Che Guevara

Full Name: Ernesto Rafael Guevara de la Serna
Profession: Argentine Revolutionary

Nationality:

Biography: Argentine born revolutionary who became a prominent figure in the Cuban revolution and later a guerilla leader in South America. Lives on as a symbol of left-wing revolution, capsulated in the 1960 photo of his by Alberto Korda that have been called the most reproduced photographic image ever.

Guevara's extensive travels through South America as a medical student opened his eyes to the plight of the continent's poor. He later became a Marxist before meeting Cuban exiles Fidel Castro and his brother Raúl Castro in Mexico. Guevara joined their mission to overthrow the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista and became a close confidante. After two years of fighting they succeeded and Guevara became a Cuban citizen and a trusted member of the new government. He became President of the Bank of Cuba and was known for his anti-capitalist and anti-American views.

Disillusioned with Cuba's progress Guevara left the country in 1965, spending time in the Congo assisting Patrick Lumumba, before returning to Bolivia to lead a guerilla force. There he was captured and shot by local force aided by the C.I.A. In 1997 his remains were returned to Cuba on the 30th anniversary of his death.

Born: June 14, 1928
Birthplace: Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Dragon
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: October 9, 1967 (aged 39)
Cause of Death: Assassination