North Carolina has been home to some of the most influential actors, musicians, politicians and athletes in American history. From the Queen City’s own Snoop Dogg to the Tar Heel State’s legendary golfers, here are 11 celebrities from North Carolina you should know.
Andy Griffith
Few celebrities are as beloved by North Carolinians as Andy Griffith. Born in Mount Airy, NC, he was best known for his iconic role as Sheriff Andy Taylor in the TV series “The Andy Griffith Show” and later on “Matlock.” Griffith also starred in a number of movies throughout his career, including “A Face in the Crowd,” “No Time for Sergeants” and “Waitress.” He passed away in 2012 at the age of 86.
Snoop Dogg
Though he was born in Long Beach, California, Snoop Dogg moved to Charlotte when he was just a teenager. It was here that he first became involved in rap music and eventually moved back to California to pursue a career in the industry. Snoop is one of the most successful rappers of all time and has sold over 35 million albums worldwide. He is also a respected actor and entrepreneur.
Michael Jordan
Basketball legend Michael Jordan was born in Brooklyn, but his family moved to Wilmington when he was still a child. Jordan attended Laney High School where he quickly became a basketball star and eventually went on to play at the University of North Carolina. After being drafted by the Chicago Bulls in 1984, Jordan won six championships with the team and is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players ever.
James Taylor
Singer-songwriter James Taylor grew up in Chapel Hill and attended UNC before dropping out to pursue a career in music. He released his debut album in 1968 and went on to become one of the most successful singer-songwriters of all time. Taylor has sold over 100 million records worldwide and is a five-time Grammy Award winner.
Andre Braugher
Actor Andre Braugher was born in Atlanta but grew up in Salisbury. He attended Stanford University before relocating to New York City to pursue an acting career on Broadway. Braugher went on to star in a number of television shows including “Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Men of a Certain Age” and “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.”
John Coltrane
Jazz saxophonist John Coltrane was born in Hamlet but moved to High Point when he was just four years old. He began playing music at an early age and eventually went on to become one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time. In addition to writing several landmark albums, Coltrane also collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk and Dizzy Gillespie.
Bertie County Politicians
Bertie County is home to several politicians who have had a major impact on North Carolina politics. These include former U.S. Senator Kay Hagan, former Governor Mike Easley, current Governor Roy Cooper and current U.S. Senator Thom Tillis.
Holly Hunter
Actress Holly Hunter was born in Conyers, Georgia but grew up in Raleigh where she attended Enloe High School. She went on to study drama at Carnegie Mellon University before moving to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. Hunter is best known for her roles in films such as “Raising Arizona” (1987), “The Piano” (1993) and “The Firm” (1993).
Greg Olsen
Tight end Greg Olsen was born in Wayne but grew up in Wayne County. After attending Wayne Country Day School he went on to play college football at Miami University before being drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2007. Olsen spent three seasons with the Bears before signing with the Carolina Panthers where he has since become one of their most reliable players with over 500 receptions and 5,000 receiving yards during his career with the team.
Richard Petty
Known as “The King” of NASCAR racing, Richard Petty was born in Level Cross but raised in Randleman where he first became involved in racing at an early age. Petty went on to win a record 200 races during his career and seven NASCAR championships. He is now considered one of the greatest drivers of all time and his name is synonymous with NASCAR racing.
Golfers from North Carolina
North Carolina has produced some of the most successful golfers of all time including Davis Love III, Curtis Strange, Jim Furyk, Webb Simpson and Tim Clark among many others. These golfers have had incredible careers that span decades with numerous wins between them including majors championships such as The Masters, U.S Open and PGA Championship among others.
Originally posted 2023-01-14 20:01:33.