Famous People From North Carolina & Celebs Born In North Carolina.

Being the 28th most extensive and 9th most populous state in the United States of America, North Carolina finds itself placed on the southeastern area of the country. It mostly enjoys a humid subtropical climate, and the western part from the coast has a subtropical highland climate. With Raleigh as its capital and Charlotte as its biggest city, North Carolina is often referred to as the ‘Old North State’ or the ‘Tar Heel State’. Many famous celebrities were born, bred and raised in North Carolina, who have gone on to accomplishing immensely both personally and professionally. Various eminent actors such as the Oscar winning Julianne Moore, the hilarious Zach Galifianakis and the exquisite Ava Gardner, were all born in North Carolina. The state is particularly renowned for creating remarkable musicians such as Grammy winner Roberta Flack, Max Roach, Eric Church and so on. The state has produced several athletes as well such as NBA player Chris Paul, Olympic gold medalist Sugar Ray Leonard, and baseball player James ‘Catfish’ Hunter. The controversial Edward Snowden also hails from North Carolina. Keep reading to know all the celebrities who are from North Carolina.

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 1 

Julianne Moore

(Actress and Author Known for Her Films: ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’, ‘Boogie Nights’ and ‘Still Alice’)

Birthdate: December 3, 1960

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Widely regarded as one of the most accomplished and talented actresses of her generation, Julianne Moore was included in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list in 2015. One of the most decorated actresses, Moore specializes in playing emotionally troubled women. A campaigner for gun control and gay rights, she has also written several children's books.

 2 

Chris Paul

(One of the Greatest Point Guards of All Time)

Birthdate: May 6, 1985

Sun Sign: Taurus

Chris Paul is a professional basketball player and one of the highest-paid sportspersons in the world. Apart from earning from his career as a basketball player, he also earns by signing endorsement deals with companies like State Farm and Air Jordan. A religious person, Chris Paul attends church whenever possible.

Birthdate: December 24, 1922

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Died: January 25, 1990

Ava Gardner was one of the top stars of the 1950s. She was also considered one of the leading Hollywood actresses of her time. In 1999, she was ranked 25th in the greatest female screen legends list issued by The American Film Institute. A truly international figure, a statue of Gardner has been erected in Tossa de Mar, Spain.

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Birthdate: April 29, 1951

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: February 18, 2001

Dale Earnhardt was an American stock car driver who raced in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series from 1975 to 2001. Considered one of the greatest drivers in the history of NASCAR, Earnhardt won 76 Winston Cup races and seven Winston Cup championships in an illustrious career spanning 40 years. In 2010, he was inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

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 5 

Zach Galifianakis

(US Comedian and Actor Best Known for The 'Hangover Triology')

Birthdate: October 1, 1969

Sun Sign: Libra

US comedian Zach Galifianakis is best known as Alan Garner from the movie The Hangover and has been mostly cast as weird and deranged characters. He is equally adept at stand-up comedy and is known for his charity work, too. He was nominated for an Emmy in the series Baskets.

 6 

Jeff Hardy

(One of the Greatest Professional Wrestlers of All Time)

Birthdate: August 31, 1977

Sun Sign: Virgo

Jeff Hardy is a professional wrestler. Best known for his tag team partnership with real-life brother Matt in WWE, Hardy has also achieved success as a singles wrestler. He is popular for his daredevil stunts and is often described as a death-defying and high-flying performer. Also a musician, Jeff Hardy is credited with forming a rock band called PeroxWhy?gen.

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Birthdate: May 17, 1956

Sun Sign: Taurus

Sugar Ray Leonard is a former boxer and motivational speaker. Having won world titles in five different weight divisions during his boxing career, Leonard is widely considered one of the greatest boxers ever. Leonard was part of a group of boxers dubbed The Fabulous Four, which is credited with popularizing the lower weight classes in the post-Muhammad Ali era.

 8 

AJ Styles

(One of the Best In-Ring Performers of All Time)

Birthdate: June 2, 1977

Sun Sign: Gemini

Wrestling legend Allen Neal Jones, better known as A.J. Styles, who currently performs for Raw under WWE, was named the PWI Wrestler of the Decade (2011-2019). He also became the first TNA wrestler to top the PWI 500 list and the first to complete the TNA Triple Crown.

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 9 

Mr Beast

(Pioneer of YouTube Videos That Center on Expensive Stunts)

Birthdate: May 7, 1998

Sun Sign: Taurus

Mr Beast is a YouTuber and entrepreneur who began posting videos to YouTube in 2011 but didn’t gain popularity until after a few years. He posts videos on a wide range of topics and is best known for sharing expensive challenge videos. He is also a philanthropist.

Birthdate: June 30, 1930

Sun Sign: Cancer

One of the few personalities known for his disdain of self-promotion, Thomas Sowell is an important American social theorist and economist. Over the years, he has played a prominent role working as a faculty member of many prestigious universities, such as the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and Cornell University. 

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Birthdate: September 7, 1987

Sun Sign: Virgo

A popular actress, model, and musician, Evan Rachel Wood is also known for her charitable appearances and political work. In 2019, a domestic violence bill called the Phoenix Act, which was written by her, was passed into law in California. Wood, who fights against domestic abuse, revealed that she was raped twice during her early years.

Birthdate: 1999 AD

A promising young actress, model and LGBT rights activist, Hunter Schafer found fame with her debut role - Jules - in the HBO series Euphoria. Before this, she made a name for herself in the modelling industry working for famous designers and brands. A proud transgender woman, she has been fighting for the rights of LGBTQ since a long time.

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 13 

Zion Williamson

(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as a Power Forward)

Birthdate: July 6, 2000

Sun Sign: Cancer

Zion Williamson is an American basketball player who plays in the power forward position for the New Orleans Pelicans of the NBA. Also a humanitarian, Zion Williamson promised to pay for the salaries of the Smoothie King Center employees for 30 days as the 2019–20 NBA season was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

 14 

Randy Travis

(Country Singer Known for His Album 'Storms of Life' & Single 'Three Wooden Crosses')

Birthdate: May 4, 1959

Sun Sign: Taurus

Randy Travis is a country music singer and songwriter. He is widely regarded as an important figure in country music history and his debut studio album Storms of Life played a major role in the neotraditional country movement. Randy Travis has sold more than 25 million records and has several prestigious awards under his belt.

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Birthdate: November 28, 1984

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Films like Sky High, Black Christmas, Death Proof, Grindhouse and Live Free or Die Hard established Mary Elizabeth Winstead in the movie world in the 2000s. Though she’s had her share of setbacks along the way, she received critical acclaim for films like Smashed and Birds of Prey. She has been also commended for her performance in television series like The Returned and Fargo. 

 16 

Nina Simone

(One of the Most Influential Musical Artists of the 20th Century)

Birthdate: February 21, 1933

Sun Sign: Pisces

Died: April 21, 2003

Widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Nina Simone was a pioneering recording artist whose career was characterized by improvisational genius and fits of outrage. Nina continues to be an important musician and has influenced several artists like Elton John, Adele, David Bowie, Madonna, and Aretha Franklin. She was also a civil rights activist.

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 17 

Seth Curry

(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as the Shooting Guard)

Birthdate: August 23, 1990

Sun Sign: Virgo

Philadelphia 76ers shooting guard/point guard Seth Curry, son of Dell Curry and brother of Stephen Curry, began his NBA career with the Memphis Grizzlies. He is a two-time NBA D-League All-Star and has had successful runs with the Liberty Flames and the Duke Blue Devils in college.

 18 

Britt Robertson

(American Actress Known for Her Films: ‘The First Time’, ‘Tomorrowland’ and ‘The Space Between Us’)

Birthdate: April 18, 1990

Sun Sign: Aries

Britt Robertson is best known as Casey Newton from the film Tomorrowland. She has also delivered award-winning performances in films such as White Rabbit and Ask Me Anything. Some of her other notable projects are the film A Dog's Purpose and the series Life Unexpected and The Secret Circle.

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 19 

Michael C. Hall

(Actor and Singer Best Known for His Role as ‘Dexter Morgan’ in the TV Series ‘Dexter’)

Birthdate: February 1, 1971

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Golden Globe- and SAG Award-winner Michael C. Hall is best known as Dexter Morgan from Dexter. He also impressed audiences with his roles in the HBO series Six Feet Under and the film Kill Your Darlings. He has also performed on Broadway shows, narrated audiobooks, and sung for a band.

Birthdate: September 23, 1974

Sun Sign: Libra

Matt Hardy is an American wrestler best known for his appearances in WWE where he was part of the famous tag team, The Hardy Boyz, with his real-life brother Jeff. One of the most popular WWE wrestlers of all time, Hardy has held various championships, such as the United States Championship and Tag Team Championship.

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 21 

Charlotte Flair

(Professional Wrestler and First Woman to Headline a WWE Pay-Per-View Event)

Birthdate: April 5, 1986

Sun Sign: Aries

Charlotte Flair, daughter of wrestler Ric Flair, is also known as “Nature Girl.” Apart from winning the 2014 NXT Women's Championship, she has also won the Raw Women's Championship four times and the SmackDown Women's Championship five times. She was also the first lady to headline a WWE pay-per-view event.

Birthdate: December 29, 1808

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Died: July 31, 1875

The 17th president of the United States, Andrew Johnson assumed the presidency while serving as the vice president when Abraham Lincoln was assassinated. Born in poverty, Andrew Johnson did not attend school. However, he worked his way up to become a prominent politician—an inspiring story indeed!

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Birthdate: September 11, 1862

Sun Sign: Virgo

Died: June 5, 1910

William Sydney Porter, better known by his pseudonym, O. Henry, is remembered as one of the world’s greatest short story writers. One of his most notable works is The Gift of the Magi. His signature style included plot twists in the end. He was once jailed for embezzlement. 

 24 

Carson Wentz

(American Football Player Who Plays as a Quarterback)

Birthdate: December 30, 1992

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz helped his team top the NFC Playoffs, which led to their first Super Bowl win. He was the first NFL quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards with no WR over 500 yards. His AO1 Foundation works for underprivileged people. He also loves hunting. 

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Birthdate: August 24, 1945

Sun Sign: Virgo

Vincent Kennedy McMahon is a professional wrestling promoter, currently serving as WWE's chairman and CEO. Often regarded as the most influential person in the history of professional wrestling, McMahon is credited with popularizing WWE. Also a well-known philanthropist, McMahon donated more than $8 million in 2008, giving grants to the Sacred Heart University, Fishburne Military School, and East Carolina University.

 26 

Richard Petty

(The Most Accomplished Driver in the History of Stock Car Racing)

Birthdate: July 2, 1937

Sun Sign: Cancer

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

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 27 

Luke Combs

(Country Music Singer and Songwriter Known for His Album ‘What You See Is What You Get’)

Birthdate: March 2, 1990

Sun Sign: Pisces

Luke Combs is an American singer-songwriter. The two studio albums, which he has released so far, have produced nine number-one songs on Billboard's Country Airplay chart. In his relatively short country music career so far, Luke Combs has had a major impact by winning prestigious awards, such as Country Music Association Awards and Academy of Country Music Awards.

 28 

Pam Grier

(Best Known for Her Roles in the Films: ‘Coffy’, ‘Foxy Brown’, ‘The Big Doll House’ and ‘The Arena’)

Birthdate: May 26, 1949

Sun Sign: Gemini

Widely regarded as the first female action star of cinema, American actress Pam Grier achieved popularity for playing important roles in a string of blaxploitation, action, and women-in-prison movies throughout the 1970s. She also serves as an inspiration to those suffering from cancer; she made a recovery after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 1988.

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 29 

Edward Snowden

(American Intelligence Contractor Who Leaked Highly Classified Information from the National Security Agency)

Birthdate: June 21, 1983

Sun Sign: Gemini

A Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) employee who came into the limelight after leaking confidential information from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013, Edward Snowden has been variously called a “hero", “whistle-blower", and “traitor". A controversial figure in USA, he was granted asylum in Russia, where he now lives with his wife.

Birthdate: July 30, 1977

Sun Sign: Leo

Jaime Pressly is an American actress who won a Primetime Emmy Award for playing Joy Turneron the sitcom My Name Is Earl. Also known for her appearance and good looks, Pressly is often named in the world's sexiest or beautiful women lists. She has also appeared on the covers of popular magazines, such as Playboy and Maxim.

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Birthdate: September 6, 1983

Sun Sign: Virgo

Braun Strowman is a professional wrestler currently signed to WWE. An influential wrestler, Strowman was ranked sixth in the PWI 500 list published in 2018. A former strongman, Strowman depends on brute strength to gain an upper hand against his opponents. During his strongman career, Strowman had won the 2012 Arnold Strongman Classic.

Birthdate: April 10, 1982

Sun Sign: Aries

Chyler Leigh is best known as Dr. Lexie Grey from Grey's Anatomy and Janey Briggs from Not Another Teen Movie. She joined the DC Universe as Alex Danvers, starting with the series Supergirl. Though she is married and has three children, she came out as queer in 2020.

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 33 

John Coltrane

(One of the Most Influential Saxophonists in Music History)

Birthdate: September 23, 1926

Sun Sign: Libra

Died: July 17, 1967

Jazz saxophonist John Coltrane is remembered for his significant influence on modern jazz. He was initially part of the Navy band and eventually collaborated with musicians such as Miles Davis. He won a Pulitzer Prize and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and was canonized by the African Orthodox Church.

Birthdate: November 2, 1795

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Died: June 15, 1849

The 11th president of the United States, James K. Polk was an advocate of Jacksonian democracy. He is credited with extending the territory of the US during the Mexican–American War. During his presidency, the US annexed the Mexican Cession, the Oregon Territory, and the Republic of Texas.

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 35 

Brian Tyree Henry

(Actor)

Birthdate: March 31, 1982

Sun Sign: Aries

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

 36 

Rick Harrison

(American Businessman, Reality TV Personality and Owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop)

Birthdate: March 22, 1965

Sun Sign: Aries

Rick Harrison, co-owner of the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop, shot to fame with the History Channel show Pawn Stars. His memoir, License to Pawn, became a New York Times bestseller. Named the National Pawnbrokers Association’s 2010 Pawnbroker of the Year, he also appeared on the game show Pawnography. 

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Birthdate: January 13, 1979

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Jill Wagner is best known for co-hosting the game show Wipeout. Jill began her career with the MTV hidden-camera series Punk'd. She has also appeared as Kate Argent in Teen Wolf and been part of several Hallmark TV films, especially the Mystery 101 series and a few Christmas movies.

 38 

James Worthy

(Basketball Player)

Birthdate: February 27, 1961

Sun Sign: Pisces

Height: 6'9" (206 cm)

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Birthdate: October 10, 1974

Sun Sign: Libra

Apart from being a celebrated race-car driver and the JR Motorsports team owner, Dale Earnhardt Jr. also made it to the Forbes list of the world’s highest-paid athletes in 2017. The two-time Daytona 500 winner, also known as the Pied Piper of Daytona, is the son of motor-racing legend Dale Earnhardt Sr.

 40 

Afeni Shakur

(American Political Activist and Member of the ‘Black Panther Party’)

Birthdate: January 22, 1947

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Died: May 2, 2016

Afeni Shakur was a political activist best known as the mother of legendary rapper Tupac Shakur. Afeni Shakur was an important member of the popular political organization Black Panther Party where she mentored new members like Jamal Joseph, Dhoruba Bin-Wahad, and Cleo Silvers.

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 41 

Floyd Patterson

(American Professional Boxer Who Competed From 1952 to 1972)

Birthdate: January 4, 1935

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Died: May 11, 2006

Height: 6'0" (183 cm)

Birthdate: January 29, 1999

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

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 43 

Aldis Hodge

(Actor)

Birthdate: September 20, 1986

Sun Sign: Virgo

Height: 6'1" (185 cm)

 44 

Brandon Ingram

(Basketball player)

Birthdate: September 2, 1997

Sun Sign: Virgo

Height: 6'7" (201 cm)

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 45 

Kellie Pickler

(Singer-Songwriter)

Birthdate: June 28, 1986

Sun Sign: Cancer

Height: 5'1" (155 cm)

 46 

Ben E. King

(Singer, Record producer)

Birthdate: September 28, 1938

Sun Sign: Libra

Died: April 30, 2015

 47 

Charlie Daniels

(Singer-Songwriter Best Known for His Number-One Country Hit ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’)

Birthdate: October 28, 1936

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Died: July 6, 2020

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Charlie Daniels, is remembered for his contributions to Southern rock, country, and bluegrass music. He had an extensive career that spanned over half a century and was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. He had also appeared in a few films.

 48 

Ariana DeBose

(Actress, Singer)

Birthdate: January 25, 1991

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Birthdate: April 25, 1908

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: April 27, 1965

 50 

J. B. Smoove

(Actor)

Birthdate: December 16, 1965

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Height: 6'4" (193 cm)