Get documents about "Politicians and Leaders Famous
Document Sample
Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List This list has been compiled from various sources by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. Our state is blessed with many talented individuals, and it’s likely there are noteworthy Oklahomans who are not included on this list. If you know of such individuals, please send an email with the person’s name and a link to supporting biographical information about the person so we may consider adding them to the list. Email: info@ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Politicians and Leaders Carl Albert Former Speaker, US House McAlester, Bugtussle Kate Barnard Founder of Oklahoma’s first penal system, and the first woman to win statewide elective office (1907 Commissioner of Charities & Corrections) in the United States Oklahoma City Standing Bear Ponca Chief Ponca City David L. Boren President, University of Oklahoma (current) Former U. S. Senator Seminole Sam Boyd Casino/hotel owner Enid Black Kettle Cheyenne Chief Joseph "Jocko" Clark US Navy admiral, WWII hero Pryor Angie Debo Considered the "First Lady of Oklahoma History” Moved to Marshall at 9 years old; 1890-1988 “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Dennis T. Flynn Civic Leader Guthrie/OKC Brad Henry Governor (current) Shawnee Patrick J. Hurley Statesman Tulsa Larry Jones Evangelist, "Feed the Children" Oklahoma City Cathy Keating Author and Former First Lady Tulsa Frank Keating Former Governor Tulsa Maybelle Kennedy U.S. Treasurer Pawhuska Robert S. Kerr Oilman Former Senator Ada, Oklahoma City, Poteau Jeane Kirkpatrick Diplomat Duncan Savoie Lottinville Director, Univ. of Okla. Press, 1938-1967 Born in Idaho, 1906-1997 David McCurdy Statesman Norman “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Hon. Daniel Patrick Moynihan US Senator from NY Tulsa William "Alfalfa Bill" Murray Politician Tishomingo Carry Nation Prohibition leader Gutherie Henry Overholser Philanthropist Oklahoma City Quannah Parker Comanche Chief Fort Sill John L. Peters Founder, World Neighbors Oklahoma City Alice Mary Robertson 1st US Congresswoman, Founder Tulsa University Muskogee Oral Roberts Evangelist Ada Ross Swimmer Statesman Tahlequah Henry "Heck" Thomas Lawman Lawton, Guthrie Clarence Tinker US Army General, aviator Pawhuska Samuel Moore Walton Philanthropist “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Brig. Gen. Stand Waite, CSA Cherokee Statesman Honey Creek, IT Raymond A. Young Philanthropist & OKC Civic Leader Kingfisher Artists Greg Burns Born with Arthrogryposis, a muscle and joint disease that affects the use of his arms and legs, he draws with a pen in his hand and adds watercolor by holding a brush in his teeth Oklahoma City Fred Beaver Best known for his images of the Seminole people and named "Outstanding Oklahoman of the Year" in 1976 Eufaula Joe Beeler Sculptor, painter, founding member of Cowboy Artists of America Born in Joplin, Mo., raised in Tulsa Woody Big Bow Muralist (RCA building in NYC) Carnegie Mars Biggoose Native American artist Pawnee Acee Blue Eagle Artist, founding director of the Art Department, Bacone College Anadarko, 1909-1959 Jerome Bushyhead Acrylics on canvas Calumet Sherman Chaddlesone Sculptor and artist Anadarko Woody Crumbo Painter and silversmith Lexington, 1912-1989 “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Father Gregory Gerrer Artist El Reno, Shawnee Gina Gray. Artist and commissioner on the Indian Arts and Crafts Board Pawhuska John Guthrie Watercolor and acrylic Gouche Chester Gould Cartoonist, creator of Dick Tracy comic strip Pawnee, 1900-1985 Enoch Kelly Haney Artist Seminole Albert Harjo Tempura, watercolor Hanna Benjamin Harjo, Jr., Considered one of the nation’s leading Native American artists Oklahoma City Clyde Heron Illustrator and artist, historical subjects Ardmore Alexander Hogue Internationally-known artist, Chair of TU School of Art, 1945-1968 Tulsa, 1898-1994 Allan Houser Considered "patriarch of Native American sculptors” Fort Sill, 1914-1994 Stephen LaPorte Make-up artist Oklahoma City Al Momaday Indian artist Mountain View “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Stephen Mopope One of original "Kiowa Five" artists Anadarko, 1898-1974 Russell Myers Cartoonist (Broom Hilda, Brad Sherman) Tulsa University graduate Doc (Joyce Lee Tate) Nevaquaya Artist, Southern Plains flute player Apache, 1932-1996 Leslie Powell Artist and Philanthropist Lawton, 1906-1978 Charles Pratt Award-winning sculptor (The Blue Corn People), silversmith and stone carver Concho Harvey Pratt Painter, sculptor and one of the leading forensic artists in the United States El Reno Joe A. Rector Native American Indian artist, champion weightlifter Muskogee Bill Rabbit Jewelry making, acrylic painting Born in Wyoming, resides in Locust Grove Austin Real Rider Native American themes, various media Pawnee Paladine Roye Watercolorist White Eagle George M. Sutton Artist Norman Bert Seabourn Native American artist Purcell “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Connie Seabourn Watercolor artist Purcell Willard Stone Cherokee woodcarver, sculptor Locust Grove, 1916-1985 Johnny Tiger Indian artist Eufaula, Muskogee Robert Taylor Acrylics Tulsa Charles Banks Wilson Artist Miami Athletes Troy Aikman All-American and All-Pro Quarterback Raised in Henryetta Johnny Bench Baseball catcher, Baseball Hall of Fame Binger Ote Berry Steer wrestler, 4-time Top Money Winner PRCA Checotah LeAnn Bezner Basketball Okarche/El Reno John Blake Football player and former head coach of the Oklahoma Sooners Sand Springs “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Brian Bosworth Football player, Oklahoma Sooners, Seattle Seahawks Freckles Brown Legendary rodeo bull-rider/clown Hugo Terry Brown All-American football player at OSU, Minnesota Vikings Marlow Casey Bryan Gymnast, World Champ Norman Greg Buwick OU gymnastics coach, National Coach of the Year, 1987 Norman. Joe Carter Baseball, Cleveland, Toronto Blue Jays Oklahoma City Tony Casillas Football player for the Oklahoma Sooners, Dallas Cowboys Tulsa Don Chandler Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame Tulsa Nadia Comaneci Olympic gold-medalist, gymnastics Born Romania, moved to Norman/Oklahoma City Bart Connor Olympic gold-medalist, gymnastics Norman/Oklahoma City Kendall Cross Wrestler for Oklahoma State University and Olympic wrestler, Olympic gold medal, 1996 Mustang Steve Davis Football/ABC announcer Sallisaw “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Alvin Dark Baseball (Braves, Giants, Cardinals) Comanche Dizzy Dean Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Purcell Glenn Dobbs Football, College Hall of Fame, former head coach at Tulsa University Attended University of Tulsa Tom Ferguson 6-time All-Around World Champion rodeo cowboy Miami Lane Frost Bullrider, 1987 World Champ Lane Carl Hubbell Baseball Meeker Jarrod Hanks Gymnast Norman. Don Haskins Basketball coach, inducted into the Indiana Hoop Hall of Fame Enid Henry P. Iba Basketball coach, Oklahoma A&M, Oklahoma State University, US Olympic teams, two gold, one silver medal Stillwater, 1904-1993 Ferguson Jenkins Baseball Guthrie, Oklahoma City William "Skinny" Johnson Basketball, inducted into the Indiana Hoop Hall of Fame in 1976 Oklahoma City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. John Kolb All-State football player out of Owasso High School in 1964 and an All-American out of Oklahoma State University in 1968. He went on to be an offensive lineman for the Pittsburgh Steelers, 1970s Owasso Steve Largent Pro-Football Hall of Fame, former U.S. Congressman Tulsa Paul Lockwood Tennis coach at University of Oklahoma, Big Eight Coach of the Year in 1991 and 1992 Norman Carol Ludvigson Golf at Oklahoma University, 1991 LPGA Coach of the Year Norman Nancy Lopez-Knight Golf Tulsa Dale Mitchell Baseball Cloud Chief Gil Morgan Golf Wewoka Tommy Morrison Boxer, actor Jay Mickey Mantle Baseball player Spavinaw, 1931-1995 J.D. Martin Track and field head coach at Oklahoma University for 33 years, coached 171 All- Americans Pepper (Johnny) Martin Baseball outfielder for the St. Louis Cardinals, 1928-1944, All-Star 1933-35, 1937. Temple, 1904-1965 Susie Maxwell-Berning Golf, 3-time LPGA Open winner, Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Oklahoma City Jack McCracken Basketball, indicted into Indiana Hoop Hall of Fame in 1962 Chickasha Dale McNamara TU women's golf coach Tulsa Melissa McNamara Golfer Tulsa Shannon Miller 1996 gold medal Olympic gymnast Born in Rolla, Mo., raised and lives in Edmond Ryan Minor Basketball player at Oklahoma University, Big 8 Athlete of the Year, 1995 Born in Canton, Ohio, resides in Edmond Kenny Monday Wrestling, Olympic gold and silver medalist Tulsa Bobby Murcer Baseball, Golden Glove, 1972 Oklahoma City Steve Owen Pro-Football Hall of Fame, coach NY Giants 1931-1953 Cleo Springs, 1898-1964 Steve Owens Played football for the Oklahoma Sooners, 1969 Heisman trophy winner Miami Darrell Porter Baseball Oklahoma City Andy Payne Long-distance runner, winner 1928 "Bunion Derby" Claremore Bill Pickett Cowboy, created "bulldogging" “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Ponca City, 1870-1932 Mark Price Basketball player for Oklahoma University, 1994 Olympic Dream Team Bartlesville Allie Reynolds Baseball player for Oklahoma State University Bethany, Stillwater Crystal Robinson Member of the New York Liberty women's Basketball team Graduated from Oklahoma State in 1996 Atoka Troy Ruttman Race car driver Mooreland Darrell Royal National Football Hall of Fame, Coach of the Year, 1963, 1970 Hollis Jackie Shipp Football player Muskogee Jim Shoulders World champion cowboy Henryetta Barry Sanders Football player for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, 1988 Heisman Trophy winner Lee Roy Sellmon Football player for the Oklahoma Sooners, NFL Hall of Fame, 1995, 5 consecutive pro- bowls Eufaula Jim Shoulders Rodeo cowboy, record-breaking 16 world titles, including All-Around World Champion Henryetta Billy Sims Football player for the Oklahoma Sooners, 1975-1979, 2-time Big Eight Player of the Year, 1979 Heisman Trophy winner “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. John Smith Wrestler and wrestling coach at Oklahoma State University, Olympic Gold Medals, 1988 and 1992 Oklahoma City/Del City Warren Spahn Baseball Hall of Fame, left-hand pitcher Broken Arrow Willie Stargell Baseball Hall of Famer, Pittsburg Pirates Earlsboro Bertha Frank Teague Basketball coach, 1st woman in National Basketball Hall of Fame. Byng Jim Thorpe At the 1912 Olympics, the King of Sweden declared that Thorpe was "the greatest athlete in the world." Yale/Belmont/Prague Wayman Tisdale Basketball, US Olympic gold team, 1984, OU 3-time All-American, Pro career Tulsa Bob Tway Golf, winner 1986 PGA Championship Oklahoma City Howard Twilley Football player for TU, Miami Dolphins Tulsa Arnold W. Umbach Wrestler, coach, National Wrestling Hall of Fame Weatherford, 1903 Jack VanBebber Olympic God Medialist-Los Angeles (1932); National Wrestling Hall of Fame (1976) Billy Vessels National Football Hall of Fame, first Oklahoma football player to win Heisman Trophy, 1952 Cleveland Paul (1903-1965) and Lloyd (1906-1982) Waner Outfielders for the Pittsburg Pirates, National Baseball Hall of Fame “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Harrah, Okla. J.C. Watts OU quarterback, now Congressman Eufaula Dennis Weaver OU track star, actor Terry West 1996 World Champion bull rider Henryetta Mark Williams Gymnastics, 1994 USA Men's Coach of the Year Oklahoma City/Norman Guard Young Young gymnast, Team 2000 (16-18 year olds) Born in Oklahoma City Writers/Journalists Daniel J. Boorstin Pulitzer Prize-winning author Tulsa Russell Bates Author Anadarko John Berryman Poet, Pulitzer Prize winner Anadarko, McAlester Bill Cleaver Author Hugo Walter Cronkite Broadcast journalist Oklahoma City Admiral William J. Crowe Statesman, author Oklahoma City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. C.J. Cherryh Science fiction author, awards include the Hugo and Nebula University of Oklahoma graduate Oklahoma City Robert Conley Oklahoma Professional Writer's Hall of Fame Cushing Gary England Weatherman and author Oklahoma City Ralph Ellison National Book Award, 1953 “The Invisible Man” Oklahoma City Scott Ellsworth Historian, writer Tulsa Jane Fancher Author Oklahoma City John Hope Franklin Historian, author Rentiesville Edward L. Gaylord Newspaper publisher, owner, Grand Ole Opry Oklahoma City Curt Gowdy Sports reporter Oklahoma City Frank Greer Newspaper editor Guthrie Terry L. Griffith Author Oklahoma City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Jane A. Knipe Gubelin Author Oklahoma City Gogisgi/Carroll Arnett Cherokee poet Oklahoma City Jean Hager Mystery author Pawnee Raven (Lynn Davis) Hail Writer Washington County Joy Harjo Poet, author Tulsa Carolyn Hart Mystery writer Oklahoma City Paul Harvey Journalist, radio, (The Rest of the Story) Tulsa. Tony Hillerman Mystery writer Lawton/Oklahoma City S.E.Hinton Author, “The Outsiders” Tulsa Marquis James Author Enid Jenkin Lloyd Jones Author, journalist, editor/publisher, Tulsa Tribune Tulsa Harold Keith Award-winning author, “Rifles for Waite” Lambert “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Raphael A. Lafferty Hugo-award winning science fiction novelist Tulsa Mercedes Lackey Author Tulsa R. A. Lafferty Author Tulsa Louis L'Amour Author Oklahoma City Nancy Lamb Author Oklahoma City Victoria Lee Author, writer, speaker, poet Tulsa Billy Letts Novels with Oklahoma settings, “Where the Heart Is,” and “The Honk and Holler” Durant Bob Losure Broadcast anchor, CNN Headline News Tulsa N. Scott Momaday 1969 Pulitzer Prize, fiction (House Made of Dawn) Lawton Bill Moyers Journalist, author of 4 bestsellers, TV producer 30 Emmys, 240 hours Public Affairs television Hugo Wilma Mankiller Indian Chief, author Tahlequah Frank McGee Broadcast journalist Oklahoma City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Mike McQuay Author Oklahoma City Augusta Metcalfe Artist Durham N. Scott Momaday Author Lawton Bill Moyers Journalist, statesman Hugo Mel Odom Author Oklahoma City Wilson Rawls Author Scraper Lynn Riggs Author, writer "Green Grow the Lilacs" from which script Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote the Broadway musical hit "Oklahoma!" Dian Curtis Regan Member Oklahoma Professional Writers' Hall of Fame Edmond Carter Revard Poet, linguist Pawhuska, 1931. Vingie E. Roe 31 novels, romanticized the Wild West, 1879-1958 Will Rogers Humorist, columnist, political commentary, diplomat, and actor Oologah, 1879-1935. Bill Scott “Weldon Hill” Purcell, Skeedee “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Joyce Carol Thomas Children’s books, poems, plays Ponca City Melvin B. Tolson Poet Langston Jim Thompson Mystery writer (The Getaway, The Grifters) Anadarko, 1906-1977. Michael Vance Science fiction and comic book author Oklahoma City, Sand Springs, Tulsa Musicians Gene Autry Songwriter (200+, Back in the Saddle Again), radio/TV/movie star Born Tioga, Texas, raised in Oklahoma, 1907-1980. Hoyt Axton Folksinger, songwriter Duncan Mae Axton Songwriter Roff Tommy Allsup Country and Western music entertainer. Claremore, Miami, Tulsa Lou Ballard Composer Miami, Tulsa Chet Baker Jazz trumpet musician Yale Carl Belew Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (Lonely Street, Am I That Easy To Forget). Salina “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Elvin Bishop 15 solo albums (Fooled Around and Fell in Love) Tulsa Ralph Blane Composer/lyricist (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Meet Me in St. Louis, Best Foot Forward) Broken Arrow Noel Boggs Steel guitar players Oklahoma City 1917-1974 Johnny Bond Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (Cimarron, Ten Little Bottles). Enville Mike Brewer Folk rock Oklahoma City Garth Brooks Country music superstar Yukon Albert Brumley Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Gospel Music Hall of Fame (Turn Your Radio On, I'll Fly Away). Spiro Anita Bryant Singer, political activist Barnsdall Kristin Chenoweth Singer and actress (TV series The West Wing) Broken Arrow Charles Christian Musician Oklahoma City Jeremy Castle Oklahoma country music singer and songwriter Blanchard “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. J.J. Cale Prolific songwriter, singer (After Midnight, Guitar Man) Tulsa Jeff Carson Country singer/songwriter (Not on Your Love) Tulsa. Gary Chapman Country/Christian, 1996 Dove Award, Male Vocalist of the Year Waurika Charlie Christian Jazz guitarist, member of Benny Goodman Sextet Oklahoma City Roy Clark Versatile country entertainer Tulsa Larry Collins Singer/Songwriter Ricochet, Vian Color Me Badd Oklahoma City-based R&B band, formed in 1987 (I Adore Mi Amor, All 4 Love). Bob Dunn Steel guitar pioneer during the 1930s and 40s Fort Gibson Ronnie Dunn Country singer/songwriter, (Boot Scootin' Boogie) Tulsa Gail Davies Singer Broken Bow John Denver Musician Corn, Clinton Joe Diffee Musician Hinton “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Big Al Downing Legendary 50s rock pioneer Centralia Ty England Young country singer/guitarist, played with Garth Brooks 6 years, two solo CDs. Tulsa Ernie Fields Big band musician Tulsa Flaming Lips Oklahoma City-based alternative rock band For Love Not Lisa Rock band formed in Oklahoma City (Slip Slide Melting). Dallas Frazier Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Grammy Winner (Alley Oop, There Goes My Everything, Elvira). Spiro Rocky Frisco Musical composition, songwriting, lyric writing and editing Tulsa Woody Guthrie Considered by most to be the father of American Folk music Okemah The Gap Band Tulsa-based soul trio, funk, R&B, 70s and 80s. Wardell Gray Jazz tenor saxophonist Oklahoma City David Gates Musician, the band Bread Tulsa Vince Gill Country superstar Norman “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Sam Harris Singer/Writer Cushing, Sand Springs The Hansons Isaac, Taylor, and Zac (MMMBop) Tulsa Gus Harden 1983 Best New Female Artist, Academy of Country Music Awards (After the Last Goodbye, All Tangled Up in Love). Tulsa Roy Harris Symphonic composer, 200+ works Chandler Richard Hart Jazz Guitarist Elk City Wade Hayes 1995 Billboard Top New Country Artist (Old Enough to Know Better, On a Good Night) Bethel Acres Michael Hedges New age composer, musician Enid Becky Hobbs Songwriter/singer (Angels Among Us, It's a Cheating Situation) Bartlesville Wanda Jackson Country singer, (In the Middle of a Heartache, Right or Wrong) Maude Toby Keith Country superstar, CMA Male Vocalist of the year for 2001. Clinton, Moore Barney Kessel Jazz guitarist Muskogee “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Joel Levine Music Director, OKC Philharmonic Oklahoma City Leon McAuliffe Musician Tulsa Mel McDaniel 1985 nominated CMA single of the year, Baby's Got Her Blue Jeans On Checotah Jody Miller Singer Blanchard Leona Mitchell Singer Enid Barry McGuire Musician, (Eve of Destruction) Oklahoma City Reba McEntire Country superstar McAlester, Chockie Jay McShann Jazz pianist, Confessin' the Blues Muskogee Eddie Miller Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (Release Me, Thanks A Lot, There She Goes). Camargo Roger Miller Singer, songwriter, guitarist, drummer (Dang Me and King of the Road) Erick Alan Munde One of world's leading banjo players Norman Bonnie Owens Award-winning country singer Blanchard “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Billy Parker Country musician-turned DJ, Country Music Disc Jocky Hall of Fame, Lifetime Achievement Award, Oklahoma Assoc. Broadcasters Tulsa Tom Paxton Folksinger/songwriter Bristow Oscar Pettiford Double bass player and bandleader Okmulgee Patti Page Singer, Tennessee Waltz, Claremore Leon Russell Musician Tulsa Carl Radle Bass guitarist Derek & the Dominos, Layla Oklahoma City Jimmy Rushing Musician Oklahoma City Jean Shepard Pioneer female country singer (A Dear John Letter, Satisfied Mind, Two Hoops & A Holler) Paul's Valley. Blake Shelton Musician Ada Billy Simon Country/inspirational singer/songwriter, member 4Runner Quartet. Cleveland Kay Starr Singer, hits include Wheel of Fortune, Rock 'n' Roll Waltz Dougherty “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Robert Stemmons Whistler Tulsa Conway Twitty Musician Oklahoma City, Norman Hank Thompson "King of Western Swing", Brazos Valley Boys Sand Springs The Tractors Tulsa-based country rock band Merle Travis Country swing (Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! That Cigarette, Capital Records 1st million seller). Born Kentucky, lived in Tahlequah at time of his death, 1917-1983 Dwight Twilley Country music superstar Tulsa Carrie Underwood American Idol winner 2005 Checotah Jimmy Wakely Musician Oklahoma City Mason Williams Musician Oklahoma City Bob Wills Musician Tulsa Johnnie Lee Wills Musician Tulsa Jimmy Webb Singer/songwriter, McArthur's Park Elk City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Bryan White 1996 Top New Male Vocalist, Academy of Country Music Awards (Love is the Right Place). Lawton Claude Williams Tthe last of the great swing fiddlers" Muskogee Kelly Willis Alternative country, nominated Top New Female Vocalist of 1994 Oklahoma-born Heath Wright Lead vocalist, Ricochet Vian Entertainers Te Ata, Native American storyteller, proclaimed Oklahoma's first State Treasure. Tishomingo Art Acord Silent film star, 90 films between 1910 and 1929 Stillwater Louise Allbritton 22 movies, lead in Concerning Miss Marlow, TV series Oklahoma City, 1920-1979. Suzy Amis Actress (Cadillac Ranch, The Usual Suspects) Oklahoma City Ericka Anderson Actor, (Quake, Zandalee) Tulsa Marcello Angelini Dancer, artistic director Tulsa Ballet Theater since 1995 Tulsa Jim Antonio Supporting actor (Mayflower Madam, Amazing Grace and Chuck) Oklahoma City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Lou Antonio Director/Actor (Chicago Hope) Oklahoma City Royce Applegate Supporting actor (Centennial, SeaQuestDSV) Midwest City Margaret Avery 25 movies 1949-1995 (White Man's Burden, The Color Purple) Mangun Jimmie Baker Emmy Award winning director, producer, philanthropist Muskogee Marshall Bell Supporting actor, 37 films (Cherry 2000) Tulsa William "Billy" Benedict 114 movies, played Whitey in 25 Bowry Boys films Haskell Brian Bosworth Former noted football linebacker/turned actor (Stone Cold, Black Out) Oklahoma City William "Hopalong Cassidy" Boyd Actor Tulsa Gary Busey Actor (The Buddy Holly Story, remembered fondly locally as Teddy Jack Eddy, Gailard Sartain's sidekick on Mazeppa Papazoidy) Tulsa, Stillwater Ancel Cook Actor Oklahoma City Danny Cooksey Actor Midwest City Joan Crawford Actress Lawton “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Lon Chaney Jr. Actor, 150+ films, mostly horror/westerns Oklahoma City Yvonne Chouteau (Terekov) Ballerina and founding Director of Ballet Oklahoma Oklahoma City Candy Clark Actress, 30 films (Johnny Belinda, The Big Sleep) Norman Iron Eyes Cody Actor, 59 films (Ernest Goes to Camp) Tulsa Victor Daniels/Chief Thundercloud 62 films 1935-1956 (Outlaw Trail, Santa Fe) Muskogee Michael Dolan 10 films (Hamburger Hill, Biloxi Blues) Oklahoma City Larry Drake Actor, 15 films, (Darkman), Benny Stulwicz on LA Law Tulsa Michael Dunn Best Supporting Actor Nomination, 1966, Ship of Fools Shattuck, 1934-1973 Candice Early Actress Lawton Blake Edwards Director, writer, producer (Pink Panther) Tulsa Douglas Edwards Early television personality (host, Armstrong Circle Theatre) Ada “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Ronnie Claire Edwards An award-winning playwrite and actress who is best known for her role as Corabeth on The Waltons Oklahoma City Frank Ellis Character actor (220+films) 1897-1969 Richard (Dick) Erdman 36 movies, 1944-1994, 3 TV series Enid Wallace Fox Directed 56 films, mostly westerns Purcell Kay Francis Foremost leading lady of the 30s (Cocoanuts) Oklahoma City, 1903-1968 Gray Frederickson Academy-award winning film producer, including all three “Godfather” films and “Apocalypse Now” Oklahoma City Jack Ging Actor Alva, Norman Richard Gaines Supporting actor, 38 films (Double Indemnity) Oklahoma City James Garner Actor (Murphy's Romance, Maverick, Rockford Files) Norman Alice Ghostly Actress (Bewitched, Designing Women, To Kill a Mockingbird) Henryetta Clu Gulager Actor, 63 movies, perhaps best-known as Emmett Ryker in The Virginian TV series Holdenville “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Argus Hamilton Comedian Ardmore Winifred Harrison Played Sunset Carson in westerns, 1943-1950 Gracemont Tim Holt Actor Harrah Clint Howard Actor Duncan James Hampton Supporting actor (China Syndrome, Hangar 18), TV (F-Troop, Doris Day Show) Oklahoma City Harry Harvey Actor, 142 movies, Sheriff Blodgett on Roy Rogers TV series Indian Territory Harry Hayden Character actor, 159 films 1936-1954 Oklahoma Territory Frances Heflin Best known as Mona Kane on All My Children, 1970-1994 Oklahoma City Van Heflin Actor, 57 films Walters Ned Hockman Documentary filmmaker, director annual TV-News Video Workshop, pres. Oklahoma Motion Picture Hall of Fame. Cushing. Darla Hood Child star (Darla of Our Gang) Leedey “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Ron Howard Actor/director Duncan Jack Hoxie Silent film actor, 55 movies 1914-1932. Kingfisher Rochelle Hudson Actress (Rebel Without a Cause, Poppy, Born Reckless) Oklahoma City Roman Jasinski Dancer, co-founder of Tulsa Ballet Theater Tulsa Ben Johnson Actor Shidler Jennifer Jones Oscar-winning actress Tulsa Sid Jordan Silent film actor Muskogee Sheila James Kuehl Actress (Zelda Gilroy Gillis) Tulsa Heather Langenkamp Actress, recurring role of Nancy Thompson in Nightmare on Elm Street films Tulsa Moscelyne Larkin Ballerina, co-founder Tulsa Ballet Theater Tulsa Barbara Lawrence Actress (Oklahoma, Letter to Three Wives) Carnegie “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Billy Lenhart Supporting actor in the 40s (Never Give a Sucker an Even Break, In the Navy) Edmond Cleavon Little Actor (Blazing Saddles, Once Bitten, TV series True Colors. Chickasha Judith Lowry Actor (Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds, Mother Dexter on TV series, Phyllis) Fort Sill Thad Luckinbill Plays J.T. Hellstrom on CBS’ “Young & the Restless” Enid Joe Miller 101 Ranch Wild West Show Lamont Zack Miller 101 Ranch Wild West Show Lamont Tom Mix Cowboy, actor Dewey, Guthrie Joshua Morrow Plays Nick Newman on CBS’ “Young & the Restless” Sapulpa, Skiatook Lucille Mulhall First show cowgirl Mulhall Zack Mulhall Wild West Show Mulhall Meg Mullally Actress (Will & Grace) Oklahoma City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Phillip C McGraw "Dr. Phil" TV Host Oklahoma City Terrence Malick Wrote and directed The Thin Red Line, Days of Heaven, Pocket Money, Badlands. Bartlesville Jimmy Marsden TV actor (Blossom, Party of Five, Second Noah) Stillwater Johnny Marvin Actor, composer (1939 nominee for Best Music, Song, Under Western Stars, Dust) Butler Rue McClanahan Actress (Golden Girls, Maude) Healdton Vera Miles Actress Boise City Ben Morris Title role in ABC radio's Pat Novak for Hire. Oklahoma City Matthew Mungle Oscar-winning make-up artist (Bram Stoker's Dracula) Tulsa Justin Nimmo Actor Lexington Chuck Norris Actor Ryan Martha O'Driscoll Supporting actress, 30 films between 1938 and 1947 Tulsa “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Dorothea Petrie Film Producer Lawton Mary Kay Place Actress (The Big Chill; TV Series The Big Love) Tulsa Paula Prentiss Entertainer Tulsa Cindy Pickett Actress, (Crooked Hearts, The Goodbye Bird, Dr. Carol Novins on St. Elsewhere) Norman Brad Pitt Actor, (River Runs Through It, Twelve Monkeys, Legends of the Fall) Shawnee Don Porter Best-known as James Devery on The Ann Southern Show Miami Donna Reed Actress Tulsa Tony Randall Actor (Odd Couple, Pillow Talk, Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter, 7 Faces of Dr. Lao) Tulsa Erik Rhodes 25 films 1934-1939 (The Gay Divorce, Top Hat) El Reno Dan Rowan Actor, TV host (Laugh-In) Beggs Joe Sears Playwright/actor Bartlesville “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Gailard Sartain Actor, comic (Mississippi Burning, Fried Green Tomatoes, Hee Haw, and, locally, as Mazeppa Papazoidy) Tulsa Ted Shackelford Actor (Knott's Landing, Dallas) Oklahoma City Wes Studi Actor (Dances with Wolves, Geronino) Nofire Hollow Maria Tallchief-Paschen Prima ballerina, with sister, Marjorie, founded Chicago City Ballet in 1980 Fairfax Marjorie Tallchief Ballerina Fairfax Pamela Tiffin Last of the studio contract players (The Hallelujah Trail) Oklahoma City Jeanne Tripplehorn Actress (The Firm, Waterworld, TV series The Big Love) Tulsa Ross Thomas Complex suspense thrillers, 25 books, including 3 made into movies, (St. Ives, Hammett, Bound by Honor) Oklahoma City Dennis Weaver Actor Norman Gretchen Wyler Actress Bartlesville Jimmy Wallis Commedian, appeared in "The night of the Stars" at the Las Vegas Hilton with Sammy Davis, Jr, Wayne Newton, Jerry Lewis, Charo and others. Has had a 42-year career. Broken Bow “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Elmo Williams Producer (Ernest Goes to Camp, Tora, Tora, Tora, The Blue Max, The Longest Day). Oklahoma City William Witney Director, 92 films between 1937-1975 (Cat Burglar, Donnie Parker Story, Zorro Rides Again). Lawton Alfre Woodard Actress (Miss Firecracker, Crooklyn, How to Make an American Quilt, Star Trek: First Contact, TV Series Desperate Housewives). Tulsa Sheb Wooley Actor (Pete Nolan on Rawhide) Erick More Famous Oklahomans Maxie Anderson Geologist, entrepreneur, renowned balloonist Okeene, Fittstown Black Beaver Indian Scout Anadarko Allison Brown Miss Teen USA Edmond Paul and Thomas Braniff Aviation pioneers Oklahoma City Jesse Chisholm Pioneer trader Geary Jerrie Cobb Aviator Oklahoma City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Leroy Gordon Cooper Among the original seven US astronauts; He orbited the earth 22 times in 1963. Shawnee Bill Dalton Outlaw Ardmore, Ingalls Grant & Carolyn Foreman Historians Muskogee John Hope Franklin Black historian Rentiesville Charles "Pretty Boy" Floyd Outlaw Akins, Sallisaw J. Paul Getty Financier Tulsa S. N. Goldman Inventor of shopping cart Ardmore, Oklahoma City Alan Greenburg Financier Tulsa Owen K. Gariott US astronaut Enid Geronimo Apache Warrior Fort Sill Rosa Lee "Aunt Jemima" Hall Advertising Oklahoma City Jane Jayroe Miss America Laverne, Oklahoma City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Karl Guthe Jansky Engineer Norman Henry Kravis Financier Tulsa Eric Logan XM Satellite Radio Executive Oklahoma City Dr. Shannon Lucid Astronaut on the space shuttle Atlantis Oklahoma City/Bethany E. W. Marland Oilman Ponca City Carl McGee Newsman, inventor of parking meter Oklahoma City, Tulsa Dean McGee Oilman Oklahoma City Clem McSpadden Pro rodeo announcer Chelsea Perle Mesta Washington, DC hostess Oklahoma City George W. Miller Founder of the 101 Ranch Lamont Joseph Oklahombi World War I Hero Wright City Clarence Page Aviator Oklahoma City “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Frank & Watie Phillips Oilmen Bartlesville, Tulsa T. Boone Pickens Oil industry tycoon Holdenville William R. Pogue Among the original seven US astronauts; He returned to earth on February 8, 1974 after 84 days in space. Okemah Susan Powell Miss America 1981, host of Home Matters TV show Elk City Stuart A Roosa US astronaut Claremore Sequoyah Inventor of the Cherokee alphabet Sallisaw William Skelly Oilman Tulsa Norma Smallwood Miss America Tulsa Shantel Smith Miss America Muldrow Thomas P. Stafford US astronaut who commanded the joint United States-Soviet Union mission Weatherford Belle Starr Outlaw Eufaula Bill Tilghman Gunfighter Cromwell “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007. Mike Wimmer Award-winning illustrator Muskogee, Norman “Famous Oklahomans – A Comprehensive List”, compiled by the Oklahoma Department of Commerce for the I Believe in Oklahoma website – www.ibelieveinoklahoma.com. Last updated March 2007.
