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The Religious Society of Friends, also known as the Quaker Movement, was founded in England in the 17th century. Quakers (or "Friends," as Quakers call themselves) believe humans can experience God through one's "inner light" without the need for religious ceremonies and clergy. Quakers also believe in equal rights for both men and women in religion, and advocate for peace. Quakers then moved to America, where the movement grew. Many of these men and women became influential abolitionists who played key roles in the anti-slavery movement, women’s suffrage, and civil rights.
In this gallery, you'll get to know some of the most influential Quakers in history, as well as celebrities and other famous people you didn't know are Quakers. Click on.
George Fox was the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, aka the Quakers. The English Dissenter became a spiritual leader and advocate for religious freedom. He was prosecuted for his beliefs.
William Penn was an important English Quaker who founded the Province of Pennsylvania. He brought religious freedom and tolerance, as well as pacifism, to the New World.
The Oscar-winning actress converted to Quakerism after attending The Mount, a Quaker school in York, England.
Damon Albarn, best known as the front man of the Britpop band Blur, was born into a Quaker family. "I think [the Quaker heritage] gives you an understanding of what the Spirit is, and for someone who is constantly searching to identify and connect with the Spirit around the whole world through music, to have an understanding when you start that journey, [of] what it is you are looking for… Even though, as we all know, you can only feel the Spirit when it reveals itself," said Albarn.
The American singer and guitarist grew up in Los Angeles in a Quaker family. "For me being Quaker was a political calling rather than a religious one," she said.
Hollywood legend James Dean was raised by his Quaker aunt in Indiana. The iconic actor is buried in Park Cemetery in Fairmount, Indiana.
The singer-songwriter's family converted to the Quaker faith when she was a child. Quakerism has influenced her work, with songs such as 'We Shall Overcome' and 'God Only Knows' serving as expressions of her faith journey.
Margaret Fell, also known as Margaret Fox, was an important figure in Quakerism. Fell is the author of 'Women's Speaking Justified,' where she argued for the right of women to preach and have a prominent role in religious meetings.
The philanthropist and founder of the Johns Hopkins University descended from a family of English Quakers.
America's first supermodel was raised in a Quaker household in Minnesota. "I was raised as a Quaker and silence was at the core of our existence. So, I do that every day," Tiegs told Westlake Malibu Lifestyle in a 2023 interview.
The American Quaker abolitionist was an influential anti-slavery advocate, and went on to become a key figure in the suffrage movement and human rights activism as a whole.
The British filmmaker, known for directing movies such as 'Lawrence of Arabia' (1962), was raised in a Quaker family. Lean went on to attend Leighton Park School in Reading, England, which was founded as a Quaker School in 1890.
American Quaker preacher and writer John Woolman was an avid abolitionist who had an influential role in the early anti-slavery movement. Not only did Woolman advocate for the abolition of slavery, he also promoted fair treatment of Native Americans.
Born in New Jersey to a Quaker family, Hopper went on to play a key role in the anti-slavery movement. He was known for actively helping and protecting fugitive slaves.
Rufus Jones was an American Quaker philosopher, writer, and educator. He was one of the founders of the American Friends Service Committee, an organization "working for peace and social justice in the United States and around the world."
John Cadbury, the founder of the famous Cadbury chocolates, as well as his son George (pictured) were Quakers.
The front man of the Talking Heads grew up with his Quaker mother's "tolerant philosophies."
The British Quaker philanthropist is best known for her work in prison reform. Fry worked to introduce various reforms that allowed for prisoners to be treated with more dignity, including segregating prisons by sex, and hiring female wardens for female inmates. Elizabeth Fry was known as the "Angel of Prisons."
The English-born American Founding Father was also a Quaker. Paine played a key role in the development of the ideals of the American and French Revolutions. He's the author of the 1776 pamphlet 'Common Sense,' which advocated for American independence from the British.
The 37th President of the United States was born and raised Quaker. His ancestors arrived in Pennsylvania from Europe in 1729, and years later, traveled west, ending up in California.
Born into a Quaker family in Massachusetts, Whitter went on to become a celebrated poet, abolitionist, and advocate for social justice.
The man behind Dave Matthews Band grew up in a Quaker household. Being a pacifist, he left South Africa to avoid serving in the military.
British surgeon Joseph Lister, best known for promoting sterility in the practice of medicine and operating rooms, was raised in a Quaker household. Fun fact: Listerine mouthwash is named after him.
Cinematographer Caleb Deschanel and his daughters, actresses Emily and Zoe Deschanel, have Quaker heritage. Their ancestors were abolitionists involved in the Underground Railroad, a network of routes and safe houses operated by the anti-slavery resistance.
The actor has Quaker ancestry. Bacon's family immigrated from England to America in order to freely practice their religion.
The American artist, best known for his series of paintings 'Dogs Playing Poker,' was born to an abolitionist Quaker family in upstate New York.
The English novelist and screenwriter, best known for his 1940 novel 'Lassie Come-Home' grew up as a Quaker as both his parents followed the faith.
The famous American sharpshooter who starred in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show was raised by Quaker parents.
The founder of the multinational financial services corporation Western Union and co-founder of Cornell University was also a Quaker.
Sources: (Mental Floss) (Ranker) (History) (CNN) (Friends Journal) (Westlake Malibu Lifestyle) (Learn Religions)
Famous individuals who were Quakers, or have Quaker heritage
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CELEBRITY Religion
The Religious Society of Friends, also known as the Quaker Movement, was founded in England in the 17th century. Quakers (or "Friends," as Quakers call themselves) believe humans can experience God through one's "inner light" without the need for religious ceremonies and clergy. Quakers also believe in equal rights for both men and women in religion, and advocate for peace. Quakers then moved to America, where the movement grew. Many of these men and women became influential abolitionists who played key roles in the anti-slavery movement, women’s suffrage, and civil rights.
In this gallery, you'll get to know some of the most influential Quakers in history, as well as celebrities and other famous people you didn't know are Quakers. Click on.