People on Time Covers 1986

Filipino politician who served as the president of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992. She was the most prominent figure of the 1986 People Power Revolution.

American stock trader who became infamous for his prominent role in an insider trading scandal that occurred in the United States during the mid-1980s. He was charged and pled guilty to insider trading, was fined a record $100 million, and served three years in prison

American lawyer and educator, and the former president of Harvard University.

Airline executive and the founder CEO of PEOPLExpress Airlines

Scottish-American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, actor, writer, music theorist, visual artist, and filmmaker. He was a founding member, principal songwriter, lead singer, and guitarist of the Talking Heads.

American lawyer and politician who served as the governor of New York for three terms, from 1983 to 1994.

Member of President Ronald Reagan's White House staff serving as White House Deputy Chief of Staff under James Baker III and Donald Regan from January 1981 until May 1985.

Chinese revolutionary and politician who served as the paramount leader of the People's Republic of China (PRC) from December 1978 to November 1989. Man of the Year 1985.

Libyan revolutionary, politician and political theorist who ruled Libya from 1969 until his killing in 2011 by rebel forces.

American professional baseball pitcher who played 16 seasons in MLB. He pitched from 1984 to 1994 and from 1996 to 2000 for the New York Mets, New York Yankees, Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

Soviet and Russian politician who served as the last leader of the Soviet Union from 1985 to the country's dissolution in 1991. He served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 and additionally as head of state beginning in 1988.

American mafioso and boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City. Known as "The Dapper Don" for his expensive clothes and outspoken personality. He was later given the nickname "The Teflon Don".

Russian and American pianist. Considered one of the greatest pianists of all time. In 1986, he announced that he would return to the Soviet Union. These concerts were seen as events of political, as well as musical, significance.

American author of horror, supernatural fiction, suspense, crime, science-fiction, and fantasy novels. His debut, Carrie, was published in 1974, and was followed by The Shining, The Stand, Christine and It.

Filipino lawyer and politician who served as the Vice President of the Philippines from 1986 to 1992

American fashion designer, philanthropist, and billionaire businessman, known for the Polo brand.

Filipino politician, lawyer, dictator, and kleptocrat who served as president of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He ruled under martial law from 1972 until 1981 and kept most of his martial law powers until he was deposed in 1986.

National Security Council staff member during the Iran–Contra affair, a political scandal of the late 1980s. He was initially convicted on three felony charges, but the convictions were vacated and reversed and all charges against him dismissed in 1991.

Nicaraguan politician who has been President of Nicaragua since 2007. Previously he was leader of Nicaragua from 1979 to 1990, first as coordinator (1979–1985) of the Junta of National Reconstruction, and then as President of Nicaragua (1985–1990).

American professional football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears.

American football defensive tackle who played in the NFL for 10 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Bears. Nicknamed "the Refrigerator", he gained popularity during his rookie season as a member of the 1985 Bears team that won the franchise's first Super Bowl. During the season, he occasionally played fullback in goal line situations.

Iranian politician and writer who served as the fourth president of Iran from 1989 to 1997. He had an active role in the Iran Contra affair.

American politician and actor who served as the US president from 1981 to 1989. He is considered one of the most prominent conservative figures in American history.

American attorney and jurist who served on the U.S. Supreme Court for 33 years. He was an associate justice from 1972 to 1986 and the 16th chief justice from 1986 until his death in 2005.

American actress, writer, and translator. She became a teen idol following her appearances in filmmaker John Hughes' teen films Sixteen Candles (1984), The Breakfast Club (1985), and Pretty in Pink (1986)

American media mogul, religious broadcaster, political commentator, presidential candidate, and charismatic minister. He advocated a conservative Christian ideology and was known for his involvement in Republican Party politics.

American playwright, screenwriter and author. Known for The Last of the Red Hot Lovers, A Chorus Line, Brighton Beach Memoirs, and Biloxi Blues.

American businessman, investor and billionaire. He was the CEO of CBS television network from 1986 to 1995.

American actress. She rose to fame for starring in the film Alien (1979) and Aliens (1986), for which she received her first Academy Award nomination, and again in Alien 3 (1992) and Alien Resurrection (1997). She also starred in Avatar (2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)