List of people from Virginia

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State flag of Virginia
Location of Virginia in the U.S. map
Flag-map of Virginia.svg

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 §.

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by with reliable sources.

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
  • Xavier Adibi § – linebacker for Minnesota Vikings
  • Chris Adler – drummer (Lamb of God)
  • Willie Adler – guitarist (Lamb of God)
  • Danny Aiken – long snapper for New England Patriots
  • 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
  • David Arquette – actor, born on commune in Winchester
  • Arthur Ashe (1943–1993) – tennis player and social activist
  • Stephen F. Austin (1793–1836) – first Secretary of State of Republic of Texas
  • Kevin Aviance – dancer

B[]

Ba–Bm
Warren Beatty
Leslie Bibb
  • Nathaniel Bacon (1647–1676) – led Bacon's Rebellion against British authority in 1676
  • Diedrich Bader (born 1966) – actor
  • 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
Sandra Bullock
Hilarie Burton
  • Bruce Bochy § – manager for San Francisco Giants
  • 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
  • Charlie Byrd – jazz guitarist

C[]

Kam Chancellor
Katie Couric
  • 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 (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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Adrian Cronauer § – disc jockey
  • Michael Cuddyer (born 1979) – MLB outfielder
  • Dell Curry (born 1964) – former NBA player for the Charlotte Hornets; father of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry

D[]

Desmond Doss
  • 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
  • Tyrone Davis – NFL tight end, primarily with Green Bay Packers
  • Tanya Davis (artist) – artist and past president of the Torpedo Factory Artists Association
  • Jimmy Dean – singer, actor, television personality and "sausage king"
  • Serena Deeb – professional wrestler
  • Dalvin DeGrate – singer, member of R&B group Jodeci
  • 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
  • Kevin Durant § – All-Star small forward for NBA champion Golden State Warriors; attended Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson

E[]

Missy Elliott
  • 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 from 1873 to 1885
  • Garrett Epps (born 1950) – legal scholar, novelist, journalist
  • Victoria Espinel (born 1968) – Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator under U.S. President Barack Obama
  • Chip Esten § (born 1965) – comedian, actor and singer

F[]

Roberta Flack
  • 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[1]
  • Mimi Faust – reality TV personality
  • Justin Fairfax (born 1979) – Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
  • 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[]

David Grohl
  • 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 from 1975 to 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[]

Denny Hamlin
William Henry Harrison
Daniel Hudson
  • 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[2]
  • Laura Hillenbrand (born 1967) – author of books and magazine articles
  • Skip Hinnant (born 1940) – actor, The Electric Company
  • 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
  • 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
  • Patrick Hull – entrepreneur based in Richmond

I[]

Allen Iverson
  • 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 Jefferson
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 7; 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[]

Wendy B. Lawrence
Rob Lowe
  • 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 – executive vice president of National Rifle Association, author, gun rights advocate
  • 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, and former United States Navy Commander.

M[]

Ma–Md
Shirley MacLaine
James Madison
Danny McBride
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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 third 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 and 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
James Monroe
  • 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
  • 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
  • Judson Mills § (born 1969) – actor, Francis Gage on Walker, Texas Ranger
  • 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 (Lamb of God)
  • John Singleton Mosby (1833–1916) – Edgemont; "The Gray Ghost", Confederate cavalry commander
  • Wendell Moore (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
  • 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[]

Edgar Allan Poe
  • 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 & 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
  • 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

Q[]

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

R[]

JJ Redick
David Robinson
  • 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
  • Mark Ruffalo § (born 1967) – actor, Shutter Island, Collateral, The Avengers
  • Albert Rust (1818–1870) – politician and Confederate general

S[]

Sa–Sm
Ralph Sampson
Bruce Smith
  • 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 (born 1934) – 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
  • 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
  • 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
Sam Snead
Wanda Sykes
  • 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) – American southern baptism 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[]

Zachary Taylor
John Tyler
  • 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
  • (born 1975) – political consultant in Alexandria with firm OnMessage Inc.
  • Lewis Temple – escaped African-American slave who invented 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[]

V[]

Michael Vick
  • 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
Booker T. Washington
George Washington
  • Bobby Wadkins – professional golfer
  • Lanny Wadkins – professional golfer
  • Amina Wadud – Islamic Virginia Commonwealth University professor who led over 100 Muslims in prayer in New York on March 18, 2005
  • 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
  • Jennifer Wexton (born 1968) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 10th congressional district
  • 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
  • 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
Russell Wilson
Woodrow Wilson
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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[]

Ryan Zimmerman
  • Karenth Zabala (born 1996) – soccer player for the Bolivia women's national team
  • 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

See also[]

By educational institution affiliation
By governmental office
By location

Other

References[]

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Jackman, Tom (July 8, 2013). "Reston's Grant Hill, possibly NoVa's greatest athlete, talks old South lake days". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
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