List of people from Virginia

This is a list of notable people who were born in the U.S. state of Virginia, were raised or lived in Virginia, or for whom Virginia is a significant part of their identity. Those not born in Virginia are marked with §.

See also
References

A

Alden Aaroe – WRVA talk show host
Caroline Aaron – actress and producer
John Aboud – writer, comedian, commentator on Best Week Ever and other VH1 shows
Jim Acosta – national political correspondent for CNN
Hunter "Patch" Adams § – doctor, author, and social activist
Rick Adams – Internet pioneer, founder of UUNET
Xavier Adibi § – linebacker for Minnesota Vikings
Chris Adler – drummer for Lamb of God
Willie Adler – guitarist for Lamb of God
Danny Aiken – long snapper for New England Patriots
Mary C. Alexander – aviation pioneer
Andy Allanson – former MLB catcher
James Anderson § – linebacker for Carolina Panthers
Justin Anderson – player for Dallas Mavericks
V.C. Andrews – novelist; born in Portsmouth, Virginia
Anhayla – singer, guitarist, YouTube personality
Andi Arndt – audiobook narrator
David Arquette – actor, born on commune in Winchester
John Ashby – colonel in the Virginia militia
Arthur Ashe (1943–1993) – tennis player and social activist
Bob Asher – former NFL offensive tackle
Abelhaleem Hasan Abdelraziq Ashqar – Palestinian convicted of criminal contempt and obstruction of justice for refusal to testify in a trial related to the funding of Hamas in the US
Shakira Austin (born 2000) – basketball center for the Israeli team Elitzur Ramla^[1]
Stephen F. Austin (1793–1836) – first Secretary of State of Republic of Texas
Kevin Aviance – dancer

B

Ba–Bm

Nathaniel Bacon (1647–1676) – led Bacon's Rebellion against British authority in 1676
Diedrich Bader (born 1966) – actor
Margaret L. Bailey (1812–1888) – writer, poet, lyricist, editor, and publisher
Pearl Bailey – Tony Award-winning actress and singer
Ronald Bailey § – science editor for Reason magazine
Dylan Baker § – actor
David Baldacci – author
Krystal Ball – businesswoman, co-host of MSNBC show The Cycle
Gordon Banks – guitarist and songwriter
Steve Bannon – campaign manager, businessman, media executive, Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor to President Donald Trump
Ronde Barber (born 1975) – NFL cornerback
Tiki Barber (born 1975) – sportscaster, NFL running back
Don Barclay (born 1989) – NFL offensive lineman
Kylene Barker – Ms. America 1979
Melody Barnes (born 1964) – director of Domestic Policy Council for President Barack Obama
Lauren Barnette – beauty pageant winner and model
Joey Baron – musician
Connor Barth (born 1986) – placekicker for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Samuel Barton § (1749–1810) – explorer, pioneer; early settler of Nashville, Tennessee
Viola Baskerville (born 1951) – Virginia Secretary of Administration
Dave Batista – professional wrestler
Warren Beatty (born 1937) – actor and Academy Award-winning director
Beth Behrs § (born 1985) – actress, 2 Broke Girls
Bob Bender (born 1957) – basketball player and coach
Antoine Bethea § – football player for San Francisco 49ers
Larry Bethea § – football player for Dallas Cowboys
Rainey Bethea (1909–1936) – last person publicly executed in United States
Leslie Bibb § – actress, Carley Bobby in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
Jim Bibby – former Major League pitcher; from Madison Heights
Lewis Binford (1931–2011) – archaeologist
Adam Birch – professional wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment's SmackDown!
Peter Blair – Olympic bronze medalist in freestyle wrestling
Benny Blanco – record producer and songwriter
Tom Bliley – member of United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 3rd congressional district then 7th congressional district
Dré Bly – football player with the Detroit Lions
Randy Blythe – singer of metal band Lamb of God

Bn–Bz

Bruce Bochy § – manager for Texas Rangers
Rudy Boesch § – third-place finalist on Survivor: Pulau Tiga (first season)
Bill Bolling § – Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Gary U.S. Bonds § – singer-songwriter
J. Evan Bonifant – actor
Olive Borden – actress
Maria Boren – contestant on TV's The Apprentice
Wes Borland – guitarist for Limp Bizkit and other bands
Th-resa Bostick § – IFBB professional bodybuilder
Luke Bowanko – center for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Mary Bowser – freed slave who worked as Union spy during American Civil War, admitted to Military Intelligence Hall of Fame
Jackie Bradley Jr. – center fielder for Boston Red Sox
Ahmad Bradshaw (born 1986) – running back for New York Giants
Karen Briggs § – violinist
Antwain Britt (born 1978) – mixed martial artist
Connie Britton § (born 1968) – actress; raised in Lynchburg
Dave Brockie – founder of GWAR
Aaron Brooks – football quarterback for Oakland Raiders
Ahmad Brooks – professional football linebacker for San Francisco 49ers
Chris Brown (born 1989) – singer and actor
Duane Brown – offensive tackle for Houston Texans
Ruth Brown – Grammy Award-award-winning singer and entertainer
Mika Brzezinski § – television news journalist at MSNBC
Shannon Bream – lawyer and Journalist, attended Liberty University
Bebe Buell – fashion model, groupie; mother of Liv Tyler
Joyce Bulifant – television actress
Sandra Bullock (born 1964) – actress
Plaxico Burress (born 1977) – wide receiver for New York Jets
Hilarie Burton – actress
Jeff Burton (born 1967) – NASCAR driver
Ward Burton (born 1961) – NASCAR driver
Curtis Bush – world champion kickboxer and actor
Jermon Bushrod – offensive tackle for Chicago Bears
Deon Butler – professional football wide receiver for Seattle Seahawks; from Woodbridge
Eddie Butler – starting pitcher for Colorado Rockies
Martha Haines Butt (1833–1871) — author
Charlie Byrd – jazz guitarist

C

James Branch Cabell – author of fantasy fiction and belles lettres
Erin Cahill – actress, Jen Scotts on Power Rangers Time Force
Alyson Cambridge (born 1980) – operatic soprano and classical music, jazz, and American popular song singer
Shawn Camp – relief pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays
John Campbell – bassist for Lamb of God
Eric Cantor – member of the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 7th congressional district
Steve Cardenas – martial artist, actor, Rocky DeSantos on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers: Zeo
Lott Carey – early African-American colonist and missionary to Liberia
Jay Carney – White House Press Secretary under U.S. President Barack Obama
A. P. Carter – musician, singer-songwriter; member of Carter Family
Allen 'Big Al' Carter – painter, photographer, sculptor and teacher
Maybelle Carter – guitarist, singer, member of Carter Family; mother of June Carter Cash
Robert "King" Carter I (1663–1732) – wealthy colonist businessman
Sara Carter (1898–1979) – country music singer
Alan-Michael Cash – defensive tackle for Montreal Alouettes
June Carter Cash (1929–2003) – singer-songwriter, actress and comedian; member of Carter Family, second wife of Johnny Cash
Anthony Castonzo § – NFL player
Jake Cave (born 1992) – outfielder for the Minnesota Twins
Christina Chambers (born 1969) – actress and model, One Life to Live, Sunset Beach
Kam Chancellor (born 1988) – strong safety for Seattle Seahawks
David Chang – restaurateur
Anthony Clark – actor (television sitcoms Yes, Dear and Boston Common); born in Lynchburg
Florence Anderson Clark (1835–1918) – university librarian and administrator
George Rogers Clark (1752–1818) – American Revolutionary War military leader
William Clark (1770–1838) – explorer (Lewis and Clark Expedition); brother of George Rogers Clark
Roy Clark – country musician born in Meherrin, Virginia
Henry Clay (1777–1852) – 19th-century statesman
Clarence Clemons (1942–2011) – saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, played football for Norfolk Neptunes
Patsy Cline (1932–1963) – singer
Jim Coates – former MLB pitcher, primarily with New York Yankees
Sarah Johnson Cocke – writer and civic leader
Coko – member of SWV, gospel music singer
Catherine Coleman § (born 1960) – NASA astronaut
Francis Collins – physician-geneticist, director of National Institutes of Health
Mike Compton – NFL player
Stacy Compton – NASCAR driver and team owner; born in Hurt
Kavell Conner – linebacker for Indianapolis Colts
Matthew Continetti – journalist, editor-in-chief of The Washington Free Beacon
Scott Cooper – actor, writer, director
Michael Copon – actor, Lucas Kendall in Power Rangers: Time Force
Leanza Cornett – Miss America, actress, TV commentator
Alex Cosmidis – baseball player, manager, scout
Joseph Cotten (1905–1994) – actor
Patricia Cornwell § – novelist
Katie Couric (born 1957) – television personality
Michael Covel – author and documentarian
Robert Cray § (born 1953) – blues musician
Henry Creamer – vaudeville song lyricist
Zach Cregger – actor
Romeo Crennel (born 1947) – NFL coach
Kyle Crockett (born 1991) – MLB pitcher
Amanda Cromwell – professional soccer coach and former player
Adrian Cronauer § – disc jockey
Michael Cuddyer (born 1979) – MLB outfielder
Elizabeth Litchfield Cunnyngham — missionary and church worker
Dell Curry (born 1964) – former NBA player for the Charlotte Hornets; father of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry

D

D'Angelo – R&B musician
Dan Daniel – politician, 39th National Commander of American Legion
Troy Daniels – shooting guard for Charlotte Hornets
Colgate Whitehead Darden Jr. – Governor of Virginia, Chancellor of the College of William & Mary and President of the University of Virginia
Wendy Dascomb – Miss USA 1969
Chris Daughtry § (born 1979) – American Idol finalist; attended high school in Charlottesville
Ed Davis § – power forward for Toronto Raptors; attended Benedictine High School in Richmond
Tanya Davis – artist and past president of the Torpedo Factory Artists Association
Tyrone Davis – NFL tight end, primarily with Green Bay Packers
John M. Dawson (1829–1913) – minister and Virginia Senator
Jimmy Dean – singer, actor, television personality and "sausage king"
Serena Deeb – professional wrestler
Dalvin DeGrate – singer, member of R&B group Jodeci
Evelyn Magruder DeJarnette (1842–1914) — author
DeSagana Diop § – center for Charlotte Bobcats; attended Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson
Junie Donlavey – owner and namesake of NASCAR "Donlavey" racing team
Eric Dorsey § – defensive end for New York Giants; attended high school in McLean
Desmond Doss – United States Army corporal who served as a combat medic during World War II
Gabby Douglas – artistic gymnast and Olympic gold medalist
Fanny Murdaugh Downing (1831–1894) — author and poet
Bill Dudley (1921–2010) – former NFL halfback, member of the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame
Eliza Ann Dupuy (c. 1814 – 1880) — littérateur and author
Kevin Durant § – All-Star small forward for NBA champion Golden State Warriors; attended Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson

E

Kenny Easley (born 1959) – NFL safety for the Seattle Seahawks, member of the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame
Ferrell Edmunds (born 1965) – NFL tight end
Tremaine Edmunds (born 1998) – NFL linebacker
Terrell Edmunds (born 1997) – NFL safety
Trey Edmunds (born 1994) – NFL running back
Elizabeth Edwards § (1949–2010) – attorney, author; estranged wife to John Edwards
Missy Elliott (born 1971) – rapper
Perry Ellis (1940–1986) – fashion designer
Brother Claude Ely (1922–1978) – singer-songwriter, Pentecostal Holiness preacher
Phillip H. Emerson (1834–1889) – Justice of the Supreme Court of the Utah Territory 1873–1885
Garrett Epps (born 1950) – legal scholar, novelist, journalist
Victoria Espinel (born 1968) – Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator under U.S. President Barack Obama
Charles Esten § (born 1965) – comedian, actor and singer

F

Jonny Fairplay – Survivor: Pearl Islands contestant and professional wrestler
Frankie Faison – film actor
Jerry Falwell (1933–2007) – Christian minister, televangelist, and political activist (Moral Majority)
James Farrior – NFL linebacker
William Faulkner § (1897–1962) – author, writer-in-residence at University of Virginia from 1957 until his death
Florian-Ayala Fauna – artist, musician, music producer^[2]
Mimi Faust – reality TV personality
Justin Fairfax (born 1979) – Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
Bessie Alexander Ficklen (1861–1945), poet and artist
Dorian Finney-Smith – NBA player for Dallas Mavericks
Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) – jazz singer
Roberta Flack § – Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, musician
Gary Fleder – film director, screenwriter, producer
Charles Follis – first African-American professional football player
Jon Foreman – lead singer for rock band Switchfoot
Tim Foreman – bass player for rock band Switchfoot
Chip Franklin – comedian and talk show host

G

Lea Gabrielle (born 1975) – journalist and correspondent, Fox News Channel
Forrest Gander § (born 1956) – poet, essayist and translator
Greg Garcia – director, producer, creator of sitcoms Raising Hope and My Name Is Earl, co-creator of Yes, Dear
Clifton Garvin – chief executive officer of Exxon 1975–1986
Gray Gaulding – NASCAR driver
Azita Ghanizada § – actress, Saira Batra on General Hospital: Night Shift
William Gibson § – cyberpunk author; coined the term 'cyberspace'
Vince Gilligan – director, producer, creator of Breaking Bad
Jim Gilmore – Governor of Virginia
Sheila Giolitti – artist and art dealer
Jack Gilpin – actor
Ellen Glasgow – early 20th-century novelist
Indur M. Goklany – science and technology policy analyst for U.S. Department of the Interior
Irving Gottesman – professor and professor emeritus at University of Virginia
Lauren Graham – actress, comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls
Samuel Gravely – African-American officer who broke many racial barriers in U.S. Navy
Justin Grimm § – relief pitcher for Chicago Cubs
David Grohl – musician with Foo Fighters; moved to Virginia at age three
Johnny Grubb – Major League Baseball player
Kevin Grubb – NASCAR driver
Wayne Grubb – NASCAR crew chief and former driver
Grant Gustin – actor best known for his role as The Flash in the superhero TV series of the same name; born in Norfolk
Brandon Guyer § – outfielder for Cleveland Indians

H

Hilary Hahn (born 1979) – two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist
Charlie Hales § (born 1956) – Mayor of Portland, Oregon
Charles Haley – football player for Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers; born in Gladys
DeAngelo Hall § (born 1983) – cornerback for Washington Redskins
Fawn Hall (born 1959) – figure in Iran–Contra affair
Mark Hamill § (born 1951) – actor, known for Star Wars films; attended high school in Annandale
Peter Hamby § (born 1981) – journalist; attended high school in Richmond
Denny Hamlin (born 1980) – NASCAR driver, 2006 rookie of the year, and Three time Daytona 500 winner; grew up in Chesterfield
Zac Hanson (born 1985) – member of pop band Hanson
Jason Butler Harner § (born 1970) – actor
Eli Harold (born 1994) – linebacker for San Francisco 49ers
Justin Harper (born 1989) – power forward for Orlando Magic
Benjamin Harrison – 23rd President of the United States; grandson of William Henry Harrison
Benjamin Harrison V – signer of the Declaration of Independence, father of U.S. President William Henry Harrison
Carl Hairston (born 1952) – NFL player, Super Bowl champion
William Henry Harrison (1773–1841) – 9th President of the United States
Kathryn Harrold (born 1950) – actress
Bryan Harvey – musician; known for fronting role in House of Freaks; murdered with family in 2006
Percy Harvin – NFL wide receiver
Nidal Hasan – U.S. Army psychiatrist; sole suspect in Fort Hood shooting of 2009
Frank Hassell (born 1988) – basketball player
Earl Hebner – professional wrestling referee
Mike Helton – vice chairman of NASCAR
William Henderson – fullback for Green Bay Packers
Lauri Hendler – actress, Gimme a Break!
Rick Hendrick – NASCAR Cup Series team owner for Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson, Alex Bowman, and William Byron; born in South Hill
Molly Henneberg (born 1973) – reporter for Fox News
Patrick Henry (1736–1799) – American Revolution figure and first Governor of Virginia after nation's independence
Kate Higgins (born 1969) – anime voice actor
Grant Hill § (born 1972) – basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, 7-time NBA All-Star^[3]
Oliver Hill (1907–2007) – lawyer
Laura Hillenbrand (born 1967) – author of books and magazine articles
Skip Hinnant (born 1940) – actor, The Electric Company
Mary Evelyn Hitchcock (1849–1920) — author and explorer
Wendell and Sherman Holmes – blues, gospel and roots musicians
David Homyk – musician
Grace Hopper § (1906–1992) – pioneering computer scientist, and United States Navy rear admiral
Constance Horner (born 1942) – public official in Reagan and first Bush administrations; independent director of Pfizer, Prudential Financial, and Ingersoll Rand; resides in Lexington
Bruce Hornsby (born 1954) – musician
Ralph Horween (1896–1997) – Harvard Crimson and NFL football player, centenarian
Quin Houff (born 1997) – NASCAR driver
Sam Houston (1793–1863) – born in Rockbridge County; Governor of Tennessee (1827–1829); first and third President of Republic of Texas; Governor of Texas; U.S. Senator from Texas
David Huddleston (1930–2016) – actor, The Big Lebowski, Blazing Saddles
Juliet Huddy § (born 1969) – Fox News news anchor; attended high school in McLean
Daniel Hudson (born 1987) – closer for Washington Nationals
Steve Huffman (born 1983) – co-founder and CEO of Reddit
Chad Hugo (born 1974) – musician and music producer, one-half of The Neptunes
Patrick Hull – entrepreneur based in Richmond
Randy Hundley – catcher for Chicago Cubs
Al Hunt – columnist for Bloomberg View
Robert Hurt (born 1969) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 5th congressional district

I

Ashley Iaconetti (born 1988) – television personality
Arsalan Iftikhar (born 1977) – human rights lawyer, global media commentator, and author
Brandon Inge (born 1977) – MLB player; from Lynchburg
James Addison Ingle (1867–1903) § – American missionary to China
Mike Imoh (born 1984) – former Virginia Tech and Canadian Football League running back
Andre Ingram (born 1985) – NBA player, NBA G League record holder for most games played
Jay M. Ipson (born 1935) § – Holocaust survivor and co-founder of the Virginia Holocaust Museum
Daryl Irvine (born 1964) – former MLB relief pitcher
Allen Iverson (born 1975) – former NBA player for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons
Mark Ivey (born 1973) – college football coach
Larry Izzo (born 1974) – NFL player, coach

J

Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson § (1824–1863) – Confederate military leader; born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia (which was formerly Virginia)
Mickie James (born 1979) – professional wrestler and musician
Tommy Lee James – country music songwriter and record producer
Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) – 3rd President of the United States, author of Declaration of Independence, founder of University of Virginia
Clara Jeffery § (born 1967) – co-editor of Mother Jones magazine
Rashad Jennings (born 1985) – running back for New York Giants
Jim Jinkins – cartoonist
Cornelius Johnson (born 1943) – NFL guard, won Super Bowl V with Baltimore Colts
Nicole Johnson (born c. 1974) – Miss America 1999
Wes Johnson – actor and comedian
Maria I. Johnston (1835–1921) — author, journalist, editor and lecturer
Arrington Jones (born 1959) – running back for San Francisco 49ers
Julius Jones (born 1981) – football player for Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks
Thomas Jones (born 1978) – running back for Kansas City Chiefs
Akeem Jordan (born 1985) – linebacker for Philadelphia Eagles
Cornelia J. M. Jordan (1830–1898) — poet and lyricist
Henry Jordan (1935–1977) – lineman for Green Bay Packers, member of Pro Football Hall of Fame
Orlando Jordan – professional wrestler
Samuel Jordan (died 1621) – earliest Virginia leader at Jamestown Settlement

K

Tim Kaine § (born 1958) – former Governor and current U.S. Senator, 2016 Democratic nominee for vice president under Hillary Clinton
Archie Kao § – actor and director
Josh Kaufman § (born 1976) – Soul singer-songwriter, winner of NBC's The Voice season 6; attended Blacksburg High School
Jeremy Kapinos § (born 1984) – punter for Pittsburgh Steelers
Richard Kelly (born 1975) – film director
Patrick Kilpatrick – actor, Minority Report, Eraser
Barbara Kingsolver – author; lives outside Abingdon
V.J. King (born 1997) – NBA player, attended Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia
Wayne Kirby – first base coach for Baltimore Orioles
Chaney Kley (1972–2007) – actor, Asher on The Shield
John Kuester (born 1955) – assistant coach for Los Angeles Lakers

L

Michael Lachowski – bass guitar player for rock band Pylon
Jeffrey M. Lacker – chief executive of Fifth District Federal Reserve Bank at Richmond
Kendall Langford – defensive end for Miami Dolphins
Rick Langford – MLB pitcher
Wayne LaPierre – former CEO and executive vice president of National Rifle Association of America, author, gun rights advocate
Alan Larson (born 1949) – diplomat and ambassador
Mat Latos – MLB pitcher
Wendy B. Lawrence § (born 1959) – retired U.S. Navy Captain, helicopter pilot, engineer, NASA astronaut
Wilford Leach (1929–1988) – film and theatre director, screenwriter
Jake E. Lee (born 1957) – guitarist for Ratt, Rough Cutt, Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands
Light Horse Harry Lee (1756–1818) – Prince William County; American Revolutionary War hero; father of Robert E. Lee
Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794) – Westmoreland County; presented proposal for independence to Continental Congress in 1776
Robert E. Lee (1807–1870) – Confederate States of America military leader, commander of Army of Northern Virginia
Will Yun Lee – actor
William Gregory Lee – actor, Dante's Cove
Tim Legler – ESPN NBA analyst
Egbert Leigh – evolutionary ecologist
Meriwether Lewis (1774–1809) – explorer with Lewis and Clark Expedition
Shaquan Lewis – aka "Skillz" from Supafriendz, rapper
Sabrina Lloyd (born 1970) – actress, Sliders, Sports Night, Numb3rs
Mike London (born 1960) – head football coach at University of Virginia
Chris Long § (born 1985) – NFL defensive end for New England Patriots
Hyman Isaac Long (born 18th century) – Freemason
Kyle Long – NFL offensive lineman
Javier López § (born 1977) – relief pitcher for San Francisco Giants
Brandon Lowe (born 1994) – second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays
Rob Lowe (born 1964) – actor known for films and TV series including The West Wing, Wayne's World, Parks and Recreation
David Lowery – lead singer of Cracker, co-founder Sound of Music Studios
Rich Lowry (born 1968) – editor of National Review, syndicated columnist, and author
Henry Lee Lucas (1936–2001) – serial killer
Elaine Luria (born 1975) – member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 2nd district; former United States Navy Commander

M

Ma–Md

Douglas MacArthur § (1880–1964) – military leader, born in Arkansas, considered Norfolk his hometown; buried in Norfolk
Stanton Macdonald-Wright (1890–1973) – artist
Vernon Macklin (born 1986) – power forward for Detroit Pistons
Shirley MacLaine (born 1934) – Academy Award-winning actress and author
Scott Mactavish (born 1965) – filmmaker and author
James Madison (1751–1836) – 4th President of the United States, co-author of The Federalist Papers, "Father of the United States Constitution"
Magnum T. A. – professional wrestler
William Mahone (1826–1895) – Confederate States of America general, founder of Norfolk and Western Railroad (now Norfolk Southern)
John Maine (born 1981) – MLB pitcher; born in Fredericksburg; graduate of North Stafford High school
Lee Major – Grammy-nominated music producer
Moses Malone (1955–2015) – NBA player in Basketball Hall of Fame
Aimee Mann – musician; from Midlothian and Richmond area
Sally Mann (born 1951) – photographer; from Lexington
Charlie Manuel § (born 1944) – former manager of Philadelphia Phillies
EJ Manuel (born 1990) – quarterback for Oakland Raiders
Chris Marion § (born 1962) – musician, member of classic rock band Little River Band
Fannie H. Marr (1835–1918) — author and poet
Henry L. Marsh (born 1933) – first African-American mayor of Richmond, Virginia
George Marshall § (1880–1959) – U.S. Army officer, World War II military leader, U.S. Secretary of Defense, author of Marshall Plan and recipient of Nobel Peace Prize; graduate of Virginia Military Institute
John Marshall – lawyer, statesman, and fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court
Sean Marshall – MLB pitcher
David Martin § – tight end for Buffalo Bills
George Mason (1725–1792) – politician, author of Virginia Declaration of Rights; namesake of George Mason University
Bobby Massie (born 1989) – offensive tackle for Arizona Cardinals
Debbie Matenopoulos – television personality
Dave Matthews § (born 1967) – musician, frontman of Dave Matthews Band; resident of Charlottesville
Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806–1873) – U.S. Navy officer, astronomer, oceanographer, geologist, educator
Jerod Mayo (born 1986) – linebacker for New England Patriots
Jayma Mays (born 1979) – actress, Emma Pillsbury on Glee
John McAfee § (1945–2021) – software engineer for NASA, Computer Sciences Corporation, and Lockheed, known for McAfee antivirus software
Danny McBride (born 1976) – actor, star of films and TV series Eastbound and Down; from Fredericksburg
John McCain § (1936–2018) – Panamanian-born politician, navy officer, U.S. Senator from Arizona from 1986 until his death; 2008 Republican nominee for President; raised in Alexandria and Arlington
John McCargo (born 1983) – NFL defensive tackle for Buffalo Bills
Dagen McDowell – anchor on Fox Business Network and correspondent for Fox News Channel
Michael McGlothlin (born 1951) – president of [University of Appalachia] School of Pharmacy, politician, and activist
William Holmes McGuffey § (1800–1873) – creator of McGuffey Readers; professor at University of Virginia
David McLeod (born 1971) – first recipient of Arena Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award
Billy McMullen – football player for University of Virginia and Minnesota Vikings
Jesse McReynolds – bluegrass musician, mandolin player

Me–Mz

Joseph Meek (1810–1875) – explorer and fur trader
Philip B. Meggs – design historian, author of History of Graphic Design
Christopher Meloni – actor, Law & Order: SVU; grew up in Alexandria and went to St. Stephens School
Leland D. Melvin (born 1964) – NASA astronaut
Camila Mendes (born 1994) – actor, Do Revenge; born in Charlottesville
Joey Mercury (born 1979) – professional wrestler
LaShawn Merritt – track sprinter, 3-time Olympic gold medalist
Heath Miller (born 1982) – NFL tight end for Pittsburgh Steelers
Jason C. Miller § (born 1972) – lead vocalist and guitarist for Godhead
Mittie Miller (1850–1937) — novelist
Judson Mills § (born 1969) – actor, Francis Gage on Walker, Texas Ranger
Nannie Jacquelin Minor (1871–1934) – early practitioner of public health nursing in Virginia
Arthur Moats (born 1988) – NFL linebacker for Buffalo Bills
Modern Groove Syndicate – funk band from Richmond, Virginia
Darryl Monroe (born 1986) – professional basketball player, 2016 Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP
James Monroe (1758–1831) – 5th President of the United States; namesake of Monroe Doctrine
John Montague (born 1947) – MLB pitcher
Will Montgomery § (born 1983) – NFL lineman for Washington Redskins
Jim Moody (born 1949) – actor
Lottie Moon (1840–1912) – Christian missionary to China
Jim Morrison § (1943–1971) – singer-songwriter for The Doors; born in Florida; graduated from high school in Alexandria
Mark Morton – guitarist for Lamb of God
John Singleton Mosby (1833–1916) – Edgemont; "The Gray Ghost", Confederate cavalry commander
William P. Moseley – (1819–1890) businessman and Virginia senator
Wendell Moore Jr. (born 2001) – basketball player
Alonzo Mourning (born 1970) – basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, member of Basketball Hall of Fame
Jason Mraz (born 1977) – musician
John Mullan (1830–1909) – soldier, explorer, civil servant, and road builder
Dermot Mulroney (born 1963) – actor of many films including My Best Friend's Wedding
Mick Mulvaney (born 1967) – Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Lenda Murray § (born 1962) – IFBB professional bodybuilder
Bret Myers (born 1980) – soccer player and professor
Lon Myers (1858–1899) – sprinter, multiple world records

N

Diane Neal (born 1976) – actress; Casey Novak on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Thomas Nelson Jr. (1738–1789) – Governor of Virginia, signer of Declaration of Independence
Ralph Northam (born 1959) – 73rd Governor of Virginia
Johnny Newman (born 1963) – University of Richmond and NBA basketball player
Tommy Newsom (1929–2007) – saxophone player, bandleader
Wayne Newton (born 1942) – singer, entertainer, actor
Nick Novak § (born 1981) – placekicker for San Diego Chargers

O

Afemo Omilami (born 1950) – actor
Texas Jack Omohundro (1846–1880) – frontier scout, actor, and cowboy
Uncle Charlie Osborne (1890–1992) – musician
Patton Oswalt (born 1969) – actor and comedian
Rayvon Owen (born 1991) – musician, contestant on American Idol season 14
Ken Oxendine – NFL running back

P

Elizabeth Fry Page (1865–1943) — author and editor
Micky Park § – singer and actor
Ace Parker (1912–2013) – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback
George S. Patton § (1885–1945) – World War II military leader; family was from Fredericksburg; attended the Virginia Military Institute
M. M. Parsons (1822–1865) – Confederate general, second commander of Missouri State Guard in the American Civil War
Robert Paxton – historian
James Spriggs Payne – fourth and eighth president of Liberia
John Payne – actor of many films including Miracle on 34th Street
Judith Peck – award-winning visual artist and portrait painter
Cedric Peerman – NFL running back
Tom Peloso – member of Modest Mouse; formerly of The Hackensaw Boys
Tony Perez (born 1942) – actor, Hill Street Blues
Thomas J. Perrelli (born 1966) – U.S. Associate Attorney General under President Barack Obama
Darren Perry (born 1968) – assistant coach for Green Bay Packers
Jay Pharoah (born 1987) – comedian, impressionist, Saturday Night Live
John Phillips § (1935–2001) – folk and pop musician of 1960s vocal group The Mamas & the Papas
John Phillips (born 1987) – tight end for Dallas Cowboys
Pocahontas (1595–1617) – princess of Powhatan tribe
Edgar Allan Poe § – iconic author of "The Raven", "The Tell-Tale Heart" and other poems and stories
Lewis F. Powell – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States 1971-87
Darrell C. Powers – member of Easy Company, Band of Brothers (1923–2009)
Chief Powhatan (1547–1618) – ruler of Eastern Virginia at time of founding of Jamestown
Paul Pressey (born 1958) – NBA small forward, assistant coach for Cleveland Cavaliers
Sterling Price (1809–1867) – 11th Governor of Missouri, first commander of Missouri State Guard in the American Civil War
Faith Prince § (born 1957) – actress, Huff and Spin City
Margaret Prior (1773–1842) — missionary, reformist, and writer
Chesty Puller (1898–1971) – most decorated Marine in American history

Q

George Quaintance (1902–1957) – artist
Christopher Dillon Quinn – documentarian

R

Edmund Randolph (1753–1813) – Governor of Virginia, U.S. Attorney General, Secretary of State
Peyton Randolph – 1775 President of Continental Congress
Della H. Raney (1912–1987) – first African American accepted into the United States Army Nurse Corps
Clay Rapada (born 1981) – retired MLB pitcher
Chris Ray (born 1982) – retired MLB pitcher
J. J. Redick § (born 1984) – shooting guard for New Orleans Pelicans
Ralph Reed (born 1961) – conservative political activist, novelist
Tim Reid (born 1944) – actor, comedian, director, WKRP in Cincinnati, Simon & Simon, Sister, Sister
J. Sargeant Reynolds – businessman, statesman, Lieutenant Governor
LaRoy Reynolds – linebacker for Atlanta Falcons
Mark Reynolds § (born 1983) – MLB infielder for Colorado Rockies
R. J. Reynolds (1850–1918) – businessman and founder of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
Vera Reynolds (1899–1962) – 1920s and '30s film actress
Chris Richardson § (born 1984) – American Idol finalist
Alex Riley – WWE professional wrestler
John Ripley (1939–2008) – decorated United States Marine Corps colonel
David L. Robbins – novelist
Tom Robbins – author, studied art at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University), worked for Richmond Times Dispatch
Jane Roberts (c. 1819–1914) – 1st First Lady of Liberia
Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876) – 1st President of Liberia
Pat Robertson (born 1930) – Christian televangelist and political leader
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson § (1878–1949) – dancer
David Robinson § (born 1965) – Hall of Fame basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, 10-time NBA All-Star
Michael Robinson (born 1983) – running back for Seattle Seahawks
John Rolfe § (c. 1585–1622) – settler at Jamestown Settlement, first developer of cultivated tobacco for European market
John Rollins (born 1975) – professional golfer
Felipe Rose § – founding member of the Village People
Tim Rose § – rock, folk, and blues singer-songwriter
Bobby Ross § – college and pro football coach
Aaron Rouse (born 1984) – safety for the United Football League
Eddie Royal (born 1986) – wide receiver for San Diego Chargers
Albert Rust (1818–1870) – politician and Confederate general

S

Sa–Sm

Elliott Sadler (born 1975) – NASCAR driver
Bob Saget § (born 1956) – actor, comedian, television series Full House, original host of America's Funniest Home Videos
Billy Sample (born 1955) – MLB player for Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves
Ralph Sampson (born 1960) – Hall of Fame center, Virginia Cavaliers and NBA
Rick Santorum (born 1958) – lawyer and former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
Joe Saunders (born 1981) – MLB pitcher
Eric Schmidt (born 1955) – software-engineer and executive chairman of Google
Owen Schmitt § (born 1985) – fullback for Philadelphia Eagles
Ed Schultz (1954–2018) – left-wing radio and television host, The Ed Show
Michael Schwimer (born 1986) – relief pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies
George C. Scott (1927–1999) – actor; won an Academy Award for Best Actor for film Patton (1970)
Wendell Scott (1921–1990) – first African American to race in NASCAR
Willard Scott (1934–2021) – weather reporter on The Today Show; the original Ronald McDonald
Winfield Scott (1786–1866) – United States Army general
Steve Scully (born 1960) – host of C-SPAN's Washington Journal
Rhea Seehorn (born 1972) – Kim Wexler on Better Call Saul
Seka (born 1954) – adult film star
Tom Shadyac (born 1958) – film director, Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty, The Nutty Professor
Darren Sharper – retired NFL safety
Meghann Shaughnessy – professional tennis player
Deborah Shelton § (born 1948) – actress, Miss USA 1970
Ricky Van Shelton – country music and gospel singer; born in Danville, Virginia
Lauren Shehadi (born 1983) – sportscaster and Journalist
John Wesley Shipp – actor, Dawson's Creek, The Flash, Guiding Light
Gray Simons – Olympic freestyle wrestler, won four NAIA national championships and three NCAA wrestling championships
Clint Sintim – linebacker for New York Giants
Scott Sizemore – infielder for New York Yankees
Sam Sloan (born 1944) – political prisoner, kidnapping victim
Bruce Smith (born 1963) – former NFL star, career sack leader
Joe Smith (born 1975) – NBA player for Los Angeles Lakers
John Smith of Jamestown § (1580–1631) – co-founder of Jamestown Settlement, first English colony in America (1607)
Kate Smith (1909–1986) – singer best known for rendition of "God Bless America"
Torrey Smith – wide receiver for San Francisco 49ers

Sn–Sz

Norm Snead (born 1939) – NFL quarterback for five teams
Sam Snead (1912–2002) – Hall of Fame golfer, winner of 82 PGA Tour events including three Masters championships
Jason Snelling § (born 1983) – running back for Atlanta Falcons
Abigail Spanberger (born 1979) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 7th Congressional district
Chris Sprouse (born 1966) – comics artist
John W. Snow – United States Secretary of the Treasury, chairman and CEO of CSX Corporation
Maura Soden (born 1955) – actress
Trey Songz (born 1984) – singer
Scott Sowers (1963–2018) – actor
Eric Stanley (born 1991) – violinist, arranger, YouTube personality
Ralph Stanley (1927–2016) – musician
Robert Stanton (born 1963) – actor, The Cosby Mysteries
Peter Starke (1813–1888) – politician and Confederate general
Robert Stethem § (1961–1985) – U.S. Navy Seabee diver killed by Hezbollah militants during hijacking of TWA Flight 847
Brandon Stokley (born 1976) – wide receiver for Seattle Seahawks
Charles Stanley (born 1932) – Southern Baptist pastor
Dick Stockton § (born 1951) – professional tennis player
Julyan Stone (born 1988) – player for Denver Nuggets
Curtis Strange (born 1955) – professional golfer, member of the World Golf Hall of Fame
Greg Stroman (born 1996) – NFL cornerback
J.E.B. Stuart (1833–1864) – Confederate general
William Styron (1925–2006) – novelist
Skipp Sudduth § (born 1956) – actor, John 'Sully' Sullivan on Third Watch
Margaret Sullavan (1909–1960) – actress
Charlie Sumner (1930–2015) – former NFL player and coach
Carol M. Swain (born 1954) – political scientist, Vanderbilt professor
Josh Sweat (born 1997) – NFL defensive end
DeVante Swing (born 1969) – music producer, singer, founder of R&B group Jodeci
Wanda Sykes – comedian and actress; born in Portsmouth, Virginia

T

Darryl Tapp (born 1984) – defensive end for Philadelphia Eagles
Fran Tarkenton – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback for Minnesota Vikings; co-host of ABC-TV's That's Incredible
Ben Tate (born 1988) – running back for Houston Texans
Chris Taylor (born 1990) – baseball player for Los Angeles Dodgers
Edmund Dick Taylor (1804–1891) – "Father of the Greenback"
Lawrence Taylor (born 1959) – Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker for New York Giants
Peter Taylor (1917–1994) – writer; born in Tennessee, spent most of career teaching at University of Virginia
Tyrod Taylor (born 1989) – quarterback for Buffalo Bills
Zachary Taylor (1784–1850) – 12th President of the United States
Lewis Temple – escaped African-American slave who invented a new kind of harpoon known as "Temple's Toggle"
David Terrell – football player
Logan Thomas (born 1991) – NFL tight end, played quarterback at Virginia Tech
Scottie Thompson (born 1981) – actress, Jeanne Benoit on NCIS
Lee Thornton (1941–2013) – journalist and correspondent for CBS, CNN, and NPR
Matt Tifft (born 1996) – former NASCAR driver
Timbaland (born 1974) – music producer and rapper
Mike Tomlin (born 1972) – head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers, led team to Super Bowl XLIII championship
Randy Tomlin – MLB pitcher; from Madison Heights
Al Toon (born 1963) – retired football player for New York Jets
Adrian Tracy (born 1988) – NFL and CFL defensive back
Scott Travis (born 1961) – drummer for Judas Priest and Racer X
Adriana Trigiani – writer, author of novel Big Stone Gap
Curtis Turner (1924–1970) – stock car racer, member of NASCAR Hall of Fame
Nat Turner (1800–1831) – leader of slave rebellion
Leeann Tweeden (born 1973) – model, television personality
Cy Twombly (1928–2011) – abstract artist
John Tyler (1790–1862) – 10th President of the United States

U

Kali Uchis – singer
Skeet Ulrich – actor, starred in Scream, The Newton Boys, and Jericho
B. J. Upton – MLB outfielder
Justin Upton – MLB outfielder

V

S. S. Van Dine (1888–1939) – author, creator of Philo Vance
Lila Meade Valentine (1865–1921) – education reformer, health-care advocate, and woman's suffragist
Marc Vann (born 1954) – actor, Conrad Ecklie on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
Jarvis Varnado (born 1988) – professional basketball player, 2013 NBA champion with the Miami Heat
Phil Vassar – country music singer/songwriter; from Lynchburg
Julian Vaughn (born 1988) – professional basketball player
Abraham B. Venable (1758–1811) – representative and senator from Virginia
Brandon Vera (born 1977) – mixed martial artist
Justin Verlander (born 1983) – Major League Baseball pitcher for Houston Astros
Charles Vess (born 1951) – fantasy artist and comic-book illustrator
Marcus Vick (born 1984) – NFL quarterback
Michael Vick (born 1980) – NFL quarterback
Gene Vincent (1935–1971) – musician who pioneered styles of rock and roll and rockabilly

W

Wa–Wh

Bobby Wadkins – professional golfer
Lanny Wadkins – professional golfer
Amina Wadud – Islamic Virginia Commonwealth University professor
Mark Warner (born 1954) – senior United States senator of Virginia
Billy Wagner (born 1971) – retired MLB pitcher, primarily for Houston Astros and New York Mets; also pitched for Ferrum College
Richard Wagoner – former president of General Motors
Maggie L. Walker – first woman to found a bank in U.S.
Travis Wall (born 1971) – reality-television personality, So You Think You Can Dance, Season 2
Ben Wallace – NBA basketball player
Randall Wallace – writer, director, Braveheart, Pearl Harbor, We Were Soldiers
Dylan Walsh § – actor, Nip/Tuck, Brooklyn South, Gabriel's Fire
Booker T. Washington (1856–1915) – iconic educator, activist, founder of Tuskegee Institute
George Washington (1732–1799) – 1st President of the United States, commander-in-chief of Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, "Father of Our Country"
Kelley Washington (born 1979) – wide receiver for Baltimore Ravens
Benjamin Watson (born 1980) – tight end for New Orleans Saints
B. W. Webb (born 1990) – cornerback for Dallas Cowboys
Haley Webb – actress
Tyler Webb – pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals
Brianté Weber (born 1992) – basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
Susan Archer Weiss (1822–1917) — poet
Josh Wells – offensive tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars
Kellie Wells – track hurdler, 2012 Olympic bronze medalist
Paul Wellstone § (1944–2002) – member of U.S. Senate from Minnesota
Jennifer Wexton (born 1968) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 10th congressional district
Suzanne Whang – television host, actress, House Hunters, Las Vegas
Pernell Whitaker – professional boxer
Jason White – NASCAR driver
Lucky Whitehead – wide receiver for Dallas Cowboys

Wi–Wz

Tom Wiggin § (born 1955) – actor, Kirk Anderson on As the World Turns and Joe Foster on Texas
L. Douglas Wilder (born 1931) – first elected African-American governor of U.S. state (Governor of Virginia, 1990–1994), Richmond City mayor
Jenny Wiley § (1760–1831) – pioneer, Native American captive
Daryl Williams (born 1992) – offensive tackle for Carolina Panthers
Keller Williams (born 1970) – musician
Kiely Williams – member of 3LW and The Cheetah Girls, actress The House Bunny
Monty Williams – former NBA player; head coach for New Orleans Hornets
Pharrell Williams (born 1973) – Grammy Award-winning musician and producer, one-half of The Neptunes
Reggie Williams (born 1986) – NBA basketball player
Steven Williams § (born 1949) – actor, 21 Jump Street, L.A. Heat, Linc's
Carl Willis (born 1960) – MLB pitcher and coach
Curtis Wilkerson (born 1961) – MLB player for four teams
Casey Wilson (born 1980) – actress, comedian, Happy Endings, Saturday Night Live
David Wilson (born 1991) – running back for New York Giants
Patrick Wilson (born 1973) – actor, Nite Owl II in Watchmen, The Conjuring, Fargo
Russell Wilson § – quarterback for Seattle Seahawks
Samuel V. Wilson (1923–2017) – United States Army lieutenant general
Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) – 28th President of the United States
Stan Winston – film special-effects designer
Henry Wise Jr. (1920–2003) – physician and World War II Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot
Julia A. Wood (1840–1927) – writer and composer
Tom Wolfe (1930–2018) – journalist, novelist, father of "New Journalism"
Robert J. Wood (1905–1986) – U.S. Army four-star general
Josh Woodrum (born 1992) – quarterback for Washington Redskins
Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950) – African-American historian, author, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History
Damien Woody (born 1977) – retired offensive lineman for New York Jets
Link Wray – guitarist
David Wright (born 1982) – third baseman for New York Mets
Avis Wyatt (born 1984) – professional basketball player
Kerry Wynn (born 1991) – defensive end for New York Giants
Robert E. Wynn – member of Easy Company, Band of Brothers (1921–2000)
George Wythe (1726–1806) – Hampton; first professor of law in American college, William & Mary

Y

Rachael Yamagata – singer-songwriter
Elliott Yamin § (born 1978) – American Idol finalist
Marl Young (1917–2009) – composer, music director, Here's Lucy
Megan Young (born 1990) – actress, model, TV host

Z

John G. Zehmer Jr. (1942–2016) – architectural historian, preservationist, photographer, and author of architectural history
Gerald Zerkin (born 1949) – lawyer
Emanuel Zervakis (1930–2003) – NASCAR Cup Series driver
Zeda Zhang (born 1987) – professional wrestler
Boris Zhukov (born 1959) – professional wrestler
Craig Zimmerman (born 1974) – actor
George Zimmerman (born 1983) – man responsible for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida
Ryan Zimmerman § (born 1984) – first baseman for the Washington Nationals
Nell Zink (born 1964) – novelist
Charlotte Zolotow (1915–2013) – writer, poet, publisher of children's books
Zach Zwinak (born 1992) – former Penn State football running back

References

^ "Shakira Austin". WNBA. Archived from the original on August 12, 2022. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
^ Perla, Cory (August 17, 2016). "Spotlight: Uncertain". The Public. Buffalo Public Media, LLC. Archived from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved April 14, 2017.
^ Jackman, Tom (July 8, 2013). "Reston's Grant Hill, possibly NoVa's greatest athlete, talks old South lake days". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 9, 2013. Retrieved November 6, 2020.

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List of people from Virginia

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