This is a list of notable people who were born in the U.S. state of

Virginia Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a U.S. state, state in the Southeastern United States, Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic (United States), Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States between the East Coast of the United States ...

, were raised or lived in Virginia, or for whom Virginia is a significant part of their identity. Those not born in Virginia are marked with §.

A

Alden Aaroe Alden Peterson Aaroe (May 5, 1918 – July 7, 1993) was a broadcast journalist and announcer for WRVA, a radio station in Richmond, Virginia. Career Before coming to WRVA, Aaroe was a newscaster at WCHV in Charlottesville, Virginia, 1939–1941. ...

– WRVA (AM), WRVA talk show host * Caroline Aaron – actress and producer * John Aboud – writer, comedian, commentator on ''Best Week Ever'' and other VH1 shows * Jim Acosta – national political correspondent for CNN * Patch Adams, Hunter "Patch" Adams § – doctor, author, and social activist * Rick Adams (Internet pioneer), Rick Adams – Internet pioneer, founder of UUNET * Xavier Adibi § – linebacker for Minnesota Vikings * Cynthia Adinig § – Healthcare equity activist * Chris Adler (drummer), Chris Adler – drummer for Lamb of God (band), Lamb of God * Willie Adler – guitarist for Lamb of God * Danny Aiken – long snapper for New England Patriots * Mary C. Alexander – aviation pioneer * Andy Allanson – former Major League Baseball, MLB catcher * James Anderson (American football), James Anderson § – linebacker for Carolina Panthers * Justin Anderson (basketball), Justin Anderson – player for Dallas Mavericks * V.C. Andrews – novelist; born in Portsmouth, Virginia * Anhayla – singer, guitarist, List of YouTube personalities, YouTube personality * Andi Arndt – audiobook narrator * David Arquette – actor, born on commune in Winchester, Virginia, Winchester * John Ashby (militiaman), John Ashby – colonel in the Virginia militia * Arthur Ashe (1943–1993) – tennis player and social activist * Bob Asher (American football), Bob Asher – former National Football League, NFL offensive tackle * Abelhaleem Hasan Abdelraziq Ashqar – Palestinian people, Palestinian convicted of criminal contempt and obstruction of justice for refusal to testify in a trial related to the funding of Hamas in the US * Shakira Austin (born 2000) – basketball center for the Israeli team Elitzur Ramla (women's basketball), Elitzur Ramla * Stephen F. Austin (1793–1836) – first Secretary of State of Republic of Texas * Kevin Aviance – dancer

B

;Ba–Bm

* Nathaniel Bacon (colonist), Nathaniel Bacon (1647–1676) – led Bacon's Rebellion against British authority in 1676 * Diedrich Bader (born 1966) – actor * Margaret L. Bailey (1812–1888) – writer, poet, lyricist, editor, and publisher * Pearl Bailey – Tony Award-winning actress and singer * Ronald Bailey § – science editor for ''Reason (magazine), Reason'' magazine * Dylan Baker § – actor * David Baldacci – author * Krystal Ball – businesswoman, co-host of MSNBC show ''The Cycle (TV program), The Cycle'' * Gordon Banks (musician), Gordon Banks – guitarist and songwriter * Steve Bannon – campaign manager, businessman, media executive, White House Chief Strategist, Chief Strategist and Counselor to the President, Senior Counselor to Donald Trump, President Donald Trump * Ronde Barber (born 1975) – NFL cornerback * Tiki Barber (born 1975) – sportscaster, NFL running back * Don Barclay (American football), Don Barclay (born 1989) – NFL offensive lineman * Kylene Barker – Ms. America 1979 * Melody Barnes (born 1964) – director of Domestic Policy Council for President Barack Obama * Lauren Barnette – beauty pageant winner and model * Joey Baron – musician * Connor Barth (born 1986) – placekicker for Tampa Bay Buccaneers * Samuel Barton § (1749–1810) – explorer, pioneer; early settler of Nashville, Tennessee * Viola Baskerville (born 1951) – Virginia Secretary of Administration * Dave Batista – professional wrestler * Warren Beatty (born 1937) – actor and Academy Award-winning director * Beth Behrs § (born 1985) – actress, ''2 Broke Girls'' * Bob Bender (born 1957) – basketball player and coach * Antoine Bethea § – football player for San Francisco 49ers * Larry Bethea § – football player for Dallas Cowboys * Rainey Bethea (1909–1936) – last person Capital punishment in the United States, publicly executed in United States * Leslie Bibb § – actress, Carley Bobby in ''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby'' * Jim Bibby – former Major League pitcher; from Madison Heights, Virginia, Madison Heights * Lewis Binford (1931–2011) – archaeologist * Adam Birch – professional wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment's WWE Friday Night SmackDown, SmackDown! * Peter Blair (wrestler), Peter Blair – Olympic Games, Olympic bronze medalist in freestyle wrestling * Benny Blanco – record producer and songwriter * Thomas J. Bliley Jr., Tom Bliley – member of United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 3rd congressional district then Virginia's 7th congressional district, 7th congressional district * Dré Bly – football player with the Detroit Lions * Randy Blythe – singer of metal band Lamb of God (band), Lamb of God ;Bn–Bz * Bruce Bochy § – manager for Texas Rangers (baseball), Texas Rangers * Rudy Boesch § – third-place finalist on ''Survivor: Pulau Tiga'' (first season) * Bill Bolling § – Lieutenant Governor of Virginia * Gary U.S. Bonds § – singer-songwriter * J. Evan Bonifant – actor * Olive Borden – actress * Maria Boren – contestant on TV's ''The Apprentice (U.S. TV series), The Apprentice'' * Wes Borland – guitarist for Limp Bizkit and other bands * Th-resa Bostick § – IFBB professional bodybuilder * Luke Bowanko – center for the Jacksonville Jaguars * Mary Bowser – freed slave who worked as Union (American Civil War), Union spy during American Civil War, admitted to Military Intelligence Hall of Fame * Jackie Bradley Jr. – center fielder for Boston Red Sox * Ahmad Bradshaw (born 1986) – running back for New York Giants * Karen Briggs (musician), Karen Briggs § – violinist * Antwain Britt (born 1978) – mixed martial artist * Connie Britton § (born 1968) – actress; raised in Lynchburg, Virginia, Lynchburg * Dave Brockie – founder of GWAR * Aaron Brooks (American football), Aaron Brooks – football quarterback for Oakland Raiders * Ahmad Brooks – professional football linebacker for San Francisco 49ers * Chris Brown (American singer), Chris Brown (born 1989) – singer and actor * Duane Brown – offensive tackle for Houston Texans * Ruth Brown – Grammy Award-award-winning singer and entertainer * Mika Brzezinski § – television news journalist at MSNBC * Shannon Bream – lawyer and Journalist, attended Liberty University * Bebe Buell – fashion model, groupie; mother of Liv Tyler * Joyce Bulifant – television actress * Sandra Bullock (born 1964) – actress * Plaxico Burress (born 1977) – wide receiver for New York Jets * Hilarie Burton – actress * Jeff Burton (born 1967) – NASCAR driver * Ward Burton (born 1961) – NASCAR driver * Curtis Bush – world champion kickboxer and actor * Jermon Bushrod – offensive tackle for Chicago Bears * Deon Butler – professional football wide receiver for Seattle Seahawks; from Woodbridge, Virginia, Woodbridge * Eddie Butler (baseball), Eddie Butler – starting pitcher for Colorado Rockies * Martha Haines Butt (1833–1871) — author * Charlie Byrd – jazz guitarist

C

* James Branch Cabell – author of fantasy fiction and ''belles lettres'' * Erin Cahill – actress, Jen Scotts on ''Power Rangers Time Force'' * Alyson Cambridge (born 1980) – operatic soprano and classical music, jazz, and American popular song singer * Shawn Camp (baseball), Shawn Camp – relief pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays * John Campbell (bassist), John Campbell – bassist for Lamb of God (band), Lamb of God * Eric Cantor – member of the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 7th congressional district * Steve Cardenas – martial artist, actor, Rocky DeSantos on ''Mighty Morphin Power Rangers'', ''Power Rangers: Zeo'' * Lott Carey – early African-American colonist and missionary to Liberia * Jay Carney – White House Press Secretary under U.S. President Barack Obama * A. P. Carter – musician, singer-songwriter; member of Carter Family * Allen 'Big Al' Carter – painter, photographer, sculptor and teacher * Maybelle Carter – guitarist, singer, member of Carter Family; mother of June Carter Cash * Robert Carter I, Robert "King" Carter I (1663–1732) – wealthy colonist businessman * Sara Carter (1898–1979) – country music singer * Alan-Michael Cash – defensive tackle for Montreal Alouettes * June Carter Cash (1929–2003) – singer-songwriter, actress and comedian; member of Carter Family, second wife of Johnny Cash * Anthony Castonzo § – NFL player * Jake Cave (born 1992) – outfielder for the Minnesota Twins * Christina Chambers (born 1969) – actress and model, ''One Life to Live'', ''Sunset Beach (TV series), Sunset Beach'' * Kam Chancellor (born 1988) – strong safety for Seattle Seahawks * David Chang – restaurateur * Anthony Clark (actor), Anthony Clark – actor (television sitcoms ''Yes, Dear'' and ''Boston Common (TV series), Boston Common''); born in Lynchburg, Virginia, Lynchburg * Florence Anderson Clark (1835–1918) – university librarian and administrator * George Rogers Clark (1752–1818) – American Revolutionary War military leader * William Clark (explorer), William Clark (1770–1838) – explorer (Lewis and Clark Expedition); brother of George Rogers Clark * Roy Clark – country musician born in Meherrin, Virginia * Henry Clay (1777–1852) – 19th-century statesman * Clarence Clemons (1942–2011) – saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, played football for Norfolk Neptunes * Patsy Cline (1932–1963) – singer * Jim Coates – former MLB pitcher, primarily with New York Yankees * Sarah Johnson Cocke – writer and civic leader * Coko – member of SWV, gospel music singer * Catherine Coleman § (born 1960) – NASA astronaut *Matt Coleman III (born 1998) - basketball player for Hapoel Haifa of the Israeli Basketball Premier League * Francis Collins – physician-geneticist, director of National Institutes of Health * Mike Compton (American football), Mike Compton – NFL player * Stacy Compton – NASCAR driver and team owner; born in Hurt * Kavell Conner – linebacker for Indianapolis Colts * Matthew Continetti – journalist, editor-in-chief of ''The Washington Free Beacon'' * Scott Cooper (director), Scott Cooper – actor, writer, director * Michael Copon – actor, Lucas Kendall in ''Power Rangers: Time Force'' * Leanza Cornett – Miss America, actress, TV commentator * Alex Cosmidis – baseball player, manager, scout * Joseph Cotten (1905–1994) – actor * Patricia Cornwell § – novelist * Katie Couric (born 1957) – television personality * Michael Covel – author and documentarian * Robert Cray § (born 1953) – blues musician * Henry Creamer – vaudeville song lyricist * Zach Cregger – actor * Romeo Crennel (born 1947) – NFL coach * Kyle Crockett (born 1991) – MLB pitcher * Amanda Cromwell – professional soccer coach and former player * Adrian Cronauer § – disc jockey * Michael Cuddyer (born 1979) – MLB outfielder * Elizabeth Litchfield Cunnyngham — missionary and church worker * Dell Curry (born 1964) – former National Basketball Association, NBA player for the Charlotte Hornets; father of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry

D

Gabby Douglas 2016 Summer Olympics Gold Medal

* D'Angelo – Contemporary R&B, R&B musician * Dan Daniel (politician), Dan Daniel – politician, 39th National Commander of American Legion * Troy Daniels – shooting guard for Charlotte Hornets * Colgate Whitehead Darden Jr. – Governor of Virginia, Chancellor of the College of William & Mary and President of the University of Virginia * Wendy Dascomb – Miss USA 1969 * Chris Daughtry § (born 1979) – ''American Idol'' finalist; attended high school in Charlottesville, Virginia, Charlottesville * Ed Davis (basketball), Ed Davis § – power forward (basketball), power forward for Toronto Raptors; attended Benedictine High School (Richmond, Virginia), Benedictine High School in Richmond, Virginia, Richmond * Tanya Davis (artist), Tanya Davis – artist and past president of the Torpedo Factory Artists Association * Tyrone Davis (American football), Tyrone Davis – NFL tight end, primarily with Green Bay Packers * John M. Dawson (Virginia politician), John M. Dawson (1829–1913) – minister and Virginia Senator * Jimmy Dean – singer, actor, television personality and "sausage king" * Serena Deeb – professional wrestler * Dalvin DeGrate – singer, member of R&B group Jodeci * Evelyn Magruder DeJarnette (1842–1914) — author * DeSagana Diop § – center for Charlotte Bobcats; attended Oak Hill Academy (Virginia), Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, Mouth of Wilson * Junie Donlavey – owner and namesake of NASCAR "Donlavey" racing team * Eric Dorsey § – defensive end for New York Giants; attended high school in McLean, Virginia, McLean * Desmond Doss – United States Army corporal who served as a combat medic during World War II * Gabby Douglas – artistic gymnast and Olympic gold medalist * Fanny Murdaugh Downing (1831–1894) — author and poet * Bill Dudley (1921–2010) – former NFL halfback, member of the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame * Eliza Ann Dupuy (c. 1814 – 1880) — littérateur and author * Kevin Durant § – All-Star small forward for NBA champion Golden State Warriors; attended Oak Hill Academy (Virginia), Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson, Virginia, Mouth of Wilson

E

* Kenny Easley (born 1959) – NFL Safety (American and Canadian football position), safety for the Seattle Seahawks, member of the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame * Ferrell Edmunds (born 1965) – NFL tight end * Tremaine Edmunds (born 1998) – NFL linebacker * Terrell Edmunds (born 1997) – NFL safety * Trey Edmunds (born 1994) – NFL running back * Elizabeth Edwards § (1949–2010) – attorney, author; estranged wife to John Edwards * Missy Elliott (born 1971) – rapper * Perry Ellis (1940–1986) – fashion designer * Brother Claude Ely (1922–1978) – singer-songwriter, Pentecostal Holiness preacher * Phillip H. Emerson (1834–1889) – Justice of the Supreme court, Supreme Court of the Utah Territory 1873–1885 * Garrett Epps (born 1950) – legal scholar, novelist, journalist * Victoria Espinel (born 1968) – Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator under U.S. President Barack Obama * Charles Esten § (born 1965) – comedian, actor and singer

F

* Jonny Fairplay – ''Survivor: Pearl Islands'' contestant and professional wrestler * Frankie Faison – film actor * Jerry Falwell (1933–2007) – Christian minister, televangelist, and political activist (Moral Majority) * James Farrior – NFL linebacker * William Faulkner § (1897–1962) – author, writer-in-residence at University of Virginia from 1957 until his death * Florian-Ayala Fauna – artist, musician, music producer * Mimi Faust – reality TV personality * Justin Fairfax (born 1979) – Lieutenant Governor of Virginia * Bessie Alexander Ficklen (1861–1945), poet and artist * Dorian Finney-Smith – NBA player for Dallas Mavericks * Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) – jazz singer * Roberta Flack § – Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, musician * Gary Fleder – film director, screenwriter, producer * Charles Follis – first African-American professional football player * Jon Foreman – lead singer for rock band Switchfoot * Tim Foreman – bass player for rock band Switchfoot * Chip Franklin – comedian and talk show host

G

* Lea Gabrielle (born 1975) – journalist and correspondent, Fox News Channel * Forrest Gander § (born 1956) – poet, essayist and translator * Greg Garcia (producer), Greg Garcia – director, producer, creator of sitcoms ''Raising Hope'' and ''My Name Is Earl'', co-creator of ''Yes, Dear'' * Clifton C. Garvin, Clifton Garvin – chief executive officer of Exxon 1975–1986 * Gray Gaulding – NASCAR driver * Azita Ghanizada § – actress, Saira Batra on ''General Hospital: Night Shift'' * William D. Gibbons – Baptist minister * William Gibson § – cyberpunk author; coined the term 'cyberspace' * Vince Gilligan – director, producer, creator of ''Breaking Bad'' * Jim Gilmore – Governor of Virginia * Sheila Giolitti – artist and art dealer * Jack Gilpin – actor * Ellen Glasgow – early 20th-century novelist * Indur M. Goklany – science and technology policy analyst for United States Department of the Interior, U.S. Department of the Interior * Irving Gottesman – professor and professor emeritus at University of Virginia * Lauren Graham – actress, comedy-drama series ''Gilmore Girls'' * Samuel Gravely – African-American officer who broke many racial barriers in U.S. Navy * Justin Grimm § – relief pitcher for Chicago Cubs * David Grohl – musician with Foo Fighters; moved to Virginia at age three * Johnny Grubb – Major League Baseball player * Kevin Grubb – NASCAR driver * Wayne Grubb – NASCAR crew chief and former driver * Grant Gustin – actor best known for his role as Barry Allen (Arrowverse), The Flash in the superhero TV series The Flash (2014 TV series), of the same name; born in Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk * Brandon Guyer § – outfielder for Cleveland Indians

H

* Hilary Hahn (born 1979) – two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist * Charlie Hales § (born 1956) – Mayor of Portland, Oregon * Charles Haley – football player for Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers; born in Gladys, Virginia, Gladys * DeAngelo Hall § (born 1983) – cornerback for Washington Redskins * Fawn Hall (born 1959) – figure in Iran–Contra affair * Mark Hamill § (born 1951) – actor, known for ''Star Wars'' films; attended high school in Annandale, Virginia, Annandale * Peter Hamby § (born 1981) – journalist; attended high school in Richmond, Virginia, Richmond * Denny Hamlin (born 1980) – NASCAR driver, 2006 rookie of the year, and Three time Daytona 500 winner; grew up in Chesterfield, Virginia, Chesterfield * Zac Hanson (born 1985) – member of pop band Hanson (band), Hanson * Jason Butler Harner § (born 1970) – actor * Eli Harold (born 1994) – linebacker for San Francisco 49ers * Justin Harper (basketball), Justin Harper (born 1989) – power forward for Orlando Magic * Benjamin Harrison – 23rd President of the United States; grandson of William Henry Harrison * Benjamin Harrison V – signer of the United States Declaration of Independence, Declaration of Independence, father of U.S. President William Henry Harrison * Carl Hairston (born 1952) – NFL player, Super Bowl champion * William Henry Harrison (1773–1841) – 9th President of the United States * Kathryn Harrold (born 1950) – actress * Bryan Harvey (musician), Bryan Harvey – musician; known for fronting role in House of Freaks; murdered with family in 2006 * Percy Harvin – NFL wide receiver * Nidal Hasan – U.S. Army psychiatrist; sole suspect in 2009 Fort Hood shooting, Fort Hood shooting of 2009 * Frank Hassell (born 1988) – basketball player * Earl Hebner – professional wrestling referee * Mike Helton – vice chairman of NASCAR * William Henderson (American football), William Henderson – fullback for Green Bay Packers * Lauri Hendler – actress, ''Gimme a Break!'' * Rick Hendrick – NASCAR Cup Series team owner for Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson, Alex Bowman, and William Byron (racing driver), William Byron; born in South Hill, Virginia, South Hill * Molly Henneberg (born 1973) – reporter for Fox News * Patrick Henry (1736–1799) – American Revolution figure and first Governor of Virginia after nation's independence * Kate Higgins (born 1969) – anime voice actor * Grant Hill (basketball), Grant Hill § (born 1972) – basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, 7-time NBA All-Star * Oliver Hill (attorney), Oliver Hill (1907–2007) – lawyer * Laura Hillenbrand (born 1967) – author of books and magazine articles * Skip Hinnant (born 1940) – actor, ''The Electric Company (1971 TV series), The Electric Company'' * Mary Evelyn Hitchcock (1849–1920) — author and explorer * The Holmes Brothers, Wendell and Sherman Holmes – blues, gospel and roots musicians * David Homyk – musician * Grace Hopper § (1906–1992) – pioneering computer scientist, and United States Navy Rear admiral (United States), rear admiral * Constance Horner (born 1942) – public official in Reagan and first Bush administrations; independent director of Pfizer, Prudential Financial, and Ingersoll Rand; resides in Lexington * Bruce Hornsby (born 1954) – musician * Ralph Horween (1896–1997) – Harvard Crimson and NFL football player, centenarian * Quin Houff (born 1997) – NASCAR driver * Sam Houston (1793–1863) – born in Rockbridge County; Governor of Tennessee (1827–1829); first and third President of Republic of Texas; Governor of Texas; U.S. Senator from Texas * David Huddleston (1930–2016) – actor, ''The Big Lebowski'', ''Blazing Saddles'' * Juliet Huddy § (born 1969) – Fox News news anchor; attended high school in McLean, Virginia, McLean * Daniel Hudson (born 1987) – Closer (baseball), closer for Washington Nationals * Steve Huffman (born 1983) – co-founder and CEO of Reddit * Chad Hugo (born 1974) – musician and music producer, one-half of The Neptunes * Patrick Hull – entrepreneur based in Richmond, Virginia, Richmond * Randy Hundley – catcher for Chicago Cubs * Al Hunt – columnist for Bloomberg View * Robert Hurt (politician), Robert Hurt (born 1969) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 5th congressional district

I

* Ashley Iaconetti (born 1988) – television personality * Arsalan Iftikhar (born 1977) – human rights lawyer, global media commentator, and author * Brandon Inge (born 1977) – Major League Baseball, MLB player; from Lynchburg, Virginia, Lynchburg * James Addison Ingle (1867–1903) § – American missionary to China * Mike Imoh (born 1984) – former Virginia Tech and Canadian Football League running back * Andre Ingram (born 1985) – NBA player, NBA G League record holder for most games played * Jay M. Ipson (born 1935) § – The Holocaust, Holocaust survivor and co-founder of the Virginia Holocaust Museum * Daryl Irvine (born 1964) – former MLB relief pitcher * Allen Iverson (born 1975) – former NBA player for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons * Mark Ivey (born 1973) – college football coach * Larry Izzo (born 1974) – NFL player, coach

J

* Stonewall Jackson, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson § (1824–1863) – Confederate States of America, Confederate military leader; born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia (which was formerly Virginia) * Mickie James (born 1979) – professional wrestler and musician * Tommy Lee James – country music songwriter and record producer * Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) – 3rd President of the United States, author of United States Declaration of Independence, Declaration of Independence, founder of University of Virginia * Clara Jeffery § (born 1967) – co-editor of ''Mother Jones (magazine), Mother Jones'' magazine * Rashad Jennings (born 1985) – running back for New York Giants * Jim Jinkins – cartoonist * Cornelius Johnson (offensive lineman), Cornelius Johnson (born 1943) – NFL Guard (gridiron football), guard, won Super Bowl V with Baltimore Colts * Nicole Johnson (Miss America), Nicole Johnson (born c. 1974) – Miss America 1999 * Wes Johnson – actor and comedian * Maria I. Johnston (1835–1921) — author, journalist, editor and lecturer * Arrington Jones (born 1959) – running back for San Francisco 49ers * Julius Jones (American football), Julius Jones (born 1981) – football player for Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks * Thomas Jones (American football), Thomas Jones (born 1978) – running back for Kansas City Chiefs * Akeem Jordan (born 1985) – linebacker for Philadelphia Eagles * Cornelia J. M. Jordan (1830–1898) — poet and lyricist * Henry Jordan (1935–1977) – lineman for Green Bay Packers, member of Pro Football Hall of Fame * Orlando Jordan – professional wrestler * Samuel Jordan (died 1621) – earliest Virginia leader at Jamestown Settlement

K

* Tim Kaine § (born 1958) – former Governor and current United States Senate, U.S. Senator, 2016 United States presidential election, 2016 Democratic Party (United States), Democratic nominee for vice president under Hillary Clinton * Archie Kao § – actor and director * Josh Kaufman § (born 1976) – Soul music, Soul singer-songwriter, winner of NBC's ''The Voice (U.S. TV series), The Voice'' The Voice (U.S. season 7), season 6; attended Blacksburg High School * Jeremy Kapinos § (born 1984) – Punter (American football), punter for Pittsburgh Steelers * Richard Kelly (director), Richard Kelly (born 1975) – film director * Patrick Kilpatrick – actor, ''Minority Report (film), Minority Report'', ''Eraser (film), Eraser'' * Barbara Kingsolver – author; lives outside Abingdon * V.J. King (born 1997) – NBA player, attended Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia * Wayne Kirby – first base coach for Baltimore Orioles * Chaney Kley (1972–2007) – actor, Asher on ''The Shield'' * John Kuester (born 1955) – assistant coach for Los Angeles Lakers

L

* Michael Lachowski – bass guitar player for rock band Pylon (band), Pylon * Jeffrey M. Lacker – chief executive of Fifth District Federal Reserve Bank at Richmond * Kendall Langford – defensive end for Miami Dolphins * Rick Langford – MLB pitcher * Wayne LaPierre – former CEO and executive vice president of National Rifle Association of America, author, gun rights advocate * Alan Larson (born 1949) – diplomat and ambassador * Mat Latos – MLB pitcher * Wendy B. Lawrence § (born 1959) – retired United States Navy, U.S. Navy Captain (naval), Captain, helicopter pilot, engineer, NASA astronaut * Wilford Leach (1929–1988) – film and theatre director, screenwriter * Jake E. Lee (born 1957) – guitarist for Ratt, Rough Cutt, Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands (American band), Badlands * Light Horse Harry Lee (1756–1818) – Prince William County; American Revolutionary War hero; father of Robert E. Lee * Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794) – Westmoreland County; presented proposal for independence to Continental Congress in 1776 * Robert E. Lee (1807–1870) – Confederate States of America military leader, commander of Army of Northern Virginia * Will Yun Lee – actor * William Gregory Lee – actor, ''Dante's Cove'' * Tim Legler – ESPN NBA analyst * Egbert Leigh – evolutionary ecologist * Meriwether Lewis (1774–1809) – explorer with Lewis and Clark Expedition * Skillz (rapper), Shaquan Lewis – aka "Skillz" from Supafriendz, rapper * Sabrina Lloyd (born 1970) – actress, ''Sliders (TV series), Sliders'', ''Sports Night'', ''Numb3rs'' * Mike London (born 1960) – head football coach at University of Virginia * Chris Long § (born 1985) – NFL defensive end for New England Patriots * Hyman Isaac Long (born 18th century) – Freemason * Kyle Long – NFL offensive lineman * Javier López (baseball), Javier López § (born 1977) – relief pitcher for San Francisco Giants * Brandon Lowe (born 1994) – second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays * Rob Lowe (born 1964) – actor known for films and TV series including ''The West Wing'', ''Wayne's World (film), Wayne's World'', ''Parks and Recreation'' * David Lowery (musician), David Lowery – lead singer of Cracker (band), Cracker, co-founder Sound of Music Studios * Rich Lowry (born 1968) – editor of ''National Review'', syndicated columnist, and author * Henry Lee Lucas (1936–2001) – serial killer *Elaine Luria (born 1975) – member of the U.S. House of Representatives from

's Virginia's 2nd congressional district, 2nd district; former United States Navy Commander (United States), Commander

M

;Ma–Md

* Douglas MacArthur § (1880–1964) – military leader, born in Arkansas, considered Norfolk, Virginia, Norfolk his hometown; buried in Norfolk * Stanton Macdonald-Wright (1890–1973) – artist * Vernon Macklin (born 1986) – power forward for Detroit Pistons * Shirley MacLaine (born 1934) – Academy Award-winning actress and author * Scott Mactavish (born 1965) – filmmaker and author * James Madison (1751–1836) – 4th President of the United States, co-author of ''The Federalist Papers'', "Father of the United States Constitution" * Magnum T. A. – professional wrestler * William Mahone (1826–1895) – Confederate States of America general, founder of Norfolk and Western Railroad (now Norfolk Southern) * John Maine (born 1981) – MLB pitcher; born in Fredericksburg; graduate of North Stafford High school * Lee Major – Grammy-nominated music producer * Moses Malone (1955–2015) – NBA player in Basketball Hall of Fame * Aimee Mann – musician; from Midlothian, Virginia, Midlothian and Richmond, Virginia, Richmond area * Sally Mann (born 1951) – photographer; from Lexington, Virginia, Lexington * Charlie Manuel § (born 1944) – former manager of Philadelphia Phillies * EJ Manuel (born 1990) – quarterback for Oakland Raiders * Chris Marion § (born 1962) – musician, member of classic rock band Little River Band * Fannie H. Marr (1835–1918) — author and poet * Henry L. Marsh (born 1933) – first African-American mayor of Richmond, Virginia * George Marshall § (1880–1959) – United States Army, U.S. Army officer, World War II military leader, U.S. Secretary of Defense, author of Marshall Plan and recipient of Nobel Peace Prize; graduate of Virginia Military Institute * John Marshall – lawyer, public figure, statesman, and fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court * Sean Marshall (baseball), Sean Marshall – MLB pitcher * David Martin (tight end), David Martin § – tight end for Buffalo Bills * George Mason (1725–1792) – politician, author of Virginia Declaration of Rights; namesake of George Mason University * Bobby Massie (born 1989) – offensive tackle for Arizona Cardinals * Debbie Matenopoulos – television personality * Dave Matthews § (born 1967) – musician, frontman of Dave Matthews Band; resident of Charlottesville, Virginia, Charlottesville * Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806–1873) – United States Navy, U.S. Navy officer, astronomer, oceanographer, geologist, educator * Jerod Mayo (born 1986) – linebacker for New England Patriots * Jayma Mays (born 1979) – actress, Emma Pillsbury on ''Glee (TV series), Glee'' * John McAfee § (1945–2021) – software engineer for NASA, Computer Sciences Corporation, and Lockheed Corporation, Lockheed, known for McAfee antivirus software * Danny McBride (actor), Danny McBride (born 1976) – actor, star of films and TV series ''Eastbound and Down''; from Fredericksburg * John McCain § (1936–2018) – Panamanian-born politician, U.S. Navy, navy officer, United States Senate, U.S. Senator from Arizona from 1986 until his death; 2008 United States presidential election, 2008 Republican Party (United States), Republican Presidential nominee, nominee for President; raised in Alexandria and Arlington, Virginia, Arlington * John McCargo (born 1983) – National Football League, NFL defensive tackle for Buffalo Bills * Dagen McDowell – anchor on Fox Business Network and correspondent for Fox News Channel * Michael McGlothlin (born 1951) – president of [University of Appalachia] School of Pharmacy, politician, and activist * William Holmes McGuffey § (1800–1873) – creator of McGuffey Readers; professor at University of Virginia * David McLeod (born 1971) – first recipient of Arena Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award * Billy McMullen – football player for University of Virginia and Minnesota Vikings * Jesse McReynolds – bluegrass musician, mandolin player ;Me–Mz LaShawn Merritt 2012 Shankbone

* Joseph Meek (1810–1875) – explorer and fur trader * Philip B. Meggs – design historian, author of ''History of Graphic Design'' * Christopher Meloni – actor, ''Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: SVU''; grew up in Alexandria and went to St. Stephens School * Leland D. Melvin (born 1964) – NASA astronaut * Camila Mendes (born 1994) – actor, ''Do Revenge''; born in Charlottesville * Adam Birch, Joey Mercury (born 1979) – professional wrestler * LaShawn Merritt – track Sprint (running), sprinter, 3-time Olympic gold medalist * Heath Miller (born 1982) – NFL tight end for Pittsburgh Steelers * Jason C. Miller § (born 1972) – lead vocalist and guitarist for Godhead (band), Godhead * Mrs. Alex. McVeigh Miller, Mittie Miller (1850–1937) — novelist * Judson Mills § (born 1969) – actor, Francis Gage on ''Walker, Texas Ranger'' * Nannie Jacquelin Minor (1871–1934) – early practitioner of public health nursing in Virginia * Arthur Moats (born 1988) – NFL linebacker for Buffalo Bills * Modern Groove Syndicate – funk band from Richmond, Virginia * Darryl Monroe (born 1986) – professional basketball player, 2016 Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP * James Monroe (1758–1831) – 5th President of the United States; namesake of Monroe Doctrine * John Montague (baseball), John Montague (born 1947) – MLB pitcher * Will Montgomery § (born 1983) – NFL lineman for Washington Redskins * Jim Moody (actor), Jim Moody (born 1949) – actor * Lottie Moon (1840–1912) – Christian missionary to China * Jim Morrison § (1943–1971) – singer-songwriter for The Doors; born in Florida; graduated from high school in Alexandria, Virginia, Alexandria * Mark Morton (guitarist), Mark Morton – guitarist for Lamb of God (band), Lamb of God * John Singleton Mosby (1833–1916) – Edgemont; "The Gray Ghost", Confederate cavalry commander * William P. Moseley – (1819–1890) businessman and Virginia senator * Wendell Moore Jr. (born 2001) – basketball player * Alonzo Mourning (born 1970) – basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, member of Basketball Hall of Fame * Jason Mraz (born 1977) – musician * John Mullan (road builder), John Mullan (1830–1909) – soldier, explorer, civil servant, and road builder * Dermot Mulroney (born 1963) – actor of many films including ''My Best Friend's Wedding'' * Mick Mulvaney (born 1967) – Director of the Office of Management and Budget * Lenda Murray § (born 1962) – IFBB professional bodybuilder * Bret Myers (born 1980) – soccer player and professor * Lon Myers (1858–1899) – sprinter, multiple world records

N

* Fantasy Boys (group), Kaedan Nam - member of South Korean boy group, Fantasy Boys (group), Fantasy Boys * Diane Neal (born 1976) – actress; Casey Novak on ''Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'' * Thomas Nelson Jr. (1738–1789) – Governor of Virginia, signer of United States Declaration of Independence, Declaration of Independence * Nettspend (born 2007-2008) – Rapper * Ralph Northam (born 1959) – 73rd Governor of Virginia * Johnny Newman (born 1963) – University of Richmond and NBA basketball player * Tommy Newsom (1929–2007) – saxophone player, bandleader * Wayne Newton (born 1942) – singer, entertainer, actor * Nick Novak § (born 1981) – placekicker for San Diego Chargers

O

* Afemo Omilami (born 1950) – actor * Texas Jack Omohundro (1846–1880) – frontier scout, actor, and cowboy * Uncle Charlie Osborne (1890–1992) – musician * Patton Oswalt (born 1969) – actor and comedian * Rayvon Owen (born 1991) – musician, contestant on ''American Idol'' American Idol (season 14), season 14 * Ken Oxendine – NFL running back

P

* Elizabeth Fry Page (1865–1943) — author and editor * Micky (singer), Micky Park § – singer and actor * Ace Parker (1912–2013) – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback * George S. Patton § (1885–1945) – World War II military leader; family was from Fredericksburg, Virginia, Fredericksburg; attended the Virginia Military Institute * Mosby Monroe Parsons, M. M. Parsons (1822–1865) – Confederate States of America, Confederate general, second commander of Missouri State Guard in the American Civil War * Robert Paxton – historian * James Spriggs Payne – fourth and eighth president of Liberia * John Payne (actor), John Payne – actor of many films including ''Miracle on 34th Street'' * Judith Peck – award-winning visual artist and portrait painter * Cedric Peerman – NFL running back * Tom Peloso – member of Modest Mouse; formerly of The Hackensaw Boys * Tony Perez (actor), Tony Perez (born 1942) – actor, ''Hill Street Blues'' * Thomas J. Perrelli (born 1966) – United States Associate Attorney General, U.S. Associate Attorney General under President Barack Obama * Darren Perry (born 1968) – assistant coach for Green Bay Packers * Jay Pharoah (born 1987) – comedian, impressionist, ''Saturday Night Live'' * John Phillips (musician), John Phillips § (1935–2001) – folk and pop musician of 1960s vocal group The Mamas & the Papas * John Phillips (American football), John Phillips (born 1987) – tight end for Dallas Cowboys * Pocahontas (1595–1617) – princess of Powhatan tribe * Edgar Allan Poe § – iconic author of "The Raven", "The Tell-Tale Heart" and other poems and stories * Lewis F. Powell – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States 1971-87 * Darrell Powers, Darrell C. Powers – member of E Company, 506th Infantry Regiment (United States), Easy Company, Band of Brothers (1923–2009) * Chief Powhatan (1547–1618) – ruler of Eastern Virginia at time of founding of Jamestown, Virginia, Jamestown * Paul Pressey (born 1958) – National Basketball Association, NBA small forward, assistant coach for Cleveland Cavaliers * Sterling Price (1809–1867) – 11th Governor of Missouri, first commander of Missouri State Guard in the American Civil War * Faith Prince § (born 1957) – actress, ''Huff (TV series), Huff'' and ''Spin City'' * Margaret Prior (1773–1842) — missionary, reformist, and writer * Chesty Puller (1898–1971) – most decorated United States Marine Corps, Marine in American history

Q

* George Quaintance (1902–1957) – artist * Christopher Dillon Quinn – documentarian

R

* Edmund Randolph (1753–1813) – Governor of Virginia, U.S. Attorney General, Secretary of State * Peyton Randolph – 1775 President of Continental Congress * Della H. Raney (1912–1987) – first African American accepted into the United States Army Nurse Corps * Clay Rapada (born 1981) – retired MLB pitcher * Chris Ray (born 1982) – retired MLB pitcher * JJ Redick, J. J. Redick § (born 1984) – shooting guard for New Orleans Pelicans * Ralph E. Reed Jr., Ralph Reed (born 1961) – Conservatism in the United States, conservative political activist, novelist * Tim Reid (born 1944) – actor, comedian, director, ''WKRP in Cincinnati'', ''Simon & Simon'', ''Sister, Sister (TV series), Sister, Sister'' * J. Sargeant Reynolds – businessman, statesman, Lieutenant Governor * LaRoy Reynolds – linebacker for Atlanta Falcons * Mark Reynolds (baseball), Mark Reynolds § (born 1983) – MLB infielder for Colorado Rockies * R. J. Reynolds (1850–1918) – businessman and founder of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company * Vera Reynolds (1899–1962) – 1920s and '30s film actress * Chris Richardson § (born 1984) – ''American Idol'' finalist * Alex Riley – WWE professional wrestler * John Ripley (USMC), John Ripley (1939–2008) – decorated United States Marine Corps colonel * David L. Robbins (Virginia writer), David L. Robbins – novelist * Tom Robbins – author, studied art at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University), worked for ''Richmond Times Dispatch'' * Jane Roberts (first lady), Jane Roberts ( 1819–1914) – 1st First Lady of Liberia * Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876) – 1st President of Liberia * Pat Robertson (born 1930) – Christian televangelist and political leader * Bill Robinson, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson § (1878–1949) – dancer * David Robinson (basketball), David Robinson § (born 1965) – Basketball Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, 10-time NBA All-Star * Michael Robinson (running back), Michael Robinson (born 1983) – running back for Seattle Seahawks * John Rolfe § (c. 1585–1622) – settler at Jamestown Settlement, first developer of cultivated tobacco for European market * John Rollins (golfer), John Rollins (born 1975) – professional golf, golfer * Felipe Rose § – founding member of the Village People * Tim Rose § – rock, folk, and blues singer-songwriter * Bobby Ross § – college and pro football coach * Aaron Rouse (born 1984) – safety (American football position), safety for the United Football League (2009), United Football League and Virginia State Senator * Eddie Royal (born 1986) – wide receiver for San Diego Chargers * Albert Rust (1818–1870) – politician and Confederate general

S

;Sa–Sm

* Elliott Sadler (born 1975) – NASCAR driver * Bob Saget § (born 1956) – actor, comedian, television series ''Full House'', original host of ''America's Funniest Home Videos'' * Billy Sample (born 1955) – MLB player for Texas Rangers (baseball), Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves * Ralph Sampson (born 1960) – Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame center, Virginia Cavaliers men's basketball, Virginia Cavaliers and NBA * Rick Santorum (born 1958) – lawyer and former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania * Joe Saunders (born 1981) – MLB pitcher * Eric Schmidt (born 1955) – software-engineer and executive chairman of Google * Owen Schmitt § (born 1985) – fullback (gridiron football), fullback for Philadelphia Eagles * Ed Schultz (1954–2018) – left-wing radio and television host, ''The Ed Show'' * Michael Schwimer (born 1986) – relief pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies * George C. Scott (1927–1999) – actor; won an Academy Award for Best Actor for film ''Patton (film), Patton'' (1970) * Wendell Scott (1921–1990) – first African American to race in NASCAR * Willard Scott (1934–2021) – weather reporter on ''Today (NBC program), The Today Show''; the original Ronald McDonald * Winfield Scott (1786–1866) – United States Army general * Steve Scully (born 1960) – host of C-SPAN's ''Washington Journal'' * Rhea Seehorn (born 1972) – Kim Wexler on ''Better Call Saul'' * Seka (actress), Seka (born 1954) – adult film star * Tom Shadyac (born 1958) – film director, ''Liar Liar'', ''Bruce Almighty'', ''The Nutty Professor (1996 film), The Nutty Professor'' * Darren Sharper – retired NFL safety (American and Canadian football position), safety * Meghann Shaughnessy – professional tennis player * Deborah Shelton § (born 1948) – actress, Miss USA 1970 * Ricky Van Shelton – country music and gospel singer; born in Danville, Virginia * Lauren Shehadi (born 1983) – sportscaster and Journalist * John Wesley Shipp – actor (''Dawson's Creek'', ''The Flash (1990 TV series), The Flash'', ''Guiding Light'') * Gray Simons – Olympic Freestyle wrestling, freestyle wrestler, won four NAIA national championships and three NCAA wrestling championships * Clint Sintim – linebacker for New York Giants * Scott Sizemore – infielder for New York Yankees * Samuel Sloan (chess player), Sam Sloan (born 1944) – political prisoner, kidnapping victim * Bruce Smith (defensive end), Bruce Smith (born 1963) – former NFL star, career Quarterback sack, sack leader * Joe Smith (basketball), Joe Smith (born 1975) – National Basketball Association, NBA player for Los Angeles Lakers * John Smith of Jamestown § (1580–1631) – co-founder of Jamestown Settlement, first English colony in America (1607) * Kate Smith (1909–1986) – singer best known for rendition of "God Bless America" * Torrey Smith – wide receiver for San Francisco 49ers ;Sn–Sz Norman Snead 1961

* Norm Snead (born 1939) – NFL quarterback for five teams * Sam Snead (1912–2002) – Hall of Fame golfer, winner of 82 PGA Tour events including three Masters championships * Jason Snelling § (born 1983) – running back for Atlanta Falcons * Abigail Spanberger (born 1979) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 7th Congressional district * Chris Sprouse (born 1966) – Cartoonist, comics artist * John W. Snow – United States Secretary of the Treasury, chairman and CEO of CSX Corporation * Maura Soden (born 1955) – actress * Trey Songz (born 1984) – singer * Scott Sowers (1963–2018) – actor * Eric Stanley (violinist), Eric Stanley (born 1991) – violinist, arranger, YouTube personality * Ralph Stanley (1927–2016) – musician * Robert Stanton (actor), Robert Stanton (born 1963) – actor, ''The Cosby Mysteries'' * Peter Burwell Starke, Peter Starke (1813–1888) – politician and Confederate general * Robert Stethem § (1961–1985) – United States Navy, U.S. Navy Seabee (US Navy), Seabee diver killed by Hezbollah militants during Aircraft hijacking, hijacking of TWA Flight 847 * Brandon Stokley (born 1976) – wide receiver for Seattle Seahawks * Charles Stanley (born 1932) – Southern Baptist pastor * Dick Stockton (tennis), Dick Stockton § (born 1951) – professional tennis player * Julyan Stone (born 1988) – player for Denver Nuggets * Curtis Strange (born 1955) – professional golfer, member of the World Golf Hall of Fame * Greg Stroman (born 1996) – NFL cornerback * J.E.B. Stuart (1833–1864) – Confederate general * William Styron (1925–2006) – novelist * Skipp Sudduth § (born 1956) – actor, John 'Sully' Sullivan on ''Third Watch'' * Margaret Sullavan (1909–1960) – actress * Charlie Sumner (1930–2015) – former NFL player and coach * Carol M. Swain (born 1954) – political scientist, Vanderbilt University, Vanderbilt professor * Josh Sweat (born 1997) – NFL defensive end * DeVante Swing (born 1969) – music producer, singer, founder of R&B group Jodeci * Wanda Sykes – comedian and actress; born in Portsmouth, Virginia

T

* Darryl Tapp (born 1984) – defensive end for Philadelphia Eagles * Fran Tarkenton – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback for Minnesota Vikings; co-host of ABC-TV's ''That's Incredible'' * Ben Tate (born 1988) – running back for Houston Texans * Chris Taylor (baseball), Chris Taylor (born 1990) – baseball player for Los Angeles Dodgers * Edmund Dick Taylor (1804–1891) – "greenback (money), Father of the Greenback" * Lawrence Taylor (born 1959) – Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker for New York Giants * Peter Matthew Hillsman Taylor, Peter Taylor (1917–1994) – writer; born in Tennessee, spent most of career teaching at University of Virginia * Tyrod Taylor (born 1989) – quarterback for Buffalo Bills * Zachary Taylor (1784–1850) – 12th President of the United States * Lewis Temple – escaped African-American slave who invented a new kind of harpoon known as "Toggling harpoon, Temple's Toggle" * David Terrell (wide receiver), David Terrell – football player * Logan Thomas (born 1991) – NFL tight end, played quarterback at Virginia Tech * Scottie Thompson (actress), Scottie Thompson (born 1981) – actress, Jeanne Benoit on ''NCIS (TV series), NCIS'' * Lee Thornton (1941–2013) – journalist and correspondent for CBS, CNN, and NPR * Matt Tifft (born 1996) – former NASCAR driver * Timbaland (born 1974) – music producer and rapper * Mike Tomlin (born 1972) – head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers, led team to Super Bowl XLIII championship * Randy Tomlin – MLB pitcher; from Madison Heights, Virginia, Madison Heights * Al Toon (born 1963) – retired football player for New York Jets * Adrian Tracy (born 1988) – NFL and Canadian Football League, CFL defensive back * Scott Travis (born 1961) – drummer for Judas Priest and Racer X (band), Racer X * Adriana Trigiani – writer, author of novel ''Big Stone Gap'' * Curtis Turner (1924–1970) – stock car racer, member of NASCAR Hall of Fame * Nat Turner (1800–1831) – leader of slave rebellion * Leeann Tweeden (born 1973) – model, television personality * Cy Twombly (1928–2011) – abstract artist * John Tyler (1790–1862) – 10th President of the United States

U

* Kali Uchis – singer * Skeet Ulrich – actor, starred in Scream (1996 film), ''Scream'', ''The Newton Boys'', and Jericho (2006 TV series), ''Jericho'' * B. J. Upton – MLB outfielder * Justin Upton – MLB outfielder

V

* S. S. Van Dine (1888–1939) – author, creator of Philo Vance * Lila Meade Valentine (1865–1921) – education reformer, health-care advocate, and woman's suffragist * Marc Vann (born 1954) – actor, Conrad Ecklie on ''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'' * Jarvis Varnado (born 1988) – professional basketball player, 2013 2013 NBA Finals, NBA champion with the Miami Heat * Phil Vassar – country music singer/songwriter; from Lynchburg, Virginia, Lynchburg * Julian Vaughn (born 1988) – professional basketball player * Abraham B. Venable (1758–1811) – representative and senator from Virginia * Brandon Vera (born 1977) – Mixed martial arts, mixed martial artist * Justin Verlander (born 1983) – Major League Baseball pitcher for Houston Astros * Charles Vess (born 1951) – fantasy artist and comic-book illustrator * Marcus Vick (born 1984) – NFL quarterback * Michael Vick (born 1980) – NFL quarterback * Gene Vincent (1935–1971) – musician who pioneered styles of rock and roll and rockabilly

W

;Wa–Wh

Gilbert Stuart Williamstown Portrait of George Washington

* Bobby Wadkins – professional golfer * Lanny Wadkins – professional golfer * Amina Wadud – Islamic Virginia Commonwealth University professor * Mark Warner (born 1954) – senior United States senator of Virginia * Billy Wagner (born 1971) – retired MLB pitcher, primarily for Houston Astros and New York Mets; also pitched for Ferrum College * Richard Wagoner – former president of General Motors * Maggie L. Walker – first woman to found a bank in U.S. * Travis Wall (born 1971) – reality-television personality, ''So You Think You Can Dance (United States), So You Think You Can Dance'', Season 2 * Ben Wallace (basketball), Ben Wallace – NBA basketball player * Randall Wallace – writer, director, ''Braveheart'', ''Pearl Harbor (film), Pearl Harbor'', ''We Were Soldiers'' * Dylan Walsh § – actor, ''Nip/Tuck'', ''Brooklyn South'', ''Gabriel's Fire'' * Booker T. Washington (1856–1915) – iconic educator, activist, founder of Tuskegee Institute * George Washington (1732–1799) – 1st President of the United States, commander-in-chief of Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, "Father of the Nation, Father of Our Country" * Kelley Washington (born 1979) – wide receiver for Baltimore Ravens * Benjamin Watson (born 1980) – tight end for New Orleans Saints * B. W. Webb (born 1990) – cornerback for Dallas Cowboys * Haley Webb – actress * Tyler Webb – pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals * Brianté Weber (born 1992) – basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League * Susan Archer Weiss (1822–1917) — poet * Josh Wells – offensive tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars * Kellie Wells (athlete), Kellie Wells – track Hurdling, hurdler, 2012 Olympic bronze medalist * Paul Wellstone § (1944–2002) – member of United States Senate, U.S. Senate from Minnesota * Jennifer Wexton (born 1968) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 10th congressional district * Suzanne Whang – television host, actress, ''House Hunters'', ''Las Vegas (TV series), Las Vegas'' * Pernell Whitaker – professional boxer * Jason White (NASCAR), Jason White – NASCAR driver * Lucky Whitehead – wide receiver for Dallas Cowboys ;Wi–Wz

* Tom Wiggin § (born 1955) – actor, Kirk Anderson (As the World Turns), Kirk Anderson on ''As the World Turns'' and Joe Foster on ''Texas (TV series), Texas'' * Douglas Wilder, L. Douglas Wilder (born 1931) – first elected African-American governor of U.S. state (Governor of Virginia, 1990–1994), Richmond City mayor * Jenny Wiley § (1760–1831) – pioneer, Native American captive * Daryl Williams (American football), Daryl Williams (born 1992) – offensive tackle for Carolina Panthers * Keller Williams (born 1970) – musician * Kiely Williams – member of 3LW and The Cheetah Girls (band), The Cheetah Girls, actress ''The House Bunny'' * Monty Williams – former NBA player; Coach (basketball), head coach for New Orleans Hornets * Pharrell Williams (born 1973) – Grammy Award-winning musician and producer, one-half of The Neptunes * Reggie Williams (basketball, born 1986), Reggie Williams (born 1986) – NBA basketball player * Steven Williams § (born 1949) – actor, ''21 Jump Street'', ''L.A. Heat (TV series), L.A. Heat'', ''Linc's'' * Carl Willis (born 1960) – MLB pitcher and coach * Curtis Wilkerson (born 1961) – MLB player for four teams * Casey Wilson (born 1980) – actress, comedian, ''Happy Endings (TV series), Happy Endings'', ''Saturday Night Live'' * David Wilson (running back), David Wilson (born 1991) – running back for New York Giants * Patrick Wilson (born 1973) – actor, Nite Owl II in ''Watchmen (2009 film), Watchmen'', ''The Conjuring'', ''Fargo (TV series), Fargo'' * Russell Wilson § – quarterback for Seattle Seahawks * Samuel V. Wilson (1923–2017) – United States Army lieutenant general * Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) – 28th President of the United States * Stan Winston – film special-effects designer * Henry Wise Jr. (1920–2003) – physician and World War II Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot * Julia A. Wood (1840–1927) – writer and composer * Tom Wolfe (1930–2018) – journalist, novelist, father of "New Journalism" * Robert J. Wood (1905–1986) – U.S. Army four-star general * Josh Woodrum (born 1992) – quarterback for Washington Redskins * Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950) – African-American historian, author, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History * Damien Woody (born 1977) – retired offensive lineman for New York Jets * Link Wray – guitarist * David Wright (born 1982) – third baseman for New York Mets * Avis Wyatt (born 1984) – professional basketball player * Kerry Wynn (born 1991) – defensive end for New York Giants * Robert Wynn (United States Army soldier), Robert E. Wynn – member of E Company, 506th Infantry Regiment (United States), Easy Company, Band of Brothers (1921–2000) * George Wythe (1726–1806) – Hampton; first professor of law in American college, College of William & Mary, William & Mary

Y

* Rachael Yamagata – singer-songwriter * Elliott Yamin § (born 1978) – ''American Idol'' finalist * Marl Young (1917–2009) – composer, music director, ''Here's Lucy'' * Megan Young (born 1990) – actress, model, TV host

Z

*John G. Zehmer Jr. (1942–2016) – architectural historian, preservationist, photographer, and author of architectural history *Gerald Zerkin (born 1949) – lawyer *Emanuel Zervakis (1930–2003) – NASCAR Cup Series driver *Zeda Zhang (born 1987) – professional wrestler *Boris Zhukov (born 1959) – professional wrestler *Craig Zimmerman (born 1974) – actor *George Zimmerman (born 1983) – man responsible for fatally Killing of Trayvon Martin, shooting Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida *Ryan Zimmerman § (born 1984) – first baseman for the Washington Nationals *Nell Zink (born 1964) – novelist *Charlotte Zolotow (1915–2013) – writer, poet, publisher of children's books *Zach Zwinak (born 1992) – former Penn State Nittany Lions football, Penn State football running back

References

{{Lists of people by U.S. state Lists of people from Virginia,

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B

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E

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G

H

I

J

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R

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See also

References