From George Strait to Beyonce to Janis Joplin, Texas has birthed a whole lot of famous folks out there. Many singers, movie stars, and athletes have their roots planted in the Lone Star State, and without them, the world just wouldn't be the same today. So thanks, Texas, for bringing these talented people into the world who have been so influential in rewriting history as we know it. Listed below are 15 famous people from Texas, which you might not already know about.
1. Meat Loaf
No, not the food. The singer who we all loved for his platinum album, Bat Out of Hell.
2. Selena
Known as the Queen of Tejano music, she will always be remembered for her beautiful voice and influence on Mexican American entertainment.
3. Woody Harrelson
Known most famously as the bartender from the sitcom Cheers, Woody was born in Midland.
4. Sissy Spacek
Yep, Texas gave us the star of Carrie, too.
5. Vanilla Ice
Born in Dallas, this guy changed the course of rap forever with the legendary song "Ice Ice Baby." Oh, the wonderful things that came from the 90s.
6. Patrick Swayze
Would we really have the dancing skills we have today if not for Dirty Dancing? This beloved Houston-born actor and dancer brought us other great movies as well, such as Road House, The Outsiders, and Point Break.
7. Jensen Ackles
I just want to give a personal thanks to Dallas for giving us Dean Winchester and one of the best shows ever, Supernatural. (You know you've binge-watched this show on Netflix, too.)
8. Michael Dell
Born in Houston, Michael leads one of the most successful computer companies in the world. I wouldn't be able to type this without him, so he definitely made it onto the list.
9. Michael Strahan
How can you not love this guy's infectious smile? Former New York Giants defensive end, this hilarious Houston native was the co-host of the popular morning talk show, Live! With Kelly and Michael.
10. Debbie Reynolds
You can thank El Paso for giving the world this lovely multi-talented lady, who scored her first leading role in Singin' In The Rain at the age of 19. And who could forget Halloweentown?!
11. Bessie Coleman
The first African American woman to earn a pilot's license and stage a flight in America, this inspiring woman was born in Atlanta, Texas in 1922.
12. Joan Crawford
Oscar-winning actress and dancer, Joan was born in 1905 in San Antonio. She was most famous for her roles in Mildred Pierce and Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?
13. Lyndon B. Johnson
The 36th president of the United States, Johnson was born in Stonewall in 1908. Johnson City, a hill country town in Texas, was named after the Johnson family.
14. Steve Martin
This guy seriously knows how to make people laugh, and has lots of fun doing it.
15. Barbara Jordan
Born in a poor neighborhood in Houston, this amazing woman rose to success as the first African American congresswoman to come from the Deep South.
Who else would you add to this list? Let us know in the comments below.
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