20 of Our Favorite Celebrities From New Orleans

New Orleans is the most iconic city in the state of Louisiana. It’s known for colorful celebrations and vibrant culture. It’s the home of Mardi Gras, and some of the best food and entertainment in the world. New Orleans is a cultural trove that is packed with everything you need to move into a new life experience. One visit can leave you with wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Some of the celebrities we know and love were fortunate to be born in the city, or to have at least, called it their home. Here are twenty of our favorite celebrities from New Orleans.

1. Cokie Roberts

The Famous People shares that American journalist and author Cokie Roberts was a native of New Orleans. Ms. Roberts was born Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne Roberts in New Orleans, Louisiana on December s27, 1943. She enjoyed a long and successful career, appearing on “Morning Edition,” World News Tonight,” “This Week,” “The MacNeil Lehrer NewsHour,” “ABC News,” “National Public Radio,” and many others. She was one of the most prolific journalists of her time. Cokie passed away in September of 2019 at the age of 75.

2. Sabrina Le Beauf

Sabrina Le Beauf is an actress who is best known for her appearances in “The Cosby Show” during the 1990s. Shee has a long history of stage and musical appearances. You may also remember her appearances on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Howard Beach,” “In Your Backyard,” “Homes with Style” and “Making a Case for Murder.” She is also a talented entrepreneur and owner of an interior design business. Sabrina was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 21, 1958. She is currently 63 years old.

3. Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis is a famous non-fiction writer and journalist who was also born in New Orleans, The 61-year old celebrity was born in New Orleans on October 15, 1960. He attended Isadore Newman School and went on to graduate from Princeton University, then the London School of Economics. He launched his successful writing career in 1989, releasing “Liar’s Poker.” This was followed by “Moneyball,” in 2003, “the Blind Side” in 2006, “The Big Short” in 2010, “Flash Boys” in 2014, “The Undoing Project,” “The Fifth Risk” and most recently, “The Premonition” in 2021. Many of his non-fiction novels are based on his personal experiences. “The Blind Side” was made into a movie with Sandra Bullock in a leading role. Lewis has appeared multiple times on the New York Times bestsellers lists and he has won two Los Angeles Times Book Prizes.

4. Tristin Mays

Tristin Mays is an actress who is best known for her role in the “MacGyver” series reboot as Riley Davis. Tristin was born in New Orleans on June 10, 1990. She didn’t stay long in New Orleans as her family moved to New York City, then California’s Moreno Valley. Mays is also known for her appearances in “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide,” “Zeke and Luther,” “True Jackson V, “Everybody Hates Chris,” “VP,” “Big Time Rush,” “The Vampire Diaries,” “Victorious,” and several others.

5. Danny Granger

Danny Granger is a famous American Basketball Player who played with the Pacers in the early 2000s era. He was born in New Orleans on April 20, 1983. He is currently 38 years old. Granger attended college in New Mexico and was treated in 2005, by the Indiana Pacers. He was named as the Most Improved Player of the league and listed as an All-Star. He sustained a knee injury in 2012 but recovered and went on to play for the Philadelphia 76ers as a trade, before moving to the LA Clippers, the Miami Heat, and finally rounding out his career with the Phoenix Suns and the Detroit Pistons.

6. Sam Trammell

Sam Trammell is an actor who launched his career in 1996 as a stage actor appearing on Broadway and Off-Broadway. He also appears in television and film roles. He is best known for his role as Sam Merlotte on the drama series “True Blood.” Trammell also played Richard Miller in “Ah, Wilderness!” earning a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Play. You may remember him in “White Rabbit,” in the role of Hazel’s father, Michel Lancaster in “The Fault in Our Stars.” He also appeared in the Netflix horror series “The Order” in 2019. Trammell was born in New Orleans on January 29, 1969, and attended Brown University before becoming a professional actor.

7. Avery Johnson

Avery Johnson is a celebrity in the sports world. He is an NBA player turned coach. Avery was born in New Orleans on March 25, 2016. He attended St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, before attending college at New Mexico JC, Cameron, and Southern. In 1988 he played point guard for the Palm Beach Stingrays, moving to the Seattle Supersonics for the 1988-90 season. He also played for the Denver Nuggets, the San Antonio Spurs, the Houston Rockets, and the Golden State Warriors during his long and successful career as a pro basketball player. He became an assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks in 2004, moving to the Brooklyn Nets, then Alabama. His jersey Number Six was retired by the San Antonio Spurs. He was named SWAC Player of the Year consecutively in 1987 and 1988.

8. Lil Wayne

Lil Wayne is a famous American rapper born in New Orleans on September 27, 1982. He is best known for his hit song “Lollipop,” released in 1997 when he was with the group Hot Boys. He released the album “I Am Not a Human Being in 2010. The album dropped while Lil Wayne was serving a one-year prison sentence for p[possessing a handgun illegally. He was an honor student up until age 14 when she dropped out of school to pursue his love of music.

9. DJ Khaled

DJ Khaled is another famous person in the music industry born in New Orleans. He was born in the city on November 26, 1975. He is one of the most famous music producers in the world today, best known for his release of “Kiss the Ring” in 2012. He was nominated for a Grammy Award for the song “I’m The One” in 2012. He received a Snapchatter of the Year’s Shorty Award in 2016 and the Ozone Awards’ DJ of the Year in 2008. He appeared with Lil Wayne on the song “Take It to the Head.”

10. Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon is an American actress best known for her starring role in the “Legally Blonde” franchise. She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana on March 22, 1976. She started as a fashion model when she was just seven years old. She went on to appear in many other popular films including “Wild,” “Sweet Home Alabama,” “Water for Elephants,” “Hot Pursuit,” “Walk the Line,” “Cruel Intentions,” and others. Rees won a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, an Academy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award for her role as June Carter Cash, appearing in the leading role with Joaquin Phoenix in “Walk the Line.

11. Tyler Perry

Tyler Perry is a famous TV producer born in New Orleans, Louisiana on September 13, 1969. The 52-year old is also a filmmaker, director, playwright, and actor. He was highlighted as one of the highest-paid men in the entertainment world in 2011 by Forbes Magazine. He started his career with a series of letters he wrote to himself, that he turned into a musical titled “I Know I’ve Been Changed.” He is best known for writing “Madea’s Family Reunion

12. August Alsina

August Alsina is an R&B singer who got his start uploading videos on YouTube in 2007. He was just 14 at the time. His cover of the song “Hypothetically” got the attention of many viewers. He released his debut album in 2011, and called it “Untitled.” followed by “2013s,” and “the Product 2.” He also released an EP titled “Downtown: Life Under the Gun” in 2013. He also released “Testimony” in April of 2014. He came from rough family life. His parents were addicted to cocaine and his brother died of a shooting in 2010. He was born in New Orleans on September 3, 1992, and is currently 29 years old.

13. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning is a celebrity that is best known as a retired NFL football player. He was born in New Orleans on March 24, 1976. He and his brother Eli Manning became famous as football star athletes. He went to the Super Bowl XLI named MVP with the Indianapolis Colts, setting records for passing yards and touchdowns. He played for the Colts for 14 seasons, moving to the Denver Broncos, and taking them to the Super Bowl for a win in 2016. Peyton was named Gatorade’s National Player of the Year. he set school records for the University of Tennessee and at New Orleans High School before he became famous as a pro baller. He is now seen on television commercials as a product representative since his retirement.

14. Anthony Mackie

Anthony Mackie is an actor who is best known for his role as Martin Luther King Jr. in the film “All the Way.” He also appeared in the biopic film “Notorious,” in the role of Tupac Shakur. He made his film debut in the film “8 Mile” with Eminem in 2002. Before fame, he attended the prestigious Julliard School, graduating in 2001. He was born in New Orleans on September 23, 1978. Anthony’s acting career got a boost after she appeared in “Million Dollar Baby,” “The Hurt Locker,” and when he landed the part of character sSam Wilson/Falcon in “Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” and Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

15. John Larroquette

Experience New Orleans reports that actor John Larroquette was born in New Orleans. He is best known for his role in the sitcom “Night Court,” from the 1980s. He has had ups and downs in his personal life, fighting an addiction to alcohol. Larroquette got on top of his problems to move on with his acting career appearing in “Boston Legal,” and The John Larroquette Show.” He also appeared in “The Best man” on Broadway.

16. Jay Thomas

Jay Thomas was an American actor who was also born in New Orleans. he was known as a college sports radio announcer. He also became a comedian and an actor. He appeared in several television sitcoms early in his career, such as “Mork and Mindy,” with Robin Williams. He also appeared in “Murphy Brown” and “Cheers.” He passed away in 2017 of cancer.

17. Patricia Clarkson

Patricia Clarkson is an award-winning actress who was also born in New Orleans. She launched her acting career in 1985, appearing in theater, television, and film. She’s known for her work with Tom Hanks, Justin Timberlake, and Woody Allen. She has earned two Emmy Awards and received a nomination for an Oscar Award.

18. Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong was one of the most famous musicians in the world. He was a native son of New Orleans. Louis followed his passion for music to become one of the most influential people in the jazz music world. He played the coronet as a child and started his career as a musician playing on various Mississippi riverboats. he changed to trumpet playing and became one of the best players in the nation. Mr. Armstrong was a black civil rights supporter, but he did so privately. He stayed in hotels that didn’t allow black people to be during the dark days when segregation in society disallowed people based on the color of their skin. He was called various nicknames, including Dipper, Pops, and Satchmo.

19. Emeril Lagasse

Emeril Lagasse is one of the most famous chefs in the world. As a young chef, he was not yet well-known. He earned a scholarship to the New England Conservatory, studying percussion, then he moved on to the Johnson & Wales University to learn more about becoming a chef. He took over as the executive chef of Commander’s Palace in his hometown New Orleans. He has since built many restaurants, authored numerous cookbooks, and appears on The Food Network.

20. Harry Connick, Jr.

Harry Connick, Jr. is a musician, composer, conductor, and actor. The multitalented phenomenon was borns in New Orleans. He launched his professional career with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra when just nine years old. He moved to New York to be a jazz piano musician and became a vocalist. He has many bestselling albums to his credit. He is at home with his family in New Orleans. Harry remains active as a popular speaker and philanthropist.

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