List of people from Missouri

The following are people who were either born/raised or have lived for a significant period of time in Missouri. Please see the Discussion page for criteria for inclusion before adding any names.

Art and literature

Helen Andelin (born 1920), author Fascinating Womanhood
Maya Angelou (born 1928), author and poet
Thomas P. Barnett (1870–1929), architect and impressionist painter
Thomas Hart Benton (1889–1975), painter
George Caleb Bingham (1811–1879) artist (born in Virginia but moved to central Missouri)
Edward McKendree Bounds (1835–1913), author & theologian
Mark Bowden (born 1951), author, journalist
William S. Burroughs (1914–1997), author
Kate Chopin (1851–1904), author (The Awakening) and early Feminist
Lester Dent (1904–1959), author Doc Savage novels
Suzette Haden Elgin (born 1936), science fiction author and linguist
T. S. Eliot (1888–1965), poet, dramatist and literary critic
Mary Engelbreit (born 1952), graphic artist, children's book illustrator
Michael Evans (1944–2005), photographer
Eugene Field (1850–1895), writer and poet
Martha Gellhorn (1908–1998), novelist, travel writer and journalist
William Least Heat-Moon (born 1940), travel writer
Robert A. Heinlein (1907–1988), science fiction author
Frederick Hibbard (1881–1950), sculptor known for his works of famous 19th century figures.
Langston Hughes (1902–1967), African-American poet, novelist and playwright
William W. Johnstone (1938–2004), author of western, horror & survivalist novels
Donald Judd (1928–1994), artist
Jim Lee (born 1964), comic book artist and writer
David Limbaugh (born 1952), columnist, author, political commentator
Bernarr Macfadden (1868–1955), founder Macfadden Publications, bodybuilding advocate
Dennis L. McKiernan (born 1932), author
Marianne Moore (1887–1972), poet and writer
Archie Musick (1902–1978), painter and illustrator, most associated with the Regionalist movement.
John R. Musick (1849–1901), author and poet, best known for the Columbian Historical novels
Ruth Ann Musick (1897–1974), author and folklorist
H. Richard Niebuhr (1894–1962), author, theologian
Reinhold Niebuhr (1892–1971), author, theologian, political commentator
John Ross (born 1957), author
Charles Marion Russell (1864–1926), artist
Clay Shirky (born 1964), writer, consultant, lecturer, author of Here Comes Everybody
Kimora Lee Simmons, fashion model, author, actress
Sara Teasdale (1884–1933), poet
Mark Twain (real name Samuel Clemens, 1835–1910), humorist, writer and lecturer
Verner Moore White (1863–1923), artist
Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867–1957), writer and author of the Little House book series
Tennessee Williams (1911–1983), playwright (born in Mississippi but grown up in St. Louis)
Daniel Woodrell (born 1953), author of crime fiction

Athletics

Auto racing

Carl Edwards (born 1979), NASCAR driver, 2007 NASCAR Busch Series champion.
Jamie McMurray (born 1976), NASCAR driver, Daytona 500 winner
Kenny Schrader (born 1955), NASCAR driver
Kenny Wallace (born 1963), NASCAR driver, broadcaster
Mike Wallace (born 1959), NASCAR driver
Rusty Wallace (born 1956), NASCAR driver, 1989 NASCAR Winston Cup champion.

Baseball

Jake Arrieta (born 1986), starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles
Jake Beckley (1867–1919), Baseball Hall of Fame member. Player and manager from baseball's early years.
James "Cool Papa" Bell, (1903–1991), Baseball Hall of Fame center fielder.
Yogi Berra (born 1925), catcher and manager in Major League Baseball and an Aphorist
Brian Boehringer (born 1969), former MLB pitcher
Clete Boyer (1937–2007), MLB third baseman
Mark Buehrle (born 1979), starting pitcher for the Miami Marlins
David Cone (born 1963), former Cy Young-winning MLB pitcher
Joe Crede (born 1978), third baseman for the Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins
John Donaldson (1891–1970), Negro League baseball pitcher. Known for throwing a large amount of no-hitters.
Scott Elbert (born 1985), pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers
A. J. Ellis (born 1981), catcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers
David Freese (born 1983), third baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, 2011 World Series MVP.
Gabe Gabler (born 1930), former MLB player
Lucas Harrell (born 1985), relief pitcher for the Houston Astros
Ken Holtzman (born 1945), 2-time All Star pitcher
Tommy Hottovy (born 1981), relief pitcher for the Kansas City Royals
Elston Howard (1929–1980), Negro League and MLB catcher, left fielder and coach
Ryan Howard (born 1979), first baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies
Eric Hurley (born 1985), starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers
Vern Kennedy (1907–1993), former MLB pitcher with the Chicago White Sox and others.
Bob Keppel (born 1982), former MLB pitcher, currently playing for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters
Darold Knowles (born 1941), former MLB pitcher. First pitcher to appear in all seven games of a World Series.
Ron Kulpa (born 1968), Major League Baseball umpire
Sam LeCure (born 1984), MLB pitcher, currently with the Cincinnati Reds
Shaun Marcum (born 1981), starting pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers
Zach Miner (born 1982), relief pitcher for the Kansas City Royals
Stan Musial (1920–2013), MLB Hall of Famer, played entire career for the St. Louis Cardinals
Al Nipper (born 1959), MLB scout and former pitcher
Darren Oliver (born 1970), relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays
Josh Outman (born 1984), starting pitcher for the Colorado Rockies
Barney Pelty (1880–1939), Major League Baseball pitcher
David Phelps (born 1986), starting pitcher for the New York Yankees
Albert Pujols (born 1980), MLB first baseman with the Los Angeles Angels
Steve Rogers (born 1949), most successful pitcher in Montreal Expos history.
Trevor Rosenthal (born 1990), Pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals.
Max Scherzer (born 1984), starting pitcher for the Detroit Tigers
Art Shamsky (born 1941), Major League Baseball outfielder
Mike Shannon (born 1939), former MLB player and current radio sportscaster for the St. Louis Cardinals
Dave Silvestri (born 1967), former MLB infielder
Paul Splittorff (1946–2011), starting pitcher Kansas City Royals, later a Royals broadcaster.
Casey Stengel (c. 1890–1975), Baseball Hall of Fame manager
Mel Stottlemyre (born 1941), former MLB pitcher and pitching coach
Rick Sutcliffe (born 1956), former baseball pitcher and current ESPN color commentator
Jacob Turner (born 1991), starting pitcher for the Miami Marlins
Scott Van Slyke (born 1986), outfielder, Los Angeles Dodgers. Son of former St. Louis Cardinal Andy Van Slyke.
Earl Weaver (1930–2013), Hall of Fame manager for the Baltimore Orioles
Mack Wheat (1893–1979), MLB Catcher with the Brooklyn Robins and Philadelphia Phillies.
Zack Wheat (1888–1972), MLB Hall of Fame left fielder. Brooklyn, Philadelphia Athletics. Brother of Mack Wheat.

Basketball

Forrest Clare "Phog" Allen (1885–1974), American collegiate basketball coach.
Bill Bradley (born 1943), Basketball Hall of Famer, U.S. Senator
Alec Burks (born 1991), shooting guard for the Utah Jazz
Tyler Hansbrough (born 1985), power forward for the Indiana Pacers
Josh Harrellson (born 1989), center for the New York Knicks
Larry Hughes (born 1979), shooting guard for the Orlando Magic
David Lee (born 1983), power forward and center for the Golden State Warriors
Tyronn Lue (born 1977), former NBA player (Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers)
Brandon Rush (born 1985), shooting guard for the Golden State Warriors
Kareem Rush (born 1980), shooting guard for the L.A. Clippers
Scott Sims (born 1955), guard for the San Antonio Spurs
Norm Stewart (born 1935), former pro basketball player and long-time Mizzou basketball coach.
Anthony Tolliver (born 1985), power forward for the Minnesota Timberwolves

Josiah couch

Football

Steve Atwater (born 1966), strong safety for the Denver Broncos
Allen Barbre (born 1984), offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks
Jason Brookins (born 1976), Running back, Baltimore Ravens
Colin Brown (born 1985), offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills
Paul Christman (1918–1970), College Football Hall of Fame quarterback
Adrian Clayborn (born 1988), defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chase Coffman (born 1986), tight end for the Atlanta Falcons
Dan Connolly (born 1982), offensive lineman for the New England Patriots
Dan Dierdorf (born 1949), Offensive tackle and Pro Football Hall of Famer, sportscaster
Herb Donaldson (born 1985), running back for the Dallas Cowboys
Lenvil Elliott (1951–2008), NFL running back for the Bengals and 49ers
Don Faurot (1902–1995), College Football Hall of Fame coach, inventor of the Split-T formation
Josh Freeman (born 1988), quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Blaine Gabbert (born 1989), NFL quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Justin Gage (born 1981), wide receiver for the Tennessee Titans
Tony Galbreath (born 1954), NFL running back for the New Orleans Saints, Minnesota Vikings, and New York Giants
Conrad Goode (born 1962), former NFL offensive lineman
Cal Hubbard (1900–1977), Only person in both the Baseball Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Brandon Joyce (1984–2010), professional football offensive lineman in the CFL and NFL.
Terry Joyce (1954–2011), college football All-American and NFL punter.
Howard Kindig (born 1941), Defensive end, Ten year NFL career with the Chargers, Bills, Dolphins, and Jets
Ryan Lilja (born 1981), guard for the Kansas City Chiefs
Jeremy Maclin (born 1988), wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles
Marvin McNutt (born 1989), wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles
Eric Moore (born 1965), former NFL guard with the Giants, Bengals, Browns and Dolphins
William Moore (born 1985), safety for the Atlanta Falcons
Jim Musick (1910–1992), American football running back, Boston Redskins
Neil Rackers (born 1976), placekicker for the Houston Texans
Gijon Robinson (born 1984), tight end for the Indianapolis Colts
Martin Rucker (born 1985), tight end for the Dallas Cowboys
Mike Rucker (born 1975), defensive end for the Carolina Panthers
Aldon Smith (born 1989), linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers
Justin Smith (born 1979), defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers
Gregg Williams (born 1958), former NFL head coach and current defensive coordinator for the St. Louis Rams
James Wilder (born 1958), Ten year NFL career with the Buccaneers, Redskins, and the Lions.

Golf

Amy Alcott (born 1956), professional golfer, member of the World Golf Hall of Fame
Brandel Chamblee (born 1962), golfer
Tom Pernice, Jr. (born 1959) PGA Tour member
Payne Stewart (1957–1999), golfer
Tom Watson (born 1949) former #1 golfer in the world and 8-time PGA major champion

Ice hockey

Ben Bishop (born 1986), NHL Ottawa Senators
Chris Butler (born 1986), NHL Calgary Flames
Cam Janssen (born 1984), NHL New Jersey Devils
Pat LaFontaine (born 1965), NHL Buffalo Sabres. New York Islanders, New York Rangers
Mike McKenna (born 1983), AHL Peoria Rivermen
Paul Stastny (born 1985), NHL Colorado Avalanche
Yan Stastny (born 1982), DEL Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers
Landon Wilson (born 1975), AHL Texas Stars
Joe Vitale (born 1985), NHL Pittsburgh Penguins
Michael Davies (born 1986), AHL Chicago Wolves
Travis Turnbull (born 1986), DEL Düsseldorfer EG

Professional wrestling

"Bulldog" Bob Brown, (1938–1997), wrestler and booker
Bob Geigel (born 1924), retired wrestler, promoter, and former NWA President
Glenn Jacobs (Born 1967), Ring name Kane, also an actor
Rufus R. Jones, (1933–1993), former NWA wrestler and businessman
Matthew Korklan (born 1983), Ring names "Matt Sydal" and "Evan Bourne"
Sam Muchnick, (1905–1998), founder of the St. Louis Wrestling Club and co-founder of the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA)
Trevor Murdoch (born 1978), former WWE tag team champion.
Matt Murphy (born 1979), retired wrestler and author
Barry Orton, former professional wrestler
"Cowboy" Bob Orton (born 1950), retired pro wrestler and member of the WWE Hall of Fame. Father of Randy Orton.
Randy Orton (born 1980), is a third-generation pro wrestler
Harley Race (born 1943), 8-time NWA World Heavyweight Champion. Member of the WWE Hall of Fame, Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame
Lou Thesz, (1916–2002), superstar of professional wrestlings "Golden Age"

Miscellaneous sports

Devon Alexander (born 1987), boxer, former WBC and IBF Light Welterweight champion
Henry Armstrong (1912–1988), boxer, (born in Mississippi but grew up in St. Louis)
Christian Cantwell (born 1980), Olympian, world champion shot putter
Dwight F. Davis (1879–1945), tennis player, founder of the Davis Cup
Doris Hart (born 1925), tennis player, winner of six Grand Slam singles titles
Jack Jewsbury (born 1981), Major League Soccer player (Portland Timbers)
Ben A. Jones (1882–1961), thoroughbred horse trainer
Horace A. "Jimmy" Jones (1906–2001), thoroughbred horse trainer

Aviation and aerospace

Thomas Akers (born 1953), retired NASA astronaut. Made four space shuttle flights.
Jimmie Angel (1899–1956), discoverer and namesake of Angel Falls in Venezuela, the worlds tallest waterfall.
Melville W. Beardsley (1913–1998), aeronautical engineer who helped create the Hovercraft.
Janet Kavandi (born 1959), scientist and NASA Astronaut on three Space Shuttle missions.
Bill Lear (1902–1978), founder of Lear Jet
Charles Lindbergh (1902–1974), aviator first solo non-stop trans-Atlantic flight in 1927, (born in Detroit, Michigan but lived in St. Louis)
James Smith McDonnell (1899–1980) Founder of McDonnell Aircraft Corporation (later McDonnell Douglas), philanthropist

Business

File:Penneyage27.jpg

J.C. Penney

Henry W. Bloch (born 1922), co-founder of H&R Block tax services
Richard Bloch (1926–2004), co-founder of H&R Block tax services
Adolphus Busch (1839–1913) Founder of Anheuser-Busch (the world's largest brewer)
William H. Danforth (1870–1955), Founder of Ralston Purina Company
John Doerr (born 1951), venture capitalist at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers
James Buchanan Eads (1820–1887), Civil engineer and inventor
Charles Eames (1907–1978), designer and architect
David Glass (born 1935), former President and CEO of Wal-Mart, owner of the Kansas City Royals baseball team.
Joyce Hall, (1891–1982), founder of Hallmark Cards.
William Preston Hall (1864–1932), Circus empresario and animal broker.
John Q. Hammons, hotel enterprizer
Howard R. Hughes, Sr., (1869–1924), Oil drill bit and tool inventor, father of Howard Hughes, reclusive billionaire.
George M. Keller (1923–2008), chairman of Standard Oil Company of California in the 1980s
R. Crosby Kemper Jr. (born 1927), Chairman emeritus UMB Financial Corporation, philanthropist
William Thornton Kemper, Sr. (1866–1938), patriarch of Kemper family railroad and banking empire which included Commerce Bancshares and United Missouri Bank
Ewing Kauffman, (1916–1993), Pharmaceutical magnate, philanthropist and founder of the Kansas City Royals baseball team.
Rebecca Mark-Jusbasche (born 1954), former head of Enron International
N. O. Nelson (1844–1922), founder of the N. O. Nelson Manufacturing Company.
Thomas F. O'Neil, former chairman of RKO General studios who brought movies to television
J. C. Penney (1875–1971), businessman and entrepreneur
Rex Sinquefield (born 1944), financial executive who created Standard & Poor's first index fund, supporter of conservative political causes.
John Sperling (born 1921), businessman and founder of the University of Phoenix
Gerard Swope (1872–1957), president of General Electric
Jack C. Taylor (born 1923), founder of Enterprise Rent-A-Car, billionaire philanthropist
Sam Walton (1918–1992), founder of Wal-Mart
Robert E. Wood (1879–1969), vice-president of Sears Roebuck
Peter Youree (1843–1914), businessman in Shreveport, Louisiana; built first skyscraper there.

Criminals and outlaws

Anthony Brancato, (1913–1951), freelance mafia gunman, half of "The Two Tonys" portrayed in the movie LA Confidential.
Ray and Faye Copeland (1914–1993, 1921–2003), serial killers, oldest couple ever sentenced to death in the United States.
Egan's Rats – Early crime family in St. Louis.
- Leo Vincent Brothers, (1899–1950), low-level member. Later moved to Chicago and became part of Al Capone's organization.
- Fred Burke, (1893–1940), gunman for Egan's Rats. Later suspected of participating in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre.
- William "Dint" Colbeck, (1890–1943), assumed leadership of Egan's Rats after the assassination of Willie Egan.
- Walter Costello, (1889–1917), bodyguard to Willie Egan, killer of Harry Dunn.
- Harry "Cherries" Dunn, (1892–1916),
- Thomas Egan, (1874–1919), organizer of Egan's Rats
- Willie Egan, (1884–1921), brother and right-hand man of gang founder Tom Egan. Led the gang after Tom's death.
- Max Greenberg, (1883–1933), one of the few Jewish members of the mostly Irish Egan gang. Also an associate/friend of Meyer Lansky.
- Frank Hackethal, (1891–1954), robber and resort owner/money launderer for Egan's Rats.
- Thomas "Snake" Kinney, (1868–1912) Missouri State Senator and co-founder of Egan's Rats.
- David "Chippy" Robinson, (1897–1967), bank robber and enforcer for Egan's Rats.
- William "Skippy" Rohan, (1871–1916),
Roy Gardner, (1884–1940), arms smuggler and notorious 1920s bank robber.
Tom Horn (1860–1903), Old West lawman, army scout, outlaw and assassin.
Kansas City crime family
- Charles Binaggio, (1909–1950), killed along with Charles Gargotta at the First Ward Democratic Club in downtown Kansas City.
- Anthony Brancato, (1913–1951),
- William "Willie Rat" Cammisano, (1914–1995), enforcer for the K.C. mob.
- Charles Carrollo, (1902–1979), led the Kansas City mob after Johnny Lazia's assassination.
- Anthony Civella, (1930–2006), led the K.C. crime family in the 1980s and 1990s. Son of Carl Civella and nephew of Nicholas Civella.
- Carl "Cork" Civella, (1910–1994), brother of Nicholas Civella and a top lieutenant in the crime family. Father of Anthony Civella.
- Nicholas Civella, (1912–1983), led the Kansas City crime family from the 1950s through the 1970s.
- Carl "Tuffy" DeLuna, (1927–2008), underboss of the Kansas City crime family, brother-in-law of Anthony Civella.
- Charles "Pretty Boy" Floyd, (1904–1934), took part in the Union Station Massacre.
- Charles "Mad Dog" Gargotta, (1900–1950), top enforcer of the KC crime family.
- Anthony Gizzo, (1902–1953), led Kansas City crime family in the early 1950s
- John Lazia, (1896–1934), leader of the Kansas City crime family in the 1920s and early 1930s.
Kenneth Lay (1942–2006), chairman and CEO of Enron, convicted of securities fraud.
Little Britches (1879 – year of death unknown), female bandit associated with Cattle Annie and the Doolin gang.
James Earl Ray (1928–1998), assassin of civil rights leader Martin Luther King. Ray was an escapee from the Missouri State Penitentiary
James-Younger Gang:
- Frank James (1843–1915), outlaw
- Jesse James (1847–1882), outlaw
- Cole Younger (1844–1916), outlaw
- John Younger, outlaw
- Bob Younger, outlaw
- Jim Younger, outlaw
- Bob Ford, outlaw (gunned down Jesse James)
Tom Pendergast, (1873–1945), long time political boss of Kansas City and western Missouri. Responsible for the political rise of Harry S. Truman. Imprisoned for tax evasion.
St. Louis crime family
- Anthony Giordano, (1914–1980), leader of the St. Louis crime family in the 1960s and 1970s.
- Matthew Trupiano, (1938–1997), nephew of Anthony Giordano, crime family boss in the 1980s
- John Vitale, (1909–1982), crime family boss in the early 1980s.
Belle Starr, (1848–1889), famous female outlaw of the Old West.

Entertainment

Film/Television/Theater

File:Don Johnson.JPEG

Don Johnson

Goodman Ace (1899–1982), Television writer, radio host & comedian.
Zoë Akins (1886–1958), Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, poet.
Robert Altman (1925–2006), film director
Ed Asner (born 1929), Emmy Award-winning actor, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Lou Grant.
Scott Bakula (born 1954), actor, Quantum Leap and Star Trek: Enterprise
Josephine Baker (1906–1975), dancer, singer, actress
Tisha Terrasini Banker (born 1973), actress
Ryan Michelle Bathe (born 1976), actress, Boston Legal, Army Wives, Retired at 35
Jeff Branson (born 1977), actor
John Beal (1909–1997), actor Les Miserables, Amityville 3-D
Gerry Becker (born 1951), actor
Noah Beery (1882–1946), actor, The Mark of Zorro
Wallace Beery (1885–1949), actor, The Champ, Min and Bill
Rob Benedict (born 1970), actor, Felicity, Head Case, Threshold
Fred Berry (1951–2003), actor, What's Happening!!
Linda Blair (born 1959), actress, The Exorcist, Airport 1975
Johnny Yong Bosch (born 1976), singer, actor, Eyeshine, Trigun, Power Rangers
Brent Briscoe (born 1961), actor, Yes Man, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Spider-Man 2
Kent Broadhurst (born 1940), actor
Norbert Leo Butz (born 1967), actor
Morris Carnovsky (1897–1992), actor, Edge of Darkness, Dead Reckoning
Conlan Carter (born 1934), actor, Combat!, The Law and Mr. Jones
Don Cheadle (born 1964), actor, Hotel Rwanda, Traffic, Ocean's Eleven
Anthony Cistaro (born 1963), actor, Charmed, Witchblade
Sarah Clarke (born 1972), actress, Nina Myers on 24
Lynn Cohen, actress, Law & Order, Sex and the City
Frank Converse (born 1938), actor, Movin' On, N.Y.P.D.
Chris Cooper (born 1951), actor Lonesome Dove, The Bourne Identity, American Beauty
John Cothran, Jr. (born 1947), actor, voice actor, Rango, Yes Man
Joan Crawford (1905–1977), Oscar-winning actress, Mildred Pierce
Greg Cromer (born 1971), actor
Robert Cummings (1908–1990), actor, Kings Row, Dial M for Murder
Erin Daniels (born 1973), actress, The L Word
Don S. Davis (1942–2008), actor, Stargate SG-1, Twin Peaks
Kurt Deutsch, actor, Models Inc.
Walt Disney (1901–1966), film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor and animator
Dale Dye (born 1944), actor, Saving Private Ryan, Mission: Impossible, Band of Brothers
Cliff Edwards (1895–1971), actor, musician. The voice of Jiminy Cricket.
Jenna Fischer (born 1974), actress, The Office, Hall Pass, Blades of Glory
Henderson Forsythe (1917–2006), actor, As the World Turns
James Franciscus (1934–1991), actor, Mr. Novak, Naked City, Longstreet
Phyllis Fraser (1915–2006), actress, journalist, children's book publisher, wife of Bennett Cerf and Robert F. Wagner, Jr.
Friz Freleng (1905–1995), film producer, director, screenwriter, and animator, Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies
Bob Gale (born 1951), screenwriter, the Back to the Future trilogy
Betty Garrett (1919–2011), actress, On the Town, Laverne & Shirley
Heather Goldenhersh (born 1973), actress, The Class, School of Rock
John Goodman (born 1952), actor, Roseanne, The Babe, Oh Brother Where Art Thou
Lucas Grabeel (born 1984), actor, High School Musical, Milk
Betty Grable (1916–1973), actress, singer and World War II pin-up girl
Bryan Greenberg (born 1978), actor, musician, One Tree Hill, October Road, How to Make It in America
Dabbs Greer (1917–2007), actor, Little House on the Prairie, Gunsmoke, Picket Fences
Eddie Griffin (born 1968), actor, comedian, Undercover Brother, Norbit
Davis Guggenheim (born 1963), director, producer
Robert Guillaume (born 1927), actor, Benson, The Lion King, Sports Night
James Gunn (born 1970), film director and screenwriter.
Sean Gunn (born 1974), actor, Gilmore Girls, October Road
Moses Gunn (1929–1993), actor, Father Murphy, The Cowboys, A Man Called Hawk
Jon Hamm (born 1971), actor, Mad Men, Providence, The Division
Jean Harlow (1911–1937), actress and sex symbol
George Hearn (born 1934), actor, primarily Broadway and musical theatre
George Hickenlooper (1965–2010), documentary filmmaker, Hearts of Darkness, Dogtown
Dennis Hopper (1936–2010), actor, filmmaker, artist Easy Rider, Waterworld, Hoosiers
Arliss Howard (born 1954), actor, writer and director, Rubicon
Rupert Hughes (1872–1956), film director, composer. Uncle of recluse billionaire Howard Hughes.
John Huston (1906–1987), film director, The Maltese Falcon, Key Largo, The African Queen
Don Johnson (born 1949), actor, Miami Vice, Nash Bridges
Jay Johnson (born 1977), actor The Young and the Restless, Scrubs
Neal Jones (born 1960), actor, Dirty Dancing, G.I. Jane,
Brenda Joyce (1917–2009), actress, Little Tokyo, U.S.A., Tarzan movies in the 1940s.
Andreas Katsulas (1946–2006), actor, Babylon 5, Star Trek: The Next Generation
Ellie Kemper (born 1980), actress The Office
Edward Kerr (born 1966), actor, seaQuest DSV, What I Like About You
Lincoln Kilpatrick (1932–2004), actor
Kevin Kline (born 1947), actor, Sophie's Choice, The Big Chill, Dave
David Koechner (born 1962), actor/comedian, Saturday Night Live, The Naked Trucker and T-Bones Show
Kasi Lemmons (born 1961), actress/director, Eve's Bayou, Talk to Me
Angela Lindvall (born 1979), actress
Mark Linn-Baker (born 1954), actor/director, Larry Appleton on Perfect Strangers
Marsha Mason (born 1942), actress, Sibs
Michael Massee (born 1955), actor, 24, Seven, The Crow,
Wendell Mayes (1919–1992), screenwriter, The Spirit of St. Louis, North to Alaska, Von Ryan's Express
Virginia Mayo (1920–2005), actress, The Best Years of Our Lives, White Heat
Edie McClurg (born 1951), actress, WKRP in Cincinnati, 7th Heaven
Steve McQueen (1930–1980), actor, The Sand Pebbles, The Great Escape, Bullitt
John Milius (born 1944), screenwriter/director/producer, Red Dawn, The Hunt for Red October, Conan the Barbarian
Mircea Monroe, actress, model, Cellular, Episodes
Dustin Nguyen (born 1962), actor, 21 Jump Street, V.I.P.
Eva Novak, (1898–1988), actress of the silent film era, The King of the Kitchen.
Jane Novak, (1896–1990), actress of the silent film era, Treat'Em Rough, Redskin.
Dan O'Bannon (born 1946), film director/screenwriter, Heavy Metal, Total Recall
Denis O'Hare (born 1962), actor, Brothers & Sisters, Sweet Charity, True Blood
Kevin O'Morrison (born 1916), actor/playwright
Timothy Omundson (born 1969), actor, Psych, Judging Amy
Holmes Osborne (born 1947), actor
Diana Ossana, screenwriter, Brokeback Mountain, Pretty Boy Floyd
Geraldine Page (1924–1987), actress, Summer and Smoke, The Trip to Bountiful
Carlos Pena, Jr. (born 1989), actor, singer, and dancer, Big Time Rush
Evan Peters (born 1987), actor, American Horror Story, Invasion, Kick-Ass
Julie Piekarski (born 1963), actress, The Facts of Life
Brad Pitt (born 1963), actor, Thelma & Louise, 12 Monkeys
William Powell (1892–1984), actor, The Thin Man, Life with Father
Vincent Price (1911–1993), actor, Laura, House of Wax
Sally Rand (1904–1979), burlesque dancer, actress
Leonard Roberts (born 1972), actor, Heroes, Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Ginger Rogers (1911–1995), actress, dancer and partner with Fred Astaire
Sol Smith Russell (1848–1902), Comedic stage actor. Well known in the late 19th century.
Phyllis Smith (born 1951), actress, The Office
Kelly Stables (born 1978), actress, The Exes, W.I.T.C.H., Two and a Half Men
Craig Stevens (1918–2000), actor, State Trooper, Peter Gunn,
Christian Stolte (born 1962), actor, Prison Break
Skyler Stone (born 1979), actor, Raising Hope, The Island
Betty Thomas (born 1948), actress/director, Hill Street Blues, Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel, Dr. Dolittle
William Traylor (1930–1989), actor Fletch, and founder of The Loft Studio/acting school
Kathleen Turner (born 1954), actress, Body Heat, Romancing the Stone
Stephen Barker Turner (born 1968), actor
Dick Van Dyke (born 1925), actor, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins, Diagnosis: Murder
Jerry Van Dyke (born 1931), actor, Coach
Jack Wagner (born 1959), actor/singer Melrose Place, General Hospital
Dennis Weaver (1924–2006), actor, Gunsmoke, McCloud
Jason Wiles (born 1970), actor, Third Watch, Persons Unknown
Mykelti Williamson (born 1960), actor, Forrest Gump, Con Air, 24, Midnight Caller
Jane Wyman (1914–2007), actress, former wife of Ronald Reagan

Comedians

Cedric The Entertainer (born 1964), actor, comedian
Redd Foxx (1922–1991), comedian, starred in Sanford and Son
Dick Gregory (born 1932), comedian, social activist
Craig Kilborn (born 1962), comedian, actor, former talk show host
Kathleen Madigan (born 1965), comedienne
Randy and Jason Sklar (born 1972), identical twin comedians, hosts of ESPN Classic's Cheap Seats
Guy Torry (born 1969), actor, comedian
Joe Torry (born 1965), actor, comedian

Cartoonists

Ralph Barton (1891–1931), cartoonist
George Booth (born 1926), cartoonist for the The New Yorker
Lee Falk (1911–1999), cartoonist, The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician
Al Hirschfeld (1903–2003) Caricaturist and cartoonist known for drawing celebrities.
Fred Lasswell (1916–2001), cartoonist, Barney Google and Snuffy Smith
Glenn McCoy (born 1965), cartoonist, The Duplex, The Flying McCoys
George McManus (1884–1954), cartoonist, Maggie and Jiggs
Mike Peters (born 1943), cartoonist, Mother Goose & Grimm
Dan Piraro (born 1958), cartoonist, Bizarro
Mort Walker (born 1923), cartoonist, Beetle Bailey

Magicians/Mentalists

Morgan Strebler (born 1976), magician/mentalist, Las Vegas award winning performer.

Music

Country/Bluegrass

Helen Cornelius (born 1941), country singer best known for duets with Jim Ed Brown
Rusty Draper (1923–2003) Country and Rockabilly singer/guitarist
Sara Evans (born 1971), Country music star
Tyler Farr, Country music singer and songwriter
Bob Ferguson (music) (1927–2001), Country music songwriter and producer.
John Hartford (1937–2001), Country and Bluegrass music composer and performer.
Ferlin Husky (1925–2011), Singer and member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Brett James, Country music singer-songwriter and record producer
The Kendalls, Grammy-winning Country duo from the 1970s and 1980s.
Tom Shapiro, Country music songwriter and record producer
Tate Stevens, Country music singer and 2012 winner of The X Factor
Wynn Stewart (1934–1985), Country music singer, progenitor of the Bakersfield sound.
Jamie Teachenor (born 1980), Country and Rock music singer-songwriter, musician and record producer
Trent Tomlinson (born July 3, 1975), Country singer-songwriter
Leroy Van Dyke (born 1929) Country singer best known for The Auctioneer and Walk on By
Darrin Vincent (born 1970), half of the Grammy nominated bluegrass group Dailey & Vincent, Record producer
Rhonda Vincent (born 1962), Bluegrass singer and musician, seven-time IMBA Female Vocalist of the Year
Porter Wagoner (1927–2007), Grand Ole Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer

Jazz

Oleta Adams (born 1953), Soul, jazz & gospel singer
Ahmad Alaadeen (born 1934), jazz saxophonist and composer
Norman Brown (born 1970), smooth jazz musician
Jimmy Forrest (1920–1980), jazz tenor saxophonist
Coleman Hawkins (1904–1969), jazz tenor saxophonist
Bob James (born 1939) smooth jazz musician
Scott Joplin (1867–1917), ragtime musician and composer
Pat Metheny (born 1954), jazz guitarist and musician
Lennie Niehaus (born 1929), alto saxophonist, arranger, and composer
Charlie "Bird" Parker (1920–1955), jazz saxophonist and composer
David Sanborn (born 1945), smooth jazz musician
Wilbur Sweatman (1882–1961), Dixieland jazz and ragtime composer and bandleaser

Rhythm & Blues / Pop / Rap & Hip-Hop

Akon (Born 1977, St. Louis), Rhythm and blues musician, music producer
Fontella Bass (1940–2012), Singer best known for 1965 hit Rescue Me.
Basement Beats Multi Platinum/Grammy Award Winning production team
Chingy (born 1980), rapper, actor
Eminem (born 1972), rap musician, grew up partly in St. Joseph
Nelly (born 1974), rap musician, (born in Texas and raised in St. Louis)
David Peaston (1957–2012), R&B and Gospel singer.
St. Lunatics, Hip hop, best known for collaborations with Nelly
Tech N9ne (born 1971), rapper
Kimberly Wyatt, singer/dancer Pussycat Dolls

Rock & Roll

Chuck Berry (born 1926), rock musician
The Bottle Rockets, (formed 1992) rock, Alt-country, Roots rock
Cavo, hard rock band (formed in St. Louis)
David Cook (born 1982), 2008 American Idol winner from Blue Springs, MO
Sheryl Crow (born 1962), Grammy-winning singer-songwriter
Gravity Kills, industrial rock band (formed in Jefferson City, MO)
Johnnie Johnson (1924–2005), early rock & roll and blues piano player. Member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
King's X, Hard rock, Progressive metal band. Formed in Springfield, Mo.
Michael McDonald (born 1952), singer, former Doobie Brothers frontman
Missouri, band known for classic rock song "Movin' On". (formed in Kansas City)
Ozark Mountain Daredevils rock band known for hits like "Jackie Blue" and "If You Wanna Get To Heaven", (formed in Springfield)
Louise Post, founder and lead singer/guitarist of alternative rock band Veruca Salt
Puddle of Mudd, rock band, formed in Kansas City
The Rainmakers, rock band, formed in Kansas City
Jay Reatard (1980–2010) garage punk musician born in Lilbourn, Missouri.
Wes Scantlin (born 1972), lead singer and guitarist of post-grunge band Puddle of Mudd
Shooting Star, 1970s and 1980s rock band, from Kansas City
Story of the Year, Emo rock band (formed in St. Louis)
The Urge, rock band (formed in St. Louis)
Bob Walkenhorst, founder and lead singer of alternative rock band The Rainmakers
Steve Walsh (born 1951) Lead vocalist, songwriter and keyboardist for the progressive rock group Kansas (and Streets, which is now defunct) St. Joseph, MO

Miscellaneous other music

Doris Akers (1923–1995), Gospel music singer and composer
Martha Bass (1921–1998), Gospel singer with the Clara Ward Singers and solo career.
Burt Bacharach (born 1928), pianist, composer
Neal E. Boyd (born 1975), opera vocalist, winner of 2008 America's Got Talent competition.
Grace Bumbry (born 1937), opera soprano
Sarah Caldwell (1924–2006), opera conductor
Sara Groves (born 1972), Contemporary Christian singer, record producer, and author.
Dan Landrum (born 1961), Hammer dulcimer player, featured instrumentalist with Yanni
Basil Poledouris (1945–2006), film soundtrack composer
H. Owen Reed (born 1910), composer and conductor
Willie Mae Ford Smith (1904–1994), Gospel singer

Television/radio

Bob Barker (born 1923), television game show host
Jim Bohannon (born 1944), radio talk show host
Rush Limbaugh (born 1951), political commentator
Dana Loesch (born 1978), radio talk show host and editor-in-chief of Andrew Breitbart's Big Journalism
Melanie Morgan (born 1956), radio personality with KSFO in San Francisco
"Mancow" Muller (born 1966), radio & TV personality, Mancow's Morning Madhouse
Marlin Perkins (1905–1986), zoologist and host of Mutual of Omaha's Wild Kingdom
April Scott (born 1979), model, Deal or No Deal and SOAPnet's Soap Talk

Miss America/Miss USA

Debbye Turner (born 1965), Miss America 1990
Shandi Finnessey (born 1978), Miss USA 2004

Journalism

Jabari Asim (born 1962), author, journalist
Joe Buck (born 1969), sportscaster for Fox Sports
Harry Caray (1914–1998), baseball broadcaster
Walter Cronkite (1916–2009), television journalist
Walker Evans (1903–1975), Photojournalist best known for photos taken during the Great Depression.
Joe Garagiola, Sr. (born 1926), former MLB catcher, baseball broadcaster, and television host (The Today Show)
Dave Garroway (1913–1982), founding host NBC Today show.
Michael Kim (born 1964), Sports broadcaster for ESPN.
Carol Platt Liebau, attorney, political analyst and social conservative commentator
Mary Margaret McBride (1899–1976), female radio pioneer
Dan McLaughlin (born 1974), sportscaster for Fox Sports Midwest
Russ Mitchell (born 1960), TV journalist, former CBS Evening News weekend anchor
Lisa Myers (born 1951), journalist
Stone Phillips (born 1954), TV journalist and newsmagazine host (Dateline NBC)
Joseph Pulitzer (1847–1911), journalist (from Hungary), known for creating St. Louis Post-Dispatch and the prestigious Pulitzer Prize

Military

William T. Anderson (1838–1864), a.k.a. "Bloody Bill" Anderson. Confederate guerrilla leader in the Civil War
Frederick Benteen (1834-1898), best known for role under George Custer at the Battle of the Little Bighorn.
Omar Bradley (1893–1981), World War II general, from Clark, Missouri.
Robert Coontz (1864–1935), US Navy Admiral, former Chief of Naval Operations
John V. Cox (born 1930), United States Marine Corps Major General, flew over 200 combat missions during the Vietnam War.
Enoch Crowder (1859–1932), US Army General and reformer of military justice system.
Randall "Duke" Cunningham, only U.S. Navy Ace in the Vietnam War, later a U.S. Congressman from California.
James Phillip Fleming (born 1943), USAF pilot, awarded the Medal of Honor for actions during the Vietnam War.
John C. Fremont (1813–1890), Western explorer, Union Civil War general and first Republican candidate for U.S. President.
Frederick Dent Grant (1850-1912), U.S. Army Major General & diplomat. Son of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant.
Martin E. Green (1815–1863), Confederate Army Brigadier General. Killed a Siege of Vicksburg
John McNeil (1813–1891), Union Army brigadier general during the American Civil War, known as "The Butcher of Palmyra".
Wayne E. Meyer (1926–2009), U.S. Navy Rear Admiral. Considered "Father of the Aegis weapons system".
David Moore (1817–1893), Mexican-American War officer and Union Civil War Brigadier General.
Floyd B. Parks (1911–1942), U.S. Marine aviator who earned the Navy Cross posthumously for his actions leading Marine fighter squadron VMF-221 during the Battle of Midway.
John Henry Parker (1866–1942), a.k.a."Gatling Gun Parker". Hero in the Spanish-American War, only U.S. soldier to be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross four times in World War I.
John J. Pershing (1860–1948), soldier, General of the Armies. Born in Laclede, Missouri.
Sterling Price, Confederate States Army, General of the Missouri State Guard during the Civil War
William Quantrill (1837–1865), Confederate guerrilla leader (Quantrill's Raiders) in the Civil War.
John H. Quick (1870–1922), U.S. Marine awarded the Medal of Honor in the Spanish-American War, awarded the Distinguished Service Cross and the Navy Cross in World War I.
James E. Rieger (1874–1951), Colonel Mo. National Guard. Awarded Distinguished Service Cross & Croix de guerre in World War I.
Maxwell D. Taylor (1901–1987), U.S. Army General, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Stephen W. Thompson (1894-1977), first U.S. military pilot to ever shoot down an enemy in aerial combat (1918).
George Allison Whiteman (1919–1941), the first United States Army Air Corps pilot killed in World War II. Awarded the Silver Star posthumously for after being shot down in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Arthur L. Willard (1870–1935), United States Navy Vice Admiral, winner of Navy Cross, French Legion of Honor, and Belgian Order of Leopold. First man to plant American flag on Cuban soil in the Spanish-American War.

Miscellaneous famous Missourians

William Becknell (1787–1856), soldier, businessman, founder of the Santa Fe Trail.
Susan Blow (1843–1916), Educator, "Mother of Kindergarten"
Calamity Jane (c. 1852–1903), Indian fighter and frontierswoman
Dale Carnegie (1888–1955), public and motivational speaker
Timothy M. Dolan (born 1950), Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church and Archbishop of New York
Ella Ewing (1872–1913), "The Missouri Giantess", Worlds tallest woman (of her era)
Bobby Greenlease (1947–1953), kidnap-murder victim in case that drew national attention.
Raelynn Hillhouse American national security and intelligence community analyst, former smuggler during the Cold War, and spy novelist.
Mary Ranken Jordan (1869–1962), philanthropist and community advocate
Emmett Kelly (1898–1979), clown
Karlie Kloss (born 1992), Model and ballet dancer
Carrie Nation (1846–1911), advocate for the temperance movement
Rose O'Neill (1874–1944), author, illustrator & creator of the Kewpie doll
Phyllis Schlafly (born 1924), conservative political activist and author
Dred Scott, slave and litigant in the U.S. Supreme Court Dred Scott Decision
George Thampy (born 1987), Scripps National Spelling Bee champion 2000, staff member 2006
Faye Wattleton (born 1943), feminist activist
Roy Wilkins (1901–1981), civil rights activist

Public office

Orland K. Armstrong (1893–1987), U.S. Representative, journalist and social activist.
John Ashcroft (born 1942), governor of Missouri (1985–1993), U.S. Senator from Missouri (1995–2001), United States Attorney General (2001–2005).
Thomas Hart Benton (1782–1858), U.S. Senator
Richard P. Bland (1835-1899), U.S. Representative for 23 years, Democratic candidate for U.S. President in 1896.
Roy Blunt (born 1950), seven-term U.S. Representative for Missouri's 7th congressional district. Former House Minority Whip. Current U.S. Senator
Christopher S. "Kit" Bond (born 1939), former Missouri Governor, U.S. Senator from Missouri.
Leonard Boswell (born 1934), U.S. Representative for Iowa's 3rd congressional district
Bill Bradley (born 1943), former U.S. Senator for New Jersey, NBA Hall of Famer. Born and raised in Missouri
Clarence Cannon (1879–1964), U.S. Congressional Representative 1923–1964, U.S. House Appropriations Committee chairman
Albert Sidney Johnson Carnahan (1897–1968), US House of Representatives, US Ambassador to Sierra Leone, and father of Governor Mel Carnahan
Jean Carnahan (born 1933), first Missouri woman to become a U.S. Senator, matriarch of the Carnahan political family
Mel Carnahan (1924–2000), Missouri governor, posthumous US Senator (died in plane crash three weeks before he was elected), patriarch of the Carnahan political family
Robin Carnahan (born 1961), Long-time Missouri Secretary of State
Russ Carnahan (born 1958), US House of Representatives
Steven Chu (born 1948), current U.S. Secretary of Energy
John Danforth (born 1936), former U.S. Senator and United States Ambassador to the United Nations
Thomas Eagleton (1929–2007), U.S. Senator from Missouri (1968–1987), 1972 Democratic Vice Presidential nominee
David R. Francis (1850–1927), U.S. Secretary of the Interior (1896–1897), U.S. Ambassador to Russia (1916–1917)
J. William Fulbright (1905–1995), U.S. Senator, established the Fulbright Fellowships
Dick Gephardt (born 1941), U.S. Representative from Missouri's 3rd congressional district (1977–2005); Democratic House Majority Leader (1989–1995); candidate for the Democratic nomination for president in the 2004 election
Michael Gerson (born 1964), chief speechwriter for George W. Bush (2001–2006)
Ulysses S. Grant, President of the United States (1869–1877)
Michael Harrington (1928–1989), founder Democratic Socialists of America
Alphonso Jackson (born 1945), 13th U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
James Jones (born 1943), U.S. National Security Advisor under Barack Obama and retired USMC four-star general
Jerry Litton (1937–1976), two-term U.S. Representative and Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in the 1976 election. Killed in a plane crash before the general election.
Breckinridge Long (1881–1958), U.S. Ambassador to Italy and Assistant United States Secretary of State under President Franklin D. Roosevelt
Claire McCaskill, State Auditor of Missouri (1999–2007); U.S. Senator (2007–); first woman elected U.S. senator from Missouri
James Benton Parsons (1911–1993), U.S. federal judge
Nellie Tayloe Ross (1876–1977), governor of Wyoming (1925–1927); director of the United States Mint (1933–1953); first woman to serve as a state governor
Ike Skelton (born 1931), U.S. Congressman for the Missouri 4th District (1977–2011), Chairman U.S. House Armed Services Committee
Stuart Symington, 1st Air Force Secretary and U.S. Senator from Missouri.
Larry Thompson (born 1945), United States Deputy Attorney General under George W. Bush
Harry S. Truman (1884–1972), President of the United States
George Turner (1850–1932) U.S. Senator and International arbitrator
David King Udall (1851–1938), served in Arizona Legislature, progenitor of the Udall political family
Harold Volkmer (1931–2011), Twenty year member of the U.S. House of Representatives for northeast Missouri
Jim Webb (born 1946), U.S. Senator for Virginia and United States Secretary of the Navy
Pete Wilson (born 1933), 36th Governor of California, U.S. Senator (1983–1991)
Robert Coldwell Wood (1923–2005), Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under Lyndon B. Johnson

Science and medicine

William F. Baker (born 1953), structural engineer
Gordon Bell (born 1934), computer engineer and microcomputer pioneer
Herbert Blumer (1900–1987), sociologist, developer of symbolic interactionism
Martin Stanislaus Brennan (1845–1927), scientist and priest
George Washington Carver (c. 1864–1943), botanist
Charles Stark Draper (1901–1987), Inventor
David F. Duncan (born 1947), psychologist and epidemiologist
Edward T. Hall (1914–2009), anthropologist and cross-cultural researcher
Edwin Hubble (1889–1953), astronomer
Harry Laughlin (1880–1943), American eugenicist
Mark Johnson (born 1949), philosopher
Virginia Eshelman Johnson (born 1925) psychology researcher
Jack Kilby (1923–2005), inventor of the integrated circuit
Ernest Manheim (1900–2002), sociologist
William Howell Masters (1915–2001), Gynecologist
Richard Smalley (1943–2005), Nobel Prize-winning chemist, discovered buckminsterfullerene
William Jasper Spillman (1863–1931), plant geneticist, a founder of agricultural economics
Lewis Stadler (1896–1954) a.k.a. L.J. Stadler. maize geneticist
Andrew Taylor Still (1828–1917), physician and founder of osteopathic medicine
Norbert Wiener (1894–1964), mathematician

References

v t e Lists of people by U.S. state
States	Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming
Federal district	Washington, D.C.
Territories	American Samoa Guam Northern Mariana Islands Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands