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This article not only lists the top 15 famous ISTJs but also provides you with interesting facts about these famous people and their inspirational quotes.
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Definition of an ISTJ
ISTJ is the acronym used by the Myers-Briggs (MBTI) to describe an introverted person who prefers to use their sensing, thinking, and judging mental functions to receive information, make decisions, and interact with the outside world.
By nature, introverts tend to be quiet, serious, and contemplative people who like solitude or spending time with a small group of friends.
ISTJs are known for their practical nature, logical mind, hard-working attitude, consistency, reliability, and honesty, and they value loyalty in their relationships.
They place great emphasis on upholding established traditions, rules, and laws, which not only appeals to their ethical nature, but helps them to maintain the order they need to feel calm, cool, and collected.
Famous People and the ISTJ Personality
You may be surprised to learn that many famous people are introverts and have ISTJ characteristics, especially celebrities that work in the entertainment industry.
We see ISTJ famous people smiling at the camera or celebrities chatting with fans on the red carpet or answering questions from the media after a film premiere or sporting victory.
However, while these famous ISTJ people look like they are enjoying the spotlight, they are quiet-natured people who highly value their solitude and need to withdraw from their busy work schedules to rest and recharge.
For ISTJ actors and singers, the sensing preference helps them to remember lines from a script and song lyrics.
The thinking and judging preferences help famous politicians, business people, and other professionals to make important career-related decisions and maintain order and stability in their sometimes chaotic industries.
Famous ISTJs
ISTJ famous people
Queen Elizabeth II
The longest-reigning monarch in British history, Queen Elizabeth II has served the British people since 1952, and she is the ruler of around 130 million subjects across five continents.
ISTJ characteristics
Queen Elizabeth II is identified as an ISTJ because of her staunch belief in family, tradition, and duty.
She is an intensely private person who displays quiet dignity even in the face of adversity, is conscientious and extremely dedicated to performing her royal duties, and is not one to easily share her opinions.
To maintain her hefty public engagement workload and to keep herself healthy, the queen is well organized and likes to follow established rules and routines to keep and she needs time alone to rest and recharge
Even though the queen is reserved, she likes to receive guests, and host parties, but she also likes to spend time alone to rest and recharge.
Although the royal family has faced many controversies, Queen Elizabeth II has maintained her integrity and is well-liked, and continues to win the public’s approval more than other political figures.
Quotes
“I have in sincerity pledged myself to your service, as so many of you are pledged to mine. Throughout all my life and with all my heart I shall strive to be worthy of your trust.”
“It’s all to do with the training: you can do a lot if you’re properly trained.”
Angela Merkel
Angela Merkel is a German politician who served as Chancellor of Germany from 2005 to 2021. She is the second longest-serving chancellor in German history and is the first woman to hold that office and the youngest at 51.
In 2020, Forbes magazine awarded Angela Merkel with the title No.1 most powerful woman, a spot she has maintained for 10 years.
ISTJ characteristics
Angela Merkel has faced many challenges throughout her political career, and her ISTJ characteristics have helped her to stay calm during political storms and preserve with challenging tasks.
She is hard-working, analytical, driven, displays a practical approach to problems, and has a strong set of values. Although she comes across as reserved and serious, she is warm-hearted and dedicated to serving the public. Her ability to intelligently respond to criticism and opposition has won her strong approval from the public during her time in office
The Daily Mail describes Merkel as a person who ‘is always better informed than anyone else.’ Time Magazine said ‘She has won [praise] not by [friendliness] but by a quiet, no-frills stress on competence.’
Quotes
‘‘In quiet there is power,”
‘‘For me, it is always important that I go through all the possible options for a decision.”
“I am courageous at the decisive moment. But I need a good deal of start-up time, and I try to take as much as possible into consideration beforehand”.
Richard Nixon
Richard Nixon was the 37th President of the United States. He was the only president to have served in World War II and became a four-star general in the United States Army.
He served as president from 1969 until 1974, until he resigned from office due to the Watergate Scandal, the only president to resign from office.
Richard Nixon has been featured on the cover of TIME magazine 55 times.
He negotiated the first-ever nuclear arms control treaty with the Soviet Union.
ISTJ characteristics
Nixon has been described as a loner, ‘the most introverted man who was an astonishing success in an extrovert’s business. He was ‘a complex, brooding, vengeful man [who was] notoriously ill-at-ease in social situations’, but he was also ‘practical, cool and steady, always well prepared’, and a hard worker. (Thomas, The Atlantic, 2015).
While ISTJs usually have an ethical nature, Nixon’s involvement in the Watergate Scandal put his integrity into question. Despite this controversy, President Nixon retained the loyalty and admiration of nearly everyone who worked for him.
Quotes
“I never say something I cannot do. And I always will do more than I can say.”
“The man of thought who does not act is ineffective; the man of action who will not think is dangerous.”
“We cannot learn from one another until we stop shouting at one another – until we speak quietly enough so that our words can be heard as well as our voices.”
George H. W. Bush
George H. W. Bush served as the 41st president of the United States from 1989 to 1993.
His many accomplishments include deftly managing the collapse of the Soviet Union, the reunification of Germany, and the Gulf War was a victory not just for the people of Kuwait but gained him an approval rating of 91% from the American people.
ISTJ characteristics
George H. W. Bush believed in hard work and dedication to his position. He was described as a practical, rational, steadfast, well-manned, and thoughtful leader, even when the media wrote stories about him that he didn’t like. He treated everyone with the same dignity and respect regardless of their position in life.
He was well named Gentleman George and an American Great and was respected as a highly-skilled politician.
A true ISTJ, George H. W. Bush, took a logical and straightforward approach to his career and could retain large amounts of information.
As an introvert George H. W. Bush was very independent and comfortable spending time alone.
Loyal in his relationships, he was married to his wife Barbara Bush for over 50 years.
Quotes
At the Americans with Disabilities Act rally, George was quoted as saying:
“We must not and will not rest until every man and woman with a dream has the means to achieve it.”
“Be bold in your caring, be bold in your dreaming and above all else, always do your best.”
Speaking of his mission to keep America moving forward, George said:
“That is my mission, and I will complete it.”
Jeff Bezos
Jeff Bezos is an American entrepreneur and founder of Amazon, and he was the chief executive officer of Amazon until he stepped down in 2021.
He owns The Washington Post and the Blue Origin aerospace company that develops rockets for commercial use.
Bezos was awarded Person of the Year in 1999 by Time magazine.
He is one of the wealthiest people in the world, with a net worth of more than $200 billion as of June 2021. He ranks 21 on the Forbes list of billionaires.
ISTJ characteristics
Jeff Bezos displays many of the ISTJ characteristics which have helped him to maintain his amazing business success.
He is a highly competitive, goal-orientated man and his relentless perseverance and determination never let him down. He is a realist and weighs up all the facts and risks before formulating a plan and he has a knack for coming up with innovative business ideas.
Many of his colleagues have described him as a man who has a ‘superhuman ability to focus on disparate issues and get to the bottom of complex problems.’
Jeff Bezos is not known for his empathy, and he expects others to go beyond their limits just like he does, but he is very generous and will donate large amounts of money to causes he believes in.
Quotes
“If we can keep our competitors focused on us while we stay focused on the customer, ultimately we’ll turn out all right.”
“A brand for a company is like a reputation for a person. You earn reputation by trying to do hard things well.”
“Work Hard, have fun, make history.”
Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett is an American businessman, investor, philanthropist, and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway.
He has bought out companies such as GEICO, Dairy Queen, and Fruit of the Loom, and has made significant investments in companies such as The Coca-Cola Company, American Express, Wells Fargo, and IBM.
Warren Buffet currently has a net worth of $116.7 billion as of March 2022 which makes him the world’s 6th wealthiest person, and he has been a successful investor for seven decades.
ISTJ characteristics
While Warren Buffet is gregarious and displays an easy, folksy manner in the spotlight, he is quiet and reserved and prefers spending time with just a few close friends.
In a recent Bloomberg TV documentary, Buffet described himself as having an ‘intellect for business, but not the persona.’ He also signed up for How to Win Friends and Influence People Seminars to help give him the confidence and skill to make his investing dreams come true.
Warren Buffett has an objective and logical manner, and he does not allow feelings to interfere with his business dealings. He is focused on his goals and aims to be the best at what he is doing even on those days when he was faced with financial disaster.
He has always adhered to traditional methods for building his business and uses a systematic approach to acquiring and maintaining his investments.
Warren Buffet has an amazing capacity to remember large amounts of investment data, specific dates from his past, and important socio-political events, remarkable skills that have kept him at the top of his profession.
One of his unusual traits which is not usually synonymous with the ISTJ personality is his willingness to admit when he is wrong. This humility has helped him stay afloat in a rapidly changing world.
Quotes
“Once we find a formula that brings us success, will stick with it through thick and thin, even when the formula stops working. It takes wisdom, humility, and a great deal of smarts to abandon a rule that’s served us well in the past. ”
“An investor [can] obtain superior profits…only by carefully evaluating facts and continually exercising discipline.”
Natalie Portman
Natalie Portman is an Israeli-born American Academy Award-winning actress, director, and producer. Her acting credits include the Star Wars Reboot franchise, The Other Boleyn Girl, Black Swan, No Strings Attached, Thor, and Thor: The Dark World.
Natalie was the youngest member of the 61st Annual Cannes Film Festival jury in 2000. Natalie is not only known for her beauty but also for her brain as she has a high IQ score of 140, and has received a psychology degree from Harvard University.
She is a passionate animal and environmental advocate. She is a vegan and does not wear fur, leather, or feathers.
Natalie Portman also speaks boldly on women’s rights, and the acting industry, and is an Ambassador of Hope for FINCA International, an organization that promotes micro-lending among women.
ISTJ characteristics
Natalie Portman is an ISTJ personality because she is very intellectual, logical, and honest, and believes in upholding religious tradition and maintaining her integrity.
She has described herself as being someone who likes to be ‘allowed to fit in quietly…’ and she values loyalty in relationships.
Natalie is viewed by others as being a poised and proper Hollywood actress, a hard-working woman who has a very solid, generous nature.’ (Nichols, Marie Clare, 2011).
As a determined young woman, she can rise above challenges that she has encountered during her film career.
While she was filming Black Swan, she twisted a rib, which took her six weeks to recover, and she did most of her dancing in the film.
Quotes
“Committing yourself to one person is sacred.”
“I also feel I’m a positive role model by not putting my education on hold.”
“Awards are so unnecessary because I think we get so much out of our work just by doing it. The work is a reward in itself.”
“When you know that you can overcome challenges, you do gain that self-respect, and then you won’t end up in a situation that you regret later on.”
Matt Damon
Matt Damon is an American actor, producer, and screenwriter. He first came into prominence when he and Ben Affleck wrote the Good Will Hunting script and starred in the film. The film won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay and put Damon and Affleck center-stage in Hollywood.
Some of Matt Damon’s popular films include The Talented Mr. Ripley, Ocean’s Eleven, The Bourne Franchise, Invictus, Elysium, and The Martian.
Matt Damon is also known for his humanitarian work and supports the ONE Campaign, which fights AIDS and poverty in third world countries.
He is listed as one of the Top-40 highest-grossing actors of all time and has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
ISTJ characteristics
Like the undiscovered maths prodigy in Good Will Hunting, Matt Damon possesses a high IQ of 160. Although he dropped out of Harvard University to pursue acting, his intelligence has made him one of the more enduring young Hollywood actors.
He is a top-billing actor for very good reasons. He is known as Hollywood’s hardest working man in the industry, has a strong work ethic, and is extremely dedicated to his craft.
The Bourne Identity’s director, Doug Liman said of Damon, ‘Matt cares about the movie he’s doing. His level of commitment is extraordinary.’
In person, Matt Damon is described as friendly and thoughtful, but he does have a bad temper when thinks a script is not well-written.
Even though Damon has been linked with many women, he is extremely loyal in his friendships. He has been married to Luciana Barroso for 17 years. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck have been friends since they were kids in the early 1980s and they still have a close friendship.
Quotes
“I appreciate people who take [their work] very seriously and who [exhibit] discipline and commitment.”
“It’s just better to be yourself than to try to be some version of what you think the other person wants.”
“I found myself getting more publicly shy when the gala events and big crowds started. Some people embrace it. To me, it’s not worth enough to risk my private life being public.”
Sean Connery
Sean Connery was a Scottish actor and producer, best known for his iconic role as James Bond in seven films from 1962 to 1983.
He was listed as one of the top five actors in the world, and some of his other highly acclaimed films include The Untouchables, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, The Hunt for Red October, and The Rock.
He was knighted in the year 2000 and has received an Academy Award, 3 Golden Globes, and 2 BAFTA Awards.
ISTJ characteristics
Sean Connery’s striking good looks, charm, confidence, and mesmerizing on-screen presence captivated audiences everywhere, but in real life, he was an introverted personality and a quiet, reserved man who found it hard to cope with superstardom.
He was a no-nonsense hard-working, disciplined, and dependable actor who carefully read every script and prepared meticulously for his roles.
He was kind, thoughtful, and stayed true to his ISTJ nature, he always exceeded his colleagues’ expectations. In a tribute to Sean Connery, Michael Bay, the director of The Rock described Connery as a man who ‘loved excellence and doing the best he could. His work ethic was bar none, the best I’ve ever experienced.’
Quotes
“There’s nothing like a challenge to bring out the best in man.”
“My view is that to get anywhere in life you have to be anti-social, otherwise you’ll end up being devoured. I’ve never been particularly social, anyway, but if I’ve ever been rude, fifty per cent of it has usually been provoked by other people’s attitudes. Though I do admit, like most Celts, I’m moody. It’s fine until people try to cheer you up with gems like, ‘snap out of it’ or ‘Come on, now’.”
This iconic quote from James Bond sums up Sean Connery’s unflappable ISTJ personality.
“A martini. Shaken, not stirred.”
Robert De Niro
Robert De Niro is an American actor and producer. With one of the longest distinguished careers in acting, Robert De Niro has appeared in over 100 films.
Some of his films include The Godfather Part II, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, Awakenings, Cape Fear, Little Fockers, Silver Linings Playbook, and The Irishman.
He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2016.
ISTJ characteristics
Displaying an unwavering dedication to his acting career, Robert De Niro is a quintessential method actor and the perfect example of an ISTJ. He has an incredible work ethic, which has resulted in the most compelling characters on the silver screen.
De Niro’s unconventional approach to method acting includes digging deep into a character and personalizing the character. He has even gained 60 pounds for his role in Raging Bull and underwent a traumatic transformation by having a dentist file down his teeth to portray the vengeful criminal Max Cady in Cape Fear.
In person, he is a shy, intensely private, sensitive man, and somewhat of a recluse.
Charles Maryan, who directed him at the American Place Theatre in Billy Bailey and The Great American Refrigerator in 1972 was quoted as saying in a Vanity Fair article that De Niro ‘is simply not show business…People who don’t know him think he’s somewhere else, but he is very much there—soaking up new characters, new situations. He is always watching, observing.’
Quotes
“You’ll have time to rest when you’re dead.”
“Movies are hard to make, and you have to work toward a common ethic and do your best.”
“If you’re an actor, always be true to your character. If you are not an actor, have character and always be true to yourself.”
Anthony Hopkins
Anthony Hopkins is a Welsh film, TV, and stage Oscar-winning actor, as well as a composer and painter.
Out of all his many legendary performances, his terrifying performance as Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs was the most memorable and earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor.
He starred in over 80 films such as The Elephant Man, The Remains of the Day, Meet Joe Black, Fracture, Red 2, and Noah.
Anthony Hopkins was awarded the CBE (Commander of Order of the British Empire) in 1987 for his services to drama and was knighted in 1993 for his service to the arts.
Hopkins is a piano virtuoso, and he wrote a waltz when he was 19 years old called ‘And the Waltz Goes’, and made an album called Composer which contains his original music.
ISTJ characteristics
As an ISTJ, Anthony Hopkins possesses an outstanding memory. He is an extremely dedicated actor and has a strict methodical approach to his craft.
He has been known to read his lines over 300 times to prepare for his roles and takes note of how many times he has read each line, as well as highlighting different parts of the script.
A true introvert, Anthony Hopkins describes himself as a loner and a solitary person. In an interview with Miranda Sawyer from The Guardian, he said that he never felt like he belonged anywhere, which could be due to his working-class background in Wales.
In interviews, he is friendly and chatty, but away from the spotlight, he lives a quiet life.
Quotes
“I am a bit of a solitude person – a solitary personality. I like being on my own. I don’t have any major friendships or relationships with people.”
“What I do is just go over my lines and learn the script so well that I can just be easy and relaxed. That’s the way I always work.”
Evander Holyfield
Evander Holyfield is a professional boxer. He was an undisputed World Champion for both the cruiserweight and heavyweight stages of the tournament. He was the first boxer ever to win World Heavyweight Championship four times.
He started boxing at the age of 7 and used to fight on the streets
His nickname is “The Real Deal” and is called one of the greatest fighters since Sugar Ray Leonard.
ISTJ characteristics
Although Evander is known as a quiet, reserved man outside of the boxing ring, in the ring, he fights like a tiger. His hard-working attitude and determination have been an inspiration to younger fighters to never quit even when faced with obstacles.
Holyfield said of the first Tyson fight, in November 1996. ‘With me, I just realized I wasn’t going to get beat by a reputation. My mom said, ‘To be a champion, you have to beat the champion. Don’t let a reputation beat you.’
In his rematch with Mike Tyson in 1997, Holyfield continued fighting even though part of his ear was bitten off and he went on to win that fight.
Quotes
“People who make the choice to study, work hard or do whatever they endeavor is to give it the max on themselves to reach to the top level. And you have the people who get envy and jealous, yet are not willing to put that work in, and they want to get the same praise.”
“If you quit every time things don’t go your way, then you’ll be quitting all through your life.”
Jack Nicklaus US. Golfer
Jack Nicklaus is nicknamed the “Golden Bear’ and called the “Great Man”, and he is considered to be the greatest golfer of all time.
He won 18 major championships, secured 19 major runner-up places and 9 third-place finishes in 25 years, and competed in major championships such as the Masters Tournament, U.S. Open, Open Championship, and the PGA Championship.
Nicklaus was named the world’s top amateur golfer by Golf Digest magazine.
He also makes golfing instructional videos, writes books, and his book Golf My Way is considered one of the best instructional golf books of all time.
ISTJ characteristics
Jack Nicklaus is very dedicated, hard-working, believes in doing his very best for his sport, and seeks to inspire younger golfers to emulate that same dedication.
He is known for his integrity, dignity, sportsmanship, honesty, and goal-accomplished mentality. He had a remarkable ability to focus on one thing until it is done right.
As an ISTJ, Jack Nicklaus prefers to follow established golfing traditions and has a systematic approach to golf, both of which are the pivotal keys to his success.
Jack believed that the secret to a winning swing was following the laws of proper setup.
He is extremely loyal and has been married to his wife Barbara Bash for over 60 years.
Quotes
“Resolve never to quit, never to give up, no matter what the situation.”
“Confidence is the most important single factor in this game, and no matter how great your natural talent, there is only one way to obtain and sustain it: work.”
“Pursue what you love, what you are passionate about. Don’t let somebody else dictate your life’s path.”
Sting
Sting is an English musician and actor. He was the principal songwriter, lead singer, and bassist for the new wave rock band the Police from 1977 to 1984, and he launched a solo career in 1985.
He is one of the world’s best-selling music artists, and combined with the Police, has sold over 100 million records. He is the recipient of 16 Grammy Awards, 3 Brit Awards, a Golden Globe, and an Emmy.
Sting received a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace for music services.
He was awarded the Polar Music Prize in 2017, and in 2019, he received a BMI award for “Every Breath You Take” which has become the most-played song in radio history.
ISTJ characteristics
Throughout his career, Sting has displayed his ISTJ characteristics. Sting has extraordinary drive and determination, and his stubbornness does not let anything or anyone stand in his way once he is committed to his goal.
He is described as a perfectionist who has great attention to detail, which has given Sting his staying power in his 40+ year musical career.
Although he is a dynamic performer and a striking-looking man, he is very much an introvert.
At the age of 7, he said he was “detached, lonely, and driven’, and his personality has not changed much since then.
Quotes
“I write the music, produce it and the band plays within the parameters that I set.”
“I am an introvert who’s an extrovert on stage.”
Sigmund Freud
Sigmund Freud was an Austrian neurologist and is referred to as the “father of psychoanalysis”. He is considered one of the most influential and controversial thinkers of the 20th century due to his extensive study of the human psyche.
He is best known for the psychoanalytical method of treating patients through dialog between a patient and therapist.
His wide body of work includes the Three Levels of Mind theory, the theory of the ego, dream analysis, and the Oedipus complex.
Freud’s interest in psychoanalysis was drawn from his psychosomatic disorders when he was in his 40s. He used self-analysis, and childhood memories, and explored his dreams to understand his psychology, which formed the basis for his literary work, The Interpretation of Dreams.
During his lifetime, Freud was a prolific writer and has penned more than 320 literary works, including 22 books, and he was nominated for a Nobel Prize 13 times.
His neurological work included research into cerebral palsy, and he published several papers on this topic.
ISTJ characteristics
Freud was a classic ISTJ. He was a rational, logical, thinker.
Before making decisions or proposing a theory, he carefully considered and analyzed large amounts of data. He followed a strict methodical approach to psychoanalysis and evaluated his subject’s personal experience to determine a proper diagnosis.
Fiercely independent and determined, Freud believed his way was the right way of doing things and did not tolerate other colleagues who disagreed with him or refused to accept his theories.
Freud was a private, solitary man, who struggled with his own emotions, but he was loyal to his family and preferred to spend time with a small group of friends.
Quotes
“Being entirely honest with oneself is a good exercise.”
“Love and work are the cornerstones of our humanness.”
“The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing.”
Conclusion
Famous people work in the most high-profile of professions, but due to their unique characteristics, ISTJ famous people are better equipped to meet the daily pressures and workloads that define their careers.
Diana Jane Heath
Based in Sydney, Diana has worked as a freelance writer for over 5 years. She is passionate about writing and helping people reach their full potential and to live a more successful life.
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