by Beth Schwartz

Created on: August 19, 2009

Known as the "Lone Star State," Texas is also the birthplace to a multitude of stars.

ACTORS

Steve Martin, star of such movies as The Jerk, The Man with Two Brains, Parenthood, and many others, was born in Waco, Texas. Larry Hagman, best known for his portrayal of J.R. Ewing on the TV series "Dallas," was born in Fort Worth. Tommy Lee Jones, who won an Oscar for his role in The Fugitive, was born in San Saba. Matthew McConaughey, who starred in movies such as Dazed and Confused, A Time to Kill, The Wedding Planner, and How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, was born in Uvalde. Jamie Foxx, who caught his big break on "In Living Color" and went on to win an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles in the film Ray, was born in Terrell.

Other actors who were born in Texas include Gary Busey (born in Goose Creek), Dabney Coleman (Austin), Chace Crawford (Lubbock), Woody Harrelson (Midland), Ethan Hawke (Austin), brothers Dennis Quaid and Randy Quaid (Houston), Patrick Swayze (Houston), brothers Luke Wilson and Owen Wilson (Dallas), and Rip Torn (Temple).

ACTRESSES

Comedic legend Carol Burnett was born in San Antonio, Texas. Best known as one of "Charlie's Angels," Farrah Fawcett was born in Corpus Christi. Sissy Spacek, who won an Oscar for her role in Coal Miner's Daughter, was born in Quitman. Phylicia Rashad, who played everyone's favorite TV mom, Clair Huxtable, on "The Cosby Show," was born in Houston.

Other actresses who were born in Texas include Renee Zellweger (Katy), Kate Capshaw (Fort Worth), Joan Crawford (San Antonio), Morgan Fairchild (Dallas), Jennifer Garner (Houston), Jennifer Love Hewitt (Waco), Eva Longoria Parker (Corpus Christi), and Sharon Tate (Dallas).

MUSICIANS

Music legend Buddy Holly, who was tragically killed in a plane crash during the height of his fame, was born in Lubbock, Texas. Barry White, known for his romantic lyrics and deep voice, was born in Galveston. Kenny Rogers, known for such songs as "Islands in the Stream" and "The Gambler," was born in Houston. Iconic singer Janis Joplin was born in Port Arthur.

Other musicians who were born in Texas include Kelly Clarkson (Fort Worth), Beyonce (Houston), Meat Loaf (Dallas), Willie Nelson (Abbott), Selena Quintanilla-Perez (Lake Jackson), and sisters Jessica Simpson (Abilene) and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (Waco).

POLITICIANS

Dwight Eisenhower, the 34th president of the United States, serving from 1953 until 1961, was born in Denison, Texas. Lyndon B. Johnson, who was the 36th president of the United States, serving from the time of JFK's assassination in 1963 until 1969, was born near Stonewall.

MODELS

Model Jerry Hall, commonly known as the ex-girlfriend of Mick Jagger, with whom she has children, was born in Gonzales, Texas. Anna Nicole Smith, the well-known model who resembled Marilyn Monroe and was notorious for creating controversy, was born in Houston.

Learn more about this author, Beth Schwartz.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.