Nebraska Famous People

Famous Americans: History and Biographies

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

• Grace Abbott (1878 - 1939) Social reformer that helped to write the Social Security Act; born in Grand Island.
• Grover Cleveland Alexander (1887 - 1950) One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history; born in Elba.
• Fred Astaire (1899 - 1987) Actor famous for his dance steps; born in Omaha.
• Marlon Brando (1924 - ) Actor who won an Academy Award for The Godfather; born in Omaha.
• Warren Buffett (1930 - ) Successful stock investor; born in Omaha.
• Johnny Carson (1925 - 2005) Entertainer and host of the Tonight Show; grew up in Norfolk.
• Henry Fonda (1905 - 1982) Actor who won an Academy Award for On Golden Pond; born in Grand Island.
• Gerald R. Ford (1913 - ) 38th  President of the United States; born in Omaha.
• Joyce C. Hall (1891 - 1982) Founder of Hallmark Cards; born in David City.
• Malcolm X (1925 - 1965) Civil rights leader; born in Omaha.
• J. Sterling Morton (1832 - 1903) Secretary of Agriculture and  founder of Arbor Day; from Nebraska City.
• Kay Orr - (1987-1991) The first Republican woman governor in U.S. history 
• Red Cloud (1822 - 1909) Oglala Sioux leader who defeated the U.S. Army in many battles; born in Nebraska.

More Famous People of Nebraska

• Max Baer boxer, Omaha
• Bil Baird puppeteer, Grand Island
• George Beadle geneticist, Wahoo
• Dick Cavett TV entertainer, Gibbon
• Montgomery Clift actor, Omaha
• James Coburn actor, Laurel
• Sandy Dennis actress, Hastings
• Mignon Eberhart author, Lincoln
• Harold Edgerton inventor, Fremont
• Ruth Etting singer, actress, David City
• Jay W. Forrester inventor, Climax
• Bob Gibson baseball player, Omaha
• Hoot Gibson actor, Tememah
• Howard Hanson composer, conductor, Wahoo
• Leland Hayward producer, Nebraska City
• David Janssen actor, Naponee
• Susette La Flesche artist, Omaha
• Francis La Flesche ethnologist, Omaha
• Frank W. Leahy football coach, O'Neill
• Irish McCalla actress, Pawnee City
• Dorothy McGuire actress, Omaha
• Nick Nolte actor, Omaha
• Roscoe Pound educator, legal scholar, Lincoln
• Mari Sandoz author, Sheridan Cty
• Standing Bear Indian rights advocate, leader
• Inga Swenson actress, Omaha
• Robert Taylor actor, Filley
• Paul Williams singer, composer, actor, Omaha
• Don Wilson announcer, Lincoln
• Julie Wilson singer, actress, Omaha
• Darryl F. Zanuck film producer, Wahoo