Baltimore Famous People
Baltimore is not only known for the television series of The Wire, but it’s also the birthplace of a diverse range of famous people from Baltimore who have made their presence felt in society and in pop culture. From groundbreaking civil rights leaders to iconic writers, from celebrated musicians to dozens of trailblazers, this city and surrounding areas has been home to talent that has risen to national and international stardom.
Meet 17 Legends from Baltimore
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur, known by his stage name 2Pac, was an influential American rapper and actor who became an emblem of 1990s hip-hop culture. His music, renowned for its raw lyricism and profound social commentary, tackled themes of racial injustice, poverty, and violence.
His career began as a roadie and backup dancer for the hip-hop group Digital Underground before he broke into solo stardom with albums such as Me Against the World (1995) and All Eyez on Me (1996). Although his life was tragically cut short by a still-unsolved murder in 1996 at the age of 25, Shakur’s legacy endures through his impactful music and his influence on subsequent generations of artists.
Billie Holiday
Billie Holiday, born Eleanora Fagan in 1915, was an iconic American jazz and swing music singer with a career spanning three decades. Known for her expressive voice and emotive delivery, Holiday transformed every song she touched with her unique phrasing and tempo, which made her performances unforgettable.
Her 1939 recording of “Strange Fruit,” a powerful and haunting protest against lynching and racism in the South, is one of her most poignant works. Holiday’s life, marked by struggles, was as legendary as her artistry, and her influence on jazz music and pop singing is immeasurable.
Jada Pinkett Smith
Jada Pinkett Smith is a multitalented American actress, producer, director, singer, and businesswoman who first came to prominence with her role on the television series “A Different World” in 1991. Her breakout film role was in “Menace II Society” (1993), which set the stage for a diverse career with roles in films such as “Set It Off” (1996), “The Nutty Professor” (1996), and “The Matrix” series.
Beyond acting, Pinkett Smith also fronts the nu-metal band Wicked Wisdom and runs a production company, Overbrook Entertainment, with her husband, Will Smith. Noteworthy among her accolades is her Daytime Emmy Award for the Facebook talk show “Red Table Talk,” a platform where she discusses various personal and social issues.
Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony, known simply as ‘Melo’, was professional basketball player who became one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history since entering the league as the third overall draft pick by the Denver Nuggets in 2003. Anthony gained fame through his standout one-year stint at Syracuse University, where he led the team to its first NCAA championship in 2003.
He has since secured a storied NBA career with multiple All-Star appearances and scoring titles, particularly known for his time with the Nuggets and New York Knicks. Anthony’s ability to score from anywhere on the court, coupled with his impressive rebounding for a small forward, has solidified his standing among the game’s elite.
Michael Phelps
Michael Phelps is a former competitive swimmer and the most decorated Olympian of all time, with a staggering total of 28 medals—23 of them gold. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Phelps set his first world record in 2001 at just 15 years old and went on to dominate the world stage in swimming across four different Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016).
Phelps captured the world’s admiration during the 2008 Beijing Olympics when he won eight gold medals, breaking the 1972 record of seven in a single Olympic Games. Throughout his career, Phelps has also amassed numerous World Championship titles and set dozens of world records, propelling the sport of swimming into the forefront of international athletic competition.
Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth remains one of the most legendary figures in baseball history. Known as “The Bambino” and “The Sultan of Swat,” he began his MLB career as a star pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in 1914 but achieved his greatest fame as a slugging outfielder for the New York Yankees.
Ruth’s home run-hitting revolutionized the game of baseball, and he amassed an impressive record of 714 home runs over his career—a record that stood for nearly 40 years until Hank Aaron surpassed it in 1974. A seven-time World Series champion and one of the first five inductees into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936, Ruth’s larger-than-life persona made him a national icon.
David Hasselhoff
David Hasselhoff is best known for his performances in the 1980s and 90s television hits Knight Rider and Baywatch. He debuted on the soap opera “The Young and The Restless” in the late 1970s, but it was his portrayal of Michael Knight in Knight Rider that cemented his place in pop culture.
His work on Baywatch as Mitch Buchannon earned the show a Guinness World Record as the most-watched TV series globally. Also a successful recording artist, especially in Germany, his single “Looking for Freedom” became an anthem for the end of the Cold War. Hasselhoff has maintained his place in the entertainment world with various cameos, reality TV appearances, and stage performances.
Gervonta Davis
Gervonta “Tank” Davis is a professional boxer from Baltimore, Maryland, who has become one of the most electrifying figures in the sport since making his pro debut in 2013. Known for his knockout power and dynamic fighting style, Davis has quickly risen through the ranks to become a multiple-time world champion in various weight classes, including super featherweight and lightweight.
He has held titles such as the IBF super featherweight title in 2017 and the WBA (Super) lightweight title in 2019. Davis has built an impressive record and is considered one of boxing’s biggest pay-per-view stars of his generation.
Mo’Nique
Mo’Nique is an acclaimed comedian and actress known for her bold, no-holds-barred stand-up performances and her powerful acting roles. She started in the entertainment industry in 1999 with her stand-up, quickly translating that to television with her own series, The Parkers, which ran from 1999 to 2004.
Mo’Nique’s most celebrated acting achievement came with her role as Mary Lee Johnston in the drama Precious (2009), for which she won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her raw and emotionally charged portrayal garnered critical acclaim, showcasing her dramatic depth beyond her comedy roots.
Cal Ripken Jr.
Cal Ripken Jr., nicknamed “The Iron Man”, is a former baseball shortstop and third baseman who played 21 seasons for the Baltimore Orioles. Ripken is most revered for breaking Lou Gehrig’s record for consecutive games played, a monumental streak that ended at 2,632 games and became a testament to his endurance and commitment to the sport.
Debuting in 1981, Ripken gained numerous awards during his illustrious career, including two American League MVP Awards, a record 19 All-Star game selections, and a World Series championship in 1983. He was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007, in his first year of eligibility, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest icons of the game.
Sisqó
Sisqó is a R&B singer and songwriter, most notably known for his tenure as the lead singer of the group Dru Hill in the late 1990s. Sisqó skyrocketed to solo fame with his 1999 hit single “Thong Song,” from his debut album Unleash the Dragon, which became a pop culture phenomenon and earned multiple Grammy nominations.
His distinctive platinum hair and dynamic stage presence made him a standout figure during the height of his music career. Although his follow-up albums did not replicate the massive success of his debut, Sisqó has remained a revered name in R&B and continues to tour and release music with Dru Hill.
Julie Bowen
Julie Bowen is a gifted actress who gained recognition through her television and film work. She first made a name for herself in an episode of the college drama Class of ’96 in 1993 and then played the love interest of Adam Sandler’s character in the film Happy Gilmore (1996).
However, Bowen is best known for her role as Claire Dunphy on the critically acclaimed TV show Modern Family, which aired from 2009 to 2020. Her work on the long-running series earned her two Primetime Emmy Awards out of six nominations for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Bowen’s comedic timing and heartfelt performances made her character a beloved figure in modern television.
Anna Faris
Anna Faris is a versatile actress, podcaster, and author who has carved out a space for herself in the comedy genre. She made a splash in the horror comedy spoof Scary Movie (2000), portraying Cindy Campbell, a role she reprised in several of the film’s sequels.
This performance established Faris as a comedy favorite, leading to lead roles in films like The House Bunny (2008) and Overboard (2018). Faris transitioned her comedic talents to the small screen as well, gaining praise for her role as Christy Plunkett on the CBS sitcom Mom, which began in 2013.
Mario
Mario, born Mario Dewar Barrett, is an American R&B and pop singer who entered the music scene with his self-titled debut album in 2002. His hit single “Let Me Love You,” from his second album Turning Point (2004), topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart for nine consecutive weeks and was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Known for his smooth vocals and romantic ballads, Mario has released several successful albums and has appeared in acting roles, including the lead in the dance film Step Up (2006). His consistent contributions to music over the years have made him a staple in the R&B genre.
Charles S. Dutton
Charles S. Dutton is a distinguished actor and director with a powerful presence, acclaimed for his work in both theater and screen. Dutton’s career is notable for its remarkable turnaround, as he discovered his passion for acting while serving time in prison. After his release, he attended the Yale School of Drama and debuted on Broadway in 1984.
Dutton is perhaps best known for his role as Roc Emerson on the Fox network TV series Roc (1991-1994). Additionally, he delivered a memorable performance in the miniseries The Piano Lesson (1995), which led him to a Golden Globe nomination. With an impressive resume that spans across various genres, Dutton’s work in the entertainment industry has also earned him three Primetime Emmy Awards and numerous roles in movies.
Muggsy Bogues
Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues is a retired professional basketball player, best known for being the shortest player ever to play in the NBA at 5 feet 3 inches. Despite his stature, Bogues enjoyed a long and successful career in the league, a testament to his exceptional ball-handling skills, speed, and determination.
He was drafted 12th overall in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Washington Bullets and became a fan favorite during his tenure with the Charlotte Hornets from 1988 to 1997. Bogues’ remarkable story has served as an inspiration to athletes around the world, breaking stereotypes and challenging conventions about the physical attributes required to compete at the highest levels of sports.