Famous People Born in Louisiana – Including the New Captain America!

Famous People Born in Louisiana – Including the New Captain America!

Louisiana is known worldwide for its rich Creole heritage, legendary food, lively festivals, and unmatched musical legacy. As the birthplace of jazz, zydeco, and Cajun music, the Boot State’s culture runs deep. But did you know Louisiana is also home to some of the most iconic figures in music, sports, film, science, and beyond?

Sure, most people recognize Louisiana’s contributions to entertainment with stars like Terry Bradshaw, Ellen DeGeneres, Master P, and musical legends Louis Armstrong and Fats Domino. But there are plenty of other big names you might not have known were born right here!

One of Louisiana’s brightest stars Anthony Mackie, is a proud New Orleans native. A Julliard graduate and celebrated actor Mackie is best known for his roles in 8 Mile, The Hurt Locker, Haunted Mansion, the Winter Soldier, and Marvel Sam Wilson/The Falcon. Mackie has officially taken up the shield as Captain America in the upcoming Disney/Marvel blockbuster Captain America - A Brand New World., set to release on February 14, 2025.

Recently, the movie star has come under fire for a comment he made on a promotional tour of his new movie in Italy. Mackie was asked a question about how Captain America's character which sparked unintentional controversy when he said:

“Captain America represents a lot of different things and I don’t think the term ‘America’ should be one of those representations. It’s about a man who keeps his word, who has honor, dignity, and integrity.”

That statement has led to a relentless backlash and calls to boycott the movie. The humble star has been of being un-American and disrespectful to Veterans. Mackie addressed the falsehoods and as of late released another statement to try and clarify what Captain America's character is about saying,

“I'm a proud American and taking on the shield of a hero like Cap is the honor of a lifetime. I have the utmost respect for those who serve and have served our country. Cap has universal characteristics that people all over the world can relate to.”

Strangely Evans received no blow-back. Nonetheless, Mackie’s journey from the streets of NOLA to the Marvel Cinematic Universe is nothing short of inspiring. No doubt, he will do Cap proud and carry on his legacy into Marvel Universe history!

More Stars from the Bayou State...

Louisiana has produced a long list of influential people across different industries. Here are just a few you may not have known were born in the Pelican State:

Tyler Perry – He is a Grammy Award-winning Writer, Playwright, Movie Director, Producer, and Actor Perry is one of the most commercially successful African American filmmakers of all time. The iconic Atlanta media mogul and filmmaker behind Madea was born in New Orleans.

Patricia Clarkson - Born in Nola, the Golden Globe actress has appeared in several movies, including Sharp Objects, House of Cards, The Station Agent, Far From Heaven, The Green Mile, and Shutter Island.

Jared Leto – The Oscar-winning actor and lead singer who co-founded the alternative rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars. Leto hails from Bossier City and is best known for his performance in Dallas Buyers Club, starring as Marvels, Dr. Morbius in the thriller Morbius.

Chloe Bridges - An American actress best known for her roles as Zoey Moreno in the sitcom Freddie, Dana Turner in Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, Donna LaDonna in The Carrie Diaries, and Sydney Driscoll in Pretty Little Liars. She has also appeared in films such as The Final Girls and Nightlight and starred as Kibby in Daytime Divas.

Reese Witherspoon – The Academy Award-winning actress is best known for her roles in Legally Blonde, Walk the Line, Wild, and the hit TV series Big Little Lies. Witherspoon was born in New Orleans before moving to Tennessee.

DJ Khaled – The chart-topping, Grammy Award-winning, super producer and DJ was born in New Orleans before making waves in the music industry. He's worked with A-list talent in the industry from Beyonce & Jay Z, Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and many others.

Truman Capote – The celebrated author of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and In Cold Blood was born in New Orleans. He is regarded as a founder of New Journalism, along with other notable writers like Tom Wolfe and Joan Didion.

Madame C.J. Walker – America’s first self-made female millionaire, philanthropist, and activist. CEO and founder of Madam C.J. Walker Manufacturing, she developed and marketed a line of cosmetics and hair care products for Black women and revolutionized the hair care industry. Madam was born in Delta, Louisiana.

Louis Herthum - Born in Baton Rouge, he's best known for his role as Deputy Andy Broom in the final five seasons of the CBS series Murder, She Wrote. He also starred in the terrifying The Last Exersism I and II.

Louisiana has given the world an incredible legacy of talent, and the list keeps growing! From Hollywood A-listers to music legends and groundbreaking innovators, our state continues to shape culture in a big way.