Famous People From Minnesota

The ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ or Minnesota as it’s officially called, is a state in the Midwestern and northern regions of the United States of America. In terms of area, it is the twelfth largest state in the country, with Saint Paul as its capital and Minneapolis as its largest city. It is renowned for having the highest standard of living amongst the American states and for being the most educated and wealthiest state. With a rich heritage of early European settlers, the state is the apex of Scandinavian American and German American traditions. Many distinguished celebrities were born and raised in the state of Minnesota. From the iconic musician Prince, to the enthralling F. Scott Fitzgerald to the incredible Bob Dylan, numerous famous personalities were born in Minnesota. Hollywood has also seen some wonderful individuals who started their journey from this state such as the beautiful Jessica Biel, the hilarious Chris Pratt, the captivating Winona Ryder, the stylish Vince Vaughn and the legendary Judy Garland and so many more. Keep reading this list to know more eminent celebrities who are from Minnesota.
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 1 
Prince
(Singer-songwriter & Multi-instrumentalist)
Prince
153
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: June 7, 1958
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: April 21, 2016

Singer-songwriter, dancer, and musician, Prince is is widely regarded as one of the greatest musicians of his generation. He was considered a guitar virtuoso and could also play several other instruments. With worldwide sales of over 150 million records, he is ranked among the best-selling music artists of all time. He was also well known for his flamboyant persona.

 2 
Judy Garland
(Best Known for Her Portrayal of 'Dorothy Gale' in the Movie 'The Wizard of Oz')
Judy Garland
89
Birthdate: June 10, 1922
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: June 22, 1969
American actress and singer, Judy Garland, was one of the most iconic artists of Hollywood's Golden Era. In a career that spanned forty five years, her exceptional talent shone brightly, especially in movies like The Wizard of Oz and A Star Is Born. The personal life of the superstar though, was full of struggles including drugs, alcohols and unsuccessful marriages.
 3 
Bob Dylan
(One of the Greatest Songwriters of All Time)
Bob Dylan
107
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 24, 1941
Sun Sign: Gemini

Singer-songwriter and author, Bob Dylan, is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. Active in the music industry for almost six decades, he is a major pop culture icon who introduced a range of political, social, and literary influences to pop music. He is a Nobel laureate and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

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 4 
F. Scott Fitzgerald
(Best Known for His Novel 'The Great Gatsby')
F. Scott Fitzgerald
38
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: September 24, 1896
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: December 21, 1940

Novelist, essayist, screenwriter, and short-story writer F. Scott Fitzgerald is widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. However, he wasn’t much popular during his lifetime. His works gained international acclaim only in the years following his untimely death at 44. Many of his works have been adapted into films.

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 5 
Jessica Lange
(One of the Greatest Actresses of All Time)
Jessica Lange
80
Birthdate: April 20, 1949
Sun Sign: Taurus

Jessica Lange is a prominent actress with over four decades of experience in Hollywood. She is one of the few female performers to achieve the “Triple Crown of Acting,” having won an Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award. She has appeared in many critically acclaimed films. Also a photographer, she has published four books.

 6 
Lindsey Vonn
(One of the Greatest Alpine Skiers of All Time)
Lindsey Vonn
33
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 18, 1984
Sun Sign: Libra
Lindsey Vonn became the first American woman Olympic gold-medalist in downhill skiing, with her win at the 2010 Winter Olympics. She is one of five women with a World Cup race win in all alpine skiing categories. The 2010 Laureus Sportswoman of the Year is also the second-highest-ranked skier ever.
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 7 
Winona Ryder
(Actress Best Known for Her Films: 'Beetlejuice', 'The Age of Innocence' and 'Little Women')
Winona Ryder
101
Birthdate: October 29, 1971
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Actress Winona Ryder is known for her roles in successful and critically acclaimed films such as Heathers, Edward Scissorhands, Girl, Interrupted, Little Women and The Age of Innocence. She also starred in the hit show Stranger Things. She has been in the news for her relationships, including that with superstar Johnny Depp and a 2001 arrest for shoplifting.  

 8 
Larry Fitzgerald
(American Former Football Wide Receiver)
Larry Fitzgerald
26
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 31, 1983
Sun Sign: Virgo
Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald was the second-best in NFL receiving yards in 2019. He has been named to First-team All-Pro and to Second-team All-Pro twice. He is a minority stake-owner of the NBA team Phoenix Suns. He also works for breast cancer awareness and underprivileged children.
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 9 
Joel Coen
(Director, Writer and Producer Known for Films ‘No Country For Old Men’, ‘Fargo’, and ‘The Big Lebowski’)
Joel Coen
14
Birthdate: November 29, 1954
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Joel Coen is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and editor. One-half of the popular sibling duo, the Coen Brothers, Joel Coen is best known for making such films as Fargo and Miller's Crossing along with his brother Ethan Coen. The duo has received several honors including multiple nominations for the Academy Award and the prestigious Palme d'Or.

 10 
Jessica Biel
(Actress and Model Known for Her Films: 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' and 'Ulee's Gold')
Jessica Biel
59
Birthdate: March 3, 1982
Sun Sign: Pisces

Well known actress Jessica Biel gained immense recognition with the television series 7th Heaven and film Ulee’s Gold. The actress, who initially began as a vocalist and model, later proved her acting skills by working in movies of diverse genres like horror, action thriller, romantic comedy and historical drama. Her notable work include The Sinner, Total Recall and The Illusionist

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 11 
Ethan Coen
(Film Producer and Director)
Ethan Coen
17
Birthdate: September 21, 1957
Sun Sign: Virgo

Ethan Coen is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, and editor. One half of the popular filmmaking duo the Coen Brothers, Ethan Coen has received several prestigious awards alongside his brother. The duo has won four Academy Awards, Golden Globe Award, BAFTA Awards, and Producers Guild of America Awards.

 12 
Sunisa Lee
(American Artistic Gymnast Who is 2020 Olympic All-Around Champion)
Sunisa Lee
39
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 9, 2003
Sun Sign: Pisces

Apart from being the first Hmong-American to participate in the Olympics, Sunisa Lee has also won a gold, a team silver, and a bronze at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She was also the 2019 world champion. Named to Time 100 in 2021, she was pepper-sprayed in a racist attack in Los Angeles.

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 13 
Vince Vaughn
(Actor and Comedian Known For His Role In The Movie 'Swingers')
Vince Vaughn
36
Birthdate: March 28, 1970
Sun Sign: Aries
Vince Vaughn began his career with a Chevron commercial and then impressed audiences with his portrayal of Trent Walker in Swingers. He has appeared in comedies such as The Break Up and Old School. He was also featured in the 1998 remake of Psycho. A libertarian, he opposes gun control. 
 14 
John Madden
(Head Coach of the Oakland Raiders)
John Madden
41
Birthdate: April 10, 1936
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: December 28, 2021
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
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 15 
Mitch Hedberg
(American Stand-Up Comedian Known for His Albums: ‘Strategic Grill Locations’ and ‘Mitch All Together’)
Mitch Hedberg
12
Birthdate: February 24, 1968
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: March 30, 2005
Iconic stand-up comedian Mitch Hedberg is remembered for his one-liners and deadpan delivery. He gained attention with Comikaze, appeared on major comedy shows, and created the film Los Enchiladas! He released several comedy albums, one of which, Do You Believe in Gosh?, was released after his death.
 16 
Josh Hartnett
22
Birthdate: July 21, 1978
Sun Sign: Cancer

From working at a video store, Josh Hartnett rose to being a Hollywood star. His filmography includes the war dramas Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down, thrillers such as The Black Dahlia, and horrors such as 30 Days of Night. He also appeared in the award-winning horror series Penny Dreadful.

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 17 
Rachael Leigh Cook
(Actress & Model)
Rachael Leigh Cook
48
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: October 4, 1979
Sun Sign: Libra

Starting out as a child actress, Rachael Leigh Cook went on to establish herself as a successful actress. Known for her good looks, she was ranked 26th in Stuff magazine's list of 102 Sexiest Women in the World in 2002. Also known for her public service, she was selected as a Champion of Change for Arts Education by the Obama administration.

 18 
Lea Thompson
(Actress Best Known for Her Roles in the 'Back to the Future' Film Trilogy & 'Howard the Duck')
Lea Thompson
30
Birthdate: May 31, 1961
Sun Sign: Gemini

Initially a ballerina, Lea Thompson later deviated to acting, after being told she didn’t have the perfect body to pursue ballet. She then modeled for Burger King and eventually bagged a role in Jaws 3-D. She later gained fame with Caroline in the City and the Back to the Future trilogy.

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 19 
Charles M. Schulz
(Cartoonist)
Charles M. Schulz
8
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: November 26, 1922
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: February 12, 2000

Charles M. Schulz was an American cartoonist. He is credited with creating the popular comic strip, Peanuts, which featured world-renowned characters like Snoopy and Charlie Brown. Considered one of the most influential cartoonists ever, Schulz's works have influenced other cartoonists like Dav Pilkey, Matt Groening, and Jim Davis. In 1996, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 20 
Terry Gilliam
(Film director, Screenwriter, Actor, Animator, Film actor)
Terry Gilliam
15
Birthdate: November 22, 1940
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
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 21 
Seann William Scott
(Actor)
Seann William Scott
20
Birthdate: October 3, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
 22 
Garrett Hedlund
(Actor Best Known for His Films: 'Tron: Legacy', 'Unbroken' and 'Four Brothers')
Garrett Hedlund
29
Birthdate: September 3, 1984
Sun Sign: Virgo

Garrett Hedlund has played important roles in many popular films. Also a skilled musician, Hedlund plays the violin and guitar. While filming Eragon, his friend Jeremy Irons taught him alternative violin techniques. Hedlund has released a couple of music videos and singles. Also known for his looks, he was named Man of the Year at the 2011 Glamour Awards.

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 23 
Chad Smith
(drummer, musician)
Chad Smith
11
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: October 25, 1961
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 24 
Yara Shahidi
(Actress & Model Known for Her Role as 'Zoey Johnson' on the TV Series" ‘Black-ish’ and ‘Grown-ish)
Yara Shahidi
67
Birthdate: February 10, 2000
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Yara Shahidi is best known as Zoey Johnson from Black-ish and Grown-ish. She started off as a model for brands such as McDonald's and GapKids, at age 6. One of Time’s “30 Most Influential Teens of 2016," she was also appreciated in the film The Sun Is Also a Star.
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 25 
Tippi Hedren
(Famous for Her Roles in the Alfred Hitchcock Movies ‘The Birds’ and ‘Marnie')
Tippi Hedren
20
Birthdate: January 19, 1930
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Known as a typical Hitchcock Blonde, Tippi Hedren soared to fame with her roles in Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds and Marnie. An animal rights activist, too, she set up the Roar Foundation and the Shambala Preserve, after witnessing the plight of the animals that are used for shoots.

 26 
Steve Zahn
(Veteran actor whose film credits include Saving Silverman, Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Dr. Dolittle 2, and Daddy Day Care)
Steve Zahn
16
Birthdate: November 13, 1967
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
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 27 
James Arness
(Actor)
James Arness
21
Birthdate: May 26, 1923
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: June 3, 2011
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
 28 
J. Paul Getty
(British Petroleum Industrialist and Founder of the ‘Getty Oil Company’)
J. Paul Getty
20
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: December 15, 1892
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: June 6, 1976

As the patriarch of the Getty family, J. Paul Getty was an influential petrol-industrialist who founded the Getty Oil Company. In 1966, Paul made it to the Guinness Book of Records as the world's richest private citizen. An avid collector of antiquities and art, his collection is preserved at the J. Paul Getty Museum in California.

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 29 
Loni Anderson
(Actress)
Loni Anderson
26
Birthdate: August 5, 1945
Sun Sign: Leo
Loni Anderson is best known for her Golden Globe- and Emmy-nominated performance as Jennifer Marlowe in WKRP in Cincinnati. She has also voiced Blondie Bumstead in two TV films, and has appeared in films such as A Night at the Roxbury. She later raised awareness about COPD, a lung disease.
 30 
Yung Gravy
(Rapper)
Yung Gravy
43
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 19, 1996
Sun Sign: Pisces

Yung Gravy is an American singer, rapper, and songwriter. He is known for his songs 1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot and Mr. Clean, which have been certified platinum by the RIAA. He often blends trap music with elements of soul and oldies from the 1950s and 1960s and his style has been described as groovy and humorous.

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 31 
Shantel VanSanten
(Actress and Model)
Shantel VanSanten
16
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: July 25, 1985
Sun Sign: Leo

Model and actress Shantel VanSanten has been featured in the magazines Teen Vogue and Seventeen. She began her modeling career as a teenager and eventually made her foray into acting. Initially, she played minor roles in TV series and then started taking up film projects as well. She has also appeared in a couple of music videos.

 32 
Kevin Sorbo
(Actor)
Kevin Sorbo
26
Birthdate: September 24, 1958
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
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 33 
Cheryl Tiegs
9
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: September 25, 1947
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 34 
Trey Lance
(American football player)
Trey Lance
28
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 9, 2000
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
 35 
Louie Anderson
(Comedian)
Louie Anderson
19
Birthdate: March 24, 1953
Sun Sign: Aries
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
 36 
Cat Zingano
(American Mixed Martial Artist)
Cat Zingano
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 1, 1982
Sun Sign: Cancer

Mixed martial artist Cat Zingano, who currently represents Bellator MMA, is a world champion in the bantamweight and flyweight divisions and had begun training in martial arts at 12. A brown belt and a world champion in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, she also teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Thai, and wrestling.

 37 
Kevin McHale
(Basketball player Power Forward)
Kevin McHale
8
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 19, 1957
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 6'10" (208 cm)
 38 
Jesse Ventura
(38th Governor of Minnesota)
Jesse Ventura
23
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: July 15, 1951
Sun Sign: Cancer

WWE legend Jesse Ventura, known by his ring name “The Body,” also served as the mayor of Brooklyn from 1991 to 1995 and as the governor of Minnesota from 1999 to 2003. He had previously served the U.S. Navy. He has also appeared in films and written several books.

 39 
Gable Steveson
(American Professional Wrestler and Retired Freestyle and Folkstyle Wrestler)
Gable Steveson
13
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 31, 2000
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 40 
Gretchen Carlson
(Former Host of CBS News Show 'The Early Show' and Fox News Show 'Fox & Friends')
Gretchen Carlson
30
Birthdate: June 21, 1966
Sun Sign: Gemini

Known for her stints on Fox News and CBS News, TV journalist Gretchen Carlson made headlines when she accused Fox CEO Roger Ailes of having sexually harassed her earlier, eventually causing him to resign. The former Miss America is also a skilled classical violinist and a Juilliard alumna.

 41 
James Hong
(Actor)
James Hong
8
Birthdate: February 22, 1929
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 42 
Mike Farrell
(Actor & Public Speaker Known for His Role in the TV Series M*A*S*H)
Mike Farrell
16
Birthdate: February 6, 1939
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Mike Farrell is an American actor known for playing, Captain B.J. Hunnicutt, in the popular war comedy-drama TV series, M*A*S*H. Farrell's journey from being born into a working-class family to becoming a famous Hollywood actor is quite inspiring. Also a political and social activist, Farrell has worked on several activist campaigns. In 2001, he was honored with PETA's Humanitarian Award.

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 43 
Jane Russell
(Actress, Singer and Model Who was One of Hollywood's Leading Sex Symbols in the 1940s and 1950s )
Jane Russell
17
Birthdate: June 21, 1921
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: February 28, 2011

Jane Russell was an American actress and singer. Renowned for her beauty, Russell was considered one of the leading sex symbols of Hollywood in the 1940s and 1950s. In 2009, Glamour magazine named her in its list of 40 Most Iconic Movie Goddesses. Her contribution to the entertainment industry was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 44 
Peter Krause
(American Actor, Director and Producer)
Peter Krause
9
Birthdate: August 12, 1965
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 45 
Kelly Lynch
(Actress and Model)
Kelly Lynch
21
Birthdate: January 31, 1959
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Kelly Lynch is best known for her Independent Spirit Award-nominated roles in Drugstore Cowboy and The Beans of Egypt, Maine. She also appeared in series such as The L Word, 90210, and Magic City, and in movies such as Curly Sue and Virtuosity. She is married to writer/producer Mitch Glazer. 

 46 
David Bromstad
(Designer, TV Personality and Winner of the 1st Season of the Reality Show 'HGTV Design Star')
David Bromstad
30
Birthdate: August 17, 1973
Sun Sign: Leo
David Bromstad is an American television personality and designer who won the first season of the popular reality competition TV show HGTV Design Star in 2006. After winning the show, he landed an opportunity to host his own television shows on HGTV. He also has a line of accessories and home furniture available through Grandin Road.
 47 
Peter Graves
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Jim Phelps’ in the TV Series ‘Mission: Impossible’)
Peter Graves
19
Birthdate: March 18, 1926
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: March 14, 2010
Peter Graves won a Golden Globe for playing Jim Phelps in the series Mission: Impossible and its revival. Fans also loved him as Captain Clarence Oveur in the movie Airplane! and its sequel. He won an Emmy for hosting the show Biography and also narrated the interactive video-game film Darkstar.
 48 
Ryan McCartan
(Actor and Singer)
Ryan McCartan
36
Birthdate: June 14, 1993
Sun Sign: Gemini
Ryan McCartan is best known as Diggie Smalls from Liv and Maddie. He has also appeared in Heathers: The Musical and the TV film The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again. He was part of the pop duo The Girl and the Dreamcatcher, too.
 49 
Allison Holker
(American Dancer, Choreographer, and Actress Known for Her TV Dance Competition ‘So You Think You Can Dance’)
Allison Holker
6
Listed In: Dancers
Birthdate: February 6, 1988
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Allison Holker is an American dancer known for appearing in the reality TV dance competition show, So You Think You Can Dance. She has also worked in several concert tours, films, and television series. In 2007, she was adjudged the National Senior Dancer of the Year. In 2013, she received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination under the Outstanding Choreography category.

 50 
Richard Dean Anderson
(Actor)
Richard Dean Anderson
11
Birthdate: January 23, 1950
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)