Famous People from Haiti

Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and musician best known as a founding member of the Fugees. Born in Haiti and raised in New York, he has sold over 50 million records worldwide.

Popular musician known as 'Sweet Micky' who transitioned from entertainment to politics, serving as President of Haiti from 2011 to 2016. He was known for his kompa music before entering politics.

Haitian physician who became the brutal dictator known as 'Papa Doc,' ruling Haiti from 1957 to 1971. He established a repressive regime backed by the Tonton Macoutes secret police that killed thousands of political opponents.

Haitian businessman and politician who served as President of Haiti from 2017 until his assassination in July 2021. He was murdered at his private residence, leading to a major political crisis in the country.

Haitian filmmaker and director best known for his documentary 'I Am Not Your Negro' about James Baldwin, which received an Academy Award nomination in 2017.

Neurosurgeon who served as Prime Minister and acting President of Haiti from 2021 to 2024 following Jovenel Moïse's assassination. He struggled to maintain control amid widespread gang violence and political instability.

Catholic priest who became Haiti's first democratically elected president in 1990 but was overthrown in military coups twice. He advocated for liberation theology and rights of the poor during his tumultuous political career.

Award-winning Haitian-American author known for novels exploring the immigrant experience, including 'Breath, Eyes, Memory' and 'The Farming of Bones.' She has won numerous literary awards and is a MacArthur Fellow.

Former slave who led Haiti to independence and became its first ruler as Emperor Jacques I from 1804 to 1806. He was assassinated after declaring himself emperor and implementing harsh labor policies.

Haitian-American actress and model known for roles in 'The Jamie Foxx Show' and as a cast member on 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.' She has also appeared in numerous films and television series.

Known as 'Baby Doc,' he inherited Haiti's presidency from his father François Duvalier in 1971 at age 19 and ruled until 1986. He was overthrown in a popular uprising and fled to France.

Haitian polymath considered the father of Haitian literature in Creole, best known for creating the theatrical form 'spiralism' and writing over 40 works including novels, plays, and poetry.

Former slave who became King of northern Haiti from 1811 to 1820, ruling from his massive Citadelle Laferrière fortress. He declared himself Henri I and built elaborate palaces before dying by suicide when facing rebellion.

Haitian politician who served two non-consecutive terms as President of Haiti from 1996-2001 and 2006-2011. He was the first president to serve two full terms and transfer power peacefully.

Mulatto general who became the first President of the Republic of Haiti, ruling the southern part of the country from 1807 to 1818. He competed with Henri Christophe for control of Haiti after Dessalines' death.

Haitian diplomat and politician who served as Prime Minister of Haiti from 1995 to 1996 and held senior positions at the United Nations.

president and emperor of Haiti (1782-1867)

Military leader who unified Haiti and ruled as president from 1818 to 1843, making him one of Haiti's longest-serving leaders. He conquered the eastern part of Hispaniola and abolished slavery throughout the island.

President of Haiti (1930–2014)

Haitian-Canadian writer who gained international recognition for his autobiographical novel 'How to Make Love to a Negro Without Getting Tired' and became the first Haitian elected to the Académie française in 2013.

Professional footballer who plays as a striker for the Haiti national team and has competed in clubs across France and other European leagues.

Haitian footballer who scored the opening goal against Italy in the 1974 FIFA World Cup, marking Haiti's debut and only World Cup appearance.

Haitian politician who briefly served as acting President following Jovenel Moïse's assassination in July 2021. He held power for only a few weeks before being replaced by Ariel Henry.

Olympic athlete who won Haiti's first and only Olympic medal, taking silver in the long jump at the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics. He also played professional soccer and later served as a government minister.

Military general who led Haiti's ruling military junta from 1986 to 1988 following the overthrow of Jean-Claude Duvalier. He briefly served as president during the turbulent post-Duvalier transition period.

Professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the NBA for teams including the Philadelphia 76ers and Sacramento Kings. Born in Haiti, he represented the country in international competition.

Diplomat and economist who served as Prime Minister of Haiti from 2004 to 2006 during the transitional government following Aristide's departure. He previously worked for the United Nations and World Bank.

Chief Justice of Haiti's Supreme Court who served as interim President following Jean-Bertrand Aristide's departure in 2004. He presided over the country during a critical transitional period until 2006.

Judge and lawyer who became Haiti's first female president, serving as interim leader from 1990 to 1991. She assumed power after a military coup and oversaw the transition to democratic elections.

Economist who served as Prime Minister of Haiti from 2008 to 2009 under President René Préval. She was the second woman to hold the position and focused on economic development initiatives.

Catholic Cardinal who serves as Archbishop of Les Cayes and was elevated to cardinal by Pope Francis in 2014. He is one of the highest-ranking Catholic officials from Haiti.

Economist and politician who served as Prime Minister of Haiti from 2009 to 2011, including during the devastating 2010 earthquake. He coordinated much of the international relief and reconstruction efforts.

Haitian lawyer and diplomat who served as Prime Minister of Haiti from 1988 to 1991 under President Prosper Avril during a period of political transition.