Andy Warhol (August 6, 1928 – February 22, 1987), born Andrew Warhola, an American painter, printmaker, and filmmaker who was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as Pop Art. At the height of a very  successful career as a commercial illustrator, Warhol (with his friend Billy Linich) embarked on a project to launch Warhol, on his own terms as a fine artist.  He went on to became famous worldwide for his work as a painter, filmmaker, record producer, author, and public figure known for his membership in wildly diverse social circles that included bohemian street people, distinguished intellectuals, Hollywood celebrities and wealthy patrons.
He coined the widely used expression "In the future everyone will be famous for 15 minutes", predicting the "Big Brother" version of celebrity. He later maintained that he said "In 15 minutes everyone will be famous".  The Andy Warhol Museum stands in his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 

He is often dismissed as being motivated by popular appeal, and commercial success, yet his impact on High and Pop Culture is phenomonal, his vision has informed art, fashion, video games, T.V., magazines.