It’s commonly accepted that real redheads aren’t the norm— roughly only one to two percent of the world’s population has natural red hair. Yet even though they are a genetic minority, many redheads are responsible for significant contributions in history.
Alternately loved or feared, hated or admired, redheads have divided people’s opinions for centuries.
There’s a long list of now-famous redheads who have given the historical narrative a good shake. They’ve all led contrasting existences, but all share characteristics of boldness and unconventionality, along with their distinctive head of hair! ERIK THE RED: The redheaded Viking explorer got his nickname from fiery locks and allegedly, a fiery temper. Unwelcome in Norway and Iceland after various feuds, he discovered Greenland, which he named, and started a Viking colony there. KING HENRY VIII: The famously hot-headed king of England broke his nation’s ties with the Pope, founded the Church of England, and became notorious for his series of divorces - not to mention for ordering his various wives’ executions once they had fallen from favour. QUEEN ELIZABETH I: Inheriting her father’s (Henry the V11) aggressive disposition in addition to his red hair, Elizabeth made her mark on history as one of England’s most powerful and successful rulers. A survivor of royal intrigues and a strategist, Elizabeth I gave her kingdom a newfound sense of stability, independence and pride. BARBAROSSA: Also known as “Red Beard the Pirate,” this Barbary bad ass and later Ottoman admiral was feared and admired for the sway he held over the Mediterranean. |
GEORGE WASHINGTON: Despite being characterized as a white-wig-wearing figure, Washington actually had red hair. He tended to display a calm and self-controlled demeanour, although he did elegantly lose his temper at the Battle of Monmouth in 1778.
WINSTON CHURCHILL: The famed British Prime Minister was nicknamed “copper knob” while attending school at Harrow due to his red hair. Churchill’s talent for eloquent and impassioned speeches and his ability to rally members of the public to a common cause proved indispensable to Great Britain during World War II.
RICHARD THE LIONHEART: The archetypal medieval warrior-king and enthusiastic crusader, Richard I of England is alleged to have had red hair in addition to being very tall. He spent most of his lifetime fighting.
MALCOLM X: Famous Civil Rights leader Malcolm X was nicknamed “Detroit Red” due to his red hair, which derived from his Scottish ancestry. He is alleged to have disliked the colour intensely.
MARK TWAIN: Author and humourist Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, made his red hair the subject of his jokes. “While the rest of the species is descended from apes, redheads are descended from cats,” he is alleged to have quipped.
VINCENT VAN GOGH: One of the world’s most famous artists known for his vibrant paintings, Van Gogh sported equally vibrant red hair, which took on a particularly fiery hue in his beard.
Other famous redheads include:
Julianne Moore - Prince Harry - Grace Coddington - Karen Elson - Nicole Kidman
Kathy Griffin - Ron Howard - Ann Margret - Strawberry Shortcake - Reba McEntire - Michael Fassbender - Raggedy Ann and Andy - Isla Fisher
Chuck Norris - Seth Green - Bryce Dallas Howard - Axl Rose - Debra Messing
RICHARD THE LIONHEART: The archetypal medieval warrior-king and enthusiastic crusader, Richard I of England is alleged to have had red hair in addition to being very tall. He spent most of his lifetime fighting.
MALCOLM X: Famous Civil Rights leader Malcolm X was nicknamed “Detroit Red” due to his red hair, which derived from his Scottish ancestry. He is alleged to have disliked the colour intensely.
MARK TWAIN: Author and humourist Samuel L. Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, made his red hair the subject of his jokes. “While the rest of the species is descended from apes, redheads are descended from cats,” he is alleged to have quipped.
VINCENT VAN GOGH: One of the world’s most famous artists known for his vibrant paintings, Van Gogh sported equally vibrant red hair, which took on a particularly fiery hue in his beard.
Other famous redheads include:
Julianne Moore - Prince Harry - Grace Coddington - Karen Elson - Nicole Kidman
Kathy Griffin - Ron Howard - Ann Margret - Strawberry Shortcake - Reba McEntire - Michael Fassbender - Raggedy Ann and Andy - Isla Fisher
Chuck Norris - Seth Green - Bryce Dallas Howard - Axl Rose - Debra Messing