Famous People From Nebraska

Nebraska was the 37th region in the USA to be declared a state. The state is also famously known as ‘The Great American Desert’. Several books and internet sources have spoken in length about this American state. The state has also earned a place in the record books for several firsts and other interesting reasons. Nebraska has also produced several eminent personalities who are legends in their own right. Renowned businessman Warren Buffet, actors Marlon Brando and Henry Fonda, filmmaker Alexander Payne, legendary tennis star Andy Roddick as well as actress Hillary Swank are a few eminent personalities from this American state. Marlon Brando, who played the lead role in the iconic film ‘Godfather’, is considered an institution in acting. Warren Buffet, one of the richest entrepreneurs on earth has been in news for his philanthropic activities as well, apart from his business prowess. Hillary Swank has bagged two Academy Awards for her works in films like ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’ respectively. Here are the names of a few other celebrities who hail from Nebraska.
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 1 
Malcolm X
(Major Figure of American Civil Rights Movement)
Malcolm X
364
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: May 19, 1925
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: February 21, 1965

An African-American leader of the civil rights movement, Malcolm X was a vocal spokesman of the Nation of Islam and called upon the blacks to protect themselves from the white, even if it meant adopting violence. His radical views and preaching later evolved and he accepted the possibility of peaceful resolution of racial issues in America.

 2 
Warren Buffett
(Chairman & CEO of Berkshire Hathaway)
Warren Buffett
86
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: August 30, 1930
Sun Sign: Virgo

American investor, business tycoon and philanthropist Warren Buffett is considered one of the most successful investors in the world by the media. The chairman and largest shareholder of the firm, Berkshire Hathaway, he is often called as the ‘Oracle’ or ‘Sage’ of Omaha. Notably, he has pledged to give away a sizable portion of his wealth to philanthropic causes.

 3 
Marlon Brando
(One of the Most Influential Actors of the 20th Century)
Marlon Brando
69
Birthdate: April 3, 1924
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: July 1, 2004

One of the greatest movie actors of all time, heartthrob of millions of women around the world, and a cultural icon, who had immense influence on actors of future generations, there are very few like Marlon Brando. In a career spanning six decades, Marlon Brando delivered critical and commercial successes in movies like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather.

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 4 
Hilary Swank
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Brandon Teena’, a Transgender Man, in the Movie ‘Boys Don't Cry’)
Hilary Swank
41
Birthdate: July 30, 1974
Sun Sign: Leo

The recipient of two Golden Globes and two Academy Awards, Hilary Swank is known for her dedication to her craft. To prepare for her role in Boys Don't Cry, she reduced her body fat and pretended to be a man for a month. Later, she gained 19 pounds of muscle and underwent extensive training to play a boxer in Million Dollar Baby.

 5 
Henry Fonda
(American Actor Who Cultivated an Everyman Screen Image in Several Films Considered to be Classics)
Henry Fonda
16
Birthdate: May 16, 1905
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: August 12, 1982
Hollywood legend Henry Fonda, father of Peter and Jane Fonda, is best remembered for his Academy Award-winning role as Norman Thayer Jr. in On Golden Pond. He began his career with Broadway plays and then appeared in classics such as The Grapes of Wrath and 12 Angry Men
 6 
Fred Astaire
(The Greatest Dancer in Film History)
Fred Astaire
30
Listed In: Dancers
Birthdate: May 10, 1899
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: June 22, 1987

Fred Astaire was an American actor, television presenter, dancer, choreographer, and singer. Widely regarded as the most influential dancer in film history, Astaire was known for his innovation, perfectionism, and an uncanny sense of rhythm. Also known for his fashion sense, Fred Astaire remained a male fashion icon throughout his career, which spanned more than seven decades.

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 7 
Gerald Ford
(38th President of the United States (1974 - 1977))
Gerald Ford
65
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: July 14, 1913
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: December 26, 2006

Gerald Ford Jr served as the 38th president of US from August 1974 to January 1977. His 895 day-long stint as the American president is the shortest in US history for any president who did not die in office. In a controversial act, he granted a presidential pardon to his predecessor Richard Nixon for his role in the Watergate scandal.

 8 
Gabrielle Union
59
Birthdate: October 29, 1972
Sun Sign: Scorpio

A popular American actress, Gabrielle Union has been vocal about violence against women and issues pertaining to women's health. Also a writer, she has released a memoir and a children's book. In 2020, she was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list. Gabrielle Union has been an inspiration for women like Oprah Winfrey.

 9 
Jojo Siwa
(American Youtube Dancer and Singer)
Jojo Siwa
346
Listed In: YouTubers
Birthdate: May 19, 2003
Sun Sign: Taurus
Multitalented entertainer Jojo Siwa gained fame with Dance Moms, which featured her along with her mother. She has a popular YouTube channel where she posts daily vlogs. A talented singer, she has delivered hits such as Kid in a Candy Store. She was also named to Time 100 in 2020.
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 10 
Sting
(American Professional Wrestler)
Sting
20
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 20, 1959
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 11 
Terence Crawford
(Winner of Multiple World Championships in Three Weight Classes)
Terence Crawford
21
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: September 28, 1987
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 12 
Andy Roddick
(Former World No. 1 Tennis Player)
Andy Roddick
16
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: August 30, 1982
Sun Sign: Virgo
Former world number 1 tennis player Andy Roddick is best known for his US Open win in 2003. He reached the finals of three Wimbledon championships and US Open 2006, only to be defeated by Roger Federer each time. Following his retirement, he focused on his non-profit, Andy Roddick Foundation
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 13 
Nick Nolte
(American Actor Best Known for His Films: ‘The Prince of Tides’, ‘Affliction’ and ‘Warrior')
Nick Nolte
18
Birthdate: February 8, 1941
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Nick Nolte, once a model, was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1992. He is known for his Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated role in The Prince of Tides. Fans adored him as Kuiil in The Mandalorian and in the films Affliction and Warrior. He has struggled with substance abuse.

 14 
Ashley Graham
(Plus-size Model)
Ashley Graham
21
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: October 30, 1987
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Ashley Graham has been breaking down barriers in the modelling industry, especially the plus-size model movement. She has always been a force for body positivity and has never shied away from responding to critics. She owns a successful line of size-inclusive lingerie. 
 15 
Montgomery Clift
11
Birthdate: October 17, 1920
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: July 23, 1966

Montgomery Clift was an American actor whose decision not to sign a contract in Hollywood for the first couple of films went on to help establish the structure of the star-studio relationship from the 1950s to the '80s. One of the original American method actors, Clift was the subject of a documentary named Making Montgomery Clift, which released in 2018.

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 16 
James Coburn
(Film and TV Actor)
James Coburn
13
Birthdate: August 31, 1928
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: November 18, 2002

James Coburn was an American actor who played the quintessential tough guy roles in action and Western films throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was characterized by his lanky physique and toothy grin. A martial arts student, Coburn was a close friend of Bruce Lee; he was one of the pallbearers at Bruce Lee's funeral in 1973.

 17 
Elliott Smith
(American Singer-Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist)
Elliott Smith
38
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 6, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: October 21, 2003
Folk singer and guitarist Elliott Smith is best remembered for his tracks Needle in the Hay and Miss Misery, the latter being part of the Oscar-nominated soundtrack of Good Will Hunting. He pioneered the technique of "multi-tracking.” He apparently stabbed himself to death, though the autopsy was inconclusive.
 18 
Larry the Cable Guy
(Stand-up comedian, Actor, Voice Actor)
Larry the Cable Guy
26
Birthdate: February 17, 1963
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Stand-up comedian Daniel Lawrence Whitney, better known as "Larry the Cable Guy," soared to fame with Blue Collar Comedy Tour. He has authored a book named Git-R-Done, which is also his signature catchphrase. He was the voice of Mater in the Cars film series and has appeared in several movies.
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 19 
Jaime King
(American Actress and Model)
Jaime King
20
Birthdate: April 23, 1979
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 20 
Wade Boggs
(Baseball Player)
Wade Boggs
9
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 15, 1958
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 21 
Marg Helgenberger
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Catherine Willows’ in the TV Series ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’)
Marg Helgenberger
18
Birthdate: November 16, 1958
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Marg Helgenberger is best known for her Emmy-winning role as K.C. Koloski in the ABC series China Beach. Fans also loved her as Siobhan Ryan in the soap Ryan's Hope and as Catherine Willows in the series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She is also associated with a breast-cancer-related philanthropic venture.

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 22 
Nicholas Sparks
(Novelist Known for His Best-Selling Tales of Romance and Heartbreak Like 'The Notebook' & 'Dear John')
Nicholas Sparks
14
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: December 31, 1965
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Novelist Nicholas Sparks is known for his bestselling books which have been translated into over 50 languages. Eleven of his books, such as Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, and The Notebook, have been adapted into films. He also owns the educational non-profit The Nicholas Sparks Foundation.
 23 
Dick Cavett
(Comedian & Former Talk Show Host Notable for His Conversational Style and In-depth Discussions)
Dick Cavett
17
Birthdate: November 19, 1936
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Dick Cavett is an American comedian, television personality, and former talk show host. For five decades, Cavett made frequent appearances on the United State's nationally broadcast television. In 2020, Stephen Colbert on his TV show, Late Show with Stephen Colbert, acknowledged that Dick Cavett had served as a major influence due to his conversational style. 

 24 
Charlie Munger
(Investor, Businessman and Vice Chairman of ‘Berkshire Hathaway’)
Charlie Munger
15
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: January 1, 1924
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: November 28, 2023

Charlie Munger is an American businessman, investor, architectural designer, and former real estate attorney. Over the years, he has played an important role as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. A well-known philanthropist, Charlie Munger has donated millions of dollars to universities and schools.

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 25 
Bob Gibson
(American Professional Baseball Player)
Bob Gibson
7
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: November 9, 1935
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 26 
Ted DiBiase
(Retired Professional Wrestler and One of the Greatest Villains in Pro-Wrestling History)
Ted DiBiase
13
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 18, 1954
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Ted DiBiase, or The Million Dollar Man, gained fame as a wrestler and is known for his association with WWE. He was part of WWE’s Legend program and held 30 titles, including the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. After his stints as a commentator and manager, he became a Christian minister.
 27 
Jorge Garcia
(Actor and Comedian Known for His Role in the TV Series 'Becker' and 'Lost')
Jorge Garcia
14
Birthdate: April 28, 1973
Sun Sign: Taurus

Actor and comedian, Jorge Garcia, is best known for his portrayal of Hugo "Hurley" Reyes in the TV series, Lost. An alumnus of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), he also studied acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse acting school. Besides acting in TV shows and films, he performs as a stand-up comedian as well.

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 28 
Alexander Payne
(Director)
Alexander Payne
7
Birthdate: February 10, 1961
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
 29 
Max Baer
(American Boxer: Features on 'The Ring' Magazine's List of 100 Greatest Punchers of All Time)
Max Baer
15
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 11, 1909
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: November 21, 1959
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 30 
Robert Taylor
(Actor, Pilot)
Robert Taylor
5
Birthdate: August 5, 1911
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: June 8, 1969
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
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 31 
Andrew Rannells
(Actor)
Andrew Rannells
36
Birthdate: August 23, 1978
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 32 
Ward Bond
(Actor)
Ward Bond
10
Birthdate: April 9, 1903
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: November 5, 1960
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 33 
Randy Meisner
(Retired American musician, singer, songwriter and founding member of the Eagles)
Randy Meisner
7
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 8, 1946
Sun Sign: Pisces
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 34 
Swoosie Kurtz
(Actress)
Swoosie Kurtz
13
Birthdate: September 6, 1944
Sun Sign: Virgo

Swoosie Kurtz is an American actress who has received prestigious awards, such as Tony Awards and Primetime Emmy Award in a career spanning more than half a century. Over the years, she has contributed immensely to the success of several popular TV series, such as Carol and Company.

 35 
Janine Turner
(Actress)
Janine Turner
7
Birthdate: December 6, 1962
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
 36 
David Janssen
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Richard Kimble’ in the TV Series ‘The Fugitive’)
David Janssen
16
Birthdate: March 27, 1931
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: February 13, 1980
David Janssen is best known for his portrayal of Richard Kimble in the series The Fugitive. He also played titular roles in Richard Diamond, Private Detective; O'Hara, U.S. Treasury; and Harry O. He made it to TV Guide’s list of the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.
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 37 
Robert Taylor
(Australian Actor)
Robert Taylor
8
Birthdate: 1963 AD
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 38 
Brandon Sanderson
(Epic Fantasy and Science-Fiction Writer Best Known for the 'Cosmere' Fictional Universe)
Brandon Sanderson
6
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: December 19, 1975
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Best known for works such as the Mistborn trilogy and The Emperor's Soul, sci-fi and epic fantasy author Brandon Sanderson had initially studied biochemistry and then switched to literature. He has also worked as a missionary in South Korea and now teaches creative writing at his alma, Brigham Young University.

 39 
Moon Bloodgood
14
Birthdate: September 20, 1975
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
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 40 
Emily Kinney
(actor, musician, singer, stage actor, television actor)
Emily Kinney
5
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: August 15, 1985
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'5" (165 cm)
 41 
Dick Cheney
(46th Vice President of the United States (2001 - 2009))
Dick Cheney
46
Listed In: Leaders
Birthdate: January 30, 1941
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Dick Cheney was the vice president of the US from 2001 to 2009. He is considered to be one of the most powerful vice presidents ever and also one of the most unpopular politicians in the history of the US. He played an important role in America’s response to the September 11 attacks and backed the US invasion of Iraq.

 42 
Lindsey Shaw
(Actress)
Lindsey Shaw
8
Birthdate: May 10, 1989
Sun Sign: Taurus
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
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 43 
Lucas Cruikshank
(YouTube Personality)
Lucas Cruikshank
19
Listed In: YouTubers
Birthdate: August 29, 1993
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'8" (173 cm)
 44 
Mina Kimes
(Journalist)
Mina Kimes
7
Birthdate: September 8, 1985
Sun Sign: Virgo

Mina Kimes is an investigative journalist who has contributed for publications like ESPN The Magazine and Fortune. As someone who specializes in sports reporting and business, Kimes has been serving as a senior writer at ESPN for many years now. In 2019, she was hired to be a color commentator by the Los Angeles Rams for their preseason football games.

 45 
Anne Ramsey
(Actress)
Anne Ramsey
20
Birthdate: March 27, 1929
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: August 11, 1988
Height: 5'4" (163 cm)
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 46 
Sean McDermott
(American football coach)
Sean McDermott
8
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 21, 1974
Sun Sign: Aries
 47 
Sandy Dennis
(Actress)
Sandy Dennis
6
Birthdate: April 27, 1937
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: March 2, 1992
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
 48 
Harold Lloyd
(American Actor, Comedian and Stunt Performer)
Harold Lloyd
12
Birthdate: April 20, 1893
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: March 8, 1971
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 49 
Gary Anderson
(Scottish Professional Darts Player)
Gary Anderson
1
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: December 22, 1970
Sun Sign: Capricorn
 50 
Grover Cleveland Alexander
(Baseball Player)
Grover Cleveland Alexander
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 26, 1887
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: November 4, 1950