World Renowned Croats & Famous Croatians

Croatia is a small country with a rich cultural heritage and a history of producing many influential and renowned individuals – Famous Croats. From politicians and athletes to musicians and artists. World renowned Croats & Famous Croatians have made their mark on the world and left a legacy. In this article, we take a closer look at some of the most famous Croats and their accomplishments.

The Science Achievers: Famous Croats in the Science

Croatia has produced many talented individuals who have made a significant impact on the world of science. Some of the most famous Croatian scientist include:

• Nikola Tesla (1856-1943)

a renowned inventor and electrical engineer. Tesla played a pivotal role in advancing the technology of electricity and wireless communication in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was born in present-day Croatia, but with Serbian ethnicity, before moving to the United States and obtaining American citizenship. Tesla’s legacy lives on in the form of monuments, museums, and even an airport in Belgrade named after him. The unit for measuring magnetic fields is named after him. Furthermore, he has inspired the names of Tesla Motors, a leading electric car manufacturer.

• Rudjer Boskovic (1711-1787)

was a renowned Croat, polymath and a prominent figure in the Age of Enlightenment. He made significant contributions to physics, mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy, and is considered one of the greatest scientists in history. He is known for his atomic theory, which proposed that all matter is composed of indivisible particles. Also, for his work on celestial mechanics, which laid the foundation for our understanding of the solar system. Boskovic was also a member of the Royal Society of London and the French Academy of Sciences. Lastly, his work greatly influenced other scientists such as Laplace and Lagrange.

The Pioneers of Croatian Politics: Famous Croatians

Croatia has produced several politicians who have made a significant impact on the country and the world. Some of the most famous politicians from Croatia include:

• Franjo Tudjman (1922-1999)

Franjo Tudjman was the first president of independent Croatia and served from 1990 to 1999. He played a crucial role in the country’s independence from Yugoslavia. And was instrumental in the establishment of a democratic state. The airport in Zagreb is named after him.

• Ivana Nadj

Ivana Nadj is a Croatian politician and former member of the European Parliament. She is known for her work on human rights, environmental protection, and gender equality.

The Movie Legends: Famous Croatians in Film

• Rade Serbedzija

Another renowned Croat and actor who rose to fame in Yugoslavia during the 1970s and 1980s. He started his acting career while studying at the University of Zagreb‘s Academy of Dramatic Arts. In the late 1990s, he began appearing in Hollywood films and has since established a successful career. Serbedzija is often cast in shady or villainous roles, usually as an Eastern European character.

Some of his notable film and TV credits include “Mission Impossible II,” “Batman Begins,” “CSI: Miami,” “24,” “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” and “X-Men: First Class.” This famous Croat is also present in Angelina Jolie’s directorial debut, “In The Land Of Blood And Honey”. Serbedzija is a co-founder of the Ulysses Theatre on Veliki Brijun island, which hosts a special season each summer.

• Goran Visnjic

is a renowned Croatian actor, best known for his role as Dr. Luka Kovac in the hit TV series “ER.” He played the Croatian doctor from 1999 to 2008. And the character’s background as a war refugee from Vukovar is often reference in the show. Visnjic was born in Sibenik and first gained prominence for his role in the Dubrovnik Film Festival’s production of “Hamlet.” He has also appeared in several films, such as “Practical Magic,” “Welcome to Sarajevo,” and “Elektra.” More recently, he has appeared in “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo,” “The Counsellor,” and TV series like “Pan Am” and “Extant.” He even played Nikola Tesla in a 2020 episode of “Doctor Who.”

Other actors of Croatian ancestry include Eric Bana, John Malkovich and Denise Richards.

The Music Mavericks: Famous Croatians in Music

Croatia has a thriving music scene and has produced many talented musicians who have made a name for themselves on the international stage. Some of the most famous Croatian musicians include:

• Oliver Dragojević (1947-2018)

Oliver Dragojević is a renowned Croat singer and songwriter who is popular for his powerful voice and emotive performances. One of the greatest Croatian musicians of all time. Lastly, was awarded the Order of Danica Hrvatska for his contributions to Croatian music.

• Ivo Pogorelić

is a concert pianist famous for his captivating performances with orchestras globally.

• Michael Bublé

whose ancestry traces back to Istria.

Krist Novoselic of Nirvana and Tomislav (Tomo) Milicevic of 30 Seconds To Mars, both boast Croatian heritage. Lorde, the New Zealand singer, can trace her roots back to Dalmatia and holds Croatian citizenship. Cello duo 2Cellos, in recent years, have gained international acclaim with their electrifying covers of popular modern songs like “Smooth Criminal” and “Sweet Child o’ Mine.” They have toured with Sir Elton John.

The Sporting Greats: Famous Croatians in Athletics

Croatia has a strong sporting tradition and has produced many world-class athletes who have made a name for themselves on the international stage. Some of the most famous Croatians in athletes include:

• Luka Modrić

Luka Modrić is a Croatian professional footballer who currently plays for Real Madrid and the Croatian national team. He is widely famous as one of the best midfielders in the world and has won numerous awards and accolades for his performances.

• Goran Ivanišević

Goran Ivanišević is a former, renowned Croatian professional tennis player who won the Wimbledon Championships in 2001. One of the greatest Croatian athletes of all time and is introduced into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2004.

The Fastest Electric Car: Croats in Automobile Industry

Rimac Automobili is a renowned Croatian company that designs, develops, and produces high-performance electric vehicles and their components. The company is born in 2009 by famous Croat, Mate Rimac and has quickly established itself as a leader in the electric vehicle industry. Rimac’s flagship product is the C_Two electric hypercar, Nevera, which boasts impressive specifications such as a top speed of 258 mph, a range of over 400 miles, and acceleration from 0-60 mph in under 2 seconds.