List of people from Arkansas

State Flag of Arkansas

Location of Arkansas in the U.S. map

This is a list of people from Arkansas. Individuals on this list are either native-born Arkansans or emigrants who have chosen Arkansas as their permanent home.

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

Actors

• Adams, Joey Lauren (born 1968), actress
• Alexander, Katherine (1898–1981), actress
• Anderson, Bronco Billy (1880–1971), vaudeville actor
• Bentley, Wes (born 1978), actor
• Bumpass, Rodger (born 1951), actor, best known for voicing Squidward Tentacles from the animated series SpongeBob Squarepants
• Byrd-Nethery, Miriam (1929–2003), actress
• Canerday, Natalie (born 1962), actress, Sling Blade, October Sky
• Carter, John (1927-2015), actor, originally from Conway County
• Carter, Conlan (born 1934), actor on Combat!, younger brother of John Carter
• Davis, Daniel (born 1945), actor, best known as "Niles the butler" on television series The Nanny
• Davis, Gail, film actress, best known as Annie Oakley from 1950s television series
• Duke, Clark (born 1985), actor, Greek, Hearts Afire
• Foster, Kimberly (born 1961), actress, Dallas
• Gauge (born 1980), adult film actress
• Gerard, Gil (born 1943), actor
• Goff, Norris (1906–1978), actor, best known as Abner of Lum and Abner
• Gracen, Elizabeth (born 1961), actress, Highlander: The Raven
• Greenway, Tom (1909–1985), character actor, mostly on television westerns
• Harper, Tess (born 1950), actress
• Holt, Georgia (born 1926), actress, singer; mother of Cher
• Hunnicutt, Arthur (1910–1979), actor, known for his portrayal of wise, grizzled, old rural characters.
• Keener, Brandon (born 1974), actor
• Keshawarz, Donnie (born 1969), actor
• Ladd, Alan (1913–1964), actor
• Lauck, Chester (1902–1980), actor, best known as Lum of Lum and Abner
• Lawrence, Marjorie (1907-1979), actress, Metropolitan Opera diva
• Lofland, Jacob (born 1996), actor
• Lucas, Josh (born 1971), actor
• Luckinbill, Laurence (born 1934), actor
• Moore, Rudy Ray (1927–2008), actor
• Murphy, Ben (born 1942), actor, Alias Smith and Jones, Lottery!
• Nemec, Corin (born 1971), actor
• Newbern, George (born 1964), actor
• Powell, Dick (1904–1963), actor and director; founder of Four Star Television
• Ragsdale, William (born 1961), actor, Herman's Head, Grosse Pointe
• Russomm, Leon (born 1941), actor, Prison Break
• Smith, Wonderful (1911-2008), actor and comedian
• Snow, Norman (born 1950), actor
• Steenburgen, Mary (born 1953), Oscar-winning actress
• Tai, Kobe (born 1972), adult film actress
• Thornton, Billy Bob (born 1955), actor, Oscar-winning screenwriter
• Turner, Karri (born 1966), actress
• Tyler, Karmyn (born 1974), actress,
• Underwood, Sheryl (born 1963), actress, comedian, radio host
• Van Dyke, Jerry (born 1931), actor, comedian, brother of Dick Van Dyke; resides on his ranch near Malvern

Artists

• Alexander, Larry D. (born 1953), artist/writer
• Berry, Danielle Bunten (1949–1998), video game designer
• Braden, John (1949–2004), writer, producer, director
• Dudley, Carl Ward (1910–1973), filmmaker and producer
• Fisher, George (1923–2003), political cartoonist
• Green, David Gordon (born 1975), filmmaker
• Johnson, Kenneth (born 1942), screenwriter, director
• Jones, E. Fay (1921–2004), architect and designer
• Lindquist, Evan (born 1936), artist, printmaker, Artist Laureate of Arkansas
• Powell, Nate (born 1978), comic book artist
• Smith, Effie Anderson (1869-1955), impressionist landscape painter, educator, feminist
• Thomason, Harry (born 1940), television producer
• Washburn, Edward (1831–1860), painter of The Arkansas Traveler
• Wilson, Donald Roller (born 1938), painter

Athletes

A–M

• Anderson, James (born 1989), professional basketball player
• Andrews, Shawn (born 1982), professional football player
• Andrews, Stacy (born 1981), professional football player
• Ausbie, Herbert (Geese), professional basketball player with Harlem Globetrotters
• Bearden, Gene (1920–2004), professional baseball player
• Belcher, Alan Professional MMA Fighter
• Bell, Earl, Olympic pole vaulter
• Brisiel, Mike (born 1983), professional football player
• Brock, Lou (born 1939), professional baseball player, Hall of Famer
• Brown, Ray, professional football player, Arkansas State University alumnus
• Bryant, Paul 'Bear' (1913–2016), football coach
• Burlsworth, Brandon (1976–1999), college football player
• Burnett, A. J. (born 1977), professional baseball player
• Burrell, Pat (born 1976), professional baseball player
• Carr, Bill (1909–1966), Olympic runner and 2-time gold medalist
• Carthon, Maurice, professional football player
• Clay, Charles (born 1989), professional football player
• Clifton, Nathaniel (1922–1990), professional Hall of Fame basketball player
• Conley, Jr., Mike (born 1987), professional basketball player
• Daly, John (born 1966), professional golfer
• Daniels, Tank (born 1981), professional football player
• Davis, Willie (1940–2010), professional baseball player
• Dean, Dizzy (1910–1974), professional baseball player, Hall of Famer
• Dickey, Bill (1907–1993), professional baseball player, Hall of Famer
• Eudy, Sid (born 1960), professional wrestler
• Evans, Jeremy (born 1987), professional basketball player
• Fisher, Derek, professional basketball player
• Fraser, Matt, professional baseball player, Hall of Famer
• Gardner, Wes (born 1961), professional baseball player
• Gentry, Craig, professional baseball player
• Goode, Brett, professional football player
• Greene, Charles (born 1944), Olympic sprinter
• Hamm, Ed (1906–1982), Olympic long-jump gold medalist
• Hampton, Dan, professional football player, NFL Hall of Fame member
• Harris, Chris, professional football player
• Harris, Demetrius, professional football player
• Harrison, E.J. 'Dutch' (born 1910), professional golfer
• Harrison, Marcus (born 1984), professional football player
• Hickey, Howard "Red" (1917–2006), professional football player and coach
• Hillis, Peyton (born 1986), professional football player
• Hines, Jim (born 1946), track and field athlete
• Hocker, Zach (born 1991), professional football player
• Johnson, Joe (born 1981), professional basketball player
• Jones, Matt, professional football player
• Joyner, Al, track and field Olympian
• Kavanaugh, Ken (1916–2007), professional football player and coach
• Kell, George (1922–2009), professional baseball player, Hall of Famer
• Kessinger, Don (born 1942), professional baseball player and manager
• Lasker, Greg (born 1964), professional football player
• Lee, Cliff (born 1978), professional baseball pitcher
• Liston, Sonny (1932–1970), professional boxer, World Heavyweight Champion
• Lollar, Sherm (1924–1977), professional baseball player
• Mallett, Ryan (born 1988), professional football player
• Martin, Mark (born 1959), championship NASCAR driver
• McFadden, Darren, (born 1987), professional football player
• McReynolds, Kevin (born 1959), professional baseball player
• Mead, Pete (1924–2007), professional boxer
• Moncrief, Sidney (born 1957), professional basketball player
• Monday, Rick (born 1945), professional baseball player, sportscaster
• Moseley, Dustin (born 1981), professional baseball player

N–Z

• Nixon, Larry (born 1950), professional sport fisherman
• Nutt, Houston (born 1957), Collegiate Football Coach and Quarterback and Basketball Player
• Okam, Frank (born 1985), professional football player
• Parker, Blake (born 1985), professional baseball player
• Parnell, Jermey (born 1986), professional football player
• Perry, Joe (born 1927), professional football player
• Petrus, Mitch (born 1987), professional football player
• Pippen, Scottie (born 1965), professional basketball player, Hall of Famer
• Pitts, Elijah (1938–1998), professional football player and coach
• Portis, Bobby (Born 1995), Professional Basketball Player
• Randolph, Anthony (born 1989), professional basketball player
• Robinson, Brooks (born 1937), professional baseball player, Hall of Famer
• Roe, Preacher (1916–2008), professional baseball player
• Sain, Johnny (1917–2006), professional baseball player
• Shelley, Elbert (born 1964), professional football player
• Smith, Rod (born 1970), professional football player
• Smyly, Drew (born 1989), professional baseball player
• Sutton, Drew (born 1983), professional baseball player
• Switzer, Barry (born 1937), football coach
• Taylor, Jermain (born 1978), professional boxer
• Thornton, Cedric (born 1988), professional football player
• Thornton, Charley (1937–2004), sports figure
• Vaughan, Arky (1912–1952), professional baseball player, Hall of Famer
• Vines, Harry (1938–2006), wheelchair basketball coach
• Warneke, Lon (1909–1976), professional baseball player
• Weems, Sonny (born 1986), professional basketball player
• Williams, Corey (born 1980), professional football player
• Williams, Damian (born 1988), professional football player
• Williams, Deangelo (born 1983), professional football player
• Williams, Kevin (born 1980), professional football player
• Williamson, Corliss (born 1973), professional basketball player
• Wood, Travis (born 1987), professional baseball player

Authors

• Adler, Margot, journalist and correspondent
• Angelou, Maya (1928–2014), author, poet
• Atwell, Freda Cruse, author and historian
• Biggs, Brian (born 1968), author, illustrator, graphic artist
• Brown, Dee (1908–2002), author, historian, novelist
• Brown, Helen Gurley (1922–2012), author, editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine
• Collins, Nancy A., author
• Fletcher, John Gould (1886–1950), poet
• Grisham, John (born 1955), novelist
• Grossman, Dave, author
• Hamilton, Laurell K. (born 1963), horror/fantasy author
• Mathis, Deborah, journalist and author
• McGehee, Peter (1955–1991), novelist
• Portis, Charles (born 1933), novelist
• Shannon, George W. (1914-1998), journalist, editor of Shreveport Journal, 1953-1971
• Starr, John Robert (1927–2000), journalist
• Wilkins, Gina (born 1954), novelist
• Williams, Miller (born 1930), poet
• Woodward, C. Vann (1908–1999), historian

Business people

• Dillard, William T. (1914–2002), head of Dillard's Department Stores
• Max Frauenthal, Civil War hero, leading Conway merchant, and founding father of Heber Springs
• Hussman, Jr., Walter E. (born 1947), founder of WEHCO Media, Inc.
• Hussman, Sr., Walter E. (1906–1988), mass media magnate
• Johnson, John Harold, founder of Johnson Publishing Company
• Jones, Stephen, Executive Vice President/COO for the Dallas Cowboys
• McDonnell, James Smith (1899–1980), founder of McDonnell Aircraft
• Palmer, Clyde E. (1876–1957), founder of Palmer Newspapers
• Phillips, Charles (born 1959), CEO of Infor Global Solutions
• Steimel, Edward J. (born 1922), business lobbyist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, born in Pocahontas
• Tyson, Don (1930–2011), Tyson Foods Poultry processing
• Walton, Jim, son of Sam Walton, owner of Arvest Bank
• Walton, Sam (1918–1992), founder of Wal-Mart Inc.
• Wilson, Kemmons (1913–2003), Holiday Inn hotel founder
• Wood, Forrest L. (born 1932), founder of Ranger Boats

Military figures

• Alexander, John Hanks (1864–1894), pioneering African-American naval officer
• Alley, James "Mo", World War II veteran and member of the famed "Easy Company"
• Bacon, Nicky Daniel (1945–2010), First Sergeant, U.S. Army, Medal of Honor recipient, Distinguished Service Cross, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars and two Purple Hearts; director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs, United States delegate to normalize relations with Vietnam, President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Chair Emeritus of the American Board for Certification in Homeland Security, Military Police Hall of Fame
• Beall, William N.R. (1825–1883), Confederate Brigadier General
• Bolling, Raynal (1877–1918), first high-ranking U.S. Army casualty in WWI
• Borland, Solon (1808–1864), Confederate Brigadier General
• Britt, Maurice "Footsie", World War II soldier, Medal of Honor recipient, Distinguished Service Cross recipient, Silver Star recipient, first American soldier to receive the three highest medals for bravery; was also an NFL player and Lt. Governor of Arkansas
• Cabell, William L. (1827–1911), Confederate Brigadier General
• Churchill, Thomas J. (1824–1905), Confederate Major General
• Clark, Wesley (born 1944), U.S. Army General, NATO Commander
• Cleburne, Patrick (1828–1864), Confederate Major General
• Conway, James (born 1947), US Marine Corps Lieutenant General
• Darby, William Orlando (1911–1945), first commander of the US Army Rangers
• Davis, Herman, a Distinguished Service Cross recipient and World War I sniper
• Dockery, Thomas P. (1833–1898), Confederate Brigadier General
• Eberle, Edward Walter (1864–1929), U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations
• Fagan, James F. (1827–1893), Confederate Major General
• Gordon, Nathan G. (born 1916), USN PBY pilot, received Medal of Honor for rescuing 15 downed aircrew members by landing his aircraft under enemy fire
• Govan, Daniel C. (1829–1911), Confederate Brigadier General
• Hathcock, Carlos (1942–1999), Marine sniper
• Hawthorn, Alexander T. (1825–1899), Confederate Brigadier General
• Hindman, Thomas (1828–1868), US Congressman and Confederate Major General
• Holbrook, Lucius Roy (1875–1952), US Major General
• Izard, George (1776–1828), US Army General, War of 1812
• Kindley, Field E. (1896–1920), World War I flying ace
• MacArthur, Douglas (1880–1964), US General of the Army, Medal of Honor recipient
• McCright, Ewell Ross (1907–1990), US Air Force Captain, World War II, Prisoner of War and Legion of Merit recipient
• McKennon, Pierce (1919–1947), World War II fighter ace veteran of RAF Eagle Squadron, 335thFS/4thFG, 20 German aircraft destroyed
• McNair, Evander (1820–1902), Confederate Brigadier General
• McRae, Dandridge (1829–1899), Confederate Brigadier General
• Pike, Albert (1809–1891), Confederate General, Freemason
• Randleman, Denver "Bull", World War II veteran
• Roane, John S. (1817–1867), Brigadier General
• Rust, Albert (1818–1870), Confederate Brigadier General
• Tappan, James C. (1825–1906), Confederate Brigadier General
• Thach, John (1905–1981), US Navy Admiral, World War II flying ace
• Tinker, Frank Glasgow (1909–1939), Spanish-Civil War volunteer fighter pilot
• Wassell, Corydon M., U.S. Navy physician and medical missionary
• Yell, Archibald (1797–1847), Brigadier General, killed at the Battle of Buena Vista during the Mexican-American War

Musicians

A–M

• Allen, Kris (born 1985), singer-songwriter, winner of American Idol – the eighth season
• Bennett, Roger (1959–2007), Southern gospel pianist, singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the award-winning gospel quartet Legacy Five; served nearly 20 years as pianist for The Cathedrals
• Black Oak Arkansas (formed 1963), Southern rock hillybilly psycho-boogie band
• Broonzy, Big Bill (1903–1958), blues singer, songwriter and guitarist
• Brown, Shirley (born 1947), soul singer
• Burgess, Sonny, Sun recording artist
• Cadillac, Aj (born 1988), rapper
• Caldwell, Sarah (born 1924), opera conductor and director, violinist
• Campbell, Glen (1936-2017), country singer, songwriter, and actor
• Cash, Johnny (1932–2003), country singer and songwriter
• Cramer, Floyd, musician, most known for his piano instrumental "Last Date"
• Dash, Roscoe (born 1990), rapper
• DeMent, Iris (born 1961), country/folk singer and songwriter
• Dickinson, Jim (born 1941), musician and producer
• Ditto, Beth (born 1981), singer with The Gossip
• Dorough, Bob (born 1923), jazz musician and voice of School House Rock
• Driftwood, Jimmy (1907–1998), folk musician/songwriter, wrote "The Battle of New Orleans"
• Fairchild, Barbara (born 1950), country and gospel singer
• Falco, Tav, musical performer, performance artist, actor, filmmaker, and photographer
• Faulkner, Sanford (1806–1874), wrote fiddle tune "Arkansas Traveler"
• Frizzell, Lefty (1928–1975), Country music singer and songwriter
• Green, Al (born 1946), singer
• Hammer, Charles Christian (1953–2004), classical guitarist
• Hawkins, Ronnie (born 1935), rock musician
• Helm, Levon (1940–2012), rock musician
• Hendricks, Barbara (born 1948), opera singer
• Hilliard, John S. (born 1947), composer
• Holyfield, Wayland (born 1942), songwriter
• Jewell, Buddy, country musician
• Jordan, Louis (1908–1975), jazz musician and bandleader
• Lawrence, Tracy (born 1968), country musician
• Lee, Amy (born 1981), rock musician
• Lockwood, Robert Jr. (1915–2006), blues musician
• McBeth, W. Francis (1933–2012), composer
• Montana, Patsy (1914–1996), country musician
• Moody, Ben (born 1980), rock musician
• Moore, Justin (born 1984), country musician
• Moorman, Charlotte (1933–1991), cellist, performance artist

N–Z

• Nancarrow, Conlon (1912–1997), composer
• Ne-Yo, R&B musician, songwriter
• Norful, Smokie, gospel singer (reared in Arkansas)
• Oslin, K.T. (born 1941), country musician
• Page, Frank (1925–2013), radio broadcaster, KLRA in Little Rock and KWKH in Shreveport, Louisiana; introduced Elvis Presley to national radio audience in 1954 at Louisiana Hayride
• Paris, Twila (born 1958), gospel musician
• Porter, Art Jr. (1961–1996), jazz saxophonist
• Porter, Art Sr. (1934–1993), jazz pianist
• Raye, Collin (born 1960), country musician
• Rice, Wilbur Stephen "Bill" (born 1939), country musician
• Rich, Charlie (1932–1995), rockabilly, jazz, blues, country, and gospel musician and pianist
• Sanders, Pharoah (born 1940), jazz saxophonist
• Smith, W. Stephen (born 1950), baritone opera singer, voice teacher and author
• Still, William Grant (1895–1978), composer
• Taylor, Johnnie (1934–2000), vocalist
• Tomlinson, Tommy (1930-1982), guitarist born in Hampton, Arkansas
• Twitty, Conway (1933–1993), rock and roll and country music singer
• Utley, Michael (born 1985), songwriter, actor, musician, bit actor, member Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band and Club Trini
• Walker, Junior (1931–1995), Motown saxophonist
• Warfield, William (1920–2002), vocalist
• Williams, Lenny (born 1945), singer
• Williams, Otis, singer
• Williamson, Sonny Boy (1899–1965), blues musician

Political figures

See also: List of Governors of Arkansas and United States congressional delegations from Arkansas

A–B

• Alexander, Randy (born 1951), Republican former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Washington County, 2013–2015
• Alexander, Jr., William Vollie "Bill" (born 1934), Democratic US Representative from 1969 to 1993
• Alford, Dale (1916–2000), US Representative from Little Rock from 1959–1963; unsuccessful gubernatorial candidate in Democratic primary in 1962 and 1966
• Altes, Denny (born 1948), former member of both houses of the Arkansas State Legislature; Vietnam War veteran from Fort Smith
• Arnold, Morris S. (born 1941), US Appeals Court judge
• Arnold, Richard S. (1936–2004), US Appeals Court judge
• Babbitt, Wayne H. (1928–1994), Republican politician
• Baird, Duncan (born 1979), Arkansas state budget director since 2015; Republican former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
• Ballinger, Bob (born 1974), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Washington, Carroll, and Madison counties
• Barclay, Richard L. (born 1937), former state representative and director of Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
• Barnett, Jonathan (born 1955), state representative for Benton and Washington counties
• Beck, Rick, electrical engineer and Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Conway and Perry counties
• Beebe, Mike, former governor of Arkansas
• Bennett, Camille, Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Lonoke
• Bentley, Mary Elizabeth (born 1961), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Perry, Pope, Yell, and Conway counties since 2015; a businesswoman and former nurse in Perryville
• Bethune, Edwin Ruthvin (born 1935), US Representative from 1979–1985
• Biviano, Mark (born 1960), Republican former state representative from White County, 2011–2015
• Blake, Charles (born 1983), Democratic African-American member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Pulaski County since 2015
• Blaylock, Len E. (1918–2013), Republican politician
• Bledsoe, Cecile (born 1944), Republican state senator and former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Rogers
• Borland, Solon (1808–1864), US Senator
• Bowers, Drew (1886–1985), Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1926 and 1928; assistant U.S. attorney in Little Rock
• Boyd, Justin (born c. 1975), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Fort Smith since 2015; pharmacist
• Branscum, David (born 1958), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Searcy County
• Britt, Henry M. (1919–1995), Republican politician and judge from Hot Springs; his party's 1960 gubernatorial nominee
• Brown, Karilyn (born c. 1947), Republican member of the MI House of Representatives from Pulaski County since 2015
• Bryant, Kelly (1908–1975), secretary of state
• Bumpers, Dale (1925-2016), U.S. Senator and Arkansas Governor
• Bynum, Preston C. (born 1939), lobbyist and politician

C–D

• Caldwell, Jim R. (born 1936), first Republican to serve in the Arkansas State Senate in the 20th century, 1969 to 1978; Church of Christ minister retired in Tulsa, Oklahoma
• Caldwell, Ronald R. (born 1951), Republican member of the Arkansas State Senate from Cross County
• Caraway, Hattie (1878–1951), first woman U. S. Senator
• Carey, Harvey Locke (1915–1984), U. S. attorney for the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana 1950–1952, born in Cross County
• Carnine, Skip (born 1941), Republican former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Rogers (2009–2015)
• Carter, Davy (born 1975), Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives
• Cherry, Francis Adams (1908–1965), governor from 1953–1955
• Childers, Marvin (born 1961), former state representative from Mississippi County, lawyer and lobbyist for poultry industry in Little Rock
• Chrisman, Marshall (born 1933), Republican state representative from Franklin and Johnson counties, 1969–1970; gubernatorial candidate, 1980 and 1982
• Alan Clark (born 1960), Arkansas Republican state senator from Garland County
• Clemmer, Ann (born 1958), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representative from Saline County; professor of political science at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock
• Clinton, Bill (born 1946), 42nd President of the United States
• Clinton, Chelsea (born 1980), daughter of Bill
• Clinton, Hillary (born 1947), First Lady of the United States (1993-2001), U.S. Senator from New York (2001-2009), U.S. Secretary of State (2009-2013), and 2016 Democratic nominee for President
• Close, Carl B. (1907–1980), Louisiana politician; native of Conway County
• Cobb, Osro (1904–1996), lawyer, Republican politician from Montgomery County and later Little Rock
• Cockrill, Sterling R. (born 1925), Republican former politician from Pulaski County; urban planner, businessman, artist
• Cohee, Bob (1938–2013), county judge of Baxter County and Republican state chairman in 1982
• Conway, Henry W. (1793–1827), territorial delegate
• Coon, Ken (born 1935), politician and psychologist
• Cooper, John R. (born 1947), Republican member of the Arkansas State Senate from Craighead County
• Copeland, Donnie (born 1961), Pentecostal pastor in North Little Rock and Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 38, 2015 to 2017
• Cotton, Tom (born 1977), U.S. Senator from Arkansas since 2015
• Cozart, Bruce (born 1955), politician and developer from Hot Springs
• Crank, Marion H. (1915–1994), Speaker of the Arkansas House, 1963–1964; Democratic gubernatorial nominee, 1968
• Dale, Robert E. (born 1946), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from District 68 (Pope and Van Buren counties)
• Davis, Andy (born 1975), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from District 31 since 2013
• Davis, Danny K. (born 1941), U.S. Representative from Illinois
• Deffenbaugh, Gary (born 1949), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Van Buren in Crawford County
• Della Rosa, Jana (born 1976), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Benton and Washington counties since 2015
• Dickey, Jay (born 1939), U.S. Representative from Arkansas's 4th congressional district, 1993–2001
• Dotson, Jim (born 1978), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Bentonville
• Douglas, Charlotte (born 1952), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Crawford County
• Douglas, Dan (born 1957), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Bentonville
• Drown, Trevor (born c. 1970), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Pope and Van Buren counties since 2015

E–G

• Eads, Lance (born c. 1968), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Washington County since 2015; unseated Randy Alexander in 2014 Republican primary
• Eaves, Les (born c. 1967), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for White County since 2015
• Elders, Joycelyn (born 1933), former Surgeon General of the United States
• English, Jane (born 1940), member of the Arkansas State Senate from North Little Rock since 2013; former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
• Eubanks, Jon (born 1951), state representative for Logan County since 2011
• Farrer, Joe (born 1962), state representative from Lonoke County
• Faubus, Orval Eugene (1910–1994), governor from 1955–1967
• Ferguson, Kenneth B. (born c. 1951), Democratic African-American member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Jefferson and Lincoln Counties since 2015
• Files, Jake (born 1972), state senator from Fort Smith since 2011
• Fite, Charlene (born 1950), Republican state representative for Crawford County since 2013
• Fite, Lanny (born c. 1949), Republican state representative for Saline County since 2015, former county judge
• Flippo, Scott (born 1980), state senator from Baxter, Boone, and Marion Counties; businessman in Bull Shoals
• Flowers, Stephanie (born c. 1953), state senator from Pine Bluff and former state representative; African-American attorney
• Flowers, Vivian (born c. 1969), African-American state representative from Pine Bluff; diversity officer at the UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock
• Ford, Clay (1938–2013), member of both the Arkansas and Florida House of Representatives
• Foster, Vince (1945–1993), Presidential aide
• Freeman, Woody (born 1946), businessman and 1984 Republican gubernatorial nominee
• Fulbright, J. William (1905–1995), U.S. Senator
• Garland, Augustus H. (1832–1899), U.S. Attorney General
• Gillam, Jeremy (born 1976), Republican state representative from Lonoke County
• Gossage, Bill (born 1957), Republican state representative from Franklin County
• Grabiel, John W. (1867–1928), Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1922 and 1924
• Gray, Michael John (born c. 1976), Democratic member of the Arkansas House for Independence, Jackson, White, and Woodruff counties since 2015
• Gray, Michelle (born 1976), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representative for Independence, Izard, Sharp, and Stone counties since 2015
• Griffith, Leon (1936–2010), master plumber and the Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1976; lost handily to David Pryor
• Guinn, Kenny (born 1936), Governor of Nevada from 1999 to 2007; Arkansas native

H–K

• Hammer, Kim (born 1958), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Saline County; Baptist clergyman in Benton
• Hammerschmidt, John Paul (1922–2015), former U.S. Representative of Arkansas' 3rd congressional district; congressional sponsor of the Buffalo National River
• Harris, Justin (born 1975), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Washington and Crawford counties
• Hawthorne, Fonda F. (born 1956), Democratic former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Little River County
• Heiskell, John (1872–1972), US Senator and newspaper publisher
• Henderson, Kenneth (born c. 1963), member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Pope County; real estate developer in Russellville
• Hendren, Jim (born 1963), member of the Arkansas State Senate from Benton County since 2013; former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
• Hendren, Kim (born 1938), former member of the Arkansas State Senate and the Arkansas House of Representatives from Benton County
• Henley, Ben C. (1907–1987), Arkansas state Republican chairman from 1955 to 1962, lawyer and businessman in Harrison
• Henley, J. Smith (1917–1997), federal judge in Fayetteville, retired to senior status in Harrison; brother of Ben Henley
• Hester, Bart (born 1977), Arkansas state senator from Benton County
• Hickerson, Prissy (born 1951), Republican state representative from Texarkana; former member of the Arkansas Highway Commission, one of two women to have chaired the panel and namesake of Hickerson Highway in Texarkana
• Hickey, Jr., Bart (born 1966), Arkansas state senator from Texarkana
• Hinshaw, Jerry E. (1917–2003), Republican state representative from Springdale from 1981 to 1996
• Hodges, Grant (born c. 1991), Arkansas state representative for Benton County since 2015
• Holland, Bruce (born 1968), former state senator for Sebastian County
• Holleman, Harlan "Bo" (1927–1982), Republican party state chairman
• Holt, Jim L. (born 1965), Republican politician
• Hopper, Karen (born 1960), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Baxter County
• House, Douglas (born 1953), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Pulaski and Faulkner counties
• Huckabee, Mike (born 1955), governor from 1996 to 2007
• Hurst, Q. Byrum (1918–2006), Hot Springs attorney and state senator from 1950–1972
• Hutchinson, Asa (born 1950), former US representative
• Hutchinson, Donna (born 1949), member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Benton County
• Hutchinson, Jeremy (born 1974), Arkansas state senator
• Hutchinson, Tim (born 1949), former US representative and former US senator
• Hutchinson, Timothy Chad (born 1974), former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Benton County
• Hutchison, John K. (born 1959), Arkansas former state representative from Poinsett, Craighead, Jackson, and Independence counties
• Jean, Lane (born 1958), Arkansas state representative from Columbia, Lafayette, and Miller counties; former mayor of Magnolia
• Johnson, Bob (date of birth missing), Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Pulaski County since 2013; former justice of the peace
• Johnson, Jim (1924–2010), Arkansas Supreme Court Justice, segregationist leader
• Johnson, Robert W. (1814–1879), U.S. and Confederate States Senator
• Kerr, Allen (born 1956),former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Pulaski County
• Key, Johnny R. (born 1968), former member of the Arkansas State Senate for Baxter County

L–M

• Ladyman, Jack (born c. 1946), mechanical engineer and Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Craighead County since 2015
• Laney, Benjamin Travis (1896–1977), governor
• Lea, Andrea (born 1957), Arkansas State Auditor since 2015; Republican former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Pope County
• Lemons, Tim (born c. 1962), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 43 in Lonoke County
• Linck, Kelley (born 1963), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Marion County
• Lincoln, Blanche (born 1960), former U.S. Senator and former U.S. Representative
• Lloyd, Marilyn (born 1929), former U.S. Representative from Tennessee
• Lowe, A. Lynn (1936–2010), former Arkansas Republican state chairman and unsuccessful nominee for U.S. House of Representatives (1966) and governor (1978)
• Lowery, Mark (born 1957), member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Pulaski County since 2013
• Lundstrum, Robin (born c. 1962), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Benton and Washington counties since 2015
• Malone, Stephanie (born 1978), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Sebastian County since 2009
• Martin, Mark R. (born 1968), Secretary of State of Arkansas
• Mayberry, Andy (born 1970), member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Saline County; author of the law banning abortion in Arkansas after twenty weeks of gestation
• Mayberry, Julie (born c. 1971), wife of Andy Mayberry and his successor in the Arkansas House, effective January 2015
• McClellan, John L. (1896–1977), Chairman Senate Appropriations Committee
• McElroy, Mark (born c. 1955), Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representative for Desha, Chicot and Ashley counties since 2013
• McMath, Sid (1912–2003), former Arkansas Governor, trial lawyer, and Marine Corps General
• McNair, Ron (born c. 1950), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Boone and Carroll counties since 2015
• Meeks, David (born 1972), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Faulkner County
• Meeks, Stephen (born 1970), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Faulkner County; brother of David Meeks
• Miller, Gary (born 1948), U.S. Representative from California
• Miller, Joshua D. "Josh" (born 1981), member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Heber Springs
• Mills, Wilbur Daigh (1909–1992), chairman of United States House Ways and Means Committee
• Murphy, Isaac (1799–1882), Governor of Arkansas

N–R

• Neal, Micah (born 1974), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Springdale
• Nicks, Milton (born c. 1950), state representative for Crittenden and Cross counties since 2015; Baptist pastor in Earle, resident of Marion, Arkansas
• Nowotny, George E. (born 1932), state representative from Sebastian County from 1967 to 1972
• Parker, Isaac (1838–1896), "Hanging Judge" of Fort Smith
• Patrick, Danny L. (1941–2009), Republican state representative from Madison and Carroll counties from 1967 to 1970
• Payton, John (born 1967), Republican state representative from White and Cleburne counties since 2013
• Petty, Rebecca (born c. 1970), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Benton County; advocate of child crime victims, resident of Rogers
• Pitsch, Mathew, Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Fort Smith since 2015
• Pollan, Carolyn (born 1937), state representative from Sebastian County from 1975 to 1999
• Pryor, David, US Senator, governor, US representative; founding dean of the Clinton School of Public Service
• Pryor, Mark (born 1963), U.S. Senator; son of David Pryor
• Ranchino, Jim (1936–1978), political scientist, consultant, and pollster
• Remmel, Pratt C. (1915–1991), only Republican to have been mayor of Little Rock in the 20th century, Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1954
• Rice, Terry (born 1954), Republican member of the Arkansas Senate, former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives; businessman and rancher in Waldron
• Richmond, Marcus (born 1956), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Scott County
• Ricketts, Willis (1924–2003), Republican gubernatorial nominee in 1962
• Robinson, Joseph T. (1872–1937), Senate Majority Leader and Vice Presidential candidate
• Robinson, Tommy F. (born 1942), sheriff, US representative
• Rockefeller, Winthrop (1912–1973), Governor of Arkansas
• Rockefeller, Winthrop Paul (1948–2006), lieutenant governor
• Ross, Mike (born 1961), U.S. Representative 2001–2013; unsuccessful Democratic gubernatorial nominee in 2014
• Rushing, Laurie (born c. 1968), member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Garland and Hot Spring counties since 2015; real estate broker in Hot Springs
• Rutherford, J.T. (born 1921), U.S. Representative from Texas

S–Z

• Sample, William H. "Bill" (born 1946), member of both houses of the Arkansas General Assembly from Hot Springs since 2005
• Sanders, David J. (born 1975), Arkansas state senator from Pulaski County; former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives
• Sanders, Sarah Huckabee (born 1982), White House Press Secretary
• Sandlin, Max (born 1952), U.S. Representative from Texas
• Schwarzlose, Monroe (1902–1990), maverick gubernatorial candidate
• Scott, Sue (born 1954), member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Rogers
• Sessions, William S. (born 1930), FBI Director
• Sevier, Ambrose H. (1801–1848), US Senator, "Father of Arkansas Statehood"
• Shackelford, Lottie, Democratic National Committee Vice Chair
• Sheets, Jim (born 1931), state representative from 1967 to 1968; first Republican to represent Benton County in legislature in the 20th century
• Slinkard, Mary Lou (born 1943), state representative from Benton County since 2009
• Smith, Brandt (born 1959), state representative since 2015 for Craighead County; former Southern Baptist missionary
• Smithson, Jim L. (born 1943), state representative from 1974–1984, mayor of Marshall
• Snyder, John W. (1895–1985), U.S. Treasury Secretary
• Snyder, Vic (born 1947), US Representative 1997–2011
• Sorvillo, Jim (born c. 1948), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for District 32 in Pulaski County
• Spicer, William L. (1918–1991), chairman of the Arkansas Republican Party from 1962 to 1964; intraparty rival of Winthrop Rockefeller
• Standridge, Greg (born c. 1967), Arkansas state senator for Newton, Pope, Boone, Carroll, and Van Buren counties since 2015; insurance agent in Russellville
• Stubblefield, Gary (born 1951), Arkansas state senator from Franklin County
• Sturch, James (born c. 1990), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Independence County since 2015
• Sullivan, Dan A. (born 1950), Arkansas state representative for Craighead and Greene counties since 2015
• Thomasson, Jerry (1931–2007), state representative from 1962 to 1966; unsuccessful Republican candidate for state attorney general in 1966 and 1968
• Tosh, Dwight (born c. 1948), state representative since 2015 from Jonesboro; retired state police officer
• Townsend, Wallace (1882–1979), attorney and Republican politician
• Troxell, Leona (1913–2003), Republican politician
• Vaught, DeAnn (born c. 1969), farmer and member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Sevier County
• Wallace, Dave (born c. 1948), member of the Arkansas House of Representatives from Mississippi and Poinsett counties since 2015; decorated Vietnam War veteran
• Watkins, Wes (born 1938), U.S. Representative from Oklahoma
• Westerman, Bruce (born 1967), Majority Leader of the Arkansas House
• White, Frank Durward (1933–2003), governor from 1981–1983
• Williams, Eddie Joe (born 1954), state senator and former mayor
• Witt, James Lee (born 1944), former FEMA Director
• Wolf, Judy Petty (born 1943), former state representative
• Womack, Richard (born 1974), state representative from Arkadelphia
• Womack, Shawn (born 1972), judge of the Arkansas 14th Judicial District; Republican former member of both houses of the Arkansas legislature from Baxter County
• Woods, Jon (born 1977), state senator
• Word, James (born c. 1953), Democratic former member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Jefferson and Lincoln counties
• Wright, Marshall (born c. 1975), Democratic member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for Monroe, St. Francis, Woodruff, and Lee counties since 2011

Scientists & Physicians

• Elders, Joycelyn (born 1933), former Surgeon General of the United States
• Good, Mary L. (born 1931), former Chair and first female member of the American Chemical Society board
• Kountz, Samuel L. (1930-1981), pioneer in organ transplant surgery
• McMillan, William L. (1936-1984), National Academy of Sciences physicist noted for his research on superconductors
• Wilson, Taylor (born 1994), nuclear physics prodigy; youngest person to achieve fusion, at the age of 14
• Yaşargil, Gazi (born 1925), named "Neurosurgery's Man of the Century" by the Congress of Neurological Surgeons

Social figures

• Bates, Daisy (1914–1999), civil rights leader
• Cleaver, Eldridge (1935–1998), activist
• Hill, Robert L. (born 1892, date of death unknown), black leader at Elaine Race Riot
• Jones, Scipio Africanus (1863–1943), African-American attorney
• Terry, Adolphine Fletcher (1882–1976), social activist
• Thaden, Louise (1905–1979), aviation pioneer
• Washburn, Cephas (1793–1860), Indian missionary

Other Arkansans

• Slim, Amarillo (born 1928), professional poker player
• Arnn, Larry P., president of Hillsdale College since 2000
• Bayliss, Garland (1924-2015), historian and administrator at Texas A&M University, born in McGehee in Desha County
• Besser, Matt (born 1967), comedian
• Black, James (1800–1872), manufacturer of the 'Bowie' knife
• Bogard, Ben M. (1868–1951), clergyman
• Bond, George W. (1891–1974), educator and college president
• Covey, Richard O. 'Dick' (born 1946), astronaut
• Dirkhising, Jesse (1986–1999), crime victim
• Doolin, Bill (1858–1896), outlaw and founder of the Wild Bunch, born in Johnson County
• Gilliland, Edwin (1909–1973), chemical engineer
• Gracen, Elizabeth Ward (born 1961), Miss America, actress
• Graham, Jack (born 1950), pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church in Plano, Texas
• Griffin, Bob (born 1934), broadcast journalist since 1961n in Shreveport, Louisiana, born in Fort Smith
• Hamzy, Connie, prolific rock groupie noted as "Sweet, Sweet Connie" in the Grand Funk Railroad 1973 song "We're An American Band"
• Hicks, Bill (1961–1994), comedian
• Holmes, T. J. (born 1977), CNN weekday anchor
• Humbard, Rex (1919–2007), televangelist
• Doss Nathan Jackson (1895–1968), clergyman
• Johnson, Kenneth (born 1942), writer, director and producer
• Jones, Paula (born 1966), sued President Bill Clinton for sexual harassment
• Keohane, Nan, President of Duke University
• May, Ralphie (born 1972), comedian
• Mitchell, Martha (1918–1976), wife of John N. Mitchell
• Nichols, Jeff, screenwriter and director
• Owens, Freeman, pioneer in cinematography
• Parazynski, Scott E. (born 1961), astronaut
• Rinaldo, Theodore (1944–2000), charismatic religious leader, businessman, and convicted child sex offender
• Selman, John, outlaw
• Stephens, Steve, radio and television host
• Stocks, Heath, convicted murderer who killed his family in Lonoke
• Turner, Debbye, (born 1967), Miss America 1990, television host/news anchor
• Utley, Terri (born 1962), Miss USA 1982
• Webb, John Joshua, gunslinger
• Worsley, Roger L., educator

See also

• Lists of Americans