When I say that South Carolina has it all, I really mean it. We are not just sweet tea, flip flops, beaches, mountains, and Charleston. As it turns out, South Carolina is the birthplace of numerous famous people as well. And, when I say numerous, I mean that there are too many for even a week’s worth of articles. To help get you started, we’ve included a list below with 17 famous people from South Carolina. Some of them just might surprise you.
1. Shoeless Joe Jackson
Born in Pickens County, South Carolina, Joe Jackson played Major League Baseball in the early 20th century.
2. Dave Cockrum
A genius comic book artist who was the co-creator of X-Men, Dave Cockrum lived in Belton, South Carolina until he passed away in 2006.
3. James Brown
...or better known as "The Godfather of Soul," was born in Barnwell, South Carolina.
4. William "The Refrigerator" Perry
Even if you don't like football, you certainly know this name. This gentleman was born in Aiken, SC.
5. Leeza Gibbons
"Leeza Gibbons" is definitely a newsworthy name. She was born in Hartsville, South Carolina.
6. Dizzy Gillespie
Dizzy Gillespie was a jazz trumpeter, composer, and occasional singer. He hailed from Cheraw, South Carolina.
7. Andie MacDowell
Born in Gaffney, South Carolina, Ms. MacDowell has gone on to make her footsteps on Hollywood.
8. Reverend Gary Davis
Hailing from Laurens, South Carolina, this gentleman made his own notch in the Blues World as a proficient guitar, banjo, and harmonica player, as well as a singer.
9. Melanie Thornton
Best known as the face of Le Bouche, this American pop singer was born in Charleston, South Carolina.
10. William Johnson
A Harlem Renaissance artist, William Johnson was born in Florence, South Carolina.
11. Jasper Johns
Even though he was born in Georgia, Mr. Johns spent his very early childhood in Allendale, South Carolina. He then moved around South Carolina before leaving for New York.
12. Melvin Purvis
You can thank Melvin Purvis for catching Baby Face Nelson, Pretty Boy Floyd, and John Dillinger. He was born and raised in the little town of Timmonsville, South Carolina.
13. Joe Frazier
The undisputed "Heavyweight Champion of the World," Joe Frazier was born in Beaufort, South Carolina. He had an impressive career that spanned 11 years.
14. John Walters
John Walters is known for his famous style of art, Witzel Art, which is found all over South Carolina and beyond. Raise your hand Hartsville, South Carolina. You can proudly claim him as yours.
15. Ronald McNair
Born in the small town of Lake City, South Carolina, Ronald McNair was a physicist and astronaut. Among other things, he taught us courage and perseverance while his family taught us strength.
16. Chris Rock
Born in Andrews, South Carolina, Chris Rock has made a name for himself as a comedian, actor, producer, screenwriter, and director.
17. Shepard Fairey
Shepard Fairey is a contemporary artist who was born in Charleston, South Carolina. He is most recognized as the artist who did the piece of work known as the "Hope" poster for Barack Obama.
This is definitely not a complete list of famous people from South Carolina. There are several more. If you can think of any we’ve missed, please share them with us in the comments below.
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