From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
State flag of South Carolina
Location of South Carolina in the U.S. map
The following is a list of prominent people who were born in the U.S. state of
South Carolina , lived in South Carolina, or for whom South Carolina is a significant part of their identity.
A–B
Aziz Ansari
Doc Blanchard
Charles Bolden
Chadwick Boseman
Danielle Brooks
John Abraham (born 1978), born in
Timmonsville ;
NFL
defensive end for the
Arizona Cardinals
Rick Adair (born 1958), born in
Spartanburg ;
pitching coach for the
Baltimore Orioles
Kimberly Aiken (born 1975), born in
Columbia ;
Miss America 1994
Jaimie Alexander (born 1984), born in
Greenville ; actress,
Kyle XY ,
Blindspot , the
Thor movies
Ray Allen (born 1975), lived in
Dalzell ;
NBA star for the
Miami Heat
Bill Anderson (born 1937), born in Columbia; country music singer and songwriter, nicknamed "Whisperin' Bill"
Ike Anderson (born 1957), born in Columbia;
Greco-Roman wrestler who competed at
1988 Summer Olympics
Olanda Anderson (born 1972), born in
Sumter ; former boxer, member of the
2000 United States Olympics team
Aziz Ansari (born 1983), born in Columbia; actor and comedian
Norman C. Armitage (1907–1972), Olympic medalist saber fencer
[1]
Robert Ayers (born 1985), raised in
Clio ; defensive end for the
New York Giants
Annie Maria Barnes (1857 – unknown), born in
Columbia ; journalist, editor, and author
Alex Barron (born 1982), born in
Orangeburg ; left tackle for the
Dallas Cowboys
Frances Elizabeth Barrow (1822–1894), born in Charleston; children's writer
Bernard Baruch (1870–1965), born in
Camden ; financier, philanthropist, statesman, and adviser to President Woodrow Wilson and Franklin Roosevelt
Tyler Bass (born 1997), from
Columbia ; kicker for the
Buffalo Bills
Samuel Beam (born 1974), born in Columbia; singer-songwriter under the stage name
Iron & Wine
Paul Benjamin (1938–2019), born in
Pelion ; actor
Shelton Benjamin (born 1976), from
Orangeburg ;
professional wrestler and former
amateur wrestler
Charles Dantonja Bennett (born 1983), born in
Camden ; football player for Clemson University and Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ben Bernanke (born 1953), graduated from high school in
Dillon in 1971, former chairman of the
Federal Reserve
The Big Show (born Paul Donald Wight), professional wrestler and actor, born in
Aiken
Blue Sky (born 1938), born in Columbia and lived there for the majority of his life, painter and sculptor
Alfred W. Bethea (1916–1999), former member of the
South Carolina House of Representatives from
Dillon ; the 1970 gubernatorial nominee of the
American Independent Party
Mary McLeod Bethune (1875–1955), from
Mayesville ; civil rights leader and groundbreaking educator
Doc Blanchard (1924–2009), born in
McColl , raised in
Bishopville ; college football player who became the first ever
junior to win the
Heisman Trophy
Charles F. Bolden Jr. (born 1946), born in Columbia; NASA
astronaut ,
United States Marine Corps major general, administrator of
NASA
James Butler Bonham (1807–1836), from Red Bank (now Saluda); lawyer, soldier, and defender of the Alamo
Chadwick Boseman (1976–2020), born in
Anderson ; actor, known for his role as
Black Panther in
Captain America: Civil War and in the
2018 film of the same name
[2]
Peter Boulware (born 1974), born in
Columbia ; former
linebacker for the
Baltimore Ravens
Zackary Bowman (born 1984), born in
Columbia ; cornerback for the
Chicago Bears
Jarrell Brantley (born 1996), basketball player
Rick Brewer , former administrator at
Charleston Southern University in
North Charleston , and current president of
Louisiana College in
Pineville, Louisiana
[3]
Lee Brice (born 1980), born in
Sumter ; country artist, co-wrote the
Garth Brooks song
More Than a Memory
Danielle Brooks (born 1989), raised in
Simpsonville ; actress
[4]
Preston Brooks (1819-1857), born in
Edgefield ; advocate of slavery and states' rights before the American Civil War
Robert Brooks (born 1970), born in
Greenwood ; former wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers and the Denver Broncos
J. Anthony Brown , born in Columbia; actor, comedian and radio personality
James Brown (1933–2006), born in Barnwell; singer, songwriter, musician, and recording artist dubbed the "godfather of soul"
Kwame Brown (born 1982), born in
Charleston ; center for the
Golden State Warriors
Omar Brown (born 1988), born in
Moncks Corner ; free safety for the
Baltimore Ravens
Sheldon Brown (born 1979), born in
Lancaster ; cornerback for the
Cleveland Browns
Martavis Bryant (born 1991), born in
Calhoun Falls ; wide receiver for the
Pittsburgh Steelers
Peabo Bryson (born 1951), born in
Greenville ; R&B singer-songwriter
Jared Burton (born 1981), born in
Westminster ; relief pitcher for the
Minnesota Twins
Rafael Bush (born 1987), born in
Williston ; safety for the
New Orleans Saints
James F. Byrnes (1882–1972), born in Charleston; U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator, Justice of the Supreme Court, Secretary of State, and 104th governor of South Carolina.
C–D
Toy Caldwell
Madelyn Cline
Stephen Colbert
Monique Coleman
Beth Daniel
Pat Caddell (1950–2019), born in
Rock Hill ; public opinion pollster, political film consultant
Tommy Caldwell (1949–1980), born in
Spartanburg ; bassist for
the Marshall Tucker Band
Toy Caldwell (1947–1993), born in Spartanburg; lead guitarist and vocalist for the Marshall Tucker Band
Floride Calhoun (1792–1866), born in Charleston; Second Lady of the United States
John Caldwell Calhoun (1782–1850), born in
Abbeville County ; U.S. Senator, Secretary of State, Secretary of War, and the 7th Vice-President of the U.S.
Anna Camp (born 1982), born in
Aiken ; actress,
The Help
Carroll A. Campbell Jr. (1940–2005), born in
Greenville ; South Carolina Governor and U.S. Congressman
John Tucker Campbell (1912–1991), born in
Calhoun Falls ; Secretary of State 1978–1991, Mayor of Columbia 1970–1978, city councilman, drugstore owner
Marion Campbell (1929–2016), born in
Chester ; NFL defensive lineman and head coach
Shane Carruth (born 1972), born in
Myrtle Beach ; filmmaker
Harry Carson (born 1953), born in
Florence ; football player, inducted into the
Pro Football Hall of Fame 2006
Wilson Casey (born 1954), born in
Woodruff ; "Trivia" Guinness World Record holder, nationally syndicated trivia newspaper columnist
Chandler Catanzaro (born 1991), born in
Greenville ; placekicker for the
Arizona Cardinals
Charlamagne Tha God (born 1980), born in
Moncks Corner ; radio and TV personality
Essie B. Cheesborough (1826-1905), born in Charleston; writer
Chubby Checker (born 1941 as Ernest Evans), born in Spring Gulley (
Andrews ); singer
Alice Childress (1920–1994), born in Charleston; playwright who wrote about the struggles of poverty and racism
Kelsey Chow (born 1991), born and raised in Columbia; actress
Jim Clyburn (born 1940), born in
Sumter ; U.S. congressman
Dave Cockrum (1943–2006), died in
Belton ; comic book artist
Landon Cohen (born 1986), born in
Spartanburg ; defensive tackle for the
Seattle Seahawks
Stephen Colbert (born 1964), born in
Washington, D.C. but grew up in
Charleston ; comedian, anchor, political analyst, television personality, former host of
The Colbert Report and current host of the television show
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
Catherine Coleman (born 1960), born in
Charleston ; chemist, former
U.S. Air Force officer, current
NASA astronaut
Monique Coleman (born 1980), born in
Orangeburg ; actress
Mike Colter (born 1976), born in
Columbia , raised in
St. Matthews ; actor,
Ringer
O'Neal Compton (1951–2019), born in
Sumter ; character actor
Pat Conroy (1945–2016), grew up in
Beaufort , attended
Beaufort High School and
The Citadel ; novelist
Angell Conwell (born 1983), born in
Orangeburg and raised in
Columbia ; actress
Tyrone Corbin (born 1962), born in
Columbia ; NBA player and coach
James S. Cothran (1830–1897), born in
Abbeville County ; U.S. House of Representatives for South Carolina's 3rd congressional district
Torrey Craig (born 1990), born in
Columbia ; NBA player
Charles Craven (1682–1754); governor of colonial South Carolina during the
Tuscarora War and
Yamasee War
Shawn Crawford (born 1978), born in
Van Wyck ; gold medalist in
2004 Athens Olympics 200 meters, silver in
2008 Beijing Olympics
Madelyn Cline (born 1997), born in
Goose Creek ; actress
Robert Houston Curry (1842–1892), born near
Winnsboro ; member of the
Louisiana House of Representatives from
Bossier Parish , wounded Confederate Army veteran at
Second Battle of Manassas
Esther Dale (1885–1961), born in
Beaufort ; actress
Beth Daniel (born 1956), born in
Charleston ; golfer, member of
World Golf Hall of Fame
George B. Daniels (born 1953), born in
Allendale ; federal judge
Gary Davis (1896–1972), born in
Clinton ; blues and gospel songwriter and innovative guitarist
Kristin Davis (born 1965), early in her childhood, she and her parents moved to
Columbia ; actress known for role as Charlotte York in
Sex and the City
Mary Elizabeth Moragne Davis (1815–1903), born in
Oakwood, Abbeville District ; diarist and author
Mendel Jackson Davis (1942–2007), born in
North Charleston ; United States Representative from South Carolina
Richard C. Davis (born 1963), from
Charleston ; real estate broker and television personality
Viola Davis (born 1965), born in
St. Matthews ; actress,
The Help
Katon Dawson (born 1956), born in
Columbia ; former chairman of the
South Carolina Republican Party
Manish Dayal (born 1983), born in
Orangeburg ; actor,
90210
Robert C. De Large (1842–1874), born in
Aiken ; member of United States House of Representatives from South Carolina
Will Demps (born 1963), born in
Charleston ; football safety for the
Baltimore Ravens and others
Andy Dick (born 1965), born in
Charleston ; actor and comedian best known for his roles on sitcoms
James Dickey (1923–1997); professor at
University of South Carolina at Columbia , poet and novelist
Samuel Henry Dickson (1798–1872), born in Charleston; poet, physician, writer and educator
Anna Peyre Dinnies (1805–1886), born in
Georgetown ; poet and writer
Julius Dixson (1913–2004), born in
Barnwell ; songwriter and record company executive
Larry Doby (1923–2003), born in
Camden ; baseball player in Negro leagues and Major League Baseball, first black player in
American League , later manager of
Chicago White Sox , Hall of Fame inductee
Stanley Donen (1924–2019), born in Columbia; film director and choreographer
Ulysses Dove (1947–1996), born in Columbia; choreographer
David Drake (c.1800–c.1870s), from
Edgefield ; potter
Steven Duggar (born 1993), born in
Spartanburg and raised in
Moore ; baseball player for the
San Francisco Giants
Charles Duke (born 1935), raised in
Lancaster ; engineer, retired
U.S. Air Force officer,
test pilot , former astronaut
Watson B. Duncan III (1915–1991), born in Charleston; college professor
William Wallace Duncan (1839–1908), died in
Spartanburg ; bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South
Justin Durant (born 1985), born in
Florence ; linebacker for the
Atlanta Falcons
E–F
Alex English
Shepard Fairey
Tyler Florence
Joe Frazier
Ainsley Earhardt (born 1976), grew up in
Columbia , correspondent for
Fox News
John B. Earle (1766–1836), died in
Anderson County , U.S. Representative from South Carolina
Samuel Earle (1760–1833), died in
Pendleton District , United States Representative from South Carolina
Marian Wright Edelman (born 1939), born in
Bennettsville , activist for the rights of children
Armanti Edwards (born 1988), born in
Greenwood , Pro football player for the Carolina Panthers and Cleveland Browns
Carl Edwards Jr. (born 1991), born in
Prosperity , relief pitcher for the
Chicago Cubs
Eddie Edwards (born 1954), born in
Sumter , former defensive end for the
Cincinnati Bengals football team
John Edwards (born 1953), born in
Seneca , former
U.S. Senator from North Carolina (1999–2005),
2004 Democratic nominee for Vice President under
John Kerry
Leslie Jean Egnot (born 1963), born in
Greenville , Olympic yachtswoman for New Zealand
Frederick J. Eikerenkoetter II,
Reverend Ike (1935–2009), born in
Ridgeland , minister and electronic evangelist
Andre Ellington (born 1989), born in
Moncks Corner , running back for the
Arizona Cardinals
Bruce Ellington (born 1991), born in
Moncks Corner , wide receiver for the
San Francisco 49ers
Shaun Ellis (born 1977), born in
Anderson , defensive end for the
New England Patriots football team
Lilian Ellison (1923–2007), born in
Kershaw County , female professional wrestler better known as
the Fabulous Moolah
Edward C. Elmore (1826–1873), born in Columbia, Treasurer of the Confederate States of America
Frank Emanuel (born 1942), born in
Clio , former football linebacker for
Miami Dolphins and the
New Orleans Saints
Alex English (born 1954), born in
Columbia , basketball player, member of the
Basketball Hall of Fame
Joe Arnold Erwin (born 1956), born in
Florence , entrepreneur and politician, former chairman of the South Carolina Democratic Party
Esquerita (1935–1986), born in
Greenville , singer, songwriter and pianist, original name Eskew Reeder Jr.
Leomont Evans (born 1974), born in
Abbeville , former American football safety in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins
Ralph B. Everett (born 1951), born in
Orangeburg , lobbyist and political staffer
Richard Evonitz (1963–2002), born in Columbia, serial killer
Shepard Fairey (born 1970), born in
Charleston , artist who created the
Barack Obama "Hope" poster
James Farrow (1827–1892), born in
Laurens , politician in Confederate Congress, elected to U.S. House of Representatives
William G. Farrow (1918–1942), born in
Darlington , captured and executed by the Japanese military following the
Doolittle Raid
Shannon Faulkner (born 1975), born in
Powdersville , the first female cadet to enter
The Citadel
Charles Fernley Fawcett (1915–2008), grew up in
Greenville , co-founder of the
International Medical Corps
Raymond Felton (born 1984), born in
Marion , professional basketball player
Eugene Figg (1936–2002), born in
Charleston , structural engineer who made numerous contributions to the field of
structural engineering
David E. Finley Jr. (1890–1977), born in
York , art executive, first director of the National Gallery of Art, founding chairman of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and chairman of the United States Commission of Fine Arts
Kirkman George Finlay (1877–1938), born in
Greenville , first bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina
Michael Flessas (born 1959), attended college and lived in South Carolina, actor, best known for his role in the film
Dancer in the Dark
Tyler Florence (born 1971), born in
Greenville , television chef
Rickey Foggie (born 1966), born in
Laurens , former quarterback in the Canadian Football League and the Arena Football League
James Dudley Fooshe (1844–1940), born in Abbeville District (now
Greenwood County ), soldier, author, farmer, philosopher, and Methodist churchman
Joe Frazier (1944–2011), born in
Beaufort , boxer, 1964 Olympic heavyweight champion and the world heavyweight champ 1970–73
Nancy Friday (1933–2017), grew up in
Charleston , author, specializing in topics of
female sexuality and liberation
Pearl Fryar (born 1940), topiary artist living in Bishopville
Steven Furtick (born 1980) born in
Moncks Corner , founder and lead pastor of Elevation Church
G–I
Brett Gardner
Kevin Garnett
Althea Gibson
Nikki Haley
Bo Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins
Madison Iseman
Samkon Gado (born 1982), attended
Ben Lippen High School in Columbia, running back in the National Football League
David du Bose Gaillard (1859–1913), born in
Manning , U.S. Army engineer instrumental in the construction of the
Panama Canal
John Gaillard (1765–1826), born in St. Stephen's district, U.S. Senator
Brett Gardner (born 1983), born in
Holly Hill ,
left fielder for the
New York Yankees
Kevin Garnett (born 1976), born in
Mauldin , retired professional basketball player for the
Minnesota Timberwolves ,
Boston Celtics , and
Brooklyn Nets
Sarah Ann Haynsworth Gayle (1804-1835), born in
Sumter County , diarist
Leeza Gibbons (born 1957), born in
Hartsville , talk show host of Entertainment Tonight and other
Hollywood news shows
Althea Gibson (1927–2003), born in Silver,
Clarendon County , first African-American player to win Wimbledon and U.S. National tennis championships
Thomas Gibson (born 1962), born in Charleston, actor,
Criminal Minds
William Gibson (born 1948), born in
Conway , author, credited as the father of the
Cyberpunk genre of
science fiction
Dizzy Gillespie (1917–1993), born in
Cheraw , African-American
jazz trumpeter, bandleader, singer and composer
Stephon Gilmore (born 1990), born in
Rock Hill , cornerback for the
New England Patriots
Gordon Glisson (1930–1997), born in
Winnsboro , thoroughbred horse racing jockey
Candice Glover (born 1989), born in
Beaufort ,
American Idol (season 12) winner
Joseph L. Goldstein (born 1940), born in
Kingstree , Nobel Prize-winning
biochemist and
geneticist
André Goodman (born 1978), born in Greenville,
cornerback for the
Denver Broncos
A. J. Green (born 1988), born in
Summerville , wide receiver for the
Cincinnati Bengals
Zack Godley (born 1990), born in
Bamberg , starting pitcher for the
Arizona Diamondbacks
Malliciah Goodman (born 1990), born in
Florence , defensive end for the
Atlanta Falcons
B. J. Goodson (born 1993), born in
Lamar , linebacker for the
New York Giants
Jonathan Goodwin (born 1978), born in Columbia, offensive lineman in the National Football League
K. Lee Graham (born 1997), from
Chapin , won the
Miss Teen USA 2014 pageant
Lindsey Graham (born 1955), from
Central , politician, lawyer, long-time South Carolina
Senator since 2003, and unsuccessful
2016 presidential candidate
Boyce Green (born 1960), born in
Beaufort , former running back in the National Football League
Chad Green (born 1991), born in
Greenville , relief pitcher for the
New York Yankees
Alvin Greene (born 1977), born in
Florence , 2010 Democratic nominee for United States Senator
Maxcy Gregg (1814–1862), born in Columbia, lawyer, and brigadier general in the Confederate States Army
Fred Griffith (born 1964), born in
Spartanburg , actor and producer
James Grimsley Jr. (1921–2013), born in
Florence , major general U.S. Army and president of
The Citadel
Michael Hackett (born 1960), basketball player,
Liga Profesional de Baloncesto MVP in 1984, and
Israeli League Top Scorer in 1991
Johnson Hagood (1828–1898), Confederate general and governor of South Carolina
Nikki Haley (born 1972), born and raised in
Bamberg , Indian-American politician, former
Governor of South Carolina (2010–2017), and
United States Ambassador to the United Nations since 2017
Trevor Hall (born 1986), from
Hilton Head , musician
Jakar Hamilton (born 1989), from
Johnston , safety for the
Dallas Cowboys
Michael Hamlin (born 1985), from
Lamar , safety for the
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jason Hammel (born 1982), from
Greenville , starting pitcher for the
Kansas City Royals
James Henry Hammond (1807–1864), US congressman, senator and governor of South Carolina
Shanola Hampton (born 1977), from
Charleston , actress, on
Showtime series
Shameless
Wade Hampton I (1752–1835), U.S. Congressman from South Carolina, born in Virginia
Wade Hampton II (1791–1858), born in Columbia, plantation owner and soldier
Wade Hampton III (1818–1902), born in Charleston, Confederate general, governor, United States Senator
Ken "The Hawk" Harrelson (born 1941), born in
Woodruff , television broadcast announcer for the
Chicago White Sox
Albert Haynesworth (born 1981), from
Hartsville , defensive tackle for the
Tennessee Titans
Matt Hazel (born 1992), from
North Augusta , wide receiver for the
Miami Dolphins
Josh Head, from
Rock Hill , rhythm guitarist for the band
Emery
Heath Hembree (born 1989), from
Cowpens , relief pitcher for the
Boston Red Sox
DuBose Heyward (1885–1940), born in Charleston, playwright and poet, wrote the novel "
Porgy " and its stage incarnations "Porgy" and "
Porgy and Bess "
Thomas Heyward Jr. (1746–1809), signer of the Declaration of Independence
Jordan Hill (born 1987), from
Newberry , National Basketball Association player
Lauren Michelle Hill (born 1979), from
Columbia , model, actress,
Playboy
Playmate
Thomas Hitchcock Jr. (1900–1944), polo player
Vonnie Holliday (born 1975), from
Camden , defensive lineman for the
Washington Redskins
Chris Hope (born 1980), from
Rock Hill , safety for the
Atlanta Falcons
Bo Hopkins (1942–2022), from
Greenville , actor
DeAndre Hopkins (born 1992), from
Central, South Carolina , NFL wide receiver
Corinne Stocker Horton (1871–1947), born in
Orangeburg , elocutionist, journalist, and newspaper editor
Todd Howard (born 1965), from
Spartanburg , entrepreneur and public figure
Orlando Hudson (born 1977), from
Darlington ,
Gold Glove-winning
Major League Baseball player
Josephine Humphreys (born 1945), from
Charleston , author
Fiona Hutchison (born 1960), raised in
Columbia and attended
Clemson University , soap opera actress
[5]
J. B. Hutto (1926–1983), born in
Blackville ,
blues musician
Lauren Hutton (born 1943), from
Charleston , supermodel, actress
Dontrelle Inman (born 1989), from Charleston, NFL and Canadian Football League wide receiver
Madison Iseman (born 1997), from
Myrtle Beach , actress
George Izard (1776–1828), an American general in War of 1812, and 2nd Governor of Arkansas Territory
J–L
Shoeless Joe Jackson
Dustin Johnson
Eartha Kitt
Sallie Krawcheck
John Laurens
Andrew Jackson (1765–1845), 7th
President of the United States
Jesse Jackson (born 1941), born in Greenville, politician and
civil rights activist
'Shoeless' Joe Jackson (1887–1951), former outfielder for
Chicago White Sox
John G. Jackson (1907–1993), from Aiken, Pan-Africanist historian, lecturer, teacher and writer
James Jamerson (1938–1983), from
Edisto Island , bass player
Anthony James (1942–2020), from Myrtle Beach, actor,
Unforgiven
Young Jeezy (born 1977 as Jay Wayne Jenkins), born in Columbia, rap and hip-hop performer
Sylvia Jefferies (born 1969), born in
Greenwood , actress,
Nashville
Alshon Jeffery (born 1990), born in
St. Matthews , wide receiver for the
Philadelphia Eagles
Willie Jeffries (born 1937), born in
Union , former player and head football coach of
South Carolina State University , first
African American head coach of an
NCAA Division I-A football program at a predominantly White college, member of the
College Football Hall of Fame
Jarvis Jenkins (born 1988), born in
Clemson , defensive end for the
Washington Redskins
Tim Jennings (born 1983), born in
Orangeburg , cornerback for the
Chicago Bears
Caroline Howard Jervey (1823–1877), born in Charleston, author and poet
Jasper Johns (born 1933), grew up in
Allendale , painter and printmaker
Anthony Johnson (born 1974), born in Charleston, professional basketball player
Dustin Johnson (born 1984), born in
Columbia , professional golfer
T. J. Johnson (born 1990), born in
Aynor , former NFL center for the
Cincinnati Bengals
William H Johnson (1901–1970), from Florence, artist
Christopher Jones (born 1982), born in
Myrtle Beach , actor and dancer
Greg Jones (born 1981), born in
Beaufort , fullback for the
Jacksonville Jaguars
Orlando Jones (born 1968), attended high school in
Mauldin , comedian and actor
Alexis Jordan (born 1992), born in
Columbia , R&B and pop singer
Robert Jordan (1948–2007), fantasy author
Joseph B. Kershaw (1822–1894), slave owner and Confederate general who served as a Division Commander,
Army of Northern Virginia , State Senator, Circuit Court Judge
Spencer Kieboom (born 1991), born in
Mount Pleasant , catcher for the
Washington Nationals
Terry Kinard (born 1959), from
Sumter , former
safety for the
New York Giants and
Houston Oilers
Betsy King (born 1955), from
Spartanburg , golfer, member of
World Golf Hall of Fame
Lane Kirkland (1922–1999), labor union leader and president of the
AFL–CIO , 1979–1995
Richard Rowland Kirkland (1843–1863), Confederate soldier
Eartha Kitt (1927–2008), actress, singer, and
cabaret star
Michael Kohn (born 1986), from
Camden , former relief pitcher for the
Los Angeles Angels
Carlos Knight (born 1993), from Columbia, television actor
Noah O. Knight (1929–1951), soldier in the United States Army during the Korean War, posthumously received the Medal of Honor
Sterling Knight (born 1989), from
Hilton Head Island , actor, singer-songwriter, musician
Matt William Knowles (born 1985), from Greenville, actor.
Sallie Krawcheck (born 1964), from Charleston, former chairman and chief executive officer of Citi Global Wealth Management
John Laurens (1754–1782), soldier and statesman from South Carolina during the American Revolutionary War
Lance Laury (born 1982), from
Hopkins , football player, linebacker for the
New York Jets
DeMarcus Lawrence (born 1992), from
Aiken , defensive end for the
Dallas Cowboys
Andy Lee (born 1982), from
Westminster , football player, punter for the
San Francisco 49ers
Mary Elizabeth Lee (1813–1849), born in Charleston, writer
Hyman Isaac Long (born 18th century), born in
Jamaica , Freemason
Terry Long (1959–2005), guard for the
Pittsburgh Steelers
James "Pete" Longstreet (1821–1904), Confederate general, commander of the 1st Corps of the Army of Northern Virginia
Harry B. Luthi (1933–2019), from
Greenville , former mayor and retired businessman
Jordan Lyles (born 1990), from
Hartsville , baseball player, starting pitcher for the
Colorado Rockies
Thomas Lynch Jr. (1749–1779), signer of the Declaration of Independence
M–O
Francis Marion
Patina Miller
Nancy O'Dell
Andie MacDowell (born 1958), born in
Gaffney , model and actress
Barton MacLane (1902–1969), born in
Columbia , actor, playwright, and screenwriter
James Robert Mann (1920–2010), born in
Greenville , soldier, lawyer and a United States Representative
Francis Marion (c. 1732–1795), born in Winyah (
Winyah Bay ), a.k.a. the Swamp Fox, strategic fighter against the British during the War of Independence
Logan Marshall-Green (born 1976), born in Charleston, actor,
Dark Blue
George Martin (born 1953), from
Greenville , former
defensive end for the
New York Giants
Cliff Matthews (born 1989), born in
Cheraw , defensive end for the
Atlanta Falcons
Byron Maxwell (born 1988), born in
North Charleston , cornerback for the
Philadelphia Eagles
Anthuan Maybank (born 1969), born in
Georgetown , Olympic gold medalist 4x400
Edwin McCain (born 1970), born in
Greenville , musician and songwriter
Johnathan McClain (born 1970), born in
Myrtle Beach , actor and writer
Annie Virginia McCracken (1868–?), born in Charleston; published a magazine while living in
Summerville
Tony McDaniel (born 1985), born in
Hartsville , defensive tackle for the
Seattle Seahawks
Rocky McIntosh (born 1982), grew up in
Gaffney , linebacker for the
Washington Redskins
Marian McKnight (born 1936), born in
Manning , Miss America 1957, actress, producer and writer
Tre McLean (born 1993), basketball player in the
Israeli Basketball Premier League
Henry McMaster (born 1947), born in Columbia,
Governor of South Carolina since 2017
Ronald McNair (1950–1986), born in
Lake City , astronaut killed in the explosion of the
Space Shuttle Challenger
Walter Russell Mead (born 1952), born in Columbia, journalist, editor-at-large of
The American Interest magazine
Dave Meggett (born 1966), born in Charleston, former NFL
running back , primarily with the
New York Giants
Craig Melvin (born 1979), from Columbia,
NBC News anchor
Jamon Meredith (born 1986), born in
Simpsonville , professional football player,
offensive tackle for the
New York Giants
Arthur Middleton (1742–1787), born in Charleston, signer of the Declaration of Independence, Governor (1810–1812), Representative (1815–1819), and Minister to Russia (1820–1830)
William Ephraim Mikell (1868–1944), born in Sumter, Dean of the
University of Pennsylvania Law School
Patina Miller (born 1984), born in
Pageland , actress, singer,
Madam Secretary ,
All My Children ,
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay films
Robert Mills (1781–1855), born in Charleston, architect, designed the
Washington Monument and many public buildings
Adam Minarovich (born 1977), from
Anderson , actor
Vanessa Minnillo (born 1980), from Charleston, television personality on
Entertainment Tonight
Jordan Montgomery (born 1992), from
Sumter , starting pitcher for the
New York Yankees
Tim Montgomery (born 1975), from
Gaffney , Olympic athlete, and ESPY AWARD winner
Darla Moore (born 1954), born in
Lake City , financial executive
D. J. Moore (born 1987), born in
Spartanburg , professional football player,
cornerback for the
Chicago Bears
Ja Morant (born 1999), born in
Dalzell , No.2 pick in NBA Draft, NBA player for the
Memphis Grizzlies
Julianne Morris (born 1968), born in
Columbia , actress,
Days of Our Lives
Maurice Morris (born 1979), born in
Chester , professional football player, running back for the
Detroit Lions
R. Winston Morris (born 1941), from
Barnwell , tuba player and composer, professor at
Tennessee Technological University
Kary Mullis (1944–2019), grew up in
Columbia , biochemist and Nobel laureate
Mick Mulvaney (born 1967), grew up in
Indian Land , former director of the
Office of Management and Budget
Allison Munn (born 1974), grew up in
Columbia , actress
Kris Neely (born 1978), born in Spartanburg, artist who has created more than 10,000 Guardian angel paintings
Clifton Newman - Judge presided over several high profile criminal cases
Josh Norman (born 1987), from
Greenwood , cornerback for the
Washington Redskins
Billy O'Dell (1933–2018), born in
Whitmire , Major League Baseball pitcher
Nancy O'Dell (born 1966), born in
Sumter , TV personality,
Access Hollywood and
Entertainment Tonight
Jermaine O'Neal (born 1978), born in Columbia, basketball player for the
Boston Celtics
Chris Owings (born 1991), born in
Charleston , Major League Baseball player
P–S
Teyonah Parris
Hunter Renfrow
Bobby Richardson
Darius Rucker
Art Shell
Melvin Stewart
Emilio Pagán , closer for the
Tampa Bay Rays , from
Simpsonville
Peggy Parish (1927–1988), born in
Manning , author of
Amelia Bedelia series
Lu Parker , broadcast journalist and Miss USA 1994, from
Anderson
Mary-Louise Parker , film and television actress, born in
Fort Jackson
Ron Parker (born 1987), born in
Saint Helena Island , safety for the
Kansas City Chiefs
Teyonah Parris (born 1987), born in
Hopkins , actress,
Mad Men ,
WandaVision
Will Patton (born 1954), actor, born in Charleston
Carl Anthony Payne II (born 1969), actor,
Martin ,
Rock Me Baby ,
The Cosby Show
Teddy Pendergrass (born 1950), born in
Kingstree , singer
William "The Refrigerator" Perry , former professional football player, born in
Aiken
Julia Peterkin (1880–1961), born in
Laurens County ,
Pulitzer Prize winner
Bobbie Phillips (born 1972), actress,
The Cape ,
Murder One
Bill Pinkney (1925–2007), born in
Dalzell , pitcher in the Negro leagues, served in World War II, performer and singer with
The Drifters
Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779–1851), born in
Charleston , Martin Van Buren's Secretary of War, physician, botanist, and statesman, as well as famous eponym
Virginia Postrel (born 1960), political and cultural writer, born in
Greenville
Josh Powell , power forward and center for the
Atlanta Hawks , born in Charleston
Jeryl Prescott (born 1964), from
Hartsville , actress
Melvin Purvis (1903–1960), born in
Timmonsville , FBI agent responsible for ending the criminal careers of
Baby Face Nelson ,
Pretty Boy Floyd , and
John Dillinger
Brian Quick (born 1989), born in
Columbia , wide receiver for the
St. Louis Rams
Robert Quinn (born 1990), from
Ladson , defensive end for the
Dallas Cowboys
Willie Randolph (born 1954), born in
Holly Hill , MLB player, manager, third base coach for the
Baltimore Orioles
Arthur Ravenel Jr. (born 1927), born in
Charleston ,
Republican politician
Arizona Reid (born 1986),
Israeli National League basketball player
Hunter Renfrow (born 1995), born in
Myrtle Beach , NFL wide receiver
Thomas C. Reynolds (1821–1887), born in
Charleston ,
Confederate governor of
Missouri from 1862 to 1865
Flint Rhem (1901–1969), Major League Baseball pitcher
Don Rhymer (1961–2012), born in
Union , film writer and producer
Sidney Rice (born 1986), born in
Gaffney , wide receiver for the
Seattle Seahawks
Bobby Richardson (born 1935), born in
Sumter , baseball player for the
New York Yankees
Richard Wilson Riley (born 1933), governor of South Carolina, U.S. Secretary of Education 1993–2001
Leon Rippy (born 1949), born in
Rock Hill , film and television actor
Jane Robelot (born 1960), in
Greenville , Co Anchor
CBS This Morning
Andre Roberts (born 1988), born in Columbia, football player for the
Arizona Cardinals
Julie Roberts (born 1979), from
Lancaster , country music singer
Bobby Robinson (1917–2011), born in
Union , record producer
Eugene Robinson (born 1955), born in
Orangeburg , Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper columnist
Chris Rock (born 1965), born in
Andrews , comedian, actor, screenwriter, film, TV producer, and director
Thomas A. Roe (1927–2000), born in
Greenville , businessman and conservative philanthropist
Joshua Rogers (born 1994), born in
Greeleyville , recording artist, Season 5 winner of
BET 's
Sunday Best
Arthur Rose Sr. (1921–1995), born in
Charleston , Chair of the Art Department at
Claflin University ,
Orangeburg (1952–1973)
Al Rosen (1924–2015), born in
Spartanburg , 4x All Star and MVP baseball player
Mackenzie Rosman (born 1989), born in Charleston, actress,
7th Heaven
Darius Rucker (born 1966), born in Charleston, musician, lead singer of
Hootie & The Blowfish , now a solo artist
Thomas Jefferson Rusk (1803–1857), born in
Pendleton ; early political and military leader of the
Republic of Texas
Edward Rutledge (1749–1800), youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence; later governor of South Carolina
Francis H. Rutledge (1799–1866), born in Charleston, first Episcopal bishop of Florida
John Rutledge (1739–1800), statesman and judge, elected President of South Carolina, April 1776, under the constitution drawn up on March 26, 1776
Reggie Sanders (born 1967), born in
Florence , professional baseball player
Gloria Saunders (1927–1980), actress, born in
Columbia
Jake Scott (1945–2020), born in
Greenwood , former
safety for the
Miami Dolphins and
Washington Redskins
O'Brien Schofield (born 1987), born in
Camden , outside linebacker for the
Atlanta Falcons
Ian Scott (born 1981), born in
Greenville , football player,
defensive tackle for the
San Diego Chargers
Ramon Sessions (born 1986), born in
Myrtle Beach , basketball player for the NBA
Richard Seymour (born 1979), born in
Gadsden , football player,
defensive lineman for the
Oakland Raiders
Mike Sharperson (1961–1996), baseball player, member of
1988 World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers, born in
Orangeburg
Art Shell (born 1946), born in
Charleston ,
Pro Football Hall of Fame
offensive tackle and head coach for the
Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
Donnie Shell (born 1952), born in
Whitmire , Pro Football Hall of Fame strong safety for the
Pittsburgh Steelers , member of the Steelers famed
Steel Curtain defense in the 1970s
John Shumate (born 1952), born in
Greenville , professional basketball player
Robert Smalls (1839–1915), born in
Beaufort , naval pilot during
American Civil War , founder of
South Carolina Republican Party
Arthur Smith (1921–2014), born in
Clinton , guitarist, songwriter, radio-TV personality, composer of "
Guitar Boogie " and "
Dueling Banjos "
Shawnee Smith (born 1970), born in
Orangeburg , film and television actress, musician
J. Smith-Cameron (born 1955), raised in
Greenville , stage and screen actress
Justin Smoak (born 1986), born in
Goose Creek , baseball player for the
Toronto Blue Jays
Louise Hammond Willis Snead (1870–1958), born in Charleston, artist, writer, lecturer, and composer
Mickey Spillane (1918–2006), lived in
Murrells Inlet ,
crime novel author, many featuring fictional detective
Mike Hammer
Jay Stamper (born 1972), Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, resident of Columbia
John Steadman (1909–1993), born in
Lexington , radio personality and actor; played "Pop" in
The Longest Yard
Zak Stevens (born 1966), born in Columbia, lead singer in the heavy metal band
Savatage , backup singer for
Trans-Siberian Orchestra and lead singer for
Circle II Circle
Melvin Stewart (born 1968), raised in
Fort Mill ,
Olympic swimmer,
SwimSwam co-founder
[6]
[7]
Jessica Stroup (born 1986), born in
Anderson , actress,
90210 ,
The Following ,
Ted
T–Z
Stephen Thompson
Josh Turner
Angelica Singleton Van Buren
Roddy White
Vanna White
James E. Williams
Zion Williamson
Devin Taylor (born 1989), from Lady's Island; defensive end for the
Detroit Lions
Tyler Thigpen (born 1984), from
Winnsboro ; quarterback for the
Buffalo Bills
Brandon Thomas (born 1991), from
Spartanburg ; offensive guard for the
San Francisco 49ers
Gorman Thomas (born 1950), from
Charleston ; former outfielder for the
Milwaukee Brewers ,
Cleveland Indians , and
Seattle Mariners
Stephen Thompson (born 1983), from
Simpsonville ;
kickboxer and
UFC fighter
David Thornton (born 1953), from
Cheraw ; television actor
Melanie Thornton (1967–2001), born in
Charleston ;
Eurodance singer for
La Bouche , famous for the singles "
Be My Lover " and "
Sweet Dreams "
Strom Thurmond (1902–2003), born in
Edgefield ; South Carolina Governor, and the oldest and 2nd longest-serving U.S. Senator
Kelly Tilghman (born 1969), from
North Myrtle Beach ; broadcaster for The Golf Channel, and the PGA Tour's first female lead golf announcer
Lawrence Timmons (born 1986), from
Florence ; linebacker for the
Pittsburgh Steelers
Gina Tolleson (born 1970), from
Spartanburg ; American model and beauty queen crowned
Miss World America 1990
Steven Tolleson (born 1983), from
Spartanburg ; infielder for the
Baltimore Orioles
Charles Townes (1915–2015), from
Greenville ; Nobel Prize-winning
physicist and educator
William Barret Travis (1809–1836), born in
Saluda County ; 19th-century
American
lawyer and
soldier who commanded Texan forces at the Alamo
Josh Turner (born 1977), from
Hannah ; country music singer
Tom Turnipseed (1936–2020), lived in Columbia; lawyer, executive director of the 1968 presidential campaign of
George C. Wallace , former member of the South Carolina State Senate
Angelica Singleton Van Buren (1818–1877), born in
Wedgefield ; married
Abraham Van Buren while his father,
Martin Van Buren , was the eighth
President of the United States ; served as
First Lady of the United States for the rest of his term in the
White House
William Washington Vance (1849–1900), born in
Cokesbury , trained in the law in
Abbeville , South Carolina;
state senator from
Bossier Parish, Louisiana , and private secretary to
Governor
Murphy J. Foster in
Baton Rouge
Denmark Vesey (c.1767–1822), lived in
Charleston ; African-American leader
Corey Washington (born 1991), from
North Charleston ; wide receiver for the
New York Giants
Benjamin Watson (born 1980), from
Rock Hill ; tight end for the
New Orleans Saints
John B. Watson (1878–1958), grew up in
Travelers Rest ; psychologist who established the
psychological school of
behaviorism
Shawn Weatherly (born 1959), from
Sumter ; Miss USA and Miss Universe 1980
Sean Weatherspoon (born 1987), from
Greenville ; linebacker for the
Arizona Cardinals
Charles S. West (1829–1885), born in
Camden ; Texas jurist and politician
John C. West (1922–2004), politician
William C. Westmoreland (1914–2005), born in
Saxon ; deputy commander of
Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) 1964–1968, Army Chief of Staff 1968–1972
Celia Weston (born 1951), from
Spartanburg ; character actress
Lily C. Whitaker (c. 1850–1932), born in Charleston; educator and author
Mary Scrimzeour Whitaker (1820–1906), born in
Beaufort ; litterateur, writer, poet, and novelist
Chris White (born 1983), from
Chester ; guard and center for the
Seattle Seahawks
Roddy White (born 1981), from
James Island ; football player, wide receiver for the
Atlanta Falcons
Tracy White (born 1981), from Charleston; linebacker for the
New England Patriots
Vanna White (born 1957), from
North Myrtle Beach ; co-host on
Wheel of Fortune
Johnson Chesnut Whittaker (1858–1931), from Camden; one of the first black men to win an appointment to the
United States Military Academy at
West Point
Johnny Whitworth (born 1975), from Charleston; actor,
CSI: Miami ,
The 100 ,
Limitless
Matt Wieters (born 1986), from
Goose Creek ; catcher for the
St. Louis Cardinals
Louis Wigfall (1816–1874), born in
Edgefield ; Texas politician who served as a member of the
Texas Legislature ,
United States Senate , and
Confederate Senate
Armstrong Williams (born 1959), from
Marion ; television and radio host, columnist, political activist
Dennis Williams (born 1965); basketball player
James E. Williams (1930–1999), born in
Fort Mill , raised in
Darlington ; Medal of Honor (Vietnam, 1966), highest decorated enlisted man in the history of the U. S. Navy, U. S. Marshal
Zion Williamson (born 2000), raised in
Spartanburg ; No.1 pick in NBA Draft, NBA player for
New Orleans Pelicans
A'ja Wilson (born 1996), born in
Hopkins ; basketball player for the
Las Vegas Aces , 2x
WNBA MVP
Mookie Wilson (born 1956), from
Bamberg ; former
center fielder for the
New York Mets and
Toronto Blue Jays
Rod Wilson (born 1981), from
Cross ;
linebacker for the
Chicago Bears
Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924), 28th President of the United States; lived in
Columbia in his teenage years
DeWayne Wise (born 1978), from
Columbia ; outfielder for the
Chicago White Sox
Rosa Louise Woodberry (1869–1932), journalist, educator; born in
Barnwell County, South Carolina ; lived in,
Williston, South Carolina
Chad Wolf (born 1976), from
Charleston ; lead vocalist in band "
Carolina Liar "
Henry Woodward (1646–1690), an early colonist of South Carolina who was instrumental in establishing contact with
Native Americans and setting up a trading system
Bill Workman (1940–2019), born in
Charleston , mayor of
Greenville 1983–1995, retired economic development specialist; resident of
Walterboro
W. D. Workman Jr. (1914–1990), newspaper and radio journalist, author;Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate in 1962 and for governor of South Carolina in 1982
Isaac Wright Jr. (born 1962), lawyer; born in Moncks Corner
Mike Wright (born 1990), from
Bennettsville ; pitcher for the
Baltimore Orioles
Samuel E. Wright (1946–2021), from
Camden ; actor and Broadway performer
Cale Yarborough (1939–2023), from
Timmonsville ; 3x
NASCAR Cup Series champion
Lee Thompson Young (1984–2013), born in
Columbia ; actor,
The Famous Jett Jackson ,
Rizzoli & Isles
See also
By educational institution affiliation
By governmental position
By location
References
^
"Norman Armiitage, Fencing Star And Textile Executive, Dies at 65" - The New York Times
^ Gilbey, Ryan (August 29, 2020).
"Chadwick Boseman obituary" . The Guardian . Retrieved August 29, 2020 .
^ Leigh Guidry (March 25, 2015).
"LC board names South Carolina VP as ninth president" .
The Alexandria Town Talk . Retrieved July 23, 2015 .
^ Hutcheson, Susannah.
"How I became an actress and advocate: Danielle Brooks" . USA TODAY . Retrieved January 21, 2021 .
^
"Fiona Hutchison profile"
Archived December 4, 2005, at the
Wayback Machine . Soapcentral.com.
^ Noden, Merrell (July 6, 1992).
"Great Expectations: Melvin Stewart's Journey From the World of the PTL Ministry to his Life as the World's Best Butterflyer Has Been Well, Dickensian" .
Sports Illustrated . Retrieved July 20, 2021.
^
"Where Are They Now?: Mel Stewart" .
Charlotte Magazine . July 20, 2010. Retrieved July 20, 2021.