List of Latvians

List of famous Latvians

Rainis (real name: Janis Plieksans, 1865-1929), the most distinguished Latvian writer of all time who is the author of a number of poetry collections. Rainis is also acknowledged as the "Man of the 20th Century of Latvia".
Imants Zemzaris (1951) - contemporary composer
Peteris Vasks - contemporary composer
Lucija Garuta (1902-1977) - composer
Raimonds Pauls - popular composer, best known in Russia
Jukums Vacietis - the first commander of Soviet Army
Mikhail Tal (1936-1992) - the 8th World Chess Champion
Uljana Semjonova (1952), tallest female basketball player in the Olympic history, 3-time World Champion
Janis Lusis (1939), the only athlete (javelin) in Latvia to have a complete Olympic medal set (gold, silver, bronze).
Sandis Ozolinsh - ice hockey player (NHL), defense
Arturs Irbe - ice hockey player (NHL), goalkeeper
Arvids Blumentals - the prototype for the Paul Hogan film Crocodile Dundee
Gunars Birkerts - one of the most famous architects in the World
Mariss Jansons - conductor
Baiba Skride - a starlet violinist
numerous opera soloists, such as Inese Galante (soprano) and Egils Silins (bass)
Mark Rothko - a famous painter, expressionist