A hero means different things to different people. Those that are into science might appreciate the myriad inventions of Nikola Tesla, where as space-buffs might hold Neil Armstrong as one to be recognized. Whatever your field of interest, there is likely someone who paved the way and left their mark on history.

Here are 10 Kentuckians that are heroes in their field of expertise:

10. Muhammad Ali was born in 1943 and became the undisputed heavy weight champion of the world.
EvolveMMA
9. Diane Sawyer, born in Glasgow KY in 1945, is one of the most renowned journalists in the US.
Yahoo
8. We all see the Duncan Hines sweet mixes at our local store, but it was actually named for the food critic Duncan Hines. He was a native of Bowling Green, born in 1880 and passed away 1959.
Melissa
7. Don Rosa was born in Louisville in 1951 and became the renowned Donald Duck illustrator for Walt Disney. He still travels the world sharing his duck creations.
Wiki
6. Johnny Depp, born in Owensboro in 1963, is one of the most celebrated actors of our time.
Georges Biard
5. John T. Thompson was born In Newport in 1860, and lived till 1940. During his lifetime he invented and perfected the Thompson Submachine gun, aka Tommy Gun.
Wiki
4. Loretta Lynn was a coal miner’s daughter born in 1934 who became a renowned country music singer.
S. Schram
3. Born in 1948, John Carpenter directed some of the most intense horror films in the industry. Some of his best known works are The Fog, Prince of Darkness, Star Gate, Halloween and The Thing.
Nathan Maas
2. 1937 to 2005, Hunter Thompson, aka Gonzo, was an infamous journalist who coined the term Gonzo Journalist. He was known for going into extreme situations, sometimes being quite extreme himself. One of his famed quotes is “Buy the ticket, take the ride”, as he believed in getting the most out of life.
KC Morgan
1. Casey Jones was the famed railroad engineer who was killed trying to prevent a train crash. He was born in 1863 in Casey County and passed in 1900 saving others. He became a hero with both songs and stories written about him and his sacrifice.
Jeremy

Kentucky is filled with heroes of all sizes, shapes, and careers. Some of these may not seem very heroic at first glance, but when you look at what they have achieved in their life-time, they make quite the impression. Most of us have someone we respect for their choices or actions. Who are your Kentucky heroes? Tell us in the comments below!

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