Arkansas Famous People

Famous Americans: History and Biographies

Links to histories and biographies of the famous people of Arkansas. Many famous people of Arkansas have made significant contributions to the history of our nation and the state of Arkansas. These famous Americans, famous entertainers, famous players, famous scientist, famous singers, famous statesmen, famous women, heroes, great explorers, and others Arkansas famous Americans have all made Arkansas their home. This list includes Arkansas historical figures, celebrities and those individuals of Arkansas who have influenced the lives of others.

Famous People

• Maya Angelou (1928 - ) Poet and author of many books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.
• Hattie Caraway (1878 - 1950) The first woman elected to the United States Senate; lived in Jonesboro.
• Johnny Cash (1932 - ) Award-winning country and western singer known as "the man in black."; born in Kingsland.
• Eldridge Cleaver ( 1935 -1998) Black activist; born in Wabaseka.
• William Jefferson (Bill) Clinton (1946- ) 42nd President of the United States; born in Hope.
• Jay Hanna (Dizzy) Dean (1910 - 1974) Baseball player; born in Lucas.
• Scott Joplin (1867 - 1917) Musician, composer; lived in Texarkana.
• John Grisham (1955 - ) Author famous for works such as The Firm, The Pelican Brief, The Rainmaker and The Chamber; born in Jonesboro.
• General Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) Famous soldier and statesman; born in Little Rock.
• Scottie Pippen (1965 - ) NBA player, played for the University of Central Arkansas; born in Hamburg.
• Mary Steenburgen (1953 - ) Actress; born in Newport.
• Sarasen (1735 - 1832) The last Quapaw chief in Arkansas; he is buried in Pine Bluff.
• Sam Walton (1918 - 1992) Founder of Wal-Mart; lived in Bentonville.

More Famous People of Arkansas

• G. M. (Broncho Billy) Anderson actor, Little Rock
• Helen Gurley Brown editor, Green Forest
• Glen Campbell singer, Delight
• Eldridge Cleaver black activist, Walbaseha
• Jay Hanna (Dizzy) Dean baseball player, Lucas
• Orval Faubus former governor, Combs
• John Gould Fletcher writer, Little Rock
• John H. Johnson publisher, Arkansas City
• Scott Joplin musician, composer, Texarkana
• Alan Ladd actor, Hot Springs
• Dick Powell actor, Mountain View
• Edward Durrell Stone architect, Fayettville