Famous Recluses

This ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

Syd Barrett

(Singer-songwriter)

Listed In: Singers

Birthdate: January 6, 1946

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Birthplace: Cambridge

Died: July 7, 2006

Pink Floyd co-founder and frontman Syd Barrett was known for his contribution to psychedelic rock and experiments with studio effects such as echo and distortion. He was removed from the band due to his drug addiction, following which he began a solo career. His final years were spent in privacy.

Bettie Page

(American Model who Gained Notoriety in the 1950s for her Pin-Up Photos)

Listed In: Fashion

Birthdate: April 22, 1923

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee, US

Died: December 11, 2008

Model Bettie Page was an iconic figure in pop culture in the 1950s. Considered a sex symbol, she was most popular for her pin-up photos. In 1955, she became one of the earliest Playmates of the Month for Playboy magazine. After a short but immensely successful modeling career, she converted to Christianity and quit modeling.

Thomas Pynchon

(Writer, Novelist, Essayist, Science fiction writer)

Listed In: Writers

Birthdate: May 8, 1937

Sun Sign: Taurus

Birthplace: Glen Cove

Thomas Pynchon initially joined Cornell to study engineering physics, but changed his major to English after a brief stint with the U.S. Army. A master of black humor, he soared to fame with novels such as The Crying of Lot 49 and Inherent Vice. He is media-shy and is rarely photographed.

Recommended Lists:

African Americans

African American Men

Philanthropists

Ryōkan

(Buddhist Monk)

Listed In: Spiritual & Religious Leaders

Birthdate: November 2, 1758

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Birthplace: Echigo Province, Japan

Died: February 18, 1831