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FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Celebrity signatures autographs | History Defined
John Hancock, former president of United States Congress, has arguably one of the most famous signatures around. As the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, he led the charge for what was considered treason against the king. Popular history writes that he wrote his name in such large letters so that "The fat old king could read it without his spectacles." Because of his bravery, hand lettering signatures are now often referred to as a ‘John Hancock.’
Bored Panda has compiled a list of other famous peoples ‘Hancocks,’ and some of these artists' signatures are so extravagant they knock the congressman down a few spots. Some popular celebrities even scrawled a cartoon image by their name, and I’m sure you can imagine what Walt Disney drew. While some of these famous names are inspired, some people need to up their game or practice their handwriting. Scroll down below to see some of the best and worst autographs, and perhaps you will be motivated to work on your own penmanship. Never know when you could get famous, right? Don’t forget to upvote the most beautiful signatures!
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#1
Vincent Price - American Actor, Well Known For His Distinctive Voice And Performances In Horror Films
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#7
Mahatma Gandhi - Indian Activist Who Was The Leader Of The Indian Independence Movement Against British Rule
#8
Martin Luther King - American Baptist Minister And Activist Who Became The Leader In The Civil Rights Movement
#10
Keiji Inafune - Japanese Video Game Producer, Illustrator And Businessman, The Co-Creator Of Megaman
#22
Jacob Joseph Lew - An American Attorney Who Was The 76th United States Secretary Of The Treasury
#26
Thom Yorke - English Musician And Composer, And The Singer And Principal Songwriter Of The Alternative Rock Band Radiohead
#29
Steven Tyler - American Singer, Songwriter, Musician, Actor, And Former Television Music Competition Judge. He Is Best Known As The Lead Singer Of The Boston-Based Rock Band Aerosmith
#36
Oprah Winfrey - American Media Proprietor, Talk Show Host, Actress, Producer, And Philanthropist
#38
Kurt Cobain - American Singer, Songwriter, And Musician Who Was The Lead Singer Of The Grunge Band Nirvana
#39
Leonard Nimoy - American Actor, Film Director, Photographer, Author, Singer And Songwriter, Best Known For His Role As Spock Of The Star Trek Franchise
#44
Judith Sheindlin - Professionally Known As Judge Judy, Is An American Prosecution Lawyer, Former Manhattan Family Court Judge And Television Personality
#46
Jackie Chan - Hong Kong Martial Artist, Actor, Film Director, Producer, Stuntman, And Singer
#51
Daniel Radcliffe - English Actor Best Known For His Role As Harry Potter In The Film Series Of The Same Name
#53
Neil Armstrong - American Astronaut And Aeronautical Engineer Who Was The First Person To Walk On The Moon
#57
Arnold Schwarzenegger - Austrian-American Actor, Filmmaker, Politician And Former Professional Bodybuilder And Powerlifter
#59
Jim Carrey - Canadian-American Actor, Comedian, Impressionist, Screenwriter, Musician, Producer And Painter
#61
Rowan Atkinson - English Actor, Comedian, And Screenwriter Best Known For His Work On The Sitcoms Blackadder And Mr. Bean
#67
Stephen Gilchrist Glover (Steve-O) - Actor, Stunt Performer, Producer, Comedian, Author, Musician, And Clown
#69
David Gilmour - English Guitarist, Singer And Songwriter Best Known As A Longtime Member Of The Progressive Rock Band Pink Floyd
#88
Adolf Hitler - German Politician Who Was The Leader Of The Nazi Party, Chancellor Of Germany And Dictator Of Nazi Germany
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What do you think ?
Ben Smith 7 years ago
John Hancock's signature is not famous because of its "flourish." It's famous because of its size. He wrote it that big so the king of England could see it "without using his spectacles." All the signers would have been hanged for treason if America had lost the revolution. Hancock was showing his bravery in his signature. Learn your history Bored Panda.
Sofie Tapia 7 years ago
Thank you for your comment we have updated our post.
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Ben Smith 7 years ago
John Hancock's signature is not famous because of its "flourish." It's famous because of its size. He wrote it that big so the king of England could see it "without using his spectacles." All the signers would have been hanged for treason if America had lost the revolution. Hancock was showing his bravery in his signature. Learn your history Bored Panda.
Sofie Tapia 7 years ago
Thank you for your comment we have updated our post.
Load More Replies...
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