This is a list of prominent people who were born in, lived in, or are otherwise closely associated with

Washington, D.C. ) , image_skyline = , image_caption = Clockwise from top left: the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall, United States Capitol, Logan Circle, Jefferson Memorial, White House, Adams Morgan, ...

, and its surrounding metropolitan area, which includes portions of

Maryland Maryland ( ) is a state in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. It shares borders with Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware and the Atlantic Ocean to ...

and

Virginia Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, is a state in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions of the United States, between the Atlantic Coast and the Appalachian Mountains. The geography and climate of the Commonwealth ar ...

Actors

Gbenga Akinnagbe Olugbenga Enitan Temitope Akinnagbe ( ; born 12 December 1978) is an American actor and writer, best known for his roles as Chris Partlow on the HBO series ''The Wire'' and as Larry Brown on the HBO series '' The Deuce''. Early life Akinnagb ...

(born 1978), actor; born in D.C. *

Jonathan Banks Jonathan Ray Banks (born January 31, 1947) is an American actor. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Chillum Heights, Maryland, while attending Indiana University Bloomington Banks did theatre. In 1974, he moved to Los Angeles where he be ...

(born 1947), actor; born in D.C. *

Dave Bautista David Michael Bautista Jr. (born January 18, 1969) is an American actor and retired professional wrestler. He had several stints in WWE between 2002 and 2019. In his acting career, he is most widely known for his portrayal of Drax the Dest ...

(born 1969), actor and former wrestler of the

WWE World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., d/b/a as WWE, is an American professional wrestling promotion. A global integrated media and entertainment company, WWE has also branched out into other fields, including film, American football, and vari ...

; born in D.C. *

Jon Bernthal Jonathan Edward Bernthal (; born September 20, 1976) is an American actor. Beginning his career in the early 2000s, he came to prominence for portraying Shane Walsh on the AMC horror series '' The Walking Dead'' (2010–2012; 2018), where ...

(born 1976), actor; born in D.C. *

David Birney David Edwin Birney (April 23, 1939 – April 27, 2022) was an American actor and director whose career included performances in both contemporary and classical roles in theatre, film, and television. He is noted for having played the title role ...

(1939–2022), actor; born in D.C. *

Blair Brown Bonnie Blair Brown (born April 23, 1946) is an American theater, film and television actress. She has had a number of high-profile roles, including in the play '' Copenhagen'' on Broadway, the leading actress in the films ''Altered States'' ...

(born 1946), actress; born in D.C. *

Billie Burke Mary William Ethelbert Appleton Burke (August 7, 1884 – May 14, 1970) was an American actress who was famous on Broadway and radio, and in silent and sound films. She is best known to modern audiences as Glinda the Good Witch of the North ...

(1884–1970), actress; born in D.C. *

Louis C.K. Louis Alfred Székely (; born September 12, 1967), known professionally as Louis C.K. (), is an American stand-up comedian, screenwriter, actor, and filmmaker. C.K. won three Peabody Awards, three Grammy Awards, six Primetime Emmy Awards, and a ...

(born 1967), actor, comedian; born in D.C. * Dave Chappelle (born 1973), actor, comedian; born in D.C. *

Whitney Cummings Whitney Cummings (born September 4, 1982) is an American stand-up comedian, actress, writer, director, producer, investor and podcaster. A native of Washington, DC, Cummings pursued a comedy career in Los Angeles after graduating from the Univer ...

(born 1982), comedian, actress; born in D.C. * Pat Flaherty (1897–1970), actor; born in D.C. *

Matt Frewer Matthew George Frewer (born January 4, 1958) is an American-Canadian actor, singer and comedian. He portrayed the 1980s icon Max Headroom in the 1985 TV movie and 1987 television series of the same names. He became prominent when playing role ...

(born 1958), actor; born in D.C. *

Isabelle Fuhrman Isabelle Fuhrman (born February 25, 1997) is an American actress. She is known for her role as Esther in the horror film ''Orphan'' (2009) and its prequel '' Orphan: First Kill'' (2022). She also portrayed Clove in the dystopian adventure film ' ...

(born 1997); born in D.C. *

Ana Gasteyer Ana Kristina Gasteyer (born May 4, 1967) is an American actress and comedian. She was a cast member on ''Saturday Night Live'' from 1996 to 2002. She has since starred in such sitcoms as ABC's '' Suburgatory,'' TBS's ''People of Earth'', NBC's ...

(born 1967), actress; born in D.C. *

Cameron Goodman Cameron Elizabeth Carr (' Goodman; born August 24, 1984) is an American actress. Biography She was born in Texas but grew up in Washington D.C. She attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. after transferring from Syracuse University ...

, actress; born in Texas; raised in D.C. *

Regina Hall Regina Lee Hall (born December 12, 1970) is an American actress. She rose to prominence for her role as Brenda Meeks in the comedy horror ''Scary Movie'' film series (2000–2006). She has since appeared in the television series '' Ally McBeal ...

(born 1971), actress; born in D.C. *

Alyson Hannigan Alyson Lee Hannigan (born March 24, 1974) is an American actress. After starting her career at age four with appearances in commercials, she moved to Hollywood at age 11 and soon got an agent. Hannigan began her film career with supporting ro ...

(born 1974), actress; born in D.C. *

Goldie Hawn Goldie Jeanne Hawn (born November 21, 1945) is an American actress, dancer, producer, and singer. She rose to fame on the NBC sketch comedy program ''Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In'' (1968–1970), before going on to receive the Academy Award and Go ...

(born 1945), actress; born in D.C.; raised in

Takoma Park, Maryland Takoma Park is a city in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It is a suburb of Washington, and part of the Washington metropolitan area. Founded in 1883 and incorporated in 1890, Takoma Park, informally called "Azalea City", is a Tree C ...

* Helen Hayes (1900–1993), actress; born in D.C. * John Heard (1945–2017), actor; born in D.C. *

Katherine Heigl Katherine Marie Heigl ( ; born November 24, 1978) is an American actress and former fashion model. She played Dr. Izzie Stevens on the ABC television medical drama ''Grey's Anatomy'' from 2005 to 2010, a role that brought her recognition and ...

(born 1978), actress; born in D.C. * Taraji P. Henson (born 1970), actress; born in D.C. *

Edward Herrmann Edward Kirk Herrmann (July 21, 1943 – December 31, 2014) was an American actor, director, and writer. He was perhaps best known for his portrayals of Franklin D. Roosevelt in both the miniseries ''Eleanor and Franklin'' (1976) and 1982 film ...

(1943–2014), actor; born in D.C. *

William Hurt William McChord Hurt (March 20, 1950 – March 13, 2022) was an American actor. Known for his performances on stage and screen, he received various awards including an Academy Award, BAFTA Award and Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actor. H ...

(1950–2022), actor; born in D.C. *

Samuel L. Jackson Samuel Leroy Jackson (born December 21, 1948) is an American actor and producer. One of the most widely recognized actors of his generation, the films in which he has appeared have collectively grossed over $27 billion worldwide, making him ...

(born 1948), actor; born in D.C. *

Archie Kao Archie David Kao (born December 14, 1969) is an American actor and producer. He is best known to American audiences for series regulars roles on '' Chicago P.D.'', '' Power Rangers Lost Galaxy'' as well as long-running hit ''CSI: Crime Scene In ...

(born 1973), actor; born in D.C. *

Erik King Erik King (born April 21, 1963) is an American actor, best known for his portrayal of Sergeant James Doakes on Showtime's television series '' Dexter''. He is also known for his roles as Moses Deyell on '' Oz''., and as Bobby Davidson in ''Mis ...

, actor; born in D.C. *

Michael Learned Michael Learned (born April 9, 1939) is a distinguished American actor, known for her role as Olivia Walton in the long-running CBS drama series ''The Waltons'' (1972–1981). She has won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in ...

(born 1939), actress; born in D.C. *

James McDaniel James McDaniel Jr. (born March 25, 1958) is an American stage, film and television actor. He is best known for playing Lt. Arthur Fancy on the television show ''NYPD Blue''. He created the role of Paul in the hit Lincoln Center play '' Six Degr ...

(born 1958), actor; born in D.C. *

Christopher Meloni Christopher Peter Meloni (; born April 2, 1961) is an American actor. He is known for his television roles as NYPD Detective Elliot Stabler on the NBC legal drama '' Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'' for its first 12 seasons and its spin-off ...

(born 1958), actor; born in D.C. *

Bridgit Mendler Bridgit Claire Mendler (born December 18, 1992) is an American singer and actress. In 2004, she began her career in the animated Indian film '' The Legend of Buddha'', later starring in the films ''Alice Upside Down'' (2007), ''The Clique'' (200 ...

(born 1992), singer and actress; born in D.C. *

Michael Nouri Michael Nouri (born December 9, 1945) is an American screen and stage actor. He is best known for his television roles, including Dr. Neil Roberts on ''The O.C.'', Phil Grey on ''Damages'', Caleb Cortlandt on '' All My Children'', Eli David in ...

(born 1958), actor; born in D.C. *

Clifton Powell Clifton Powell (born March 16, 1956) is an American actor who primarily plays supporting roles in films, such as in ''Ray'' (2004), for which he received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture nomination. Care ...

(born 1956), actor; born in D.C. *

Madlyn Rhue Madlyn Soloman Rhue (née Madeline Roche, October 3, 1935 – December 16, 2003) was an American film and television actress. Personal life - youth and education Rhue was born in Washington, D.C., graduated from Los Angeles High School, and st ...

(1935–2003), actress; born in D.C. *

Chita Rivera Chita Rivera (born Dolores Conchita Figueroa del Rivero Anderson; January 23, 1933), is an American actress, singer and dancer best known for originating roles in Broadway musicals including Anita in ''West Side Story'', Velma Kelly in ''Chic ...

(born 1933), Broadway musical actress; born in D.C. * Corey Parker Robinson (born 1975), actor; born in D.C. *

Eden Riegel Eden Sonja Jane Riegel (born January 1, 1981) is an American actress. She portrayed Bianca Montgomery in the daytime drama ''All My Children'', and propelled the character into a gay icon, as well as a popular figure within the medium. Nominated ...

(born 1981), actress; born in D.C. *

Yeardley Smith Martha Maria Yeardley Smith ( ; born July 3, 1964) is an American actress, artist and writer. She currently stars as the voice of Lisa Simpson on the long-running animated television series ''The Simpsons''. Smith became an actress in 1982 aft ...

(born 1964), actress; born in

Paris, France Paris () is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,165,423 residents in 2019 in an area of more than 105 km² (41 sq mi), making it the 30th most densely populated city in the world in 2020. Si ...

, raised in D.C. *

Josh Stamberg Joshua Collins Stamberg (born January 4, 1970) is an American actor. He was regular cast member in the Lifetime comedy-drama series ''Drop Dead Diva'' from 2009 to 2012, and later had recurring roles on '' Parenthood'', '' The Affair,'' and ''Wand ...

(born 1970), actor; born in D.C. * Ben Stein (born 1944), actor, author, economist, former political speechwriter; born in D.C.; raised in Maryland *

Frances Sternhagen Frances Hussey Sternhagen (born January 13, 1930) is an American actress; she has appeared on- and off-Broadway, in movies, and on TV since the 1950s.Joy, Car"Frances Sternhagen in Talks to Join Company of Broadway Magnolias" Broadway.com, Nov ...

(born 1930), actress; raised in D.C. *

Rip Taylor Charles Elmer "Rip" Taylor Jr. (January 13, 1931 – October 6, 2019) was an American actor and comedian, known for his exuberance and flamboyant personality, including his wild moustache, toupee, and his habit of showering himself (and others ...

(1934–2019), actor, comedian; born in D.C. *

Veronica Taylor Kathleen Charlotte McInerney, also known by her stage name Veronica Taylor is an American voice actress known for her dubbing work in English-language adaptations of Japanese anime, in particular for voicing Ash Ketchum and his mother Delia in ...

(born 1965), actress; born in New York, raised in D.C. *

Leigh Taylor-Young Leigh Taylor-Young (born January 25, 1945) is an American actress who has appeared on stage, screen, podcast, radio and television. The most famous films in which she had important roles include ''I Love You, Alice B. Toklas'' (1968), '' The Hors ...

(born 1945), actress; born in D.C. *

Justin Theroux Justin Paul Theroux (; born August 10, 1971) is an American actor and filmmaker. He gained recognition for his work with director David Lynch in the mystery film ''Mulholland Drive'' (2001) and the thriller film ''Inland Empire'' (2006). He also ...

(born 1971), actor; born in D.C. *

Tony Todd Tony Todd (born December 4, 1954) is an American actor who made his debut as Sgt. Warren in the film ''Platoon'' (1986), and portrayed Kurn in the television series '' Star Trek: The Next Generation'' (1990–1991) and '' Star Trek: Deep Space N ...

(born 1954), actor; born in D.C. * Robin Weigert (born 1969), actress; born in D.C. *

Kellie Shanygne Williams Kellie Shanygne Williams-Jackson ( née Williams; born March 22, 1976) is an American actress. She is best known for her role as Laura Lee Winslow, the middle-born child of Carl and Harriette Winslow on the ABC/CBS television series ''Family M ...

(born 1976), actress; born in D.C. * Tom Williamson (born 1990), actor from '' The Fosters''; born in D.C. *

Robert Wisdom Robert Ray Wisdom (born September 14, 1953) is an American actor, best known for his roles as Howard "Bunny" Colvin in '' The Wire,'' Norman "Lechero" St. John in ''Prison Break'', and Harold Conway in the 2021 Hulu movie ''Vacation Friends''. ...

(born 1953), actor; born in D.C. *

Jeffrey Wright Jeffrey Wright (born December 7, 1965) is an American actor. He is well known for his role as Belize in the Broadway production of ''Angels in America'', for which he would win a Tony Award, and its HBO miniseries adaptation, for which he woul ...

(born 1965),

Tony Award The Antoinette Perry Award for Excellence in Broadway Theatre, more commonly known as the Tony Award, recognizes excellence in live Broadway theatre. The awards are presented by the American Theatre Wing and The Broadway League at an annual ce ...

-winning stage and film actor; born in D.C. *

Leonard Wu Leonard Wu is an American actor. He is known for his roles as Orus in the Netflix television drama series ''Marco Polo'' (2016), Shiwei Chen in the drama television series '' Bosch'' (2018), Kinuba in the action film '' Alita: Battle Angel'' (2019 ...

(born 1986), actor; born in D.C. *

Damian Young Damian Young (born October 27, 1961) is an American actor notable for his appearance in the Hal Hartley film ''Amateur'' (1994). He also featured in Hartley's earlier film ''Simple Men'' (1992), and has appeared in theatre, television and film. ...

(born 1961), actor; born in D.C. *

Rick Yune Rick Yune (born August 22, 1971) is an American actor, screenwriter, producer and martial artist of Korean descent. His most notable roles have been in the movies ''Snow Falling on Cedars'', the first '' Fast and Furious'' film ''The Fast an ...

(born 1971), actor; born in D.C.

Artists

Richard Artschwager Richard Ernst Artschwager (December 26, 1923 – February 9, 2013) was an American painter, illustrator and sculptor. His work has associations with Pop Art, Conceptual art and Minimalism. Early life and art Richard Artschwager was born to Euro ...

(1923–2013); Minimalist and Pop artist; born in D.C. *

Robin Bell Robin Bell (born 16 November 1977 in Cape Town) is a South African-born, Australian slalom canoeist who competed from the late 1990s to the late 2000s. Competing in three Summer Olympics, he won a bronze medal in the C1 event in Beijing in ...

(born 1979); art projectionist; lives and works in D.C. * Ned Bittinger (born 1951); portrait painter and illustrator; born in D.C. *

F. Lennox Campello F. Lennox Campello is an American (born in Cuba, 1956) artist, art critic, author, art dealer, curator, and visual arts blogger. In 2016 ''The Washington City Paper'' called him "one of the most interesting people of Washington, DC." Early li ...

(born 1956); visual artist, critic and author; works in D.C. * Allen 'Big Al' Carter (1947–2008); painter; worked and taught art in D.C. *

Elizabeth Catlett Elizabeth Catlett, born as Alice Elizabeth Catlett, also known as Elizabeth Catlett Mora (April 15, 1915 – April 2, 2012) was an African American sculptor and graphic artist best known for her depictions of the Black-American experience in the ...

(1915–2012); sculptor; born in D.C. * Will H. Chandlee (1865–1955); painter and illustrator; born in D.C. * Shanthi Chandrasekar, painter and sculptor; works out of D.C. *

Manon Cleary Manon Cleary (November 14, 1942 – November 26, 2011) was an American artist based in Washington, D.C. Cleary specialized in Photorealism, photo-realistic paintings and drawings. Many of her works were inspired by events in her life, and focu ...

(1942–2011), painter and educator; lived in D.C. * Rosetta DeBerardinis, visual artist; lives in D.C. * Gene Davis (1920–1985); painter; born in D.C. * Victor Ekpuk (born 1964), visual artist; lives in D.C. *

Joseph Craig English Joseph Craig English is an American artist (born 1947 in Washington, DC) predominantly known for his silkscreen prints focusing on street and landscape scenery of and about places around the Greater Washington, DC area. He currently resides and ...

, printmaker; born in Washington, D.C. * Inez Demonet, (1897–1980), visual artist; born in Washington, D.C. * Catriona Fraser (born 1972), photographer and art dealer; worked in Washington, DC *

Sam Gilliam Sam Gilliam ( ; November 30, 1933 – June 25, 2022) was an American color field painter and lyrical abstractionist artist. Gilliam was associated with the Washington Color School, a group of Washington, D.C.-area artists that developed a form ...

(1933–2022); painter; lives in D.C. *

Nan Goldin Nancy Goldin (born September 12, 1953) is an American photographer and activist. Her work often explores LGBT subcultures, moments of intimacy, the HIV/AIDS crisis, and the opioid epidemic. Her most notable work is '' The Ballad of Sexual Depe ...

(born 1953); photographer; born in D.C. * Patricia Goslee; painter, lives in Washington, D.C. * Michael Janis (born 1959); glass artist; lives in D.C. * Mark Jenkins (born 1970) street artist; lives in D.C. * Wayson R. Jones, visual artist; works in D.C. * Eugene J. Martin (1938–2005), visual artist; born in D.C. *

Nate Lewis Nathaniel "Nate" Lewis (born October 19, 1966) is a former professional American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He played six seasons for the San Diego Chargers (1990–1993) and the Chicago Bears (1994–1995). Born ...

, visual artist; works out of D.C. *

Morris Louis Morris Louis Bernstein (November 28, 1912 – September 7, 1962), known professionally as Morris Louis, was an American painter. During the 1950s he became one of the earliest exponents of Color Field painting. While living in Washington, D. ...

(1912–1962), painter; lived in D.C. * Kevin MacDonald (1947–2006), painter; lived in D.C. *

Percy Martin Percy Martin (1871-1958) was an American-born British engineer and automobile manufacturer. Born in Columbus, Ohio 19 June 1871 he obtained a degree in mechanical engineering, specializing in electrical engineering, from The Ohio State University ...

, visual artist; lives in D.C. * Benoit Maubrey (born 1952), born in D.C. * Alexa Meade (born 1986), visual artist; born in D.C. * Michael B. Platt (1948–2019), visual artist and art professor; lived and worked in D.C. * Judith Peck, visual artist, works in D.C. * Martin Puryear (born 1941), sculptor; born in D.C. * Amber Robles-Gordon, mixed media artist; lives in D.C. * Paul Reed (1919–2015), painter; born in D.C. * Joe Shannon (born 1937), painter and educator; worked in D.C. *

Lou Stovall Lou Stovall is an American artist (born 1937, Athens, GA) and currently residing in Washington, DC. Education Stovall grew up in Springfield, MA and he studied at Howard University, where he earned a BFA in 1965. He also received a Doctor of F ...

(born 1937), printmaker; lives in D.C. * Tim Tate (born 1960), glass and video artist; born in D.C. *

Erwin Timmers Erwin Timmers (born 1964) is a Dutch-born American artist and the co-founder of the Washington Glass School in the Greater Washington, D.C. capital area. Timmers has been recognized as one of the early "green or environmental artists", working mostl ...

(born 1964), glass artist; lives in D.C. *

Bill Watterson William Boyd Watterson II (born July 5, 1958) is a retired American cartoonist and the author of the comic strip ''Calvin and Hobbes'', which was Print syndication, syndicated from 1985 to 1995. Watterson stopped drawing ''Calvin and Hobbes'' at ...

(born 1958), cartoonist; born in D.C. * Frances Wieser (1869–1949), scientific illustrator; born and died in D.C. * Frank Wright (1932–2020), painter; born in D.C.

Athletes

* Kevyn Adams (born 1974), hockey player; born in D.C. *

Jake Atz Jacob Henry Atz (July 7, 1879 – May 22, 1945) was an American professional baseball second baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Washington Senators and Chicago White Sox. He also was the most successful minor league mana ...

(1879–1945), baseball player; born in D.C. *

Elgin Baylor Elgin Gay Baylor ( ; September 16, 1934 – March 22, 2021) was an American professional basketball player, coach, and executive. He played 14 seasons as a forward in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lak ...

(1934–2021), basketball player; born in D.C. * Walter Beall (1899–1959), former baseball player; born in D.C. *

Lu Blue Luzerne Atwell "Lu" Blue (March 5, 1897 – July 28, 1958) was an American professional baseball first baseman. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Detroit Tigers, St. Louis Browns, Chicago White Sox, and Brooklyn Dodgers between 19 ...

(1897–1958), baseball player; born in D.C. *

Jerry Chambers Jerome Purcell "Jerry" Chambers (born July 18, 1943) is a retired American professional basketball player. At 6'5" and 185 pounds, he played as a forward. Early life Chambers attended Spingarn High School in Washington, D.C., transferring to ...

(born 1943), former basketball player; born in D.C. * Patrick Clark (born 1995), professional wrestler; born in D.C. * Bonzie Colson (born 1996), basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League; born in D.C. *

Derek Cooke Derek Cooke Jr. (born August 23, 1991) is an American professional basketball player for Treviso Basket of the Lega Basket Serie A (LBA). He played three years of Division I college basketball for Wyoming. High school career Cooke attended Frien ...

(born 1991), basketball player; born in D.C. * Josh Cribbs (born 1983), football player; born in D.C. * Adrian Dantley (born 1956), former basketball player; born in D.C. *

Vernon Davis Vernon Davis (born January 31, 1984) is a former American football tight end. He played college football at Maryland, and was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers sixth overall in the 2006 NFL Draft. In 2009, Davis co-led the NFL in touchdown rec ...

(born 1984), football player; born in D.C. *

Vontae Davis Vontae Ottis Davis (born May 27, 1988) is a former American football cornerback who played for the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, and Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Illinois, and was draf ...

(born 1988), football player; born in D.C. *

Kevin Durant Kevin Wayne Durant ( ; born September 29, 1988), also known by his initials KD, is an American professional basketball player for the Brooklyn Nets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played one season of college basketball for t ...

(born 1988), basketball player; born in D.C. *

Malik Ellison Malik Ellison (born August 17, 1996) is an American professional basketball player for the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the St. John's Red Storm men's basketball, St. John's Red Storm, the Pittsburgh ...

(born 1996), basketball player; born in D.C. *

Lennard Freeman Lennard Freeman (born December 10, 1995; nicknamed "Mr. Feathery") is an American professional basketball player, and plays the forward position. He plays for Wonju DB Promy in the Korean Basketball League. Personal life Freeman was born in Washi ...

(born 1995), basketball player; born in D.C. * Frank Funk (born 1935), former baseball player; born in D.C. * A. J. Francis (born 1990), football player and wrestler; born in D.C. *

Luka Garza Luka H. Garza (born December 27, 1998) is an American-Bosnian professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Iowa Wolves of the NBA G League. He played c ...

(born 1998), basketball player; born in D.C. * Paul Goldstein (born 1976), tennis player; born in D.C. * Frank Jackson (born 1998), basketball player; born in D.C. *

Clay Kirby Clayton Laws Kirby, Jr. (June 25, 1948 – October 11, 1991) was a Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher for the San Diego Padres (1969–73), Cincinnati Reds (1974–75) and Montreal Expos (1976). Early life Clayton Laws "Clay" Kirby, Jr, was bo ...

(1948–1991), baseball player; born in D.C. * Katie Ledecky (born 1997), Olympic swimmer; born in D.C. *

Byron Leftwich Byron Antron Leftwich (born January 14, 1980) is an American football coach and former quarterback who is the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the National Football League (NFL). He previously played in the NFL for ten seas ...

(born 1980), football player; born in D.C. *

Tim Legler Timothy Eugene Legler (born December 26, 1966) is an American former professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is currently an ESPN basketball analyst and co-host/analyst on SiriusXM NBA Radio. Co ...

(born 1966), former basketball player; born in D.C. *

Andrew Luck Andrew Austen Luck (born September 12, 1989) is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. One of the most highly touted amateur prospects during hi ...

(born 1989), football quarterback; born in D.C. *

Shawne Merriman Shawne DeAndre Merriman (born May 25, 1984), nicknamed "Lights Out", is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Maryland Terrapins and was s ...

(born 1984), football player; born in D.C. * Matt Mervis (born 1998), baseball player; born in D.C. *

Rollie Miles Rollie is a nickname, often for Roland or Rolland, and occasionally a given name which may refer to: Rolands * Rollie Boutin (born 1957), Canadian retired ice hockey goaltender * Rollie Cook (born 1952), Canadian politician * Rollie Dotsch (1933 ...

(1927–1995), Canadian football player; born in D.C. *

Don Money Donald Wayne Money (born June 7, 1947) is an American former professional baseball infielder who played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers, and in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) for the Kintetsu ...

(born 1947), baseball player; born in D.C. *

Robin Montgomery Robin Montgomery (; born September 5, 2004) is an American tennis player. She has a career-high WTA doubles ranking of 165, achieved on 7 March 2022. She has won two singles and three doubles titles on the ITF Circuit. A product of the Junior Te ...

(born 2004), tennis player; born in D.C. *

Josh Morgan Joshua Lewis Morgan (born June 20, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the sixth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Virginia Tech. He also played for the Was ...

(born 1985), football player; born in D.C. *

Jon Morris Jon Morris (born April 5, 1942) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive lineman for fifteen seasons in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). He played for the Boston/New Eng ...

(born 1942), football player; born in D.C. * Bubba Morton (1931–2006), baseball player; born in D.C. *

Jonathan Ogden Jonathan Phillip Ogden (born July 31, 1974) is an American former professional football player who was an offensive tackle and spent his entire career with the Baltimore Ravens of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football ...

(born 1974), football player; born in D.C. * Jamorko Pickett (born 1997), basketball player; born in D.C. * Jerry Porter (born 1978), former football player; born in D.C. *

Curtis Pride Curtis John Pride (born December 17, 1968) is a former Major League Baseball outfielder who is deaf. He batted left-handed and threw right-handed. In 2015, Pride was named MLB's Ambassador For Inclusion. Since 2009 Pride has served as the head ba ...

(born 1968), former baseball player; born in D.C. * Pete Sampras (born 1971), tennis player; born in D.C. *

Harold Solomon Harold Solomon (born September 17, 1952) is an American former professional tennis player who played during the 1970s and 1980s. He achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 5 in singles in 1980, and of No. 4 in doubles in 1976. Over the cours ...

(born 1952), former tennis player; born in D.C. *

Teez Tabor Jalen "Teez" Tabor (born December 31, 1995) is an American football safety who is a free agent. He played college football at Florida. Early years Tabor attended Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington, D.C. Tabor was rated by Rivals.com ...

(born 1995), cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons; born in D.C. * James Tillman (1919–2009), Negro league baseball player; born in D.C. *

Michael Weiss Michael Weiss may refer to: Sports * Michael Weiss (figure skater) (born 1976), American former figure skater * Michael Weiss (swimmer) (born 1991), American swimmer * Michael Weiss (triathlete) (born 1981), Austrian triathlete and cyclist * Mich ...

(born 1976), figure skater; born in D.C. *

Delonte West Delonte Maurice West (born July 26, 1983) is an American former professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Boston Celtics, Seattle SuperSonics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Dallas Mavericks. He also ...

(born 1983), basketball player; born in D.C. *

Brian Westbrook Brian Collins Westbrook (born September 2, 1979) is a former American football running back who played for nine seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft af ...

(born 1979), football player; born in D.C. *

Mike Wilcher Michael D. Wilcher (born March 20, 1960) was a former NFL linebacker. He is a graduate from the University of North Carolina who played pro football from 1983–1991 for the Los Angeles Rams and San Diego Chargers. He played his high school foot ...

(born 1960), former football player; born in D.C. *

Maury Wills Maurice Morning Wills (October 2, 1932 – September 19, 2022) was an American professional baseball player and manager. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) primarily for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1959 through 1966 and the latter part of ...

(1932–2022), former baseball player; born in D.C. *

Willie Wood William Vernell Wood Sr. (December 23, 1936February 3, 2020) was an American professional football player and coach. He played as a safety with the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL). Wood was an eight-time Pro Bowler an ...

(1936–2020), football player; born in D.C.

Entertainment

* Pat Buchanan (born 1938), author, syndicated columnist, television commentator; born in D.C. *

Connie Chung Constance Yu-Hwa Chung (born August 20, 1946) is an American journalist. She has been an anchor and reporter for the U.S. television news networks NBC, CBS, ABC, CNN, and MSNBC. Some of her more famous interview subjects include Claus von B� ...

(born 1946), television journalist; born in D.C. *

Stephen Colbert Stephen Tyrone Colbert ( ; born May 13, 1964) is an American comedian, writer, producer, political commentator, actor, and television host. He is best known for hosting the satirical Comedy Central program '' The Colbert Report'' from 2005 ...

(born 1964), television host, comedian; born in D.C. *

Sarah Urist Green Sarah Urist Green (née Urist; born October 3, 1979) is an American art museum curator, author, and creator and host of PBS Digital Studios program '' The Art Assignment''. Green spent seven years curating exhibitions at the Indianapolis Museum o ...

(born 1979), PBS art program creator and former museum curator; born in D.C. *

Petey Greene Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene, Jr. (January 23, 1931 – January 10, 1984), was an American television and radio talk-show host. A two-time Emmy Award-winner, Greene overcame drug addiction and a prison sentence for armed robbery to become one of the ...

(1931–1984), radio and TV talk show host; born in D.C. *

Tim Gunn Timothy MacKenzie Gunn (born July 29, 1953) is an American author, academic, and television personality. He served on the faculty of Parsons School of Design from 1982 to 2007 and was chair of fashion design at the school from August 2000 to Mar ...

(born 1953), TV personality and fashion expert; born in D.C. *

Jim Henson James Maury Henson (September 24, 1936 – May 16, 1990) was an American puppeteer, animator, cartoonist, actor, inventor, and filmmaker who achieved worldwide notice as the creator of The Muppets and '' Fraggle Rock'' (1983–1987) and ...

(1936–1990), creator of

the Muppets The Muppets are an American ensemble cast of puppet characters known for an absurdist, burlesque, and self-referential style of variety- sketch comedy. Created by Jim Henson in 1955, they are the focus of a media franchise that encompasses ...

; lived in D.C. from 1948 until 1961. *

Fulton Lewis Fulton Lewis Jr. (April 30, 1903 in Washington D.C. – August 20, Lists his death date as 21 August, but other references show the death date to be 20 August. 1966 in Washington D. C.) was a conservative American radio broadcaster from the 1930s ...

(1903–1966), radio and TV commentator; born in D.C. * Patricia Newcomb (born 1930), American producer and publicist; born in D.C. * Bill Nye ("Bill Nye the Science Guy") (born 1955), television host, scientist, mechanical engineer; born in D.C. *

Maury Povich Maurice Richard Povich (born January 17, 1939) is an American retired television personality, best known for hosting the tabloid talk show '' Maury'' which aired from 1991 to 2022. Povich began his career as a radio reporter, initially at WWD ...

(born 1939), television talk show host; born in D.C. *

Diane Rehm Diane Rehm (; born Diane Aed; September 21, 1936) is an American journalist and the host of ''Diane Rehm: On My Mind'' podcast, produced at WAMU, which is licensed to American University in Washington, D.C.. She also hosts a monthly book club ser ...

(born 1936), radio talk show host; born in D.C. * Scott Sanders (born 1968), screenwriter and director, born in N.C., raised in D.C.

Journalists

Jim Acosta Abilio James Acosta (born April 17, 1971) is an American broadcast journalist, anchor and the chief domestic correspondent for CNN. Previously, Acosta served as the network's chief White House correspondent during the Trump administration, in w ...

(born 1971), journalist born in D.C. *

Thomas Boswell Thomas M. Boswell (born October 11, 1947, in Washington, D.C.) is a retired American sports columnist. Career Boswell spent his entire career at the ''Washington Post'', joining it shortly after graduating from Amherst College in 1969. He became ...

(born 1947), journalist born in D.C. * John Dickerson (born 1968), journalist; born in D.C. * Susan Ford (born 1957), photojournalist and chairman of the Betty Ford Center; born in D.C. *

David Frum David Jeffrey Frum (; born June 30, 1960) is a Canadian-American political commentator and a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, who is currently a senior editor at ''The Atlantic'' as well as an MSNBC contributor. In 2003, Frum a ...

(born 1960), journalist, currently newspaper writer of

The Atlantic ''The Atlantic'' is an American magazine and multi-platform publisher. It features articles in the fields of politics, foreign affairs, business and the economy, culture and the arts, technology, and science. It was founded in 1857 in Boston, ...

Douglas Harriman Kennedy Douglas Harriman Kennedy (born March 24, 1967) is an American journalist. He is the tenth child of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, named in honor of W. Averell Harriman, a family friend and former governor of New York. Life and career K ...

(born 1967), journalist born in D.C. *

Austin H. Kiplinger Austin H. Kiplinger (19 September 1918 – 20 November 2015) was an American journalist and businessman. He was the son of W. M. Kiplinger and Irene Austin. His father was the founder of Kiplinger Washington Editors, publishers of ''The Kiplinge ...

(1918–2015), journalist and philanthropist; born in D.C. *

Buster Olney Robert "Buster" Olney (born ) is an American sports journalist for ESPN, ''ESPN: The Magazine'', and ESPN.com. He previously covered the New York Giants and New York Yankees for ''The New York Times''. He is also a regular analyst for the ES ...

(born 1964); sports columnist; born in D.C. *

Frank Rich Frank Hart Rich Jr. (born 1949) is an American essayist and liberal op-ed columnist, who held various positions within ''The New York Times'' from 1980 to 2011. He has also produced television series and documentaries for HBO. Rich is curren ...

(born 1949), newspaper columnist; born in D.C. *

David Simon David Judah Simon (born February 9, 1960) is an American author, journalist, screenwriter, and producer best known for his work on '' The Wire'' (2002–08). He worked for '' The Baltimore Sun'' City Desk for twelve years (1982–95), wrote '' H ...

(born 1960), author, journalist; born in D.C. * A. G. Sulzberger (born 1980), journalist; born in D.C. *

Cal Thomas John Calvin Thomas (born 2 December 1942) is an American syndicated columnist, author and radio commentator. Early life and education Thomas was born in 1942 in Washington, D.C. He attended the American University for his undergraduate educat ...

(born 1942), newspaper columnist and author; born in D.C.

Military

* Frederic Vaughan Abbot (1858–1928), U.S. Army brigadier general, resided in D.C. during retirement * Alfred E. Bates (1840–1909), U.S. Army major general, lived in D.C. during retirement * George S. Blanchard (1920–2006), U.S. Army four-star general; born in D.C. *

William Bryden William Bryden (February 3, 1880 – January 20, 1972) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Philippine–American War, Pancho Villa Expedition, World War I, and World War II, he attained the rank of major general and ...

(1880–1972), U.S. Army major general, lived in Washington, D.C. during retirement * John Loomis Chamberlain (1858–1948), U.S. Army major general, retired in Washington, D.C. * John M. K. Davis (1844–1920), U.S. Army brigadier general; born in D.C. * Lester A. Dessez (1896–1981), U.S. Marine Corps brigadier general; born in Arlington, VA, raised in D.C. *

Lorenzo D. Gasser Lorenzo D. Gasser (May 3, 1876 – October 29, 1955) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, United States Military Government in Cuba, Pancho Villa Expedition, World War ...

(1876–1955), U.S. Army general, retired to Washington, D.C. * Cecil D. Haney (born 1955), U.S. Navy admiral who commanded U.S. Strategic Command; born in D.C. *

George Herbert Harries George Herbert Harries (September 19, 1860 – September 29, 1934) was an American businessman and newspaper editor. After leaving journalism for a business career, he served as president of the Metropolitan Railroad Corporation, Washington and ...

(1860–1934), U.S. Army major general, resided in Washington, D.C. * Charles L. Hodges (1847–1911), U.S. Army major general, retired in Washington, D.C. * Martin P. Hottel (1904–1981), U.S. Navy Admiral and decorated submarine commander; born in D.C. *

Beverley Kennon Beverley Kennon (April 7, 1793 – February 28, 1844) was a career officer in the United States Navy who attained the rank of captain as head of the Bureau of Construction and Repair. He died as a result of the explosion aboard USS ''Princeton''. ...

(1793–1844),

commodore Commodore may refer to: Ranks * Commodore (rank), a naval rank ** Commodore (Royal Navy), in the United Kingdom ** Commodore (United States) ** Commodore (Canada) ** Commodore (Finland) ** Commodore (Germany) or ''Kommodore'' * Air commodore ...

in the

United States Navy The United States Navy (USN) is the maritime service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. It is the largest and most powerful navy in the world, with the estimated tonnage ...

and commander of the

Bureau of Construction and Repair The Bureau of Construction and Repair (BuC&R) was the part of the United States Navy which from 1862 to 1940 was responsible for supervising the design, construction, conversion, procurement, maintenance, and repair of ships and other craft for the ...

; resided in Washington * Lester Lyles (born 1946), former U.S. Air Air Force general,

Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force The vice chief of staff of the Air Force (VCSAF) is the second highest-ranking military officer in the United States Air Force. If the chief of staff of the Air Force (CSAF) is absent or is unable to perform his duties, then the VCSAF assumes t ...

, and Commander, Air Force Materiel Command *

Anthony McAuliffe Anthony Clement "Nuts" McAuliffe (July 2, 1898 – August 10, 1975) was a senior United States Army officer who earned fame as the acting commander of the 101st Airborne Division defending Bastogne, Belgium, during the Battle of the Bulge in Wor ...

(1898–1975), U.S. Army General, commander of the 101st Airborne Division defending

Bastogne Bastogne (; nl, Bastenaken, ; german: Bastnach/Bastenach; lb, Baaschtnech) is a city and municipality of Wallonia located in the province of Luxembourg in the Ardennes, Belgium. The municipality consists of the following districts: Bastogn ...

; born in D.C. *

Edward C. Peter II Edward C. Peter II (May 8, 1929 – November 12, 2008) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam War, he attained the rank of lieutenant general and was most notable for his command of 2nd Battalion, ...

(1929 – 2008), U.S. Army lieutenant general, commander of

Fourth United States Army Fourth United States Army was a field army of the United States Army between 1932 and 1991. History In 1922, Fourth Army was organized as a unit of the Organized Reserves in New York City. It was allotted to the Regular Army as an inactive unit ...

; born in D.C. * Curtis C. Robinson (1919–2009), pharmacist,

U.S. Army Air Force The United States Army Air Forces (USAAF or AAF) was the major land-based aerial warfare service component of the United States Army and ''de facto'' aerial warfare service branch of the United States during and immediately after World War II ...

officer, fighter pilot with the

Tuskegee Airmen The Tuskegee Airmen were a group of primarily African American military pilots (fighter and bomber) and airmen who fought in World War II. They formed the 332d Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group (Medium) of the United States Army ...

; lived and died in D.C. * Daniel H. Rucker (1812–1910), U.S. Army brigadier general, resided in Washington, D.C. during his retirement * Joseph P. Sanger (1840–1926), U.S. Army major general * Charles G. Sawtelle (1834–1913), U.S. Army brigadier general, resided in Washington, D.C. during retirement * William Renwick Smedberg Jr. (1871–1942), U.S. Army brigadier general; lived in D.C. in retirement; died in D.C. *

Franklin Guest Smith Franklin Guest Smith (February 16, 1840 – October 7, 1912) was a career officer in the United States Army. A Union Army veteran of the American Civil War, Smith also served in the American Indian Wars and the Spanish–American War, and attained ...

(1840–1912), U.S. Army brigadier general, resident of Washington, D.C. during his retirement * Oliver Lyman Spaulding (1875–1947), U.S. Army brigadier general, 1891 graduate of Central High School, lived in Washington during retirement * Karl Truesdell (1882–1955), U.S. Army major general, raised in D.C. * Carlos Clark Van Leer (1865–1953), U.S. Army Captain and Chief of Personnel and Budget for Department of Treasury: lived and died in D.C. *

Earle Wheeler Earle Gilmore Wheeler (January 13, 1908 – December 18, 1975), nicknamed Bus, was a United States Army general who served as the chief of Staff of the United States Army from 1962 to 1964 and then as the sixth chairman of the Joint Chiefs of ...

(1908–1975), U.S. Army general; born in D.C. * John E. Woodward (1870–1944), U.S. Army brigadier general, lived in D.C. during retirement

Musicians

Ari Lennox Courtney Shanade Salter (born March 26, 1991), known professionally as Ari Lennox, is an American R&B singer from Washington, D.C. She is the first female artist to be signed to J. Cole's record label, Dreamville Records. She began gaining re ...

(born 1991), singer; born in D.C *

Chuck Brown Charles Louis Brown (August 22, 1936 – May 16, 2012) was an American guitarist, bandleader and singer known as " The Godfather of Go-Go". Go-go is a subgenre of funk music developed around the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area in the mid-197 ...

(1936–2012), musician; lived in D.C. *

Tim Buckley Timothy Charles Buckley III (February 14, 1947 – June 29, 1975) was an American musician. His music and style changed considerably through the years. Buckley began his career based in folk music, but his subsequent albums experimented with ...

(1947–1975), musician; born in D.C. * Vernon Burch (born 1955), singer; born in D.C. *

Jack Casady John William "Jack" Casady (born April 13, 1944) is an American bass guitarist, best known as a member of Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna. Jefferson Airplane became the first successful exponent of the San Francisco Sound. Singles including " S ...

(born 1944), musician ( Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna); born in D.C. *

Eva Cassidy Eva Marie Cassidy (February 2, 1963 – November 2, 1996) was an American singer and guitarist known for her interpretations of jazz, folk, and blues music, sung with a powerful, emotive soprano voice. In 1992, she released her first album ...

(1963–1996), singer; born in D.C. * Clones of Clones, indie-rock band; originated in D.C. *

Chris Cutler Chris Cutler (born 4 January 1947) is an English percussionist, composer, lyricist and music theorist. Best known for his work with English avant-rock group Henry Cow, Cutler was also a member and drummer of other bands, including Art Bears, ...

, (born 1947), musician (

Henry Cow Henry Cow were an English experimental rock group, founded at the University of Cambridge in 1968 by multi-instrumentalists Fred Frith and Tim Hodgkinson. Henry Cow's personnel fluctuated over their decade together, but drummer Chris Cutler, b ...

Art Bears Art Bears were an English avant-rock group formed during the disassembly of Henry Cow in 1978 by three of its members, Chris Cutler (percussion, texts), Fred Frith (guitar, bass guitar, violin, keyboards) and Dagmar Krause (vocals; previously of ...

); born in D.C. *

DJ Kool John W. Bowman Jr. (born March 20, 1958), better known by his stage name DJ Kool, is an American DJ and rapper who produced several popular rap singles in the late 1980s. Career Raised in Washington, D.C., his influence from years of working t ...

(born 1958), rapper; born in D.C. * Duke Ellington (1899–1974), jazz composer, pianist and bandleader; born in D.C. * John Fahey (1939–2001), musician; born in D.C. *

Marty Friedman Marty Friedman (born December 8, 1962) is an American guitarist, best known for his tenure as the lead guitarist for thrash metal band Megadeth from 1990 to 2000. He is also known for playing alongside Jason Becker in Cacophony from 1986 unti ...

(born 1962), musician; born in D.C. *

Danny Gatton Daniel Wood Gatton Jr. (September 4, 1945 – October 4, 1994) was an American virtuoso guitarist who combined blues, rockabilly, jazz, and country to create a musical style he called "redneck jazz". Career Daniel Wood Gatton Jr. was born in ...

(1945–1994), musician; born in D.C. * Marvin Gaye (1939–1984), singer; born in D.C. *

Johnny Gill Johnny Gill Jr. (born May 22, 1966) is an American singer and actor. He is the sixth and final member of the R&B/pop group New Edition and was also a member of the supergroup called LSG, with Gerald Levert and Keith Sweat. Gill has released e ...

(born 1966), singer; born in D.C. *

Ginuwine Elgin Baylor Lumpkin (born October 15, 1970), better known by his stage name Ginuwine, is an American R&B singer, songwriter, dancer, and actor. He began his career as a member of Swing Mob in the early 1990s. Signing to Epic Records as a solo ...

(born 1970), singer; born in D.C. *

Goldlink D'Anthony William Carlos (born May 17, 1993), better known by his stage name GoldLink, is an American rapper and singer. In 2014, he released his debut mixtape, ''The God Complex'', which received critical acclaim. In June 2015, GoldLink was cho ...

(born 1993), rapper; born in D.C. * Dave Grohl (born 1969), musician (

Nirvana ( , , ; sa, निर्वाण} ''nirvāṇa'' ; Pali: ''nibbāna''; Prakrit: ''ṇivvāṇa''; literally, "blown out", as in an oil lampRichard Gombrich, ''Theravada Buddhism: A Social History from Ancient Benāres to Modern Colombo.' ...

, Foo Fighters); began career as drummer for D.C.-area bands *

Ron Holloway Ronald Edward Holloway (born August 24, 1953) is an American tenor saxophonist. He is listed in the ''Biographical Encyclopedia of Jazz'' where veteran jazz critic Ira Gitler described Holloway as a "Hard bear-down-hard-bopper who can blow auth ...

(born 1953), musician; ( Dizzy Gillespie,

Susan Tedeschi Susan Tedeschi (; born November 9, 1970) is an American singer and guitarist. A multiple Grammy Award nominee, she is a member of the Tedeschi Trucks Band, a conglomeration of her band, her husband Derek Trucks’ and other musicians. Early l ...

, Gil Scott-Heron); born in D.C. *

Shirley Horn Shirley Valerie Horn (May 1, 1934 – October 20, 2005) was an American jazz singer and pianist. She collaborated with many jazz musicians including Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Toots Thielemans, Ron Carter, Carmen McRae, Wynton Marsalis and ot ...

(1934–2005), singer; born in D.C. *

Lida Husik Lida Husik (born 1963) is an American Washington, D.C./ New York City-based musician, who was active mainly in the 1990s. She released three albums for New York–based label Shimmy Disc. She later signed a deal with Caroline Records/Astralwerks, ...

(born 1963), musician; born in D.C. *

Darryl Jenifer Darryl Jenifer (born October 22, 1960) is an American musician, widely known as the bassist for the hardcore punk band Bad Brains and for the rap-rock group The White Mandingos. He appeared in ''TV's Illest Minority Moments presented by ego trip' ...

(born 1960), musician; born in D.C. *

Al Jolson Al Jolson (born Eizer Yoelson; June 9, 1886 – October 23, 1950) was a Lithuanian-American Jewish singer, comedian, actor, and vaudevillian. He was one of the United States' most famous and highest-paid stars of the 1920s, and was self-billed ...

(1886–1950), singer; born in Seredžius, Lithuania; raised in D.C. *

Jorma Kaukonen Jorma Ludwik Kaukonen, Jr. (; ; born December 23, 1940) is an American blues, folk, and rock guitarist. Kaukonen performed with Jefferson Airplane and still performs regularly on tour with Hot Tuna, which started as a side project with bass ...

(born 1940), musician ( Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna); born in D.C. *

Damian Kulash Damian Joseph Kulash Jr. (born October 7, 1975) is an American musician, singer, songwriter and music video director, best known for being the lead singer and guitarist of the American rock band OK Go. Early life and education Kulash was born in ...

(born 1975), musician ( OK Go); born in D.C. *

Stacy Lattisaw Stacy Lattisaw Jackson (née Lattisaw; born November 25, 1966) is an American R&B singer from Washington, D.C., United States. Career The 1979 song " Ring My Bell" was originally written for then twelve-year-old Lattisaw, as a teenybopper son ...

(born 1966), singer; born in D.C. *

Ian MacKaye Ian Thomas Garner MacKaye (; born April 16, 1962) is an American musician. Active since 1979, he is best known as the co-founder and owner of Dischord Records, a Washington, D.C.-based independent record label and the frontman of hardcore punk ...

(born 1962) musician (

Minor Threat Minor Threat was an American hardcore punk band, formed in 1980 in Washington, D.C. by vocalist Ian MacKaye and drummer Jeff Nelson. MacKaye and Nelson had played in several other bands together, and recruited bassist Brian Baker and guitar ...

, Fugazi); born in D.C. *

Van McCoy Van Allen Clinton McCoy (January 6, 1940 – July 6, 1979) was an American musician, record producer, arranger, songwriter, singer and orchestra conductor. He is known for his 1975 internationally successful song " The Hustle". He has approximat ...

(1940–1979), musician, songwriter and producer; born in D.C. *

Mýa Mya Marie Harrison (; born October 10, 1979), (stylized as Mýa), is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, and actress. Born into a musical family, she studied ballet, jazz, and tap dance as a child. Initially, Mýa began her career as a VJ ...

(born 1979), singer; born in D.C. *

Nonchalant Tanya Pointer, also known as Nonchalant ( born October 18, 1970) is an American female rapper, and songwriter A songwriter is a musician who professionally composes musical compositions or writes lyrics for songs, or both. The writer of ...

(born 1970), rapper; born in D.C. *

Oddisee Amir Mohamed el Khalifa (born February 24, 1985), better known by his stage name Oddisee, is an American rapper and record producer from Washington, D.C. He is one third of rap trio Diamond District. He was also part of the Low Budget Crew. He is ...

(born 1985), rapper; born in D.C. *

Guy Picciotto Guy Charles Picciotto ( ) (born September 17, 1965) is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, musician, and producer from Washington, DC. He is best known as the guitarist and vocalist in Fugazi and Rites of Spring. Career Rites of Spring ...

, (born 1965), musician (

Rites of Spring Rites of Spring was an American punk rock band from Washington, D.C., formed in late 1983. Along with Embrace, and Beefeater, they were one of the mainstay acts of the 1985 Revolution Summer movement Andersen, Mark; Jenkins, Mark (Soft Skull ...

, Fugazi); born in D.C. * James Ray, (1941–1963), singer; born in D.C. *

Henry Rollins Henry Lawrence Garfield (born February 13, 1961), known professionally as Henry Rollins, is an American singer, writer, spoken word artist, actor, and presenter. After performing in the short-lived hardcore punk band State of Alert in 1980, Roll ...

(born 1961), singer-songwriter ( Black Flag, Rollins Band); born in D.C. *

Tim Rose Timothy Alan Patrick Rose (September 23, 1940 – September 24, 2002) (unofficial website by long-term correspondent of Rose's) was an American singer and songwriter who spent much of his life in London, England, and had more success in E ...

(1940–2002), singer-songwriter; born in D.C. *

Hayley Sales Hayley Sales is an American-Canadian singer-songwriter and actress. Sales' debut album ''Sunseed'' was released on June 19, 2007; songs "Keep Drivin" and "What You Want" reached #11 on the Japan Hot 100 and #45 on the Canadian Hot 100, respect ...

, pop singer; born in D.C. *

Shy Glizzy Marquis Amonte King (born December 12, 1992), better known by the stage names Jefe or Shy Glizzy (stylized as $hy Glizzy), is an American rapper from Southeast, Washington, D.C. Background Shy Glizzy was born Marquis Amonte King on December 1 ...

(born 1992), rapper; born in D.C. * Richard Smallwood, (born 1948), Grammy award-winning Gospel singer-songwriter; born in Atlanta and raised in D.C. * Kate Smith (1907–1986), singer; born in D.C. *

Rob Sonic Robert Smith, better known by his stage name Rob Sonic, is an American rapper and record producer from the Bronx, New York. He has been a member of the groups Sonic Sum and Hail Mary Mallon. He is a founder of the record label Skypimps Music. ...

, rapper; born in D.C. *

John Philip Sousa John Philip Sousa ( ; November 6, 1854 – March 6, 1932) was an American composer and conductor of the late Romantic era known primarily for American military marches. He is known as "The March King" or the "American March King", to dis ...

(1854–1932), composer; born in D.C. *

Billy Stewart William Larry Stewart II (March 24, 1937 – January 17, 1970) was an American rhythm and blues singer and pianist who was popular during the 1960s. Biography Stewart was 12 years old when he began singing with his younger brothers Johnny, James ...

(1937–1970), singer; born in D.C. *

Mary Timony Mary Bozana Timony (born October 17, 1970) is an American independent singer-songwriter, guitarist, keyboardist, and violist. She has been a member of the bands Helium, Autoclave and Wild Flag, and currently fronts Ex Hex. Timony's music is o ...

(born 1970); musician; born in D.C. *

Peter Tork Peter Halsten Thorkelson (February 13, 1942 – February 21, 2019), better known by his stage name Peter Tork, was an American musician and actor. He was best known as the keyboardist and bass guitarist of the Monkees and a co-star of the TV ...

(1942–2019), musician; born in D.C. * Wale (born 1984), rapper; born in D.C. *

Wax Waxes are a diverse class of organic compounds that are lipophilic, malleable solids near ambient temperatures. They include higher alkanes and lipids, typically with melting points above about 40 °C (104 °F), melting to giv ...

(born 1980), rapper; born in D.C.

Political figures

* Kenneth Bacon (1944–2009),

Department of Defense Department of Defence or Department of Defense may refer to: Current departments of defence * Department of Defence (Australia) * Department of National Defence (Canada) * Department of Defence (Ireland) * Department of National Defense (Philipp ...

spokesman; later served as president of Refugees International *

Cory Booker Cory Anthony Booker (born April 27, 1969) is an American politician and attorney who has served as the junior United States senator from New Jersey since 2013. A member of the Democratic Party, Booker is the first African-American U.S. se ...

(born 1969), U.S. Senator from New Jersey; born in D.C. *

Muriel Bowser Muriel Elizabeth Bowser (born August 2, 1972) is an American politician serving since 2015 as the eighth mayor of the District of Columbia. A member of the Democratic Party, she previously represented the 4th ward as a member of the Counci ...

(born 1972), Mayor of Washington D.C. *

Jean Carnahan Jean Anne Carnahan (née Carpenter; born December 20, 1933) is an American politician and writer who was the First Lady of Missouri from 1993 to 2000, and served as the state's junior United States senator from 2001 to 2002. A Democrat, she was ...

, former U.S. Senator from Missouri, born and raised in D.C. *

Mel Carnahan Melvin Eugene Carnahan (February 11, 1934 – October 16, 2000) was an American lawyer and politician who served as the 51st Governor of Missouri from 1993 until his death in a plane crash in 2000. A Democrat, he was elected posthumously to t ...

, former governor of Missouri, raised in D.C. * Pedro Casanave (c. 1766 – 1796), fifth mayor of Georgetown in Washington, D.C. * Dereck E. Davis (born 1967), Treasurer of Maryland; born in D.C. * John Foster Dulles (1888–1959), U.S. Secretary of State; born in D.C. *

Adrian Fenty Adrian Malik Fenty (born December 6, 1970) is an American politician who served as the sixth mayor of the District of Columbia. He served one term, from 2007 to 2011, losing his bid for reelection at the primary level to Democrat Vincent C. Gra ...

(born 1970), mayor of the District of Columbia, 2007–2011; born in D.C. *

Al Gore Albert Arnold Gore Jr. (born March 31, 1948) is an American politician, businessman, and environmentalist who served as the 45th vice president of the United States from 1993 to 2001 under President Bill Clinton. Gore was the Democratic no ...

(born 1948), U.S. vice president; born in D.C. *

Tipper Gore Mary Elizabeth "Tipper" Gore (née Aitcheson; born August 19, 1948) is an American social issues advocate, activist, photographer and author who was the second lady of the United States from 1993 to 2001. She was married to Al Gore, the 45th vi ...

(born 1948), wife of former vice president Al Gore; born in D.C. * Larry Hogan (born 1956), governor of Maryland; born in D.C. *

Sharon Pratt Kelly Sharon Pratt (born January 30, 1944), formerly Sharon Pratt Dixon and Sharon Pratt Kelly, is an American attorney and politician who was the third mayor of the District of Columbia from 1991 to 1995, the first mayor born in the District of Colum ...

(born 1944), mayor of the District of Columbia, 1991–1995; born in D.C. *

Ned Lamont Edward Miner Lamont Jr. (born January 3, 1954) is an American businessman and politician serving as the 89th governor of Connecticut. He has served in this position since January 9, 2019. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as a Greenw ...

(born 1954), businessman and 89th Governor of Connecticut; born in D.C. *

Brian Sims Brian Kendall Sims (born September 16, 1978) is an American politician, activist and attorney. A Democrat, he was a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for the 182nd district from 2013 until 2022. Sims is also a lawyer and advoca ...

(born 1978), Democratic member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives; born in D.C. *

Gladys Spellman Gladys Noon Spellman (born Gladys Blossom Noon; March 1, 1918 – June 19, 1988) was an American educator who served as the U.S. Representative for Maryland's 5th congressional district from January 3, 1975, to February 24, 1981, when her seat wa ...

(1918–1988), former member of the U.S. House Of Representatives from Maryland; raised in New York and D.C. *

Conrad Tillard Conrad Bennette Tillard (born September 15, 1964) is an American Baptist minister, radio host, activist, politician, and author. Tillard was in his early years a prominent minister of the black nationalist organization the Nation of Islam (NOI) ...

(born 1964), politician, Baptist minister, radio host, author, and activist *

Walter Nathan Tobriner Walter Nathan Tobriner (July 2, 1902 – July 14, 1979) was the 22nd and final President of the Board of Commissioners of the District of Columbia and a U.S. ambassador. Early life Born in Washington, D.C. to a family with deep roots in the Dis ...

(1902–1979), Washington, D.C., government official; born in D.C. * Larry Warner (1943–2022), Texas state legislator; born in D.C. *

Paul Wellstone Paul David Wellstone (July 21, 1944 – October 25, 2002) was an American academic, author, and politician who represented Minnesota in the United States Senate from 1991 until he was killed in a plane crash near Eveleth, Minnesota, in 2002. A ...

(1944–2002), U.S. Senator from Minnesota; born in D.C.

Scientists

* Charles R. Drew (1904–1950), physician, medical researcher; born in D.C. * Danielle Hairston, psychiatrist; educated in D.C. * Michael Hendricks, psychologist, suicidologist, and advocate for the LGBT community; long-time resident of D.C. *

Lars Krutak Lars Krutak (April 14, 1971) is an American anthropologist, photographer, and writer known for his research about tattoo and its cultural background. He produced and hosted the 10-part documentary series ''Tattoo Hunter'' on the Discovery Chan ...

, tattoo anthropologist; long-time resident of D.C.

Writers

* Edward Albee (1928–2016), playwright; born in D.C. *

Alida Anderson Alida Anderson is a professor at the American University School of Education, School of Education at American University in Washington, D.C., Washington, DC. Education Anderson attended Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC (1987), and holds ...

(born 1969), Arts researcher, author and professor at American University; born in D.C. *

Ann Beattie Ann Beattie (born September 8, 1947) is an American novelist and short story writer. She has received an award for excellence from the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letters and the PEN/Malamud Award for excellence in the short story f ...

(born 1947), short story writer and novelist; born in D.C. *

Tracy Chevalier Tracy Rose Chevalier (born 19 October 1962) is an American-British novelist. She is best known for her second novel, '' Girl with a Pearl Earring'', which was adapted as a 2003 film starring Scarlett Johansson and Colin Firth. Personal backgr ...

(born 1962), novelist; born in D.C. *

Ella Loraine Dorsey Ella Loraine Dorsey (pen name, E. L. Dorsey; March 2, 1853 – November 4, 1935) was an American author, journalist, and translator. She contributed articles to magazines and wrote many stories, among them ''Midshipman Bob'', ''Jet, the War Mule'' ...

(1853–1935), author, journalist, translator; born in D.C. *

Jonathan Safran Foer Jonathan Safran Foer (; born February 21, 1977) is an American novelist. He is known for his novels ''Everything Is Illuminated'' (2002), ''Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close'' (2005), ''Here I Am (novel), Here I Am'' (2016), and for his non-fict ...

(born 1977), writer; born in D.C. *

Mary Downing Hahn Mary Downing Hahn (born December 9, 1937) is an American writer of young adult novels and a former school librarian. She is known for books such as ''Stepping On The Cracks'' and ''Wait Till Helen Comes''. She published her first book in 1979 and ...

(born 1937), author; born in D.C. *

Edward P. Jones Edward Paul Jones (born October 5, 1950) is an American novelist and short story writer. His 2003 novel '' The Known World'' received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the International Dublin Literary Award. Biography Edward Paul Jones was born ...

(born 1951), author; raised in D.C. * George Pelecanos (born 1957), author of detective fiction; born in D.C. *

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (August 8, 1896 – December 14, 1953)
accessed December 8, 2014. was an

(1896–1953), writer; born in D.C. *

(born 1960), screenwriter; born in D.C. *

Paula Vogel Paula Vogel (born November 16, 1951) is an American playwright who received the 1998 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for her play ''How I Learned to Drive.'' A longtime teacher, Vogel spent the bulk of her academic career – from 1984 to 2008 – at Bro ...

(born 1951), playwright; born in D.C.

Miscellaneous

Vanilla Beane Vanilla Powell Beane (born Vanilla Powell; September 13, 1919 – October 23, 2022), known as "DC's Hat Lady", was an American milliner and business woman. One of her hats was displayed and is in the collection of the National Museum of African ...

(1919–2022), Black milliner and business woman; moved to D.C. in the 1940s *

Blac Chyna Angela Renée White (born May 11, 1988), known professionally as Blac Chyna, is an American model and socialite. She originally rose to prominence in 2010 as the stunt double for Nicki Minaj in the music video for the song "Monster" by Kanye ...

(born 1988), American socialite and model; born and raised in D.C. * Ruby Corado (born 1970), transgender activist, founder and executive director of Casa Ruby in D.C.; married in D.C. *

Julie Nixon Eisenhower Julie Nixon Eisenhower ( Nixon; born July 5, 1948) is an American author who is the younger daughter of former U.S. president Richard Nixon and his wife Pat Nixon. Her husband David is the grandson of former U.S. president Dwight D. Eisenhower ...

(born 1948), daughter of President Richard Nixon; born in D.C. *

Andrew Fastow Andrew Stuart "Andy" Fastow (born December 22, 1961) is a convicted felon and former financier who was the chief financial officer of Enron Corporation, an energy trading company based in Houston, Texas, until he was fired shortly before the c ...

(born 1961), chief financial officer of Enron Corporation; born in D.C. * Albert Fish (1870–1936), cannibalistic serial killer and rapist; born in D.C * Steven B. Gould (born 1966), American lawyer and judge from Maryland; born in D.C. * Shauntay Hinton, Miss USA 2002, Miss District of Columbia 2002; educated in D.C. *

J. Edgar Hoover John Edgar Hoover (January 1, 1895 – May 2, 1972) was an American law enforcement administrator who served as the first Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He was appointed director of the Bureau of Investigation � ...

(1895–1972),

FBI The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is the domestic intelligence and security service of the United States and its principal federal law enforcement agency. Operating under the jurisdiction of the United States Department of Justice, t ...

director; born in D.C. *

Charlene Drew Jarvis Charlene Drew Jarvis (born July 31, 1941, in Washington, D.C.Kerry Kennedy Mary Kerry Kennedy (born September 8, 1959) is an American lawyer, author and human rights activist. She is the seventh child and third daughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Skakel Kennedy. During her 15-year marriage to former New York Gove ...

(born 1959), human rights advocate; born in D.C. *

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Robert Francis Kennedy Jr. (born January 17, 1954) is an American environmental lawyer and author known for promoting anti-vaccine propaganda and conspiracy theories. Kennedy is a son of U.S. senator Robert F. Kennedy and a nephew of President ...

(born 1954), environmental lawyer and radio talk host; born in D.C. *

Bruce Levenson Bruce Levenson (born October 1, 1949) is an American businessman, former NBA team owner, and philanthropist. He was a co-owner of Atlanta Hawks, LLC (formerly Atlanta Spirit LLC), which owns and operates the Atlanta Hawks basketball team and Phili ...

(born 1949), businessman, philanthropist, and former owner of the

Atlanta Hawks The Atlanta Hawks are an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta. The Hawks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Southeast Division. The team plays its home games at ...

; born in D.C. * J.W. Marriott Jr. (born 1932), chairman and CEO of Marriott International; born in D.C. * Clarence Moore (1865–1912), businessman; D.C. resident from 1890 *

Queen Noor of Jordan Noor Al-Hussein ( ar, نور الحسين; born Lisa Najeeb Halaby; August 23, 1951) is an American-born Jordanian philanthropist and activist who is the fourth wife and widow of King Hussein of Jordan. She was Queen of Jordan from their marriag ...

(born 1951); born in D.C. * Perry Redd (born 1964), social activist and organizer, and songwriter; born in D.C. *

Tony Ressler Tony may refer to: People and fictional characters * Tony (given name), including a list of people and fictional characters * Gregory Tony (born 1978), American law enforcement officer * Motu Tony (born 1981), New Zealand international rugby leagu ...

(born 1960), billionaire and owner of the

; born in D.C.

References

{{District of Columbia ro:Listă de oameni din Washington, D.C., SUA