Texas, with its vast landscapes and rich culture, has produced an impressive roster of. From the dynamic world of music to the glamorous sphere of Hollywood, many celebrities proudly call Texas their home.
Texas, with its vast landscapes, booming cities, and fiercely independent spirit, has long been a breeding ground for notable individuals. From country legends and Hollywood icons to visionary entrepreneurs and presidents, the Lone Star State continues to shape culture, politics, and innovation in America and around the world.
Some were born here, others came to call it home—but all have left their mark. Let’s explore the lives and legacies of the most famous people from Texas.
Music Legends
Willie Nelson
Born in Abbott, Nelson is a pioneer of outlaw country whose songs like Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain and On the Road Again remain American classics. He’s also known for activism in marijuana reform and family farming.
George Strait
The “King of Country,” Strait hails from Poteet and holds the record for the most #1 hits in country music history. His timeless voice and cowboy charm helped define a genre.
Selena Quintanilla
Known as the “Queen of Tejano,” Selena was born in Lake Jackson. Her cultural impact and tragic death made her a beloved icon of Latin music and identity.
Beyoncé Knowles
Born and raised in Houston, Beyoncé is a global superstar with 32 Grammy Awards and counting. Her influence spans music, film, fashion, and social justice.
Stevie Ray Vaughan
This Dallas-born blues guitarist brought fiery passion and technical brilliance to American blues-rock before his untimely death in 1990.
Kacey Musgraves
From Golden, Musgraves is known for her progressive, genre-blending take on country music, earning critical acclaim and multiple Grammy wins.
Janis Joplin
A psychedelic rock legend from Port Arthur, Joplin’s raw, emotional voice left a lasting legacy on the 1960s counterculture.
Megan Thee Stallion
Hailing from Houston, Megan is a Grammy-winning rapper celebrated for her confidence, wit, and advocacy for women’s empowerment.
Barbara Mandrell
Mandrell became one of the most prominent country artists of the ’70s and ’80s. Known for hits like Sleeping Single in a Double Bed, she also starred in her own TV variety show and was later inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Hollywood Stars & Entertainers
Matthew McConaughey
Born in Uvalde and raised in Longview, McConaughey is an Oscar-winning actor known for roles in Dallas Buyers Club, True Detective, and his ever-iconic “Alright, alright, alright.”
Eva Longoria
From Corpus Christi, Longoria gained fame through Desperate Housewives and has become an advocate for Latino rights and women in media.
Chip and Joanna Gaines
Waco’s home renovation power couple turned Fixer Upper into a media empire, launching the Magnolia brand and Magnolia Network.
Carol Burnett
San Antonio’s comedy queen broke barriers with The Carol Burnett Show, one of the first female-led variety programs on national TV.
Selena Gomez
Raised in Grand Prairie, Gomez is a singer, actress, and producer who started on Barney & Friends and became a pop culture staple.
Sissy Spacek
The Carrie and Coal Miner’s Daughter star grew up in Quitman and is known for her haunting performances and grounded style.
Owen Wilson
With his signature drawl and offbeat humor, Dallas-born Wilson became a comedy mainstay in films like Wedding Crashers and The Royal Tenenbaums.
Political Leaders & Public Servants
Lyndon B. Johnson
Born near Stonewall, LBJ served as the 36th President. His Great Society reforms and signing of the Civil Rights Act remain pillars of American history.
George H.W. Bush
Though born in Massachusetts, Bush became a Texan oilman and later the 41st President. He spent his final years in Houston.
George W. Bush
Raised in Midland and Houston, George W. Bush followed in his father’s footsteps as Texas Governor and the 43rd President of the United States.
Dwight D. Eisenhower
Born in Denison, “Ike” led Allied forces to victory in WWII before serving two terms as the 34th President.
Sandra Day O’Connor
Born in El Paso, she made history as the first woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, where she became a critical swing vote for over two decades.
Barbara Jordan
A civil rights trailblazer from Houston, Jordan was the first Southern African American woman elected to Congress and a powerful orator.
Sports Icons
Nolan Ryan
From Refugio, this MLB legend holds the all-time record for strikeouts and no-hitters, and remains a Texas Rangers hero.
Shaquille O’Neal
Though born in New Jersey, Shaq spent formative years in San Antonio. He went on to become one of the most dominant NBA players in history.
Joe Greene
Temple’s own “Mean Joe” anchored the Pittsburgh Steelers defense and starred in one of the most beloved Super Bowl commercials ever.
Simone Biles
Raised in Spring, Biles is the most decorated gymnast of all time. Her athleticism and advocacy for mental health have reshaped her sport.
George Foreman
The heavyweight boxing champion from Marshall also became a beloved entrepreneur with his signature line of grills.
Lance Armstrong
Armstrong won international acclaim as a cyclist with seven Tour de France titles—though later stripped due to doping revelations. A cancer survivor, he founded the Livestrong Foundation, which raised millions for cancer awareness and research.
Business & Innovation Leaders
Mark Cuban
Based in Dallas, Cuban made his fortune in tech before buying the Dallas Mavericks. As a “Shark Tank” investor, he’s helped launch dozens of startups.
Michael Dell
The Houston-born tech visionary founded Dell Technologies from his UT dorm room, becoming one of the youngest CEOs of a Fortune 500 company.
Howard Hughes
A Houston native, Hughes was a genius-level inventor, aviator, and film tycoon whose eccentricity captivated the nation.
Jerry Jones
Love him or hate him, the Dallas Cowboys’ bold billionaire owner helped reshape the business of football.
Cultural & Historical Figures
Clyde Barrow & Bonnie Parker
Born in Ellis County and Dallas respectively, the infamous outlaw couple captured Depression-era headlines and the public’s imagination.
Anna Nicole Smith
The larger-than-life model and TV star from Houston became a pop culture phenomenon and tabloid staple.
Bessie Coleman
Raised in Waxahachie, Coleman was the first Black and Native American female pilot in the U.S., breaking barriers in the early 20th century.
Chester Nimitz
This Fredericksburg-born admiral was Commander in Chief of the U.S. Pacific Fleet in WWII, playing a pivotal role in American naval victories.
