10 Most Famous People from Iowa

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10 Most Famous People from Iowa

Iowa is a Midwestern US state sitting between two rivers, Missouri and Mississippi. It has endless rolling plains and corn fields making it one of the most critical states in the farming sector. Besides producing billions of tonnes of corn every year, it also produces the most hogs. One fun fact is that there are seven times more hogs than people in Iowa! In short, there are lots of farmland and farm animals in Iowa. All this farm talk may sound boring to Gen Z, so let’s divert a little bit. There are amazing natural wonders here including the Loess Hills, and amazing caves, like the Crystal Lake Caves, and there are actually a surprising number of hills and ledges here (especially along the Upper Iowa River! To top it off, the amount of talent that oozes out of here—is just incredible. A head of state, epic entertainers, and even greater singers call Iowa home. The Hawkeye State has produced a massive number of talented individuals of all time. 

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1. Herbert Hoover

Herbert Hoover with his pet Belgian Shepherd dog “King Tut”. Image by Herbert E. French – Wikimedia

He is the only US president to have hailed from Hawkeye State. He served as America’s 31st President from 1929 to 1933. Before coming to the office he was a very successful mining engineer. When the US entered the war he was appointed as a food administrator. His role was to conserve resources and supplies and to feed America’s European allies. He did the job so well that he became known as ‘The Great Humanitarian’ who fed war-torn Europe during and after World War I. His name became a household name such that a new term was born, ‘Hooverize’, which meant to economize on food.

2. Johnny Carson

The Tonight Show 1965 photo portrait of host Johnny Carson. Image by NBC Television – Wikimedia

He is a legend that graced our t.v in the early years of television. Though born in Corning and moved all over the state of Iowa in his childhood. He is best known as the host of The Tonight Show which aired from 1962 to 1992. He is accolade numerous awards including Emmys, the Television Academy’s 1980 Governor’s Award, and a 1985 Peabody Award. He was also inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in 1987. His approach was rather casual and controversial. He is always thoroughly engaged with his guests. He remained an icon even after retirement and served as an inspiration for other hosts like David Letterman.

3. John Wayne

Publicity portrait of John Wayne. Frank Driggs Collection. Unknown photographer – Wikimedia

The icon was born in Winterset, Iowa, but was raised in Southern California. The Duke as he was known by his friends was a renowned actor famous for his roles in Western and war movies. For three decades he was among the top box-office draws. On April 7, 1970, the legendary actor John Wayne received an acting Academy Award, for his role in the director Western True Grit. Wayne appeared in over 150 films throughout his career. His birthplace has been preserved as a historic site. He died of cancer in 1979.

4. Ashton Kutcher

Ashton Kutcher. Image by David Shankbone – Wikimedia

He is an actor, producer, and entrepreneur. He was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. He came to the limelight after starring in That ’70s Show and Two and a Half Men. From then on he has gone to appear in a bunch of films and television series. He is business savvy and has successfully invested in several high-technology start-ups including Neighborly, Zenreach, ResearchGate, Kopari Beauty, and Lemonade. He has also made investments in over 60 companies with some renowned ones like Skype, Foursquare, Airbnb, Path, and Fab.com.

5. Danai Gurira

Danai Gurira. Image by Gage Skidmore – Wikimedia

You might know her as the badass in the Walking Dead. She was born in Grinnell, Iowa. Born to Zimbabwean parents, the family moved back to Zimbabwe when she was five. Eventually, she returned to the states and settled in L.A. She has received prestigious awards and critical acclaim for her performances in various films.

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6. Lolo Jones 

Lolo Jones. Image by Steffen Prößdorf – Wikimedia

Lolo Jones is an Olympic athlete born in Des Moines. She is a hurdler and bobsledder specializing in the 60-meter and 100-meter hurdles. She is from a humble background and as a child; they lived in the basement of a Des Moines Salvation Army for a while. However, she rose against all odds to become one of the most notable athletes in America. Time and time again she showed her prowess in the game and has won numerous gold medals. She won a gold medal in the mixed team event at the 2013 World Championships. She represented the U.S. at the 2014 Winter Olympics making her one of the few athletes to have competed in both the summer and winter Olympic Games.

7. Elijah Wood

Elijah Wood. Image by Gage Skidmore – Wikimedia

He is an actor best known for his role as a ring-bearing hobbit Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. He was born and raised in Cedar Rapids. His family moved to Los Angeles when he was eight so as to pursue his acting career.

8. N. K. Jemisin

N. K. Jemisin. Image by Daniel Visse – Wikimedia

Jemisin is an author who lives in Iowa City. She has mastered the art of writing science fiction and fantasy novels. One of the best science fiction writers, her best work includes The Broken Earth Trilogy to her recent Far Sector comic. Her most current urban fantasy novel The City We Became was nominated for Best Novel at both the Hugo Awards and the Nebula Awards.

9. Mary Beth Hurt

Hurt also known as Mary Beth Supinger is an actress born in Marshalltown, Iowa. She is best known for her roles in Lady in the Water, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, and The Age of Innocence.”

10. Simon Estes

Simon Estes. Image by Gage Skidmore – Wikimedia

A phenomenal opera singer was born and raised in Centerville, Iowa in 1938. He has performed with many legends including Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, Johnny Cash, and Whitney Houston. When he sings, the audience is taken aback by the bass-baritone. In August 2019, Des Moines Area Community College created the Simon Estes School of Fine Arts to honor the renowned bass-baritone.

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