Hollywood may be a solid 1,400 miles away, but our little city still manages to stay on the radar for all kinds of celebrities. From musicians to movie stars, check out some of the famous Fort Worthians who call our corner of Texas home.
Taylor Sheridan
Best known as the creator behind Paramount’s drama series “Yellowstone,” Taylor Sheridan was born in North Carolina but raised here in Fort Worth. Longtime locals may remember seeing Sheridan in “Piaf” at Stage West Theatre before moving on to bigger roles in shows like “Veronica Mars” and “Sons of Anarchy.” Sheridan is also known to film his shows around Cowtown.
Ginger Rogers
Actress and dancer Ginger Rogers moved to Fort Worth when she was nine years old, and she once won a Charleston dance contest (think you could do that?) in Dallas. Rogers was often the dancing partner of Fred Astaire in films — here’s one of their iconic dance scenes in “Swing Time.” Take a peek at Ginger’s childhood home.
Kelly Clarkson
“American Idol” winner, recording artist, talk show host, and all-around-extraordinaire Kelly Clarkson was born in Fort Worth and grew up in Burleson. The year Clarkson entered and won “American Idol,” she was a Red Bull promoter, handing out drinks at Joe Pool Lake.
Leon Bridges
GRAMMY Award-winning artist Leon Bridges is a Fort Worthian through and through. Born and raised here, as a young adult he worked at Rosa’s Café for seven years and went to Tarrant County College before dropping out. In a 2022 interview with “Coveteur,” Bridges named some of his favorite spots around the city, so you can dine + shop alongside the artist. The magazine’s photoshoot was taken around Leon’s house in Fort Worth.
Leighton Meester
Also from Fort Worth is Blair Waldorf — we mean, Leighton Meester. While the actress and singer was born here, she spent her childhood in Marco Island, FL. Leighton’s standout role was as a wealthy east coaster in “Gossip Girl” from 2007-2012, though if you doubt her country roots, performances like these from “Country Strong” with Tim McGraw + Gwyneth Paltrow prove otherwise.
Opal Lee
Known as the “Grandmother of Juneteenth,” Opal Lee has spent her life fighting for racial justice and equity here in Fort Worth and across the country. After her family’s Historic Southside home was burnt back in 1939, Lee recently moved into a new home that sits at the very same address. Read her reflections on the home, the Medal of Freedom, the National Juneteenth Museum, and her hopes for the future.
Van Cliburn lived in Fort Worth from 1978 until 2013.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Van Cliburn
Van Cliburn was born in Louisiana in 1934, but the internationally-acclaimed pianist moved with his family to Texas at the age of six. Cliburn is most known for winning The Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow during the height of The Cold War. After attending Julliard and living in New York, Cliburn returned to Texas to live in Fort Worth until his death in 2013.
Fort Worth native Kirk Franklin has received 20 Grammy Awards throughout his career.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Kirk Franklin
Born and raised in Fort Worth, GRAMMY Award-winner Kirk Franklin previously served as the choir director at New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church — at the ripe age of 11. Now, the gospel artist is planning for “The Reunion Tour” that will head to 30+ cities in the US and Canada.
Bill Paxton graduated from Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons
Bill Paxton
Late actor and filmmaker Bill Paxton was born in Fort Worth in 1955, where he stayed with his family on the city’s west side until moving to Los Angeles at the age of 18. The actor’s most notable roles took place in films including “Aliens,” “Weird Science,” “Titanic,” and “Apollo 13.”
Other famous Fort Worthians include:
- Van Williams | After growing up on a ranch outside of town, Williams studied business and animal husbandry at TCU before becoming an actor in “The Green Hornet” and “77 Sunset Strip.”
- Candy Clark | Originally from Norman, Oklahoma, the actress and model graduated from Trimble Tech High School and is best known for her role in “American Graffiti”
- T Bone Burnett | The musician, who was Bob Dylan’s guitarist + created the soundtrack for “O Brother Where Art Thou,” was on the golf team at Pascal High School.
- John Denver | The singer-songwriter graduated from Arlington Heights High School in 1961, while his dad was stationed at Carswell Air Force Base.
- Delbert McClinton | The four-time GRAMMY Award-winning blues musician moved to Fort Worth when he was 11 years old.
Favorite famous Fort Worthian not on the list? Let us know.
