The Most Famous Recluse, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the Recluse you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 4, 2024 07:12

Many talented individuals have chosen solitude over public life, leaving us curious about their lives and contributions. By ranking famous recluses, we gain insight into those who've significantly impacted culture, science, or art, yet preferred to stay out of the spotlight. This list helps us appreciate their values and the mysteries that surround their choices. Your votes help refine the accuracy of this list, reflecting collective opinions and interests. As you participate, you not only learn about these unique figures but also contribute to a broader understanding of what makes these individuals so intriguing. Whether it's curiosity, admiration, or scholarly interest, your input is key to developing a comprehensive snapshot of history's most notable recluses.

Who Is the Most Famous Recluse?

1

86
votes
J.D. Salinger

The author of "The Catcher in the Rye" was notorious for his reclusive lifestyle and avoiding the public eye. He rarely granted interviews and lived in seclusion for most of his life.
J.D. Salinger in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous hermit
2

28
votes
Acme Newspictures · Public domain

Howard Hughes

The business magnate and aviator was known for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle. He withdrew from public life in the 1950s and lived as a recluse until his death in 1976.
Howard Hughes in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous pilot
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous Aeronautical Engineer
3

30
votes
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (work for hire) · Public domain

Greta Garbo

The Hollywood actress was known for her beauty and talent, but also for her reclusive lifestyle. After retiring from acting in 1941, she lived as a recluse in New York City until her death in 1990.
Greta Garbo in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous hermit
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous tomboy
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous old Hollywood actress
- Position 10 of 10 in Most famous silent movie actor
4

16
votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson

The American poet was known for her introspective and solitary lifestyle. She rarely left her home in Amherst, Massachusetts, and only a handful of her poems were published during her lifetime.
Emily Dickinson was an influential American poet known for her romantic and introspective writing style. Her poems often explored themes of love, nature, mortality, and the human experience.

Birthdate: December 10, 1830

Deathdate: May 15, 1886

Nationality: American

Writing Style: Romantic and introspective

Themes: Love, nature, mortality, and the human experience
Emily Dickinson in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous female poet
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous person born in Massachusetts
- Position 4 of 10 in Most beautiful handwriting
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person in the Northeastern region
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous children's poet
5

11
votes
Otto Wegener · Public domain

Marcel Proust

The French author was known for his reclusive lifestyle and spending most of his time in his bedroom writing his masterpiece "In Search of Lost Time."
Marcel Proust in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous French author
6

11
votes

Thomas Pynchon

The American novelist has never made a public appearance since the 1960s and rarely grants interviews. He is known for his reclusive lifestyle and avoiding the spotlight.
7

7
votes
Eric Draper · Public domain

Harper Lee

The author of "To Kill a Mockingbird" was known for her reclusive lifestyle and avoiding the public eye. She rarely granted interviews and lived a quiet life in Monroeville, Alabama until her death in 2016.
Harper Lee in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous celebrity from Alabama
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous American author
- Position 10 of 10 in Most popular author in America
8

8
votes
"Copyright by Warner Bros. Inc." · Public domain

Stanley Kubrick

The filmmaker was known for his obsessive attention to detail and reclusive lifestyle. He rarely granted interviews and lived a secluded life with his family in England until his death in 1999.
Stanley Kubrick in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous person from the Bronx
9

9
votes

Michael Brown · CC BY-SA 2.0

Terrence Malick

The American filmmaker is known for his reclusive lifestyle and avoiding the public eye. He rarely grants interviews and lives a private life with his family in Texas.
10

8
votes
Napoleon Sarony · Public domain

Nikola Tesla

The inventor and engineer was known for his eccentric behavior and reclusive lifestyle. He spent most of his life working in his laboratory and had few personal relationships.
Nikola Tesla in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Croatian
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous electrician
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous immigrant in the US
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Macedonian
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Mechanical Engineer
- Position 6 of 10 in Most brilliant person in the entire world

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Ranking factors for famous Recluse

Historical Significance

The impact and influence the recluse has had on history and society. 2. Cultural Relevance: The extent to which the recluse's story, works, or ideas have become woven into popular culture. 3. Accomplishments: Any notable achievements, contributions, or innovations made by the recluse. 4. Recognition and Awards: The recognition, honors, or accolades received by the recluse during their lifetime or posthumously. 5. Influence: The degree to which the recluse has influenced and inspired other individuals, movements, or schools of thought. 6. Legacy: The lasting impact and enduring relevance of the recluse's work, ideas, or lifestyle. 7. Media Coverage: The extent of media attention, documentation, or public interest in the recluse's life and story. 8. Mythology and Legend: Any mythical or legendary elements associated with the recluse's persona or story. 9. Popularity: The level of public awareness, interest, or curiosity surrounding the recluse. 10. Longevity: The duration of the recluse's seclusion or isolation, as well as the sustained interest in their life or ideas.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous Recluse. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Recluse is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2736 views
212 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Recluse once every 24 hours. The rank of each Recluse is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous recluse

Recluses are known for their tendency to avoid social interaction and live in seclusion. Despite their desire for privacy, many of them have managed to become famous figures in popular culture. From authors and musicians to politicians and artists, the world has seen its fair share of renowned recluses. One of the most famous recluses of all time is J.D. Salinger, the author of the iconic novel "The Catcher in the Rye". After the book's publication in 1951, Salinger withdrew from public life and became a recluse for the rest of his days. Despite this, his work continues to be celebrated and studied by readers and scholars alike. Another famous recluse is Howard Hughes, the American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. Hughes was known for his eccentric behavior and his tendency to avoid the public eye. He lived in seclusion for the latter part of his life, but his legacy as a pioneer in the aviation and film industries continues to be felt to this day. Other famous recluses include Greta Garbo, the legendary Swedish actress, and Thomas Pynchon, the highly acclaimed American novelist. While their reasons for living in seclusion may vary, these individuals have all left an indelible mark on the world, proving that even the most private of people can still make a significant impact.