When you think of gothic culture, you might imagine a mysterious, enigmatic, and somewhat eerie world of black lace, candles, and midnight poetry. But this subculture is far more than just a fashion statement. It’s a unique and intriguing lifestyle that has given rise to numerous fascinating personalities who have left their mark on the world. With World Goth Day taking place on 22nd May 2024, we’re celebrating goth subculture with our list of 25 famous goths and goth people.

Top 25 most famous goths

From singers to TV stars, here’s our list of the most famous goths of all time.

1. Siouxsie Sioux

Siouxsie Sioux, the lead singer of Siouxsie and the Banshees, is often regarded as the “queen of goth.” With her darkly dramatic appearance and hypnotic voice, Siouxsie has been a major influence on the gothic scene since the late 1970s and is one of the most famous goths around.

2. Robert Smith

As the frontman of The Cure, Robert Smith is one of the most recognised and respected figures in goth music. With his signature wild hair, smeared lipstick, and haunting lyrics, Smith has become a gothic icon for generations of fans.

3. Bauhaus

Bauhaus, the British post-punk band led by Peter Murphy, is known as one of the founding fathers of gothic rock. Their single “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” is often considered the anthem of the gothic movement, and the band’s dark, atmospheric sound continues to inspire artists today.

4. Rozz Williams

The enigmatic vocalist of Christian Death; Rozz Williams was a pioneering force in the American goth scene and one of the most famous goths to date. With his deeply emotive voice and provocative stage presence, Williams left an indelible mark on the gothic community before his untimely death in 1998.

5. Wednesday Addams

Another iconic character from the Addams Family, Wednesday Addams, is the dark and deadpan daughter of Gomez and Morticia. With her braided black hair, emotionless expression, and fascination with morbidity, Wednesday has become a cult favourite among goth enthusiasts. Speaking of famous goths, have you watched Wednesday on Netflix yet?

6. Patricia Morrison

Patricia Morrison is a celebrated gothic icon, having played bass for Sisters of Mercy, The Damned, and her own band, The Bags. Known for her striking, vampiric appearance and powerful presence, Morrison has been a major influence on the gothic aesthetic.

7. Andrew Eldritch

As the lead singer of Sisters of Mercy, Andrew Eldritch is often dubbed the “godfather of goth.” With his deep, resonant voice and dark, brooding lyrics, Eldritch has been captivating audiences since the early 1980s.

8. Helena Bonham Carter

The British actress known for her quirky and eccentric roles, has become a gothic icon due to her collaborations with director Tim Burton. Her portrayals of dark, complex characters in films like “Sweeney Todd” and “Corpse Bride” have earned her a devoted goth following. Helena Bonham Carter is definitely one of the most famous goths, as well as the coolest.

9. Nick Cave

The Australian musician and frontman of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is known for his dark, poetic lyrics and intense stage presence. His music, which ranges from punk rock to haunting ballads, has earned him a devoted gothic following and made him one of the most famous goths around.

10. Peter Steele

The late Peter Steele, lead singer and bassist of Type O Negative, was a towering figure in the goth scene, both literally and figuratively. Known for his deep, haunting voice and imposing 6’7″ frame, Steele left a lasting impression on gothic music before his untimely death in 2010.

11. Morticia Addams

Alongside her daughter Wednesday, Morticia Addams is the matriarch of the macabre Addams Family, is a gothic character who has captivated fans since her debut in Charles Addams’ cartoons in the 1930s. With her sleek black hair, floor-length gowns, and affinity for all things dark and mysterious, Morticia is a beloved figure in gothic culture.

12. Diamanda Galás

Avant-garde vocalist and composer Diamanda Galás is a true gothic icon. With her operatic voice and dramatic performances, Galás has been pushing the boundaries of music and art for decades, earning her a dedicated goth following.

13. Marilyn Manson

Arguably one of the most iconic goth people that springs to mind when thinking of famous goths is Marilyn Manson. The controversial singer and performance artist is often associated with the gothic subculture due to his provocative lyrics and dark, theatrical stage presence. His music, which combines elements of industrial, metal, and goth, has attracted a diverse and passionate fan base. Despite his huge following, Manson has been at the forefront of some serious allegations.

14. Voltaire

Dark cabaret artist Voltaire (Aurelio Voltaire Hernández) has been delighting goth audiences with his witty, macabre music since the late 1990s. Combining humour, horror, and a flair for storytelling, Voltaire’s songs are a unique addition to the gothic scene and have earned him a dedicated following.

15. Emilie Autumn

Emilie Autumn, the violinist, singer, and poet, has been a prominent figure in the gothic and darkwave genres since the early 2000s. Her theatrical performances, Victorian-inspired fashion, and deeply emotional music have endeared her to fans across the globe.

16. Lydia Deetz

Lydia Deetz, portrayed by Winona Ryder in the 1988 film “Beetlejuice,” is a goth character who resonates with fans due to her interest in the supernatural and her outsider status. Her dark wardrobe, ghostly friends, and artistic nature make her a memorable gothic icon and one of the most famous goths around.

17. Edgar Allan Poe

Though Edgar Allan Poe predates the modern goth movement and most of the famous goths around, his dark, macabre tales and poems have made him an enduring icon within the subculture. With works like “The Raven” and “The Tell-Tale Heart,” Poe’s influence on gothic literature and art is undeniable.

18. Lene Lovich

The eclectic singer and songwriter  emerged in the late 1970s with her distinctive style, blending new wave, punk, and goth. Lene Lovich’s theatrical performances and bold fashion choices are emblematic of goth subculture, and she’s definitely one of the most loved goths.

19. Dave Vanian

As the lead vocalist of The Damned, Dave Vanian was a key figure in the early punk scene and later became a gothic icon. With his distinctive baritone voice, dark lyrics, and vampire-inspired fashion, Vanian has been a trailblazer for goth culture.

20. Eric Draven (The Crow)

Eric Draven, the brooding and vengeful protagonist of the 1994 film “The Crow,” has become a goth icon for his tragic story and striking appearance. The famous goth was portrayed by the late Brandon Lee, Draven’s quest for justice, otherworldly abilities, and darkly romantic aesthetic make him a captivating and memorable figure in gothic culture.

21. Edward Scissorhands

 

Edward Scissorhands, the titular character of Tim Burton’s 1990 film, is one of the most poignant and endearing famous goths. Played by Johnny Depp, Edward is a gentle, misunderstood outsider with a dark and fantastical appearance. His tale of love, loss, and self-discovery resonates deeply with goth audiences, making him a beloved character within the subculture.

22. Nancy Downs

Nancy Downs is a fictional character from the 1996 supernatural horror film “The Craft”. She is one of the four teenage girls who become friends and form a coven of witches at their high school. She’s one of the most famous goths from 90s pop culture, who ends up being the antagonist of the film. Nancy is played by Fairuza Bolt, who ironically played little innocent Dorothy Gale in “Return to Oz”.

23. Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

These 25 famous goth icons are each distinctive but contribute to the goth subculture. From famous goth characters to goth bands and celebs, the list of famous goths is wide-ranging.