List of people from Hampton Roads, Virginia

The following is a list of notable people who were born, raised, or closely associated with the Hampton Roads metropolitan area.

Virginian jurisdictions most commonly associated with the Hampton Roads metropolitan area

Chesapeake

• James Anderson – Carolina Panthers linebacker and 88th overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft
• Ed Beard (1939–2023) – professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers
• Dré Bly (b. 1977) – professional football player with the Denver Broncos
• Randy Blythe (b. 1971) – vocalist and lyricist for groove metal band Lamb of God
• Michael Copon (b. 1982) – star of One Tree Hill and winner of VH1's But Can They Sing?
• Chris Crocker (b. 1980) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
• Michael Cuddyer (b. 1979) – professional baseball right fielder for the New York Mets
• Ras-I Dowling – New England Patriots cornerback 2011–present
• Deon Dyer – Miami Dolphins running back 2003–2004
• Kenny Easley (b. 1959) – professional football player with the Seattle Seahawks and Pro-Football Hall of Fame Member
• Jeff Falk – NASCAR driver
• DeAngelo Hall (b. 1983) – professional football cornerback for the Washington Redskins
• Grant Holloway (b. 1997) – from Chesapeake (Grassfield High School) and University of Florida; won silver in the 2020 Olympics
• The Last Bison – indie folk group
• Ashton Lewis (b. 1972) – NASCAR driver
• Alonzo Mourning (b. 1970) – professional basketball player for the Miami Heat
• Darren Perry (b. 1968) – football player with the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Jay Pharoah (b. 1987) – actor, comedian, cast member of Saturday Night Live
• Chris Richardson (b. 1984) – American Idol season 5 top 5 finalist
• Ricky Rudd (b. 1956) – professional NASCAR race car driver
• Josh Rupe (b. 1982) – professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers
• Elton Sawyer (b. 1959) – NASCAR driver
• Donald Spitz – controversial Christian anti-abortion activist
• Eric Stanley (b. 1991) – violinist and composer
• Darryl Tapp – Seattle Seahawks player and 63rd pick overall in the 2006 NFL draft
• B. J. Upton (b. 1984) – professional baseball shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays; drafted #2 overall in 2002
• Justin Upton (b. 1987) – professional baseball player drafted #1 overall in 2005 by the Arizona Diamondbacks
• Adrienne Warren (b. 1987) – professional singer, actress and dancer; portrayed Lorrell Robinson in the 2010 national tour of Dreamgirls; singer for Trans-Siberian Orchestra
• David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball starting third baseman for the New York Mets

Hampton

Allen Iverson

• Xavier Adibi – linebacker with the Houston Texans
• Robert Banks – NFL defensive end
• Macey Brooks – wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears
• Elton Brown (b. 1982) – former professional football player for the Arizona Cardinals
• Ronald Curry (b. 1979) – professional football player for the Oakland Raiders
• DRAM (b. 1988) – musician
• Steve Earle (b. 1955) – popular country-rock musician and songwriter
• Chris Ellis – practice team member for the Pittsburgh Steelers
• La'Keshia Frett – professional basketball player and coach
• Shaun Gayle (b. 1962) – professional football player with the San Diego Chargers
• Chris Hanburger (b. 1941) – popular Washington Redskins player in the 1970s
• Dwight Hollier (b. 1969) – professional football player with the Miami Dolphins and the Indianapolis Colts
• Mike Husted (b. 1970) – former kicker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Oakland Raiders, and Washington Redskins
• Weldon Irvine (1943–2002) – musician
• Allen Iverson (b. 1975) – former professional basketball player
• John P. Jumper (b. 1945) – former Chief of Staff of the US Air Force
• Todd Kelly (b. 1970) – professional football player for the San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Atlanta Falcons
• Jerod Mayo (b. 1986) – professional football player with the New England Patriots drafted 10th overall in 2008
• Francena McCorory (b. 1988) – member of 2012 gold medal Olympic women's 4x400 team
• Dwight Stephenson (b. 1957) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Tyrod Taylor (b.1989) – NFL quarterback for the New York Giants
• Dwight White (1949–2008) – defensive end on the Pittsburgh Steelers during their 1970s glory years
• Jimmy F. Williams (b. 1984) – professional football player with the Atlanta Falcons
• Steve Wilson – jazz musician, alto and soprano saxophones, flute; composer
• Antwoine Womack – drafted by New England Patriots in 2002
• Roy "Future Man" Wooten (b. 1957) – musician

Newport News

Michael Vick

• Willie Armstead (b. 1952) – former professional football player in the Canadian Football League
• Keith Atherton (b. 1959) – former pitcher for the Minnesota Twins and the Oakland Athletics
• Pearl Bailey (1918–1990) – Tony Award-winning actress and singer
• Antoine Bethea (b. 1984) – professional football strong safety for the San Francisco 49ers
• Larry Bethea (1956–1987) – late professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys
• Darryl Blackstock (b. 1983) – professional football player for the Cincinnati Bengals
• Blind Blake (1896–1934) – blues and ragtime musician (not officially confirmed he was born in Newport News)
• Aaron Brooks (b. 1976) – former professional football quarterback for the Oakland Raiders; land developer
• Joyce Bulifant (b. 1937) – television actress
• Robert Cray (b. 1953) – blues guitarist
• Will Crutchfield (b. 1957) – opera conductor
• Scott Darling (b. 1988) – professional ice hockey goaltender for the Carolina Hurricanes
• Ben Edwards (b. 1992) – football player
• Frankie Faison (b. 1949) – film actor
• Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) – jazz singer
• The Five Keys – popular soul and doo-wop act in the 1950s; featuring Newport News locals Ripley Ingram, Bernie West, Dickie Threat and Rudy West
• Johnny Gilbert (b. 1928) – announcer for the television quiz show Jeopardy!
• Marques Hagans (b. 1982) – NFL player
• Henry Jordan (1935–1977) – former professional football player for the Green Bay Packers; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Richard Kelly (b. 1975) – film director and writer; films include Donnie Darko and Domino
• Leroy Keyes (1947–2021) – professional football running back for the Philadelphia Eagles
• J. J. Lankes (1884–1960) – woodcut artist, lived for many years in the Hilton Village neighborhood
• Kwamie Lassiter (1969-2019) – former football safety for the Arizona Cardinals
• David Macklin (b. 1978) – professional football player for the Washington Redskins
• Michael Maguire (b. 1955) – Tony Award-winning actor
• Queen Esther Marrow (b. 1941) – soul and gospel singer
• Masego (b. 1993) – R&B and traphouse jazz artist
• Lightfoot Solomon Michaux (1885–1969) – evangelist, early radio and television pioneer
• J. Clyde Morris (1909–1987) – first executive director of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge–Tunnel; former city manager of the City of Warwick
• Hazel R. O'Leary (b. 1937) – former Secretary of Energy under President Bill Clinton and President of Fisk University
• Tommy Reamon (b. 1952) – former pro football player and coach
• Austin Roberts (b. 1945) – singer and songwriter
• Norm Snead (1939–2024) – former professional football quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
• Sonja Sohn (b. 1964) – actress, The Wire, Body of Proof
• Jon St. John (b. 1960) – voice actor and singer, best known as the voice of Duke Nukem
• William Styron (1925–2006) – author of The Confessions of Nat Turner and Sophie's Choice
• Nick "The Goat" Thompson (b. 1981) – professional mixed martial arts fighter; Bodog Fight Welterweight Champion
• Mike Tomlin (b. 1972) – head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Al Toon (b. 1963) – former professional football player for the New York Jets
• Marcus Vick (b. 1984) – former NFL player, quarterback for Virginia Tech
• Michael Vick (b. 1980) – NFL quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
• Victor Wooten (b. 1964) – musician

Norfolk

• Adam Anderson – driver of the Taz and Grave Digger Monster Trucks; son of Monster Truck driver
• Dennis Anderson – driver of the Grave Digger Monster Truck in the Monster Jam series
• Mason Andrews (1919–2006) – physician who delivered America's first in vitro baby; visionary leader of Norfolk's late 20th century renaissance
• Anhayla (b. 1988) – singer-songwriter
• Gordon Banks (b. 1955) – guitarist and music director for Marvin Gaye
• Al Barks (1936–2018) – Negro league baseball player
• Gary "U.S." Bonds (b. 1939) – singer-songwriter
• Plaxico Burress (b. 1977) – professional football wide receiver for the New York Jets
• William Harvey Carney (1840–1908) – African-American soldier of the American Civil War; Medal of Honor recipient for his part in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry's assault on Fort Wagner, South Carolina
• Kam Chancellor (b. 1988) – professional football safety for the Seattle Seahawks
• Clarence Clemons – saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band
• Alex Cosmidis – Minor League baseball player and manager and Major League scout
• William Couper (1853–1942) – sculptor
• Colgate Whitehead Darden, Jr. (1897–1981) – U.S. Representative; Governor of Virginia; Chancellor of the College of William and Mary; third President of the University of Virginia
• Keyshawn Davis (b. 1999) – professional boxer
• Mike D'Orso (b. 1953) – author, journalist
• Charles "Lefty" Driesell (1931–2024) – basketball coach at Davidson College, the University of Maryland, College Park, James Madison University, and Georgia State University
• Ryan Farish (b. 1974) – music composer, artist, publisher, and record executive of Rytone Entertainment
• Florian-Ayala Fauna – artist musician
• Hank Foiles – from Norfolk, Major league All-Star in 1957; played for seven teams; finished his career in 1964 with the expansion Los Angeles Angels
• William Fuller (b. 1962) – professional football defensive end for the Houston Oilers, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears
• Stephen Furst (1954–2017) – television actor
• Grant Gustin (b. 1990) – television actor
• Henry Howell (1920–1997) – Independent Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
• Lawrence "LoJo" Johnson (b. 1974) – Olympic pole vaulter, silver medalist in 2000
• General Norman Johnson (1943-2010) – R&B musician
• Kishi Bashi (b. 1975) – indie rock violinist; solo musician; tour member of Of Montreal and Regina Spektor
• Naomi Long Madgett (1923–2020) – poet
• Mae – indie rock band
• Thomas W. Moss, Jr. (1928–2015) – Democratic Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1992–2000
• Wayne Newton (b. 1942) – aka "Mr. Las Vegas"; singer and songwriter
• Tim Reid (b. 1944) – television actor, director, and film executive
• Jodi Rell (b. 1946) – Republican Governor of Connecticut, 2004–2011
• Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876) – first President of Liberia
• Dave Robertson (1889–1970) – from Norfolk, two-time National League home run leader; hit .500 in 1917 World Series; hit .287 over nine seasons with the Giants, Cubs and Pirates; product of Norfolk Academy; played four sports at Wake Forest and NC State; managed the minor league Norfolk Tars for several years in the 1920s
• Larry Sabato (b. 1952) – political pundit and professor at the University of Virginia
• Ed Schultz (1954–2018) – pundit and TV personality for MSNBC
• Deborah Shelton (b. 1948) – actress; Miss USA 1970, first runner-up in Miss Universe contest
• John Wesley Shipp (b. 1956) – television actor
• Bruce Smith (b. 1963) – Pro Football Hall of Fame player for the Buffalo Bills and Washington Redskins
• Joe Smith (b. 1975) – professional basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers
• Keely Smith (1928–2017) – nightclub singer, wife and stage partner of Louis Prima
• Margaret Sullavan (1909–1960) – actress and wife of Leland Hayward
• Chuck Swirsky – Chicago Bulls radio play-by-play announcer, previously with Toronto Raptors
• Littleton Waller Tazewell (1774–1860) – U.S. Representative, U.S. Senator and Governor of Virginia
• Antoine Thompson – cornerback with the St. Louis Rams
• Scott Travis (b. 1961) – drummer for rock band Judas Priest
• John Paul Vann (1924–1972) – U.S. soldier and civilian active in Vietnam
• Marc Vann (b. 1954) – actor
• Brandon Vera (b. 1977) – mixed martial artist, currently signed to UFC
• Gene Vincent (1935–1971) – rock-a-billy artist recorded the hit "Be-Bop-a-Lula"
• Ben Watson (b. 1980) – football player for the New England Patriots
• Ernie Watts (b. 1945) – composer, jazz saxophonist, and long-time touring member of The Rolling Stones
• Joe Weatherly (1922–1964) – NASCAR driver
• Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker (b. 1964) – boxer; 1984 Olympic gold medalist, professional champion in four weight classes
• Thomas Wilkins (b. 1954) – orchestra conductor, music director of the Omaha Symphony Orchestra
• Patrick Wilson (b. 1973) – actor
• David Wright (b. 1982) – professional baseball player for the New York Mets
• Rob Estes (b. 1963) – actor

Portsmouth

Missy Elliott

Chad Hugo

• V. C. Andrews (1923–1986) – mystery and horror writer
• Marty Brennaman (b. 1942) – sportscaster for the Cincinnati Reds
• Karen Briggs (b. 1963) – violinist
• Ruth Brown (1928–2006) – Grammy Award-winning singer and entertainer
• Bebe Buell (b. 1953) – fashion model, famous groupie and mother of Liv Tyler
• Mahlon Clark (1923–2007) – musician
• LaTasha Colander (b. 1976) – track and field sprint star, 2000 Olympic gold medalist (4 × 400 m)
• Jamin Elliott (b. 1979) – former NFL wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons
• Missy Elliott (b. 1971) – rapper
• Perry Ellis (1940–1986) – fashion designer
• John Facenda (1913–1984) – WCAU news anchor from 1948 to 1973; known as the "voice of NFL Films" until his death in 1984
• Dorian Finney-Smith – basketball player for the University of Florida and Dallas Mavericks
• Clifton C. Garvin (1921–2016) – President and CEO of Exxon
• Chandler Harper (1914–2004) – golfer
• Chad Hugo (b. 1974) – musician and producer in the Neptunes and N.E.R.D.
• Ben L. Jones (b. 1941) – actor and politician
• T. J. Jordan (b. 1986) – basketball player
• LaShawn Merritt (b. 1986) – 2008 Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter
• George "Shadow" Morton (1941–2013) – record producer and songwriter
• Bismarck Myrick (b. 1940) – U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia, U.S. Ambassador to Lesotho
• Tommy Newsom (1929–2007) – musician featured in Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show band with Doc Severinsen
• Patton Oswalt (b. 1969) – comedian and television actor
• Ace Parker (1912–2013) – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback; also played baseball with the Philadelphia Athletics
• William Russ (b. 1950) – actor
• Bill Schneider (b. 1944) – political commentator for CNN
• Dorin Spivey – NBA World and NABA Lightweight Boxing Champion
• Wanda Sykes (b. 1964) – actress, comedian, and comedy writer
• Ted Thomas, Sr. (1935–2020) – Pentecostal preacher and pastor of the New Community Temple Church of God in Christ; General board member of the Church of God in Christ, Inc. denomination
• Mike Watt (b. 1957) – musician, founding member and bassist of SST hardcore punk band Minutemen; current bassist for recently reunited 60s band The Stooges
• Nicole Wray (b. 1980) – rapper and protégé of Missy Elliott

Suffolk

James Avery

Mike Tomlin

• James Avery (1955–2013) – actor best known for his portrayal of Philip Banks on the TV sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
• Johnnie Barnes (b. 1968) – graduate of Hampton University; former football player for the San Diego Chargers and the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Charlie Byrd (1925–1999) – jazz guitarist
• Mills Edwin Godwin, Jr. (1914–1999) – two time Governor of Virginia
• Joe S. Lawrie (1914–2009) – U.S. Army major general
• Brandon Lowe (b. 1994) – Major league Baseball player
• Lex Luger (b. 1991) – hip-hop music producer; produced tracks on Rick Ross's Teflon Don, Waka Flocka Flame's Flockaveli, Slim Thug's Tha Thug Show, and Kanye West and Jay-Z's Watch the Throne
• Joe Maphis (1921–1986) – country music singer and songwriter
• Mike Tomlin (b. 1972) - Football coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers
• Terrence Warren (b. 1969) – former NFL player and All-American sprinter at Hampton University

Virginia Beach

Gabby Douglas

Daniel Hudson

Darryl Monroe

Mark Ruffalo

Pusha T

Rhea Seehorn

Pharrell Williams

Ryan Zimmerman

• Corey Ashe (b. 1986) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
• Wade Barrett (b. 1976) – professional soccer player for the Houston Dynamo
• Felicia Barton (b. 1982) – semi-finalist on American Idol
• Kharlton Belmar (b. 1992) – professional soccer player for Portland Timbers 2
• Rudy Boesch (1928–2019) – retired Navy SEAL and contestant on Survivor
• Jamelle Bouie (b. 1987) – journalist, New York Times columnist, and political analyst
• Bill Bray (b. 1983) – MLB player
• Jon Busch (b. 1976) – Hampton Roads Mariner; Major League Soccer
• Curtis Bush (b. 1962) – kickboxer
• Darren Caskey (b. 1974) – Hampton Roads Mariner; Tottenham Hotspur; Reading
• Gabby Douglas (b. 1995) – Olympic gymnastics gold medalist
• D.J. Dozier (b. 1965) – football / baseball from Virginia Beach; Penn State All-American, first-round NFL draft 14th pick by Minnesota Vikings who was also drafted by major league baseball by the Detroit Tigers in the 18th round in 1983 (459th overall)
• Jason Dubois (b. 1979) – MLB player
• Genesis the Greykid – artist, creative, poet, writer
• Percy Harvin (b. 1988) – NFL player
• Michael Hearst (b. 1972) – author, musician, and composer
• Angela Hucles (b. 1978) – sports executive and former professional soccer player
• Daniel Hudson (b. 1987) – MLB player
• Jay Hoffman (b. 1951) – coached Hampton Roads Mariners; played professionally in the Canadian National Soccer League
• Bubba Jenkins (b. 1988) – NCAA wrestling national champion and MMA fighter
• Roy Lassiter (b. 1969) – Hampton Roads Mariner; Major League Soccer; USA National Team
• B. J. Leiderman (b. 1956) – composer of themes for NPR shows
• Marc Leishman (b. 1983) – professional golfer
• Darin Lewis (b. 1976) – Hampton Roads Mariner; MLS New York MetroStars
• EJ Manuel (b. 1990) – NFL quarterback for the Oakland Raiders
• Evan Marriott – actor in Joe Millionaire
• Bob McDonnell (b. 1954) – former Governor of Virginia
• Shane McFaul (b. 1986) – Hampton Roads Mariner; Republic of Ireland U21
• Ryan McGinness (b. 1972) – artist
• Darryl Monroe (b. 1986) – professional basketball player, 2016 Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP
• Guy Morgan (b. 1960), former NBA player
• Shawn Morimando (b. 1992) – MLB player
• Lenda Murray (b. 1962) – IFBB professional bodybuilder
• Jamia Nash (b. 1996) – singer, actress
• Juice Newton (b. 1952) – singer, songwriter
• Derrick Nnadi (b. 1996) – NFL defensive tackle
• Pusha T (b. 1977) – rapper
• Neil Ramírez (b. 1989) – MLB player
• J.R. Reid (b. 1968) – NBA player
• Mark Reynolds (b. 1983) – third baseman/first baseman for the Baltimore Orioles from Virginia Beach; drafted in 2004 by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 16th round (476th overall)
• Pat Robertson (1930–2023) – television preacher
• David Robinson (b. 1965) – 10x All-Star, NBA MVP, 2x NBA Champion, 2x Olympic gold medalist, member of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, briefly grew up in Virginia Beach
• Aaron Rouse (b. 1984) – NFL player
• Mark Ruffalo (b. 1967) – Oscar-nominated actor; raised in Virginia Beach
• Todd Schnitt (b. 1966) – radio personality
• Herbert Scott (b. 1953) – Kellam High School, Virginia Union University, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman in NFL for 10 seasons, 3× Pro Bowl, 2× First-team All-Pro, winner of Super Bowl XII
• Rhea Seehorn (b. 1972) – actress known for role as Kim Wexler in Better Call Saul
• Julie Shiflet (b. 1972) – professional tennis player
• Scott Sizemore (b. 1985) – MLB player
• Chris Taylor (b. 1990) – MLB player
• Ian Thomas (b. 1987) – MLB player
• Shamarko Thomas (b. 1991) – Pittsburgh Steelers safety and 111th pick overall in the 2013 NFL draft; starred at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach
• Timbaland (b. 1972) – music producer
• Lil Tracy (b. 1995) – rapper, singer and songwriter
• Turnover – indie rock band
• Travis Wall (b. 1987) – choreographer and contestant on So You Think You Can Dance
• Matthew E. White (b. 1982) – songwriter and producer
• Elizabeth Williams (b. 1993), played college basketball at Duke University, WNBA player for Atlanta Dream
• Matt Williams (b. 1971) – MLB player
• Pharrell Williams (b. 1973) – rapper, singer, record producer, composer and fashion designer
• Glenn Yates Jr. (1927–2022) – architect and Virginia state legislator
• Hunter Yeany (b. 2005) – racing driver
• Glenn Youngkin (b. 1966) – elected governor of Virginia in 2021
• Ryan Zimmerman (b. 1984) – MLB player

Williamsburg

• Jimmy Fortune (b. 1955) – vocalist with the Statler Brothers
• Mel Gray (b. 1961) – professional football player and member of NFL all decade team of 1990s
• Bruce Hornsby (b. 1954) – singer and songwriter
• Linda Lavin (b. 1937) – actress
• Seven Mary Three – alternative rock band
• Canaan Smith (b. 1984) – country music artist
• Ron Springs (b. 1956) – running back for the Dallas Cowboys and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Shawn Springs (b. 1975) – football player for the Washington Redskins
• Lawrence Taylor (b. 1959) – former professional football player for the New York Giants; professional wrestler; member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
• George Wythe (1726–1806) – first professor of law at William and Mary; taught future presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, and future Chief Justice of the Supreme Court John Marshall; signer of the Declaration of Independence

York County

• Terry Kirby (b. 1970) – professional football player for the Miami Dolphins and Oakland Raiders
• Wayne Kirby (b. 1964) – Major League Baseball player for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians
• Thomas Nelson, Jr. (1738–1789) – signer of the Declaration of Independence
• Bryan Randall (b. 1983) – 2005 ACC Football Player of the Year
• Chris Slade (b. 1971) – professional football player for the New England Patriots