Famous People from Memphis, TN

Memphis, Tennessee has produced some of the world’s most popular people. They range from actors to directors and even globally recognized writers. Below are some of the most famous people from Memphis, TN.

10. Ginnifer Goodwin
Born in Memphis, TN, Goodwin is best known for her role in Big Love (as Margene Heffman). She has also starred in other TV shows including Sofia the First, Ed and Law & Order. Goodwin has also played leading roles in many films including Mona Lisa Smile, A Single Man and Something Borrowed.

9. James Blackwood
James was a founding member of The Blackwood Brothers; a gospel quartet. Born in 1919, he was the youngest of the four siblings. The group managed to win multiple awards including nine wins and thirteen nominations in The Grammy’s.

8. Shannen Doherty
Doherty is an actress, producer, director, and author. Although she is best known for playing the role of Brenda Walsh in Beverly Hills, 90210, Doherty has featured in many other films and TV shows; including Father Murphy and Charmed. She has been a Youth In Film Awards nominee eight times.

7. Daniel Schneider
Popularly known as Dan, Schneider was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. After successfully auditioning for a movie part, Dan moved to L.A. where he grew to become a successful writer and producer. His works include The Amanda Show, All That and What I Like About You. He is the owner of Schneider’s Bakery (a production company).

6. Lisa Marie Presley
Lisa Marie Presley is Elvis Presley and Priscilla Presley’s daughter. She is also famous for her acting, songwriting and singing skills. She has been married to Michael Jackson, Nicholas Cage, and Danny Keough. Her music ranges from rock, folk, blues and country.

5. Chris Parnell
Parnell is best known from NBC’s Saturday Night Live where he was a cast member from 1998 to 2006. His fame is largely attributable to his vast scope of abilities. They include comedy, acting, voicing and singing.

4. Aretha Franklin
Franklin is an inductee of the prestigious Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. She was the first woman to achieve the status. Dubbed as the Queen of Soul, Franklin started her singing career in her father’s church. When she was 18, she joined Columbia Records and started singing secular music. Her biggest achievements came in 1967 after signing a record deal with Atlantic Records. Her voice was labeled as a “natural resource” by the Michigan Government in 1985.

3. Justin Timberlake
Timberlake is a multi-talented native of Memphis, Tennessee. He is a singer, songwriter, actor, and record producer. At only 14, he rose to prominence as the youngest member of N’SYNC. In 2002, Timberlake launched his solo career with the album Justified. He has earned numerous awards, honors and recognition in his career; including nine Grammy and four Emmy Awards.

2. Kathy Bates
Born Kathleen Doyle “Kathy” Bates in June 28, 1948, she is an actress, director, and producer. With a showbiz career that spans over 40 years, Bates is known for her roles in many films and TV shows; including American Horror Story.

1. Morgan Freeman
Freeman is an actor and a narrator. He is among the highly regarded and respected figures in showbiz. His career dates back to 1960’s when he appeared in the TV series Another World. His first credited film, Who Says I Can’t Ride a Rainbow?, was released in 1971.