Texas has a long tradition of producing some of the biggest names in Hollywood and television. From Golden Age legends to modern streaming stars, the Lone Star State has been home to performers whose talent and charisma have captivated audiences worldwide.
Whether making us laugh, cry, or sit on the edge of our seats, these Texans have shaped the entertainment industry across genres and generations.
Hollywood Golden Age & TV Legends
Carol Burnett
Born April 26, 1933, in San Antonio, Carol Burnett became a comedy pioneer with The Carol Burnett Show, one of the first variety shows hosted by a woman. She also starred in films like Annie and remains a beloved figure in television history.
Larry Hagman
Born September 21, 1931, in Fort Worth, Hagman is best remembered as the scheming J.R. Ewing in Dallas and as Major Nelson in I Dream of Jeannie. His TV work made him a household name for decades.
Debbie Reynolds
Born April 1, 1932, in El Paso, Reynolds rose to fame in Singin’ in the Rain and enjoyed a career spanning film, television, and stage. Her charm and talent made her one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars.
Farrah Fawcett
Born February 2, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Fawcett became a 1970s icon with her role in Charlie’s Angels and her famous red swimsuit poster. She left a lasting mark on pop culture and television.
Carolyn Jones
Born April 28, 1930, in Amarillo, Jones is best known as Morticia Addams in The Addams Family TV series. Her career spanned television, film, and stage roles.
Oscar Winners & Critically Acclaimed Stars
Matthew McConaughey
Born November 4, 1969, in Uvalde, McConaughey won an Academy Award for Dallas Buyers Club and is known for films like Interstellar and Dazed and Confused. He continues to live in Austin and is active in Texas culture.
Jamie Foxx
Born December 13, 1967, in Terrell, Foxx is a multi-talented actor, comedian, and musician. He earned an Oscar for portraying Ray Charles in Ray and has starred in hits like Django Unchained and Collateral.
Renée Zellweger
Born April 25, 1969, in Katy, Zellweger has won two Oscars, for Cold Mountain and Judy. She rose to fame with Jerry Maguire and is celebrated for her versatility.
Tommy Lee Jones
Born September 15, 1946, in San Saba, Jones won an Oscar for The Fugitive. Known for his intense performances, his career includes No Country for Old Men and Men in Black.
Sissy Spacek
Born December 25, 1949, in Quitman, Spacek won an Oscar for Coal Miner’s Daughter and earned acclaim for roles in Carrie and In the Bedroom.
Forest Whitaker
Born July 15, 1961, in Longview, Whitaker won an Oscar for The Last King of Scotland and is known for memorable roles in Bird, The Butler, and Rogue One.
Patrick Swayze
Born August 18, 1952, in Houston, Swayze became a romantic lead in classics like Dirty Dancing and Ghost, and was admired for his charisma and dancing talent.
Randy Quaid
Born October 1, 1950, in Houston, Randy Quaid is an Academy Award–nominated actor known for his memorable roles in The Last Detail, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Independence Day. His versatility spans drama and comedy, making him a familiar face in both film and television.
Gary Busey
Born June 29, 1944, in Goose Creek (now Baytown), Busey earned an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Buddy Holly in The Buddy Holly Story. Known for his intense screen presence, he has appeared in Point Break, Lethal Weapon, and numerous television roles.
Rip Torn
Born February 6, 1931, in Temple, Torn won an Emmy for The Larry Sanders Show and had a long career in film, television, and theater.
Powers Boothe
Born June 1, 1948, in Snyder, Boothe was an Emmy-winning actor known for his commanding roles in Deadwood, Tombstone, and Sin City.
Comedy & Family Favorites
Steve Martin
Born August 14, 1945, in Waco, Martin is a comedy legend known for The Jerk, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, and Father of the Bride. He is also a bestselling author and acclaimed musician.
Owen Wilson
Born November 18, 1968, in Dallas, Wilson is beloved for comedies like Wedding Crashers and Zoolander, and for voicing Lightning McQueen in Pixar’s Cars series.
Woody Harrelson
Born July 23, 1961, in Midland, Harrelson gained fame on Cheers before moving to films like Natural Born Killers, The People vs. Larry Flynt, and True Detective.
Jennifer Garner
Born April 17, 1972, in Houston, Garner became a household name with Alias and starred in films like 13 Going on 30 and Dallas Buyers Club.
Eva Longoria
Born March 15, 1975, in Corpus Christi, Longoria rose to fame in Desperate Housewives and has since become a producer, director, and activist.
Meat Loaf (Michael Lee Aday)
Born September 27, 1947, in Dallas, Meat Loaf was a rock star and actor best known for The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Fight Club.
Tommy Tune
Born February 28, 1939, in Houston, Tune is a Broadway legend with 10 Tony Awards for his performances and choreography.
Jim Parsons
Born March 24, 1973, in Houston, Parsons became world-famous as Sheldon Cooper on The Big Bang Theory, winning four Emmy Awards.
Rising & Contemporary Stars
Dakota Johnson
Born October 4, 1989, in Austin, Johnson gained international attention in the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy and has since starred in Suspiria and The Lost Daughter.
Selena Gomez
Born July 22, 1992, in Grand Prairie, Gomez first became famous on Wizards of Waverly Place before launching a successful music career and starring in Only Murders in the Building.
Jared Padalecki
Born July 19, 1982, in San Antonio, Padalecki starred in Gilmore Girls and became a fan favorite as Sam Winchester in Supernatural. He currently leads the reboot Walker.
Jensen Ackles
Born March 1, 1978, in Dallas, Ackles co-starred in Supernatural and joined the cast of The Boys in 2022.
Chace Crawford
Born July 18, 1985, in Lubbock, Crawford rose to fame in Gossip Girl and stars in The Boys.
Amber Heard
Born April 22, 1986, in Austin, Heard is known for roles in Aquaman, The Rum Diary, and Pineapple Express.
Anna Nicole Smith
Born November 28, 1967, in Houston, Anna Nicole Smith was a model, actress, and television personality who rose to fame as a Playboy Playmate of the Year and later starred in The Anna Nicole Show. She became a pop culture phenomenon in the 1990s and 2000s.
Ethan Hawke
Born November 6, 1970, in Austin, Hawke has earned multiple Oscar nominations for films like Training Day and Before Sunset, and remains active in both acting and directing.
Conclusion
From the classic TV comedy of Carol Burnett to the modern streaming success of Selena Gomez, Texas has given the world an extraordinary range of acting talent. These performers have earned Academy Awards, Emmys, Tonys, and the loyalty of millions of fans, proving that the Lone Star State’s influence on entertainment is as vast as its horizons.
