Famous People From Maryland

Maryland, situated in the Atlantic region of the United States is one of the smallest and highly populated states in America. The name of the state has been derived from Henrietta Maria of France, a former monarch. Although its capital is Annapolis, the city of Baltimore is the biggest in the whole of Maryland. The state is known for many landmark buildings and places of historic importance. Apart from these reasons, the state is also famous for being associated with many distinguished personalities we know today. Actors like Julie Bowen, Jade Pinkett Smith, Mike Rowe and comedian Lewis Black belong to this American state. Apart from being known as Hollywood heartthrob Will Smith’s wife, Jade has carved a niche of her own. She has acted in several acclaimed films like ‘The Nutty Professor’, ‘Ali’ and two flicks of the ‘Matrix’ franchise. Here are the names of other famous personalities who hail from Maryland & few of the celebs who were born in Maryland.
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 1 
Michael Phelps
(American Former Competitive Swimmer and the Most Successful Olympian of All Time With a Total of 28 Medals)
Michael Phelps
65
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 30, 1985
Sun Sign: Cancer

The most decorated and successful Olympian of all time, Michael Phelps is a former competitive swimmer who has won a total of 28 Olympic medals. He is widely considered one of the greatest athletes ever and the greatest swimmer of all time. He has several world records and Olympic records under his belt.

 2 
Harriet Tubman
(Activist and Abolitionist Known for Her Efforts in Rescuing Slaves and Abolition of Slavery)
Harriet Tubman
40
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: 1822
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: March 10, 1913

Born to parents who were bonded slaves, Harriet Tubman life was a difficult one from the very beginning. Yet with her remarkable courage and determination, she not only escaped slavery herself, but also led other enslaved people to freedom. The prominent political activist and abolitionist was also the first woman to lead an armed expedition during the American Civil War.

 3 
Babe Ruth
(One of the Greatest Baseball Players of All Time)
Babe Ruth
47
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 6, 1895
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: August 16, 1948
One of the greatest players in the history of baseball, Babe Ruth played 22 seasons between 1914 and 1935 and set monumental records—including 714 home runs—that took decades to be finally broken. Amongst the most celebrated athletes of the world, he became one of the first five players to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
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 4 
Frederick Douglass
(American Social Reformer, Abolitionist, Orator, Writer, and Statesman)
Frederick Douglass
23
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: February 14, 1818
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: February 20, 1895

Social reformer and abolitionist, Frederick Douglass was a national leader of the abolitionist movement in Massachusetts and New York. Born into slavery, he had a difficult early life. Eventually, he managed to escape and dedicated the rest of his life to promoting the cause of abolition. He was a great orator and writer.

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 5 
Frank Vincent Zappa
(One of the Most Innovative and Stylistically Diverse Musicians of His Generation)
Frank Vincent Zappa
37
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: December 21, 1940
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: December 4, 1993

Frank Zappa was an American composer, multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, and bandleader. Widely regarded as one of the most stylistically diverse and innovative rock musicians of his generation, Zappa was named in Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list in 2004. Zappa's works have influenced other musicians like Alice Cooper, Jimi Hendrix, Simon Phillips, Steve Vai, and Warren DeMartini.

 6 
Thurgood Marshall
(Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (1967 - 1991))
Thurgood Marshall
33
Listed In: Lawyers & Judges
Birthdate: July 2, 1908
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: January 24, 1993

The first African-American member of the US Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall was an associate justice from 1967 to 1991. Earlier as an attorney, he fought for the abolishment of racial segregation in American public schools. He was also a strong proponent of individual rights. A symbol of black icon, there are numerous memorials in America to honour his legacy.

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 7 
Logic
(Rapper Known for His 'Young Sinatra' Mixtape Series)
Logic
50
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 22, 1990
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Rapper and hip-hop artist Logic, earlier known as “Psychological,” initially gained fame with his Young Sinatra mixtapes, which helped him secure a deal with Def Jam Recordings. After delivering gold and platinum albums, he quit music and became a Twitch and YouTube star. He has written a bestselling novel, too.
 8 
Tom Clancy
(American Author Best Known for His Novel ‘The Hunt for Red October’)
Tom Clancy
15
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: April 12, 1947
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: October 1, 2013
Tom Clancy is best remembered for his espionage- and war-themed novels, many of which, such as The Hunt for Red October, The Sum of All Fears, and Clear and Present Danger, have been made into hit films. He was also a co-owner of the MLB team Baltimore Orioles
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 9 
Anna Faris
(American Actress Who is Known for Her Performances in Comedic Roles)
Anna Faris
55
Birthdate: November 29, 1976
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Actress Anna Faris is known for her comedic roles, especially as the lead in the commercially successful Scary Movie films. Lost in Translation, Brokeback Mountain, Just Friends, The House Bunny, The Dictator, Calgary and Overboard are some of her other notable films. She has also acted in television sitcoms like Friends and Mom. Anna Faris has been featured on the covers of several magazines.

 10 
Pete Sampras
(Former World No. 1 Tennis Player)
Pete Sampras
17
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 12, 1971
Sun Sign: Leo

Former professional tennis player, Pete Sampras, became the winner of 14 Grand Slam singles titles during his career. He was ranked world No. 1 in 1993 and held the record for 286 weeks. Nicknamed “Pistol Pete,” the player was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2007.

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 11 
Julie Bowen
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Claire Dunphy’ on the TV Series ‘Modern Family’)
Julie Bowen
33
Birthdate: March 3, 1970
Sun Sign: Pisces

Julie Bowen is an American actress whose performance in the television series Modern Family earned her six successive Primetime Emmy Award nominations, out of which she won twice. But what's really impressive and inspirational about this Marylander is that she achieved all this wearing a pacemaker in her chest all the way through—a real-life Iron Woman!

 12 
David Hasselhoff
(American Actor and TV Personality Who Holds a Guinness World Record as the Most Watched Man on TV)
David Hasselhoff
36
Birthdate: July 17, 1952
Sun Sign: Cancer

David Hasselhoff played the iconic role of Mitch Buchannon in Baywatch. He has also starred in The Young and The Restless and Knight Rider, judged on America’s Got Talent, released a music album, and appeared in Broadway musicals. He has a Guinness record for being the most-watched man on TV.

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 13 
Penn Badgley
(Actor)
Penn Badgley
65
Birthdate: November 1, 1986
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 14 
Linda Hamilton
(American Actress Known for Her TV Series ‘Beauty and the Beast’ and ‘Terminator’ Film Series)
Linda Hamilton
29
Birthdate: September 26, 1956
Sun Sign: Libra

A popular American actress, Linda Hamilton is famous for being the first actress to portray the iconic Sarah Connor in the Terminator movie series. A brave woman, who has fought depression and bipolar disorder throughout her career, Hamilton suffered permanent hearing damage after firing a gun without using her ear plugs while filming Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

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 15 
Scott Hall
(Professional Wrestler Best Known for His Tenures with World Championship Wrestling (WCW))
Scott Hall
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 20, 1958
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: March 14, 2022

Scott Hall is an American retired wrestler best known for his association with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) where he is popularly known as Razor Ramon. Apart from his several championship reigns in WWE, Scott Hall is also renowned for being an original member of the New World Order, one of the most popular stables in the history of professional wrestling.

 16 
Lance Reddick
(American Actor and Musician Best Known for His Role as ‘Cedric Daniels’ in the TV Series ‘The Wire’)
Lance Reddick
28
Birthdate: June 7, 1962
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: March 17, 2023

Lance Reddick is an American musician and actor. Over the years, Reddick has contributed immensely to the success of several TV series, such as Oz, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Wire, Fringe, and Bosch. He has also been entertaining children and adults alike by providing his likeness and voice for video games like Quantum Break and Destiny series.

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 17 
Toni Braxton
(One of the Best-Selling Female R&B Artist In History)
Toni Braxton
37
Birthdate: October 7, 1967
Sun Sign: Libra
Soul and R&B sensation Toni Braxton initially performed with her sisters in The Braxtons. She won three of her seven Grammys with her debut album. Known for her Billboard-charters such as Un-break My Heart, she also collaborated with Babyface, competed in Dancing with the Stars, and produced Braxton Family Values.
 18 
Cass Elliot
(American Singer Who was a Member of the Folk-Rock Band 'The Mamas & the Papas')
Cass Elliot
31
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 19, 1941
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: July 29, 1974

Cass Elliot was a popular American singer and actress. As part of the famous folk-rock vocal group The Mamas and the Papas, Cass Elliot played an important role in influencing the counterculture of the 1960s and its music scene. She had a great impact on the American entertainment industry of the 1960s.

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 19 
Gervonta Davis
(American Professional Boxer Who Has Held Multiple World Championships in Three Weight Classes)
Gervonta Davis
36
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 7, 1994
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Born in the U.S., boxer Gervonta Davis is of mixed heritage but identifies as African-American. He has held titles such as the IBF super featherweight title and the WBA (Super) super featherweight title. Mentored by Floyd Mayweather, he is best known for his knockout-to-win percentage.

 20 
Muggsy Bogues
(Basketball player)
Muggsy Bogues
33
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 9, 1965
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Muggsy Bogues is a former basketball player. Standing at 5 feet 3 inches tall, Bogues is the shortest player in the history of the National Basketball Association (NBA). When his 14-season NBA career came to an end, Bogues served as the head coach for Charlotte Sting, which participated in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) from 1997 to 2007. 

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 21 
John Astin
(Actor and Director Known for His Role as ‘Gomez Addams’ in the TV Series ‘The Addams Family’)
John Astin
18
Birthdate: March 30, 1930
Sun Sign: Aries
John Astin is best known as Gomez Addams from the 1960s’ series The Addams Family. He was a known face in movies of the horror-comedy/parody genre, such as the Killer Tomatoes films. Some of his other notable films were West Side Story, Freaky Friday, and National Lampoon's European Vacation.
 22 
Parker Posey
(Queen of the Indies)
Parker Posey
22
Birthdate: November 8, 1968
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Parker Posey, also known as the “Queen of the Indies,” is best known for her work with Christopher Guest in his mockumentaries such as Waiting for Guffman and A Mighty Wind. Audiences also loved her in the series Lost in Space and Hell on Heels: The Battle of Mary Kay.
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 23 
Cal Ripken Jr.
(Baseball Shortstop)
Cal Ripken Jr.
8
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 24, 1960
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 24 
Victor Oladipo
(American-Nigerian Basketball Player Who Plays as a Shooting Guard)
Victor Oladipo
27
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 4, 1992
Sun Sign: Taurus

Professional basketball player Victor Oladipo currently plays for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He started playing basketball in high school and went to Indiana University Bloomington, where he played for the Indiana Hoosiers. He began his professional playing career in 2013 and has been going strong since then. He is also a singer.

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 25 
Thomas Jane
(American Actor Known for His Role in the Series 'The Expanse')
Thomas Jane
13
Birthdate: February 22, 1969
Sun Sign: Pisces

An actor known for appearing in the film Deep Blue Sea, Thomas Jane has been active in Hollywood for more than 30 years. He dropped out of high school to pursue acting and struggled for a while. Eventually, he was able to make a name for himself in the entertainment world. Besides acting, he writes comic books. 

 26 
Stacy Keibler
(Retired Professional Wrestler and Actress)
Stacy Keibler
20
Birthdate: October 14, 1979
Sun Sign: Libra

Actress, dancer, and model, Stacy Keibler, has appeared in many TV shows including What About Brian. Prior to becoming an actress, she was a professional wrestler known for her work with World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). She has appeared in eleven WWE video games. She is popular for her beauty and is considered a sex symbol.

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 27 
Todd Gurley
(American football player)
Todd Gurley
12
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 3, 1994
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 28 
Doug Flutie
(American football player)
Doug Flutie
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 23, 1962
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
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 29 
Lewis Black
(Comedian)
Lewis Black
12
Birthdate: August 30, 1948
Sun Sign: Virgo
 30 
Mike Rowe
(Television Host and Narrator Known for His TV Series ‘Dirty Jobs’ and ‘Somebody's Gotta Do It’)
Mike Rowe
12
Birthdate: March 18, 1962
Sun Sign: Pisces

Mike Rowe is an American narrator, television host, and former opera singer. He has narrated popular programs on the Discovery Channel, such as How the Universe Works and Deadliest Catch. Also an activist, Rowe joined hands with the 'Association of Equipment Manufacturers' in 2010 in order to create jobs in the manufacturing sector through a campaign named "I Make America".

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 31 
Sean Murray
(Actor)
Sean Murray
11
Birthdate: November 15, 1977
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 32 
JC Chasez
(Singer-songwriter, producer best known as a former member of the boy band NSYNC)
JC Chasez
4
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 8, 1976
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
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 33 
Markelle Fultz
(Basketball player)
Markelle Fultz
12
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 29, 1998
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 34 
Daniel Stern
(Best Known for His Role as 'Marv Murchins' in the 'Home Alone' Series )
Daniel Stern
5
Birthdate: August 28, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo

American actor, artist, director, and screenwriter Daniel Stern is best-recognised for playing the tall and dim-witted thief Marv Murchins in first two films of the Home Alone franchise. He is also noted for his role in the film City Slickers and its sequel; voice-role in the TV series Dilbert; and for directing the sports-comedy film Rookie of the Year.

 35 
Nicole Ari Parker
(Actress Known for Her Films: ‘The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love’ and ‘Boogie Nights’)
Nicole Ari Parker
17
Birthdate: October 7, 1970
Sun Sign: Libra

Nicole Ari Parker is best known for her role as Becky Barnett in the movie Boogie Nights. Fans also loved her as Teri Joseph in Soul Food and as Giselle Barker in the soap Empire. She also plays Samantha Miller in Chicago P.D. Nicole is an active Democrat.

 36 
Ta-Nehisi Coates
(Author and Journalist Known for His Non-Fiction Books: ‘The Beautiful Struggle’ and ‘Between the World and Me’)
Ta-Nehisi Coates
11
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: September 30, 1975
Sun Sign: Libra

Author and journalist Ta-Nehisi Coates gained international prominence while serving as the national correspondent at The Atlantic. His writings on socio-political issues related to African Americans and white supremacy garnered him much appreciation. He is a recipient of the Harriet Beecher Stowe Center Prize for Writing to Advance Social Justice. He also writes fiction and comics.

 37 
Stefon Diggs
(American football player)
Stefon Diggs
13
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 29, 1993
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 38 
Ric Ocasek
(Primary Co-Lead Vocalist of the Rock Band ‘The Cars’)
Ric Ocasek
9
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 23, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: September 15, 2020
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 39 
Michael Flynn
(24th United States National Security Advisor (Jan 2017 - Feb 2017))
Michael Flynn
19
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: December 24, 1958
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Michael Flynn is a retired US Army lieutenant general who played a key role in dismantling insurgent networks in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. He also helped shape the US counterterrorism strategy in the wars. He also played a major role in the 2016 US presidential election, serving as Donald Trump's senior advisor throughout the latter's presidential campaign.

 40 
Joel Madden
(Lead Vocalist for the Pop Punk Band "Good Charlotte")
Joel Madden
9
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 11, 1979
Sun Sign: Pisces
Joel Madden is the frontman of the pop punk band Good Charlotte and part of the pop-rock duo The Madden Brothers with his twin brother, Benji. He has been a coach on The Voice Australia from its first to its fifth season. He is also UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.
 41 
Trevon Diggs
(American football player)
Trevon Diggs
21
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 20, 1997
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 42 
John Waters
(Known for His Transgressive Cult Films and Director of the Comedy Film 'Hairspray')
John Waters
13
Birthdate: April 22, 1946
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 43 
Kate Siegel
(Actress)
Kate Siegel
23
Birthdate: August 9, 1982
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 44 
Erin Burnett
(News Anchor and Host of 'Erin Burnett OutFront' on CNN)
Erin Burnett
20
Birthdate: July 2, 1976
Sun Sign: Cancer

Erin Burnett is an American news anchor. Dubbed the International Superstar, Burnett has hosted her own show Erin Burnett OutFront from the borders of Afghanistan, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates; she has also worked on a number of documentaries filmed inside India, Nigeria, Russia, and Libya. She has also reported from countries like Pakistan and China.

 45 
Len Bias
(Basketball player)
Len Bias
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 18, 1963
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: June 9, 1986
Height: 6'8" (203 cm)
 46 
Frank Stallone
(Singer, Guitarist and Actor)
Frank Stallone
9
Birthdate: July 30, 1950
Sun Sign: Leo

Actor, singer-songwriter, and guitarist Frank Stallone is the younger brother of Sylvester Stallone. He has written music for his brother’s movies and has received Golden Globe and Grammy nominations for his songs. He has also released numerous albums. He has appeared in many reality TV shows and radio segments as well.

 47 
Benji Madden
(Guitarist)
Benji Madden
15
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 11, 1979
Sun Sign: Pisces

Along with his identical twin brother, Joel Madden, Benji Madden has been one of the greatest musical duos as far as twin siblings are concerned. A huge fan of tattoos, Benji Madden has several tattoos, including one of Benjamin Franklin, which is so big that it covers his entire back!

 48 
Josh Charles
(Actor)
Josh Charles
11
Birthdate: September 5, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
 49 
Patricia Richardson
(American television actress)
Patricia Richardson
7
Birthdate: February 23, 1951
Sun Sign: Pisces
 50 
Dashiell Hammett
(Regarded as one of the Best Mystery Writers of All Time)
Dashiell Hammett
2
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: May 27, 1894
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: January 10, 1961