Louisiana Famous People

Famous Americans: History and Biographies

Links to histories and biographies of the famous people of Louisiana. Many famous people of Louisiana have made significant contributions to the history of our nation and the state of Louisiana. These famous Americans, famous entertainers, famous players, famous scientist, famous singers, famous statesmen, famous women, heroes, great explorers, and others Louisiana famous Americans have all made Louisiana their home. This list includes Louisiana historical figures, celebrities and those individuals of Louisiana who have influenced the lives of others.

Famous People from Louisiana

• Louis Armstrong (1901 - 1971) Famous trumpet player and singer considered by many to one of the best jazz musicians ever; born in New Orleans.
• John James Audubon (1785 - 1851), naturalist and artist, some of whose paintings for Birds of America were done in Louisiana.
• Geoffrey Beene (1927 - ) Fashion designer; born in Haynesville.
• Truman Capote (1924 - 1984) Novelist made famous with Other Voices, Other Rooms and Breakfast at Tiffany's; born in New Orleans.
• Kitty Carlisle (also known as Kitty Carlisle Hart; September 3, 1910 - April 17, 2007) was an American singer, actress and spokeswoman for the arts. She is best remembered as a regular panelist on the television game show To Tell the Truth. Carlisle served 20 years on the New York State Council on the Arts. In 1991, she received the National Medal of Arts from President George H. W. Bush. Eight years later, in 1999, she was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. Kitty Carlisle was born as Catherine Conn (Kitty is a nickname for Catherine; the surname was pronounced Cohen) in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her family was of German Jewish heritage. Her grandfather, Ben Holtzman, was the mayor of Shreveport, Louisiana.
• Michael DeBakey (1908 - ) Doctor that developed the first artificial heart; born in Lake Charles.
• Antoine "Fats" Domino Jr.(1928 - ) Pianist, singer, and songwriter; born in New Orleans.
• Bryant Gumbel (born September 29, 1948) is an American television journalist and sportscaster. He is best known for his 15 years as co-host of NBC's The Today Show. He is the younger brother of sportscaster Greg Gumbel.Gumbel was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is the son of Rhea Alice (née LeCesne), a city clerk, and Richard Dunbar Gumbel, a judge. He attended and was graduated from De La Salle Institute in Chicago, IL., while growing up on the South Side of the city. He graduated from Bates College in 1970. In 1971, he became editor of Black Sports Magazine, leaving the following year. Gumbel began his television career in October 1972, when he was made a sportscaster for KNBC-TV out of Los Angeles.
• Al Hirt (1922 - 1999) Trumpeter; born in New Orleans.
• Mahalia Jackson (1912 - 1972) Gospel singer made famous with "Move On Up a Little," the first million-selling gospel record; born in New Orleans.
• Dorothy Lamour (December 10, 1914 - September 22, 1996) was an American actress and singer. She is best remembered for appearing in the Road to... movies, a series of successful comedies starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope. Lamour starred in a number of movie musicals and sang in many of her comedies and dramatic films as well. Born Mary Leta Dorothy Slaton in New Orleans, the daughter of Carmen Louise and John Watson Slaton, both of whom were waiters. Lamour was of French Louisianan, Spanish, and Irish descent. actress, New Orleans
• Jerry Lee Lewis (1935- ) Singer and pianist famous for songs like "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" and "Great Balls of Fire"; born in Ferriday.
• Huey P. Long Controversial governor and Senator from Louisiana, Huey Long pushed for unprecedented expansion of governmental services in education, transportation and health. His life was ended by assassination.
• Huey Newton (1942 - 1989) Black activist; born in Monroe.
• Cokie Roberts (1943 - ) Journalist; born in New Orleans.
• Kordell Stewart (1972 - ) Football player; born in New Orleans.
• Ray Walston An actor, probably best known for his role as "Uncle Martin" in the 1960s sitcom "My Favorite Martian," Walston had a long career in film and theatre. He won an Emmy for his role on the cult TV show "Picket Fences."

More Famous People of Louisiana

Find more more Louisiana famous people below. You may not even realize many of these famous people were born in Louisiana or notable associated with Louisiana, including actors, actresses, explorers, historical figures, inventors, musicians, novelists, professional athletes, important politicians, singers, sport stars and more.

• Geoffrey Beene fashion designer, Haynesville
• Kitty Carlisle singer, actress, New Orleans
• Van Cliburn concert pianist, Shreveport
• Fats Domino musician, New Orleans
• Louis Moreau Gottschalk pianist, composer, New Orleans
• Lillian Hellman playwright, New Orleans
• Wynton Marsalis musician, New Orleans
• Jelly Roll Morton jazz musician, composer, New Orleans
• Huey Newton black activist, New Orleans
• Paul Prudhomme chef, Opelousas
• Edward Douglas White jurist, Lafourche Parish