Many famous people may also be narcissists. It takes a certain amount of narcissism to desire to be front and center and known by everyone.
Here we have created a list of public figures, both past and present, who can most likely be labeled as having narcissistic personality disorder.
These are not “official” designations, but they are reviews of these individuals actions, quotes, behavior and possible manipulation of the public and peers that have been reviewed by psychologists to label these famous public figures as potential, perhaps even likely, narcissists.
These reviews, of course, are based on the public persona. Particularly in the cases of historical figures where it can be more challenging to figure out who may have been a narcissist.
What Is a Narcissist?
A narcissist is a person who displays personality traits consistent with symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). The mental disorder can develop through genetics or from being raised around narcissistic people. One study, in particular, finds that grandiosity and entitlement are two common traits children may inherit.
Narcissists have predictable personality traits and characteristics as stated in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5 PDF). They have a false sense of self-importance and an oversized ego that requires constant stroking.
Their actions and responses are linked to low self-esteem and a constant need for attention. To cope with poor self-image and unworthiness, they seek to assert control over others. This may lead to ruthless behaviors if they are unable to feel remorse.
Why Society Shuns Narcissists
At the core of narcissism is a high lack empathy or the inability of a narcissist to connect with the emotional experience of others. Treating others like a means to an end becomes effortless. A one-sided or transactional relationship will eventually emerge.
Those high on the narcissism scale are more likely to resort to psychological manipulation. It involves using various strategies to influence your thoughts or gain control, power, fame, wealth, or relationship benefits. Tactics include guilt-tripping to get compliance, gaslighting to distort your reality, and triangulation to instill insecurity.
As emotionally harmful as it is, psychologists describe manipulation as a coping strategy narcissists use to buffer their insecurity and low self-worth.
But here’s the clincher. Relationships with a narcissist are often purely transactional and can be profoundly damaging to your mental health. In his book, Bill Eddy, LCSW, Esq, agrees that narcissists are one of 5 Types of People Who Can Ruin Your Life.
Top Signs Someone Might be a Narcissist
A person could potentially be a narcissist if they show the following traits, characteristics, or behavior on a persistent basis:
- Overstating their importance
- Making grand statements about themselves (E.g.,“I’m the best.“)
- Showing little to no care for your opinions and feelings (lack of empathy)
- Overvaluing themself (superiority complex) while devaluing others
- Disobeying rules, authority, and boundaries
- Believing they’re special or unique
- Creativity
- Obsessing over endless wealth, power, or beauty
- Reacting negatively, with anger or defensiveness, to criticism
- Envying others and believing they are envied by people
- Controlling relationships through coercion and manipulation to secure their needs
- Exhibiting ongoing arrogance or detachment from reality (delusions)
- Playing the victim to avoid responsibility or gain support
Top Celebrities with Bold Narcissistic Traits
In the dazzling world of the entertainment industry, certain entertainers stand out not only for their remarkable achievements but also for their pronounced narcissistic traits.
These individuals often exhibit a strong tendency to seek constant admiration, basking in the spotlight while showcasing leadership styles that prioritize self-promotion over collaboration. Their larger-than-life personas captivate audiences, yet their behaviors can reveal a complex interplay of confidence and self-obsession, making them fascinating figures to explore.
Below is a list of notable celebrities whose narcissistic tendencies have sparked intrigue and discussion
1. Donald Trump
Many people think Trump displays all the characteristics of a classic narcissist. “Many good people. Many of the best people, say it.” As he would say.
His narcissistic interactions are always in the spotlight. And are likened to those linked to grandiose narcissism. The signs played out in public numerous times with Trump’s grand claims about his unfettered powers and superpower abilities. The belief is an example of a delusion of grandeur seen in grandiose narcissists.
Now the perception of whether his narcissism is a good thing or a bad thing is much more nuanced. You can be a narcissist, specifically in politics, and perhaps do “good things”. I might even venture as far as to say that politicians and actors very common professionals for all narcissists, and Trump has been both.
The president displays strong self-centeredness traits, often referring to himself countless times, signs of NPD, according to Dr John Zinner, a psychoanalyst and clinical professor at the George Washington University School of Medicine.
2. Oprah Winfrey
Many people love Oprah. She may be a force for good in the world. But don’t think that precludes her from being a narcissist.
Oprah Winfrey’s name shows up on several lists of narcissistic celebrities. Winfrey is a successful American talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Who can forget her grand gestures on her Oprah Winfrey show?
Grandiosity is a sign of overt and communal narcissism, says Dr. Patrice Le Goy, a psychologist and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.
Winfrey presented herself as an incredibly charming person who donated millions to causes to show how much she cares about people. Psychology experts can see right through that facade. Oprah is widely seen as an egotistical, self-obsessed person whose goal is self-promotion. She may do a ton of net good, but she might still be a narcissist.
Take a closer look at the traits of a communal narcissist. You may notice many fit the Color Purple actress perfectly.
3. Elon Musk
How does, the richest person in the world end up there? Elon Musk, owner of Tesla and Space X, owes it to his braggadocios and attention-seeking behavior.
Musk habitually uses his social media platform, X, as an attention-seeking tool for highlighting his brilliance and accomplishments. He persistently reminds tweeters he’s the richest in the world.
The problem with narcissists like Musk is that they allure us with their charism while simultaneously turning us off with their arrogant, haughty, and controlling behavior.
4. Kim Jung-Un
Whether you think of him as famous or simply infamous, Kim Jong-un isn’t a fan of empaths. The North Korean leader’s visible lack of empathy, or disregard for the suffering of others, contradicts everything empaths embrace.
The empathetic void is evidenced in Jung-un’s ruthless governance over his people. For example, the death sentence for “importing or distributing foreign content.”
Known for his draconian rulership and threats to use nuclear weapons, on the West and their allies, Jung-un continues to portray himself as a “god”. Exalting himself as special and unique above other human beings align with the symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder.
Research confirms Kim Jung-un shows a “maladaptive personality” consistent with DSM-V. Kim’s primary personality pattern reveals he’s an extrovert who’s dominant and controlling at the core.
5. Ye (aka Kanye West)
The notorious rapper and Kim Kardashian’s ex-husband, Ye, is described in the media as a “grandiose”, “arrogant”, “self-obsessed”, and “delusional narcissist”. Not to mention controversial and over-the-top like Donald Trump who he affiliates with. Birds of a feather?
The fashion designer referred to himself as a “genius” multiple times, according to Politico’s Editor, Joanna Weiss. He told Wendy Williams on her show, “I am the number one human being in music. That means any person that’s living or breathing is number two.”
Bragging about themselves is an overt narcissist’s way of exaggerating their self-worth.
At his 2014 concert in Sydney, Australia, the “Donda” singer ordered everyone to stand up if they wanted him to continue singing. “Unless you got a handicap pass and you get special parking and sh*t,” he ordered.
6. Kim Kardashian
From a public POV, Kim Kardashian, the famous socialite and reality TV star, has a narcissistic personality.
The Keeping Up with the Kardashians star is appropriately dubbed ‘the selfie queen’. In fact, she practically built her career by capitalizing on her appearance.
In the context of narcissism, constantly posting selfies shows an obsession with self and a hunger for attention and validation of her looks. Life Management and hypnotherapist, Kim Friedmutter, endorses it as “a form of narcissistic behavior.”
7. Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg’s leadership style, characterized by strategic risk-taking and a focus on innovation over ethical considerations, aligns with narcissistic traits such as a need for admiration and a lack of empathy, as noted by psychologists analyzing his public persona.
Dr. Amy Brunell, a psychologist at Ohio State University, suggests that narcissists like Zuckerberg prioritize self-centered goals, which can hinder collaborative decision-making, as seen in his controversial handling of Facebook’s user data.
8. Tiger Woods
The headline, “Tiger Woods Is Branded a ‘Pathological Narcissist,” appeared in multiple articles in 2019. Cheater? Yes. But narcissist? Shocking, right? The headlines followed Roaring Back – the Fall and Rise of Tiger Woods, a biography authored by Curt Sampson.
In the book, Sampson sought to expose the American golf champion’s relationships which Sports Illustrated writer, John Garrity, describes as self-serving. Sampson quotes Garrity as saying, ‘All of his human relationships were transactional.’ Woods only aligned himself with people who could advance his career or meet his needs.
9. Mariah Carey
Forever a diva in her own eyes, Mariah Carey exudes an air of superiority. The trait becomes evident in instances where she suggests she’s beyond the norm. How about when the “I’ll Be There” singer told US Weekly she swims in “evening gowns and heels?”
On yet another occasion, Carey displayed the blame-shifting and superiority nature of narcissism. It was New Year’s Eve, 2016, when instead of a smashing performance, the singer reportedly had an lip–syncing disaster.
She told Rolling Stone, “Even the dancers should have stopped dancing and helped me off the f—ing stage…It was a mess, and I blame everybody.”
11. Madonna
Madonna’s relentless pursuit of the spotlight and her carefully curated public image reflect narcissistic traits, particularly her apparent need for constant admiration from fans and media. Her tendency to reinvent herself while maintaining a larger-than-life persona aligns with what psychologist Dr. Ramani Durvasula describes as “narcissists’ drive to remain the center of attention, often prioritizing their image over authenticity”
12. Elizabeth Holmes
Elizabeth Holmes is the founder of Theranos. The biotechnology businesswoman is serving time in prison for fraud and conspiracy for lying to investors. Seemingly charming on the outside, Holmes is regarded as a“toxic boss who exhibited narcissistic behavior,” by her ruthless treatment and unempathic discard of employees.
Holmes is likened to a narcissist with a high absence of empathy, and possibly even a sociopath. Note the NINE key differences between Sociopaths VS Narcissists.
14. Beyonce Knowles
The Bee Hive may be in denial, but there’s a good chance their beloved and adored Beyonce Giselle Knowles is a narcissist.
The singer tells GQ Magazine, “I now know that yes, I am powerful.” “I’m more powerful than my mind can even digest and understand.” These are two of many grandiose statements the singer made about herself throughout her career.
Note: A professional psychologist or psychotherapist will have to medically assess the individuals on the lists of famous narcissists to confirm they are, in fact, DSM-5 narcissists.
Historical Figures with Narcissistic Flair
Narcissistic tendencies in historical figures, such as grandiose actions or relentless self-promotion, can only be inferred from their recorded deeds and the stories passed down through time. Without direct psychological evaluation, historians and psychologists rely on accounts of their leadership styles and public personas to speculate about narcissistic traits.
That being said we share many of famous people from the past who are most likely historical narcissists.
15. Adolf Hitler
Stephen A. Diamond, Ph.D., a licensed clinical and forensic psychologist in Los Angeles, examined “How Mad Was Hitler?” Diamond concluded, “There is no question that Hitler’s personality included…psychopathic narcissism and…narcissistic personality disorder.”
Adolph Hitler was the notorious leader of Nazi Germany. Historians described him as a charismatic but self-entitled, controlling, and manipulative power-drunk leader.
He believed he was a special person born to create the most powerful German empire and rule Europe.
16. Alexander the Great
Alexander the Great’s conquests and self-proclamation as a god-king suggest a narcissistic drive for eternal glory and unwavering adulation from his followers. Psychologist Dr. Sam Vaknin, author of Malignant Self-Love, argues that “Alexander’s obsession with his divine status and relentless campaigns mirror the narcissistic need for constant validation.”
17. Henry VIII
Henry VIII’s relentless pursuit of power and insistence on absolute loyalty, exemplified by his dissolution of monasteries and multiple marriages, reflect narcissistic traits like a need for admiration and control. Dr. Mark Hofer, a clinical psychologist, notes in his analysis of historical leaders that “Henry VIII’s grandiose self-image and disregard for others’ needs align closely with narcissistic personality traits.”
18. Steve Jobs
Opinions are split on whether the Founder and CEO of Apple Inc., the late Steve Jobs, was a narcissist. For Relly Nadler, Psy.D., M.C.C., a licensed psychologist and author, it’s a “Yes.” Nadler explored the Job’s personality profile in a Psychology Today article.
“It looks like Jobs clearly fits 6 of the 9” of the DSM-V behavioral expressions for NPD, writes Nadler.
19. Jim Jones
Have you ever heard the term “evil narcissist?”
Jim Jones and Hitler match this diagnosis perfectly. The ever-so-charming Jim Jones’ use of his position of power to brainwash and ultimately murder his cult-like followers is demonstrative of a sociopathic narcissist.
A narcissistic sociopath’s immense lack of empathy enables them to effortlessly lie, deceive, manipulate, break the law, and disregard the lives and safety of others. They are detached from reality and unable to feel remorse for hurting others.
This led Jones to order the suicide/murders of over 900 people.
20. Cleopatra
A psychiatric assessment of Cleopatra using historical facts concludes her traits fit within the realm of narcissistic personality. Cleopatra the Great was a dynamic woman and powerful Egyptian Queen of the Ptolemaic Kingdom. Yet, she could not stand losing.
Holding herself out as a goddess speaks to a self-inflated and manufactured self-importance. Historian, Stacy Schiff, documents her grandiose sense of self in his book, “Cleopatra: A Life.”
Her hunger for adoration and manipulative behavior stood out among other maladaptive traits of narcissism. History brands her a “master manipulator” who seduced others to gain and retain power.
21. Pablo Picasso
When it comes to creativity Picasso gets an A+. When it comes to being a great person. Not so much.
Picasso was certainly troubled in his life. Suicide is sometimes a solution for people who are narcissists and feel they are not properly recognized.
While Picasso is hard to prove as being a full blown narcissist and not just some other form of mental health issues, the famous “ear” issue is a big clue to his narcissism. Cutting off your ear to “prove your love” to someone is a very narcissistic thing to do. Causing trauma on the victim of your “gift” for no good purpose.
22. Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon is often cited as one of the perfect examples of a narcissistic personality. People often talk of the “little man” syndrome to talk about how people who might have deep insecurities and self doubt might push themselves to great achievements but also do so in a very self centered and narcissistic manner.
23. Richard Nixon
You may have heard of Richard Nixon’s link to the infamous Watergate Scandal, but did you know he was narcissistic? Yeah. It is widely believed the former Republic president had NPD based on pathological tendencies to lie and manipulate in the political sphere.
Nixon also exaggerated his self-importance and exhibited paranoia. Someone with paranoia experiences a persistent but irrational suspicion that people are plotting to harm them.
Final Thoughts on Famous Narcissists
Narcissism forms out of low self-esteem which causes the person to use harmful strategies to dominate others. However, people don’t choose to be narcissists, and not all of them intentionally hurt others.
It doesn’t mean you should let them wreak havoc in your life. Setting boundaries is one effective way to actively safeguard your well-being from the negative impact of dealing with narcissists.
Dive deeper into the world of narcissism with this other eye-opening article, Are Narcissists Evil? How to Find Out.
And if you’re looking for more resources about narcissists an manipulation, be sure to check out these blog posts:
Finally, if you want to identify YOUR personality type, then take one of these 11 personality tests to better understand what makes you tick.
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