Who is the most famous person alive today?

[virgocatlover]

As in, well known world wide by face or name.

I would say the Queen was up there when she was alive but not sure Charles would make the top 10 now.

Trump, Putin or Elon Musk perhaps?

Obviously there are many famous Hollywood actors and singers but are any the most famous worldwide where English isn't the first language?

They have DSTV(pay-TV) and WiFi - believe it or not.

Husband and were discussing this and he used the figures you're using. I agree your baselines but I think it's more likely that within their baseline spheres of influence that people within Xi Jinping's will also have heard of Trump.

I also couldn’t pick Messi out of a line-up.

Trump has probably been top 10 for 30+ years and I’d agree is probably top now.

Obama and Putin would be close.

Oprah and Madonna for those over 40?

In music I'd say Elton John, fame and longevity.
Unfortunately overall it's Trump or Putin.

It's who the most people know, and can recognise from an image (specified by the OP).

It's very amusing to see all the answers from people that can't conceive of a non-UK perspective on this. But it explains a lot about English exceptionalism.

Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Usain Bolt.

David Attenborough? What even?

Trump for sure.

Obama was Potus

Ah, that's where the name rings a bell from. Thanks for reminding me!

I think it's still probably Rowan Atkinson / Mr Bean.

I think this question has been in the news and surveys done a while ago.
the result was the Dalai Laama

JK Rowling

i still think David Beckham is known far and wide too

If this wasn't restricted to living persons I'd have a contender to rival the late queen..

The fact I'm having to even ponder your question proves my point.

People are vastly overestimating how relevant he is to under-50's, because of the fact the Beatles were huge, contemporary, and in the public conscious 55 years ago.

Me

I live in one of the world's poorer countries and do not know anyone who doesn't have access to pay-TV and daily internet access. I know or have heard of all people mentioned here.

I would further argue - Taylor Swift is a successful and has a tight brand but mostly popular within white audience - this translates to automatic perception she must be popular around the world. I know her but cannot name any of her songs.

I don't speak English that well.

It's probably taylor swift imo

Zelensky obviously.

The majority of Indians have no idea who Taylor Swift is.

Can you name who is the current Dalai Laama? I can’t.

Who is he?

🤣 I'm in my 30's.

I don't even like him, he has a massive ego, I can't believe I'm stating his case.

AI's view:

Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Cristiano Ronaldo, Barack Obama, Narendra Modi, Xi Jinping, Kylie Jenner.

Not sure on Kylie Jenner! I guess Narendra Modi and Xi Jinping are because of their countries' population sizes.

Well if you are talking about the number of people it has to be someone that is very well known in either India or China or ideally both. I cant think of anyone that fits the bill. At least not anyone alive. Definitely not taylor swift. Maybe Ronaldo or even David Beckham. More likely someone actually indian or Chinese. Maybe shahrukh khan as a pp mentioned. Probably known by pretty much every Indian in India, the massive diaspora of Indian or Indian origin people outside of India and fairly well known by non indians in quite a few other countries.