Notable Bodyguards Throughout History

Bodyguards are meant to be seen and not heard. Quietly keeping a watchful eye for threats toward their clients, it is not often that you are aware of them. However, many bodyguards have managed to make a name for themselves through one way or another. Some become notable because they are associated with a large variety of public figures. Others are simply good what they do and word spreads about their talents as a bodyguard. Even still, others are only providing public protection as a stepping stone on their way to the top themselves.

Sempronius Densus was a soldier in the Roman Army and was part of the Praetorian Guard in the first century. The Praetorian Guard was an elite team of bodyguards utilized by Roman Emperors, similar to today's Secret Service for the President. Sempronius Densus was the bodyguard for the deputy emperor and singlehandedly defended his charge from assassins. While his fellow bodyguards changed sides and became assassins or deserted their posts altogether, Sempronius Densus gave is life in the deputy emperor's defense.

After being assigned by Galba to protect and escort Piso, Sempronius Densus and his charge were descended upon by the assassins. Showing no fear, the Roman bodyguard rushed toward them, dagger in hand. He drew the attention of the assassins away from Piso with loud noises and gestures. Piso was able to escape death, but Sempronius Densus was not so lucky. This bodyguard's courage and valor made a place for him in history books and gave future bodyguards an image to live up to.

Detective Inspector Walter H. Thompson was the bodyguard of Winston Churchill from 1921-45. Churchill paid Thompson five pounds per week and Thompson, in exchange, saved Churchill's life on as many as twenty occasions. Churchill's bodyguard suffered a nervous breakdown that removed him from his post for two weeks. In addition to his health, Thompson's devotion as Churchill's bodyguard cost him his marriage in 1929.

After Thompson's death in 1979, his niece discovered the manuscript of his memoirs at Churchill's bodyguard. When Thompson had originally attempted to publish it, he was threatened with the loss of his pension by the Police Commissioner. Thompson was about to retire from the Metro Police Department when he was told that publishing the memoirs of his bodyguard experiences would have been inappropriate. Thompson still has a seat in history as the bodyguard personally requested by Winston Churchill himself.

Manuel de Godoy y Alvarez de Farie served as the Prime Minister of Spain from 1792-1797 and again from 1801-08. However, in his younger years he served in the royal bodyguard. After serving as the bodyguard to the Queen of Spain, he was promoted to General. He was later named Minister and finally, Prince by Napoleon. His career as a royal bodyguard beginning at age 17, Farie had a long career involving many brushes with Spanish royalty and quite a bit of scandal.

Laurence Tureaud was born to a family of already twelve children and grew up as the youngest of thirteen in Chicago, IL. Turead, before beginning his television and film career as Mr. T, was the bodyguard to some of Hollywood's elite. At a charge of about three thousand dollars per day, Mr. T served as bodyguard to Muhammad Ali, Steve McQueen, Diana Ross, Bruce Lee and Michael Jackson. He even had a business card advertising his bodyguard services which read "Next to God, there is no greater protector than I." In 1982, Mr. T was putting his bodyguard talents to use at the "World's Toughest Bouncer" contest when Sylvester Stalone spotted him. Stalone thought T would be perfect for a role in Rocky III, and a star was born.

Many bodyguards have become notable through feats of bravery, showcasing their talents and being in the right place at the right time. Some are simply famous for protecting famous people. Others earn it by literally putting their lives on the line to protect the clients they work for. It is interesting to see how a supposedly behind-the-scenes position can turn into a role in the spotlight.