Sure, everyone knows that the Clintons are proud natives of the Natural State. And you're probably familiar with the fact legendary poet and author Maya Angelou hails from the tiny town of Stamps, Arkansas. But there are actually many famous people from Arkansas. How many of them can you name? Here's a list of 11 famous people who live in Arkansas, were born here, or have lived here in the past. You may be surprised to learn who they are!
1. Mary Steenburgen (North Little Rock)
Steenburgen has started in over 70 movies, including Parenthood, Elf, and Back to the Future III. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Melvin and Howard in 1981. How's this for fun facts about Arkansas? She also produced and starred in The End of the Line, which was filmed right here in the Natural State. She is one of the most famous people born in Arkansas.
2. Glen Campbell (Delight)
This native of Pike County was a famous pop/country singer and songwriter. He also hosted two hit TV variety shows: The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour and The Glen Campbell Music Show. His hit recordings include "Wichita Lineman" and "By the Time I Get To Phoenix." Campbell appeared in many hit movies, including True Grit and Family Prayers.
3. John Grisham (Jonesboro)
The list of Arkansas famous people continues with John Grisham, a lawyer and one of the best-selling authors of all time. His list of acclaimed works includes A Time To Kill, The Rainmaker, The Firm, The Pelican Brief, and The Client, all of which have been successfully translated into movies. His book A Painted House was made into a Hallmark Channel movie and was filmed on location in Lepanto. Grisham has lived in various towns throughout northeast Arkansas.
4. Johnny Cash (Kingsland)
The late, great Man in Black was born to an Arkansas sharecropper in 1932. His first big hit was Folsom Prison Blues, which rose to the top five in country singles in 1956. His first number 1 hit was "I Walk the Line." In 1957, he made his first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. By 1958, he'd published 50 songs and sold over six million records. He and his wife June Carter Cash had a number of famous hits and he's undoubtedly among the most famous people from Arkansas.
5. Al Greene (Jacknash)
This legendary gospel and soul singer is an eight-time Grammy Award winner. He's been referred to as the "quintessential soul man." He recorded nine best-selling gospel albums and many secular hits, including "Let's Stay Together." He's one of the most talented celebrities from Arkansas.
6. Ronnie Dunn (El Dorado)
Brooks and Dunn received the 1996 CMA Entertainers of the Year Award and will reunite in late 2015 to perform a series of concerts in Las Vegas with fellow country legend Reba McEntire.
7. John Daly (Dardanelle)
John Daly is a PGA golfer known for his driving distance off the tee. However, he should also be known for his Arkansas roots.
8. Charles "Sonny" Liston (Sand Slough)
You may not recall this Arkansas famous person, but you'll remember who he was associated with. Nicknamed "the Bear" for his massive physique, Liston was born in a small St. Francis County community. He won the world heavyweight boxing championship title in 1962. He held that title until 1964 when he lost it to Cassius Clay (later known as Muhammed Ali). Liston was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1991.
9. Scottie Pippen (Hamburg)
Scottie Pippen was born in 1965. He graduated from the University of Central Arkansas and was a celebrated professional basketball player. He was most remembered for, along with Michael Jordan, leading the Chicago Bulls, to six championships. He was one of the best all-around players of all time. He retired in 2004, and a year later, his jersey number 33 was retired. He's one of the most famous sports celebrities from Arkansas.
10. Levon Helm (Turkey Scratch)
This Arkansas native was a drummer, vocalist, and original member of the legendary group The Band. They were best known for the hit "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down." He also played supporting roles in films like Coal Miner's Daughter and The Right Stuff. Helm was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award in 2008 for his work with The Band. In 2003, he was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time. He was later inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
11. Billy Bob Thornton (Malvern)
Thornton directed and starred in the classic film Sling Blade, a movie that was filmed in Benton. He received two Oscar nominations for the film, one for Best Actor and one for Best Screenplay (he won that one). He also starred in the cult holiday hit Bad Santa, and is the vocalist and drummer of The Boxmasters, a country/rockabilly band he founded in 2007.
The Natural State has had a number of notable citizens who have made a name in the sports, art, music, and film realms. The vast culture of our state is more diverse than many may think at first glance! There are plenty of famous people from Arkansas who help to make the world a more interesting place. Do you know of any other celebrities from Arkansas? Please mention them in the comments.
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/arkansas/celebrities-from-small-towns-ar/
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
