Famous People From Texas

Texas may not live up to residents' biggest boasts, but famous people from Texas do make a big splash in media and history. Some of the most famous people from Texas include politicians, actors and artists, in addition to military heroes and explorers. 

1. Willie Nelson. This singer and songwriter was born in Abbott in the Lone Star State. Nelson's songs feature Texas, including and album titled, "Texas in My Soul." To honor the native son, the city of Austin renamed Second Street after their local hero. Drivers now head down "Willie Nelson Boulevard." 
2. Dan Rather. Veteran newscaster Dan Rather played up his Texas roots by using common Lone Star colloquialisms, including comments about wondering to wind the watch or howl at the moon. While Texans got the reference, the rest of the country listened and wondered. Rather was born in Wharton, Texas. 
3. Dwight David Eisenhower. Dwight D. was born in 1890 in Denison, Texas. The former U.S. president serving after World War II was also a military commander and war hero. He served as POTUS from 1953 until 1961.
4. Steven Fuller Austin. The state capitol takes its name from early settler and military man Austin. The soldier helped lead the cause to admit Texas to the American union. 
5. Gene Autry. Known as "The Singing Cowboy," Autry was a famous Texan. Autry was born in Tioga, Texas and became famous for his singing and film appearances. Autry went on to own the California/Anaheim Angels baseball team, before selling out in old age to Disney Corporation. 
6. Carol Burnett. Comedian Burnett was born in Teleco, Texas. Burnett stared in several long-running television programs using her name. She also appeared in films, including "Annie" in 1982.
7. Lyndon B. Johnson. Former president Lyndon B. Johnson was born near Stonewall, Texas. LBJ served as president from 1963 to 1969, taking over when John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Texas. Johnson was Kennedy's vice president. LBJ's presidency brought him a place on the famous Texan list with his poverty projects, voting rights legislation and Great Society programs. 
8. Sandra Day O'Connor. El Paso native O'Connor represented her state on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her parents were cattle ranchers and she grew up knowing how to ride a horse. Her national claim to fame includes a noteworthy law career and serving as the first woman on the U.S. Supreme Court. One of the famous people from Texas, O'Connor's legacy will be noted in school history books. 
9. Robert Rauschenberg. Avant guard artist and famous person from Texas Rauschenberg was born in Port Arthur. The famous Texas abstract artist died in 2008.
10. Wiley Post. Texas has its share of famous people who work in aviation, and the state hosts the Houston Space Center. Noted aviator Wiley Post was born in Grand Saline, Texas, and was the first person to fly solo around the world in 1931.
11. Howard Hughes. Industrialist, movie mogul, inventor and investor, Howard Hughes made millions in investments and on his businesses. Hughes was born in Houston, but he lived throughout the world. 
12. Joan Crawford. This San Antonio native was known as a famous actress, in addition to being a famous person from Texas. Crawford's first film was "Pretty Ladies" in 1925 under the name of Lucille LeSueur. 
13. Gene Roddenberry. Star Trek fans know this El Paso, Texas famous Texan. Roddenberry produced the television show and several of the films. He died in 1991, and his ashes were launched via rocket into space in 1997.