Norodom Sihanouk
1922 – 2012King of Cambodia who ruled for over 60 years across multiple periods and was known for his political maneuvering during the Vietnam War era. He also pursued careers in filmmaking and music, directing several movies.
Famous People from Cambodia
28 notable historical figures from Cambodia, including leaders, artists, scientists, and other influential people.
Cambodia's historical figures include centuries of political transformation, royal lineage, and cultural achievement. The database of 28 notable Cambodians includes mostly politicians (15) and kings (5), highlighting the country's governmental evolution. Former King Norodom Sihanouk (1922-2012) was a dominant figure in 20th-century politics, and his son Norodom Sihamoni (born 1953) is the current monarch. Cambodia's darker historical periods are marked by figures like Pol Pot (1925-1998), leader of the Khmer Rouge regime, and his associates Nuon Chea (1926-2019) and Kang Kek Iew (1942-2020). Contemporary politics include Prime Minister Hun Sen (born 1952) and his son Hun Manet (born 1977), indicating ongoing dynastic leadership. Beyond politics, Cambodia has internationally recognized talent such as Oscar-winning actor Haing S. Ngor (1940-1996), who survived the Khmer Rouge era to achieve Hollywood success. Military leaders like Lon Nol (1913-1985) and rising figures such as Chan Vathanaka (born 1994) have influenced Cambodia's national narrative.
politician (13)king (4)actor (3)military personnel (3)composer (2)monarch (2)diplomat (2)film actor (2)choreographer (1)military officer (1)
Norodom Sihamoni
1953 – PresentCurrent King of Cambodia since 2004, trained as a classical dancer and cultural ambassador before ascending to the throne.
Pol Pot
1925 – 1998Cambodian communist leader who ruled as Prime Minister from 1976-1979 and orchestrated the Cambodian genocide that killed approximately 1.5-2 million people.
Norodom Ranariddh
1944 – 2021Cambodian prince and politician who co-led the coalition government in the 1990s and founded the royalist FUNCINPEC party.
Hun Sen
1952 – PresentCambodian politician who served as Prime Minister for 38 years (1985-2023), making him one of the world's longest-serving leaders.
Haing S. Ngor
1940 – 1996Cambodian-American gynecologist who survived the Khmer Rouge and won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in 'The Killing Fields' (1984).
Somaly Mam
1970 – PresentCambodian anti-trafficking activist who founded the Somaly Mam Foundation to combat sex slavery and advocate for survivors of human trafficking.
Kang Kek Iew
1942 – 2020Khmer Rouge commander who ran the notorious S-21 prison in Phnom Penh where over 14,000 people were tortured and killed. He was convicted of crimes against humanity in 2010.
Norodom Suramarit
1896 – 1960King of Cambodia from 1955-1960 who abdicated the throne in favor of his son Prince Sihanouk and was known for his musical compositions.
Nuon Chea
1926 – 2019Senior Khmer Rouge leader known as 'Brother Number Two' who was convicted of crimes against humanity and genocide by the Extraordinary Chambers in 2014.
Dith Pran
1942 – 2008Cambodian-American photojournalist who survived the Khmer Rouge and whose story inspired the Academy Award-winning film 'The Killing Fields.'
Lon Nol
1913 – 1985Cambodian general and politician who led the military coup that overthrew Prince Sihanouk in 1970 and established the Khmer Republic.
Hun Manet
1977 – PresentCurrent Prime Minister of Cambodia since 2023, succeeding his father Hun Sen after serving as a general in the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces.
François Chau
1959 – PresentCambodian-born American actor best known for his roles in the television series 'Lost' and 'The Expanse.'
Sisowath Sirik Matak
1914 – 1975Cambodian prince and politician who served as Prime Minister under the Khmer Republic and was executed by the Khmer Rouge in 1975.
Chan Vathanaka
1994 – PresentCambodian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder and serves as captain of the Cambodia national football team.
Ieng Sary
1925 – 2013Khmer Rouge foreign minister and co-founder of the Communist Party of Kampuchea who died in 2013 while awaiting trial for war crimes.
Khieu Samphan
1931 – PresentKhmer Rouge head of state and intellectual who was convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity in 2018 for his role in the Cambodian genocide.
Ieng Thirith
1932 – 2015Khmer Rouge minister of social affairs and wife of Ieng Sary, she was the first woman charged with genocide by an international tribunal.
Ta Mok
1925 – 2006Brutal Khmer Rouge military commander known as 'The Butcher' who controlled southwestern Cambodia and was one of Pol Pot's most feared lieutenants.
Son Sann
1911 – 2000Former Prime Minister and founder of the Buddhist Liberal Democratic Party who played a key role in Cambodian politics during the 1980s and 1990s.
Heng Samrin
1934 – PresentCambodian politician who served as head of state from 1979-1992 after the Vietnamese invasion that ended Khmer Rouge rule.
Related Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first Cambodian to win an Academy Award?
Haing S. Ngor was the first Cambodian to win an Academy Award. He won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor in 1985 for his role in "The Killing Fields." Ngor was a doctor and survivor of the Khmer Rouge regime with no prior acting experience.
What happened to King Norodom Sihanouk during the Khmer Rouge era?
King Norodom Sihanouk was placed under house arrest by the Khmer Rouge from 1975 to 1979, despite initially supporting Pol Pot's movement. He returned to the throne in 1993 and abdicated in 2004 in favor of his son, Norodom Sihamoni.
How long has Hun Sen been the leader of Cambodia?
Hun Sen was Cambodia's Prime Minister from 1985 to 2023, making him one of the world's longest-serving leaders at nearly 38 years in power. He stepped down in 2023 and was succeeded by his son, Hun Manet.