The city of Louisville has always had a lot of talent to offer. There is a rich history over the years of athletes, actors and musicians. Now more than ever we are witnessing celebrities from this great city of Louisville reach brand new heights. Take a look at the most famous people of today from Louisville.
Jennifer Lawrence
Image: Jennifer Lawrence
Lawrence was born and raised in Louisville where she attended Kammerer Middle School. At 14, she moved to LA to pursue acting.
The 25-year-old is one of the most known actresses in the world right now and looks to continue with a bright future for years to come. The huge success of "The Hunger Games" in 2012 led to Lawrence becoming a mega star. She has also starred in a number of critically-acclaimed movies such as "Silver Linings Playbook," "Winter’s Bone" and "Joy." Lawrence has won numerous awards, highlighted by an Oscar and three Golden Globes. Even with all of the fame, she still recognizes Louisville, saying, “The only thing I’ll ever identify with as home is Louisville.”
Bryson Tiller
Image: Bryson Tiller
Tiller was born and raised in the south end of Louisville and attended Iroquois High School.
The R&B singer/rapper is one of the most famous artists in the country right now. With a nod of approval from Drake and the release of his hit “Don’t,” Tiller has become a huge deal in the music world. His album “T R A P S O U L” recently went platinum. The 23-year-old has consistently sold out some of the most famous venues in the country. Tiller still makes note of his city with songs such as "502 Come Up."
D’Angelo Russell
Image: D'Angelo Russell
Born and raised in Louisville, he attended Central High School his freshman year before transferring to Montverde Academy, a prep school for basketball players.
Louisville has a rich history of great basketball players, and the latest is D’Angelo Russell. Russell spent one year in college where he was named a first-team All-American. He then became the second overall pick in the 2015 draft by the Lakers. Russell is only 20 and looks to have a bright future in the NBA.
Rajon Rondo
Image: Rajon Rondo
Rondo was born and raised in Louisville and attended Eastern High School for three years. He then transferred to the basketball prep school, Oak Hill Academy.
Rajon Rondo is a 30-year-old, four-time NBA All-Star. He had a successful early career in the NBA, winning a championship with the Boston Celtics. Recently, Rondo had some injury problems that somewhat limited him, but he continues to be a leader for his current team, the Sacramento Kings.
Maggie Lawson
Image: Maggie Lawson
Maggie was born and raised in Louisville. She attended Assumption High School and moved to LA at the age of 17.
The 35-year-old actress has an extensive catalog to go with her name that dates back to 1996. When Lawson was only 10, she was part of an on-air commercial at a Louisville TV station. This led to her becoming a TV personality for six years. One of Maggie’s largest roles is in the hit detective show “Psych,” which ran a total of 121 episodes from 2006 to 2014.
Hannah Welton-Ford
Image: Hannah Welton-Ford
Hannah was born in Louisville, but moved to Chicago at the age of 12.
Hannah started out as part of the legendary Louisville Leopards, and she is most known for being Prince’s drummer. In 2015, her band 3RDEYEGIRL and Prince announced a surprise show at the Louisville Palace. The show sold out within minutes and three more were announced. Check out Hannah's solo drum session here.
Diane Sawyer
Image: Diane Sawyer
Sawyer was born in Glasgow, Kentucky, but moved to Louisville at a young age. She attended Seneca High School.
A lot can be said about Diane Sawyer and her accomplishments. She began her career working for WLKY and teaching here in Louisville. She has been a reporter for CBS Morning News, 20/20, Good Morning America and ABC World News. She is one of the most well-known faces in broadcasting. In addition to all of this, E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park was named after her father, a Jefferson County Judge Executive.
Nicole Scherzinger
Image: Nicole Scherzinger
Nicole was born in Honolulu, Hawaii, but moved to Louisville at the age of 6. She attended Brown Elementary School, Meyzeek Middle School and the Youth Performing Arts School at DuPont Manual High School.
Nicole is best known as the lead singer of the international pop sensation The Pussycat Dolls. Their biggest single was “Don’t Cha” in 2005, which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single sold 6 million copies, making it one of the biggest of all time.
Honorable Mentions
Chris Hardwick
Image: Chris Hardwick
Hardwick was born in Louisville. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee, at a young age.
Chris Hardwick has been active in the entertainment industry since 1991. He is a multi-talented actor, comedian and television host. One of his most famous roles may be his show "Talking Dead," where he analyzes the hit show "The Walking Dead" with special guests. The show airs at midnight and is now in its fifth season on AMC.
Rob Riggle
Image: Rob Riggle
Riggle was born in Louisville. He moved to Kansas when he was two years old.
Rob Riggle is a 46-year-old actor and comedian. He also is a retired Marine Corps Reserve officer. He has been in numerous amounts of box office hits including "Let’s Be Cops," "21 Jump Street," "22 Jump Street," "Step Brothers" and "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby."
Cover Image: Mayor Greg Fischer
