two also rans

Victor Borge, "the Clown Prince of Denmark," was a musical prodigy who grew rich and famous by incorporating stand up comedy into his musical performances. He toured Europe in the 1930s, and frequently made the Nazis the target of his humor.  This and the fact that his real last name was "Rosenbaum" encouraged Victor to light out for America when Germany overran Denmark in 1940. He quickly learned English and adapted his routines for an American audience; he grew more successful than ever, and became a naturalized citizen. He continued to perform energetically until he died at the age of 91.

I'd heard of Victor Borge, but only recently discovered that he was Danish. Had I known this at an earlier stage of this project, he would certainly have been a candidate. Now, however, he must suffice with honorable mention.

Another honorable mention, this one dearer to my heart, goes to Hrafnkel, of  Hrafnkel's Saga. Hrafnkel, a 10th century a duelist, was a devotee of Freyr until a crisis of faith led him to renounce the gods. He is one of several men in Norse legend, apparently, who made a point to do so, choosing instead to rely on his own strength and virtue. He has been called an early atheist, but I'm not sure that's quite true. He may have believed in the gods without regarding them as worthy of worship.