20 of Our Favorite Celebrities from Oklahoma

The state of Oklahoma has produced a slew of great stars. Oklahoma is home to a number of prominent people who have left their mark in a range of disciplines. We have award-winning Hollywood actors and actresses, professional athletes, billionaires, and country music stars from this beautiful state. This state is located in the South Central region of the United States. Oklahoma is culturally and ethnically diverse, with over 23 Native American languages and various European languages. Oklahoma is from a Choctaw word that means “red people.” Oklahoma is popularly referred to as “The Sooner State.” Oklahoma is well known for its outstanding American football performances, oil, and tornadoes. Oklahoma is one of the best states to live in and raise a family due to its affordable cost of living. Specifically, the cost of housing in this state is very reasonable, thus bringing down the average cost of living in Oklahoma. The Interior Highlands, the Great Plains, and Cross Timbers make up the geographical terrain of the Sooner State. From Blake Shelton and the Academy Award-winning actor Brad Pitt to the award-winning director Ron Howard are some of the mind-blowing talents that hail from Oklahoma. Here are 20 of the world’s most well-known celebrities who you may not have known were from Oklahoma.

20. Blake Griffin

A native of Oklahoma, Blake Austin Griffin is well-known for his performances as a professional basketball player. Griffin is currently playing for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association. Griffin started practicing and perfecting his basketball, baseball, and football skills during his school days. The Los Angeles Clippers selected him in the 2009 NBA draft due to his remarkable skills on the pitch. In 2011, Blake Griffin was crowned the NBA Rookie of the Year. The Sports Illustrated magazine also listed him among the 15 most remarkable rookies of all time.

19. James Garner

James Garner’s ability to capture his audience’s attention with his acting skills in television and film puts him on a pedestal. Garmer received recognition around the globe for his work in shows, such as “The Notebook,” “Murphy’s Romance,” “Decoration Day,” and “The Great Escape.” He has been featured in over 50 films throughout his six-decade acting career. For his contributions to the film and television industries, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and he also received the Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005.

18. Vince Gill

Born and raised in Norman, Oklahoma, Vince Gill was inspired by his father to pursue his music career. Vince Gill learned to play multiple musical instruments, such as the guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle, mandolin, and Dobro, at a young age. He has attained commercial success and popularity as both the lead vocalist of the Pure Prairie League band and as a solo musician. In the course of his musical career, Vince managed to record more than 20 studio albums, and he also sold over 26 million albums globally. His unique talent as a country music artist has earned him various awards, including 22 Grammy Awards and 18 CMA Awards.

17. Stephen Hillenburg

Stephen Hillenburg is a popularly known American animator. Stephen Hillenburg is the man behind the production of the longest-running animated TV series, “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Hillenburg is the author of “The Intertidal Zone,” a cosmic book about the marine world that inspired the creation of “SpongeBob SquarePants.” Stephen Hillenburg’s contribution to the animation series has earned him 2 Emmy Awards and 6 Annie Awards.

16. Dr. Phil McGraw

The majority of people are familiar with Dr. Phil from his fun TV show “Dr. Phil.” He is not only a well-known television star, but also a writer and mental health advocate and expert. Phillip McGraw was born in Vinita, Oklahoma. Before starting up his TV show, Dr. Phil made regular appearances on Oprah Winfrey’s show. McGraw has also published many books that are doing well in the market. In 2015, Forbes magazine named him the 15th highest-earning celebrity in the world.

15. Bill Goldberg

Bill Goldberg was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, into a Jewish family. In the 1990s, Goldberg was one of the most renowned and respected wrestlers. His entry into the wrestling ring was unintentional because he wanted to play football. An injury ended his goal of pursuing a football career, resulting in him joining World Wrestling Entertainment. Bill Goldberg rose to fame in his wrestling career by defeating some of the most well-known and successful wrestlers, including Lance Storm and The Rock. He is a two-time WCW World Heavyweight Champion, and he was also included in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018.

14. Sam Walton

Sam Walton is the founder of Wal-MartStores,s Inc. The business was ranked as the world’s largest firm in terms of income and the world’s largest private employer. The company has grown and presently operates thousands of outlets, including over 11,000 stores worldwide. Sam Walton is also the founder of the Walmart Foundation, which contributes to helping underprivileged individuals in society.

13. Mickey Mantle

Mickey Mantle is also referred to as “The Commerce Comet” and “The Mick.” He rose to fame by being one of the best American baseball players. Mantle played as the first baseman and center fielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball. He was one of the best sluggers and switch-hitters throughout the baseball tournaments. In 1974, Mickey Mantle was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

12. Kristin Chenoweth

Kristin Chenoweth is a renowned and talented actress and recording artist. Many people know this beauty as a performer in the musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Chenoweth was also featured in the popular television series “Pushing Daisies.” This star from Oklahoma got the honors of hosting the Oscars’ Red Carpet Live event. Her body of work has earned her a number of prestigious awards, including the Tony Award and an Emmy Award.

11. Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood is among the best female stars in the country music genre. Carrie was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Carrie made her initial steps toward stardom by winning a reality series at the beginning of her musical career. This country music star has released many romantic songs, but some are spiritual. Her fame is not limited to the United States; she also has a sizable fan base in Canada, Europe, and the United Kingdom. Carrie has received numerous vital honors and awards over the years, including the Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Incorporation Awards, and the Academy of Country Music Awards.

10. Bill Hader

The number ten celebrity on our list of the best superstars from Oklahoma is a renowned actor, writer, producer, and comedian. Bill Hader’s contributions toward the creation of the series “South Park,” the variety show “Saturday Night Live,” and the documentary “Now” have earned him four Emmy Awards nominations. Bill Hader definitely fits in our list as he inspires many young talents from Oklahoma and across the world.

9. Jim Thorpe

He is often recognized as an outstanding athlete of his era. Jim Thorpe was a multi-sport athlete who succeeded in a variety of sports. He started his sports career by playing football while still in college. After Jim Thorpe won an Olympic tournament, he got the honors of being congratulated by the King of Sweden, who named him the most outstanding athlete in the world. At the 1912 Summer Olympics in Stockholm, Jim Thorpe won two gold medals.

8. James Marsden

James Paul Marsden was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma. Marsden is a famous actor, model, and singer. He has made appearances in several cult classic television shows, including “30 Rock” and “Ally McBeal.” Throughout this star’s acting career, he has given outstanding performances in popular films such as “The Notebook,” “Enchanted,” and “X-Men.” James Marsden is one of Hollywood’s most brilliant actors, hailing from Oklahoma.

7. Troyal Garth Brooks

The number seven celebrity on our list of the best stars from Oklahoma is a three-time Grammy Award-winning country music singer. Troyal Garth Brooks is one of the most renowned music artists of this era. In terms of album sales, Troyal Garth Brooks has smashed various records in the music industry. The RIAA has ranked Brooks as the second best-selling solo artist in the United States. Most of his albums became massive hits, with a good number of them charting in the top 10 hits of the Billboard 100 or 200. Troyal Garth Brooks has elevated country music to new heights, introducing it to a whole new fanbase and ushering in a new era in the genre’s history.

6. Olivia Munn

Lisa Olivia Munn was born in Oklahoma City, but she later relocated to LA, where she pursued a career in TV. In addition to her being a television host, Olivia is also a popular actress. She was featured in several films, one of them being “Beyond the Break,” in which she starred as the lead. In 2010, Olivia Munn made an appearance on “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart” as a correspondent.

5. Blake Shelton

Blake Tollison Shelton is one of the most successful music artists in America. Blake has released 11 studio albums to date. He is also a renowned television personality, making appearances as a judge on several TV shows, including “The Voice,” “Nashville Star,” and “Clash of the Choirs.” Blake was featured as a voice actor in the popular animated film “The Angry Birds Movie” in 2016. Blake has been nominated for 109 awards throughout his career, and he has won 99 of them, including five “Academy of Country Music Awards.”

4. Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is an aggressive and successful country music singer from Oklahoma. Her massive hit singles, “How Blue” and “Somebody Should Leave,” helped her establish her music career. Reba started singing at a very young age while also learning to play the guitar. She is known for her signature impressive voice and her singing talent. Reba McEntire has won numerous awards and accolades, including two Grammys and the British Country Music Award for International Female Vocalist.

3. Ron Howard

Ron Howard’s performances in the American sitcoms “Happy Days” and “The Andy Griffith Show” have made him known around the globe. Ron Howard was born in Duncan, Oklahoma, into a theatrical family, and so he didn’t need much practice to enhance his acting skills because both of his parents were actors. Several popular movies featured him, including “The Shootist,” “The Courtship of Eddie’s Father,” and “American Graffiti.” In addition to being a very talented actor, Howard is also a director and producer. Some of the films he has directed are “A Beautiful Mind” and “The Da Vinci Code.” Ron Howard was also honored with a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2. Chuck Norris

At number two on our list is a martial artist who has made appearances in a number of action movies and television series. He is also the founder of Chun Kuk Do, a martial arts school. Chuck Norris’ interest in martial arts developed after being stationed in South Korea as an air policeman. He achieved the title of “Professional Middleweight Karate Champion,” which he held for six years in a row. Norris is a well-known author of Christian literature, in addition to being a martial artist and actor.

1. Brad Pitt

Brad Pitt is currently living his childhood dream of being one of the most iconic actors of his generation. Brad dropped out of college to pursue his acting career for his love for acting. “Fight Club” and “Ocean’s Eleven” are some of the popular movies he has been featured in. Brad Pitt is not only a star in the acting scene; he also owns a production label known as Plan B Entertainment, which has produced some remarkable films. This actor has wowed many people around the globe with his acting abilities and the humanitarian movements he campaigns for and actively contributes to.