I often find these kinds of lists floating around the net, but they are often not very concise and don't include people from all professions and countries. I have done my best to include everyone I can think of who has had a major impact on our lives and has consequently garnered fame. If you think I have missed out anyone fundamental to a complete list, comment and I will add them.

Hopefully, I can make this list into a definitive one. Also, please note there is no ranking system. I have merely added them as I think of them, as opposed to ranking them by fame. My criteria has only one limitation: they must have passed on before 50 years old. Their nationality and reason for being "nationally" famous is irrelevant, as long as they are well known, they are suitable for adding.