Famous Lithuanians

Famous Lithuanians

What is an interesting topic to discuss with Lithuanians, speakers of one of the most archaic living Indo-European languages? No, you won’t need to speak Lithuanian – unless you’d like to. Lithuanians are among the most multilingual people in Europe, and with the one of the highest percentages who hold higher education degrees.

One of the topics for a lively conversation with Lithuanians – sometimes referred to as the “Northern Italians” because of our emotional nature – can be famous Lithuanians or famous people that are of Lithuanian descent:

Some of the famous Lithuanians of the 20th and 21st centuries

Žydrūnas Savickas, one of the world’s greatest strongmen, lives in Lithuania. He has won the Arnold Strongman Classic six times in a row! Besides, Savickas has broken various records set by Lithuanian and international strength athletes and has won several national and international strongman competitions.

Arvydas Sabonis is a legendary Lithuanian basketball player who was elected by visitors to the NBA.com website in 1999 as the NBA's greatest impact foreign player and was inducted into the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2010. He is recorded in Lithuania’s Book of Records as the tallest man, at 223.6 cm.

Jurgis Mačiūnas (George Maciunas, 8 November 1931 – 9 May 1978), a co-founder of the famous “Fluxus” movement, was a Lithuanian-born artist (born in Kaunas) who lived and worked in New York. If you ever visit Vilnius, you should visit the Contemporary Art Centre (Šiuolaikinio meno centras), where there is a permanent exposition of the Fluxus Cabinet. Walking down Gediminas Avenue, the main street of Vilnius, you may find a unique Ministry of Fluxus. Opened in April 2010, the venue provides a performance space for almost 200 artists of different genres.

Jonas Mekas who has often been called the godfather of American avant-garde cinema.  He lived and created in New York City and was closely involved with George Maciunas, Andy Warhol, Nico, Allen Ginsberg, Yoko Ono, John Lennon, and Salvador Dalí. In 1964, he founded “The Film-Makers’ Cinematheque,” which eventually grew into “Anthology Film Archives” – one of the world’s largest repositories of avant-garde films.

The open-air modern art museum Europos Parkas, located near Vilnius, features, among other curious artworks, the world’s largest sculpture-labyrinth made of TV sets, LNK Infotree. The sculpture, created by Gintaras Karosas, is the world’s largest artwork. The Guinness Book of World Records acknowledges that the sculpture is made of about 3,000 TV sets and occupies an area of 3,135 square meters.

Juozas Statkevičius, one of most prominent Lithuanian fashion designers, has also contributed to making Lithuania’s name known in the world. He is also a renowned theatre costume designer, professional hairstylist, and face painter. Statkevičius is the first Lithuanian designer to have presented his designs in the pages of Vogue, L’Officiel, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar fashion magazines. He has created his own perfume and released two fashion books – „Grožio kirtis“ (Stroke of Beauty) and „Žinau, ko jums reikia“ (I Know What You Need). Famous women who wear clothes made by Statkevičius include the wife of President Valdas Adamkus, Alma Adamkienė; the President of the Republic of Latvia, Vaira Vykė-Freiberga; the wife of Prince Frederik of Denmark, Princess Mary; and celebrities such as Björk, Kyra Sedgwick, Naomi Watts, Nicole Richie, Audrey Butvay-Gruss, Kirsta Bard, and Svetlana Gryaznova.

Do you want to know the name of one of Lithuania’s bravest professional aerobatic pilots? Every Lithuanian would say it is Jurgis Kairys. He is the winner of many European and world aerobatics championships. His name became famous among Lithuanians after he flew under all the bridges over the Neris River and performed his astounding flight in an inverted position under a pedestrian bridge in Kaunas. But this is not all: Kairys has invented several aerobatic manoeuvres, including the "Kairys Wheel", and was the first to successfully perform the "Cobra" manoeuvre in a propeller-driven aircraft (previously, this stunt was performed only in some Russian-made fighter jets).

How many kilograms can a man’s beard lift? “63.2 kg,” would answer Antanas Kontrimas, who set a Guinness World Record when he lifted a woman 10 cm off the ground in September 2007 in China.

Have you heard about GetJar, one of the world’s biggest mobile phone application stores? Perhaps you have even downloaded some applications from this library. GetJar was founded by entrepreneur Ilja Laurs, who was born and educated in Lithuania. In 2009, Informa Telecoms & Media included Ilja Laurs in the “Top 40 most influential people in mobile communications.” GetJar was announced as the winner of the prestigious 2009 Mobile Excellence Award for Best Mobile Service (Los Angeles, US).

Žemaitė, a well-known Lithuanian writer and public figure, is famous for her realistic portrayal of rural life. She is regarded as one of the most prominent Lithuanian prose writers and is especially known for her short stories about the lives of peasants. Žemaitė began her literary career relatively late but quickly gained recognition for her vivid language and deep social insight. Žemaitė was an active educator, defender of women’s rights and a participant of the national revival. She contributed to the strengthening of the Lithuanian language and national consciousness, supported the participants of the 1863-1864 uprising, worked as an editor of different magazines, encouraged women’s involvement in public life, and took part in the first Lithuanian Women’s Congress in 1907.

Marija Gimbutas, a well-known Lithuanian archaeologist and anthropologist, is famous for her research on prehistoric cultures and early European societies. She is regarded as one of the most influential scholars in the field of archaeology and is especially known for her work in the Neolithic and Bronze Age. Gimbutas developed the “Old Europe” theory, which highlights the importance of prehistoric matriarchal cultures. Her works have had a lasting impact on the study of ancient civilizations and remain widely discussed today.

Marcelė Kubiliūtė, a well-known Lithuanian activist and intelligence agent, is famous for her role in Lithuania’s struggle for independence. She is regarded as one of the most important figures in Lithuanian intelligence history and is especially known for her courage and dedication. Kubiliūtė took part in secret operations and contributed significantly to protecting the state during difficult times. She helped many people evade persecution by the Nazis. She is the only Lithuanian woman awarded all major Lithuanian orders.

Ona Šimaitė, a Lithuanian librarian and activist, is famous for her efforts to save Jews during the Nazi occupation. She is especially known for helping people in the Vilnius Ghetto, risking her life by smuggling food, documents, and messages, and helping many escape persecutions. Šimaitė also maintained contact with those outside the ghetto and supported imprisoned Jews in any way she could. She was later recognized as Righteous Among the Nations for her bravery.

Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, a Lithuanian conductor, is one of the most prominent figures in contemporary classical music. She gained international recognition as the music director of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and has conducted many leading orchestras around the world. Known for her expressive style and energetic performances, she has received critical acclaim for her interpretations of both classical and modern works. Her achievements have helped bring wider attention to Lithuanian musicians on the international stage.

Mūza Rubackytė, a Lithuanian pianist, is one of the most distinguished performers of classical music. She is especially known for her interpretations of Franz Liszt’s works and has performed in major concert halls across Europe, the United States, and Asia. M.Rubackytė has won several prestigious international competitions and received numerous awards for her artistry and technical mastery. She has also recorded extensively and continues to give concerts worldwide, helping to promote Lithuanian musical culture on the international stage.

Violeta Urmana, a Lithuanian opera singer, is one of the most acclaimed performers on the international opera stage. She has sung at many of the world’s leading opera houses, including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera. Known for her powerful voice and expressive performances, she has performed a wide range of roles in both mezzo-soprano and soprano repertoires. V. Urmana has received international recognition and numerous awards, and her career has helped bring greater attention to Lithuanian talent in classical music.

Dalia Grybauskaitė, a Lithuanian politician, served as the President of Lithuania from 2009 to 2019. She is one of the most prominent political figures in the country’s modern history and was the first woman to hold the office. Known for her strong leadership and decisive approach, she played an important role in shaping Lithuania’s domestic and foreign policy. President Grybauskaitė has received numerous international awards and recognition for her work and continues to be an influential voice in European politics.

Rūta Meilutytė, a Lithuanian swimmer, is one of the most successful athletes in the country’s history. She gained international fame after winning a gold medal at the 2012 London Olympic Games at just 15 years old. Competing in breaststroke events, she has achieved major success at world and European championships and has set several world records, including in the 50 m and 100 m breaststroke. After a break from professional sport, she returned to competition and continued to deliver strong performances. Meilutytė remains an important and inspiring figure in Lithuanian sport.

The creators of Sun & Sea – a Lithuanian opera-performance – form one of the most internationally acclaimed artistic teams in the country. The trio consists of composer Lina Lapelytė, writer and librettist Vaiva Grainytė, and director Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė. They gained global recognition after winning the Golden Lion for Best National Participation at the 2019 Venice Biennale. Blending music, theatre, and contemporary themes such as climate change and modern lifestyles, their work has been presented at major international festivals and venues.

Vinted is Lithuania’s first unicorn startup and one of the country’s most notable business success stories, having surpassed a valuation of $1 billion. Founded in 2008 by Milda Mitkutė and Justas Janauskas, the company began as a simple platform for selling second-hand clothes and quickly grew into a leading international marketplace. With a strong focus on sustainability and accessible fashion, Vinted now operates across multiple countries and highlights the impact of its founders – especially Mitkutė as a female entrepreneur – in the global tech industry.

Jonas Žemaitis-Vytautas was one of the most important figures in Lithuania’s armed resistance against Soviet occupation in the mid-20th century. A military officer and leader of the Lithuanian partisans, he became the chairman of the Union of Lithuanian Freedom Fighters and is recognized as the fourth President of Lithuania. He played a key role in organizing resistance efforts and maintaining the idea of an independent Lithuanian state during a period of occupation. Arrested by Soviet authorities, he was executed in 1954, and today he is remembered as a symbol of courage, leadership, and the fight for freedom.

Adolfas Ramanauskas-Vanagas was one of the most prominent leaders of Lithuania’s armed resistance against Soviet occupation in the mid-20th century. A former teacher turned partisan commander, he became a key figure in the Union of Lithuanian Freedom Fighters and served as one of its leading representatives. Known for his leadership, discipline, and dedication, he played a crucial role in coordinating resistance efforts across southern Lithuania. Captured by Soviet authorities after years in hiding, he was executed in 1957 and is now honored as a national hero and symbol of Lithuania’s struggle for independence.

Vytautas Landsbergis is one of the most significant political figures in modern Lithuanian history. As Chairman of the Supreme Council and head of the Reconstituent Seimas, he led Lithuania during the restoration of independence in 1990, becoming the country’s first head of state after the end of Soviet rule. Under his leadership Lithuania became the first from all USSR occupied Republics to declare independence. A professor of musicology, he was also a key leader of the Sąjūdis movement, which mobilized society in support of independence. Under his leadership, Lithuania navigated a difficult political period marked by economic pressure and military threats from the Soviet Union.

Rimas Kurtinaitis is one of Lithuania’s most accomplished basketball figures, known for both his playing and coaching career. A former professional player and Olympic champion, he was part of the Lithuanian national team that won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games. Known for his scoring ability and leadership on the court, he later transitioned into coaching, achieving success with several European clubs and winning major titles. He also gained international experience, including a coaching role in Azerbaijan (national team and the Sabah BC), where he contributed to the development of basketball and shared his expertise at a national level.

Famous people of Lithuanian origin

We are sure many of you must have heard the name of Anthony Kiedis (Antanas Kiedis), the lead vocalist of the American rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers. We are still proud to mention that he is of second-generation Lithuanian origin, as is Brandon Flowers, vocalist and keyboardist of the American rock band The Killers.

In relation to music, it is impossible not to mention another Lithuanian – Antanas Kazimieras Žemaitis (Tony Zemaitis). The world’s most famous guitarists who played guitars handcrafted by our compatriot Žemaitis include Ronnie Wood (The Rolling Stones), Jimi Hendrix, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Bob Dylan, Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones), Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney (The Beatles), and many others.

If you take interest in orangutans, you most probably know the name of Birutė Galdikas, a well-known primatologist, anthropologist, and conservationist, famous for her studies of orangutans. She has a doctorate in anthropology and biology and is the President of the Orangutan Foundation International. Galdikas is the author of several books about endangered orangutans.

Rūta Šepetys, a Lithuanian-American writer, is one of the most internationally recognized contemporary authors of Lithuanian origin. She is best known for her historical novels, which explore themes of war, oppression, and resilience, often focusing on overlooked events in history. Her books have been translated into many languages and have received numerous awards and critical acclaim. Through her work, Šepetys has helped bring global attention to Lithuania’s history and cultural heritage.