List of people from Hampton Roads

This is a list of important people and celebrities that were either born in or have lived in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, United States.

Chesapeake

• Terry "Magnum T.A." Allen (b. 1959) – professional wrestler, known for his time in the National Wrestling Alliance
• Ed Beard (b. 1939) – professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers
• Dré Bly (b. 1977) – professional football player with the Denver Broncos
• Michael Copon (b. 1982) – star of One Tree Hill and winner of VH1's But Can They Sing?
• Chris Crocker (b. 1980) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
• Michael Cuddyer (b. 1979) – professional baseball right fielder for the colorado rockies
• Kenny Easley (b. 1959) – professional football player with the Seattle Seahawks
• Jeff Falk – NASCAR driver
• DeAngelo Hall (b. 1983) – professional football cornerback for the Washington Redskins
• Ashton Lewis (b. 1972) – NASCAR driver
• Alonzo Mourning (b. 1970) – professional basketball player for the Miami Heat
• Darren Perry (b. 1968) – football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Chris Richardson (b. 1984) – American Idol season 5 top-5 finalist
• Ricky Rudd (b. 1956) – professional NASCAR race car driver
• Josh Rupe (b. 1982) – professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers
• Elton Sawyer (b. 1959) – NASCAR driver
• B.J. Upton (b. 1984) – professional baseball shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays; drafted #2 overall in 2002
• Justin Upton (b. 1987) – professional baseball player drafted #1 overall in 2005 by the Arizona Diamondbacks
• Adrienne Warren (b. 1987) - professional singer, actress and dancer. Portrays Lorrell Robinson in the 2010 National Tour of Dreamgirls; singer for Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball starting third baseman for the New York Mets

Hampton

• Ronald Curry (b. 1979) – professional football player for the Oakland Raiders
• Steve Earle (b. 1955) – popular country-rock musician and songwriter
• Shaun Gayle (b. 1962) – professional football player with the San Diego Chargers
• Chris Hanburger (b. 1941) – popular Washington Redskins player in the 1970s
• Mike Husted (b. 1970) – former kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, and Washington Redskins
• Allen Iverson (b. 1975) – professional basketball player, point guard for the Philadelphia 76ers
• Nikki Nova (b. 1972) – actress
• Dwight Stephenson (b. 1957) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Dwight White (1949–2008) – defensive end on the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 1970s glory years
• Jimmy F. Williams (b. 1984) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
• Steve Wilson – jazz musician – alto and soprano saxophones, flute – composer
• Roy "Future Man" Wooten (b. 1957) – musician
• Victor Wooten (b. 1964) – musician
• Jerod Mayo (b. 1986) - professional football player with the New England Patriots drafted 10th overall in 2008

Newport News

• Willie Armstead (b. 1952) – former professional football player in the Canadian Football League
• Pearl Bailey (1918–90) – Tony award winning actress and singer
• Antoine Bethea (b. 1984) – professional football player for the Indianapolis Colts
• Larry Bethea (1956–87) – late professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys
• Darryl Blackstock (b. 1983) – professional football player for the Cincinnati Bengals
• Aaron Brooks (b. 1976) – former professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders, land developer
• Elton Brown (b. 1982) - former professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals
• Joyce Bulifant (b. 1937) – television actress
• Robert Cray (b. 1953) – blues guitarist
• Frankie Faison (b. 1949) – film actor
• Ella Fitzgerald (1917–96) – jazz singer
• The Five Keys – popular soul and doo-wop act in the 1950s; featuring Newport News locals Ripley Ingram, Bernie West, Dickie Threat and Rudy West
• Johnny Gilbert (b. 1924) – announcer for the hit television quiz show Jeopardy!
• Marques Hagans (b. 1982) - NFL Player
• Henry Jordan (1935–77) – former professional football player for the Green Bay Packers and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Richard Kelly (b. 1975) – film director and writer; films include Donnie Darko and Domino, among others
• Leroy Keyes (b. 1947) – former professional football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles
• J. J. Lankes (1884–1960) – Woodcut artist, lived for many years in the Hilton Village neighborhood
• Michael Maguire (b. 1955) – Tony award-winning actor
• Queen Esther Marrow (b. 1941) - Soul and Gospel singer
• David Macklin (b. 1978) – professional football player for the Washington Redskins
• J. Clyde Morris – the first executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, former city manager of the City of Warwick and namesake of that stretch of U.S. Route 17 from Warwick Blvd. to Interstate 64
• Hazel R. O'Leary (b. 1937) – former Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton and currently President of Fisk University
• Clifford "Quan" Peacock – underground Hip hop artist
• Tommy Reamon (b. 1952) – former pro football player and coach.
• Austin Roberts (b. 1945) – singer and songwriter
• Nick "The Goat" Thompson (b. 1981) Professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter. Bodog Fight Welterweight Champion
• Tony "Tonedeff" Rojas – underground Hip hop artist
• Norm Snead (b. 1939) – former professional football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
• William Styron (1925–2006) – author of The Confessions of Nat Turner and Sophie's Choice
• Mike Tomlin (b. 1972) – head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Al Toon (b. 1963) – former professional football player for the New York Jets
• Marcus Vick (b. 1984) – former NFL player, quarterback for Virginia Tech
• Michael Vick (b. 1980) – football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles

Norfolk

• Adam Anderson - driver of the Taz and Grave Digger Monster Trucks, and son of Monster Truck driver Dennis Anderson
• Dennis Anderson - driver of the Grave Digger Monster Truck in the monster truck series, Monster Jam
• Mason Andrews (1919–2006) – physician who delivered America's first in vitro baby, visionary leader of Norfolk's late 20th century renaissance
• Gordon Banks musician (b. 1955) - guitarist and music director for Marvin Gaye
• Al Barks (b. 1936) - Negro league baseball player
• Gary "U.S." Bonds (b. 1939) – singer and songwriter
• Plaxico Burress (b. 1977) – professional football wide receiver for the New York Jets
• William Harvey Carney (1840–1908) – African-American soldier of the American Civil War, Medal of Honor recipient for his part in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry's assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina
• Clarence Clemons – saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band and former player for the Norfolk Neptunes football team
• Alex Cosmidis – Minor League baseball player and manager and Major League scout
• William Couper (1853–1942) – Sculptor
• Colgate Whitehead Darden, Jr. (1897–1981) – U.S. Representative, Governor of Virginia, Chancellor of the College of William and Mary and the third President of the University of Virginia
• Charles "Lefty" Driesell (b. 1931) – famed basketball coach at Davidson University, the University of Maryland, College Park, James Madison University, and Georgia State University
• Rob Estes (b. 1963) – actor
• Samuel Face (1923–2001) – inventor
• William Fuller (b. 1962) – professional football defensive end for the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears
• Stephen Furst (b. 1954) – television actor
• Henry Howell (1920–97) – Independent Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
• General Norman Johnson (b. 1943) – R&B musician
• Lawrence "LoJo" Johnson (b. 1974) - 2x Olympian in Pole Vault, Olympic Silver Medalist, World Champion
• Naomi Long Madgett (b. 1923) – African American poet
• Mae – indie rock band
• Timothy "Timbaland" Mosely (b. 1971) – Hip hop artist and producer, longtime associate of Missy Elliott
• Ryan Farish (b. 1974) - music composer, artist, publisher, and record executive of Rytone Entertainment.
• Thomas W. Moss, Jr. (b. 1928) – Democratic Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1992–2000
• Wayne Newton (b. 1942) – a.k.a. "Mr. Las Vegas"; singer and songwriter
• Tim Reid (b. 1944) – television actor, director, and film executive
• M. Jodi Rell (b. 1946) – Republican Governor of Connecticut, 2004–present
• Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–76) – First President of Liberia
• Larry Sabato (b. 1952) – National Political Pundit and Professor at the University of Virginia
• Bob Saget (b. 1956) – actor and comedian, current host of 1 vs. 100; best known for his role as Danny Tanner on the 1987-95 series Full House as well as the original host of America's Funniest Home Videos
• Ed Schultz (b. 1954) – pundit and TV personality for MSNBC
• Deborah Shelton (b. 1948) – actress; Miss USA 1970, 1st runner-up in Miss Universe contest
• John Wesley Shipp (b. 1956) – television actor
• Bruce Smith (b. 1963) – Pro Football Hall of Fame football player for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins
• Joe Smith (b. 1975) – professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers
• Keely Smith (b. 1932) – nightclub singer, wife and stage partner of Louis Prima
• Margaret Sullavan (1909–60) – actress and wife of Leland Hayward
• Littleton Waller Tazewell (1774–1860) – U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator and Governor of Virginia
• Scott Travis (b. 1961) – drummer for rock band Judas Priest
• John Paul Vann (1924–72) - U.S. soldier and civilian active in Vietnam
• Marc Vann (b. 1954) – actor
• Brandon Vera (b. 1977) – Mixed Martial Artist, currently signed to UFC
• Gene Vincent (1935–71) – rock-a-billy artist recorded the huge hit "Be-Bop-A-Lula"
• Ben Watson (b. 1980) – American Football player for the New England Patriots
• Ernie Watts (b. 1945) – composer, jazz saxophonist, and long-time touring member of The Rolling Stones
• Joe Weatherly (1922–64) – NASCAR driver
• Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker (b. 1964) - boxer; 1984 Olympic gold medalist, professional champion in 4 weight classes
• Thomas Wilkins (b. 1954) - Orchestra Conductor for Omaha Symphony and other major national orchestras; Raised in Young Park Housing Project.
• Patrick Wilson (b. 1973) – actor
• David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball player for the New York Mets.

Portsmouth

• V. C. Andrews (1923–86) – mystery and horror writer
• Marty Brennaman (b. 1942) – sportscaster for the Cincinnati Reds
• Karen Briggs (b. 1963) – Violinist
• Ruth Brown (1928–2006) – Grammy-award winning singer and entertainer
• Bebe Buell (b. 1953) – fashion model, famous groupie and mother of Liv Tyler
• Mahlon Clark (1923–2007) – musician
• LaTasha Colander (b. 1976) – track and field sprint star, 2000 Olympic Gold Medalist (4x400m)
• Missy Elliott (b. 1971) – rapper
• Perry Ellis (1940–86) – fashion designer
• John Facenda (1913–84) – WCAU news anchor from 1948–1973; better known as the "Voice of NFL Films" until his death in 1984
• Clifton C. Garvin (b. 1922) – President and CEO of Exxon
• Chandler Harper (1914–2004) – golfer
• Chad Hugo (b. 1974) – musician and producer in the Neptunes and N.E.R.D.
• Ben L. Jones (b. 1941) – actor and politician
• T. J. Jordan (b. 1986) – basketball player
• LaShawn Merritt (b. 1986) – 2008 Olympic Gold Medal winning sprinter
• George "Shadow" Morton (b. 1944) – record producer and songwriter
• Bismarck Myrick (b. 1940) – U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho
• Tommy Newsom (1929–2007) – musician featured in Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show Band with Doc Severinsen
• Patton Oswalt (b. 1969) – comedian and television actor
• Ace Parker (b. 1912) – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback who also played baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics
• William Russ (b. 1950) – actor
• Bill Schneider (b. 1944) – political commentator for CNN
• Wanda Sykes (b. 1964) – actress, comedian, and comedy writer
• Nicole Wray (b. 1981) – rapper and protege of Missy Elliott
• Mike Watt (b. 1957) – musician Founding Member and bassist of influential SST hardcore Punk band Minutemen (band) Current bassist for recently reunited, incredibly influential 60's band The Stooges
• William "Bill" Deal (b. 1944 - d. 2003) - musician and leader and founder of Bill Deal and the Rhondels

Suffolk

• Johnnie Barnes (b. 1968) – Graduate of Hampton University and former football player for the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Charlie Byrd (1925–99) – jazz guitarist
• Mills Edwin Godwin, Jr. (1914–99) – twice Governor of Virginia
• Joe Maphis (1921–86) – country music singer and songwriter
• Mr. Peanut (b. 1916) - Famous legume of the Planters snack food company
• Terrence Warren (b. 1969) - former NFL player and All-American sprinter at Hampton University

Virginia Beach

• Arsis - technical death metal group
• Ken Barefoot - former NFL tight end for the Washington Redskins
• Kyle "K-Dogg" Benham – Associate Producer for Elliot in the Morning
• BLACKstreet – R&B group
• Rudy Boesch (b. 1928) – third place finalist on Survivor: Borneo (first season)
• John Fox (b. 1955) - Head Coach of the Denver Broncos
• J. Evan Bonifant (b. 1985) – actor
• Maria Boren – contestant on The Apprentice 2
• Bill Bray (b. 1983) – graduate of Ocean Lakes High School. professional baseball player drafted in the 1st round 13th overall in the 2004 mlb draft by the Montreal Expos; Currently playing for the Cincinnati Reds
• Paul "Cubby" Bryant (b. 1971) – National Radio Host
• Curtis Bush (b. 1962) – World Champion Kickboxer and Actor
• Clipse – rap group
• Cheryl "Coko" Clemons (b. 1973) – Former member of SWV and now Gospel Music singer
• Jason George (b. 1972) – television actor
• Tommy Griffiths (b. 1961) – Radio broadcaster, WNOR "Tommy and the Bull", "Tommy and Rumble", currently host WBIG morning show in Washington, DC and WVMA in Norfolk
• Percy Harvin (b. 1988) – Current football player for the Minnesota Vikings
• Floyd "Danja" Hills (b. 1982) – Hip-hop producer, Timbaland's protege
• Chad Hugo (b. 1974) – Hip hop artist, member of duo The Neptunes
• Chyler Leigh (b. 1982) – actress, co-star of Not Another Teen Movie
• Evan Marriott (b. 1974) – reality television star on Joe Millionaire
• Ryan McGinness (b. 1972) - American artist
• Scott McKenzie (b. 1939) – singer and songwriter
• Sean Murphy (b. 1984) – NASCAR driver
• Juice Newton (b. 1952) – pop and country singer
• Brandon Noble (b. 1974) – professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins
• Gerald P. Pulley (b. 1922) – United States naval photographer
• J.R. Reid (b. 1968) – former professional basketball player
• Mark Reynolds (b. 1983) – professional baseball player
• Teddy Riley (b. 1967) – musician and songwriter
• Pat Robertson (b. 1930) – founder of Regent University and The 700 Club
• Aaron Rouse (b.1984) - Professional football player for the Green Bay Packers
• Mark Ruffalo (b. 1967) – American film and television actor
• Todd Schnitt (b. 1966) – Syndicated radio shows, MJ Morning Show and Schnitt Show
• Grace Sherwood (1660–1740) – the so-called Witch of Pungo (now exonerated after 300 years)
• Danny Tidwell (b. 1984) – professional dancer and finalist on So You Think You Can Dance
• Kendra Todd (b. 1978) – winner of The Apprentice 3
• Travis Wall (b. 1987) – professional dancer and finalist on So You Think You Can Dance
• Pharrell Williams (b. 1973) – Hip hop artist, member of record producing duo The Neptunes
• Ryan Farish (b. 1974) - music composer, artist, publisher, and record executive of Rytone Entertainment.
• Ryan Zimmerman (b. 1984) – Professional baseball player for the Washington Nationals
• Carl Summerell (b. 1952) - Professional football player for the New York Giants.
• Wade Barrett (b. 1976) - Professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo.
• Corey Ashe (b. 1986) - Professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo.

Williamsburg

• Jimmy Fortune (b. 1955) – vocalist with the Statler Brothers
• Mel Gray (b. 1961), professional football player and member of NFL all decade team of 1990s
• Bruce Hornsby (b. 1954) – singer and songwriter
• Wayne Kirby (b. 1964), Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians
• Linda Lavin (b. 1937) – actress
• Seven Mary Three – alternative rock band
• Ron Springs (b. 1956) – played running back for the Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Shawn Springs (b. 1975) – football player for the Washington Redskins
• Lawrence Taylor (b. 1959) – former professional football player for the New York Giants, professional wrestler, and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Jack Tatum of indie rock band Wild Nothing
• George Wythe (1726–1806) – First professor of law at William and Mary teaching future Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, and future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall. Signer of the Declaration of Independence

York County

• Terry Kirby (b. 1970) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders
• Thomas Nelson, Jr. (1738–1789) Signer of the Declaration of Independence
• Bryan Randall (b. 1983) – 2005 ACC Football Player of the Year
• Chris Slade (b. 1971) – professional football player for the New England Patriots
• Kyle Hines (b. 1993) – professional football player who was drafted in 2011 by the Miami Dolphins