Famous Figures With Forgotten Siblings Who Pulled Strings Behind The Scenes

If you think your sibling rivalries can get fierce, imagine how complicated being the brother or sister of a historical icon must be. A few great men and women from the past had siblings who went toe-to-toe with them, and in some cases, these family members were incredibly supportive and vital to their success. In others, these pairs stopped at nothing to destroy each other.

1. John Wilkes and Edwin Booth

You might've heard that John Wilkes Booth was an actor, but before slaying Lincoln, he was far from the most notable member of his family. His older brother Edwin was one of the most famous stage performers in the United States, with many critics calling him the greatest Hamlet of his generation. He, too, had a momentous experience with the Lincoln family.

Saving Lincoln

Just months before Abraham Lincoln's 1865 assassination, both Edwin Booth and the President's son, Robert, happened to be at a New Jersey train station. Pushed and shoved on the crowded platform, Robert actually fell onto the tracks. Edwin pulled him back up just in time, saving young Lincoln's life in an ironic twist.

2. Wolfgang Amadeus and Maria Anna Mozart

We all know that Amadeus was a child prodigy, but his elder sister was just as talented, if not more so. In the siblings' sold-out concerts, Maria Anna often received top billing. Her father said that "although she is only 12 years old, is one of the most skillful players in Europe." If that's the case, why isn't she a household name?

The Music Stops

While few could rival Maria Anna's talents on the harpsichord, in the 18th century it simply wasn't proper for a grown woman to enjoy a professional music career. Her parents sidelined her so she could focus on starting a family. Maria Anna reportedly penned some compositions as an adult, though none remain in existence.