Indiana Famous People

Famous Americans: History and Biographies

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

Famous People

• Anne Baxter (1923 - 1985) Famous actress; born in Michigan City.
• Larry Bird (1956 - ) Basketball Hall of Famer who led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships (1981, 1984, 1986); born in West Baden
• Bill Blass (1922 - ) Fashion designer; born in Fort Wayne.
• Jim Davis (1945 - ) Creator of Garfield; born in Marion.
• James Dean (1931 - 1955) Famous actor for movies like Rebel Without a Cause; born in Marion.
• Benjamin Harrison (1833 - 1901) 23rd President of the United States; lived in Indianapolis, where he practiced law.
• Michael Jackson (1958 - ) Singer and songwriter famous for songs such as Thriller and Beat It; born in Gary.
• David Letterman (1947- ) Comedian late night talk show host; born in Indianapolis.
• John Cougar Mellencamp (1951 - ) singer, songwriter; born in Seymour.
• Jane Pauley (1950 - ) Television journalist that hosts Dateline; born in Indianapolis.
• Kurt Vonnegut (1922 - ) Well-known author of books such as Slaughterhouse Five; born in Indianapolis.
• Wilbur Wright (1867 -1912) Inventor; born near Millville.

More Famous People of Indiana

• George Ade humorist, Kentland
• Leon Ames actor, Portland
• Hoagy Carmichael songwriter, Bloomington
• Eugene V. Debs Socialist leader, Terre Haute
• Theodore Dreiser writer, Terre Haute
• Bernard F. Gimbel merchant, Vincennes
• Virgil Grissom astronaut, Mitchell
• Alfred Bertram Guthrie author, Bedford
• Phil Harris actor, band leader, Linton
• John Milton Hay statesman, Salem
• James R. Hoffa labor leader, Brazil
• Buck Jones actor, Vincennes
• Eli Lilly pharmaceuticals, Indianapolis
• Carole Lombard actress, Fort Wayne
• Shelley Long actress, Fort Wayne
• Marjorie Main actress, Acton
• James McCracken tenor, Gary
• Joaquin Miller poet, Liberty
• Andrew J. Moyer inventor, Star City
• Paul Osborn playwright, Evansville
• Cole Porter songwriter, Peru
• Ernest Taylor Pyle journalist, Dana
• J. Danforth Quayle vice president, Indianapolis
• James Whitcomb Riley poet, Greenfield
• Ned Rorem composer, Richmond
• Red Skelton comedian, Vincennes
• Rex Stout mystery writer, Noblesville
• Booth Tarkington author, Indianapolis
• Twyla Tharp dancer, choreographer, Portland
• Forrest Tucker actor, Plainfield
• Harold C. Urey physicist, Walkerton
• Jessamyn West author, North Vernon
• Wendell Willkie lawyer, Elwood
• Willis Van Devanter Supreme Court justice, Marion