100 Famous People from Texas You’ll Never Forget

With its sprawling size, rugged terrain, and bigger-than-life pride, Texas is home to some of the most famous musicians, actors, artists, politicians, entrepreneurs, and athletes in the world. Since we claim so many famous Texans we’ve broken them down into several lists as well as an overall top 25 Texans who have called our state “home.”


Top 25 Most Famous Texans

This is our list of the top 25 most famous people born in Texas or who called it home during a significant portion of their life. Let us know in the comments below if we missed any!

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong, born September 18, 1971, in Richardson, Texas, became famous as the most successful cyclist of this era, winning the Tour de France seven times. Unfortunately, he was stripped of his titles after a doping scandal. He also founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation after he was diagnosed and recovered from cancer. 

Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker

From the famous Bonnie and Clyde duo, Clyde Chestnut Barrow was born March 24, 1909, in Ellis County, Texas. He was known locally for looting rural shops and gas stations. He eventually joined up with Bonnie Parker, a Dallas, Texas native to start a multi-state crime spree killing nine officers and 4 civilians from 1932 to 1934, making them two of America’s most notorious criminals.

Clint Black

Clint Black is a famous country singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. He has been nominated for 10 Grammy Awards with one win and more than 30 singles on the US Billboards country charts. Clint was born on February 4, 1962, in Long Branch, New Jersey but raised in Katy Texas.

Carol Burnett

Born April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, Carol Creighton Burnett is best known for her Carol Burnett Show, an extremely popular comedy program in the ’70s and one of the first of its kind to be hosted by a woman. Burnett has appeared in many television and film projects including Annie and Horton Hears a Who! In 2019, the Golden Globes named an award after her for career achievement in television and she received its first award.

George H.W. Bush 

George H.W Bush was actually born and raised in Massachusetts but soon after graduating from Yale he moved to West Texas where he established a successful oil company. He won the election to the 7th congressional district of Texas in 1966 and continued to build a successful political career until he won the election to serve as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. President Bush died in Hoston, Texas on November 30, 2018 at the age of 94.

George W. Bush

George Walker Bush, son of former president George H. W. Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in Midland and Houston, Texas. He was elected the 46th governor of Texas and served from 1995 to 2000. 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. President Bush currently resides in Dallas, Texas.

Joe Green

Charles Edward “Mean Joe” Greene was born in Temple Texas on September 24, 1946. He received the consensus All-America honors as a senior for the North Texas Mean Green football team. Later, he went on to become the defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Today, Mean Joe Green is probably best remembered for this famous 1980 Coke commercial.

Mark Cuban

A billionaire and an entrepreneur, Mark Cuban is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. He is also a TV personality and investor in dozens of startups from his Shark Tank involvement. Mark ranked No. 177 on the 2020 Forbes 400 list and is worth an estimated $4.7 billion. He currently lives with his family in Dallas, TX.

Michael Dell

Born in Houston Texas on February 23, 1965, Michael Dell started upgrading computers from his dorm room at the University of Texas in Austin. He left college after his freshman year to focus on Dell Computer and eventually grew it into a multi-billion-dollar technology firm. Michael Dell lives in Austin with his family.

Dwight Eisenhower

David Dwight Eisenhower was born October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas, and became was the 34th President of the United States on January 20, 1953. He was a soldier during the Second World War and a five-star general of the US Army, serving as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe. 

Chip and Joanna Gaines Gaines

Chip and Joanna were both raised in Texas and graduated from Baylor University. They were married and launched Magnolia in 2003. They became famous for their starring role in the popular HGTV show, Fixer Upper, a series about home design and renovation. They have since launched their own TV network, home decor brand, magazine, and popular tourist shops in Waco under the Magnolia brand.

Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes is well known as one of the most successful and eccentric billionaires of his time. He was an entrepreneur, investor, record-setting pilot, engineer, filmmaker, and philanthropist. His colorful life inspired biographies and movies alike. Howard Hughes Jr. was born December 24, 1905, in Houston, TX and he died of kidney failure on a flight from Mexico to Houston, TX in 1976.

Lyndon B. Johnson

Lyndon Baines Johnson, known commonly as LBJ, was born August 27, 1908 in Stonewall, Texas and served as a teacher and a congressional aide before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1937. LBJ rose through the political ranks and earned the Vice-President role to John Kennedy. On November 22, 1963, he took office after the assassination of JFK to become the 36th President of the United States. LBJ died on January 22, 1973, at the age of just 65 in Stonewall, Texas.

Jerry Jones

An American billionaire and businessman, Jerry Jones launched a successful oil and gas exploration business, Jones Oil and Land Lease the 1960s. On February 25, 1989, Jones purchased the famous Dallas Cowboys. His big personality and controversial management style have kept him in the headlines for several decades.

Barbara Mandrell

Born in Houston, Texas on Christmas Day, December 25, 1948, Barbara Mandell had a range of hits in the 1970s and 80s as well as a TV show that quickly catapulted her to fame. She retired from music in 1997 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009. 

Matthew McConaughey

Born In Uvalde Texas on November 4, 1969, Matthew McConaughey became famous for his role in romantic comedies such as The Wedding Planner, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Failure to Launch. He has a long list of awards and nominations too long to list here. Matthew continues to live in Austin with his wife and 3 children.

Willie Nelson

Willie Hugh Nelson, born in Abbott, Texas on April 29, 1933, is one of the most famous country music artists in history. He is one of the pioneers of outlaw country and rose to fame with the album Shotgun Willie in 1973 and later, Stardust in 1975. Willie has acted in a number of films, written several books, and is currently active in the legalization of marijuana and the promotion of biofuels.

Sandra Day O’Connor

Sandra Day O’Connor was born March 26, 1930, in El Paso, Texas, and became the first woman Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the US. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.  Sandra retired on January 31, 2006.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal grew up in San Antonio, Texas where he began playing basketball at Robert G. Cole High School, leading the team to win the state championship. O’Neal, at 7-foot-1-inch and 325-pounds is known as one of the greatest basketball centers of all time, playing for six teams and earning four NBA championships over his 19-year career in the National Basketball Association. Shaquille now lives in Dallas, TX.

Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith first rose to fame when she received the 1993 Playmate of the Year award from Playboy magazine. She was one of the highest-paid models of her time and experienced additional as an actress and television personality.  Anna Nicole passed away on February 8, 2007, at the age of 39.

George Strait

Born May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, George Strait rose to success when his first single “Unwound” was a hit in 1981. He now holds the record for most number-one albums and singles, gold albums, platinum albums, and multiplatinum albums in the history of country music, clearly securing his legacy as the “King of Country Music.”

Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan, born in Refugio, Texas on January 31, 1947, is widely considered to be one of the best major league baseball pitchers of all time. He is the all-time leader in no-hitters with seven over his 27 years career playing for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. After retirement, he served as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Texas Rangers and an executive advisor to the Houston Astros. Nolan Ryan was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999 and currently lives in Georgetown Texas.

Barry White

Barry Eugene Carter was born in Galveston, Texas on September 12, 1944. Under his stage name, Berry White, he recorded 20 studio albums and took home two Grammys.  Known for his low bass-bariton voice and romantic style, Barry sold over 100 million records worldwide with 20 gold and 10 platinum singles.  He died at 58 on July 4, 2003, in Los Angeles after suffering cardiac arrest.

Who is the most famous person from Texas?

We’d say that George Walker Bush (born 1946) is currently the most famous person from Texas. Also known as “W”, George served as the 43rd President of the United States from 2001-2009. He was the son of George H.W. Bush, the 41st president. George currently resides in Dallas, Texas.

The 25 Most Famous Musicians from Texas

Considering Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World, Texas is home to a number of talented musicians and singers. Below is our list of the 25 most famous musical artists who born or raised in Texas.

Beyoncé

Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter was born on September 4, 1981, in Houston, Texas. Beyoncé, one of the world’s best-selling recording artists became famous initially as the lead singer of Destiny’s Child. She has received 28 Grammy Awards, 26 MTV Video Music Awards, 24 NAACP Image Awards, 31 BET Awards, and 17 Soul Train Music Awards.

Clint Black

Clint Black is a famous country singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. He has been nominated for 10 Grammy Awards with one win and more than 30 singles on the US Billboards country charts. Clint was born on February 4, 1962, in Long Branch, New Jersey but raised in Katy Texas.

Jimmy Dean

Born August 10, 1928, in Seth Ward, Texas, Jimmy Dean was a famous country singer, television anchor, actor, and businessman. In his music career, he was best known for “Big Bad John”, which sold over a million copies and reached number one on the Billboard pop chart. He later created the Jimmy Dean sausage brand and frequently advertised it himself on TV.  Jimmy died June 13, 2010, in Varina, Virginia.

Billy Gibbons

Born December 16, 1949, in Houston Texas, William (Billy) Frederick Gibbons formed the popular Texas-based band, ZZ Top in 1969. Before ZZ-top, he opened 4 shows for Jimi Hendrix with his previous band, Moving Sidewalks. Billy has been a record producer and actor, having appeared in Bones most notably. 

Mickey Gilley

Mickey Leroy Gilley grew up in Houston Texas and became a famous country music singer in the 1970’s after he opened his first nightclub in Pasadena, Texas, called Gilley’s Club. The club and its mechanical bull were portrayed in the popular 1980 film, Urban Cowboy. In the 1980’s Mickey moved to a more mainstream pop sound and experienced success there as well. He died May 7, 2022, at the age of 86.

Pat Green

Patrick Craven Green was born April 5, 1972, in San Antonio Texas, and grew up in Waco. He started his music career at 18 while attending Texas Tech and playing small gigs at Lubbock bars. Has now seven albums to his credit and 15 singles on the Billboard Hot Country charts. He returned to independent music in 2011 and returned to Texas the same year. 

Don Henley

Donald Hugh Henley was born July 22, 1947) in Gilmer, Texas a small town northeast of Linden. Don was the founding member, drummer, and co-lead vocalist of the famous 70’s band, Eagles until they broke up in 1980. He then launched a successful solo career and the Eagles reunited 14 years later in 1994.

Buddy Holly

Charles Hardin Holley, known famously as Buddy Holly was born in Lubbock, Texas on September 7, 1936. Buddy is commonly known as a founding father of mid-1950s rock who defined the traditional rock-and-roll lineup of two guitars, bass, and drums. On February 3, 1959, 22-year-old Buddy Holly was one of the 3 famous musicians killed in a tragic plane crash along with Ritchie Valens and The Big Bopper.

Waylon Jennings

Waylon Jennings was a singer, songwriter, musician, and actor and known for creating the Outlaw Movement in country music. Interestingly, Jennings gave up his seat on the famous plane crash in 1959 that killed Holly, J. P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson and Ritchie Valens. Waylon was born June 15, 1937, in Littlefield, Texas, and died February 13, 2002, at 64. In 2001, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Janis Joplin

Janice Lyn Joplin was a blues, soul, and rock singer known for her mezzo-soprano vocal style. She started her journey with Big Brother and the Holding Company but later formed her band, the Kozmic Blues, and the Full Tilt Boogie Band.  Janie was born January 19, 1943, in Port Arthur, Texas, and died of a heroin overdose in 1970, at the age of 27. She was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Scott Joplin

Known as the “King of Ragtime” Scott Joplin wrote over 100 original ragtime pieces, one ragtime ballet, and two operas. His “Maple Leaf Rag”, became ragtime’s first and most influential hit. Scott Joplin was born November 24, 1868, in Texarkana, Texas, and died April 1, 1917, at the age of 48.

Meat Loaf

Known professionally as Meat Loaf, Michael Lee Aday was born September 27, 1947, in Dallas Texas. Meat Loaf is famous for his powerful voice and theatrical live shows. His Bat Out of Hell trilogy sold more than 65 million albums. Meat Loaf died on January 20, 2022, at the age of 74.

Lyle Lovett

Lyle Pearce Lovett is a successful country singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. To date, he has won four Grammy Awards for his country music and has 13 albums and 25 singles to his credit.  Lyle is best known for his top 10 charts hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, “Cowboy Man”. Lyle was born November 1, 1957, in Houston, Texas.

Post Malone

Austin Richard Post or Post Malone is a famous rapper known for blending hip hop, pop, R&B, and trap. Post moved to Grapevine Texas at nine years old when his father became the manager of concessions for the Dallas Cowboys. In high school, post worked at Chicken Express in Southlake and was voted “Most Likely to Become Famous” by his classmates.

Barbara Mandrell

Born in Houston, Texas on Christmas Day, December 25, 1948, Barbara Mandell had a range of hits in the 1970s and 80s as well as a TV show that quickly catapulted her to fame. She retired from music in 1997 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009. 

Nelly

Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. was born in Austin, Texas on November 2, 1974. Known by his stage name Nelly, launched his music career in 1993 and sold 8.4 million copies of his first solo album. He has received three Grammy Awards and nine Billboard Music Awards, launched several clothing lines, and starred in multiple movies.

Willie Nelson

Willie Hugh Nelson, born in Abbott, Texas on April 29, 1933, is one of the most famous country music artists in history. He is one of the pioneers of outlaw country and rose to fame with the album Shotgun Willie in 1973 and later, Stardust in 1975. Willie has acted in a number of films, written several books, and is currently active in the legalization of marijuana and the promotion of biofuels.

Roy Orbison

Born April 23, 1936, in Vernon Texas, Roy Kelton Orbison began singing rockabilly and country-and-western as a teenager. By the 1960s, 22 of Orbison’s singles reached the Billboard Top 40 and he became known as “The Caruso of Rock” or “The Big O.” Roy died December 6, 1988, at the age of 52.

Kenny Rogers

While best known as a country artist, sold more than 100 million records worldwide across multiple genres including jazz, folk, pop, rock, and country. He has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and reached the country and pop album charts for more than 200 individual weeks. Kenny was born on August 21, 1938, in Houston, Texas, and died at the age of 81 on March 20, 2020.

Selena

Selena Quintanilla Pérez was born in Lake Jackson, Texas on April 16, 1971. Known as the “Queen of Tejano music”, she became one of the most famous Mexican-American entertainers in the 20th century. Selena was killed by one of her business managers on March 31, 1995, at only 23 years old. In 2020 Billboard magazine named her the third greatest Latino Artist of all time.

George Strait

Born May 18, 1952, in Poteet, Texas, George Strait rose to success when his first single “Unwound” was a hit in 1981. He now holds the record for most number-one albums and singles, gold albums, platinum albums, and multiplatinum albums in the history of country music, clearly securing his legacy as the “King of Country Music.”

Ernest Tubb

Ernest Dale Tubb was born February 9, 1914, in Crisp, Texas. Nicknamed the Texas Troubadour, Ernest was a pioneer of country music with his biggest hit “Walking the Floor Over You” which was the beginning of honky tonk music. Ernest died September 6, 1984, at 70 years old in Nashville, Tennessee.

Stevie Ray Vaughan

Known as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Stephen Ray Vaughan was born in Dallas Texas on October 3, 1954. While his mainstream career only spanned seven years he is one of the most influential blues musicians in history. On August 27, 1990, Stevie Ray was killed in a helicopter crash in East Troy, Wisconsin, after performing with Double Trouble.

Barry White

Barry Eugene Carter was born in Galveston, Texas on September 12, 1944. Under his stage name, Berry White, he recorded 20 studio albums and took home two Grammys.  Known for his low bass-bariton voice and romantic style, Barry sold over 100 million records worldwide with 20 gold and 10 platinum singles.  He died at 58 on July 4, 2003, in Los Angeles after suffering cardiac arrest.

Boxcar Willie

Lecil Travis Martin or better known as Boxcar Willie was known for his old-time hobo style country music performances with a dirty face, floppy hat, and overalls. Despite his “simple” music style and show, he was actually a Flight Engineer in the United States Air Force Flight during much of his music career. Lecil was born in Ovilla Texas on September 1, 1931, and died on April 12, 1999, in Branson Mo at the age of 67.

Texas 15 Most Famous Actors and TV Personalities

Carol Burnett

Born April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Texas, Carol Creighton Burnett is best known for her Carol Burnett Show, an extremely popular comedy program in the ’70s and one of the first of its kind to be hosted by a woman. Burnett has appeared in many television and film projects including Annie and Horton Hears a Who! In 2019, the Golden Globes named an award after her for career achievement in television and she received its first award.

Walter Cronkite

Walter Cronkite served as a CBS news anchor for 19 years and became known as “the most trusted man in the US”. He has many important events such as the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassination, and the moon landing. While Walter was born in Missouri in 1916, his family moved to Houston Texas when he was 10 years old.

Morgan Fairchild

Born Patsy Ann McClenny in Dallas, Texas on February 3, 1950, but changed her name to Morgan Fairchild. She rose to fame with the soap opera Search for Tomorrow in 1973 and later starred in Dallas and then in Flamingo Road. Morgan has been nominated for one Golden Globe and one Emmy award. 

Farrah Fawcett

Farrah Leni Fawcett launched her career in the 1960s appearing in various TV commercials and television series but became famous internationally in her starring role in the first season of the television series Charlie’s Angels and her her iconic red swimsuit poster which sold six million copies it’s’ first year. Farrah was born February 2, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas, and attended the University of Texas from 1965 to 1968. She died at the age of 73 on June 25, 2009.

Larry Hagman

The son of famous actress Mary Martin, Larry became famous in his portrayal of ruthless oil baron J R Ewing in the soap Dallas as well as astronaut Anthony Nelson in the I Dream of Jennie sitcom.  He was nominated for two Emmy Awards and four Golden Globe awards. Larry was born September 21, 1931, in Fort Worth, Texas, and died in Dallas on November 23, 2012, at the age of 81.

Woody Harrelson

Born in Midland, Texas on July 23, 1971, Woodrow Tracy Harrelson became famous as the bartender Woody Boyd on the NBC sitcom Cheers. He has since starred in a number of full-length movies which have earned him nominations for three Academy Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. Harrelson is involved actively in the legalization of marijuana and hemp.

Tommy Lee Jones

Tommy Lee Jones was born in San Saba, Texas on September 15, 1946, and attended Harvard with his roommate, future Vice President Al Gore. He began acting in 1969 playing the protagonist in many of the films he started in over his long career. Tommy won an Oscar for his role in The Fugitive in 1993. 

Steve Martin

Stephen Glenn Martin was born in Waco, Texas on August 14, 1945 and began his successful career in the 1960s as a writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. He is known best for his ridiculous comedies and hosting of Saturday Night Live quite frequently. He has been nominated for 6 Golden Globes and 11 Grammys with 4 wins.

Matthew McConaughey

Born In Uvalde Texas on November 4, 1969, Matthew McConaughey became famous for his role in romantic comedies such as The Wedding Planner, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Failure to Launch. He has a long list of awards and nominations too long to list here. Matthew continues to live in Austin with his wife and 3 children.

Dan Rather

Daniel Irvin Rather Jr., born in Wharton, Texas on October 31, 1931, rose to fame as a journalist when he rescued thousands of people in the Hurricane Carle of 1961. Dan famously reported from Dallas during the President John F. Kennedy assassination and served as White House correspondent in 1964. He was inducted into the Television Hall of Fame in 2004.

Anna Nicole Smith

Anna Nicole Smith first rose to fame when she received the 1993 Playmate of the Year award from Playboy magazine. She was one of the highest-paid models of her time and experienced additional as an actress and television personality.  Anna Nicole passed away on February 8, 2007, at the age of 39.

Sissy Spacek

Mary Elizabeth Spacek was born December 25, 1949, in Quitman, Texas, and originally planned to become a singer with her first single recorded in 1968, at age 18. She launched her acting career in the early 1970s with a breakout role in Badlands. She has since appeared in over 40 movies with 6 Academy Award nominations and one win as well as 7 Golden Globe nominations and 3 wins.

Rip Torn

The incredible career of Elmore Rual “Rip” Torn Jr. spanned over six decades. He was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Cross Creek. He was also a successful voice actor and was nominated for 6 Emmy awards.  Rip Torn was born February 6, 1931, in Temple, Texas, and died July 9, 2019, at 88 years old.

Owen Wilson

Owen Cunningham Wilson was born November 18, 1968 in Dallas Texas has starred in a number of movie hits but best known for his role in Wedding Crashers, The Internship, Marley and Me, and the Night at the Museum series. He is also the voice in several animated movies including that of Lightning McQueen in the Cars film series. He has been nominated for one Academy Award and one Golden Globe.

Renée Zellweger

Born April 25, 1969 in Katy, Texas, Renée Kathleen Zellweger attended University of Texas at Austin to pursue journalism but fell in love with acting during some theater work at college. After a few minor roles, her first starring role was Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation but became famous from her starting role in the romantic comedy Jerry Maguire. Renée has received two Academy Awards, and four Golden Globe Awards.

Top 10 Famous Politicians from Texas

Lloyd Bentsen

Lloyd Millard Bentsen Jr attended the University of Texas School of Law and served four terms as a United States Senator from Texas and the Democratic Party nominee for vice president in 1988 on the Michael Dukakis ticket. Lloyd was born on February 11, 1921, in Mission, Texas, and died May 23, 2006, in Houston, Texas, U.S at the age of 85.

George H.W. Bush 

George H.W Bush was actually born and raised in Massachusets but soon after graduating from Yale he moved to West Texas where he established a successful oil company. He won the election to the 7th congressional district of Texas in 1966 and continued to build a successful political career until he won the election to serve as the 41st President of the United States from 1989 to 1993. President Bush died in Hoston, Texas on November 30, 2018 at the age of 94.

George W. Bush

George Walker Bush, son of former president George H. W. Bush was born on July 6, 1946, in New Haven, Connecticut, and raised in Midland and Houston, Texas. He was elected the 46th governor of Texas and served from 1995 to 2000. 43rd president of the United States from 2001 to 2009. President Bush currently resides in Dallas, Texas.

Dwight Eisenhower

David Dwight Eisenhower was born October 14, 1890, in Denison, Texas, and became was the 34th President of the United States on January 20, 1953. He was a soldier during the Second World War and a five-star general of the US Army, serving as Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force in Europe. 

Phil Gramm

After graduating from college, Phil Gramm taught economics at Texas A&M University from 1967 to 1978 then served as US House of Representatives representing Texas from 1979 – 1983 then as a US Senator representing Texas from 1985 to 2002. Gramm currently lives in Helotes, Texas. 

Lyndon B. Johnson

Lyndon Baines Johnson, known commonly as LBJ, was born August 27, 1908 in Stonewall, Texas and served as a teacher and a congressional aide before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1937. LBJ rose through the political ranks and earned the Vice-President role to John Kennedy. On November 22, 1963, he took office after the assassination of JFK to become the 36th President of the United States. LBJ died on January 22, 1973, at the age of just 65 in Stonewall, Texas.

Lady Bird Johnson

Claudia Alta “Lady Bird” Johnson, served as the First lady of the United States from 1963 to 1969 as the wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson. She was well educated for a woman of her era with degrees from St. Mary’s Episcopal College for Women in Dallas and the University of Texas in Austin. Lady Bird Johnson was born on December 22, 1912, in Karnack, Texas, and died at the age of 94 on July 11, 2007 in West Lake Hills, Texas.

Sandra Day O’Connor

Sandra Day O’Connor was born March 26, 1930, in El Paso, Texas, and became the first woman Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the US. She received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.  Sandra retired on January 31, 2006.

Rick Perry

James Richard Perry, a popular Texas politician was born March 4, 1950, in Haskell, Texas, and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1972. Perry served as a member of the Texas House of Representatives from 1985 to 1991, was elected Agriculture Commissioner of Texas the following year, and Lieutenant Governor of Texas in 1988. Perry assumed the governorship of Texas in December 2000, after Governor George W. Bush resigned following his election as President. Perry was re-elected Governor three times and became the 14th United States Secretary of Energy under the Trump administration.

Ann Richards

Dorothy Ann Richards (Willis) was born September 1, 1933, in Lakeview, Texas served as the 45th governor of Texas from 1991 to 1995. She grew up in Waco, graduated from Waco High School, received a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University, and then a teaching certificate from the University of Texas in Austin. She became interested in politics and served successfully as the State of Texas Treasurer before running for governor. Ann Richards died September 13, 2006, at the age of 73 in Austin, Texas.

Top 10 Famous Athletes from Texas

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong, born September 18, 1971, in Richardson, Texas, became famous as the most successful cyclist of this era, winning the Tour de France seven times. Unfortunately, he was stripped of his titles after a doping scandal. He also founded the Lance Armstrong Foundation after he was diagnosed and recovered from cancer. 

Earl Campbell

Known as “the Tyler Rose” Earl Campbell was Born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, Texas, and is famous for his aggressive style as one of the best NFL power running backs. Campbell won the Heisman Trophy and All-America honors while playing for the University of Texas Longhorns then drafted first overall by the Houston Oilers in 1978. Campbell was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He still lives in Austin and actively participates in University of Texas athletics.

George Foreman

George Foreman was born in Marshall, Texas on January 10, 1949, known famously as “Big George” won the world heavyweight title in 1973 with a surprising second-round knockout of Joe Frazier. He defended the belt twice before suffering his first professional loss to Muhammad Ali in the iconic Rumble in the Jungle in 1974. In retirement, Foreman became an ordained Christian minister and entrepreneur with the successful George Foreman Grill.

Joe Green

Charles Edward “Mean Joe” Greene was born in Temple Texas on September 24, 1946. He received the consensus All-America honors as a senior for the North Texas Mean Green football team. Later, he went on to become the defensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers.  Today, Mean Joe Green is probably best remembered for this famous 1980 Coke commercial.

Grant Hill

Grant Henry Hil, born October 5, 1972, in Dallas, Texas is a seven-time NBA All-Star winner and won the NBA Sportsmanship Award three times. Hill was widely considered to be one of the best all-around players in the game, often leading his team in points, rebounds, and assists. He purchased the Atlanta Hawks along with Tony Ressler in 2015.

Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal grew up in San Antonio, Texas where he began playing basketball at Robert G. Cole High School, leading the team to win the state championship. O’Neal, at 7-foot-1-inch and 325-pounds is known as one of the greatest basketball centers of all time, playing for six teams and earning four NBA championships over his 19-year career in the National Basketball Association. Shaquille now lives in Dallas, TX.

Dennis Rodman

Dennis Rodman grew up in the Oak Cliff section of Dallas, Texas but didn’t have much success as an athlete as a child. After high school, he experienced a growth spurt while working as a janitor at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and decided to give basketball another shot. He played a semester at North Central Texas College and then completed a successful basketball college career at  Southeastern Oklahoma State University. Rodman eventually won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year two times while playing for Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, Chicago Bulls, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dallas Mavericks.

Nolan Ryan

Nolan Ryan, born in Refugio, Texas on January 31, 1947, is widely considered to be one of the best major league baseball pitchers of all time. He is the all-time leader in no-hitters with seven over his 27 years career playing for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. After retirement, he served as chief executive officer (CEO) of the Texas Rangers and an executive advisor to the Houston Astros. Nolan Ryan was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999 and currently lives in Georgetown Texas.

Willie Shoemaker

Born August 19, 1931, in Fabens, Texas, Willie Shoemaker is the most successful jockey in history with a record for most professional jockey victories for 29 years. At just 4′ 10″ and 91 pounds, his small size became an advantage as he went on to become a giant in thoroughbred horse racing. Willie died October 12, 2003, at the age of 72.

Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach, known famously as Captain America, was a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys for 11 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. from 1969-1979. In 1977, he started the Dallas, Texas-based, Staubach Company which became a multi-billion dollar real estate enterprise. He served as the Chairman and CEO for 30 years until he retired on June 20, 2007.

Top 10 Most famous Entrepreneurs from Texas

Red Adair

Paul Neal Adair, known as Red Adair was born June 18, 1915, in Houston Texas. Red was an oil well firefighter that became successful as an inventor of new technologies and techniques for extinguishing and capping oil well blowouts. Red Adair died at the age of 89 in Houston Texas.

Mary Kay Ash

Mary Kathlyn Ash founded Mary Kay cosmetics at the age of 45, with a loan of $5,000 from her son. She grew the company to $1.2 billion in sales with a sales force of more than 800,000 in more than 36 countries. Mary Kay was born May 12, 1918, in Cypress Texas, and died at the age of 83 on November 22, 2001, in Dallas, Texas.

Mark Cuban

A billionaire and an entrepreneur, Mark Cuban is the owner of the Dallas Mavericks. He is also a TV personality and investor in dozens of startups from his Shark Tank involvement. Mark ranked No. 177 on the 2020 Forbes 400 list and is worth an estimated $4.7 billion. He currently lives with his family in Dallas, TX.

Michael Dell

Born in Houston Texas on February 23, 1965, Michael Dell started upgrading computers from his dorm room at the University of Texas in Austin. He left college after his freshman year to focus on Dell Computer and eventually grew it into a multi-billion-dollar technology firm. Michael Dell lives in Austin with his family.

Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes is well known as one of the most successful and eccentric billionaires of his time. He was an entrepreneur, investor, record-setting pilot, engineer, filmmaker, and philanthropist. His colorful life inspired biographies and movies alike. Howard Hughes Jr. was born December 24, 1905, in Houston, TX and he died of kidney failure on a flight from Mexico to Houston, TX in 1976.

Lamar Hunt

Raised in Dallas, Texas, Lamar Hunt was a founder of the American Football League, Major League Soccer, and North American Soccer League. He also founded the Kansas City Chiefs and built the theme parks, Worlds of Funs, and Oceans of Fun. Lamar died in Dallas, Texas of complications related to prostate cancer on December 13, 2006, at the age of 74. 

Jerry Jones

An American billionaire and businessman, Jerry Jones launched a successful oil and gas exploration business, Jones Oil and Land Lease the 1960s. On February 25, 1989, Jones purchased the famous Dallas Cowboys. His big personality and controversial management style have kept him in the headlines for several decades.

T. Boone Pickens

Thomas Boone Pickens grew up in Amarillo, Texas, and briefly attended Texas A&M University before transferring to Oklahoma State University. In 1956, T. Boone founded Mesa Petroleum which eventually became one of the largest independent oil companies in the world. He was a major donor to Oklahoma State University giving over $1 billion to the university throughout his life. T. Boone died in Dallas Texas on September 11, 2019, at the age of 91.

H. Ross Perot

Born June 27, 1930 in Texarkana, Tx, Ross Perot founded and served as CEO of Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and Perot Systems. In 1992, Perot announced his intention to run for president as an Independent, advocating for a balanced budget and an end to the outsourcing of jobs. He won over 19.7 million votes or 18.9% of the popular vote. He died July 9, 2019, in Dallas Tx at 89 years old.

Bonus: 10 Celebrities who Recently Moved to Texas

Texas has seen an influx of famous celebrities, business owners and artists over the last couple of years. Here are 10 celebrities that now call the Lone Star State home.

  • James Van Der Beek
  • Sandra Bullock
  • Brooklyn Decker & Andy Roddick
  • Haylie Duff
  • Chris Harrison
  • Joe Rogan
  • James Marsden
  • Elon Musk
  • Elijah Wood

About Cassidy

Hello! I’m Cassidy Lackey and I'm fascinated by the pride Texans have for their great state. While not a native Texan, I’ve been here for about 30 years, first arriving in 1991 to attend Baylor University. I spend my days on an entrepreneur journey primarily focused on my small businesses, Texas Marimbas, Drone Pilots Media, and TexasProud.com.