St Louis Famous People
List of the Most Iconic People from St Louis
Often referred to as the “Gateway to the West,” with fostering of a rich culture of innovation and talent throughout its history, St Louis famous people have been very impactful in American society. From the soulful melodies of legendary musicians to the groundbreaking discoveries of pioneers, St. Louis has given the world an array of famous personalities who have shaped various facets of society.
Top 21 St Louis Famous People
Maya Angelou
At the very top of the list of St Louis famous people is Maya Angelou. Hailing from the South Side, she was an iconic American writer, poet, and civil rights activist, best known for her series of seven autobiographies, which focus on her childhood and early adult experiences.
Born on April 4, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri, Angelou’s debut memoir, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” (1969), brought her international acclaim and a National Book Award nomination.
A Renaissance woman, Angelou’s body of work spans poetry, plays, screenplays, and acting. She recited her poem “On the Pulse of Morning” at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration in 1993, showcasing her stature as a spokesperson for black people and women. Her accolades include the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Grammy Awards for her spoken word albums.
Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry was a pivotal figure in the development of rock and roll music after debuting during the 1950s. His signature guitar riffs, energetic performances, and clever songwriting with hits like “Johnny B. Goode,” “Roll Over Beethoven,” and “Maybellene” had a profound influence on the music industry.
Berry’s unique blend of rhythm and blues with country music helped define the rock and roll genre, earning him a place in the very first group inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.
Tina Turner
Debuting with Ike Turner’s Kings of Rhythm in the late 1950s, Tina Turner spent much of her adolescent and early days of career in the St. Louis region, primarily the Ville neighborhood.
Tina’s journey to solo superstardom included hit songs such as “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” for which she won three Grammy Awards, and “The Best.” Her comeback story is legendary, marked by her resurgence in the 1980s after a tumultuous and abusive marriage to Ike Turner.
Tina Turner has earned numerous accolades, including 12 Grammy Awards and inclusion into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Ike, and later, as a solo artist.
Nelly
Nelly debuted in the music industry with his chart-topping album Country Grammar in 2000, which featured a slew of hits. His unique fusion of rap with pop and country elements, along with catchy hooks, catapulted him to the forefront of the hip-hop scene.
Nelly’s subsequent albums, such as Nellyville, spawned number one hits like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” featuring Kelly Rowland. With multiple platinum records and awards to his name, Nelly has left a significant mark on the early 2000s music scene and continues to influence the genre.
Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker was an American-born French entertainer, French Resistance agent, and civil rights activist, celebrated for her contributions as a dancer, singer, and actress.
Born on June 3, 1906, in St. Louis, Missouri, she achieved fame after moving to France in the 1920s. Baker’s performances, including the infamous banana dance, made her one of the most popular and highest-paid performers in Europe.
During World War II, she worked with the French Resistance, providing invaluable intelligence. Her commitment to anti-racism led her to refuse to perform for segregated audiences in the United States. Among her accolades, Baker was the first American-born woman to receive French military honor, the Croix de guerre, and she was inducted into the French Legion of Honor.
Dick Gregory
Dick Gregory was an influential American comedian, civil rights activist, social critic, and writer. He broke racial barriers in the 1960s when he became the first African-American comedian to successfully cross over to white audiences, appearing on television and gaining widespread fame.
Gregory was known for his sharp wit and comedic material that tackled racial and social themes. Beyond entertainment, he was deeply involved in social and civil rights activities. Gregory authored several books, including the memoir “Nigger,” an autobiography that provides a poignant look into American racial challenges.
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum has quickly made a name for himself in the NBA as a forward for the Boston Celtics. He was selected third overall in the 2017 NBA Draft after playing one season of college basketball at Duke University. Tatum’s impressive skill set and scoring ability earned him NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and numerous subsequent NBA All-Star selections.
Now, Tatum has become one of the cornerstones of the Celtics, leading the team deep into the playoffs and showing the potential to become one of the league’s marquee players for years to come.
Miles Davis
Miles Davis was a visionary jazz musician and composer whose career spanned five decades, changing the course of music multiple times. Born right outside of St. Louis in Alton, Illinois, Davis emerged on the jazz scene with his debut album The New Sounds in 1951 and soon became a leading figure in the development of bebop.
His landmark 1959 album Kind of Blue remains one of the most influential and best-selling jazz records of all time. His accolades include eight Grammy Awards, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Yogi Berra
Yogi Berra was an American professional baseball catcher and later manager who became one of the most beloved figures in Major League Baseball history. He played most of his 19-year career with the New York Yankees. Berra’s brilliance both behind the plate and as a hitter helped lead the Yankees to 10 World Series championships.
His accolades include 18 All-Star selections, three American League MVP Awards, and induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. He passed away on September 22, 2015, celebrated not only for his baseball prowess but also for his endearing personality.
Jackie Joyner-Kersee
Jackie Joyner-Kersee is a retired American track and field athlete who is widely regarded as one of the greatest female athletes in history. Born in East St. Louis, Illinois, she made her mark in the heptathlon and long jump events during the 1980s and 1990s.
Joyner-Kersee won three Olympic gold medals, one silver, and two bronze, making her one of the most decorated athletes in Olympic track and field history. Her records in the heptathlon and long jump were unbroken for decades. She was awarded the Jesse Owens Award twice and was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame as well as the United States Olympic Hall of Fame.
John Goodman
John Goodman is an accomplished American actor with a career that has spanned over four decades in film, television, and theater. Raised in Affton, Missouri, Goodman is best known for his role as Dan Conner on the ABC television series Roseanne, for which he won a Golden Globe Award.
His commanding presence and versatility have landed him a variety of roles, from comedic performances in The Big Lebowski to dramatic turns in Barton Fink and Argo.
Goodman has also lent his voice to numerous animated films, including Monsters, Inc. and its sequel. He has received critical acclaim for his Broadway work, earning several award nominations. His contributions to the industry have been recognized with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Charles Lindbergh
Charles Lindbergh was an American aviator, inventor, and author who became a global celebrity after completing the first solo nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean in 1927.
Born on February 4, 1902, in Detroit, Michigan, Lindbergh flew from New York to Paris in the Spirit of St. Louis, an achievement that earned him the nickname “Lucky Lindy” and the prestigious Orteig Prize.
His flight marked a milestone in aviation history and helped popularize commercial aviation. Lindbergh was also recognized for his work in conservation, and he authored several books, including his autobiography, “The Spirit of St. Louis.”
His legacy is both complex and noteworthy, as it includes his contributions to flight and his later controversial views. Lindbergh passed away on August 26, 1974, leaving behind a transformative impact on the world of aviation.
Metro Boomin
While there are a number of St Louis famous people that were rappers, Metro Boomin is a highly influential record producer, executive, and songwriter. He has been instrumental in shaping the sound of contemporary hip-hop and trap music. Metro Boomin’s career took off in the early 2010s, as he produced hits for artists like Future and Young Thug, quickly becoming known for his dark, melodic, and hard-hitting production style.
His signature tagline, “If Young Metro don’t trust you, I’m gon’ shoot you,” became instantly recognizable in the hip-hop community. Metro Boomin has worked with a who’s who of the rap world, including producing chart-topping albums and singles for artists such as Migos, 21 Savage, and Drake.
His collaborative albums, like “Savage Mode” with 21 Savage and “Double or Nothing” with Big Sean, have further solidified his reputation as a hitmaker.
Cedric The Entertainer
Cedric The Entertainer is a multi-talented entertainer known for his stand-up comedy, acting, and game show hosting. Cedric’s career in entertainment began to blossom in the late 1990s after he gained fame as one of the headlining comedians on “The Original Kings of Comedy” tour, which was subsequently turned into a film directed by Spike Lee in 2000.
Cedric’s work in television and film has been extensive. He is perhaps best known for his role as Cedric Jackie Robinson on the WB sitcom “The Steve Harvey Show,” which ran from 1996 until 2002 and earned him several NAACP Image Awards.
Additionally, Cedric has appeared in a series of successful films, including Barbershop (2002), and its sequels, where he portrayed the lovable character Eddie. His voice acting work is also notable, having lent his voice to characters in animations such as the Madagascar film series and The Proud Family.
Bradley Beal
Bradley Beal has become known as one of the top shooting guards in the NBA. Beginning his career for the Washington Wizards, and now with the Phoenix Suns, Beal’s journey started at the Chaminade College Preparatory School before playing one year of college basketball at the University of Florida.
Drafted third overall in 2012, Beal has since evolved into a premier scorer and was named an NBA All-Star three times. He also led the league in scoring during parts of several seasons, demonstrating his standing as one of the league’s elite offensive threats.
Jon Hamm
Jon Hamm rose to fame for his role as the advertising executive Don Draper on the AMC series “Mad Men,” which debuted in 2007. Hamm’s portrayal of Draper received widespread acclaim and earned him the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2015, among other accolades.
Hamm’s charm and acting prowess have led to a successful film career, with notable roles in The Town, Baby Driver, and Richard Jewell. He has also shown his comedic talent on “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock.” With his magnetic performances, Hamm has firmly established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
Andy Cohen
Andy Cohen is a prominent American television executive and host. Cohen is best known for his role as the host of the Bravo nightly series “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.” He has also served as an executive producer on the Real Housewives franchise, which has become a cultural phenomenon.
Aside from his television work, Cohen has written several New York Times best-selling memoirs, including “Most Talkative” and “The Andy Cohen Diaries.” His charismatic personality and insider knowledge of pop culture have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Jenna Fischer
Jenna Fischer is an American actress best known for her role as Pam Beesly on the NBC sitcom “The Office,” which aired from 2005 to 2013. One of the few actresses on the list of St Louis famous people, she was originally born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, but raised in St. Louis.
Her portrayal of Pam gained her critical acclaim, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.
Fischer’s on-screen chemistry with co-star John Krasinski, who played Jim Halpert, contributed significantly to the show’s success. Fischer has also appeared in films such as Blades of Glory and Hall Pass, and authored “The Actor’s Life: A Survival Guide,” sharing her experiences and advice on the acting profession.
Ezekiel Elliott
Ezekiel Elliott is an accomplished American football running back who has played in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys the majority of his career. After finishing high school in St. Louis, he played college football at Ohio State University, where he earned All-American honors and helped his team win the 2015 National Championship.
Elliott was drafted by the Cowboys fourth overall in the 2016 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as a leading rusher in the league. He has earned multiple Pro Bowl selections and led the NFL in rushing yards in 2016 and 2018.
Ryan Howard
Ryan Howard is a retired baseball player who enjoyed a successful career as a first baseman, mostly with the Philadelphia Phillies. Howard was known for his formidable power at the plate. He made his MLB debut in 2004 and was named the National League Rookie of the Year in 2005.
Howard’s career highlights include winning the National League MVP Award in 2006 and helping lead the Phillies to a World Series Championship in 2008. He was also a three-time All-Star and twice led the National League in home runs.