by Beth Schwartz

Created on: August 06, 2009

Maryland is well known as being the home of the Orioles, the Ravens, and the blue crab. Many don't know the many notable personalities who were born in Maryland:

FREDERICK DOUGLASS

Frederick Douglass was born on Maryland's eastern shore. A former slave, Douglass escaped slavery and later played a huge role in the antislavery movement. He was the first African American to be nominated for the office of vice president.

MICHAEL PHELPS

Professional swimmer Michael Phelps was born in Baltimore County, Maryland. He won eight gold medals in the 2008 Olympic Games held in Beijing, beating Mark Spitz's record and making Phelps the record holder for the most gold medals won during a single Olympics.

TONI BRAXTON

Grammy award-winning singer Toni Braxton was born in Severn, Maryland. She sang such hits as "Un-Break My Heart" and "You're Makin' Me High." She also participated in Dancing with the Stars in 2008.

TOM CLANCY

Author Tom Clancy was born in Baltimore County, Maryland. He is responsible for such books (later made into movies) as The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, Clear and Present Danger, and The Sum of All Fears.

ADAM DURITZ

Adam Duritz, lead singer for the Counting Crows, was born in Baltimore, Maryland. The Counting Crows sang a number of hit songs, including "A Long December," "Mr. Jones," "Round Here," and "Accidentally in Love."

CASS ELLIOT

Cass Elliot (also known as Mama Cass) was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She was an integral part of the Mamas and the Papas, who recorded such hits as "California Dreamin'" and "Monday, Monday." She is well known for her solo hit "Dream a Little Dream of Me."

DAVID HASSELHOFF

David Hasselhoff was born in Baltimore, Maryland. David Hasselhoff is best known for portraying Michael Knight in the TV series "Knight Rider" and for his portrayal of Mitch Buchannon on "Baywatch." He is currently a judge on "America's Got Talent."

JADA PINKETT-SMITH

Jada Pinkett-Smith was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Her first big break came when she played Lena James on "A Different World." She has since acted in Jason's Lyric, A Low Down Dirty Shame, The Nutty Professor, Scream 2, Collateral, and many other feature films. She is married to Will Smith.

JOHN WATERS

Filmmaker John Waters was born in Baltimore, Maryland. Most (if not all) of his films are set in Baltimore, and I have even spotted him at a Towson movie theater seeing a movie like all the rest of us. He has written such movies as Hairspray,

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