Top 20 Legendary Bobs Throughout History

What defines an exceptional Bob? Throughout cultural and historical narratives, the name Bob has often been associated with the ordinary. Bob could be your local insurance broker or the neighbor who takes lawn maintenance a bit too seriously. Interestingly, the United States has never seen a president named Bob. Countless Bobs have remained unrecognized in the annals of history.

That changes now. Celebrating Mytour’s 20th anniversary, we’ve dived into the pool of history to spotlight some of the most extraordinary individuals known as Bob. (Sorry, Robert Frost—only those commonly addressed as Bob are included.) A standout Bob symbolizes the kind of narrative that captivates—seemingly ordinary on the surface, yet hiding a rich and intriguing tale. The name “Robert” traces back to the German Hrodebert, meaning “bright fame.” These Bobs outshine the rest. Presented in no specific order ...

1. Bob Hoover

Top gun? Think Top Bob instead. Tales of wartime bravery are often extraordinary—earning the title of 'war hero' is no small feat—but Bob Hoover exceeded all expectations. A World War II fighter pilot, Hoover completed 58 missions for the Army Air Forces. On February 9, 1944, during his 59th mission, he was shot down over the ocean near southern France and spent over a year in a German POW camp. Escaping to a nearby civilian area, he and a companion found a gun and an abandoned German plane with a full tank of fuel. Hoover commandeered the aircraft—his friend opted not to join—and flew to safety, though he later worried Allied forces might shoot down what appeared to be an enemy plane without hesitation.

Hoover dedicated his life to aviation, even piloting the chase plane for Chuck Yeager when Yeager broke the sound barrier in 1947. He also flew stunt planes and served as an instructor, connecting with figures like astronaut Neil Armstrong and actor Harrison Ford. Hoover passed away in 2016 at the age of 94.

2. Bob Barker

From 1972 to 2007, the affable game show host Barker helmed The Price Is Right, CBS’s enduring daytime sensation where contestants guessed the retail prices of items without exceeding them. While the show was a success, Barker’s unwavering commitment to animal welfare truly sets him apart. Starting in 1979, he began urging viewers to “spay or neuter your pets,” helping to popularize what was once a rare practice. Barker also contributed $1 million to Columbia Law School to support animal rights research.

3. Bob Woodward

The task of uncovering one of the most significant political scandals in modern history fell to Washington Post reporter Bob Woodward. Alongside Carl Bernstein, he revealed the break-in at the Watergate complex, which implicated then-president Richard Nixon. Woodward co-won the Pulitzer Prize for the paper and became a symbol of groundbreaking investigative journalism. In 1976, he was portrayed by another famous Bob—Robert Redford—in All the President’s Men.

4. Bob Vila

Long before home improvement became a cable TV staple, Bob Vila, with his signature beard and flannel, became the nation’s trusted expert on renovations and remodeling. Vila began his journey restoring historic homes in New England, which led to an offer to host a television show. This Old House premiered on PBS in 1979, catapulting Vila to fame. Over the years, he has hosted numerous programs, promoted products, and made DIY projects like tearing out drywall seem approachable for homeowners.

5. Bob Marley

Some musicians are cool, but others are revered by their peers. Bob Marley was and remains the latter—a reggae legend who defined the ‘70s music scene, even offstage. (Eric Clapton’s “I Shot the Sheriff” was originally his song.) His 1984 album Legend became the best-selling reggae record ever, a testament to the enduring influence of the artist, who passed away in 1981.

6. Bob Kohler

In 2007, the LGBTQ+ community lost Bob Kohler at 81, a tireless advocate for gay rights. A World War II veteran, Kohler was present during the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal clash between New York City’s gay bar patrons and aggressive police. This event fueled his lifelong dedication to equality: he co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and remained a vocal civil rights activist. Even in his seventies, Kohler was arrested in 1999 while protesting the police shooting of Amadou Diallo, an unarmed Guinean immigrant. “I don’t compare my struggles to those of Black and Latino communities,” he said. “But it’s one shared fight. If my presence as a gay activist inspires others, then getting arrested is worth it.”

7. Greyfriars Bobby

Among good boys and great Bobs, Greyfriars Bobby stands out as the most loyal. This Skye terrier is celebrated in Edinburgh, Scotland, for his unwavering devotion to his owner, John Gray. When Gray, a night watchman, passed away in 1858, Bobby spent the next 14 years guarding his master’s grave at Greyfriars Cemetery, earning his famous nickname. He only left the site to eat. Upon his death in 1872, Bobby was laid to rest at Greyfriars, just 75 yards from his beloved owner.

8. Bobby McFerrin

Among the many influential Bobbys (Darin, Sherman, Rydell, Brown), Bobby McFerrin stands out. While many recognize him for his 1988 hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” the song’s infectious optimism and lasting appeal make him the Bobby most synonymous with joy. Surprisingly, the track, which sounds instrumentally rich, was performed entirely a cappella—making it the first a cappella song to top the Billboard chart. However, focusing solely on “Don’t Worry” overlooks McFerrin’s immense talent. He is renowned for his improvisational performances, where he conducts orchestras and seamlessly blends his unique style with classical music on the spot.

9. Bob Fosse

The world of dance choreography was forever transformed by Bob Fosse (1927-1987), who brought a new energy to Broadway with productions like 1972’s Pippin and popularized the iconic “jazz hands.” His work on Cabaret (1972) and Chicago (1975) showcased his meticulous attention to detail, blending dance, wit, and sensuality to redefine the art form. Fosse’s influence extended beyond the stage, shaping the style of MTV-era performers and audiences. It’s rare for choreographers to achieve such fame—or to become legendary Bobs.

10. Bob Ross

The calming presence and artistic talent of Bob Ross (1942-1995) brought a sense of tranquility to PBS audiences through The Joy of Painting, which aired from 1983 to 1994. With every “happy little tree,” Ross conveyed a profound sense of peace that transcended his artistic skill. Watching Ross paint was like witnessing joy in motion. “We don’t make mistakes,” Ross once remarked. “We just have happy accidents.”

11. British Bobbies

In 1929, Sir Robert Peel established London’s first organized police force. Officers, known as “Peelers” or “Bobbies” in his honor, wore tall wool hats, carried short clubs, and used whistles. Peel’s innovative approach to policing became a model for the Western world, earning him lasting recognition.

12. Bob Beamon

In the annals of sports history, Bob Beamon earns a special place. At the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, the track and field star achieved a monumental feat in the long jump, leaping an astounding 29 feet and 2.5 inches—shattering the previous world record by nearly 2 feet. His jump was so extraordinary that it exceeded the optical measuring device’s range, requiring officials to use a tape measure. While records often fall quickly, Beamon’s mark stood for 23 years until Mike Powell surpassed it by just 2 inches at the 1991 Tokyo World Championships. Powell’s achievement was remarkable, but Beamon’s legacy remains unparalleled.

13. Bob Dylan

Some consider him a mumbler, while others hail him as a musical genius. For more than 50 years, the artist born Robert Zimmerman has lived a life steeped in lyrical expression, both on and off stage. He became a symbol of 1960s counterculture with iconic songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.” His artistic impact was globally acknowledged when he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.

14. Bob Odenkirk

A true measure of an actor’s talent is their ability to make an unlikeable character endearing. Bob Odenkirk has mastered this for over a decade. He first gained fame as the morally ambiguous lawyer Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad (2008-2013), later leading the prequel series Better Call Saul (2015-2022). As Goodman, Odenkirk portrays a cunning, ethically flexible yet oddly loyal attorney. Beyond Goodman, Odenkirk has redefined his career multiple times—starting as a writer for Saturday Night Live, co-creating the sketch show Mr. Show with Bob and David (1995-1998), and even transitioning into action films with 2021’s Nobody. His ability to seamlessly shift between roles cements his status as one of the most versatile Bobs in entertainment.

15. Bob the Cat

While many cats named Bob have touched their owners’ lives, Bob the Cat stands out for his well-documented role in aiding musician James Bowen. Struggling with addiction, Bowen credits adopting Bob in 2007 as a turning point that saved his life. Bob offered emotional stability and later became a symbol of hope, appearing on the cover of The Big Issue, a UK magazine supporting homeless individuals. (Issues featuring Bob saw a surge in sales.) Bowen shared their journey in his 2012 memoir, A Street Cat Named Bob, and reflected on Bob’s profound impact after the cat’s passing in 2020. “Bob saved my life,” Bowen said. “It’s as simple as that.”

16. Bob Moses

Equality and education defined the life of Bob Moses (1935-2021). In the 1960s, he dedicated himself to civil rights activism in Mississippi, advocating for marginalized communities to exercise their right to vote. After earning a philosophy degree from Harvard, Moses founded The Algebra Project in 1982. This initiative targets underperforming students in math, offering a four-year program to improve their skills and, in turn, their futures. Moses believed education was a fundamental civil right, a principle he championed throughout his life.

17. Bob Mackie

No Bob has left a greater mark on fashion and costume design than Bob Mackie, who has spent decades dressing some of the most iconic figures in pop culture. Mackie designed the iconic dress Marilyn Monroe wore while singing “Happy Birthday” to President John F. Kennedy. His creations have adorned stars like Diana Ross, Joan Rivers, and Elton John. Mackie’s theatrical approach to fashion has influenced the bold styles of Lady Gaga and Cher. As Cher once said, “Bob’s sketchbook is a magical, boundless universe.”

18. The Bob Cut

Few hairstyles achieve timeless appeal, but the bob is a rare exception. This practical cut, typically framing the face, caused a stir when ballroom dancer Irene Castle debuted it in 1915. (French actress Polaire may have been the first to popularize it in the 1890s.) At the time, long hair was the norm for women, and cutting it short was a bold defiance of societal expectations. Some stylists even refused to perform the cut, pushing women to barbershops instead. As the style gained traction, the beauty industry boomed, with salons increasing from 5,000 in 1920 to 21,000 by 1924. For its revolutionary impact, the bob earns its place in history. (A nod to the bobby pin, named for its role in securing the bob.)

19. Bobbi Brown

In the beauty world, no Bob has made a greater impact than Bobbi Brown, the visionary make-up artist behind the iconic cosmetics brand that shares her name. Brown began her career by challenging the bold trends of the 1980s, favoring natural tones over vibrant colors. Though she started as a theatrical make-up artist, she foresaw the shift toward minimalist beauty. When she arrived in New York City in 1980, she was unknown. Through her outgoing nature, she forged connections with cosmetics manufacturers, buyers, and magazine editors, even seeking feedback from strangers to refine her products. By 1995, when she sold her company to Estée Lauder for over $70 million, she had become a household name. For her innovation and artistry, Bobbi Brown remains unparalleled.

20. Bobby Sliwa

When guests step into Bobby’s Hideaway Café located in Carlsbad, California, they are greeted by a tribute to all things Bob. The café’s owner, Bobby Sliwa, chose to put a unique spin on the classic diner practice of displaying autographed celebrity photos. He established a rule that only famous individuals named Bob or Robert could be featured—think Robert Conrad, Robert Wagner, Bob Saget—and even included a replica of the iconic Bob’s Big Boy statue. Adding a touch of humor, a poster from the 1991 Bill Murray film What About Bob? also adorns the walls.