Famous People From Louisiana

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Updated November 12, 2021 58.8K views

List of famous people from Louisiana, including photos when available. The people below are listed by their popularity, so the most recognizable names are at the top of the list. Some of the people below are celebrities born in Louisiana, while others are simply notable locals. If you're from Louisiana you might already know that these prominent figures are also from your hometown, but some of the names below may really surprise you. This list includes people who were born and raised in Louisiana, as well as those who were born there but moved away at a young age.

This list contains people like David Vitter and Jack Ponder.

If you want to answer the questions, "Which famous people are from Louisiana?" or "Which celebrities were born in Louisiana?" then this list is a great resource for you.
  • Reese Witherspoon
    Reese Witherspoon, born as Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon on March 22, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., is a widely acclaimed American actress, producer, and entrepreneur. Her early years were spent in Germany where her father served as a lieutenant colonel in the US Army reserves. However, her family returned to the U.S when she was four years old. She began her career in entertainment at the age of 14 with the film The Man in the Moon, which earned her a nomination for a Young Artist Award. Witherspoon's breakthrough came in 1999 when she starred in the comedy-drama Election, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. But it was her role as Elle Woods in the comedy Legally Blonde in 2001 that catapulted her into Hollywood stardom. This performance solidified her standing as one of America's most talented and versatile actresses, earning her a second Golden Globe nomination. In 2005, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the biographical musical film Walk the Line. Aside from her acting career, Witherspoon has made significant strides as a producer and entrepreneur. She established her production company, Pacific Standard, in 2012 to create more roles for women in film and television. This venture produced several critically acclaimed films, including Gone Girl and Wild. In 2016, she extended her entrepreneurial prowess to launch Draper James, a Southern-inspired retail brand that mirrors her personal style and Southern roots. With her diverse accomplishments in acting, producing, and business, Reese Witherspoon continues to be a formidable force in the entertainment industry.
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  • Ellen DeGeneres
    Born in Metairie, Louisiana in 1958, Ellen DeGeneres began her career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s, performing at small clubs and coffeehouses before eventually breaking into the mainstream. Her unique brand of humor, characterized by observational comedy and self-deprecating wit, quickly gained traction and led to her first big break in 1986 when she was invited to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. This appearance catapulted DeGeneres into the national spotlight, marking the start of a long and successful career in comedy. In 1994, DeGeneres took her talent to television with the launch of her sitcom, Ellen. The show was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous accolades and becoming one of the highest-rated programs on ABC. However, it was in 1997 that DeGeneres made history: in a groundbreaking episode of the show, her character came out as gay, making Ellen the first prime-time sitcom to feature an openly gay leading character. This event mirrored DeGeneres' own life, as she publicly came out as gay around the same time. DeGeneres' influence extends beyond comedy. In 2003, she ventured into daytime television with The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which quickly became one of the most popular talk shows in America. Over its run, the show has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and has been lauded for its positive depiction of LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, DeGeneres has used her platform to advocate for various charitable causes, including animal rights and disaster relief.
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  • Tyler Perry
    Tyler Perry, a titan in the entertainment industry, boasts an impressive resume as an actor, playwright, filmmaker, and comedian. Born Emmitt Perry Jr., on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he triumphed over a challenging upbringing marked by poverty and abuse to become one of the most influential figures in Hollywood. Facing adversity head-on, Perry dropped out of high school but later earned his General Equivalency Diploma (GED), a testament to his tenacity and determination. Perry's foray into the world of theater began in 1992 when he wrote, produced, and starred in his first play, I Know I've Been Changed, which addressed themes of child abuse, self-worth, and forgiveness. Despite initial setbacks, the play eventually found success and paved the way for a series of popular plays, including the Madea series, featuring Perry's most famous character, Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a tough-talking elderly woman. Perry's unique blend of humor and poignant social commentary resonated with audiences, catapulting him to nationwide fame. Transitioning from stage to screen, Perry established Tyler Perry Studios in 2006, becoming the first African-American to own a major film production studio. His films, often based on his stage plays, have consistently performed well at the box office. Perry's influence extends beyond film and theater, with ventures into television production and book publishing. Despite his commercial success, Perry remains committed to philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes and using his platform to effect positive change. His journey from hardship to Hollywood stardom serves as an inspiring example of resilience and perseverance.
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  • Ian Somerhalder
    Ian Somerhalder, renowned for his captivating performances in the entertainment industry, was born on December 8, 1978, in Covington, Louisiana. His journey into the world of acting commenced with modeling at the tender age of ten, paving the path to a career that would later see him as a prominent figure in Hollywood. Alongside his early modeling career, Somerhalder's dedication to the craft of acting led him to participate in various drama classes, shaping his skills and passion for the art form. Somerhalder's breakthrough role came when he was cast as Boone Carlyle in the hit television series Lost. His portrayal of the complex character garnered significant attention and praise, establishing him as a talented actor capable of delivering multifaceted performances. However, it was his role as Damon Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries that took his career to new heights. The series, which ran from 2009 to 2017, showcased Somerhalder's range and depth as an actor, earning him numerous accolades and a devoted fanbase. But Somerhalder's influence extends far beyond his acting credits. He is also a dedicated environmental activist, utilizing his fame to raise awareness about environmental issues and promote conservation efforts. In 2010, he founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at empowering, educating and collaborating with people to positively impact the planet and its creatures.
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  • Danneel Ackles
    Danneel Ackles (née Elta Danneel Graul; March 18, 1979), credited professionally before 2012 as Danneel Harris, is an American actress and model. She played the role of Shannon McBain on the American daytime soap opera One Life to Live and Rachel Gatina on the WB/CW television drama series One Tree Hill.
  • Tim McGraw

    Tim McGraw

    Age: 56
    Tim McGraw, born Samuel Timothy McGraw in 1967 in Delhi, Louisiana, is a highly accomplished American country singer and songwriter. He has shaped the contemporary country music landscape with his soulful vocals and compelling storytelling. His journey to stardom began after discovering that his estranged father was Tug McGraw, a professional baseball player, which inspired him to pursue his dreams with steely determination. McGraw's music career took off in 1990 when he signed with Curb Records. In his initial years, he produced several successful singles that contributed to the growth of his fame. His breakthrough came in 1994 with the release of the album Not a Moment Too Soon, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Country charts. Throughout his career, McGraw has released more than 14 studio albums and a majority of those have reached number one on the Top Country Albums charts. He has also won multiple awards, including Grammys, over a dozen Academy of Country Music awards, and even a few People's Choice Awards, proving his mettle as a distinguished artist. Beyond music, Tim McGraw has also ventured into acting, showcasing his talent in films like Friday Night Lights and The Blind Side. His endeavors aren't limited to entertainment; he has been involved in various philanthropic activities. Together with his wife, Faith Hill, another country superstar, they have initiated several charitable projects, including Neighbor's Keeper Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at improving community services in areas such as education and health. Despite his numerous accomplishments, McGraw remains grounded, often crediting his success to his fans and maintaining a warm, down-to-earth persona that resonates with audiences worldwide.
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  • Ali Landry

    Ali Landry

    Age: 50
    Ali Germaine Landry (born July 21, 1973) is an American actress, model, and beauty pageant titleholder who won Miss USA 1996. She played Rita Lefleur on the UPN sitcom Eve and was the Doritos Girl in a 1998 Super Bowl commercial. In 1998, she was named by People magazine as one of 50 most beautiful people in the world.
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  • Ashley Scott
    Ashley McCall Scott (born July 13, 1977) is an American actress and model, best known for her roles in the television series Jericho, Birds of Prey, and Dark Angel. She had a major role in the 2004 remake of Walking Tall, and has starred in a number of television movies on the Lifetime network since 2010.
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  • Terry Bradshaw
    Terry Bradshaw, an iconic figure in American sports history, is widely recognized for his remarkable career in the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 2, 1948, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Bradshaw's athletic prowess was evident from a young age. He attended Louisiana Tech University, where he notably excelled in football, drawing attention as a formidable quarterback. His university years were a prelude to an illustrious career in professional sports that would see him rise to become one of the most respected individuals in American football. Bradshaw's professional journey began in 1970 when he was selected as the first overall player in the NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. This marked the beginning of a 14-year long tenure with the team that was filled with numerous accolades and notable achievements. Among these was leading the Steelers to four Super Bowl victories, in 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979, making him the first quarterback in NFL history to achieve such a feat. His performances in Super Bowl XIII and XIV won him two Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards, further cementing his legacy. Despite retiring from professional football in 1983, Bradshaw's influence on the sport remains profound. His post-retirement years have been marked by successful stints as a sports analyst, co-host, and actor. He has been a part of Fox NFL Sunday since its inception and has been lauded for his insightful commentary and charismatic presence. His contributions to American football have been recognized with numerous honors, including induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989. Terry Bradshaw's enduring legacy, built on exceptional talent and relentless determination, continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
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  • James Carville
    Chester James Carville Jr. (born October 25, 1944) is an American political commentator, media personality, and lawyer who is a prominent figure in the Democratic Party. Nicknamed the Ragin' Cajun, Carville gained national attention for his work as the lead strategist of the successful presidential campaign of then-Arkansas governor Bill Clinton. Carville also worked as a co-host of CNN's Crossfire. After Crossfire, he appeared on CNN's news program The Situation Room. As of 2009, he hosts a weekly program on XM Radio titled 60/20 Sports with Luke Russert, son of Tim Russert who hosted NBC's Meet The Press. He is married to Libertarian political consultant Mary Matalin. In 2009, he began teaching political science at Tulane University.In 2014, Carville joined Fox News Channel as a contributor. He terminated his contract with Fox News in 2015.
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  • Jerry Lee Lewis

    Jerry Lee Lewis

    Dec. at 87 (1935-2022)
    Jerry Lee Lewis, famously known as "The Killer," is an iconic figure in the annals of rock and roll history. Born on September 29, 1935, in Ferriday, Louisiana, his passion for music was evident from an early age. Raised in a poor farming family, Lewis's parents mortgaged their farm to buy him a piano, recognizing his innate talent. The investment paid off, as he went on to become one of the pioneers of rock and roll music, with a career spanning over six decades. Lewis's musical style, characterized by his energetic performances and flamboyant piano playing, revolutionized the music industry in the 1950s. His fusion of country, gospel, and rhythm & blues into a unique rock and roll sound led to numerous hit records including "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire." These hits not only made him a star but also established him as a major influence on future generations of rock musicians. Despite his successful career, Lewis's life was marked by personal tragedies and controversies, which often overshadowed his musical achievements. Despite these challenges, Lewis's resilience and dedication to his craft led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in its inaugural year, 1986. He also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats in the music industry. Jerry Lee Lewis's impact on popular music is undeniable, with his dynamic performances and innovative musical style leaving an indelible mark on the world of rock and roll.
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  • Ernie Ladd

    Ernie Ladd

    Dec. at 68 (1938-2007)
    Ernest Ladd (November 28, 1938 – March 10, 2007), nicknamed "the Big Cat", was an American professional football player and a professional wrestler. A standout athlete in high school, Ladd attended Grambling State University on a basketball scholarship before being drafted in 1961 by the San Diego Chargers of the American Football League (AFL). Ladd found success in the AFL as one of the largest players in professional football history at 6' 9" and 315 pounds. He helped the Chargers to four AFL championship games in five years, winning the championship with the team in 1963. He also had stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Oilers. Ladd took up professional wrestling during the AFL offseason, and after a knee injury ended his football career turned to it full-time in 1969. As a wrestler, Ladd became one of the top heels in the business. For much of his career he played a villainous character who would arrogantly taunt both opponents and crowds. Ladd feuded with many popular wrestlers of the time, including Wahoo McDaniel, André the Giant, Bobo Brazil, Dusty Rhodes, and Mr. Wrestling. He retired from the ring in 1986. Ladd was inducted into the San Diego Chargers Hall of Fame in 1981, the Grambling State University Hall of Fame in 1989, and the WWF Hall of Fame in 1995. Ladd was diagnosed with colon cancer in the winter of 2003–2004. He died on March 10, 2007 at the age of 68.
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  • Chloe Bridges
    Chloe Suazo (born December 27, 1991), known professionally as Chloe Bridges, is an American actress. She is known for her roles as Zoey Moreno in the sitcom Freddie (2005–2006) and as Dana Turner in the Disney Channel original film Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010). She has starred in the films Forget Me Not (2009), Family Weekend (2013), Mantervention (2014), The Final Girls (2015), and Nightlight (2015). She has also portrayed Donna LaDonna in The Carrie Diaries, Sydney in Pretty Little Liars, and Kibby in Daytime Divas.
  • Bryant Gumbel
    Bryant Charles Gumbel (born September 29, 1948) is an American television journalist and sportscaster, best known for his 15 years as co-host of NBC's Today. He is the younger brother of sportscaster Greg Gumbel. Since 1995, he has hosted HBO's acclaimed investigative series Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, which has been rated as "flat out TV's best sports program" by the Los Angeles Times. It won a Peabody Award in 2012.Gumbel was hired by NBC Sports in the fall of 1975 as co-host of its National Football League pre-game show GrandStand with Jack Buck. From 1975 until January 1982 (when he left to do The Today Show), he hosted numerous sporting events for NBC including Major League Baseball, college basketball and the National Football League. He returned to sportscasting for NBC when he hosted the prime time coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics from Seoul and the PGA Tour in 1990. NBC News made Gumbel the principal anchor of Today beginning September 27, 1982, and broadcast from Vietnam, Vatican City, Europe, South America, and much of the United States followed between 1984 and 1989. Gumbel's work on Today earned him several Emmys and a large fanbase. He is the third longest serving co-host of Today, after former hosts Matt Lauer and Katie Couric. He stepped down from the show on January 3, 1997, after 15 years. Gumbel moved to CBS, where he hosted various shows before becoming co-host of the network's morning show The Early Show on November 1, 1999. Gumbel was hosting The Early Show on the morning of September 11, 2001. He was the first to announce the September 11 attacks to CBS viewers. Gumbel left CBS and The Early Show on May 17, 2002.
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  • John Kennedy Toole

    John Kennedy Toole

    Dec. at 31 (1937-1969)
    John Kennedy Toole (; December 17, 1937 – March 26, 1969) was an American novelist from New Orleans, Louisiana, whose posthumously published novel A Confederacy of Dunces won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. He also wrote The Neon Bible. Although several people in the literary world felt his writing skills were praiseworthy, Toole's novels were rejected during his lifetime. After suffering from paranoia and depression due in part to these failures, he committed suicide at the age of 31. Toole was born to a middle-class family in New Orleans. From a young age, his mother taught him an appreciation of culture. She was thoroughly involved in his affairs for most of his life, and at times they had a difficult relationship. With his mother's encouragement, Toole became a stage performer at the age of 10 doing comic impressions and acting. At 16 he wrote his first novel, The Neon Bible, which he later dismissed as "adolescent".Toole received an academic scholarship to Tulane University in New Orleans. After graduating from Tulane, he studied English at Columbia University in New York while teaching simultaneously at Hunter College. He also taught at various Louisiana colleges, and during his early career as an academic he was valued on the faculty party circuit for his wit and gift for mimicry. His studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the army, where he taught English to Spanish-speaking recruits in San Juan, Puerto Rico. After receiving a promotion, he used his private office to begin writing A Confederacy of Dunces, which he finished at his parents' home after his discharge. Dunces is a picaresque novel featuring the misadventures of protagonist Ignatius J. Reilly, a lazy, obese, misanthropic, self-styled scholar who lives at home with his mother. It is hailed for its accurate depictions of New Orleans dialects. Toole based Reilly in part on his college professor friend Bob Byrne. Byrne's slovenly, eccentric behavior was anything but professorial, and Reilly mirrored him in these respects. The character was also based on Toole himself, and several personal experiences served as inspiration for passages in the novel. While at Tulane, Toole filled in for a friend at a job as a hot tamale cart vendor, and worked at a family owned and operated clothing factory. Both of these experiences were later adopted into his fiction. Toole submitted Dunces to publisher Simon & Schuster, where it reached editor Robert Gottlieb. Gottlieb considered Toole talented but felt his comic novel was essentially pointless. Despite several revisions, Gottlieb remained unsatisfied, and after the book was rejected by another literary figure, Hodding Carter Jr., Toole shelved the novel. Suffering from depression and feelings of persecution, Toole left home on a journey around the country. He stopped in Biloxi, Mississippi, to end his life by running a garden hose in from the exhaust of his car to the cabin. Some years later, his mother brought the manuscript of Dunces to the attention of novelist Walker Percy, who ushered the book into print. In 1981, Toole was posthumously awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction.
  • Kevyn Aucoin

    Kevyn Aucoin

    Dec. at 40 (1962-2002)
    Kevyn James Aucoin (February 14, 1962 – May 7, 2002) was an American make-up artist, photographer and author.
  • Louis Moreau Gottschalk

    Louis Moreau Gottschalk

    Dec. at 40 (1829-1869)
    Louis Moreau Gottschalk (May 8, 1829 – December 18, 1869) was an American composer and pianist, best known as a virtuoso performer of his own romantic piano works. He spent most of his working career outside of the United States.
  • Huey Long

    Huey Long

    Dec. at 42 (1893-1935)
    Huey Pierce Long Jr. (August 30, 1893 – September 10, 1935), nicknamed "The Kingfish", was an American politician who served as the 40th governor of Louisiana from 1928 to 1932 and was a member of the United States Senate from 1932 until his assassination in 1935. As the political leader of Louisiana, he commanded wide networks of supporters and was willing to take forceful and dictatorial action. He established the long-term political dominance and dynasty of the Long family. During Long's years in power, large expansions were made in infrastructure, education and health care. Long was notable among southern politicians for avoiding race baiting and explicit white supremacy, and he sought to improve the conditions of impoverished blacks as well as impoverished whites. Under Long's leadership, hospitals and educational institutions were expanded, a system of charity hospitals was set up that provided health care for the poor, and massive highway construction and free bridges brought an end to rural isolation. A Democrat and an outspoken left-wing populist, Long denounced the wealthy urban Baton Rouge and D.C. elites, oligarchs and the banks. Initially a supporter of Franklin D. Roosevelt during his first 100 days in office, Long eventually came to believe that Roosevelt's "New Deal" policies were an insufficient compromise and did not do enough to alleviate the issues of the poor or tackle the Depression. In time, he developed his own solution: the "Share Our Wealth" program, which would establish a net asset tax, the earnings of which would be redistributed so as to curb the poverty and homelessness epidemic nationwide during the Great Depression.Long's Share Our Wealth plan was established on February 23, 1934 with the motto "Every Man a King." To stimulate the economy, Long advocated federal spending on public works, schools and colleges, and old age pensions. Long argued that his plan would enable everyone to have at least a car, a radio, and a home worth $5,000.Long split with Roosevelt in June 1933 to plan his own presidential bid for 1936 in alliance with the influential Roman Catholic priest and far-right radio commentator Father Charles Coughlin. Long was assassinated in 1935, and his national movement soon faded, but his legacy continued in Louisiana through his wife, Senator Rose McConnell Long; his son, Senator Russell B. Long; and his brothers, Earl Kemp Long and George S. Long, as well as several other more distant relatives. He remains a controversial figure in Louisiana history.
  • Donna Brazile
    Donna Lease Brazile (; born December 15, 1959) is an American political strategist, campaign manager, political analyst, author, and Fox News contributor. She was formerly a CNN contributor until her resignation in October 2016. She is a member of the Democratic Party, briefly serving as the interim chair of the Democratic National Committee in spring 2011, and again from July 2016 to February 2017. She was the first African American woman to direct a major presidential campaign, acting as campaign manager for Al Gore in 2000. She has also worked on several presidential campaigns for Democratic candidates, including Jesse Jackson and Walter Mondale–Geraldine Ferraro in 1984, and for Dick Gephardt in the 1988 Democratic primary.
  • Ben Turpin

    Ben Turpin

    Dec. at 70 (1869-1940)
    Bernard "Ben" Turpin (September 19, 1869 – July 1, 1940) was an American comedian and actor, best remembered for his work in silent films. His trademarks were his cross-eyed appearance and adeptness at vigorous physical comedy. Turpin worked with notable performers such as Charlie Chaplin and Laurel and Hardy, and was a part of the Mack Sennett studio team. He is believed to have been the first filmed "victim" of the pie in the face gag. When sound came to films, Turpin chose to retire, having invested profitably in real estate, although he did do occasional cameos.
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  • Branford Marsalis
    Branford Marsalis (born August 26, 1960) is an American saxophonist, composer, and bandleader. While primarily known for his work in jazz as the leader of the Branford Marsalis Quartet, he also performs frequently as a soloist with classical ensembles and has led the group Buckshot LeFonque.
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  • Grady A. Dugas

    Grady A. Dugas

    Dec. at 83 (1923-2007)
    Grady A. Dugas, M. D. (October 24, 1923 – March 25, 2007), was a Louisiana physician who invented the "Safer Automatic Wheelchair Wheel Locks", a patented device designed for those who sometimes forget to lock their wheelchairs. For four decades Dugas was engaged in a family medical practice in Marion in Union Parish, a part of the Monroe Standard Metropolitan Statistical Area of northeastern Louisiana.
  • Zachary Levi
    Zachary Levi Pugh (born September 29, 1980) is an American actor and singer. He received critical acclaim for starring as Chuck Bartowski in the series Chuck, and as the title character in Shazam!, as a part of the DC Extended Universe. Levi starred as Georg Nowack in the 2016 Broadway revival of She Loves Me opposite Laura Benanti, for which he received a Tony Award nomination. He voiced Flynn Rider in the 2010 animated film Tangled, where he performed "I See the Light" with Mandy Moore; the song won a Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media. He reprised the voice role in the 2012 short film Tangled Ever After and a 2017 Disney Channel television series based on the film. He has appeared in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Thor: The Dark World and Thor: Ragnarok as Fandral.
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  • Randy Jackson
    Randy Jackson, born Randall Darius Jackson in 1956, carved a niche for himself in the American music industry as an accomplished bassist, singer, record producer, entrepreneur, and television personality. He entered the music world at the tender age of 13, showing his prowess as a bassist. Raised in the culturally rich city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Jackson's early influences ranged from local blues and soul musicians to popular rock 'n' roll artists, all of which crafted his eclectic musical style. Jackson's professional journey began as a session musician in Los Angeles, where he played bass for high-profile artists like Journey, Bob Dylan, and Aretha Franklin before stepping into the realm of production. As a production maestro, he worked with music industry heavyweights, including Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, and Celine Dion, solidifying his reputation as a versatile talent capable of transcending genre boundaries. His acumen in the industry led him to co-found his own artist management company, further broadening his influence in the music world. The wider public, however, best recognizes Jackson for his role as a judge on the iconic reality TV show American Idol. For over a decade, he played a pivotal part in shaping America's musical landscape by mentoring aspiring artists and providing constructive feedback. Jackson's affable personality, combined with his comprehensive understanding of the music industry, made him an indispensable facet of the show, endearing him to millions of viewers across the globe.
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  • Stanley Williams

    Stanley Williams

    Dec. at 51 (1953-2005)
    Stanley Tookie Williams III (December 29, 1953 – December 13, 2005) was an American gangster, known as one of the original founders and leaders of the Crip gang in Los Angeles, California. In 1971, Williams and Raymond Washington formed an alliance establishing the Crips as the first major African-American street gang in South Central Los Angeles. Williams became the de facto leader and the prominent crime boss in South Central in the 1970s. In 1979, Williams was convicted for the murder of four people during two robberies, and was sentenced to death. The highly publicized trial of Williams and extensive appeals for clemency sparked debate on the status of the death penalty in California. On December 13, 2005, Williams was executed by lethal injection after extensive appeals for clemency and a four-week stay of execution were both rejected by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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  • P. G. T. Beauregard

    P. G. T. Beauregard

    Dec. at 74 (1818-1893)
    Pierre Gustave Toutant-Beauregard (May 28, 1818 – February 20, 1893) was an American military officer who was the first prominent general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. Today, he is commonly referred to as P. G. T. Beauregard, but he rarely used his first name as an adult. He signed correspondence as G. T. Beauregard. Trained as a civil engineer at the United States Military Academy, Beauregard served with distinction as an engineer in the Mexican–American War. Following a brief appointment as superintendent at West Point in 1861, and after the South seceded, he resigned from the United States Army and became the first brigadier general in the Confederate States Army. He commanded the defenses of Charleston, South Carolina, at the start of the Civil War at Fort Sumter on April 12, 1861. Three months later he won the First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas, Virginia. Beauregard commanded armies in the Western Theater, including at the Battle of Shiloh in Tennessee, and the Siege of Corinth in northern Mississippi. He returned to Charleston and defended it in 1863 from repeated naval and land attacks by Union forces. His greatest achievement was saving the important industrial city of Petersburg, Virginia, in June 1864, and thus the nearby Confederate capital of Richmond, from assaults by overwhelmingly superior Union Army forces. His influence over Confederate strategy was lessened by his poor professional relationships with President Jefferson Davis and other senior generals and officials. In April 1865, Beauregard and his commander, General Joseph E. Johnston, convinced Davis and the remaining cabinet members that the war needed to end. Johnston surrendered most of the remaining armies of the Confederacy, including Beauregard and his men, to Major General William Tecumseh Sherman. Following his military career, Beauregard returned to Louisiana, where he advocated for black civil rights and black suffrage, served as a railroad executive, and became wealthy as a promoter of the Louisiana Lottery.
  • DJ Khaled

    DJ Khaled

    Age: 48
    DJ Khaled, born as Khaled Mohamed Khaled in November 1975, is a globally recognized figure in the world of music. His roots can be traced back to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he was born to Palestinian parents who had immigrated to the United States. The culturally rich environment of New Orleans significantly influenced him, igniting his interest in music and arts. His parents, being musicians themselves, played Arabic music, which instilled in young Khaled an appreciation for varied musical genres. Khaled embarked on his career as a radio host in the 1990s, working with the Miami-based urban music radio station WEDR. His charisma and unique interviewing style quickly made him a favorite among listeners, paving the way for his rise to fame. In 2006, he released his debut album Listennn... the Album, that marked the beginning of his journey as a record producer and DJ. Over the years, he has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists, including Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Drake, and Rihanna, earning him multiple platinum certifications. Despite facing many challenges and obstacles, DJ Khaled's persistence and passion have always been his driving force. His mantra "We the Best," which also serves as the name of his record label, encapsulates his relentless pursuit of success. He has received numerous accolades for his work, including a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance. Beyond his music career, Khaled has also ventured into writing, releasing a book titled The Keys which shares his wisdom and life experiences. His larger-than-life personality and profound impact on the music industry make DJ Khaled an iconic figure in contemporary entertainment.
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  • John Henry Johnson

    John Henry Johnson

    Dec. at 81 (1929-2011)
    John Henry Johnson (November 24, 1929 – June 3, 2011) was a gridiron football running back known for his excellence at the fullback position as both a runner and a blocker. His first professional stint was in Canada in the Western Interprovincial Football Union (WIFU) for one season with the Calgary Stampeders. He then played in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Pittsburgh Steelers before spending his final season in the American Football League (AFL) with the Houston Oilers. Commonly referred to as simply John Henry, an allusion to the folk hero of the same name, Johnson was a tough and tenacious player who performed at a high level well into the tail end of his career. After playing college football for St. Mary's College of California and Arizona State, Johnson was selected in the second round of the 1953 NFL Draft by the Steelers, the 18th overall pick. He instead played one season of Canadian football for the Stampeders, in which he won the Jeff Nicklin Memorial Trophy as the league's most valuable player. He then signed with the 49ers, and played left halfback in San Francisco's famed "Million Dollar Backfield". He was traded to Detroit in 1957, and became the team's leading rusher en route to that year's NFL championship, their most recent. His abilities seemingly in decline, Johnson was traded to Pittsburgh in 1960, where he had the most productive years of his career, recording two 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He remains the oldest player to record a 1,000-yard rushing season as well as the oldest to rush for 200 or more yards in a game, each at age 34. A four-time Pro Bowl selection, Johnson ranked third on the NFL's all-time rushing yards list when he retired, but was best remembered by his peers for the mark he left with his blocking. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
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  • Victor Kiam

    Victor Kiam

    Dec. at 74 (1926-2001)
    Victor Kermit Kiam II (December 7, 1926 – May 27, 2001) was an American entrepreneur and TV spokesman for Remington Products, and the owner of the New England Patriots football team from 1988–1991. He was well-known for his turnaround of Remington’s fortunes, as well as for his commercials.
  • Brian Blade
    Brian Blade (born July 25, 1970) is an American jazz drummer, composer, session musician, and singer-songwriter.