Can you think of well known eccentrics you are fascinated by?

The scope of this question is well known eccentrics living or deceased whose life fascinated you in some way. See if you can pinpoint the fascination they hold for you.

For example, it has been said that thousands have been fascinated with the life of Glenn Gould the eccentric/genius pianist. Another is Howard Hughes. One element each of these shared was germ phobia instilled in them as children.