1

"The Chairman of the Board" – Frank Sinatra

Image: Ethan Rougon

Frank Sinatra co-founded Reprise Records in 1960, giving him full creative control over his music. The nickname "Chairman of the Board" was first used by radio host William B. Williams and quickly caught on. Although Sinatra didn’t particularly love it, the nickname came to symbolize his power and influence in the music industry.

2

"His Accidency" – John Tyler

Image: Library of Congress

The 10th U.S. president earned this snarky nickname after unexpectedly taking office in 1841, when William Henry Harrison died just one month into his term.

It was the first time a vice president had assumed the presidency due to a president’s death, and many questioned the legitimacy of his authority. His critics called him "His Accidency," a somewhat unfriendly pun that stuck.

3

"The Sphinx of the Potomac" – Calvin Coolidge

Image: Lea Kobal

President from 1923 to 1929, Coolidge was notoriously silent and stoic. His reluctance to speak in public and his poker-faced demeanor earned him the nickname "The Sphinx of the Potomac," a nod to the famous Egyptian statue and his Washington, D.C. post. One oft-repeated anecdote claims he once remarked, "I have nothing to say."

4

"The Boss" – Bruce Springsteen

Image: Jose Antonio Gallego Vázquez

Bruce Springsteen earned this nickname in the early days of playing Jersey Shore clubs, where he was responsible for collecting and distributing gig money to his band. Originally an internal nickname within the group, it quickly caught on with the media. Ironically, Springsteen has admitted that he’s never really liked being called "The Boss."

5

"The Mad Stork" – Ted Hendricks

Image: Wynand Uys

This Hall of Fame linebacker for the Raiders stood 6’7" and had a long, lanky build. His towering figure and unpredictable style of play earned him the nickname "The Mad Stork." Despite the unusual moniker, he was a feared and legendary player in the NFL.

6

"The Snake" – Ken Stabler

Image: Timothy Dykes

Another Raiders legend, quarterback Ken Stabler, earned the nickname "The Snake" from his college coach after a long, twisting touchdown run. The name stuck because he became known for his slippery, cool-headed play under pressure.

7

"Jane the Grabber" – Hester Jane Haskins

Image: sombre

A dark figure in 19th-century New York, Hester Jane Haskins was a "procuress," luring women with promises of work and then forcing them into brothels. Her nickname, "Jane the Grabber," became infamous in the press.

8

"The Black Swallow of Death" – Eugene Bullard

Image: Heather Wilde

Born in Georgia and later a French WWI pilot, Eugene Bullard was the first African American military pilot. He earned the nickname "The Black Swallow of Death" for his fearless flying and deadly accuracy. Despite his heroism, he still faced racial discrimination upon returning to the U.S.

9

"Little Miss Sure Shot" – Annie Oakley

Image: Jp Valery

Annie Oakley was a folk heroine and a famed sharpshooter from an early age. She earned the nickname "Little Miss Sure Shot" from the Native American leader Sitting Bull, who bestowed it after watching her flawless shooting in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show.

10

"Kid Gloves" – Benjamin Harrison

Image: Aaron Lefler

Benjamin Harrison, the 23rd president, frequently wore soft kid-leather gloves in public due to hand ailments. Political opponents seized the opportunity to mock his stiff demeanor and perceived elitism, dubbing him "Kid Gloves." The nickname pointed not only to his physical appearance but also to his aloof attitude.

1

Mr. T

Image: Richard R

If you were watching TV in the 1980s, you knew Mr. T. Actor Laurence Tureaud rose to fame as B.A. Baracus in the hit TV series The A-Team and as boxer Clubber Lang in the 1982 film Rocky III .

In 2006, he starred in the TV Land reality show I Pity the Fool , named after his famous catchphrase.

2

Richard Dean Anderson

Image: Nipun Haldar

The man who sold a thousand Swiss Army knives— MacGyver himself, Richard Dean Anderson was a household name in the 1980s. He later became well-known to another set of fans for his role in the Stargate Atlantis series.

These days, Richard Dean Anderson occasionally appears in small roles. He also serves on the Board of Advisors for the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, which is dedicated to protecting marine life and raising public awareness about the dangers it faces.

3

Haley Joel Osment

Image: Laercio Cavalcanti

Remember the kid who said, " I see dead people " in M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense ? That’s him—Haley Joel Osment. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor at just 11 years old for that unforgettable performance.

Since then, Osment has grown up and taken on smaller roles in Tusk , Silicon Valley , and Future Man .

4

Jason Priestley

Image: David Vives

One of the most recognizable faces of the 1990s, Jason Priestley rose to fame through his role in the TV series Beverly Hills, 90210 . Since then, he has taken on smaller roles and he recently starred in the Canadian TV series Private Eyes .

5

Emilio Estevez

Image: Taylor Brandon

Emilio Estevez chose to use his family’s real last name, Estevez, rather than the one adopted by his father, Martin Sheen , or his brother, Charlie Sheen . But still, people knew exactly who he was. In the 1980s and ’90s, his face was everywhere as a member of the Brat Pack, starring in The Breakfast Club , St. Elmo’s Fire , and The Outsiders .

Since then, he has taken on a few minor roles and maintained a lower profile.

6

Michael J. Fox

Image: Roger Ce

Despite stepping away from acting several years ago due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Michael J. Fox has remained a beloved public figure, thanks in no small part to his natural charisma and iconic role as _Back to the Future_’s Marty McFly . The Canadian star has since become a prominent advocate for Parkinson’s research and a cure.

7

Rick Moranis

Image: Erik Mclean

For a while, Rick Moranis was everywhere: Ghostbusters , Spaceballs , Little Shop of Horrors , Honey, I Shrunk the Kids , Parenthood ... But after becoming a widower in the 1990s, he shifted his focus to fatherhood and stepped away from the spotlight. Every few years, there’s talk of him making a comeback, and it appears that, finally, this may come true in the long-awaited sequel to Spaceballs . We can all hope, right?

8

Jane Fonda

Image: bruce mars

Jane Fonda rose to fame in the 1960s and ’70s through her work as an actress and model . In the 1980s, she released her first exercise video, which went on to become the most successful workout tape of all time.

Since then, she has appeared in several films and Broadway productions, while continuing her work in activism and philanthropy. In recent years, Fonda starred in the Netflix series, which ran for seven seasons, Grace and Frankie, with Lily Tomlin.

9

Talia Shire

Image: Nathz Guardia

A highly recognizable actress in the 1970s, Talia Shire played leading roles in The Godfather and Rocky , along with their sequels. Since then, she has continued acting in films, though mostly in smaller roles. In 2024, she appeared in Megalopolis , directed by her brother Francis Ford Coppola.

10

Daniel Day-Lewis

Image: Jez Timms

Daniel Day-Lewis, one of the most acclaimed actors of his generation, has won three Academy Awards for Best Actor for his roles in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007), and Lincoln (2012). He announced his retirement from acting in 2017. After thanking his collaborators, he quietly left the movie business to dedicate himself to learning the craft of cobbling .

However, in October 2024, he made a notable return to acting by starring in Anemone , a film directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, that has yet to be released.

11

Bridget Fonda

Image: Tore F

The second Fonda on our list is also the final entry: Bridget Fonda retired from Hollywood in 2002 to start a family with her husband, composer Danny Elfman. More than two decades later, Fonda has stated that she has no plans to return to the big screen. As she put it, "I don’t think [there’s any chance]. It’s too nice being a civilian."

1

Charlie Chaplin

Charles Chaplin was far more than a slapstick icon; he was also a gifted, self-taught composer. Despite never learning to read music, he had an exceptional ear and a deep love for melody. He personally created the musical scores for many of his films, ensuring every note matched his vision. One of his most enduring compositions, "Smile," was later turned into a beloved ballad recorded by Nat King Cole, Michael Jackson, and many others. Did you know that?

2

Clint Eastwood

Known for his lone-wolf type characters and acclaimed work behind the camera, Clint Eastwood also has a deep love for jazz that has shaped much of his personal and creative life. A skilled piano player, Eastwood doesn’t just tinker with the keys—he plays with real finesse. He’s even composed original scores for several of his own films, including Mystic River and Million Dollar Baby . At home, his Steinway grand piano sits surrounded by a carefully curated vinyl collection, a tribute to the music that inspires him.

3

Mae West

Long before anyone coined the term "multi-hyphenate," Mae West was already doing it all. A screen legend and the epitome of 1930s allure, she wasn’t just known for her wit and curves—she also had serious musical chops. Her signature sultry voice was famous, but did you know she also composed music and wrote her own lyrics? She even experimented with rock ’n’ roll in the 1960s, releasing albums well into her seventies. True to form, her songs—like her film scripts—were brash, playful, and unapologetically ahead of their time.

4

Jimmy Stewart

Beyond his warm, everyman charm, Jimmy Stewart had a lesser-known talent: playing the accordion. Though he never pursued it professionally, the instrument was his faithful companion. He often brought it to movie sets, entertaining cast and crew during breaks. For Stewart, music wasn’t about showmanship but a way to unwind and create a friendly atmosphere wherever he went.

5

Jerry Lewis

Renowned for his wild antics and legendary comedy duo with Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis was more than just a funny man—he was also a talented, self-taught pianist. He began playing as a child and kept music close throughout his career, often incorporating piano interludes into his routines. Beyond the stage, Lewis composed original pieces for films and television specials, showcasing a musical side that many fans may not even know about.

6

Meryl Streep

Meryl Streep may be the queen of acting, but long before she stepped in front of a camera, she was busy mastering the violin. As a young woman, she studied classical violin passionately, developing not just technique but a deep appreciation for music. Though she didn’t pursue it professionally, her early training paid off in unexpected ways—giving her the confidence and credibility to tackle musically demanding roles later in life, such as the hilariously off-key opera singer in Florence Foster Jenkins or the show-stopping mother in Mamma Mia!

7

Paul Robeson

More than just a performer, Robeson was a powerful voice —both literally and politically. His booming bass made "Ol’ Man River" unforgettable, but his musical talent went far beyond that. A trained singer and accomplished actor, he viewed art as a force for justice. Fluent in over 20 languages, Robeson performed around the world, using his voice not only to entertain but also to speak out against racism and inequality wherever he went.

8

Johnny Carson

Best known as the face of The Tonight Show , Johnny Carson also had rhythm running through his veins. A lifelong music lover, he took up the drums as a boy and never lost the habit. While he never pursued it professionally, he occasionally surprised audiences by sitting in with the studio band for a quick jam—a subtle reminder that behind the suit and tie was a performer with more than one talent.

9

Anthony Quinn

Long before captivating audiences as Zorba the Greek, Anthony Quinn was making noise in a completely different way. Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, he picked up the trumpet and saxophone, playing in local jazz bands to earn money and express himself creatively. Music was his first love, and although acting eventually took center stage, those early musical roots stayed with him throughout his life.

10

Jack Lemmon

Beloved for his wit and warm on-screen charisma, Jack Lemmon had another talent up his sleeve: he was a gifted pianist. Audiences who saw him on talk shows were often treated to impromptu performances, where he’d sit down at the piano and play with real flair. It wasn’t just a party trick—music was a lifelong passion for Lemmon, a source of joy, and a way to express himself beyond the roles he played. Whether behind the keys or in front of the camera, his genuine charm always shone through.

11

Steve Martin

Long before he became a household name with comedies like The Jerk , Steve Martin was already strumming the banjo with remarkable skill. What began as a teenage hobby grew into a lifelong passion for bluegrass. He has recorded several albums, earning multiple Grammy Awards, and shared the stage with legends like Earl Scruggs and Dolly Parton. Not just a performer, Martin also founded a nonprofit to support up-and-coming banjo players and keep the tradition alive.

12

Julie Andrews

We can’t wrap up this list without tipping our hat to the great Julie Andrews. Most folks remember her as the angel-voiced Maria from The Sound of Music , but did you know she’s also a talented pianist? Trained in music from an early age, her time at the piano helped shape her legendary perfect pitch. Later in life, she often sat down to compose music—sometimes even teaming up with her daughter to create songs for children. A true class act, on and off the screen!