Fidel Castro

Born: 13 August 1927 Birthplace: Oreinte Province, Cuba Best Known As: Marxist revolutionary and leader of Cuba Fidel Castro was educated in Catholic schools and studied law at the University of Havana. In 1953 he was involved in an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Cuban leader Fulgencio Batista. Imprisoned, then exiled to Mexico, Castro returned to Cuba in 1956 to again lead a revolution. He joined forces with revolutionary Ernest "Che" Guevara and overthrew Batista in 1959. Since then he has been the leader of Cuba, overcoming U.S. opposition (including invasion and assassination attempts) largely through the support of the now-defunct Soviet Union.