Who Is The Most Famous Sam or Samuel In The World?

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Updated May 15, 2024 123.4K views 100 items
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903 votes
308 voters
Voting Rules
Vote up all of the Sams and Samuels you've heard of.

This is the ultimate ranking of the most famous people named Samuel or Sam—and it's all about fan votes. There's a wealth of famous Sams to draw from, in fields like acting, politics, and sports, among others. The rankings in this list are purely driven by fans' votes which mean it's all about popularity and the impact these personalities have made in their respective fields. It's a simple question: out of all the celebrated Sams out there, who's the most famous of all?

The list is incredibly varied, starting with the legendary actors, like Samuel L. Jackson, known for his adrenaline-pumping roles in countless blockbuster films, and celebrated singers, like Sam Smith, who has won numerous Grammys. The world of sports offers us the unforgettable NFL star Sam Darnold. From the music realm we have Sam Cooke, whose golden voice left a lasting impact in soul music. Politics takes the stage with former U.S. Secretary of Defense Samuel Cohen, and the scientific world's contribution is none other than Samuel Morse, the inventor of Morse code. These illustrious celebrities and individuals each bring their unique stories and accomplishments, setting them apart and yet uniting them under the mighty name, Samuel or Sam.

These famous Sams have created a stir in their respective fields, and now it's your turn to stir up this ranking. Who among them has made an impression on you? Who gets your vote as the most famous Samuel or Sam in history? Remember, it's all about the impact these Sams have had on you and many others around the world!

Latest additions: Sam Thompson
Over 300 Ranker voters have come together to rank this list of Who Is The Most Famous Sam or Samuel In The World?
  • Samuel L. Jackson
    1

    Samuel L. Jackson

    12/21/1948
    Renowned actor Samuel L. Jackson was born on December 21, 1948, in Washington D.C., USA. Raised by his mother in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Jackson's early life was a far cry from the glamorous world of cinema. He attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he actively participated in co-curricular activities, particularly theater. It was during his time at college, he developed an interest in acting, a spark that would soon ignite into a full-blown passion. Jackson's acting career began with minor roles in films and television series during the 1970s and 1980s. His breakthrough came in 1991 when he portrayed a crack addict in Spike Lee's film, Jungle Fever, a performance that won him critical acclaim and a special jury prize at the Cannes Film Festival. This role paved the way for his collaboration with Quentin Tarantino, which resulted in some of his most memorable performances in movies such as Pulp Fiction and Jackie Brown. The former earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Despite his success, Jackson's journey was not without hurdles. He battled and overcame drug addiction, demonstrating resilience that has come to define his persona both on and off-screen. He has also lent his voice to animated films, video games, and audiobooks, further broadening his artistic repertoire. With over 150 film credits to his name, Samuel L. Jackson is an enduring figure in Hollywood, celebrated for his compelling performances and relentless dedication to his craft.
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  • Sam Elliott
    2

    Sam Elliott

    08/09/1944
    Sam Elliott, with his cowboy looks and deep resonating voice, has etched a remarkable niche in the world of Hollywood. Born on August 9, 1944, in Sacramento, California, Elliott showed an early interest in acting which led him to move to Los Angeles after graduating from Clark College in Vancouver, Washington. He started his career playing minor roles on television before making his film debut in the classic western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. However, it was his role in the film Lifeguard that first brought him significant recognition. Elliott's distinctive persona and acting prowess have made him a beloved figure in the film industry. His most notable performances include Mask, Road House, Tombstone, and the TV series The Ranch. Leveraging his unique voice, Elliot has also been a regular feature for voice-over work in commercials and films such as The Big Lebowski, where he served as the narrator. He received his first Academy Award nomination for A Star Is Born, where he played the older brother of Bradley Cooper's character. Off-screen, Sam Elliott is known for his enduring marriage to actress Katharine Ross, whom he met while filming the horror movie The Legacy. They have one daughter, Cleo Rose Elliott, who is a musician. Despite his success, Elliott remains humble and grounded, often attributing his achievements to luck and timing rather than talent alone. His dedication to his craft, along with his distinctive style, has solidified his place in Hollywood as a truly iconic actor.
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  • Sam Heughan
    3

    Sam Heughan

    04/30/1980
    Sam Heughan (; born 30 April 1980) is a Scottish actor, best known for his acclaimed role as Jamie Fraser in the Starz series Outlander, for which he has received four nominations for the Saturn Awards, and a nomination for the Critics Choice Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series. He was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for Most Promising Performer in 2003, for his performance in the play Outlying Islands, performed at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs. Heughan received an honorary doctorate "in recognition for his outstanding contribution to acting and charitable endeavors" from the University of Stirling in June 2019. His second honorary doctorate in recognition of his artistic success and his charitable work was bestowed by the University of Glasgow in July 2019.
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  • Samuel Adams
    4

    Samuel Adams

    09/27/1722
    Samuel Adams (September 27 [O.S. September 16] 1722 – October 2, 1803) was an American statesman, political philosopher, and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was a politician in colonial Massachusetts, a leader of the movement that became the American Revolution, and one of the architects of the principles of American republicanism that shaped the political culture of the United States. He was a second cousin to his fellow Founding Father, President John Adams. Adams was born in Boston, brought up in a religious and politically active family. A graduate of Harvard College, he was an unsuccessful businessman and tax collector before concentrating on politics. He was an influential official of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Boston Town Meeting in the 1760s, and he became a part of a movement opposed to the British Parliament's efforts to tax the British American colonies without their consent. His 1768 Massachusetts Circular Letter calling for colonial non-cooperation prompted the occupation of Boston by British soldiers, eventually resulting in the Boston Massacre of 1770. Adams and his colleagues devised a committee of correspondence system in 1772 to help coordinate resistance to what he saw as the British government's attempts to violate the British Constitution at the expense of the colonies, which linked like-minded Patriots throughout the Thirteen Colonies. Continued resistance to British policy resulted in the 1773 Boston Tea Party and the coming of the American Revolution. Parliament passed the Coercive Acts in 1774, at which time Adams attended the Continental Congress in Philadelphia which was convened to coordinate a colonial response. He helped guide Congress towards issuing the Continental Association in 1774 and the Declaration of Independence in 1776, and he helped draft the Articles of Confederation and the Massachusetts Constitution. Adams returned to Massachusetts after the American Revolution, where he served in the state senate and was eventually elected governor. Samuel Adams later became a controversial figure in American history. Accounts written in the 19th century praised him as someone who had been steering his fellow colonists towards independence long before the outbreak of the Revolutionary War. This view gave way to negative assessments of Adams in the first half of the 20th century, in which he was portrayed as a master of propaganda who provoked mob violence to achieve his goals. Both of these interpretations have been challenged by some modern scholars, who argue that these traditional depictions of Adams are myths contradicted by the historical record.
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  • Sam Smith
    5

    Sam Smith

    05/19/1992
    Samuel Frederick Smith (born 19 May 1992) is an English singer and songwriter. They rose to prominence in October 2012 after being featured on Disclosure's breakthrough single "Latch", which peaked at number eleven on the UK Singles Chart. Smith was subsequently featured on Naughty Boy's "La La La", which became a number one single in May 2013. In December 2013, they were nominated for the 2014 Brit Critics' Choice Award and the BBC's Sound of 2014 poll, winning both. Smith has won four Grammy Awards, three Brit Awards, three Billboard Music Awards, and an American Music Award, as well as a Golden Globe and an Academy Award through their career. Smith is genderqueer and uses singular they pronouns.
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  • Sammy Davis, Jr.
    6

    Sammy Davis, Jr.

    12/08/1925
    Sammy Davis, Jr., born on December 8, 1925, in Harlem, New York City, was a charismatic entertainer whose abilities extended beyond the realms of singing and dancing to include acting, comedy, and impersonations. The dynamic performer began his career as part of the vaudeville troupe "The Will Mastin Trio" alongside his father and uncle. At the tender age of three, he made his first stage appearance, marking the beginning of a performing career that would span over six decades. No stranger to adversity, Davis faced numerous challenges throughout his life, including racial prejudice, a near-fatal car accident in 1954 which resulted in the loss of his left eye, and battles with alcohol and drug addiction. Despite these hurdles, his sheer talent and determination enabled him to carve out a successful career in entertainment. His hit singles like "The Candy Man" and performances in Broadway shows such as "Mr. Wonderful" and "Golden Boy" are testament to his artistic prowess and versatility. In addition to his illustrious career, Davis's personal life was equally intriguing. He converted to Judaism following his car accident, a decision that bore significant influence on his outlook and philosophy. His marriages, particularly his interracial marriage to Swedish actress May Britt in 1960, stirred controversy amidst a racially divided America. Davis was also an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement, using his fame and influence to fight racial inequality. Sammy Davis, Jr. passed away on May 16, 1990, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire artists around the world.
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  • Sam Neill
    7

    Sam Neill

    09/14/1947
    Sam Neill is a distinguished actor hailing from Northern Ireland. Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in 1947, he spent his early years in Omagh before relocating to New Zealand with his family. This transition sparked his fascination with acting, leading him to study English literature at the University of Canterbury and then the Victoria University of Wellington, where he was involved in the drama club. Neill's cinematic journey began in the 1970s with his debut in the New Zealand film, Sleeping Dogs. His compelling performance quickly caught the attention of the global film community, paving the way for his breakthrough role in the 1981 Australian historical drama, My Brilliant Career. Neill's portrayal of the suave yet complex Harry Beecham earned him international acclaim, solidifying his status as a versatile actor capable of embodying diverse characters. Over the years, Neill has showcased his talent in numerous high-profile projects across different genres. Perhaps most notably, his portrayal of Dr. Alan Grant in Steven Spielberg's epic science fiction adventure film, Jurassic Park, and its sequels, catapulted him to global stardom. Simultaneously, his performances in films like The Piano, Hunt for the Red October, and Dead Calm have further demonstrated his prowess and range as an actor. Beyond his acting career, Neill is also a dedicated advocate for environmental causes, utilizing his platform to raise awareness about climate change and wildlife conservation.
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  • Sam Rockwell
    8

    Sam Rockwell

    11/05/1968
    Sam Rockwell (born November 5, 1968) is an American actor. He became well known for his leading roles in Lawn Dogs (1997), Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002), Matchstick Men (2003), The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005), Moon (2009), and Seven Psychopaths (2012). He has also played supporting roles in The Green Mile (1999), Galaxy Quest (1999), Frost/Nixon (2008), Iron Man 2 (2010), Conviction (2010), and The Way, Way Back (2013). In 2017, Rockwell's performance as a troubled police officer in the crime film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri won him the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He was nominated in the same category the following year for his portrayal of George W. Bush in the political satire Vice. In 2019, he portrayed Bob Fosse in the FX biographical miniseries Fosse/Verdon, earning him a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series.
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  • Sam Cooke
    9

    Sam Cooke

    01/22/1931
    Samuel Cook (January 22, 1931 – December 11, 1964), known professionally as Sam Cooke, was an American singer, songwriter, civil-rights activist and entrepreneur. Influential as both a singer and composer, he is commonly known as the King of Soul for his distinctive vocals and importance within popular music. He began singing as a child and joined the Soul Stirrers before moving to a solo career where he scored a string of hit songs like "You Send Me", "A Change Is Gonna Come", "Wonderful World", "Chain Gang", "Twistin' the Night Away", and "Bring it on Home to Me". His pioneering contributions to soul music contributed to the rise of Aretha Franklin, Bobby Womack, Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Billy Preston, and popularized the likes of Otis Redding and James Brown. AllMusic biographer Bruce Eder wrote that Cooke was "the inventor of soul music", and possessed "an incredible natural singing voice and a smooth, effortless delivery that has never been surpassed".On December 11, 1964, at the age of 33, Cooke was shot and killed by Bertha Franklin, the manager of the Hacienda Motel in Los Angeles, California. After an inquest, the courts ruled Cooke's death to be a justifiable homicide. Since that time, the circumstances of his death have been called into question by Cooke's family.
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  • Sammy Sosa
    10

    Sammy Sosa

    11/12/1968
    Samuel Kelvin Peralta Sosa (born November 12, 1968) is a Dominican American former professional baseball right fielder. Starting his career with the Texas Rangers, Sosa became a member of the Chicago Cubs in 1992 and became one of the game's best hitters. Sosa hit his 400th home run in his 1,354th game and his 5,273rd at-bat, reaching this milestone quicker than any player in National League history. He is one of nine players in MLB history to hit 600 career home runs.In 1998, Sosa and Mark McGwire achieved national fame for their home run-hitting prowess in pursuit of Roger Maris' home run record. Sosa is best known for his time with the Cubs where he became a 7-time All-Star while holding numerous team records. He finished his career with stints with the Baltimore Orioles and the Texas Rangers. With the Rangers, Sosa hit his 600th career home run to become the fifth player in MLB history to reach the milestone. Sosa is second all-time in home runs among foreign-born MLB players and is one of only three National League players since 1900 to reach 160 RBIs in a season (2001). Sosa is also the only player to have hit 60 or more home runs in a single season three times. In a 2005 congressional hearing, Sosa—through his attorney—denied having used performance-enhancing drugs during his playing career.
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  • Sam Raimi
    11

    Sam Raimi

    10/23/1959
    Samuel M. Raimi (born October 23, 1959) is an American filmmaker, actor, and producer, primarily known for creating the cult horror Evil Dead series, and directing the Spider-Man trilogy (2002–07). He also directed the 1990 superhero film Darkman, the 1998 neo-noir crime-thriller A Simple Plan, the 2000 supernatural thriller film The Gift, the 2009 supernatural horror film Drag Me to Hell, and the 2013 Disney fantasy film Oz the Great and Powerful. Raimi has also produced several successful television series, including Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and its spin-off Xena: Warrior Princess. He founded the production company Renaissance Pictures in 1979.
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  • Sam Phillips
    12

    Sam Phillips

    01/28/1962
    Sam Phillips (born Leslie Ann Phillips, January 28, 1962) is an American singer-songwriter. She began her career in the contemporary Christian music industry but, uncomfortable with that image and industry, she re-branded herself as "Sam"—transitioning into the mainstream market after meeting producer T Bone Burnett. Her albums include the critically acclaimed Martinis & Bikinis in 1994 and Fan Dance in 2001. She has also composed scores for the television shows Gilmore Girls and Bunheads.
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  • Sam Claflin
    13

    Sam Claflin

    06/27/1986
    Samuel George Claflin (born 27 June 1986) is an English actor. He is known for portraying Philip Swift in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), Finnick Odair in The Hunger Games film series (2013–2015), Alex Stewart in Love, Rosie (2014), and Will Traynor in Me Before You (2016).
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  • Sam Waterston
    14

    Sam Waterston

    11/15/1940
    Samuel Atkinson Waterston (born November 15, 1940) is an American actor, producer, and director. Among other roles, he is noted for his portrayal of Sydney Schanberg in The Killing Fields (1984), for which he received an Academy Award nomination, and his starring role as Jack McCoy on the NBC television series Law & Order (1994–2010), which brought him Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards. He has been nominated for multiple Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA, and Emmy awards, having starred in over eighty film and television productions during his fifty-year career. He has also starred in numerous stage productions. AllMovie historian Hal Erickson characterized Waterston as having "cultivated a loyal following with his quietly charismatic, unfailingly solid performances."Waterston received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2010 and was inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2012.
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  • Sammy Hagar
    15

    Sammy Hagar

    10/13/1947
    Sammy Hagar, born Samuel Roy Hagar in 1947, carved out an indelible name for himself in the world of rock music. His journey began in the heart of California's Fontana city, where he harnessed his love for music at an early age. This passion would later shape him into a formidable force in the American music industry. Over the years, Hagar has successfully worn many hats: from being a solo artist to a leading band vocalist, and even an entrepreneur. Hagar's first brush with fame arrived when he took over as the frontman for the hard rock band Montrose in the early 1970s. He left an impressionable mark during his tenure with the band before parting ways to pursue a solo career. As a solo artist, Hagar delivered several hits such as "I Can't Drive 55" and "Your Love is Driving Me Crazy," which exemplified his talent and versatility. However, it was in 1985, when he replaced David Lee Roth as the lead vocalist for Van Halen, a legendary rock group, that his fame reached its zenith. Under his leadership, Van Halen produced four consecutive No. 1 albums. In addition to his illustrious musical career, Hagar also showcased his entrepreneurial skills. He founded the Cabo Wabo Tequila brand and restaurant chain, proving his prowess beyond music. Additionally, Hagar co-founded the supergroup 'Chickenfoot' and the 'Circle,' further cementing his status in the rock music landscape. Sammy Hagar's contribution to the world of rock music has been extraordinary, demonstrating his unyielding passion and commitment to his craft. His dynamic musical journey, coupled with his business ventures, continues to inspire upcoming artists and entrepreneurs alike.
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  • Sam Bradford
    16

    Sam Bradford

    11/08/1987
    Samuel Jacob Bradford (born November 8, 1987) is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent. He has played in the National Football League (NFL) for the St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and Arizona Cardinals. Bradford attended Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City, where he starred in football, basketball and golf. As a senior quarterback in 2005, he threw for 2,029 yards and 17 touchdowns in 12 games. Bradford was not highly recruited coming out of high school, but he did receive a scholarship offer from the University of Oklahoma, which he accepted. After a redshirt season in 2006, Bradford threw for 3,121 yards and 36 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman. In 2008, Bradford became only the second sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy as he led the highest-scoring offense in NCAA history, throwing for 4,720 yards with 50 touchdowns and just eight interceptions. He again led the nation in passing and also added five rushing touchdowns as the Sooners went 12-1 and advanced to the BCS national title game. Bradford declared for the NFL Draft following the 2009 season and was drafted by the St. Louis Rams with the first overall selection in the 2010 NFL Draft. That year, Bradford set the record for most completions by a rookie in NFL history, which helped earn him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Prior to the start of the 2015 season, the Rams traded Bradford along with a 2015 fifth round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for quarterback Nick Foles, a 2015 fourth-round pick, and a 2016 second-round pick. Following his 2015 campaign with the Eagles, in which he set career-highs in passing yards (3,725), completion percentage (65%) and yards per attempt (7.0), the Minnesota Vikings acquired Bradford after their starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater was lost to a season-ending knee injury before the start of the season.
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  • Sam Kinison
    17

    Sam Kinison

    12/08/1953
    Samuel Burl Kinison (; December 8, 1953 – April 10, 1992) was an American stand-up comedian and actor. A former Pentecostal preacher, he performed stand-up routines that were most often characterized by an intense style, similar to charismatic preachers, and punctuated by his distinct scream.
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  • Sam Shepard
    18

    Sam Shepard

    11/05/1943
    Sam Shepard, born Samuel Shepard Rogers III on November 5, 1943, was an acclaimed American playwright and actor. He hailed from Fort Sheridan, Illinois and his illustrious career spanned over half a century, encompassing an array of works that made a significant impact on American theater. Shepard's work often explored the dynamics of family and personal identity, with his plays often rooted in the landscape of the American West. Shepard's writing prowess was recognized early on, earning him the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979 for his play Buried Child. His other noted plays include True West and Fool for Love, both of which received Tony Award nominations. Shepard's plays were not only critically acclaimed, but they also contributed to the transformation of the contemporary theater scene, combining elements of traditional drama with modern concerns and experimental techniques. In addition to his success as a playwright, Shepard was also a respected actor. Known for his rugged charm and distinctive voice, he appeared in more than 50 films, receiving an Academy Award nomination for his role in The Right Stuff in 1983. Despite his fame and success in Hollywood, Shepard remained deeply committed to the theater, constantly pushing boundaries with his complex and compelling explorations of the American experience. Sam Shepard passed away on July 27, 2017, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence theater and film.
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  • Sam Worthington
    19

    Sam Worthington

    08/02/1976
    Sam Worthington, an actor of immense talent and versatility, has etched his name in the annals of international cinema with his spellbinding performances. Born in Surrey, England in 1976, Worthington's family relocated to Perth, Western Australia when he was six months old. A graduate from the prestigious National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), Sam didn't take long to make his mark in the acting world. Worthington catapulted to global fame with his outstanding portrayal of Jake Sully in James Cameron's groundbreaking film Avatar - a role that firmly established his credentials as a leading man in Hollywood. Prior to this, he had already demonstrated his acting prowess in Australian films such as Somersault, which earned him the AFI Award for Best Lead Actor. Apart from being a powerful presence on the big screen, Worthington has also left a remarkable imprint on television. His performance in the Australian TV series Love My Way earned him critical acclaim. He brilliantly showcased his range by delivering captivating performances in high-octane action films like Terminator Salvation and intimate dramas such as The Shack. Sam Worthington's career trajectory is testament to his dedication, hard work and unquestionable talent.
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  • Samuel Gompers
    20

    Samuel Gompers

    01/27/1850
    Samuel Gompers (January 27, 1850 – December 13, 1924) was an English-born American labor union leader and a key figure in American labor history. Gompers founded the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and served as the organization's president from 1886 to 1894, and from 1895 until his death in 1924. He promoted harmony among the different craft unions that comprised the AFL, trying to minimize jurisdictional battles. He promoted thorough organization and collective bargaining, to secure shorter hours and higher wages, the first essential steps, he believed, to emancipating labor. He also encouraged the AFL to take political action to "elect their friends" and "defeat their enemies". He mostly supported Democrats, but sometimes Republicans. He strongly opposed Socialists. During World War I, Gompers and the AFL openly supported the war effort, attempting to avert strikes and boost morale while raising wage rates and expanding membership.
  • Sam Walton
    21

    Sam Walton

    03/29/1918
    Samuel Moore Walton (March 29, 1918 – April 5, 1992) was an American businessman and entrepreneur best known for founding the retailers Walmart and Sam's Club. Wal-Mart Stores Inc. grew to be the world's largest corporation by revenue as well as the biggest private employer in the world. At one point in his life, he was the richest man in America.
  • Sam Brownback
    22

    Sam Brownback

    09/12/1956
    Samuel Dale Brownback (born September 12, 1956) is an American attorney, politician, diplomat and member of the Republican Party who has served as the United States Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom since February 2018. Brownback previously served as the Secretary of Agriculture of Kansas (1986–93), as the U.S. Representative for Kansas's 2nd congressional district (1995–96), as a United States Senator from Kansas (1996–2011) and the 46th Governor of Kansas (2011–18). He also ran for the Republican nomination for President in 2008. Born in Garnett, Kansas, Brownback grew up on the family farm in Parker, Kansas. He graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in agricultural economics in 1978 and received a J.D. from the University of Kansas in 1982. He worked as an attorney in Manhattan, Kansas, before being appointed Secretary of Agriculture of Kansas in 1986 by Democratic Governor John W. Carlin. Brownback ran for Congress in 1994 and defeated Carlin in the general election in a landslide. He represented Kansas's 2nd congressional district for a single term before running in a 1996 special election for the U.S. Senate seat previously held by Bob Dole. He won the special election and was reelected by large margins in 1998 and 2004. Brownback ran for president in 2008, but withdrew before the primaries began and endorsed eventual Republican nominee John McCain.Brownback declined to run for reelection in 2010, instead running for governor. He was elected governor of Kansas in 2010 and took office in January 2011. As governor, Brownback initiated what he called a "red-state experiment"—dramatic cuts in income tax rates intended to bring economic growth. He signed into law one of the largest income tax cuts in Kansas history. The tax cuts caused state revenues to fall by hundreds of millions of dollars and created large budget shortfalls. A major budget deficit led to cuts in areas including education and transportation. In a repudiation of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, in 2013 Brownback turned down a $31.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to set up a public health insurance exchange for Kansas. Also in 2013, he signed a bill that blocked tax breaks for abortion providers, banned sex-selection abortions and declared that life begins at fertilization. In the run-up to the 2014 gubernatorial election, over 100 former and current Kansas Republican officials criticized Brownback's leadership and endorsed his Democratic opponent, Paul Davis. Brownback was narrowly reelected. In June 2017, the Kansas Legislature rolled back Brownback's tax cuts, overriding Brownback's veto, and enacted tax increases. Brownback, who had a 66% disapproval rating after the repeal of his signature law, left office as one of the least popular governors in the country.On July 26, 2017, the Trump administration issued a statement that Brownback would be nominated as the new U.S. Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom. The nomination was forwarded by committee, on a party line vote, but expired at the end of 2017 in lieu of a Senate confirmation vote by the time of adjournment. The committee resent his nomination to the Senate on January 8, 2018, and he was confirmed two weeks later in a strict party-line vote with Vice President Mike Pence casting the necessary tie-breaking vote to end a filibuster and for his confirmation. On January 25, Brownback submitted his resignation as governor, effective January 31, and Lieutenant Governor Jeff Colyer was sworn in as governor. Brownback was sworn in as U.S. Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom on February 1.
  • Samuel Morse
    23

    Samuel Morse

    04/27/1791
    Samuel Finley Breese Morse (April 27, 1791 – April 2, 1872) was an American painter and inventor. After having established his reputation as a portrait painter, in his middle age Morse contributed to the invention of a single-wire telegraph system based on European telegraphs. He was a co-developer of Morse code and helped to develop the commercial use of telegraphy.
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  • Sam Moore
    24

    Sam Moore

    10/12/1935
    Samuel David Moore (born October 12, 1935) is an American vocalist who was a member of the soul and R&B group Sam & Dave from 1961 to 1981. He is a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Hall of Fame (for "Soul Man"), and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame.
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  • Samuel Beckett
    25

    Samuel Beckett

    04/13/1906
    Samuel Barclay Beckett (; 13 April 1906 – 22 December 1989) was an Irish novelist, playwright, short story writer, theatre director, poet, and literary translator. A resident of Paris for most of his adult life, he wrote in both English and French. Beckett's work offers a bleak, tragicomic outlook on human existence, often coupled with black comedy and gallows humor, and became increasingly minimalist in his later career. He is considered one of the last modernist writers, and one of the key figures in what Martin Esslin called the "Theatre of the Absurd."Beckett was awarded the 1969 Nobel Prize in Literature "for his writing, which—in new forms for the novel and drama—in the destitution of modern man acquires its elevation." He was elected Saoi of Aosdána in 1984.
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  • Sam Houston
    26

    Sam Houston

    03/02/1793
    Samuel Houston (March 2, 1793 – July 26, 1863) was an American soldier and politician. An important leader of the Texas Revolution, Houston served as the 1st and 3rd president of the Republic of Texas, and was one of the first two individuals to represent Texas in the United States Senate. He also served as the 6th Governor of Tennessee and the seventh governor of Texas, the only American to be elected governor of two different states in the United States. Born in Rockbridge County, Virginia, Houston and his family migrated to Maryville, Tennessee when Houston was a teenager. Houston later ran away from home and spent time with the Cherokee, becoming known as "Raven". He served under General Andrew Jackson in the War of 1812, and after the war he presided over the removal of many Cherokee from Tennessee. With the support of Jackson and others, Houston won election to the United States House of Representatives in 1823. He strongly supported Jackson's presidential candidacies, and in 1827 Houston won election as the governor of Tennessee. In 1829, after divorcing his first wife, Houston resigned from office, and joined his Cherokee friends in Arkansas Territory. Houston settled in Texas in 1832. After the Battle of Gonzales, Houston helped organize Texas's provisional government and was selected as the top-ranking official in the Texian Army. He led the Texian Army to victory at the Battle of San Jacinto, the decisive battle in Texas's war for independence against Mexico. After the war, Houston won election in the 1836 Texas presidential election. He left office due to term limits in 1838, but won election to another term in the 1841 Texas presidential election. Houston played a key role in the annexation of Texas by the United States in 1845, and in 1846 he was elected to represent Texas in the United States Senate. He joined the Democratic Party and supported President James K. Polk's prosecution of the Mexican–American War. Houston's Senate record was marked by his unionism and opposition to extremists from both the North and South. He voted for the Compromise of 1850, which settled many of the territorial issues left over from the Mexican–American War and the annexation of Texas. He later voted against the Kansas–Nebraska Act because he believed it would lead to increased sectional tensions over slavery, and his opposition to that act led him to leave the Democratic Party. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the presidential nomination of the American Party in the 1856 presidential election and the Constitutional Union Party in the 1860 presidential election. In 1859, Houston won election as the governor of Texas. In that role, he opposed secession and unsuccessfully sought to keep Texas out of the Confederate States of America. He was forced out of office in 1861 and died in 1863. Houston's name has been honored in numerous ways, and he is the eponym of the city of Houston, the fourth most populous city in the United States.
  • Sam Peckinpah
    27

    Sam Peckinpah

    02/21/1925
    David Samuel Peckinpah (; February 21, 1925 – December 28, 1984) was an American film director and screenwriter who achieved prominence following the release of the Western epic The Wild Bunch (1969). He was known for the visually innovative and explicit depiction of action and violence as well as his revisionist approach to the Western genre. Peckinpah's films generally deal with the conflict between values and ideals, as well as the corruption and violence in human society. His characters are often loners or losers who desire to be honorable, but are forced to compromise in order to survive in a world of nihilism and brutality. He was given the nickname "Bloody Sam" owing to the violence in his films. Peckinpah's combative personality, marked by years of alcohol and drug abuse, affected his professional legacy. Many of his films were noted for behind-the-scenes battles with producers and crew members, damaging his reputation and career during his lifetime. Some of his films, including Major Dundee (1965), Straw Dogs (1971), The Getaway (1972), Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid (1973), Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974) and Cross of Iron (1977), remain controversial.
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  • Sam Cassell
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    Sam Cassell

    11/18/1969
    Samuel James Cassell Sr. (born November 18, 1969) is a former professional basketball player and current assistant coach of the Los Angeles Clippers. Drafted 24th overall in the 1993 NBA draft out of Florida State University, Cassell played for eight different teams during his 15-year career. He was selected to the NBA All-Star Game and All-NBA Team once, both in the 2003–04 season. He played the point guard position. In his first two seasons, he helped the Houston Rockets win back to back championships and won a third with the Boston Celtics in 2008, his last season. He also helped the Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves reach the Conference Finals of the playoffs in 2001 and 2004 respectively, the latter's first-ever in franchise history, and helped the Los Angeles Clippers to their first-ever playoff series victory in 2006. Known for his mid-range jumpshot, Cassell often made clutch baskets late in the fourth quarter to help his team win games.
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  • Sam Lacey
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    Sam Lacey

    03/28/1948
    Samuel Lacey (March 8, 1948 – March 14, 2014) was an American basketball player.
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  • Sam Stout
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    Sam Stout

    01/01/1984
    Samuel James Stout (born April 23, 1984) is a retired Canadian mixed martial artist from London, Ontario. He is widely known for his 20 fight stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He is a former TKO Lightweight Champion.