsiboe grew up in England since age 11. Starting his music career in Germany, he later joined the iconic disco group Boney M. He has also been an actor in Ghanaian films and has starred in various British TV programs such as Doctor Who.

 41 
Rajpal Yadav
5
Birthdate: March 16, 1971
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
 42 
Earl Nightingale
(Motivational speaker, Author, Actor, Writer, Radio personality)
Earl Nightingale
3
Birthdate: March 12, 1921
Sun Sign: Pisces
Birthplace: Los Angeles
Died: March 25, 1989

Earl Nightingale was an American author and radio speaker best remembered for his motivational speeches. His book The Strangest Secret is regarded as one of the best motivational books of all time. During his career, Nightingale received prestigious awards, such as the Golden Gavel Award. In 1985, he was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. 

 43 
Hank the Angry Drunken Dwarf
(Won a People Magazine Online Poll Asking the Public to Vote for the Most Beautiful Person in the World)
Hank the Angry Drunken Dwarf
5
Birthdate: April 20, 1962
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Fall River, Massachusetts, United States
Died: September 4, 2001

Hank the Angry Drunken Dwarf was an American entertainer who achieved popularity by appearing on The Howard Stern Show as part of the show's Wack Pack. He gained national attention in 1998 when he won an online poll conducted by People magazine to determine the Most Beautiful People as part of the run-up promotion for People's 50 Most Beautiful People issue.

 44 
Victoria Chaplin
(Circus performer)
Victoria Chaplin
0
Birthdate: May 19, 1951
Sun Sign: Taurus
Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, United States
 45 
Justin Willman
(Stage magician)
Justin Willman
3
Birthdate: July 11, 1980
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: St. Louis

Justin Willman is an American comedian, television personality, magician, and producer. He is credited with creating the popular reality television show, Magic for Humans. Justin Willman is also known for his philanthropic efforts; he serves on the board of directors for MagicAid, a non-profit organization that uses magic tricks to improve the hospitalization experience for children.

 46 
Julia Pastrana
(Performer)
Julia Pastrana
2
Birthdate: 1834 AD
Birthplace: Sinaloa, Mexico
Died: March 25, 1860
 47 
Peter Allen
(Songwriter, Musician, Singer, Pianist)
Peter Allen
3
Birthdate: February 10, 1944
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Birthplace: Tenterfield, New South Wales, Australia
Died: June 18, 1992

Peter Allen was an Australian musician, singer-songwriter, and entertainer. Best remembered for his flamboyant stage persona, Allen also enjoyed a concert and cabaret career. His life and career inspired a jukebox musical titled, The Boy from Oz ,which ran on Broadway. In 1993, Peter Allen was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame.

 48 
Rory Cowan
(Actor)
Rory Cowan
3
Birthdate: July 15, 1959
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Dublin, Ireland
 49 
Taco
(Singer)
Taco
2
Birthdate: July 21, 1955
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthplace: Jakarta, Indonesia
 50 
Le Pétomane
(French Flatulist and Entertainer)
Le Pétomane
3
Birthdate: June 1, 1857
Sun Sign: Gemini
Birthplace: Marseille, France
Died: August 8, 1945