Do you love fun facts about Mississippi? Well, here’s one for you – there are lots of famous people from Mississippi. It’s true! Some of the world’s most recognizable names hail from Mississippi. From actors and actresses to sports heroes and writers, talent seems to ooze out of the state, as if there’s something in the soil.

1. Tennessee Williams
wikipedia.org
Considered one of the greatest playwrights of the 20th century, Tennessee Williams was born in Columbus on March 26, 1911.
2. Jim Henson
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On September 24, 1936, James Maury Henson, otherwise known as Jim Henson, was born in Greenville. Henson went on to achieve worldwide fame as a puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, filmmaker, and screenwriter; however, he’s most known as the creator of The Muppets and Fraggle Rock.
3. James Earl Jones
John Matthew Smith/Wikimedia
A successful actor with a voice as recognizable as his face, James Earl Jones was born in Arkabutla on January 17, 1931. Deemed "one of the greatest actors in American history," Jones’ long line of credits include roles in film, theater, and TV.
4. Walter Payton
Jeno’s/Wikimedia
A famed football player, Walter Payton was born in Columbia on July 25, 1954. Payton accumulated several accolades during his 13 years in the NFL, including being named the NFL Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player. He was also the first football player to be featured on a Wheaties cereal box.
5. B.B. King
Gorupdebesanez/Wikimedia
The world of music was forever changed on September 16, 1925, when B.B. King was born in Itta Bena. Not only a revered musician, King introduced a style of soloing that went on to influence many blues electric guitar players.

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6. Sela Ward
Greg Hernandez/Wikimedia
Sela Ward was born on July 11, 1956. The Meridian native went on to become an author and producer, but is probably most known for her work as an actress. Her lengthy list of credits includes roles in popular movies, such as Gone Girl and The Day After Tomorrow. She’s also appeared in several TV series, including Sisters – for which, she won a Primetime Emmy Award.
7. Eudora Welty
wikipedia.org
An award-winning author, Eudora Welty’s life began in Jackson on April 13, 1909. Never straying from her roots, Welty’s works focused on the American south. This proved to be a wise choice since she won numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Order of the South.
8. Eric Roberts
wikipedia.org
An actor and brother of Julia Roberts, Eric Roberts was born in Biloxi on April 18, 1956. His first leading role was in King of the Gypsies, which landed him a Golden Globe Award nomination.
9. William Faulkner
Carl Van Vechten/Wikimedia
Perhaps one of the most famous people to come out of Mississippi, William Faulkner was born in New Albany on September 25, 1897. A Nobel Prize-winning author, Faulkner wrote novels, short stories, screenplays, poetry, essays, and a play.
10. Elvis Presley
Powell F. Krueger/Wikimedia
It’s pretty common knowledge that Elvis Presley hails from Mississippi; however, no list of famous Mississippians would be complete without the King of Rock and Roll. Born in Tupelo on January 8, 1935, he’s considered one of the most significant cultural icons of the 20th century.

So, did you know about these famous people from Mississippi? Have someone to add to this list? Ever spotted any celebrities in Mississippi? If so, who? Tell us!

Fun facts about Mississippi don’t end with the famous residents.  The state is responsible for producing a whole lot more, including these well-known inventions.

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Famous People From Mississippi

Daniella DiRienzo | March 11, 2022

What are some other fun facts about Mississippi?

There are tons of fun facts about Mississippi. For instance, did you know that root beer was invented in the Magnolia State? It’s true; in 1898, Edward Adolf Barq, Sr. of Biloxi invented the now-famous concoction. Root beer isn’t the only popular soft drink with ties to Mississippi, though. In 1894, Coca-Cola was actually bottled for the very first time in Vicksburg. Today, you can learn all about how bottled Coca-Cola came to be with a visit to the Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum in Vicksburg.

Where are you likely to spot celebrities in Mississippi?

You might not realize it, but there are several places to search for celebrities in Mississippi. For starters, numerous movies have been filmed in the small town of Canton, which has come to be known as the City of Lights, Camera, Action. There are also a couple of local establishments owned by celebrities. Mississippi native, Morgan Freeman, for example, is part owner of the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale. Another native-turned-celebrity, Sela Ward is an investor in the Meridian restaurant Weidmann’s, which just to happens to be the state’s oldest restaurant.

Are there any other famous people from Mississippi?

When it comes to famous people from Mississippi, those mentioned above are just the tip of the iceberg. The Magnolia State has produced some pretty talented people, including Tammy Wynette. That’s right; the “first lady of country music,” was born Virginia Wynette Pugh in Tupelo. Jerry Rice is another famous face from the Magnolia State. Often touted as the “greatest wide receiver” in football history, Rice was born in Starkville. Other famous people from Mississippi include LeAnn Rimes, Lacey Chabert, Oprah Winfrey, Lance Bass, Jimmy Buffet, and Brett Farve - and that’s just a portion of the famous people from Mississippi.

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