QUIZ: See If You Can Name These Famous Figures Of The 20th Century

By Media Feed | Published

The 20th century was an eventful 100 years for the world. We experienced two world wars, social and economic change on a global scale, and watched in awe as technology began to develop to heights that many of us could have never dreamed of. With all of the political and social change and struggles the world faced during that time, some individuals stood out and left their mark on the world. See if you can name these famous figures that became prominent individuals in the 20th century and discover how the century wouldn’t have been the same without them.

This artist was known for his abstract paintings…

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A. Henry Matisse

B. Andre Derian

C. Albert Gleized

D. Pablo Picasso

Answer: Pablo Picasso

Pablo Picasso Artist
Tony Vaccaro / Getty Images

Pablo Picasso was a Spanish artist that was known for co-founding the Cubist art movement, along with numerous other Avante-Garde styles of artistry.

He was a gangster and a businessman…

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A. Frank Costello

B. Johnny Torrio

C. Baby Face Nelson

D. Al Capone

Answer: Al Capone

Gangster Al Capone Smoking Cigar
via Getty Images

Known by the nickname “Scarface”, Al Capone was a crime boss during the Prohibition era in Chicago. For a while, he was “Public Enemy No.1” until he finally met his end at 48 years old.

He started small and eventually created an empire…

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A. Vincent Van Gogh

B. Henry Ford

C. Thomas Edison

D. Walt Disney

Answer: Walt Disney

Grand Marshal Walt Disney
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Walt Disney was the force behind the American animation industry and is credited with co-founding The Walt Disney Company. As a producer, Disney holds the record for the most Academy Awards and is best-known for establishing the Disney empire.

He’s done things that few of us have done before…

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Ronald Dumont/Express/Getty Images

A. Buzz Aldrin

B. Buddy Holly

C. Diego Maradona

D. Neil Armstrong

Answer: Neil Armstrong

Neil Armstrong Training for Apollo 11 Mission
via Getty Images

Neil Armstong was an American astronaut and the first man to walk on the moon. His famous line was: “One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind”.

Who is this famous pop star?

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A. Prince

B. Smokey Robinson

C. Lionel Richie

D. Michael Jackson

Answer: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson performs in concert circa 1986.
Kevin Mazur/WireImage via Getty Images

Named “The King of Pop”, Michael Jackson built himself up to be one of the most well-known entertainers in the world. He made many contributions to singing, dancing, fashion, and art throughout his life.

Who is this renowned Army general?

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A. Douglas MacArthur

B. Dwight D. Eisenhower

C. James Mathis

D. George S. Patton

Answer: George S. Patton

Patton In North Africa
Illustration by Ed Vebell/Getty Images

General Patton was a senior officer in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Who is this classy woman?

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New York Times Co./Getty Images

A. Queen Elizabeth II

B. Christian Dior

C. Yves St. Laurent

D. Coco Chanel

Answer: Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel
via Getty Images

“CoCo” Chanel was a French fashion designer and founder of Chanel. Shecexpanded her company to accessories, jewelry, and perfume.

This man was an inventor, engineer, and futurist. Who is he?

Nikola Tesla
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A. Albert Einstein

B. James Dyson

C. Charles Lindbergh

D. Nikola Tesla

Answer: Nikola Tesla

Nikola Tesla sitting in his Colorado Springs laboratory
Stefano Bianchetti/Corbis via Getty Images

Nikola Tesla made significant contributions to the world in his 86 years of life. Most notably are his contributions to the design of the modern AC electricity supply system. Today, numerous things are named after Tesla, including Tesla, Inc., the American electric car manufacturer.

Who is this humanitarian?

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Chip HIRES/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images

A. Kristine Pearson

B. Indira Gandhi

C. Louisa May Alcott

D. Mother Teresa

Answer: Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa
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Mother Teresa founded the Missionaries charity, a worldwide charity devoted to helping people with all forms of needs. In 2016, she was canonized as a saint among a number of other honors.

Who was this angsty rock and roll singer?

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Julie Snow/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

A. Amy Winehouse

B. Joan Baez

C. Patti Smith

D. Janis Joplin

Answer: Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin Performing in Concert
via Getty Images

Janis Joplin was a rock and roll singer and songwriter during the 1960s. She is widely considered to be the greatest female rock singer of her time. She died of a heroin overdose at the age of 27.

Who is this legendary basketball player?

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Mike Powelll/Allsport

A. Shaquille O’Neal

B. Mike Bibby

C. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

D. Michael Jordan

Answer: Michael Jordan

Portrait of Michael Jordan
Getty Images

Michael Jordan played 15 seasons during his time in the NBA, for the Washington Wizards and the Chicago Bulls. Regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, he is now the owner and chairman of the Charlotte Hornets.

She was famous during the Hollywood Golden Age…

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A. Anneyye Storyberg

B. Carol Baker

C. Ann-Margret

D. Audrey Hepburn

Answer: Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn
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Audrey Hepburn was a British actress who became famous during Hollywood’s Golden Age. She is known for films such as Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Sabrina, and My Fair Lady.

Who is the man on the right?

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Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

A. Tim Berners-Lee

B. Alexander Flemming

C. James Dyson

D. Steve Jobs

Answer: Steve Jobs

Apple Unveils New Software For iPhone And iPad
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Steve Jobs was the CEO and co-founder of Apple Inc. Steve Wozniak and Jobs created the microcomputer in the 1970s and ’80s.

He was a minister turned television personality…

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Fotos International/Courtesy of Getty Images

A. Zak Bagans

B. Bobby Berk

C. Dan Andelman

D. Fred Rogers

Answer: Fred Rogers

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via Getty Images

Fred Rogers was a television personality that is best-known for his creation of the preschool television program Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood. Before becoming a television host, he was an ordained Presbyterian minister.

He was famous for more than one reason…

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A. Luis Garavito

B. Ahmad Suradji

C. Andrei Chikatilo

D. O.J. Simpson

Answer: O.J. Simpson

O. J. Simpson sits in Superior Court in Los Angele
POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Simpson was a former NFL running back. Aside from being a professional athlete, he was known for his trial and was cleared for killing of ex-wife Nicole Brown Newman and her friend Ron Goldman.

Who is this actor?

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Silver Screen Collection/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

A. Marlon Brando

B. Paul Newman

C. Gary Cooper

D. Kirk Douglas

Answer: Kirk Douglas

Kirk Douglas as Spartacus
via Getty Images

Currently, Kirk Douglas is one of the last remaining actors from Hollywood’s Golden Age. He was a leading star throughout the 1950s and 60s and has appeared in over 90 movies.

Who is this comic-book legend?

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Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

A. Alan Moore

B. Neil Gaiman

C. Jack Kirby

D. Stan Lee

Answer: Stan Lee

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Lee was an American comic-book writer and former editor-in-chief of Marvel Comics. He helped create comics such as Spiderman, the Hulk, Daredevil, and more.

He’s one of the best-selling musicians of all time…

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David Redfern/Redferns

A. Billy Joel

B. Rod Stewart

C. Bernie Taupin

D. Elton John

Answer: Elton John

Sir Elton John performs on stage during Day 5 of Glastonbury Festival 2023 on June 25, 2023 in Glastonbury, England.
Leon Neal / Getty Images

Elton John is a world-renown musician and performer. He has had a career spanning five-decades with more than fifty Top 40 hits. He is currently one of the best-selling artists of all time selling over 300 million records.

This artist focused on the idea of self-identity…

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Hulton Archive/Getty Images

A. Lorna Simpson

B. Beatrix Potter

C. Lyubov Popova

D. Frida Kahlo

Answer: Frida Kahlo

Frida Kahlo
via Getty Images

Kahlo was a Mexican artist who focused on self-portraits and the concept of self-identity. Mexican pop culture inspired her. She was a member of the Mexicayoti movement.

This man is considered to be a World War II hero…

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A. Angel Sanz Briz

B. Oskar Schindler

C. Charles Coward

D. Winston Churchill

Answer: Winston Churchill

A 1954 photograph shows Sir Winston Churchill addressing a crowd at a microphone.
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Churchill was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom during World War II. He is partially credited with steering Britain to victory and known for his leadership and diplomatic abilities.