15. John Wilkes Booth

Booth is today known for the famous assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, however, it is a little known fact that before this murder John was actually already a national celebrity and widely famous as a theatrical actor.

Booth family was already well-known among the theater lovers, but Wilkes made a name for himself with his recognizable energetic performances. This fame actually helped him deliver his most legendary role of his career.

Namely, he was so well-known and trusted that he had easy access to all parts of Ford Theater in Washington, DC, and on April 14th, 1865, during a play called “My American Cousin,” even though he was not participating in the play, he managed slip into Lincoln’s box and shoot the President in the back of the head.

He managed to escape and he ran away to Virginia, but he was killed by federal troops 12 days later.