Famous People From Tennessee

Nestled between the river Mississippi and the Appalachian Mountains, Tennessee is one of the most populous states in the whole of USA. Several reputed universities are situated in this American state, such as ‘Knoxville College’, ‘Tennessee Temple University’ and ‘Tennessee State University’. Apart from its natural beauty, infrastructure and the presence of great educational institutions, Tennessee is quite popular for being the hometown of celebrities, who are considered role models and enjoy a big fan following world over. Actresses Kathy Bates and Megan Fox, pop sensation Justin Timberlake, wrestler Randy Orton, as well as actress & singer Cybill Shepherd are a few celebrities who hail from Tennessee. Justin Timberlake has bagged two Grammy awards for his acclaimed singles ‘Cry Me A River’ and ‘Rock Your Body’. Megan Fox, who has been a part of the ‘Transformers’ movie franchise is one of the busiest actresses in Hollywood and has often been hailed as a sex symbol by several magazines. We have compiled the names of other eminent personalities who are from Tennessee. Scroll down to find the names of these individuals.
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 1 
Dolly Parton
(Singer-Songwriter and Actress, Primarily Known for Her Work in Country Music)
Dolly Parton
127
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 19, 1946
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Multifaceted personality, Dolly Parton is a singer, songwriter, record producer, actress, author and businesswoman and is known mainly for her work in country music. She has received various accolades and awards in her very successful singing career spanning several decades and has composed over 3,000 songs. She has also worked in several movies and is a prolific songwriter.

 2 
Tina Turner
(The "Queen of Rock 'n' Roll")
Tina Turner
57
Birthdate: November 26, 1939
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: May 24, 2023

Known as the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, Tina Turner was one of the best-selling recording artists of all time and had a very long and successful career. Let's Stay Together, What's Love Got to Do with It, Private Dancer and Golden Eye are some of her chartbuster songs. She was also a songwriter and had acted in films too.

 3 
Morgan Freeman
(One of the Best Actors of His Generation Noted for His Distinctive Deep Voice)
Morgan Freeman
59
Birthdate: June 1, 1937
Sun Sign: Gemini

Prominent character actor, Morgan Freeman, has appeared in a range of film genres playing versatile roles. He is known for his distinctive deep voice. In a career spanning over half a century, he has received various accolades, including an Academy Award and a Golden Globe Award. Besides acting, he is an advocate of environmental causes.

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 4 
Justin Randall Timberlake
(Billboard Best Performing Male Soloist in the History of the Mainstream Top 40)
Justin Randall Timberlake
108
Birthdate: January 31, 1981
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Justin Randall Timberlake is an American actor, singer-songwriter, and record producer. Regarded as a pop icon, Timberlake has sold more than 56 million singles worldwide, which makes him one of the best-selling music artists. In 2007 and 2013, he was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list. Timberlake is also known for his philanthropic activities.

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 5 
Aretha Franklin
(One of the Best-Selling Music Artists in the World & 'Queen of Soul')
Aretha Franklin
149
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: March 25, 1942
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: August 16, 2018

Widely regarded as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin was a singer-songwriter, actress, and civil rights activist. Recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Aretha was ranked number one on Rolling Stone magazine's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list in 2010. Having sold over 75 million records, she is also one of the best-selling musicians ever.

 6 
Quentin Tarantino
(One of the Most Influential Directors of His Generation)
Quentin Tarantino
83
Birthdate: March 27, 1963
Sun Sign: Aries

Popular film director, screenwriter, and producer, Quentin Tarantino, first rose to fame as an independent filmmaker in the early 1990s. His films are known for their nonlinear story-lines and neo-noir elements and have garnered both critical and commercial success. He is the winner of two Academy Awards and has been called "the single most influential director of his generation."

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 7 
Randy Orton
(Professional Wrestler and the Youngest World Champion in WWE History)
Randy Orton
54
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 1, 1980
Sun Sign: Aries

Randy Orton is an American professional wrestler. Widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers ever, Orton has 14 world championship victories under his belt, only behind Ric Flair and John Cena. His bad boy image and distinctive wrestling style have inspired several young wrestlers all over the world.

 8 
Ric Flair
(Regarded as the Greatest Professional Wrestler of All Time)
Ric Flair
34
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 25, 1949
Sun Sign: Pisces
Ric Flair, or The Nature Boy, is a 16-time wrestling world champion and has competed in NWA, WWF, and WCW. He became the first two-time WWE Hall of Fame inductee and the first to compete in WCW's Triple Crown. He has been Wrestling Observer’s Wrestler of the Year eight times.
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 9 
Kathy Bates
(Actress and Director Known for Her Films: 'Misery', ‘Fried Green Tomatoes’ and ‘Dolores Claiborne’)
Kathy Bates
41
Birthdate: June 28, 1948
Sun Sign: Cancer
Best known as Molly Brown from Titanic, Annie Wilkes from Misery, and Ethel Darling from American Horror Story, two-time Emmy-winner Kathy Bates also has an Academy Award in her kitty. She has survived ovarian cancer and breast cancer and is now a prominent advocate for lymphatic disease awareness. 
 10 
Miley Cyrus
(Pop Artist who Has the Most US Billboard 200 Top-5 Albums in the 21st Century by a Female)
Miley Cyrus
162
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: November 23, 1992
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Miley Cyrus, the American singer-songwriter and actress, is known for her wide range in music, spanning from pop and country pop to hip hop. The portrayal of the title character of television series, Hannah Montana, made her a teen idol. Her personal life has often sparked controversy, especially when she came out as pansexual and talked about use of cannabis.

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 11 
Megan Fox
(Actress Known for Her Films: 'Transformers' and 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles')
Megan Fox
166
Birthdate: May 16, 1986
Sun Sign: Taurus

With her sharp facial features and stunning figure, actress Megan Fox is undoubtedly a head-turner! Making her debut in the early 2000s as a teenager, she has come a long way in Hollywood and is today counted among the most beautiful and sexiest women in entertainment. She has been featured on various magazine covers as well.

 

 12 
Natalia Dyer
(Actress)
Natalia Dyer
57
Birthdate: January 13, 1997
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Actress Natalia Dyer is best known for her role in the Netflix science fiction horror series Stranger Things. Interested in acting from a young age, she graduated from the performing arts high school Nashville School of the Arts before embarking on her career. She has appeared in many TV shows and films.

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 13 
Lisa Marie Presley
(Singer-songwriter & the Only Child of Elvis Presley)
Lisa Marie Presley
43
Birthdate: February 1, 1968
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: January 12, 2023

The only child of the legendary singer and musician, Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie Presley fought her addiction with drugs during her teens and later launched herself as singer-songwriter with her debut album To Whom It May Concern. It was followed by two more commercially and critically successful albums. Lisa Marie Presley has also earned appreciation for her numerous philanthropic work.

 14 
Isaac Hayes
(Singer-songwriter)
Isaac Hayes
18
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 20, 1942
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: August 10, 2008
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 15 
Gregg Allman
(Member of the Rock Band 'The Allman Brothers Band')
Gregg Allman
25
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 8, 1947
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: May 27, 2017

Gregg Allman was an American musician and singer-songwriter. He is credited with co-founding the rock band The Allman Brothers Band along with his brother Duane Allman. Dubbed the Southern rock pioneer, Allman was recognized for his distinctive, soulful voice; Rolling Stone magazine named him in its 100 Greatest Singers of All Time list.

 16 
Michael Oher
(Former American Football Offensive Tackle)
Michael Oher
39
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 28, 1986
Sun Sign: Gemini

Former American football player, Michael Oher had been associated with the Baltimore Ravens for the major part of his career. He also played for the Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers for a while. He had a very tough childhood and sought solace in playing sports. After years of struggle, he finally emerged as a successful sportsman.

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 17 
Kane Brown
(Singer-Songwriter Known for His Singles ‘Used to Love You Sober’ and ‘What Ifs’)
Kane Brown
70
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 21, 1993
Sun Sign: Libra

An American singer and songwriter, Kane Brown first came into prominence as a social media celebrity, thereby inspiring several social media users all over the world. In 2017, he became the first artist whose music peaked at number one positions on all five principal Billboard country charts simultaneously.

 18 
Christina Hendricks
(Best Known for Her Portrayal of Joan Holloway in the TV Series ‘Mad Men’')
Christina Hendricks
36
Birthdate: May 3, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus

Christina Hendricks is an actress and producer. She began her career as a model and enjoyed international success for several years before transitioning into acting. As an actress, she was able to replicate her success and appeared in films like Drive and Lost River. She is the recipient of several awards, including two Screen Actors Guild Awards. 

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 19 
Penny Hardaway
(American College Basketball Coach and Former Professional Player)
Penny Hardaway
12
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 18, 1971
Sun Sign: Cancer

Penny Hardaway is a college basketball coach who is currently serving as the head coach for the Memphis Tigers men's basketball team. A former player, Hardaway played for teams like Miami Heat and New York Knicks in the National Basketball Association where he was a two-time All-NBA First Team member and a four-time NBA All-Star. 

 20 
Lucy Hale
(Actress and TV Personality Known for Her Role as ‘Aria Montgomery’ in the TV Series ‘Pretty Little Liars’)
Lucy Hale
49
Birthdate: June 14, 1989
Sun Sign: Gemini
Lucy Hale is best known as Aria Montgomery from Pretty Little Liars. She has also been part of series such as Bionic Woman and Privileged, and movies such as Truth or Dare and Scream 4. She participated in the singing contest American Juniors and released a solo album, too.
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 21 
Johnny Knoxville
(Stunt Performer & Actor Best Known as a Co-creator of the MTV Reality Stunt Show 'Jackass')
Johnny Knoxville
29
Birthdate: March 11, 1971
Sun Sign: Pisces

Johnny Knoxville is an actor, filmmaker, and stunt performer. He is credited with owning and operating Dickhouse Productions, which produces films and documentaries. Johnny Knoxville is also credited with co-creating the popular MTV reality show Jackass

 22 
Ginnifer Goodwin
42
Birthdate: May 22, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini
Ginnifer Goodwin is best known as Snow White from Once Upon a Time and Margene Heffman from Big Love. She also appeared in an award-winning voice role, as Judy Hopps, in the animated movie Zootopia. Max Mara’s 2018 Face of the Future, Goodwin is trained in Shakespearean theater.
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 23 
Annie Potts
(Theater Actress, Film Actress)
Annie Potts
24
Birthdate: October 28, 1952
Sun Sign: Scorpio
 24 
Leslie Jordan
(Writer and TV actor who received an Emmy Award for his role as Beverley Leslie on the hit series Will & Grace in 2006)
Leslie Jordan
12
Birthdate: April 29, 1955
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 4'11" (150 cm)
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 25 
Oscar Robertson
(Former Basketball player who played point guard and was a 12-time All-Star)
Oscar Robertson
10
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 24, 1938
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
 26 
NLE Choppa
(Rapper Best Known for His Single ‘Shotta Flow’)
NLE Choppa
154
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: November 1, 2002
Sun Sign: Scorpio

NLE Choppa is one of the youngest male rappers to make a name for himself in the American rapping scene. Also a well-known Internet personality, NLE Choppa has posted several videos on his YouTube channel Awakened Choppa, inspiring many of his followers to fall back on spirituality and veganism.

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 27 
Davy Crockett
(Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee from 1827 to 1831)
Davy Crockett
27
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: August 17, 1786
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: March 6, 1836
American folk hero Davy Crockett, or the "King of the Wild Frontier,” was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee and part of the Texas Revolution. He opposed the Indian Removal Act. He was killed by the Mexican army the Battle of the Alamo.
 28 
Shannen Doherty
33
Birthdate: April 12, 1971
Sun Sign: Aries

Shannen Doherty is an American actress who established herself in the entertainment industry after starting out as a child actress. Thanks to her bad-girl reputation, she was described by People magazine as the iconic Hollywood bad girl of the nineties. Shannen Doherty is also an avid animal rights activist and a patron of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

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 29 
Kenny Chesney
(Country Musician Who has Received Twelve 'Country Music Association Awards' & Eleven 'Academy of Country Music Awards')
Kenny Chesney
27
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 26, 1968
Sun Sign: Aries
Country singer Kenneth Chesney has over 40 Top 10 Billboard tracks to his credit. He has won six Academy of Country Music awards and nine Country Music Association awards. He also co-directed the ESPN film The Boys of Fall. His Flip-Flop Summer Tour was the highest-grossing country tour of 2007. 
 30 
Bill Belichick
(Head coach of the team New England Patriots of the NFL)
Bill Belichick
32
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 16, 1952
Sun Sign: Aries
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
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 31 
Jerry Lawler
(American Color Commentator and Professional Wrestler)
Jerry Lawler
9
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 29, 1949
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 32 
Duane Allman
(Guitarist, Singer, Musician, Songwriter)
Duane Allman
20
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: November 20, 1946
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: October 29, 1971
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 33 
Morgan Wallen
(Singer)
Morgan Wallen
29
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 13, 1993
Sun Sign: Taurus
 34 
Quinton Jackson
(Mixed Martial Artist, Actor and Former Professional Wrestler)
Quinton Jackson
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 20, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini

Quinton Jackson is a mixed martial artist and former professional wrestler turned actor. He is famous for his eccentric personality traits and aggressive style of fighting. He is credited with making MMA a popular sport worldwide. As an actor, he has appeared in a few films, including Miss March and Bad Guys. He is a controversial person. 

 35 
Cybill Lynne Shepherd
(Actress and Singer)
Cybill Lynne Shepherd
18
Birthdate: February 18, 1950
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Cybill Shepherd is best known for her roles in films such as The Heartbreak Kid, Taxi Driver, and Alice. Fans also loved her for her Golden Globe-winning portrayals of Madelyn 'Maddie' Hayes in the series Moonlighting and Cybill Sheridan in the sitcom Cybill. She is a follower of goddess-worshipping Paganism.
 36 
Kelsea Ballerini
(Country Pop Singer Known for Her Single 'Love Me Like You Mean It')
Kelsea Ballerini
19
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: September 12, 1993
Sun Sign: Virgo

Kelsea Ballerini is an American singer and songwriter. Ballerini became the first female artist since Carrie Underwood in 2006 to have her debut single top the Country Airplay chart. Kelsea Ballerini is the recipient of several prestigious awards, such as CMT Music Awards, Academy of Country Music Awards, and Teen Choice Awards.

 37 
Trevor Lawrence
(American football player)
Trevor Lawrence
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 6, 1999
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 6'6" (198 cm)
 38 
George Hamilton
14
Birthdate: August 12, 1939
Sun Sign: Leo

George Hamilton is a veteran American actor who has been active in the entertainment industry for almost seven decades during which he has appeared in hundreds of films and TV shows. In his youth, he was considered a fashion icon for his debonair style. A victim of child sexual abuse, he overcame a rough childhood to become a successful and popular personality.

 39 
DJ Qualls
(Actor)
DJ Qualls
22
Birthdate: June 10, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini

DJ Qualls is best known for his roles in films such as Road Trip, Hustle & Flow, and The New Guy. Fans also loved him as Citizen Z in Z Nation and as Ed McCarthy in The Man in the High Castle. He recovered from Hodgkin's lymphoma as a teenager.

 40 
Wilma Rudolph
(The First American Woman to Win Three Gold Medals in a Single Olympic Games)
Wilma Rudolph
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 23, 1940
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: November 12, 1994

Sprinter Wilma Rudolph made history by becoming the first American female athlete to win three track and field gold medals in a single Olympic game. As a child, she needed orthopedic shoes to help her walk. The sports icon lost her life to cancer but was immortalized through books and movies.

 41 
Lori Petty
(Actress)
Lori Petty
33
Birthdate: October 14, 1963
Sun Sign: Libra
Lori Petty is best known as Lolly from Orange Is the New Black and Daddy from Prison Break. She was a graphic designer in Nebraska before becoming an actor. She has also been seen in films such as A League of Their Own, Tank Girl, and Free Willy
 42 
Dinah Shore
(Singer and Actress Who was the Top Charting Female Vocalist of the 1940s)
Dinah Shore
13
Birthdate: February 29, 1916
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: February 24, 1994

Dinah Shore initially launched a solo career after failing to qualify for Benny Goodman’s band. After delivering hits such as Blues in the Night, she appeared in a few films and ventured into a successful TV career. She also hosted shows such as The Dinah Shore Chevy Show.

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 43 
Cherry Jones
(Actress)
Cherry Jones
22
Birthdate: November 21, 1956
Sun Sign: Scorpio

A three-time Emmy Award and two-time Tony Award winner, Cherry Jones is a prominent theater actor. Not surprisingly, she was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 2014. Cherry Jones is quite open about being a lesbian; she serves as an inspiration to millions of gays and lesbians around the world.

 44 
Leslie Jones
(Stand-up Comedian)
Leslie Jones
48
Birthdate: September 7, 1967
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
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 45 
Mookie Betts
(Baseball Player)
Mookie Betts
16
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 7, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 46 
Olivia Holt
(Actress and Singer)
Olivia Holt
25
Birthdate: August 5, 1997
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
 47 
Thomas Hearns
(American Former Professional Boxer)
Thomas Hearns
11
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 18, 1958
Sun Sign: Libra

Thomas Hearns is an American retired boxer who became the first boxer in the history of boxing to win world titles in five different weight classes. Nicknamed the Hitman, Thomas Hearns was named Fighter of the Year in 1980 by The Ring magazine. He was also named Fighter of the Year in 1984 by the Boxing Writers Association of America. 

 48 
Chet Atkins
(Guitarist, Jazz musician, Record producer, Jazz guitarist, Classical guitarist, Songwriter)
Chet Atkins
6
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: June 20, 1924
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: June 30, 2001
 49 
Carl Perkins
(Singer-songwriter)
Carl Perkins
4
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: April 9, 1932
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: January 19, 1998
 50 
Rosanne Cash
(Country Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Breakout Single 'Seven Year Ache')
Rosanne Cash
14
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 24, 1955
Sun Sign: Gemini

Rosanne Cash is an American singer-songwriter. The daughter of musician Johnny Cash, Rosanne Cash followed in the footsteps of her father. Also a humanitarian, Cash supports many charitable organizations like Children, Incorporated, which supports young adults and children. She has also been a board member of an organization called Center To Prevent Youth Violence, which works towards preventing gun violence.