success, CBS's Late Show. Some of his achievements include 7 Emmys and many comedy awards. On these shows he is known for pioneering goofy late-night comedy sketches like "Velcro man" - throwing himself onto a giant Velcro board with a suit made of the opposite type, "what happens if a guy in a bear suit walks into Starbucks," and prank calling and interviewing various people or businesses with strange questions and going through drive-though windows and ordering strange items. All these types of bits have been main fare for late-night comedy ever since, taken to further extremes by his protegees such as Conan O'Brien.
He frequently refers to his upbringing in Indiana on his shows and mentions it to guests who are either from their or attended Indiana schools. He has his mom on the show many times doing down-home Indiana things like baking pies. He had his first child several years ago with a woman he recently married, even though this newly-cultivated family-man image has been undermined of late by accusations that he confirmed of affairs with interns and others on the show, all the while likely panning Bill Clinton and others for similar indiscretions. He has had career low points as well, including a notably bad Oscar hosting and recent contract renewal problems but overall it has been a great talk show hosting ride for Letterman and he has greatly impacted the genre.
4. JOHNATHAN JENNINGS. Jonathan Jennings was not born in Indiana but he was the first Governor in Indiana after it received statehood and made great references to it as his adopted home. He was born July 26th, 1784 and was in office December 12, 1816 to December 1, 1822. This Presbyterian leader played an important role in Indiana's civil rights history as he overturned the pro-slavery laws in that area, creating an important abolitionist hub for slaves fleeing the south.
5. JAMES DAVIS. James Robert Davis was born July 28, and is an American cartoonist that made the well-known and popular comic strip and character Garfield, which has gone on to licence books, television shows, movies, countless stuffed animals, and commercials. Some other comic strips that he worked on include Tumbleweeds, Gnorm Gnat, U.S. Acres, and a strip featuring Mr. Potato head. He also worked personally on some Garfield-oriented television specials, including "Garfield & Friends" and "Garfield Gets Real". Some of his other notable career achievements include 4 Emmys and the Reuben Award for Overall Excellence in Cartooning.
6. ANNE BAXTER. Anne Baxter was born in Michigan City, Indiana on May 7, 1923. She was active in films from 1940 - 1983. At age ten she starred on Broadway, and so impressed critics and fans that she was compelled to pursue acting as a career. One of her most important career achievements was Best Supporting Actress in "The Razor's Edge."
7. SHARON WILCHMAN. Sharon Wilchman was born May 13, 1952. She was an American swimmer and Olympia champion. She competed at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico city where she received a bronze in the 100 meter breaststroke, and a gold in the 200 meter breast stroke.
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