By now, you know that Johnny Cash, Al Green, and Billy Bob Thorton are a few of the most famous people from Arkansas. And rightfully so, because they have certainly made their mark in the industry. But there are many other celebrities who were born here, some of whom are from the most charming towns in the state. Learning this might even motivate you to pack your bags and visit their birthplaces. Here are seven famous people from Arkansas, and their talent might just be mightier than the delightful towns they hail from.

1. Georgia Holt (Kensett)

celebrities born in small towns in Arkansas
Harry Langdon / Archive Photos via Getty Images
Not many people can say that they gave birth to one of the biggest celebrities of this era. Georgia Colt, who is most famously known as the mother of Cher, hails from the quaint town of Kensett, Arkansas. Born Jackie Jean Crouch in 1926, she made her career as a singer, songwriter, actress, and model. Now you'll never be able to hear a Cher song without thinking of Arkansas.

2. Shaffer Chimere Smith aka Ne-Yo (Camden)

U.S. Department of the Interior, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Miss Independent, Because Of You, and So Sick, are just a few of the mega hits that Shaffer Chimere Smith, professionally known as Ne-Yo, has dropped. This Grammy-winning, Arkansas native was born in Camden in 1979, and he’s one of the most talented singers, songwriters, actors, and producers in the game. Most people have no idea where this star is from.

3. Mary Steenburgen (Newport)

Jared Purdy, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
Of course, you know Mary Steenburgen who was born in the river town of Newport Arkansas. You’ve seen this award-winning actress in various movies including What's Eating Gilbert Grape, Back to the Future Part III, Philadelphia, Powder, and so many more. After being discovered by Jack Nicholson in New York, she played the female lead character in the hit Western film Goin' South. She is certainly one of the most famous actors from Arkansas.

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4. Clark Duke (Glenwood)

Matt Winkelmeyer / Getty Images Entertainment
With mega-hit TV series that includes The Office, Two and a Half Men, and Greek, Clark Duke is a household name. This young talent was born in 1985 in Glenwood, Arkansas, and was nominated for his first award at the tender age of seven. As an actor, comedian, and director, Duke will continue to be a rising star in the industry. And Arkansas gets to claim him as their own!

5. Elizabeth Gracen Ward (Ozark)

Elizabeth Gracen, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
It’s easy to see why Elizabeth Gracen Ward was crowned Miss America in 1982. This striking beauty was born in 1961 in the gorgeous town of Ozark but raised in Booneville, Arkansas. After winning the coveted Miss America title, Ward began her acting career. As a veteran in the industry, she has starred in numerous television as well as big screen roles. Currently, she is the founder of her own publishing and film company, Flapper Films and Flapper Press, respectively.

6. Barbara Hendricks, (Stephens)

Wouter Hogendorp, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
With the voice of an angel, Barbara Hendricks hails from the tiny town of Stephen Arkansas. After acquiring her Bachelor's in mathematics and chemistry, she went on to study at the most prestigious performing arts school in the world - Juilliard School in New York. As an award-winning opera singer, Hendricks has performed in opera houses across the world. Moreover, she has been featured in various films, one of which was La Bohème.

7. Daniel Davis (Gurdon)

ALH Photos/Flickr
The force has been with Arkansas native Daniel Davis for many years. Born in 1945 in the spooky railroad town of Gurdon, Davis is a longtime legend in the film industry. His debut acting career began at the age of 11, and he has continued to perform steadily through today. He has worked on major film enterprises like Star Wars and Star Trek. Additionally, he has also done voiceover performances as well as been featured in on-and-off-Broadway productions.

Well, what do you think about our list? Do you know any of these famous people from Arkansas? Do you know of any celebrities who live in Arkansas? These celebrities might be from small towns in Arkansas, but they have made big leaps in the industry. Of course, there are lots of other celebrities that hail from the Natural State. So, tell us in the comments which ones you would like us to feature in future articles. 

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More to Explore

Small Towns In Arkansas

CC | March 08, 2024

What are the best small towns in Arkansas?

With so many celebrities hailing from Arkansas’ small towns, there must be something special about them. Find out for yourself what makes these quaint neighborhoods so wonderful by visiting some of the best small towns in Arkansas.

  • Elm Springs
  • Mountainburg
  • Ponca
  • Calico Rock
  • Tontitown
  • Brinkley
  • Lake Village
  • Jasper
  • Heber Springs
  • Paris
  • Des Arc
  • Piggott
  • Bull Shoals
  • Gentry

 

Where are the best small town restaurants in Arkansas?

While you’re touring you’re bound to get hungry. Get a hold of some good old-fashioned hometown cooking at the best small-town restaurants in Arkansas. You may want to plan your whole trip around these meals.

  • Dondie’s White River Princess
  • Purple Cow
  • The Mammoth Orange Café
  • Cafe Africa, Little Rock Zoo
  • Cotham’s Mercantile
  • Historic Oark General Store & Café
  • Abe’s Ole Feed House
  • Jones Bar-B-Q
  • McClard's Bar-B-Q in Hot Springs
  • Doe's Eat Place in Little Rock
  • Venesian Inn in Tontitown
  • AQ Chicken House in Springdale
  • Weinkeller Restaurant
  • Green Corner Store in Little Rock
  • Ozark Café in Jasper

 

What are the natural wonders in Arkansas?

After all that eating, you might be in the mood for a walk or even a hike. Get out into the local nature by exploring these natural wonders in Arkansas. And be sure to bring your camera — these are some absolutely captivating views.

  • Sam’s Throne
  • Natural Bridge of Arkansas
  • Natural Dam
  • Pinnacle Mountain
  • Cedar Falls at Petit Jean State Park
  • Mirror Lake
  • White Rock Mountain
  • Blanchard Springs Caverns
  • The Buffalo National River
  • Moro Bay
  • Hawksbill Crag (Whitaker Point)

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