Gifted Oklahomans Who Became Famous

Reba McEntire, Entertainment Superstar

Brad Pitt- popular American actor. Born in Shawnee, OK, raised in Springfield, MO.

Will Rogers, Oklahoma's favorite son, had a career in rodeo, movies, politics, you name it!

Patti Page- platinum selling singer and Grammy winner

Garth Brooks- bestselling musical artist and superstar

Alfre Woodard- multiple award-winning actress from Tulsa, OK.

James Marsden- successful actor in Hollywood. Known for Westworld, X-Men, Enchanted, among other things.

Pulitzer Prize winning author, Ralph Ellison.

Jim Thorpe- one of the world's greatest athletes of all time.

Gayla Peevey- famous child singer of "I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas." Born in Oklahoma City and grew up in Ponca City. Donated hippo she received as a gift on the Ed Sullivan show to the OKC zoo.

Sam Bradford- From Oklahoma City, was starting quarterback for the OU Sooners and the 2008 Heisman Trophy winner. Currently an NFL Quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings.

Clara Luper, Oklahoma teacher who became a civil rights leader. Led sit-ins at Katz Drug Store, OKC, in the late 1950's, some of the first in the country. Known as the "Mother" of the Civil Rights movement in Oklahoma.

Sylvan Goldman, inventor of the shopping cart.

S. E. Hinton- bestselling novelist, inventor of young adult fiction. Wrote first novel, The Outsiders, while a student at Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK.

Alt rock super group, All American Rejects from Stillwater, OK: Mike Kennerty, Chris Gaylor, Tyson Ritter, and Nick Wheeler.

Bart Conner, Olympic gold medalist.

Becky Hobbs- singer, songwriter, playwright.

Blake Shelton, country music singer and television star of The Voice.

David Gates- singer, songwriter, lead singer of the 70's folk/pop group, Bread.

Gretchen Wyler, Broadway dame and funny actress from Bartlesville, OK. One of her final funniest performances was on "Friends."

Joe Diffee, country singer who hit it big in the '80's and '90's.

Mary Kay Place- long-careered actress from many films and television.

Carl C. Magee- inventor of the parking meter.

Ronnie Dunn, platinum selling singer from legendary country music duo, Brooks & Dunn.

Mel McDaniel, country music singer who hit it big on the charts with "Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On."

Tony Randall, actor of stage, film, and television. Star of classic sitcom, The Odd Couple.

Rebecca Bluestone- world famous tapestry artist from Broken Arrow, OK.

Vince Gill, country music legend and superstar

Tom Mix- one of the first movie stars in the early days of cinema.

Wade Hayes, country singer and cancer survivor.

Wayman Tisdale, Basketball great and jazz music artist.

Country music superstar, Toby Keith.

Chuck Norris, actor, producer, martial artist founder.

Kristen Chenoweth, star of stage, screen, and television.

Roger Miller, singer, showman, and songwriter extraordinaire.

Alice Ghostley- character actress during the golden age of television. Born in Missouri, graduated from University of Oklahoma.

Ted Shackelford- television actor famous for playing Gary Ewing on Knots Landing and Dallas series.

James Garner- Hollywood legend and movie star. In a career that lasted over 6 decades, Garner was popular in both movies and TV.

Carl Albert- one of Oklahoma's most powerful politicians. Served as 54th Speaker of the House of Representatives. Was the next in line to be President after Gerald Ford, when Nixon resigned due to Watergate.

Sandi Patty- one of the first Contemporary Christian music superstars.

Rue McClanahan- television superstar of classic sitcom, The Golden Girls.

Joshua Morrow- soap actor, The Young and the Restless

Larry Drake- Emmy award winning character actor. Famous for LA Law and Dr. Giggles.

Robert Reed- although born in the Chicago area, he grew up in Muskogee and credited 4H for introducing him to art and culture as he grew up to be an actor. Forever famous as father "Mike Brady" of the Brady Bunch.

Megan Mullally- born in LA, Meg grew up in Oklahoma City where she performed with the Oklahoma City Ballet. She has won 2 Emmys for her funny performances playing "Karen" on Will and Grace.

Ron Howard- born in Duncan, OK. Became famous as a child actor on the Andy Griffith Show and as a teen on Happy Days. Went on to become a successful director of feature films. Won an Oscar as Best Director for the movie, A Beautiful Mind.

Mark Holton- born in Oklahoma City and graduated from NSU in Tahlequah. Famous character actor from classic films and TV. Famous roles include Pee Wee Herman's nemesis, Francis, in Pee Wee's Big Adventure and "Chub" in Teen Wolf.

Darla Hood- famous child actress from the Little Rascals series.

Heather Langencamp- actress, producer, director, and prosthetic make up artist. Famous role as "Nancy," in Nightmare on Elm Street. Born in Tulsa, attended Holland Hall school before moving to New York.

Anita Bryant- From Barnsdall, OK., was 2nd runner-up for Miss America in 1959. Became a popular singer and orange juice promoter in the 1960's and '70's.

Danny Cooksey- Born in Moore, OK. Famous child actor who has continued to perform in music.

Bryant Reeves- from Gans, OK., affectionately known nation-wide as "Big Country." Retired NBA superstar from the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Maria Tallchief- From Fairfax, OK. America's first major prima ballerina.

Shannon Miller- Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics. Actually born in Missouri, but moved to Edmond, OK., when she was six months old. The most decorated U. S. gymnast.

Susan Powell- From Elk City, OK. Former Miss America who became a famous opera performer and television host.

Shawntel Smith- From Muldrow, OK., former Miss America, current entrepreneur, and mother of 4.

Blake Griffin-From Oklahoma City. NBA superstar. Currently plays for the Detroit Pistons after making the NBA all-stars five times with the LA Clippers.

Lane Frost- From Lane, OK., 1987 PRCA World Champion Bull Rider. A popular movie was made about his life story entitled "8 Seconds."

Warren G. "Freckles" Brown- 1962 PRCA World Bull Riding Champion. Was hero and mentor to Lane Frost, 1987 champion. They are buried right next to each other at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Hugo, OK.

Joan Crawford- Oscar winning actress, born in Texas but raised in Lawton, OK.

Clark Gable- legendary Oscar winning actor. Born in Ohio, but spent many childhood years working in Oklahoma oilfields.

Gene Autry- famous singing cowboy in old movies and television. Born in Texas, but grew up in Johnston County, Oklahoma.

Jim Shoulders- known as the "Babe Ruth" of rodeo. Won 16 PRCA World Championships in rodeo.

Johnny Bench- two time World Series champion catcher with the Cincinnatti Reds. Born in Oklahoma City, raised in Binger, OK. Named greatest catcher in the history of baseball by ESPN.

Mickey Mantle- From Commerce, OK., major league superstar with the New York Yankees. Nicknamed "the Commerce Comet" for his super hitting ability.

Merle Haggard- Born in California, but his family was from Checotah, OK. Music legend famous for song, "Okie From Muskogee."

Carrie Underwood- American Idol winner and country music superstar from Checotah, OK.

Chester Gould- famous comic strip artist and creator of Dick Tracy. From Pawnee, OK.

Russell Myers- comic strip artist and creator of Broom Hilda. Born in Manhattan, KS., his father was a professor at the University of Tulsa, where he moved the family.

Dan Piraro- syndicated cartoonist of Bizarro. Born in Kansas City, Mo., but raised in Ponca City and Tulsa, Oklahoma. Graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.

Gordon Cooper- pioneering astronaut from Shawnee, OK. One of the original 7 astronauts from NASA's Project Mercury.

John Berryman- Influential poet from McAlester, OK.

Ben Johnson- Oscar winning actor

Van Heflin- Oscar winning character actor from Walters, OK.

Dale Robertson- famous 1950's Western TV series actor.

Hanson- Ike, Zac, and Taylor, musical brothers from Tulsa. Made a big splash in the mid 1990's. MMMBop, anyone?

Owen K. Garriott- Astronaut, scientist and engineer from Enid, OK.

Jeanne Tripplehorn- popular television and movie actress. A Tulsa girl who graduated from Edison High School.

Karl Guthe Jansky- American physicist and radio engineer. Discovered radio waves coming from the Milky Way. Founder of radio astronomy.

Tony Hillerman- Edgar Award winning writer of mystery novels. Grew up in Pottawatomie County, OK.

Shannon Lucid- Female space pioneer. Held record for longest hours in space. From Bethany, OK.

Jennifer Jones- Oscar winning actress from Tulsa.

Dan Rowan- Comedian from Beggs, OK. Won an Emmy for his popular show, Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In, during the 1960's.

Paul Harvey- famous radio commentator for over 5 decades. "Now you know, the rest of the story."

Dave Innis- keyboardist for successful country music group, Restless Heart. From Bartlesville, OK.

Joe Don Rooney- lead guitarist for country music super group, Rascal Flatts. Grew up in Picher, OK., which is now a ghost town.

Dr. Phil McGraw- television icon. Born in Vinita, OK.

Bill Hader- SNL funnyman and actor. Graduated from Cascia Hall High School in Tulsa.

Ree Drummond- the Pioneer Woman chef and blogger. Born in Bartlesville. Broadcasts her show from Pawhuska, OK., around the world.

Logan Shroyer- actor on "This is Us."

Tisha Campbell-Martin- successful actress in film and television. Born in OKC.

Bill Moyers- internationally known TV journalist.

Robert Stemmons- world famous whistler. From Jenks, OK. Performed with famous Cirque du Soleil for 7 years.

Roy Harris- American composer. His Symphony No. 3 has achieved world-wide fame and is still played everywhere. Born in Chandler, OK.

Woody Guthrie- renowned songwriter, poet, and folk singer. "This Land is Your Land" was one of his masterpieces.

Olivia Munn- actress and model. Born in OKC.

Jeane Kirkpatrick- first woman to serve as Ambassador to the United Nations.

Mason Dye- television actor who grew up in Ada, OK.

Madison Dye (right)- from country music duo, "Maddie & Tae." Sister of Mason Dye, actor. Grew up in Ada, OK.

Bill Goldberg- Pro wrestling superstar of the 1990's. From Tulsa, OK.

Wilma Mankiller- former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Mary Pope Osborne- popular children's book author of the Magic Tree House series. Born at Ft. Sill, OK.

Sam Walton- entrepreneur and businessman. Founder of Walmart.

Lee Pace- popular actor in movies and television. Born in Chickasha, OK.

Malese Jow- popular TV actress from Tulsa, OK.

Owen Joyner- new Disney channel star of "Knight Squad."

Charlie Wilson- famous blues singer and founder of the 80's funk group, The GAP Band.

Troy N. Smith- founder of Sonic Drive-Ins, from Seminole, OK. to New York and across the country.

Ken Selby- Tulsa teacher who built a pizza empire. Founder of Ken's Pizza and Mazzio's.

Edwin Malzahn- inventor of the Ditch Witch. Farming boy from Pawnee, OK. who just happened to be an engineer.

Clinton Riggs- Tulsa policeman who invented the Yield sign.

Wiley Post- famous pilot who invented the pressurized flight suit. Was born in Texas but moved to Oklahoma when he was five years old.

Gordon Matthews- Inventor of voice mail. Born in Tulsa, OK.

Jack Zink- Indy 500 auto race winner, twice! Engineer who held 35 patents in the field of combustion. Renowned philantropist who raised millions of dollars for many causes in Oklahoma.

Mae Boren Axton- Known as the "Queen Mother of Nashville" for writing over 200 songs, including "Heartbreak Hotel" for Elvis Presley. Moved to Oklahoma from Texas when she was two years old. Lived around Comanche, OK.

Hoyt Axton- Actor, singer, songwriter. Son of famous songwriter Mae Boren Axton. Made it big in country music and went on to star in movies and television.

Kate Barnard- first woman to be elected to office in the state government of Oklahoma. Fought for education, children, and reform in prisons. Lost her position when greedy and corrupt businessmen voted to defund her office. Advocated for her causes for the rest of her short life.

Angie Debo- noted historian and author. Moved to Oklahoma territory in a covered wagon. Was barred from teaching in Oklahoma universities because her books told the truth about white corruption in Indian affairs. In old age, she was finally recognized and honored.

Leona Mitchell- famous opera singer. Performed 18 seasons as the leading soprano at the Metropolitan Opera (Met) in New York. Grammy award winner from Enid, OK.

Gloria Stewart Farley- (pictured at Heavener Runestone with her sons) Author and teacher who became an expert on Viking runes and archaeology. Visited "Indian Rock" as a 12-year-old girl, came back to Heavener, OK. as an adult and established the Heavener Runestone.

Betty Boyd- famous local Tulsa television host and personality. Went on to serve in the Oklahoma House of Representatives for 10 years.

Ada Lois Sipuel- Oklahoma law student who fought against segregation in Oklahoma at the University of Oklahoma Law school. Her case went to the Supreme Court and won.

Enoch Kelly Haney- Internationally famous artist and sculptor. His statue is on top of the Oklahoma Capitol building dome. Also has served as a state senator and Principal Chief of the Seminole Nation.

Jerome Tiger- famous artist. Was called the "Oklahoma Rembrandt" because of his ability to draw something after a moment's glance.

The Kiowa Five: Spencer Asah, James Auchiah, Jack Hokeah, Stephen Mopope, and Monroe Tsatoke. Five young Kiowa Indian artists who would become renowned for their style and ability. Four of the five had the same first art teacher: a talented nun assigned to their Indian mission school.

Lois Smoky- the 6th member of the Kiowa 5 (now being touted as the Kiowa 6). Influential 20th century artist. Her work and role in the Kiowa 6 is just now being appreciated.

Blake Edwards- (with wife, Julie Andrews) Iconic Hollywood film maker and director. Directed classics like "Breakfast at Tiffany's" and "The Pink Panther." Born in Tulsa, OK.

T. Boone Pickens- oil and natural gas tycoon from Holdenville, OK.

Bill, Mary, and Drew Braum- owners and operators of Braum's Ice Cream and Dairy Stores. Founded in Oklahoma in 1968.

Paul Schatte and Danny Head- owners of Head Country Barbecue, Inc. in Ponca City, OK. Have sold their sauce, created by Danny's uncle, all over the world. It is fast becoming the most popular barbecue sauce in the United States.

Stan Clark- founder and CEO of Eskimo Joe's in Stillwater, OK.

B. J. Thomas- Grammy award winning singer from Hugo, OK. His song, "Raindrops Are Falling on My Head," is in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Sheb Wooley- singer and actor from Erick, OK. Had a huge hit with his song, "Purple People Eater."

Roy Clark- famous country music entertainer who made Tulsa his home. Became a household name on the popular '70's TV show, "Hee Haw." Hit the top of the country charts with his hit song, "Thank God and Greyhound" she's gone!

Kellie Coffey- singer from Moore, OK. Her musical talents were featured on the popular television show, "Walker, Texas Ranger."

Shug Fisher- early television character actor, musician, singer, and comedian. Born in Grady County, Oklahoma near Chickasha in a place called Tabler, OK.

Kay Francis- early movie superstar from Oklahoma. Called the "Queen of Warner Bros." in the 1930's.

Lon Chaney, Jr. - famous classic horror movie actor as The Wolf Man. Born in OKC, when Oklahoma was just a territory. Had a career that spanned over 5 decades.

Gary Busey- prolific character actor who was raised in Tulsa, OK. Graduated from Nathan Hale High School. Famous for his many roles in major films.

Terrence Malick- famous Hollywood film director. Famous for movie classics: Badlands, Days of Heaven, The Thin Red Line, and The Tree of Life. Grew up around Bartlesville, OK.

Vera Miles- famous movie and television actress born in Boise City, OK. Starred in movies by Alfred Hitchcock and westerns with John Wayne.

Thad Luckinbill- soap opera actor from Enid, OK. Famous for his role of "J. T." on the Young and the Restless. Has been featured on many prime time television shows.

Michael Dolan- character actor from Oklahoma City. Famous for movies like Hamburger Hill, Biloxi Blues, and Necessary Roughness

Jason London- successful character actor who grew up in Tuttle, OK. Famous for role of "Pink" Floyd in the movie classic, Dazed and Confused.

Jeremy London- character actor and twin brother of Jason London. Famous for the movie Mallrats and starring on TV in Party of Five.

Royce D. Applegate- famous character actor from Midwest City, OK. Chances are you have seen him in something if you watched television or movies in the 70's, 80's, or '90's.

David Green- founder and CEO of Hobby Lobby. Started it by building picture frames in his garage in Oklahoma City.

Larry Reasor- founder of Reasor's Food Stores. Started with one store in Tahlequah, OK., in 1963, now one of the fastest growing supermarket retail chains.

John T. Griffin- son of founder of Griffin Food Products in Muskogee, OK. Took father's business to the next level while pioneering television stations in Oklahoma and Texas.

Juanita Kidd Stout- girl from Wewoka, OK., who went on to serve on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Kelli O'Hara- Born in Elk City, OK., grew up in Deer Creek, graduate of Oklahoma City University. Has become a star on Broadway, especially in Rogers and Hammerstein musicals.

Lynn Riggs- famous playwright and screenwriter. His play, "Green Grow the Lilacs," is what the Rogers and Hammerstein musical, "Oklahoma," is based.

Steve Largent- All-Pro NFL wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks. Received NFL Man of the Year Award in 1988. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After football, served as U.S. Congressman for Oklahoma's 1st Congressional District for four terms.

Tommy Hanson- MLB pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Born in Tulsa, OK.

Chris Harris, Jr.- NFL cornerback for the Denver Broncos. Grew up in Bixby, OK. Known for his great charitable work off the field.

A. J. Hinch- former MLB catcher who became a team manager. Current manager for the Houston Astros. Grew up in Midwest City, OK.

Dan Bailey- NFL placekicker for the Dallas Cowboys. College star at Oklahoma State. Grew up in Mustang, OK.

Jeff Banister- Former Pittsburgh Pirate catcher, now the manager of the Texas Rangers. From Weatherford, OK.

Bobby Cox- Baseball Hall of Fame manager. Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays and the Atlanta Braves. Won World Series with the Braves. From Tulsa, OK.

Sherri Hill- Fashion designer from Minco, OK. Started out with Jovani and then launched her own line of formal wear. Famous for evening gowns worn by Selena Gomez and Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

Elvin Bishop- Singer, songwriter, and guitarist. National Merit Scholar who graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK. Member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Blues Hall of Fame. Hit it big on the charts in 1976 with his single, "Fooled Around and Fell In Love."

Bryan White- Country music singer from Lawton, OK. Made in big in the '90's with several number one hits.

Jordy Mercer- MLB shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Oklahoma All Stater from Taloga, OK. Played college ball at Oklahoma State.

Dallas Keuchel- MLB pitcher for the Houston Astros. Grew up in Tulsa, OK. Won the 2017 World Series with the Houston Astros.

Rico Noel- MLB outfielder for the New York Yankees. Grew up in Lawton, OK.

Lexi Ainsworth- Soap actress from Oklahoma City. Won an Emmy in 2017 for her portrayal of "Kristina Davis" on General Hospital.

Maree Cheatham- Popular character actress from Oklahoma City. Started out on soaps but now works as a frequent guest star on primetime series television.

Candy Clark- Actress from Norman, OK. Famous for role of "Debbie Dunham" in American Graffitti.

Wes Studi- Cherokee actor who grew up around Tahlequah, OK. Famous for Native American roles in Dances With Wolves, Last of the Mohicans, and Geronimo: An American Legend.

Gailard Sartain- Famous comic and character actor from Tulsa, OK.

Did you know these folks were from Oklahoma?  Check out these gifted people and think about the FUTURE.  Which one of our students will be among them?  Do our students know about these people and their accomplishments?  Can we use these Oklahomans to inspire our students to reach their full potential?