Famous People From Nebraska & Celebs Born In Nebraska

Nebraska was the 37th region in the USA to be declared a state. The state is also famously known as ‘The Great American Desert’. Several books and internet sources have spoken in length about this American state. The state has also earned a place in the record books for several firsts and other interesting reasons. Nebraska has also produced several eminent personalities who are legends in their own right. Renowned businessman Warren Buffet, actors Marlon Brando and Henry Fonda, filmmaker Alexander Payne, legendary tennis star Andy Roddick as well as actress Hillary Swank are a few eminent personalities from this American state. Marlon Brando, who played the lead role in the iconic film ‘Godfather’, is considered an institution in acting. Warren Buffet, one of the richest entrepreneurs on earth has been in news for his philanthropic activities as well, apart from his business prowess. Hillary Swank has bagged two Academy Awards for her works in films like ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ and ‘Million Dollar Baby’ respectively. Here are the names of a few other celebrities who hail from Nebraska.

Vote for Your Favourite People From Nebraska

Right IconThis ranking is based on an algorithm that combines various factors, including the votes of our users and search trends on the internet.

 1 

Malcolm X

(Major Figure of American Civil Rights Movement)

Birthdate: May 19, 1925

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: February 21, 1965

An African-American leader of the civil rights movement, Malcolm X was a vocal spokesman of the Nation of Islam and called upon the blacks to protect themselves from the white, even if it meant adopting violence. His radical views and preaching later evolved and he accepted the possibility of peaceful resolution of racial issues in America.

Birthdate: August 30, 1930

Sun Sign: Virgo

American investor, business tycoon and philanthropist Warren Buffett is considered one of the most successful investors in the world by the media. The chairman and largest shareholder of the firm, Berkshire Hathaway, he is often called as the ‘Oracle’ or ‘Sage’ of Omaha. Notably, he has pledged to give away a sizable portion of his wealth to philanthropic causes.

 3 

Marlon Brando

(One of the Most Influential Actors of the 20th Century)

Birthdate: April 3, 1924

Sun Sign: Aries

Died: July 1, 2004

One of the greatest movie actors of all time, heartthrob of millions of women around the world, and a cultural icon, who had immense influence on actors of future generations, there are very few like Marlon Brando. In a career spanning six decades, Marlon Brando delivered critical and commercial successes in movies like A Streetcar Named Desire and The Godfather.

Recommended Lists:

 4 

Hilary Swank

(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Brandon Teena’, a Transgender Man, in the Movie ‘Boys Don't Cry’)

Birthdate: July 30, 1974

Sun Sign: Leo

The recipient of two Golden Globes and two Academy Awards, Hilary Swank is known for her dedication to her craft. To prepare for her role in Boys Don't Cry, she reduced her body fat and pretended to be a man for a month. Later, she gained 19 pounds of muscle and underwent extensive training to play a boxer in Million Dollar Baby.

Recommended Lists:

 5 

Henry Fonda

(American Actor Who Cultivated an Everyman Screen Image in Several Films Considered to be Classics)

Birthdate: May 16, 1905

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: August 12, 1982

Hollywood legend Henry Fonda, father of Peter and Jane Fonda, is best remembered for his Academy Award-winning role as Norman Thayer Jr. in On Golden Pond. He began his career with Broadway plays and then appeared in classics such as The Grapes of Wrath and 12 Angry Men. 

Birthdate: May 10, 1899

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: June 22, 1987

Fred Astaire was an American actor, television presenter, dancer, choreographer, and singer. Widely regarded as the most influential dancer in film history, Astaire was known for his innovation, perfectionism, and an uncanny sense of rhythm. Also known for his fashion sense, Fred Astaire remained a male fashion icon throughout his career, which spanned more than seven decades.

Recommended Lists:

 7 

Gerald Ford

(38th President of the United States (1974 - 1977))

Birthdate: July 14, 1913

Sun Sign: Cancer

Died: December 26, 2006

Gerald Ford Jr served as the 38th president of US from August 1974 to January 1977. His 895 day-long stint as the American president is the shortest in US history for any president who did not die in office. In a controversial act, he granted a presidential pardon to his predecessor Richard Nixon for his role in the Watergate scandal.

Birthdate: October 29, 1972

Sun Sign: Scorpio

A popular American actress, Gabrielle Union has been vocal about violence against women and issues pertaining to women's health. Also a writer, she has released a memoir and a children's book. In 2020, she was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list. Gabrielle Union has been an inspiration for women like Oprah Winfrey.

Recommended Lists:

 9 

Jojo Siwa

(American Youtube Dancer and Singer)

Birthdate: May 19, 2003

Sun Sign: Taurus

Multitalented entertainer Jojo Siwa gained fame with Dance Moms, which featured her along with her mother. She has a popular YouTube channel where she posts daily vlogs. A talented singer, she has delivered hits such as Kid in a Candy Store. She was also named to Time 100 in 2020.

 10 

Sting

(American Professional Wrestler)

Birthdate: March 20, 1959

Sun Sign: Pisces

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Recommended Lists:

 11 

Terence Crawford

(Winner of Multiple World Championships in Three Weight Classes)

Birthdate: September 28, 1987

Sun Sign: Libra

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

Birthdate: August 30, 1982

Sun Sign: Virgo

Former world number 1 tennis player Andy Roddick is best known for his US Open win in 2003. He reached the finals of three Wimbledon championships and US Open 2006, only to be defeated by Roger Federer each time. Following his retirement, he focused on his non-profit, Andy Roddick Foundation. 

Recommended Lists:

Birthdate: October 30, 1987

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Ashley Graham has been breaking down barriers in the modelling industry, especially the plus-size model movement. She has always been a force for body positivity and has never shied away from responding to critics. She owns a successful line of size-inclusive lingerie. 

 14 

Nick Nolte

(American Actor Best Known for His Films: ‘The Prince of Tides’, ‘Affliction’ and ‘Warrior')

Birthdate: February 8, 1941

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Nick Nolte, once a model, was named People’s Sexiest Man Alive in 1992. He is known for his Golden Globe-winning and Academy Award-nominated role in The Prince of Tides. Fans adored him as Kuiil in The Mandalorian and in the films Affliction and Warrior. He has struggled with substance abuse.

Recommended Lists:

Birthdate: October 17, 1920

Sun Sign: Libra

Died: July 23, 1966

Montgomery Clift was an American actor whose decision not to sign a contract in Hollywood for the first couple of films went on to help establish the structure of the star-studio relationship from the 1950s to the '80s. One of the original American method actors, Clift was the subject of a documentary named Making Montgomery Clift, which released in 2018.

Birthdate: August 31, 1928

Sun Sign: Virgo

Died: November 18, 2002

James Coburn was an American actor who played the quintessential tough guy roles in action and Western films throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was characterized by his lanky physique and toothy grin. A martial arts student, Coburn was a close friend of Bruce Lee; he was one of the pallbearers at Bruce Lee's funeral in 1973.

Recommended Lists:

 17 

Elliott Smith

(American Singer-Songwriter and Multi-Instrumentalist)

Birthdate: August 6, 1969

Sun Sign: Leo

Died: October 21, 2003

Folk singer and guitarist Elliott Smith is best remembered for his tracks Needle in the Hay and Miss Misery, the latter being part of the Oscar-nominated soundtrack of Good Will Hunting. He pioneered the technique of "multi-tracking.” He apparently stabbed himself to death, though the autopsy was inconclusive.

Birthdate: February 17, 1963

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Stand-up comedian Daniel Lawrence Whitney, better known as "Larry the Cable Guy," soared to fame with Blue Collar Comedy Tour. He has authored a book named Git-R-Done, which is also his signature catchphrase. He was the voice of Mater in the Cars film series and has appeared in several movies.

Recommended Lists:

 19 

Jaime King

(American Actress and Model)

Birthdate: April 23, 1979

Sun Sign: Taurus

Height: 5'9" (175 cm)

 20 

Wade Boggs

(Baseball Player)

Birthdate: June 15, 1958

Sun Sign: Gemini

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Recommended Lists:

 21 

Marg Helgenberger

(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Catherine Willows’ in the TV Series ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’)

Birthdate: November 16, 1958

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Marg Helgenberger is best known for her Emmy-winning role as K.C. Koloski in the ABC series China Beach. Fans also loved her as Siobhan Ryan in the soap Ryan's Hope and as Catherine Willows in the series CSI: Crime Scene Investigation. She is also associated with a breast-cancer-related philanthropic venture.

 22 

Nicholas Sparks

(Novelist Known for His Best-Selling Tales of Romance and Heartbreak Like 'The Notebook' & 'Dear John')

Birthdate: December 31, 1965

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Novelist Nicholas Sparks is known for his bestselling books which have been translated into over 50 languages. Eleven of his books, such as Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, and The Notebook, have been adapted into films. He also owns the educational non-profit The Nicholas Sparks Foundation.

Recommended Lists:

 23 

Dick Cavett

(Comedian & Former Talk Show Host Notable for His Conversational Style and In-depth Discussions)

Birthdate: November 19, 1936

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Dick Cavett is an American comedian, television personality, and former talk show host. For five decades, Cavett made frequent appearances on the United State's nationally broadcast television. In 2020, Stephen Colbert on his TV show, Late Show with Stephen Colbert, acknowledged that Dick Cavett had served as a major influence due to his conversational style. 

 24 

Charlie Munger

(Investor, Businessman and Vice Chairman of ‘Berkshire Hathaway’)

Birthdate: January 1, 1924

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Died: November 28, 2023

Charlie Munger is an American businessman, investor, architectural designer, and former real estate attorney. Over the years, he has played an important role as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway. A well-known philanthropist, Charlie Munger has donated millions of dollars to universities and schools.

Recommended Lists:

 25 

Bob Gibson

(American Professional Baseball Player)

Birthdate: November 9, 1935

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

 26 

Jorge Garcia

(Actor and Comedian Known for His Role in the TV Series 'Becker' and 'Lost')

Birthdate: April 28, 1973

Sun Sign: Taurus

Actor and comedian, Jorge Garcia, is best known for his portrayal of Hugo "Hurley" Reyes in the TV series, Lost. An alumnus of the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), he also studied acting at the Beverly Hills Playhouse acting school. Besides acting in TV shows and films, he performs as a stand-up comedian as well.

Recommended Lists:

 27 

Ted DiBiase

(Retired Professional Wrestler and One of the Greatest Villains in Pro-Wrestling History)

Birthdate: January 18, 1954

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Ted DiBiase, or The Million Dollar Man, gained fame as a wrestler and is known for his association with WWE. He was part of WWE’s Legend program and held 30 titles, including the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. After his stints as a commentator and manager, he became a Christian minister.

 28 

Alexander Payne

(Director)

Birthdate: February 10, 1961

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Height: 5'10" (178 cm)

Recommended Lists:

 29 

Andrew Rannells

(Actor)

Birthdate: August 23, 1978

Sun Sign: Virgo

Height: 6'1" (185 cm)

 30 

Max Baer

(American Boxer: Features on 'The Ring' Magazine's List of 100 Greatest Punchers of All Time)

Birthdate: February 11, 1909

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Died: November 21, 1959

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Recommended Lists:

 31 

Robert Taylor

(Actor, Pilot)

Birthdate: August 5, 1911

Sun Sign: Leo

Died: June 8, 1969

Height: 6'0" (183 cm)

 32 

Ward Bond

(Actor)

Birthdate: April 9, 1903

Sun Sign: Aries

Died: November 5, 1960

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Recommended Lists:

 33 

Randy Meisner

(Retired American musician, singer, songwriter and founding member of the Eagles)

Birthdate: March 8, 1946

Sun Sign: Pisces

Birthdate: September 6, 1944

Sun Sign: Virgo

Swoosie Kurtz is an American actress who has received prestigious awards, such as Tony Awardsand Primetime Emmy Award in a career spanning more than half a century. Over the years, she has contributed immensely to the success of several popular TV series, such as Carol and Company.

Recommended Lists:

 35 

Dick Cheney

(46th Vice President of the United States (2001 - 2009))

Birthdate: January 30, 1941

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Dick Cheney was the vice president of the US from 2001 to 2009. He is considered to be one of the most powerful vice presidents ever and also one of the most unpopular politicians in the history of the US. He played an important role in America’s response to the September 11 attacks and backed the US invasion of Iraq.

 36 

Janine Turner

(Actress)

Birthdate: December 6, 1962

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Height: 5'6" (168 cm)

Recommended Lists:

 37 

Brandon Sanderson

(Epic Fantasy and Science-Fiction Writer Best Known for the 'Cosmere' Fictional Universe)

Birthdate: December 19, 1975

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Best known for works such as the Mistborn trilogy and The Emperor's Soul, sci-fi and epic fantasy author Brandon Sanderson had initially studied biochemistry and then switched to literature. He has also worked as a missionary in South Korea and now teaches creative writing at his alma, Brigham Young University.

 38 

David Janssen

(Best Known for His Role as ‘Richard Kimble’ in the TV Series ‘The Fugitive’)

Birthdate: March 27, 1931

Sun Sign: Aries

Died: February 13, 1980

David Janssen is best known for his portrayal of Richard Kimble in the series The Fugitive. He also played titular roles in Richard Diamond, Private Detective; O'Hara, U.S. Treasury; and Harry O. He made it to TV Guide’s list of the 50 Greatest TV Stars of All Time.

Recommended Lists:

Birthdate: September 20, 1975

Sun Sign: Virgo

Height: 5'10" (178 cm)

 40 

Robert Taylor

(Australian Actor)

Birthdate: 1963 AD

Height: 6'2" (188 cm)

Recommended Lists:

 41 

Emily Kinney

(actor, musician, singer, stage actor, television actor)

Birthdate: August 15, 1985

Sun Sign: Leo

Height: 5'5" (165 cm)

 42 

Lindsey Shaw

(Actress)

Birthdate: May 10, 1989

Sun Sign: Taurus

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

Birthdate: August 29, 1993

Sun Sign: Virgo

Height: 5'8" (173 cm)

Birthdate: September 8, 1985

Sun Sign: Virgo

Mina Kimes is an investigative journalist who has contributed for publications like ESPN The Magazine and Fortune. As someone who specializes in sports reporting and business, Kimes has been serving as a senior writer at ESPN for many years now. In 2019, she was hired to be a color commentator by the Los Angeles Rams for their preseason football games.

Birthdate: March 27, 1929

Sun Sign: Aries

Died: August 11, 1988

Height: 5'4" (163 cm)

 46 

Sean McDermott

(American football coach)

Birthdate: March 21, 1974

Sun Sign: Aries

 47 

Farrah Abraham

(American Reality Television Personality Best Known for Her Reality TV Shows ‘16 and Pregnant’ and ‘Teen Mom’)

Birthdate: May 31, 1991

Sun Sign: Gemini

Farrah Abraham soared to fame after appearing on the reality shows 16 and Pregnant and Teen Mom. She has also released an album and has authored a book that was featured on The New York Times bestseller list. She has also been part of Celebrity Big Brother and Couples Therapy.

Birthdate: April 27, 1937

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: March 2, 1992

Height: 5'2" (157 cm)

 49 

Gary Anderson

(Scottish Professional Darts Player)

Birthdate: December 22, 1970

Sun Sign: Capricorn

 50 

Harold Lloyd

(American Actor, Comedian and Stunt Performer)

Birthdate: April 20, 1893

Sun Sign: Taurus

Died: March 8, 1971