Louisiana is one of the most unique places in the country. It’s no surprise then that some of the most unique people in the country were born here. From reality TV stars to high powered lawyers to true pirates and legendary criminals, here are 12 of the craziest characters to ever have lived in Louisiana.

1) The Canal Street Madam -- New Orleans
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After an FBI investigation made her brothel in New Orleans infamous, this madam tried to reboot her career by selling "candles".
2) Carlos Marcello -- Metairie
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Also known as The Godfather, Marcello was the boss of the New Orleans crime family during the 1940s and was implicated in numerous criminal charges including racketeering, illegal gambling, and much more.
3) Toni Jo Henry -- Shreveport
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Toni Jo captivated the nation when she was arrested in 1939 for the murder of Joseph P. Calloway. After three separate trials, Toni Jo was convicted and sentenced to death, becoming the only woman to ever be executed by Louisiana’s electric chair.
4) Yaser Esam Hamdi – Baton Rouge
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Born in Baton Rouge, Hamdi grew up in Saudi Arabia, where he became involved with the Taliban. Eventually he was captured by U.S. forces and detained in Guantanamo until he won a federal supreme court case demanding a fair trial.
5) Jean Lafitte – Birthplace Unknown
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Perhaps one of the most infamous pirates of the North American continent, Lafitte was known for maintaining a booming illegal port in Barataria Bay.
6) Dr. John – New Orleans
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One of the most legendary musicians of New Orleans, Dr. John was known for his funky playing and his obsession with VooDoo.

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7) Lil Wayne – New Orleans
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With two albums titled, I Am Not A Human Being, Lil Wayne has fulfilled this claim with his far out antics since the beginning of his career.
8) Phil Alexander Robertson, -- Vivian
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Known for starring in the hit TV show Duck Dynasty, Phil Robertson came under criticism for his critique of homosexuality in the magazine GQ. He was consequently suspended from the A&E show, but quickly reinstated after backlash from fans.
9) Huey P Long -- Winnfield
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One of the most controversial people in Louisiana history, historians have called him a dictator as well as an ‘everyman’ politician. Many conspiracy theories still surround his assassination in 1935.
10) Delphine LaLaurie - New Orleans
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One of the most devilish women to ever live in Louisiana, LaLaurie was a New Orleans socialite who viciously tortured her servants and slaves, locking them in her attic. She was exposed after a fire forced the evacuation of everyone in her home.
11) Johnnie Cochran – Shreveport
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One of the most famous lawyers in the country during the O.J. Simpson Trial, Mr. Cochran also defended Tupac Shakur, Michael Jackson, and Snoop Dogg.
12) Richard Simmons - Metairie
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Simmons’ eccentric and energetic personality got the nation moving during the aerobics craze of the 80’s.

Did you know all of these people were from Louisiana? Who do you think is missing from this list? Let us know who you think is the craziest in the comments below!

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