- Louis Armstrong, an iconic figure in the world of jazz, was born on August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, Louisiana, a city known as the birthplace of jazz. Raised in a challenging environment marked by poverty, Armstrong had a tough upbringing that was far from ideal. However, his humble beginnings did not deter him from pursuing his passion for music. His journey into music started when he was just a child, playing a tin horn on the streets of New Orleans. A local Jewish family, the Karnofskys, who recognized his musical talent and gave him a real trumpet, significantly influenced his early life. Armstrong's career took a significant turn when he joined the "King Oliver Creole Jazz Band" in 1922. His unique style of play, characterized by creative improvisations, rhythmic innovation, and a distinctive gravelly voice, quickly made him a standout performer. He moved to Chicago in the mid-1920s, where he made some of his most influential recordings with his bands the Hot Five and the Hot Seven. These recordings showcased Armstrong's ability to transform jazz from a group-oriented folk music into an art form that emphasized solo performance. Despite facing racial discrimination throughout his life, Armstrong's influence transcended the boundaries of race and culture. He toured extensively in the 1930s and 1940s, earning the nickname "Ambassador Satch" and becoming one of the first African American entertainers to achieve widespread popularity among both white and black audiences. With hits like "What a Wonderful World" and "Hello, Dolly!", Armstrong left an indelible mark on the music industry. He passed away on July 6, 1971, but his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians across the globe.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Patricia Clarkson is a revered figure in the world of acting. Born on December 29, 1959, in New Orleans, Louisiana, she developed a passion for performing at a young age and pursued her dreams by studying drama at Yale University's School of Drama. After graduating, Clarkson embarked on a journey that would see her grace the stages of Broadway, as well as the screens of Hollywood. Clarkson's career spans across several decades, encompassing a range of roles that demonstrate her versatility as an actress. She made her film debut in The Untouchables in 1987 and since then, her filmography has grown to include notable performances in films such as High Art, Far from Heaven, and Pieces of April. The latter earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress, showcasing her ability to deliver compelling performances that resonate with audiences and critics alike. In addition to her success in film, Clarkson has also made significant strides in television. Her portrayal of Sarah O'Connor in HBO's Six Feet Under earned her two Emmy Awards, a testament to her exceptional acting abilities.Through her illustrious career, Patricia Clarkson has established herself as a formidable talent, leaving a lasting legacy in the entertainment world.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Born in Metairie, Louisiana in 1958, Ellen DeGeneres began her career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s, performing at small clubs and coffeehouses before eventually breaking into the mainstream. Her unique brand of humor, characterized by observational comedy and self-deprecating wit, quickly gained traction and led to her first big break in 1986 when she was invited to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. This appearance catapulted DeGeneres into the national spotlight, marking the start of a long and successful career in comedy. In 1994, DeGeneres took her talent to television with the launch of her sitcom, Ellen. The show was a critical and commercial success, earning numerous accolades and becoming one of the highest-rated programs on ABC. However, it was in 1997 that DeGeneres made history: in a groundbreaking episode of the show, her character came out as gay, making Ellen the first prime-time sitcom to feature an openly gay leading character. This event mirrored DeGeneres' own life, as she publicly came out as gay around the same time. DeGeneres' influence extends beyond comedy. In 2003, she ventured into daytime television with The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which quickly became one of the most popular talk shows in America. Over its run, the show has won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and has been lauded for its positive depiction of LGBTQ+ individuals. Additionally, DeGeneres has used her platform to advocate for various charitable causes, including animal rights and disaster relief.
- Birthplace: Metairie, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- John Larroquette spent a majority of his acting career in the courtroom, playing crude and sex-obsessed Dan Fielding in "Night Court" (NBC, 1984-1992). The tall actor won four Emmy Awards for Best Supporting Actor as the hilariously vulgar Assistant District Attorney on the long-running courtroom comedy. Larroquette won his fifth Emmy in 1998 as a guest star on two episodes of another legal themed series "The Practice" (ABC, 1997-2004). In 2007, after having played everything from a bus driver to a detective to a Klingon, the TV veteran made a triumphant return to the courtroom when he joined the cast of "Boston Legal" (ABC, 2004-09). He also shined in non-legal roles, starring as a recovering alcoholic in the darkly funny sitcom "The John Larroquette Show" (NBC 1993-96) and as a newly-retired inventor on "Me, Myself and I" (CS 2017- ).
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Reese Witherspoon, born as Laura Jeanne Reese Witherspoon on March 22, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., is a widely acclaimed American actress, producer, and entrepreneur. Her early years were spent in Germany where her father served as a lieutenant colonel in the US Army reserves. However, her family returned to the U.S when she was four years old. She began her career in entertainment at the age of 14 with the film The Man in the Moon, which earned her a nomination for a Young Artist Award. Witherspoon's breakthrough came in 1999 when she starred in the comedy-drama Election, earning her a Golden Globe nomination. But it was her role as Elle Woods in the comedy Legally Blonde in 2001 that catapulted her into Hollywood stardom. This performance solidified her standing as one of America's most talented and versatile actresses, earning her a second Golden Globe nomination. In 2005, she won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in the biographical musical film Walk the Line. Aside from her acting career, Witherspoon has made significant strides as a producer and entrepreneur. She established her production company, Pacific Standard, in 2012 to create more roles for women in film and television. This venture produced several critically acclaimed films, including Gone Girl and Wild. In 2016, she extended her entrepreneurial prowess to launch Draper James, a Southern-inspired retail brand that mirrors her personal style and Southern roots. With her diverse accomplishments in acting, producing, and business, Reese Witherspoon continues to be a formidable force in the entertainment industry.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
The 25+ Best Reese Witherspoon Movies, RankedSee all
- 1Legally Blonde991 Votes
- 2Sweet Home Alabama928 Votes
- 3Walk the Line780 Votes
- Lil Wayne, born as Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., is a renowned American rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive who has indelibly etched his name in the annals of hip-hop music. Born on September 27, 1982 in New Orleans, Louisiana, he began his journey into the world of professional music at an incredibly young age. At just nine years old, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as their youngest member - a testament to his early talent. The rapper's career trajectory skyrocketed with the release of Tha Block Is Hot (1999), which was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. However it was with the Tha Carter series that Lil Wayne garnered immense popularity and critical acclaim. Notably among them is Tha Carter III released in 2008 which won him four Grammy Awards including Best Rap Album. This album included singles like Lollipop, A Milli and others that topped various charts. Apart from being a successful solo artist, Lil Wayne also co-founded the label Young Money Entertainment which once served as home for artists such as Drake and Nicki Minaj. His influence extends beyond music; he has made appearances in video games and documentaries while inspiring many upcoming artists through his unique lyrical style and dedication to craft.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
The Best Lil Wayne Albums of All TimeSee all- 1Tha Carter III548 Votes
- 2Tha Carter II454 Votes
- 3Tha Carter IV337 Votes
- As a founding member of "The Not Ready for Primetime Players" on the ground-breaking sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" (NBC, 1975- ), Garrett Morris enjoyed mainstream notoriety even through frustrations with his limited role on the program. After 10 years of training as a singer, musician and actor on the stages of New York, Morris came to "SNL" as an outsider, being the oldest and only African-American performer in the troupe. Although many of his contributions came in the form of broad stereotypes, he did manage to craft several memorable recurring characters, among them the President of the New York School for the Hard of Hearing, and ex-Mets baseball player, Chico Escuela. Overshadowed by the likes of John Belushi and Bill Murray, Morris left the show in 1980 along with the remaining original cast members. After a period of self-imposed exile, during which he overcame a serious drug addiction, Morris gradually returned with appearances on series such as "The Jeffersons" (CBS, 1975-1985) and in films like the horror satire "The Stuff" (1985). Later work found him regularly appearing on African-American-targeted sitcoms like "The Jamie Foxx Show" (The WB, 1996-2001). Despite his difficult and frequently unfulfilling tenure on "Saturday Night Live," Morris outlasted his detractors and was eventually abided a sort of fond reverence by later generations of performers and audiences who had grown up giddily quoting the childlike Escuela's famous catchphrase, "Base-a-boll been berry, berry good to me."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Initially a film and TV actor, Eric Laneuville transitioned into a respected television director working on some of the medium's highest profile shows. He began acting in junior high-school musicals and made guest appearances on TV series in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The critically acclaimed show "Room 222" offered him his first recurring role on a series playing one of the students at Walt Whitman High. A role in the 1971 science-fiction film "The Omega Man" starring Charlton Heston also raised his profile. He continued to make TV guest appearances throughout the rest of the decade, including three episodes of "Sanford and Son." His break as an actor came in the form of the ensemble hospital drama "St. Elsewhere," playing Luther Hawkins, an orderly who became a paramedic as the show progressed. It was on "St. Elsewhere" that he began his directing career and once his involvement in the show ended he shifted his focus from acting to directing. He directed episodes of "Midnight Caller," "Doogie Howser, M.D.," "L.A. Law," "I'll Fly Away" and numerous TV movies throughout the 1990s. He remained very active in the 2000s helming multiple episodes of the hit show "Lost" and over a dozen episodes of the supernatural drama "Ghost Whisperer" between 2005 and 2010. He also earned multiple Emmy nominations for directing and won for his work on "I'll Fly Away."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Randy Newman, born on November 28, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, has left an indelible mark on the world of music through his thought-provoking lyrics and distinctive piano compositions. Grandson to a renowned film-score composer, the seeds of musicality were sown in Newman at a young age. He started piano lessons at 7 and flexed his songwriting talent in his teen years. His early professional career saw him working as a songwriter for a publishing company, penning hits for artists such as The Fleetwoods and Cilla Black. Newman's debut album self-titled Randy Newman was released in 1968, bringing his distinctive style to the forefront. It showcased his ability to create vivid characters and narratives, often laced with satirical wit and societal commentary. Despite initial commercial struggle, his work garnered critical acclaim, leading to a loyal fanbase and appreciation from his peers. His most recognized song, "Short People" from the album Little Criminals, stirred controversy but catapulted him into the mainstream limelight. A significant part of Newman's legacy lies in his contributions to film scores and soundtracks. His transition to composing for movies began with the 1971 film Cold Turkey. This venture opened new avenues for Newman, leading to an enduring relationship with Pixar Animation Studios. He composed memorable scores for films like Toy Story, A Bug's Life, and Monsters, Inc., earning him numerous Grammy, Academy, and Golden Globe awards. Throughout his career, Newman's multifaceted talent, unique voice, and keen observational skills have made him a pivotal figure in American music and film history.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Tyler Perry, a titan in the entertainment industry, boasts an impressive resume as an actor, playwright, filmmaker, and comedian. Born Emmitt Perry Jr., on September 13, 1969, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he triumphed over a challenging upbringing marked by poverty and abuse to become one of the most influential figures in Hollywood. Facing adversity head-on, Perry dropped out of high school but later earned his General Equivalency Diploma (GED), a testament to his tenacity and determination. Perry's foray into the world of theater began in 1992 when he wrote, produced, and starred in his first play, I Know I've Been Changed, which addressed themes of child abuse, self-worth, and forgiveness. Despite initial setbacks, the play eventually found success and paved the way for a series of popular plays, including the Madea series, featuring Perry's most famous character, Mabel "Madea" Simmons, a tough-talking elderly woman. Perry's unique blend of humor and poignant social commentary resonated with audiences, catapulting him to nationwide fame. Transitioning from stage to screen, Perry established Tyler Perry Studios in 2006, becoming the first African-American to own a major film production studio. His films, often based on his stage plays, have consistently performed well at the box office. Perry's influence extends beyond film and theater, with ventures into television production and book publishing. Despite his commercial success, Perry remains committed to philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes and using his platform to effect positive change. His journey from hardship to Hollywood stardom serves as an inspiring example of resilience and perseverance.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
All Tyler Perry Movies, RankedSee all- 1Diary of a Mad Black Woman275 Votes
- 2Why Did I Get Married?227 Votes
- 3The Family That Preys201 Votes
- Wendell Edward Pierce (born December 8, 1963) is an American actor. He is known for his roles in Suits as high-powered attorney Robert Zane, in HBO dramas such as Detective Bunk Moreland in The Wire and trombonist Antoine Batiste in Treme, and as Michael Davenport in Waiting to Exhale. Pierce also had a starring role as Teddy on the CBS sitcom The Odd Couple.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Carl Weathers, best known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky series, is a multi-talented individual who has proven himself as an actor, director, and former professional football player. Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Weathers pursued both athletics and academics with equal ardor. His athletic prowess led him to a brief stint in the NFL, playing linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and later the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. Weathers transitioned into acting following his football career. He broke onto the Hollywood scene with his iconic role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, starring alongside Sylvester Stallone. Weathers brought a depth and intensity to Apollo Creed that made the character memorable, enhancing the films' overall success. His performance garnered acclaim, and he continued to secure roles in notable films like Predator and Action Jackson, further cementing his position as a versatile and accomplished actor. Despite his successful acting career, Weathers did not limit himself to one aspect of the entertainment industry. He expanded his repertoire by stepping behind the camera as a director for numerous television episodes, showing an aptitude for guiding narratives and performances. His directorial ventures include episodes of Silk Stalkings and Sheena. In addition, Weathers has also made significant contributions to television as an actor, with roles in popular shows like Arrested Development and The Mandalorian.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Harry Connick, Jr. was born on September 11, 1967 in New Orleans, Louisiana, an epicenter of jazz that undoubtedly shaped his artistic journey. Raised in a household saturated by music, his parents were both attorneys who also owned a record store. His father, Harry Connick Sr., even served as the district attorney of Orleans Parish for three decades. But the family's bond to music was unwavering, and it was here where young Harry found his calling. He began learning keyboards at the tender age of three, later mastering multiple instruments, with a focus on the piano. His talent was undeniable, and at just nine years old, Connick performed Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 Opus 37 with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra. This early accomplishment launched his career into the spotlight, and he studied at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music under the mentorship of Ellis Marsalis. During this time, he caught the attention of Columbia Records which led to the release of his self-titled debut album in 1987. His musical style, beautifully blending jazz, funk, and blues, mirrored the vibrant culture of his hometown. Connick's career reached new heights when he provided the soundtrack for the romantic comedy When Harry Met Sally in 1989. The album went multi-platinum and earned him his first Grammy Award. This success opened doors to the world of acting and television, leading to notable roles in films like Independence Day and Hope Floats, as well as a recurring role in the popular TV series Will & Grace. Despite his diverse repertoire, Connick never strayed far from his musical roots. Throughout his career, he's released over 20 albums, won multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards, and has consistently used his platform to champion New Orleans's music and culture.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Diminutive yet commanding with distinctive vocal resonance and forceful mannerisms, Walston's career has spanned regional theater, Broadway, TV and film. Perhaps best remembered by TV audiences as the curmudgeonly extraterrestrial on the popular CBS comedy "My Favorite Martian" (1963-66), Walston had a successful stage and film career as well as appearances in early TV behind him before taking on the role of Uncle Martin O'Hara.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Percy Robert Miller, prominently known as Master P, was born on April 29th, 1967 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Master P's life story is a testament to the concept of the American dream, evolving from poverty and hardship into one of the wealthiest figures in the entertainment industry. As a teenager, he inherited a small sum of money after the tragic death of his grandfather. Instead of spending it frivolously, he invested in a tiny record store in Richmond, California, which would later transform into No Limit Records, an independent label that significantly impacted the music scene. Master P's business acumen enabled him to uniquely negotiate his contract, allowing him to keep a staggering 85% of his record sales while granting Priority Records only a distribution fee of 15%. This deal was unprecedented at the time and laid the groundwork for other artists to demand more favorable contracts. Master P's debut studio album Get Away Clean was released in 1991. However, it was his fifth studio album, Ice Cream Man‚ that catapulted him to national fame, making him a household name in the hip-hop community. Throughout his career, he has released over fifteen studio albums, many of which have been certified multi-platinum. Besides his musical endeavors, Master P embarked on several other ventures that contributed to his wealth and influence. He ventured into acting, starring in the film I Got the Hook Up and its sequel, along with appearances in numerous TV shows. Moreover, he forayed into sports management, founding No Limit Sports Management, representing several high-profile athletes. Despite his success in the entertainment industry, Master P never lost sight of his roots. He established The P. Miller Youth Centers and the P. Miller Food Foundation for the Homeless, exemplifying his commitment to philanthropy. Master P's multifaceted career portrays him not just as an influential artist but also a shrewd businessman and philanthropist, making his life story a source of inspiration for many.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Mexican-American actor and singer Angélica Maria was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, to an American father and a Mexican mother. She moved to Mexico City at age 5, following her parents' divorce and it was there she started her acting career. Maria was awarded the Ariel award, which recognizes the best of Mexican cinema, at just 6 years old, showing a promising future early on. She would go on to also act in telenovelas, musicals and "lucha libre" movies, earning the nickname of Mexico's sweetheart. After starring in enough musicals, Maria recorded her first album, which would eventually lead to her becoming one of the biggest stars in Latin America in the 1970s. In the next decade, she started recording in English and would eventually establish her own recording company. One of the most prolific artists of her time, Maria has since appeared in "The House of Flowers: The Movie" (2021) and television shows such as "Graves" (MGM+, 2016-18), "The Lincoln Lawyer" (Netflix, 2022- ), and "Criminal Code" (Netflix, 2023-24).
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America, Mexico
- Harold Sylvester (born February 10, 1949) is an American film and television actor.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- A character actress given to tasty bit parts, Grace Zabriskie vacillates between erotic exhibitionists and colorful, brassy mothers. Since making her feature debut in "Norma Rae" (1978), the New Orleans-born actress has gone on to leave an indelible mark on both the small and big screens. She has been particularly effective in movies playing mothers, albeit not the kind that would be embraced by June Cleaver. In "An Officer and a Gentleman" (1982), Zabriskie portrayed Debra Winger's mom while in "Drugstore Cowboy" (1989), she was the rejecting parent of Matt Dillon. The actress drew on her roots as Dennis Quaid's Cajun mom in "The Big Easy" (1986) and was another Southern mother, this time to Sissy Spacek, in "Even Cowgirls Get the Blues" (1994). Two of her most memorable feature parts were as a crazed killer (in a role tailored specifically for her) in David Lynch's "Wild at Heart" (1990) and as Malcolm McDowall's wife in "Chain of Desire" (1993), for which she donned a maid's uniform and wig for a softly sadistic sex scene. Along with a steady string of low-profile indie films, Zabriskie has appeared in "A Family Thing" (1996), "Armageddon" (1998), "Gone In Sixty Seconds" (2001), "The House on Turk Street" (2002) and, in a particularly effective turn, as the near-catatonic victim of "The Grudge" (2004). On the small screen, the actress has lent her unique talents to a variety of memorable roles. Zabriskie was effective as a snake-handler who attempts to romance a detective in a two-part 1986 installment of NBC's "Hill Street Blues" and as the supportive wife of Admiral Elmo Zumwalt in the CBS biopic "My Father, My Son" (1988). Zabriskie went on to play the grandmother of a child stricken with AIDS in "The Ryan White Story" (ABC, 1989), and the therapist of a sexually abused teen in "A Deadly Silence" (ABC, 1989). The following year, David Lynch tapped her to portray the excessively sobbing mother of murder victim Laura Palmer in the quirky primetime serial "Twin Peaks" (ABC), which she reprised in the confusing 1993 feature prequel "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me." Zabriskie had the recurring role of the mother of Susan Ross, George Costanza's ill-fated fiancee in several episodes of "Seinfeld." She also offered an effective supporting turn as Jennifer Jason Leigh's mother in the controversial but critically-praised "Bastard Out of Carolina" (Showtime, 1996). She also had a recurring stint as Yellow Teeth on the sci-fi series "John Doe" (UPN, 2002-2003) and appeared as The Crone on the popular WB witchcraft-lite series "Charmed."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- One of the most popular and prolific figures in jazz music for more than four decades, trumpeter and songwriter Wynton Marsalis sought to define, often in controversial terms, the boundaries of the genre through the prism of American history with such works as his Pulitzer Prize-wining album Blood on the Fields (1997) and tributes to music giants like Ray Charles, Thelonious Monk and Willie Nelson. Born October 18, 1961 in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was raised in a musical family: his father, Ellis Marsalis, was a pianist, while brothers Branford, Delfeayo and Jason all pursued careers in jazz. Wynton received his first trumpet at the age of six from Al Hirt, with whom his father played; he was soon performing with local school and church groups before graduating to jazz and funk bands. At 17, he was admitted to the Berkshire Music Center, where he trained with Woody Shaw before joining Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers in 1980. His tenure there, along with tours with Herbie Hancock and performances with major figures like Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughn, led to a record contract with Columbia, which issued his debut LP in 1981. The following year, he teamed with his brother, Branford, for a formidable quintet that included Kenny Kirkland and Jeff "Tain" Watts, while also recording albums of classical trumpet. Both outlets helped to boost Marsalis to the forefront of the jazz and classical worlds, before Marsalis brought the group to a close in 1985. He subsequently launched a second group, a septet with four horns and pianist Marcus Roberts that allowed him to explore more complex songwriting and arrangements. During this period, he was also involved in numerous projects, including the PBS series "Marsalis on Music," which explored the jazz and classical worlds. More significantly, he launched the Jazz at Lincoln Center venue in 1987, which provided a world-class performance and education space for year-round jazz and classical concerts. In 1995, he disbanded his septet to work on a sprawling oratorio, Blood on the Fields (1997), which became the first jazz-related work to win a Pulitzer Prize. Though his opinions on what constituted "jazz" were often controversial - he was dismissive of free jazz, fusion and most other trends after the 1950s - Marsalis remained one of the form's most prolific and enthusiastic supporters, through a dizzying array of published works, concerts, documentaries like Ken Burns' "Jazz" (2005) and most importantly, his recorded work. Marsalis paid tribute to figures and moments of historic and social significance with an exhaustive series of releases in 1999, from the iconic pianist Thelonious Monk with Standard Time, Vol. 4: Marsalis Plays Monk and singer Pearl Brown on Goin' Down Home. He followed these with explorations of America's conflicted soul in From the Plantation to the Penitentiary (2007), the music of Willie Nelson on Two Men with the Blues (2008) and Ray Charles on Here We Go Again (2011). Marsalis also recorded with Eric Clapton on the concert album Play the Blues: Live from Jazz at Lincoln Center (2011) and took the Center's Orchestra to Cuba for a two-disc concert recording in 2015. The following year, Marsalis honored the 200th anniversary of Harlem's Abyssinian Church with The Abyssinian Mass (2016) while also finding time to oversee Julliard's Jazz program.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Stemming from New Orleans, Louisiana, Antoine Dominique "Fats" Domino Jr. was a celebrated musician and songwriter known for his profound contributions to the world of rock 'n' roll. His music career, which spanned five decades from the 1940s to the 1990s, made him one of the pioneers in the rock 'n' roll genre, with his unique blend of traditional rhythm & blues and boogie-woogie style of playing the piano. Born on February 26, 1928, Domino began his journey into music at an early age, learning the piano by ear from his brother-in-law. He was soon discovered by bandleader Dave Bartholomew, leading to a record deal with Imperial Records in 1949. This collaboration resulted in some of the biggest hits of the time, including "Ain't That a Shame," "Blueberry Hill," and "Walkin' to New Orleans." His infectious rhythms and distinctive voice entranced audiences, propelling him to international stardom. Dominating the pop and R&B charts throughout the 1950s and 1960s, Domino was an instrumental figure in shaping rock 'n' roll's sound and style. His influence permeates the works of numerous artists that followed, earning him a well-deserved induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. Despite his passing on October 24, 2017, Fats Domino's music continues to be appreciated by fans and musicians alike, solidifying his place as a true legend in the annals of rock 'n' roll history.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Pauley Perrette is an American actress, producer, director, and writer who appeared in "NCIS," "Broke," and "Almost Famous."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Bryant Charles Gumbel (born September 29, 1948) is an American television journalist and sportscaster, best known for his 15 years as co-host of NBC's Today. He is the younger brother of sportscaster Greg Gumbel. Since 1995, he has hosted HBO's acclaimed investigative series Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel, which has been rated as "flat out TV's best sports program" by the Los Angeles Times. It won a Peabody Award in 2012.Gumbel was hired by NBC Sports in the fall of 1975 as co-host of its National Football League pre-game show GrandStand with Jack Buck. From 1975 until January 1982 (when he left to do The Today Show), he hosted numerous sporting events for NBC including Major League Baseball, college basketball and the National Football League. He returned to sportscasting for NBC when he hosted the prime time coverage of the 1988 Summer Olympics from Seoul and the PGA Tour in 1990. NBC News made Gumbel the principal anchor of Today beginning September 27, 1982, and broadcast from Vietnam, Vatican City, Europe, South America, and much of the United States followed between 1984 and 1989. Gumbel's work on Today earned him several Emmys and a large fanbase. He is the third longest serving co-host of Today, after former hosts Matt Lauer and Katie Couric. He stepped down from the show on January 3, 1997, after 15 years. Gumbel moved to CBS, where he hosted various shows before becoming co-host of the network's morning show The Early Show on November 1, 1999. Gumbel was hosting The Early Show on the morning of September 11, 2001. He was the first to announce the September 11 attacks to CBS viewers. Gumbel left CBS and The Early Show on May 17, 2002.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Like many character actors of his generation, Ed Nelson got his start working with the legendary B-movie director and producer Roger Corman, with small roles in deathless drive-in favorites such as the horror flick "Attack of the Crab Monsters," the sci-fi creature feature "Invasion of the Saucer Men," and the jukebox musical "Rock All Night." Soon, Nelson was elevated to co-starring roles in Corman's low-budget film factory--one of his highest-profile movies from this era, the creepy "Night of the Blood Beast," got the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" treatment decades later, and another, the campy art-world satire "A Bucket of Blood," is widely considered among the best of all of Corman's movies. As the '50s went on, Nelson began working regularly in television, often appearing in multiple guest-star roles over the course of a show's run. In '64, Nelson began the role he was to become best known for, as the kindly doctor Michael Rossi on the first successful nighttime soap opera, "Peyton Place"; he was one of the few actors who remained with the series for the length of its five-year run. When the series ended in '69, Nelson moved effortlessly back into his niche as a character actor specializing in authority-figure parts, including many made-for-TV movies. One of his few major film roles came in '77, as the villain in the family drama "For the Love of Benji." Nelson continued appearing in film and television well into the 21st century.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- A Tony-nominated stage-trained actor, Sam Trammell was best known as the sexy shapeshifter Sam Merlotte on "True Blood" (HBO, 2008-14). Besides an impressive theater résumé, Trammell also appeared in "Autumn in New York" (2000) with Winona Ryder and Richard Gere, co-starred on the cross-country road trip comedy "Going to California" (Showtime, 2001-02), and earned guest-starring credits on everything from "House" (FOX, 2004-12) to "Dexter" (Showtime, 2006-13). His talent - and buff physique - were on full display, however, on "True Blood," where he quickly became a breakout character on the Southern-fried vampire cult smash, able to transform into a collie (or anything else) to protect Anna Paquin's Sookie Stackhouse. With his star on the rise, fans hoped that he would continue to land high-profile jobs so they could see more of him - in human form or otherwise.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Anne Rice (October 4, 1941 – December 11, 2021) was an American author of gothic fiction, erotic literature, and Christian literature. She was best known for her series of novels The Vampire Chronicles. Books from The Vampire Chronicles were the subject of two film adaptations—Interview with the Vampire (1994) and Queen of the Damned (2002). Born in New Orleans, Rice spent much of her early life there before moving to Texas, and later to San Francisco. She was raised in an observant Catholic family but became an agnostic as a young adult. She began her professional writing career with the publication of Interview with the Vampire in 1976, while living in California, and began writing sequels to the novel in the 1980s. In the mid-2000s, following a publicized return to Catholicism, Rice published the novels Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt and Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana, fictionalized accounts of certain incidents in the life of Jesus. Several
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Carlene Denise Moore-Begnaud (born August 27, 1973) is an American professional wrestler, better known by her ring name Jazz. She is best known for her tenure in Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), where she was a two-time WWE Women's Champion. Recently she was best known for competing for the National Wrestling Alliance, where she held the NWA World Women's Championship for over 900 days.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- One of the major players in the "mumblecore" movement, Mark Duplass began his career directing, writing and acting in micro-budgeted short films with his brother in their apartment. The honest emotions and real, day-to-day struggles portrayed in their films resonated with a niche audience that continued to support them. For Mark, this support allowed for a transition to roles in major studio films and TV while continuing to stay active in the indie world.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Anthony Mackie has etched a powerful impression in the world of acting. He emerged from the rich cultural backdrop of his hometown, honing his craft at the renowned Juilliard School. A true artist, Mackie's career spans across theater, film, and television, showcasing his versatile talent and cementing his place in Hollywood. Mackie's breakthrough came with the critically acclaimed film 8 Mile, where he shared the screen with rap icon Eminem. However, it was his portrayal of Sgt. J.T. Sanborn in The Hurt Locker that earned him international recognition. The film, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, showcased Mackie's ability to convey raw emotion and intensity. His filmography also includes noteworthy performances in Half Nelson, Million Dollar Baby, and The Adjustment Bureau. However, it is arguably his role as Sam Wilson, or Falcon, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that has brought Mackie into the limelight. Introduced in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, his character quickly became a fan favorite. This led to appearances in several blockbuster hits including Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ant-Man, Captain America: Civil War, and Avengers: Endgame. Displaying a unique blend of heroism, vulnerability, and humor, Mackie's Falcon embodies the complexities of modern superheroes. His commitment to the character culminated in the series The Falcon and The Winter Soldier, where he took center stage, further proving his prowess as a leading actor.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Mary Leta Dorothy Lamour (née Slaton; December 10, 1914 – September 22, 1996) was an American actress and singer. She is best remembered for appearing in the Road to... movies, a series of successful comedies starring Bing Crosby and Bob Hope.Lamour began her career in the 1930s as a big band singer. In 1936, she moved to Hollywood where she signed with Paramount Pictures. Her appearance as "Ulah" in The Jungle Princess (1936) brought her fame and marked the beginning of her image as the "Sarong Queen." In 1940, Lamour made her first Road to... comedy film, Road to Singapore. The Road to... films were popular during the 1940s. The sixth film in the series, Road to Bali, was released in 1952. By that time, Lamour's screen career began to wane, and she focused on stage and television work. In 1961, Crosby and Hope teamed up for one more, The Road to Hong Kong, but actress Joan Collins was cast as the female lead. Lamour made a brief appearance and sang a song near the end of that film. In the 1970s, Lamour revived her nightclub act and, in 1980, released her autobiography My Side of the Road. She made her final onscreen appearance in 1987. Lamour married her second husband, William Ross Howard III, in 1943. They had two sons and remained married until Howard's death in 1978. Lamour died at her home in 1996, at the age of 81.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- If you have ever referred to character actor Barry Shabaka Henley as "that guy," you wouldn't be alone. But rather than a stab at his B-list status, this is a testament to his numerous projects and wide variety of roles since debuting on screen in the 1988 comedy "Nincompoop." Henley is most often recognized as the smooth-talking jazz trumpeter in Michael Mann's "Collateral" opposite Tom Cruise, as well as his other supporting roles in Mann-directed films including "Miami Vice" and "Ali." He is also a frequent player on television, with recurring roles in the super-powered drama "Heroes," the sci-fi show "FlashForward," and HBO's short-lived drama "Luck."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Raised in New Orleans, actor Frederick Weller began his career in NYC as an understudy in the acclaimed stage production "Six Degrees of Separation" in 1991. Guest appearances in the pilot of "I'll Fly Away" (NBC, 1991) and "Law & Order" in 1993 followed before he was seen as an awkward Eliot Ness (supposed roommate to the title character) in a segment of ABC's "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" also in 1993. The dark-haired, boyishly handsome actor landed what he hoped would be a career break as Polish-American Chicago cop Johnny Sandowski in the ABC drama series "Missing Persons" (1993-94), but the police show never caught on with the general public.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Dr. John, born Malcolm John Rebennack Jr., was a remarkable figure in the world of music who straddled various genres with his unique blend of blues, pop, jazz, boogie-woogie and rock-n-roll. Born on November 20, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he was a child prodigy, drawn to music from an early age. Dr. John's fascination with music began with the piano, a passion that rapidly developed as he frequented local clubs and bars, absorbing the rich, diverse musical heritage that the city had to offer. In the early 1960s, following a gunshot injury to his hand, Dr. John transitioned from guitar to piano, setting the course for a career that would span over five decades and see him collaborate with musical greats such as Van Morrison, Frank Zappa, and The Rolling Stones. His stage name "Dr. John" was inspired by a 19th-century voodoo priest, fittingly reflecting his deep connection to the mystical and spiritual roots of New Orleans. A six-time Grammy award winner, Dr. John garnered worldwide recognition for his distinctive gravelly voice and flamboyant stage presence. His most celebrated album, Gris-Gris, released in 1968, is considered a classic, capturing his psychedelic, voodoo-infused musical style. In recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry, Dr. John was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2011.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Percy Romeo Miller (born August 19, 1989), formerly known as Lil' Romeo, is an American rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and model. Miller gained fame as a rapper in the early 2000s after signing with No Limit Records, then owned by his father, Master P. He soon released his debut single "My Baby" in 2001, which went on to be certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Later the same year, Miller released his debut album Lil' Romeo, which charted the US Billboard 200 at number six and went on to be certified gold, selling over 500,000 copies with in a month. In 2002, Miller released his second album titled Game Time; it charted the US Billboard 200 at number thirty-three. In 2004, Miller released his third album Romeoland; it charted on the US Billboard 200 at number seventy. In 2006, Miller released his digital album titled Lottery it was his first album released with his name changed to Romeo. In 2006, Miller released the soundtrack to his film God's Gift; it was Miller's first album to be explicit. In 2007, Miller was offered and accepted a scholarship to play basketball for the USC Trojans at the University of Southern California. Miller would play for the team until he was let go before his junior season in 2010.Aside from music, Miller has also worked as an actor, beginning in 2002, when Nickelodeon offered him his own show titled Romeo!; the show was successful on the network and went on to run for three seasons. In 2011, Miller starred in the film Jumping the Broom, and in 2012 he would also star in Tyler Perry's film Madea's Witness Protection. Miller has founded the record labels Guttar Music, Take A Stand, The Next Generation and his current label No Limit Forever.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Paul Burke was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. He also landed roles in various films, such as the comedy "South Sea Woman" (1953) with Burt Lancaster. He was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for "Naked City" in 1963. He also appeared in "Psychic Killer" (1975). during these yearsHe also starred in the TV movies "Lieutenant Schuster's Wife" (1972-73), "Little Ladies of the Night" (ABC, 1976-77) and "Wild and Wooly" (ABC, 1977-78). In the latter half of his career, he tackled roles on "Hot Shots" (CBS, 1986-87) and "Sleepy Hollow" (Fox, 2013-). Burke was most recently credited in "Upside Down" (2013). He also appeared in "The Ante" (2006) with Anastasia Bondarenko. Burke passed away in September 2009 at the age of 83.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- The son of a jazz singer and a music professor born into a family of noted jazz musicians, Branford Marsalis grew up always around instruments, leading him to the Berklee College of Music in his late teens. Before he was done with school, he started touring with Art Blakey playing saxophone. That experience led to more work in the early 1980s with a legion of acclaimed jazz musicians including Herbie Hancock, Miles Davis, and Dizzy Gillespie. In this time, he put out his first solo album, Scenes in the City, and was a part of a variety of other projects, with his high-profile work on Sting's debut solo album The Dream of the Blue Turtles making him nearly as well-known as his elder brother Wynton Marsalis. 1986 saw Marsalis' first Grammy nomination for his third album Royal Garden Blues. In 1990, Marsalis played live with the Grateful Dead in what became a legendary improvised performance. He was the bandleader for the first three years of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" (NBC 1992-2014) before ceding the bandleader chair to guitarist Kevin Eubanks; the same year, he won his first Grammy award for I Heard You Twice the First Time. For a few years, he headed up the band Buckshot LeFonque, which combined jazz and rock for a unique sound. However, by the late '90s, Marsalis focused more on classically inspired works, eschewing rock accents for large symphonic orchestras. He was a regular nominee at the Grammys, earning two more wins over a span of two decades. In 2010, his work on the music for the revival of the play Fences earned him a Tony nomination.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Albert Valéry Dufour (February 5, 1927 – July 27, 2000), known as Val Dufour, was an American actor. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dufour's parents were of Parisian French descent. Dufour first appeared on episodic television in 1952, and amassed appearances on over a dozen series. He was best known for his role as John Wyatt on the soap opera Search for Tomorrow, which he played from 1972 to 1979. Dufour won a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance in 1977. Before his debut on Search for Tomorrow, Dufour was also noted for his role as Walter Curtin on Another World from 1967 to 1972 and for his role of Andre Lazar on The Edge of Night. Dufour died in Manhattan in 2000 of cancer.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Penelope Spheeris (born December 2, 1945 or 1946; sources differ) is an American film director, producer and screenwriter. She has directed both documentary film and scripted films. Her best known works include the trilogy titled The Decline of Western Civilization, each covering an aspect of Los Angeles underground culture, and Wayne's World, her highest-grossing film.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Truman Garcia Capote (; born Truman Streckfus Persons, September 30, 1924 – August 25, 1984) was an American novelist, short story writer, screenwriter, playwright, and actor. Several of his short stories, novels, and plays have been praised as literary classics, including the novella Breakfast at Tiffany's (1958) and the true crime novel In Cold Blood (1966), which he labeled a "nonfiction novel." At least 20 films and television dramas have been produced from his work. Capote rose above a childhood troubled by divorce, a long absence from his mother, and multiple migrations. He had discovered his calling as a writer by the age of 8, and for the rest of his childhood he honed his writing ability. Capote began his professional career writing short stories. The critical success of one story, "Miriam" (1945), attracted the attention of Random House publisher Bennett Cerf, and resulted in a contract to write the novel Other Voices, Other Rooms (1948). Capote earned the most fame with In Cold Blood, a journalistic work about the murder of a Kansas farm family in their home. Capote spent four years writing the book aided by his lifelong friend Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird (1960).A milestone in popular culture, In Cold Blood was the peak of Capote's literary career. In the 1970s, he maintained his celebrity status by appearing on television talk shows.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Vance DeGeneres is a writer, producer, and actor who is known for writing "Ellen," "Diagnosis Murder," and "Hitz."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Acclaimed as one of the foremost contemporary jazz trumpeters, Terence Blanchard has developed a secondary career scoring features, many of them directed by Spike Lee.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Paul Wallace Carr (January 31, 1934 – February 17, 2006) was an American actor, director, writer, and producer who performed on stage, film, and television for half a century.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Elisha Nelson Manning (born January 3, 1981) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 16 seasons with the New York Giants. A member of the Manning football dynasty, he is the youngest son of quarterback Archie Manning and younger brother of quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning played college football at Ole Miss, where he won the Maxwell and Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Awards as a senior. He was selected first overall in the 2004 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers and traded to the Giants during the draft.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Arturo Gil is an American actor who has appeared in many films, television programs, and commercials including Spaceballs, Monkeybone, The Fantasticks, Dirty Work, The Man Show, The Munsters' Scary Little Christmas, Silent Tongue, and Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey. He has dwarfism.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Comedian Severn Darden attended the University of Chicago and was an original member of the famed Chicago comedy troupe Second City. While working there, his best-known character was Professor Walther von der Vogelweide, who gave lectures that often went off into wild digressions and tangents. In the early 1960s, Darden began making guest appearances on various television shows then landed strong comedic roles in feature films like "Luv" and "The President's Analyst." In 1969, Darden showed his more serious side, appearing in the heavy drama "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" with Jane Fonda; in addition, he played a hypnotist in the adaptation of Joan Didion's "Play It As It Lays" in 1972. Darden also got a chance to play the villain in two "Planet of the Apes" films. He took on the role of Kolp, a human antagonist to the ape, Caesar, in 1972's "Conquest of the Planet of the Apes" and 1973's "Battle for the Planet of the Apes." In the late 1970s, Darden made an impression as Popesco on the cult television comedy "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," and in the '80s, he made guest appearances on comedy shows, most notably "Cheers," and offered expert comic support in the 1985 Rodney Dangerfield vehicle "Back to School."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Over the duration of his career, Louis Prima produced music for multiple Hollywood productions. Prima's early acting career consisted of roles in various films, such as the comedic adaptation "Manhattan Merry-Go-Round" (1937) with Phil Regan, the musical comedy "You Can't Have Everything" (1937) with Alice Faye and "Start Cheering" (1938). He also appeared in "Rose of Washington Square" (1939), "Hey Boy! Hey Girl!" (1959) and the Howard Miller musical "Senior Prom" (1959). In the nineties, Prima devoted his time to various credits, such as "Swing Kids" (1993), "Deconstructing Harry" (1997) starring Caroline Aaron, "Eve's Bayou" with Samuel L. Jackson (1997) and "Going All the Way" (1997). In the early 2000s, Prima lent his talents to projects like "Below" with Matthew Davis (2002), the Adam Sandler and Jack Nicholson smash hit "Anger Management" (2003), the Will Ferrell and James Caan hit "Elf" (2003), "Bright Young Things" (2004) starring Stephen Campbell Moore and "Kicking & Screaming" (2005). Prima also provided music for "One More Kiss."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Marco St. John (born May 7, 1939) is an American actor who has appeared in films and television programs. He is known for his role as the perverted truck driver in the 1991 film Thelma & Louise and for playing Sheriff Tucker in the 1985 horror film Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. St. John was born Marco John Figueroa, Jr. in New Orleans, Louisiana, the son of Iris (née Davidson) and Marco Juan Figueroa, Sr. He has had many TV roles, starred in many TV-films and had roles on soap operas. He starred on Search for Tomorrow in 1975 as Joey Kimball, as Paul Stewart in 1969-70 on As the World Turns and in All My Children. St. John made guest appearances on TV programs such as Naked City, Route 66, Bonanza, Gunsmoke and Walker, Texas Ranger. He now lives in Ocean Springs, Mississippi.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Jeffrey Hunter was the stage name of Henry Herman McKinnies, Jr., an actor whose all too brief career initially showed tremendous star-making potential. Tall, blue-eyed, and magnetically handsome, Hunter was offered a studio contract by talent scouts at 20th Century Fox while studying at UCLA. Often appearing alongside such formidable leading men as Charlton Heston and John Wayne, Hunter's reputation as an appealing co-star grew in the 1950s. He took on memorable roles in three classic John Ford-directed westerns: 1956's "The Searchers," 1958's "The Last Hurrah," and 1960's "Sergeant Rutledge." While the parts proved his meddle as a leading man-in-the-making, Hunter's debut as a top-billed actor in the 1961 Biblical film "King of Kings" yielded mixed reviews, with many critics opining that the then 35 year-old actor looked too young for the part of Jesus. The scathing reviews took their toll, and Hunter scarcely found movie roles in Hollywood during the late 1960s, even going so far as to relocate to Europe for a time to work in B-westerns. In May 1969, Hunter died from a cerebral hemorrhage after suffering two strokes.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Taryn Nicole Dryden (née Terrell; born December 28, 1985) is a ring announcer, referee, model, actress, stunt woman and retired professional wrestler . She is best known for her time with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), under her real name, and for her time in WWE, where she performed under the ring name Tiffany. She is a former TNA Knockouts Champion, and she holds the record for the longest reign with the title at 279 days. During her time in WWE, she trained at WWE's then-developmental territory, Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), and served as the final general manager of the now-defunct ECW brand.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Aaron Joseph Neville (born January 24, 1941) is an American R&B and soul vocalist and musician. He has had four platinum albums and four Top 10 hits in the United States, including three that went to #1 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. His debut single, from 1966, was #1 on the Soul chart for five weeks. He has also recorded with his brothers Art, Charles and Cyril as The Neville Brothers and is the father of singer/keyboards player Ivan Neville. Neville is of mixed African-American, Caucasian, and Native American (Choctaw) heritage.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- A former MTV reality-series contestant, onetime Miss Teen USA, and a Daytime Emmy nominee, Shelley Hennig embarked on her acting career in 2007, when she joined the cast of the long-running soap opera "Days of Our Lives." Over the course of four years and a staggering 465 episodes, she portrayed the lovely Stephanie Johnson on the daytime drama. After leaving the series in 2011, Hennig went on to star in the teen fantasy series "The Secret Circle," along with fellow young actresses Britt Robertson and Phoebe Tonkin. Hennig played the sensible young witch Diana Meade on the program, which was cancelled after its first season, despite an enthusiastic fan following.
- Birthplace: Destrehan, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- For years, actress Katherine LaNasa was primarily known as actor Dennis Hopper's wife. She met the legendary actor and former Hollywood wild man in 1987 at a diner reception in Los Angeles when she was a professional dancer with the Karole Armitage Ballet company. Two years later, LaNasa and Hopper were married. In 1990, LaNasa appeared in Hopper's film "Backtrack," starring Hopper and Jodie Foster. LaNasa and Hopper divorced in 1992, but by then she was appearing in a number of television shows and movies, although nothing substantial. Probably her most notable guest spot was in a 1995 episode of the popular sitcom "Seinfeld" (NBC, 1989-1998). She continued to rack up jobs, but it was not until the next decade when LaNasa landed her biggest role to date, starring as Bess on the short-lived sitcom "Three Sisters" (NBC, 2001-02). Through the decade, LaNasa's television work blossomed with more prominent guest spots, including parts on "Judging Amy" (CBS, 1999-2005), "Big Love" (HBO, 2006-2011) and playing alcoholic Sophia Bowers on "Deception" (NBC, 2013). One of her biggest feature film roles came in 2012, when she played Will Ferrell's wife in the political satire "The Campaign."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Lillian Florence Hellman (June 20, 1905 – June 30, 1984) was an American dramatist and screenwriter known for her success as a playwright on Broadway, as well as her Communist sympathies and political activism. She was blacklisted after her appearance before the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) at the height of the anti-communist campaigns of 1947–52. Although she continued to work on Broadway in the 1950s, her blacklisting by the American film industry caused a drop in her income. Many praised Hellman for refusing to answer questions by HUAC, but others believed, despite her denial, that she had belonged to the Communist Party. As a playwright, Hellman had many successes on Broadway, including Watch on the Rhine, The Autumn Garden, Toys in the Attic, Another Part of the Forest, The Children's Hour and The Little Foxes. She adapted her semi-autobiographical play The Little Foxes into a screenplay, which starred Bette Davis and received an Academy Award nomination in 1942. Hellman was romantically involved with fellow writer and political activist Dashiell Hammett, author of the classic detective novels The Maltese Falcon and The Thin Man, who also was blacklisted for 10 years until his death in 1961. The couple never married. Hellman's accuracy was challenged after she brought a libel suit against Mary McCarthy. In 1979, on The Dick Cavett Show, McCarthy said that "every word she writes is a lie, including 'and' and 'the'." During the libel suit, investigators found errors in Hellman's popular memoirs such as Pentimento. They said that the "Julia" section of Pentimento, which had been the basis for the Oscar-winning 1977 movie of the same name, was actually based on the life of Muriel Gardiner. Martha Gellhorn, one of the most prominent war correspondents of the twentieth century, as well as Ernest Hemingway's third wife, said that Hellman's remembrances of Hemingway and the Spanish Civil War were wrong. McCarthy, Gellhorn and others accused Hellman of lying about her membership in the Communist Party and being an unrepentant Stalinist.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Kellie Dawn Pickler (born June 28, 1986) is an American country music artist, actress and television personality. Pickler gained fame as a contestant on the fifth season of American Idol and finished in sixth place. In 2006, she signed to 19 Recordings and BNA Records as a recording artist. Her debut album, Small Town Girl, was released later that year and has sold over 900,000 copies. The album, which was certified gold by the RIAA, produced three singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts: "Red High Heels" at #15, "I Wonder" at #14, and "Things That Never Cross a Man's Mind" at #16. Pickler released her self-titled second album in 2008 that produced four singles: "Don't You Know You're Beautiful" at #21, "Best Days of Your Life" at #9 (which she co-wrote with Taylor Swift), "Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You" at #14, and "Makin' Me Fall in Love Again" at #30. In 2012, Pickler was ranked as the 14th best American Idol alumna. In October 2012, she parted ways with her former record label and signed with Black River Entertainment. On May 21, 2013, Pickler and her partner, Derek Hough, were declared the winners of the sixteenth season of Dancing with the Stars. In 2016, she was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.Since 2017, she co-hosts the nationally syndicated daytime TV talk show Pickler & Ben with comedian Ben Aaron.
- Birthplace: Albemarle, North Carolina, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Mahalia Jackson ( mə-HAY-lee-ə; October 26, 1911 – January 27, 1972) was an American gospel singer. Possessing a contralto voice, she was referred to as "The Queen of Gospel". She became one of the most influential gospel singers in the world and was heralded internationally as a singer and civil rights activist. She was described by entertainer Harry Belafonte as "the single most powerful black woman in the United States". She recorded about 30 albums (mostly for Columbia Records) during her career, and her 45 rpm records included a dozen "golds"—million-sellers. "I sing God's music because it makes me feel free", Jackson once said about her choice of gospel, adding, "It gives me hope. With the blues, when you finish, you still have the blues."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Alois Maxwell "Al" Hirt (November 7, 1922 – April 27, 1999) was an American trumpeter and bandleader. He is best remembered for his million-selling recordings of "Java" and the accompanying album Honey in the Horn (1963), and for the theme music to The Green Hornet. His nicknames included "Jumbo" and "The Round Mound of Sound". Colin Escott, an author of musician biographies, wrote that RCA Victor Records, for which Hirt had recorded most of his best-selling recordings and for which he had spent much of his professional recording career, had dubbed him with another moniker: "The King." Hirt was inducted into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame in November 2009.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Actor John Carroll was widely known for his presence on the silver screen. Carroll started his acting career landing roles in such films as "Zorro Rides Again" (1937), "I Am a Criminal" (1938) and the Cary Grant drama "Only Angels Have Wings" (1939). He also appeared in the dramatic adaptation "Susan and God" (1940) with Joan Crawford, the Rosalind Russell comedy "Hired Wife" (1940) and "Congo Maisie" (1940). His passion for acting continued to his roles in projects like "The Youngest Profession" (1943) with Lana Turner, "Bedside Manner" (1945) and "A Letter For Evie" (1946). He also appeared in "Fiesta" (1947). Carroll was most recently credited in "The Pact (Three Spears Action Thriller)" (2005). Carroll passed away in April 1979 at the age of 74.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Actor Eddie Jemison has been a rising presence in Hollywood since the mid-1990s. As a graduate of Louisiana State University and Swansea University in Wales, Jemison moved to Chicago in the early-1990's and began acting on stage. His credits include "The Wizards of Quiz" at the Nation Jewish Theatre, a theatrical telling of the late-1950's quiz show scandal involving irksome genius Herbert Stempel and rich kid Charles Van Doren, as depicted on film in "Quiz Show" (1994). Jemison also appeared in "Only Kidding" at the Wisdom Bridge Theatre, "A Christmas Carol" at the famed Goodman Theatre, and "T Bone N Weasel" at Victory Gardens. The Chicago theater scene took special notice of Jemison with his slapstick performance as Launce in "The Two Gentleman of Verona" at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. But by then, Jemison was a stage veteran ready to take the next step in his career: film.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Michael Lawrence Tyler (born September 22, 1971), known professionally as Mystikal, is an American rapper and actor from New Orleans, Louisiana.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Arthel Neville (born October 20, 1962) is an American journalist, television personality, and weekend anchor for Fox News Channel, alongside co-anchor Eric Shawn. Neville is the daughter of Doris Neville and Art Neville, singer, songwriter, keyboardist, solo artist and founder of the New Orleans music groups The Hawketts, The Meters, and The Neville Brothers.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Terius Gray, better known by his stage name Juvenile, is an American rapper, songwriter and actor who is best known for his work with Cash Money Records in the late 1990s and early 2000s both solo and as a member of the former hip hop group the Hot Boys. Juvenile's career began in the early 1990s as a teenager with bounce music recordings that made him a local star. He released his debut album Being Myself in 1995. After signing to Cash Money, Juvenile released Solja Rags in 1997, which included the major local hit "Solja Rag". A year later, he released the multi-platinum 400 Degreez, which included his first nationwide hits "Ha" and "Back That Azz Up". He released other successful solo albums for Cash Money: Tha G-Code, Project English and Juve the Great, which included the number-one hit "Slow Motion". After leaving Cash Money, Juvenile has released several other albums, including The Beginning of the End with group UTP, which included the anthem "Nolia Clap" and the solo number-one album Reality Check.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Lara Grice is an actor.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Allen Toussaint (; January 14, 1938 – November 10, 2015) was an American musician, songwriter, arranger and record producer, who was an influential figure in New Orleans rhythm and blues from the 1950s to the end of the century, described as "one of popular music's great backroom figures". Many musicians recorded Toussaint's compositions, including "Java", "Mother-in-Law", "I Like It Like That", "Fortune Teller", "Ride Your Pony", "Get Out of My Life, Woman", "Working in the Coal Mine", "Everything I Do Gonna Be Funky", "Here Come the Girls", "Yes We Can Can", "Play Something Sweet", and "Southern Nights". He was a producer for hundreds of recordings, among the best known of which are "Right Place, Wrong Time", by his longtime friend Dr. John ("Mac" Rebennack), and "Lady Marmalade", by Labelle.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Gert Town, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Ernest Fredric Morrison (December 20, 1912 – July 24, 1989) was an American child actor and vaudevillian who also performed under the stage name "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison was the only black member of the East Side Kids, and was also an original Our Gang kid, a sidekick to Harold Lloyd and Snub Pollard, a silent screen comedian, a vaudevillian, dancer, and band leader.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Marshall William Faulk (born February 26, 1973) is a former American football player who was a running back in the National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons. He played college football for San Diego State University, and was a two-time consensus All-American. He was selected by the Indianapolis Colts as the second overall pick in the 1994 NFL Draft, and he also played professionally for the NFL's St. Louis Rams. Faulk is one of only three NFL players (Marcus Allen and Tiki Barber being the others) to reach at least 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards; he is the only one to amass 12,000 yards rushing and 6,000 yards receiving. Faulk was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017. He was an analyst for various programs on the NFL Network until December 2017.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Elena Lyons is an actress.
- Birthplace: Madrid, Spain
- Nationality: Spain
- Brian Palermo is a film actor.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Leatrice Joy (born Leatrice Johanna Zeidler; November 7, 1893 – May 13, 1985) was an American actress most prolific during the silent film era.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
James Duff
James Duff (born September 3, 1955) is an American television writer, producer and director. He was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and has written plays and television screenplays. He is credited as the creator of the TV series The Closer and Major Crimes.- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Allison Elizabeth Harvard (born January 8, 1988) is an American model, artist, actress, and Internet celebrity, best known as the runner-up of both cycle 12 of America's Next Top Model and America's Next Top Model: All-Stars. Harvard has appeared on the cover of magazines such as Harper's Bazaar, ONE, WeTheUrban, and one of the Philippines' leading fashion megazines, Mega. She also featured as the brand endorser of Belo Medical Group and covered their special edition magazine.
- Birthplace: Houston, Texas, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
Anthony Laciura
Boardwalk EmpireAnthony Laciura was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. He appeared in a number of television specials, including "Der Rosenkavalier" (1982-83), "Le Nozze di Figaro" (PBS, 1985-86) and "Carmen" (PBS, 1986-87). He also contributed to a variety of television specials, including "Die Fledermaus" (1986-87), "Ariadne auf Naxos" (PBS, 1987-88) and "Turandot" (PBS, 1987-88). He also appeared in "The Girl of the Golden West From the Metropolitan Opera" (PBS, 1991-92). Laciura most recently appeared in "Park Bench" (2013-15).- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Lance E. Nichols is an actor who appeared in "Shark Lake," "Fantastic Four," and "Beautiful Creatures."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Bryan Batt (born March 1, 1963) is an American actor best known for his role in the AMC series Mad Men as Salvatore Romano, an art director for the Sterling Cooper agency. Primarily a theater actor, he has had a number of starring roles in movies and television as well. His performance in the musical adaptation of Saturday Night Fever earned him one of New York City's more unusual honors, a caricature at Sardi's.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Greg Gumbel built his acting career starring in many memorable roles in various television specials and movies. Gumbel kickstarted his acting career with roles in various television comedies, such as "Evening Shade" (CBS, 1990-94). He appeared in a number of television specials, including "Super Bowl XXVI" (CBS, 1991-92) and "Nancy Kerrigan & Friends" (CBS, 1993-94). In the nineties, Gumbel devoted his time to various credits, such as "1995 World Figure Skating Championships" (NBC, 1994-95), "Olympic Century" and "Stride to Glory" (NBC, 1995-96). He also worked on "Super Bowl XXX" (NBC, 1995-96). He held additional roles in television including a part on "Buddy Faro" (CBS, 1998-99). Additionally, he could be seen on a variety of television specials like "NFL All-Star Comedy Blitz" (CBS, 1998-99) and "Super Bowl XXXV" (CBS, 2000-01). Most recently, Gumbel acted in "The Best Man Holiday" (2013) with Taye Diggs.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Michael Wolff may refer to: Michael Wolff (graphic designer) (born 1933), British graphic designer, co-founder of Wolff Olins Michael Wolff (journalist) (born 1953), American author, essayist, and journalist Michael Wolff (musician) (born 1952), American jazz musician Michael A. Wolff (born 1945), former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri, Dean of Saint Louis University School of Law
- Birthplace: Victorville, USA, California
- Nationality: United States of America
- Mary Martha Corinne Morrison Claiborne Roberts (née Boggs; born December 27, 1943), best known as Cokie Roberts, is an American journalist and a bestseller-author. She is a commentator on contract to National Public Radio as well as a regular roundtable analyst for the current This Week With George Stephanopoulos. Roberts also works as a commentator for ABC News, serving as an on-air analyst for the network. Roberts, along with her husband, Steven V. Roberts, writes a weekly column syndicated by United Media in newspapers around the United States. She serves on the boards of several non-profit organizations such as the Kaiser Family Foundation and was appointed by President George W. Bush to his Council on Service and Civic Participation.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Vyshonne King Miller (born June 18, 1978), better known by his stage name Silkk the Shocker, is an American rapper and actor. He originally went under the stage name Silkk, but later adopted Silkk the Shocker after the release of his first album. He has now signed partnership with his brother Master P and his nephew Romeo label No Limit Forever..
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
Lisette Oropesa
Lisette Oropesa (born September 29, 1983) is an American operatic soprano. She has a wide repertoire that includes works from Gluck, Handel, Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti, Wagner, Verdi, Bizet, Massenet and Puccini. With her lyric coloratura soprano voice, she has performed roles in her native Spanish and English, as well as German, French and Italian. She is particularly noted in the roles of Susanna, Gilda, Konstanze and Lucia. Oropesa is a vegan, and avid runner/marathoner who has been featured in Runner's World Magazine. In 2014, she co-contributed to Running, Eating, Thinking: A Vegan Anthology by Martin Rowe, where she talked about her weight loss journey and how she now follows a plant-based diet. In 2015, she was a contributor to Master Singers: Advice from the Stage which includes interviews from famous opera singers about "analysis and awareness of their technique, art, interpretation and stagecraft".In 2019, she won two of the largest prizes given to opera singers in the United States, The Richard Tucker Award and the Beverly Sills Award.- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Clyde Austin Drexler (born June 22, 1962) is an American former professional basketball player who is the commissioner of the Big3 3-on-3 basketball league. Nicknamed "Clyde the Glide", he played 15 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA), spending a majority of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers before finishing with the Houston Rockets. He was a ten-time NBA All-Star and named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Drexler won an NBA championship with Houston in 1995, and earned a gold medal on the 1992 United States Olympic team known as "The Dream Team". He was inducted twice into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, in 2004 for his individual career and in 2010 as a member of the "Dream Team". He currently serves as a color commentator for Houston Rockets home games.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
Sabrina Le Beauf
The Cosby Show, FatherhoodSabrina Marie Le Beauf (born March 21, 1958) is an American actress best known for her portrayal of Sondra Huxtable on the NBC situation comedy The Cosby Show. She has voiced the character Norma Bindlebeep on the Nick at Nite animated series Fatherhood, a show based on Bill Cosby's book of the same name.- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Despite an early boost from tycoon filmmaker Howard Hughes, alluring brunette actress Faith Domergue never managed to achieve Hollywood stardom. She landed a contract with Warner Brothers while still a high school student. Howard Hughes was struck by the beauty of the young woman and immediately bought out her contract. He then cast her for the lead in "Vendetta," a revenge drama that suffered innumerable delays due to Hughes's endless meddling and was released four years later, a critical and box office failure. Amidst the chaos of that production, Domergue married Argentine director Hugo Fregonese and the couple lived in South America for a couple of years, where they had a daughter. Upon returning to the United States, she took another shot at acting, paired with Robert Mitchum in the noir classic "Where Danger Lives." Afterward, she split from her contract with Hughes, moving on to minor Westerns and anthology drama series before acting in a number of science fiction B-pictures such as "This Island Earth" and "Cult of the Cobra." While not her favorite projects, these movies have gained modest cult followings over the years. In the late '50s, she moved into episodic TV, appearing in a variety of series, including the Westerns "Colt .45" and "Bonanza." In the early '70s, near the close of her career, she wrote a biography of her early years, "My Life with Howard Hughes."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Oren Hawxhurst (born July 8, 1981) is an American professional wrestler, professional wrestling promoter, actor, and stuntman. He is best known under the ring name Luke Hawx and is also known for his time in Xtreme Pro Wrestling under the ring name Altar Boy Luke, along with being the founder and current CEO of Wildkat Sports. He has appeared in box office hits like Logan and The Fate of the Furious.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Michael Arata (born February 23, 1966) is an American actor and film producer. He began his acting career at age four and has since appeared on stage, in feature films and television programs. Arata was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. As an actor, he has worked with Academy Award winners Oliver Stone, Gene Hackman, Kevin Costner, Jamie Foxx, Tatum O'Neil, Kim Hunter, Billy Bob Thornton, Denzel Washington, Ellen Burstyn and Sissy Spacek, and has appeared on stage with Sir Kenneth Branagh, Ben Kingsley, and Rosemary Harris, as well as Alec Baldwin and Elizabeth Ashley in Tennessee Williams's classic The Night of the Iguana. In addition to his film history, Arata has extensive theater experience, including acting and producing the works of Tennessee Williams, Caryl Churchill, Tony Kushner, and William Shakespeare. In 1997, American Theatre Magazine hailed Arata's performance of Stanley Kowalski in the 50th anniversary production of Tennessee Williams' classic A Streetcar Named Desire as "unhinged and electrifying", and reviewer Dalt Wonk called the performance "a Stanley for our times". Prior to Hurricane Katrina, Arata produced Shakespeare in City Park in New Orleans, the city's only outdoor theater, as well as several productions in conjunction with the Tennessee Williams Literary Festival.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Emile Meyer was an actor who had a successful Hollywood career. Meyer started his acting career landing roles in such films as the Richard Widmark drama "Panic in the Streets" (1950), the Spencer Tracy drama "The People Against O'Hara" (1951) and the western "Shane" (1953) with Alan Ladd. He also appeared in "Drums Across the River" (1954) with Audie Murphy, "Riot in Cell Block 11" (1954) and the Edmond O'Brien crime drama "Shield For Murder" (1954). His passion for acting continued to his roles in projects like the western "White Feather" (1955) with Robert Wagner, "The Tall Men" (1955) and "The Maverick Queen" (1956) with Barbara Stanwyck. He also appeared in the western "Gun the Man Down" (1956) with James Arness. Toward the end of his career, he tackled roles in the western "Young Jesse James" (1960) with Ray Stricklyn, the comedy "Move Over, Darling" (1963) with Doris Day and the Nick Adams biopic "Young Dillinger" (1965). He also appeared in "The Long Ride Home" (1967) with Glenn Ford and "Hostile Guns" (1967). Meyer more recently acted in "Macon County Line" (1974) with Alan Vint. Meyer passed away in March 1987 at the age of 77.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Billy Martin (born May 25, 1967), known professionally as Poppy Z. Brite, is an American author. He initially achieved notoriety in the gothic horror genre of literature in the early 1990s by publishing a string of successful novels and short story collections. His later work moved into the genre of dark comedy, with many stories set in the New Orleans restaurant world. Martin's novels are typically standalone books but may feature recurring characters from previous novels and short stories. Much of his work features openly bisexual and gay characters.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Traci Adell (born February 17, 1969 in New Orleans, Louisiana) was an American model and actress for several years in her early/mid twenties in Los Angeles. She was chosen as Playboy magazine's Playmate of the Month for its July 1994 issue after being discovered in Playboy's 40th Anniversary Playmate Search in the summer of 1993. Traci's brief experiences in the entertainment and modeling industries included guest appearances on episodes of TV series and movies such as "Married with Children," "Dumb and Dumber," "Renegade," "The Naked Truth," "Dream On," "Almost Perfect," "Life 101," and "T.N.T." as well as being featured in several music videos. In 1997 Traci changed professions to pursue a career in education, where she excelled, found her passion and pursued her dreams outside of the entertainment industry and within the classrooms of LAUSD. Traci went on to receive her Masters degree in Education (Curriculum and Instruction) and worked for UCLA as an instructor and coordinator of mathematics professional development programs/institutes for elementary school teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Traci attended High School in Germantown, Tennessee where she was named senior "Class Beauty" and "Winterfest Queen." Traci attended Memphis State University where she majored in Political Science with a minor in Broadcast Journalism in 1991. Traci began modeling in Memphis when she was discovered and the winner of "Black Velvet's Model Search" competition and was then chosen to model for the "Girls of Memphis" swimsuit calendar. She also modeled and appeared in local publications such as "Memphis Magazine" and the "Commercial Appeal." Traci currently lives in LA and has not been affiliated with Playboy or the entertainment industry since the mid 90's.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Lisa Perez Jackson (born February 8, 1962) is an American chemical engineer who served as the Administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from 2009 to 2013. She is the first African-American to have held that position. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jackson is a graduate of Tulane University and Princeton University. She began working as a staff-level engineer for the Environmental Protection Agency in 1987; later moving to the EPA's regional office in New York City, where she spent the majority of her 16-year EPA career. She joined the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection in 2002, working as the assistant commissioner of compliance and enforcement and as the assistant commissioner for land use management. In 2006, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine appointed Jackson the state's Commissioner of Environmental Protection. Jackson also briefly served as Corzine's Chief of Staff in late 2008. On December 15, 2008, the President-elect Barack Obama nominated Jackson as the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, she was confirmed by the Senate and took office on January 23, 2009. During her tenure, Jackson oversaw stricter fuel efficiency standards; the EPA's response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill; authorized carbon dioxide as a public health threat, granting the EPA authority to set new regulations regarding CO2 emissions; and laid out a failed plan to set stricter smog pollution limits by amending the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. In December 2012, Jackson announced she would be stepping down as EPA Administrator, a move which took effect on February 15, 2013; she was succeeded by Deputy Administrator Bob Perciasepe, who became Acting Administrator pending Senate confirmation of Gina McCarthy on July 18, 2013 as a permanent successor.
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Pierre Dewey LaFontaine Jr. (July 3, 1930 – August 6, 2016), known professionally as Pete Fountain, was an American jazz clarinetist.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Candy Candido began his performing career as a bass player and vocalist. He made his earliest film appearances as a musician on films like 1934's "Sandy McKee" and bSomething to Sing About" in 1937. He was renowned for his incredible vocal range and could go from soprano down to an extremely low bass, which led to a successful career in radio. He made regular appearances on the "The Durante-Moore Show," eventually coining the catchphrase, "I'm feeling mighty low," which was so popular he and Jimmy Durante recorded a single named after it. Some of his early on-screen appearances, include 1938's "Cowboy from Brooklyn," 1942's "Rhythm Parade," and his first TV role in "The Loretta Young Show" in 1958. Of course, his voice made him a natural for voice acting as well. His earliest voice role came in 1939 in the classic "The Wizard of Oz," as the Angry Apple Tree. He first worked with comedian Bud Abbott in 1950 when he provided the voice of a skeleton in "Abbott and Costello in the Foreign Legion." When Abbott attempted to revive his career in 1960, he took Candido on as a partner, but soon quit again, saying that no one could compete with his old cohort, Lou Costello. Some other productions where Candido's voice can be heard include Disney films such as 1959's "Sleeping Beauty"; 1953's "Peter Pan"; and 1986's "The Great Mouse Detective."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
Mary Healy
The Big Party, Peter Loves MaryMary Healy was an actress who appeared in "The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T," "Second Fiddle," and "He Married His Wife."- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- William Blanc "Bill" Monroe Jr. (July 17, 1920 – February 17, 2011) was an American television journalist for NBC News. He was the executive producer and fourth moderator of the NBC public affairs program Meet the Press (1975–84), succeeding Lawrence E. Spivak, the program's co-founder and third moderator.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Rhonda Shear is an actress who appeared in "CHiPs," "Spaceballs," and "Married... With Children."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
John Crane
Roundhouse, A.J.'s Time TravelersJonathan or John Crane may refer to: John Crane (Australian politician) (1868–1948), member of the New South Wales Legislative Assembly John Crane (Canadian politician) (born 1935), Canadian politician Jonathan Crane (politician) (1750–1820), politician in Nova Scotia John Crane (government official), U.S. Inspector General who supports whistleblowers John Crane (soldier) (1744–1805), participant in the Boston Tea Party and a soldier during the American Revolutionary War John Crane (writer) (born 1962), writer and television producer Jonathan Townley Crane (1819–1880), American clergyman, author and abolitionistCompanies John Crane Group, manufacturer of mechanical seals.Fictional characters Scarecrow (DC Comics), also known as Dr. Jonathan Crane, DC Comics supervillain and enemy of Batman- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Lloyd Polite Jr. (born January 3, 1986), better known by his mononym Lloyd, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, rapper, dancer and actor. Lloyd began his career in music as a member of the preteen-boy band N-Toon. The group disbanded in 2001 and Lloyd embarked on a solo career in 2003. Lloyd subsequently signed a recording contract with Murder Inc. Records (formerly The Inc.) and Def Jam Recordings. In 2004, Lloyd released his solo debut single "Southside," the title track of his debut album, Southside. The single features Ashanti, and it quickly charted on the US Billboard Hot 100, and became a Top 40 hit. His second album Street Love, was released on March 13, 2007. It featured top-twenty hits "You" and "Get It Shawty." Lloyd's third album Lessons in Love, gave the singer his second top ten Billboard 200 album. Lloyd's career received an enormous boost in 2009–10 after being featured on the second single of Young Money's hit single "BedRock," gaining publicity from his presence on its guest list. Lloyd also released a 2009 EP entitled Like Me: The Young Goldie EP. On March 13, 2010, Lloyd signed to Interscope and Zone 4. His fourth album King of Hearts, was released July 5, 2011. The first single, "Lay It Down," became a top-ten hit on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. In 2016, Lloyd released "Tru", his first single in five years, and an EP of the same name that same year. On August 31, 2018, he released his fifth studio album Tru LP, which included the single, "Caramel." The remix, released in February 2019 via an official music video, featured City Girls. In March 2019, Lloyd joined an all-star lineup of early-2000s artists for The Millennium Tour, which quickly became one of the year's most popular shows. Lloyd had a television acting role in 2005 on the UPN show One on One, playing the role of A-Train, boyfriend to main cast member Spirit (played by Sicily.) In 2019, he debuted his film acting skills as Gregory Williams, founding member of Switch, in TV One's original biopic, The Bobby Debarge Story.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Paul Rae (born June 27, 1968) is an American film and television actor.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
Hans Hartman
The Bronx Is BurningHans Hartman is an actor, film producer, film director, film editor and a screenwriter.- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Gloria Henry was an American actress who appeared in "The Landlord," "Silver Spoons," and "The Strawberry Roan."
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Lawrence Eugene Williams (May 10, 1935 – January 7, 1980) was an American rhythm and blues and rock and roll singer, songwriter, producer, and pianist from New Orleans, Louisiana. Williams is best known for writing and recording some rock and roll classics from 1957 to 1959 for Specialty Records, including "Bony Moronie", "Short Fat Fannie", "Slow Down", "Dizzy, Miss Lizzy" (1958), "Bad Boy" and "She Said Yeah" (1959). John Lennon was a fan, and The Beatles and several other British Invasion groups recorded several of his songs. Williams' life mixed tremendous success with violence and drug addiction. He was a longtime friend of Little Richard.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
Roger Wilson
Seven Brides for Seven BrothersRoger W. Wilson (born October 8, 1956) is an American actor.- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
Tom Ligon
LovingA star athlete in high school, Tom Ligon set his sights on a career in sports. However, an injury to his leg cut his professional football aspirations short, and Ligon soon turned his focus to acting. After enrolling at Yale, Ligon was discovered by the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tennessee Williams, who was impressed by Ligon's performance as Kilroy in Williams's "Camino Real." Soon after, Ligon became a much sought-after actor in Hollywood, with notable performances as a back-up catcher in the baseball drama "Bang the Drum Slowly" and a recurring role as Lucas Lorenzo Prentiss on the soap opera "The Young and the Restless." In 2001, Ligon earned critical acclaim for portraying Alvin Yood, a small-town sheriff convicted of aggravated assault, on the HBO prison series "Oz." When he's not acting on television or the movies, Ligon is heavily involved in the New York theater scene, where he continues to act in off-Broadway plays.- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Brock Vincent Kelly is an American actor.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Byron Otto Thomas (born March 20, 1969), better known by his stage name Mannie Fresh, is an American rapper, record producer and DJ who is best known for his work with Cash Money Records from 1993 to 2005 and one half of the hip hop duo Big Tymers. He produced all or most of the songs on 17 multi-platinum, platinum or gold albums for Cash Money from 1998 to 2004 before leaving the label. Mannie Fresh is currently signed to both Def Jam South and his own division company, Chubby Boy Records.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Italian-born Phil Fondacaro was a beloved actor, well-known for his memorable performances on the Hollywood movie screen. Fondacaro started his acting career landing roles in such films as the Mark Hamill box office smash action picture "Return of the Jedi" (1983), the Noah Hathaway fantasy "Troll" (1986) and the sci-fi fantasy "The Dungeonmaster" (1986) with Jeffrey Byron. He also appeared in the action movie "Steele Justice" (1987) with Martin Kove and "The Garbage Pail Kids Movie" (1987) with Anthony Newley. Fondacaro also lent his vocal talents to the animated adventure "The Black Cauldron" (1985) with Grant Bardsley. He continued to act in productions like the comedic adventure "Willow" (1988) with Val Kilmer, "Meridian: Kiss of the Beast" (1990) with Sherilyn Fenn and "Joey Takes a Cab" (1991). He also appeared in the Tim Thomerson fantasy sequel "Dollman vs. Demonic Toys" (1993). More recently, he continued to act in the Rhonda Griffin horror movie "The Creeps" (1997) and the Jack Maturin fantasy "Blood Dolls" (1999). He held additional roles in television including a part on "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (CBS, 2000-2015). Most recently, Fondacaro acted in the action film "George A. Romero's Land of the Dead" (2005) with Simon Baker.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Kim Diane McGuire (December 1, 1955 – September 14, 2016) was an American lawyer and author. A former actress, she was best known for her role of Mona "Hatchet-Face" Malnorowski in John Waters' 1990 comedy musical Cry-Baby.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Cameron Dye is an American character actor best known for his role as Fred, the nervy sidekick of punk protagonist Randy (Nicolas Cage) in the 1983 romantic comedy "Valley Girl." Dye, whose parents moved frequently, divided his high school years between Ohio and California. After earning his degree in theater arts from UCLA, Dye earned walk-on parts on several early 1980s TV series before making the leap to feature films with a supporting role on the iconic '80s comedy "Valley Girl." While the film, with its distinct Southern California sociolect and New Wave soundtrack, was a bonafide box office hit that remains fondly imprinted in the memories of many Generation X moviegoers, Dye's subsequent appearances in B-movies of the era--including improbable titles like "Heated Vengeance" and "Fraternity Vacation"--fared less well. By the late '80s Dye settled into a steady but unspectacular career as a frequent television guest star, most often playing heavies and unsavory characters.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Merry Clayton was an American soul and gospel singer, best known for her duet with Mick Jagger on the Rolling Stones classic "Gimme Shelter," and her single "Yes" from the soundtrack of the hit 1987 movie, "Dirty Dancing." Clayton was born Christmas Day 1948 in the Gert Town neighborhood of New Orleans. While other girls her age were off chasing boys, Clayton quickly raced to chase her dreams of becoming a singer. She began her career at the age of fourteen in 1962 when she recorded a duet with teen heartthrob Bobby Darin called "Who Can I Count On? (When I Can't Count On You)" for his album "You're the Reason I'm Living." In the following year, Clayton recorded the first version of the hit '60s pop song, "The Shoop Shoop Song (It's in His Kiss)," although Betty Everett had the hit. Clayton's singing career took great strides afterwards when she joined Ray Charles's vocal group The Raelettes. Her stint in the Raelettes led to collaborations with other noted musicians of the time, including Pearl Bailey, Phil Ochs, Burt Bacharach and Tom Jones.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Ivan Neville (born August 19, 1959) is an American multi-instrumentalist musician, singer, and songwriter. He is the son of Aaron Neville and nephew to members of The Neville Brothers.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Walter Isaacson (born May 20, 1952) is an American writer and journalist. He is the University Professor of History at Tulane University. He has been the President and CEO of the Aspen Institute, a nonpartisan educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, D.C., chairman and CEO of CNN and Managing Editor of Time. He has written biographies of Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, and Henry Kissinger.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Cheryl Lynn Holdridge (June 20, 1944 – January 6, 2009) was an American actress, best known as an original cast member of The Mickey Mouse Club.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Douglas M. Griffin is an actor.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Wolfe Perry (born Lieutenant Wolfe Perry, Jr.; 22 January 1957) is an American actor and former college basketball player at Stanford University.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Charles Stocker Fontelieu (May 5, 1923 – December 14, 2009) was an American actor.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Rebecca McFarland is an American actress.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Donna Lease Brazile (; born December 15, 1959) is an American political strategist, campaign manager, political analyst, author, and Fox News contributor. She was formerly a CNN contributor until her resignation in October 2016. She is a member of the Democratic Party, briefly serving as the interim chair of the Democratic National Committee in spring 2011, and again from July 2016 to February 2017. She was the first African American woman to direct a major presidential campaign, acting as campaign manager for Al Gore in 2000. She has also worked on several presidential campaigns for Democratic candidates, including Jesse Jackson and Walter Mondale–Geraldine Ferraro in 1984, and for Dick Gephardt in the 1988 Democratic primary.
- Birthplace: Kenner, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Kermit Ruffins (born December 19, 1964) is an American jazz trumpeter, singer, and composer from New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. He has been influenced by Louis Armstrong and Louis Jordan and says that the highest note he can hit on trumpet is a high C. He often accompanies his songs with his own vocals. Most of his bands perform New Orleans jazz standards, though he also composes many of his own pieces. Jon Pareles of The New York Times wrote, "Mr. Ruffins is an unabashed entertainer who plays trumpet with a bright, silvery tone, sings with off-the-cuff charm and never gets too abstruse in his material."
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
- Catherine Conn (September 3, 1910 – April 17, 2007), better known professionally as Kitty Carlisle and also billed as Kitty Carlisle Hart, was an American stage and screen actress, singer and spokeswoman for the arts. She is best remembered as a regular panelist on the television game show To Tell the Truth. She served 20 years on the New York State Council on the Arts. In 1991, she received the National Medal of Arts from President George H. W. Bush. She was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1999.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
Amita Balla
Amita Balla is an actress.- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
Lisa Keiffer
Lisa Keiffer is a former contestant on the reality television show Survivor: Vanuatu.- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Arthur Lanon Neville (December 17, 1937 – July 22, 2019) was an American singer, songwriter and keyboardist from New Orleans. Neville was a staple of the New Orleans music scene for over five decades. He was the founder of the funk band The Meters whose musical style set the tone of New Orleans funk, a co-founder of the rock-soul-jazz band The Neville Brothers, and he later formed the spinoff group The Funky Meters. He performed on many recordings by notable artists from New Orleans and elsewhere, including Labelle (on "Lady Marmalade"), Paul McCartney, Lee Dorsey, Robert Palmer, Dr. John and Professor Longhair. He was the recipient of three Grammy awards.
- Birthplace: USA, New Orleans, Louisiana
- Nationality: United States of America
Yvonne Suhor
The Young RidersYvonne Theresa Suhor (November 29, 1961 – September 27, 2018) was an American actress and acting instructor. Suhor was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She graduated from Illinois State University in 1985, and later received her MFA from the University of Southern California. Over the years, Suhor has appeared in a number of movies and TV series, most notably as Cicely in an Emmy Award-winning episode of Northern Exposure and as series regular Louise McCloud for three seasons on The Young Riders. She has also guest-starred on Brooklyn Bridge (in a recurring role), Murder, She Wrote, Star Trek: Voyager, Renegade, and Sheena. In addition, Suhor has several theatre credits to her name, including Steppenwolf's The Grapes of Wrath and Lydie Breeze, and she is a two-time Jeff Award nominee. Suhor died on September 27, 2018, after a ten-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Before her death, Suhor ran her own acting school, Art's Sake Film Acting Studio in Orlando, Florida, teaching Core Film Acting based on the Meisner technique.- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
- Dreux Pierre Frédéric (born November 26, 1985), better known by his stage name Lil' Fizz, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer and television personality best known for being the youngest member and rapper of the R&B group, B2K. Formerly, he starred on the television show Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood.
- Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
- Nationality: United States of America
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