Presidents, moonwalkers and actors: Who are the famous people from Ohio's 88 counties?

Nathan Hart, Columbus Dispatch
Updated ·21 min read

Ohio is the birthplace of presidents, actors, athletes and historical figures. But who is the most famous person from your county?

The Dispatch set out to find the answer to that question. Some of those answers might spur debate.

Here's a list of the most famous person who was born and/or raised in each of Ohio's counties.

Adams County: Jack Roush

American motorsports icon and automotive entrepreneur Jack Roush smiles as he speaks to a crowd at Monroe County Community College. Roush, who taught at MCCC about five decades ago, returned to talk about his time at the college and share stories from his life.
American motorsports icon and automotive entrepreneur Jack Roush smiles as he speaks to a crowd at Monroe County Community College. Roush, who taught at MCCC about five decades ago, returned to talk about his time at the college and share stories from his life.

Roush is the founder and current CEO of Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, also known as RFK Racing, a NASCAR racing team that boasts eight championships in NASCAR's top three divisions, according to its website. He was raised in Manchester, Ohio.

  • Cowboy Copas, country singer: Runner-up

  • Thomas Kirker, Ohio's second governor: Runner-up

Allen County: Hugh Downs

Downs was a famous talk-show host, game show host, and general TV mainstay during the 20th century, hosting shows like Today and 20/20. He grew up in Lima, Ohio.

  • Phyllis Diller, iconic female comedian: Runner-up

  • Dean Jagger, actor: Runner-up

Ashland County: Ernest Cline

Cline is the author of Ready Player One, a New York Times bestseller that was turned into a blockbuster hit movie by Steven Spielberg in 2018. Cline co-wrote the movie's screenplay. He was born in Ashland in 1972.

  • Ron Zook, NCAA, NFL and XFL coach: Runner-up

  • Edmund G. Ross, U.S. Senator: Runner-up

Ashtabula County: Urban Meyer

Meyer is a college and NFL football coach, most well-known for his six-year stint as Ohio State University's head football coach. He was raised in Ashtabula.

  • Clarence Darrow, lawyer: Runner-up

  • Connie Schultz, journalist and writer: Runner-up

Athens County: Joe Burrow

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) warms up with his teammates before they play the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Oct. 8, 2023.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) warms up with his teammates before they play the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Oct. 8, 2023.

Burrow is the current NFL quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals. He previously played quarterback for OSU and Louisiana State University. He attended high school in Athens, Ohio.

  • Maya Lin, sculptor of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Runner-up

  • Kevin Hartman, Major League Soccer player: Runner-up

Auglaize County: Neil Armstrong

Armstrong was an American astronaut and the first person to walk on the moon. He was born in Wapakoneta in 1930.

  • Evan Eschmeyer, NBA player: Runner-up

  • Lefty Houtz, MLB player: Runner-up

Belmont County: Joey Galloway

Feb 1, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Former Ohio State wide receiver Joey Galloway watches the Buckeyes take on the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of the NCAA men’s basketball game at Value City Arena. Ohio State lost 87-75.
Feb 1, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Former Ohio State wide receiver Joey Galloway watches the Buckeyes take on the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of the NCAA men’s basketball game at Value City Arena. Ohio State lost 87-75.

Galloway is a current ESPN analyst and former wide receiver in the NFL. He also played for OSU in college before going on to play for a number of NFL teams. He was born in Bellaire in 1971.

  • John Havlicek, NBA player: Runner-up

  • James Boyd, seventh Nebraska governor: Runner-up

Brown County: Brian Grant

Former Xavier University men's basketball player Brian Grant, pictured here at Cintas Center watching Xavier defeat Temple on Jan. 22, 2011, recently published a book about his life, titled "Rebound: Soaring in the NBA, Battling Parkinson's, and Finding What Really Matters."
Former Xavier University men's basketball player Brian Grant, pictured here at Cintas Center watching Xavier defeat Temple on Jan. 22, 2011, recently published a book about his life, titled "Rebound: Soaring in the NBA, Battling Parkinson's, and Finding What Really Matters."

Grant is a former NBA power forward and center who played for five different teams before his retirement in 2006. He grew up in Georgetown, Ohio.

  • John Parker, abolitionist: Runner-up

  • Slim Sallee, MLB player: Runner-up

Butler County: Roger Troutman

Troutman was an American musician who founded the band Zapp, a group that pioneered the funk genre of music. He was born in Hamilton, Ohio in 1951.

  • Charles Francis Richter, creator of the Richter scale: Runner-up

  • Walter Alston, MLB manager: Runner-up

Carroll County: Vince Costello

Costello was an NFL linebacker who played for the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants. He went on to coach multiple NFL teams with famous NFL coach Paul Brown. He was born in Delroy in 1932.

  • Mariah O'Brien, actress and model: Runner-up

  • Earl Blackburn, MLB player: Runner-up

Champaign County: Clancy Brown

Brown is an American actor well-known for voicing Mr. Krabs in Spongebob Squarepants. He has also made appearances in Starship Troopers, John Wick Chapter 4 and The Shawshank Redemption. He was born in Urbana in 1959.

  • Matt Rife, comedian: Runner-up

  • Jim Jordan, politician: Runner-up

Clark County: John Legend

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend on the red carpet at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles
Chrissy Teigen and John Legend on the red carpet at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards on January 26, 2020, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles

Legend is a Grammy award-winning musician, actor and producer well-known for his single "All Of Me" and his multiple R&B albums. He was born in Springfield, Ohio in 1978.

  • Tyler Maynard, actor: Runner-up

  • Quentin Jackson, musician: Runner-up

Clermont County: Ulysses S. Grant

Ulysses S. Grant
Ulysses S. Grant

Grant was the 18th president of the United States and the commanding general of the Union Army during the Civil War. He was born in Point Pleasant, Ohio in 1822.

  • Hugh Nichols, first Chief Justice of Ohio Supreme Court: Runner-up

  • Jean Schmidt, politician: Runner-up

Clinton County: Stephanie Hodge

Hodge is a stand-up comedian and actor who appeared in the sitcoms Nurses and Unhappily Ever After. She was born in Wilmington, Ohio in 1956.

  • Eli Harvey, sculptor: Runner-up

  • James Denver, politician: Runner-up

Columbiana County: Harvey Firestone

(Left to right) Harvey Firestone Sr., Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone Jr., Horatio Seymour, Henry Ford and Fred Seely, at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C., in 1918.
(Left to right) Harvey Firestone Sr., Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone Jr., Horatio Seymour, Henry Ford and Fred Seely, at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, N.C., in 1918.

Firestone was the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. He was born in Columbiana in 1868.

  • Craig Newbold, politician: Runner-up

  • Paul Stamets, mycologist: Runner-up

Coshocton County: Vesta Williams

Williams was a singer and musician most famously known for her four-octave vocal range. She was born in Coshocton, Ohio in 1957.

  • Bob Brenly, MLB player and coach: Runner-up

  • Danielle Peck, country music artist: Runner-up

Crawford County: Jack Harbaugh

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s father, Jack Harbaugh, watches the College Football Playoff national championship game.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh’s father, Jack Harbaugh, watches the College Football Playoff national championship game.

Harbaugh is the current assistant head coach of the Michigan Wolverines and the father of John and Jim Harbaugh. He was born in Crestline, Ohio in 1939.

  • Gloria LeRoy, actress: Runner-up

  • JB Shuck, MLB player: Runner-up

Cuyahoga County: Halle Berry

Halle Berry attends the "John Wick: Chapter 3" world premiere at One Hanson Place on May 9, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images).
Halle Berry attends the "John Wick: Chapter 3" world premiere at One Hanson Place on May 9, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images).

Berry is an actress and model known for her role as Storm in the X-Men movies and as Catwoman in Catwoman. She was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1966.

  • James Garfield, American president: Runner-up

  • Fred Willard, actor: Runner-up

Darke County: Annie Oakley

Born in Greenville, Ohio, "Little Sure Shot" sharpshooter Annie Oakley rose to international fame as a major star with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.
Born in Greenville, Ohio, "Little Sure Shot" sharpshooter Annie Oakley rose to international fame as a major star with Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show.

Oakley was a famous wild west gunslinger who achieved notoriety in Buffalo Bill's Wild West show. She was born in a log cabin in Darke County in 1860.

  • Matt Light, NFL player: Runner-up

  • Lowell Thomas, author: Runner-up

Defiance County: Michael Hitchcock

Hitchcock is an actor, writer and producer who appeared on Glee. He was born in Defiance, Ohio in 1958.

  • Billie Blair, model and minister: Runner-up

  • Charles Bair, MLB player: Runner-up

Delaware County: Rutherford B. Hayes

President Rutherford B. Hayes (born 1822, died 1893). From the Library of Congress.
President Rutherford B. Hayes (born 1822, died 1893). From the Library of Congress.

Hayes was an Ohio politician and the 19th president of the United States. He was born in Delaware, Ohio in 1822.

  • John Purdue, industrialist: Runner-up

  • Jack Hanna, zookeeper: Runner-up

Erie County: Allie LaForce

April 30, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; TNT sideline reporter Allie LaForce after game two of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 115-109.
April 30, 2019; Oakland, CA, USA; TNT sideline reporter Allie LaForce after game two of the second round of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Rockets 115-109.

LaForce is a model and reporter, currently covering NBA on TNT. She was born in Vermillion, Ohio in 1988.

  • Christi Paul, journalist: Runner-up

  • George W. Norris, politician: Runner-up

Fairfield County: William Tecumseh Sherman

Sherman was a Civil War general known for his "march to the sea" where he and his troops employed scorched-earth tactics on their march from Atlanta to Savannah in Georgia. He was born in Lancaster, Ohio in 1820.

  • Phil Stacey, musician: Runner-up

  • David Graf, actor: Runner-up

Fayette County: Art Schlichter

Schlichter is a former quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts and the Ohio State Buckeyes (with a notorious gambling problem). He was born in Bloomingburg, Ohio.

  • Margaret Peterson Haddix, author: Runner-up

  • Jeff Shaw, MLB player: Runner-up

Franklin County: Jack Nicklaus

June 4, 2023; Dublin, Ohio, USA; Jack Nicklaus recaps the week before presenting the trophy to Viktor Hovland following the final round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club.
June 4, 2023; Dublin, Ohio, USA; Jack Nicklaus recaps the week before presenting the trophy to Viktor Hovland following the final round of the Memorial Tournament at Muirfield Village Golf Club.

Nicklaus is a retired professional golfer considered by many to be one of the greatest golfers of all time. He was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1940.

  • Simone Biles, gymnast: Runner-up

  • Le'Veon Bell, NFL player: Runner-up

Fulton County: Richard Mourdock

Mourdock is the former treasurer of state of Indiana and a one-time U.S. Senate hopeful. He was born in Wauseon, Ohio in 1951.

  • Nate Kmic, professional football player: Runner-up

  • Orville D. Merillat, businessman: Runner-up

Gallia County: Bob Evans

The Bob Evans Sausage Shop in Rio Grande, Ohio, built in 1962, is known as the original Bob Evans restaurant.
The Bob Evans Sausage Shop in Rio Grande, Ohio, built in 1962, is known as the original Bob Evans restaurant.

Evans was a restauranter who turned his small diner in Gallipolis into a national restaurant chain that bears his name. He grew up in Gallipolis, Ohio.

  • Jenny Holzer, artist: Runner-up

  • Lionel Cartwright, country music artist: Runner-up

Geauga County: Scott Weiland

Weiland was a musician and the lead singer of rock band Stone Temple Pilots. He was raised in Bainbridge Township, Ohio.

  • Coyote Peterson, Youtuber: Runner-up

  • Henry K. Smith, politician: Runner-up

Greene County: Woody Hayes

Hayes was a college football coach most well-known for his time as Ohio State University's head coach from 1951-1978. He was born in Clifton, Ohio in 1913.

  • Eleanor Parker, actress: Runner-up

  • Helen Hooven Santmyer, author: Runner-up

Guernsey County: John Glenn

Glenn was an astronaut, pilot and the first American to orbit the Earth. He was also the third American in space. He was born in Cambridge, Ohio in 1921.

  • William Boyd, actor: Runner-up

  • Milton Barnes, politician: Runner-up

Hamilton County: Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg on the red carpet at the 96th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY ORG XMIT: USAT-872353 (Via OlyDrop) (Credit: Robert Hanashiro, Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY)
Steven Spielberg on the red carpet at the 96th Oscars at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles on Sunday, March 10, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY ORG XMIT: USAT-872353 (Via OlyDrop) (Credit: Robert Hanashiro, Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY)

Spielberg is a movie director, producer and screenwriter who first achieved fame with 1975's Jaws. He has directed a slew of classic American movies like Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Raiders of the Lost Ark. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1946.

  • Vera-Ellen, actor: Runner-up

  • George Chakiris, actor: Runner-up

Hancock County: Ben Roethlisberger

Roethlisberger is a NFL quarterback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers for 18 seasons before retiring after the 2021 season. He went to Findlay High School in Hancock County.

  • Mark Metcalf, actor: Runner-up

  • Dummy Hoy, MLB player: Runner-up

Hardin County: Dean Pees

Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees talks to star cornerback A J Terrell.
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees talks to star cornerback A J Terrell.

Pees is a retired NFL coach who served as the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans and Atlanta Falcons. He was born in Dunkirk, Ohio in 1949.

  • Lee Tressel, football coach: Runner-up

  • Zac Dysert, NFL player: Runner-up

Harrison County: George Armstrong Custer

The General George Armstrong Custer Memorial is seen at sunset on, Thursday, April 6 in New Rumley, Custer's birthplace.
The General George Armstrong Custer Memorial is seen at sunset on, Thursday, April 6 in New Rumley, Custer's birthplace.

Custer was an army officer and cavalry commander who fought in the Civil War and the American Indian Wars. He is remembered for the famous "Custer's Last Stand" where he and all of his men were killed by Native American forces. He was born in New Rumley, Ohio in 1839.

  • Clark Gable, actor: Runner-up

  • William Henry Holmes, explorer: Runner-up

Henry County: Joe E. Brown

Brown was a comedian and actor who starred in a number of Golden Age movies like A Midsummer Night's Dream and Some Like It Hot. He was born in Holgate, Ohio in 1892.

  • Chip Davis, musician: Runner-up

  • David Cradick, radio host: Runner-up

Highland County: Johnny Paycheck

Country music singer Johnny Rodriguez, left, answer questions for deejay Gary Welch of WAPR in Avon Park, Fla. Welch at first introduced Rodriguez as Johnny Paycheck during the taping sessions in the Municipal Auditorium Oct. 19, 1973.
Country music singer Johnny Rodriguez, left, answer questions for deejay Gary Welch of WAPR in Avon Park, Fla. Welch at first introduced Rodriguez as Johnny Paycheck during the taping sessions in the Municipal Auditorium Oct. 19, 1973.

PayCheck was a country music singer who found fame in the 70s outlaw county movement in the genre. He was born in Greenfield, Ohio in 1938.

  • Brad Martin, country musician: Runner-up

  • Joseph J. McDowell, politician: Runner-up

Hocking County: Katie Smith

Smith is a retired professional basketball player and the current assistant head coach for the Minnesota Lynx in the WBNA. She was born in Logan, Ohio in 1974.

  • Curtis Scaparrotti, Army general: Runner-up

  • Ken Byers, NFL player: Runner-up

Holmes County: Alta Weiss

Weiss was a minor league baseball pitcher and physician who played in the early 20th century, a time when women in sports were rare. She was born in Berlin Township, Ohio in 1890.

  • Emma P. Carr, spectroscopist: Runner-up

  • Oliver Parker Fritchle, inventor: Runner-up

Huron County: Paul Brown

Brown was a football coach and the co-founder of the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. He was born in Norwalk, Ohio in 1908.

  • Robin Meade, TV anchor: Runner-up

  • Andrew Chafin, MLB player: Runner-up

Jackson County: Jim Rhodes

Rhodes was a politician who served as the 61st and 63rd governor of Ohio. In 1970, he sent the National Guard to quell anti-Vietnam War protestors at Kent State University which resulted in troops opening fire on students, killing four of them. He was born in Coalton, Ohio in 1909.

  • Frank Crumit, radio star: Runner-up

  • Isham Jones, bandleader: Runner-up

Jefferson County: Dean Martin

Martin was a musician, comedian and actor known for his crooning voice, movie stardom from 1950-1970 and his membership in the Rat Pack. He was born in Steubenville, Ohio in 1917.

  • Robert Urich, actor: Runner-up

  • Rollie Fingers, MLB player: Runner-up

Knox County: Paul Edward Lynde

Lynde was a comedian and actor known for his style and his roles in Bewitched and Bye Bye Birdie as well as his frequent appearances on Hollywood Squares. He was born in Mount Vernon, Ohio in 1926.

  • Dan Emmett, composer: Runner-up

  • Robert Levering, politician: Runner-up

Lake County: Don Shula

Lions assistant coach Don Shula on the sideline with Pat Studstill against the Rams on Nov. 4, 1962, in Los Angeles.
Lions assistant coach Don Shula on the sideline with Pat Studstill against the Rams on Nov. 4, 1962, in Los Angeles.

Shula was an NFL player and the winningest NFL coach of all time with 347 wins as head coach of the then-Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins. He was born in Grand River, Ohio in 1930.

  • Jayne Kennedy Overton, actor: Runner-up

  • Chris Jansing, TV anchor: Runner-up

Lawrence County: Bobby Bare

Bobby Bare, right, talks with Chet Atkins during a gala party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum April 27, 1983, to honor Atkins for his 115th album release. His newest Columbia LP is "Work ItT Out With Chet."
Bobby Bare, right, talks with Chet Atkins during a gala party at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum April 27, 1983, to honor Atkins for his 115th album release. His newest Columbia LP is "Work ItT Out With Chet."

Bare is a Grammy award-winning country music singer and songwriter who consistently appeared on country music charts throughout the mid to late 20th century. He was born in Ironton, Ohio in 1935.

  • George McAfee, NFL player: Runner-up

  • Coy Bacon, NFL player: Runner-up

Licking County: Wayne Newton

Newton is a singer and actor who has performed in Las Vegas since 1963. He was raised in Newark.

  • Brian Unger, actor: Runner-up

  • Victoria Woodhull, suffragist: Runner-up

Logan County: Norman Vincent Peale

Peale was a clergyman and author most well-known for his book, The Power of Positive Thinking. He attended Bellefontaine High School.

  • Nicole Fawcett, volleyball player: Runner-up

  • Sami Johnston, professional wrestler: Runner-up

Lorain County: Toni Morrison

In this April 5, 1994 file photo, Toni Morrison as she holds an orchid at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The Nobel Prize-winning author has died. Publisher Alfred A. Knopf says Morrison died Monday, Aug. 5, 2019 at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. She was 88.
In this April 5, 1994 file photo, Toni Morrison as she holds an orchid at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York. The Nobel Prize-winning author has died. Publisher Alfred A. Knopf says Morrison died Monday, Aug. 5, 2019 at Montefiore Medical Center in New York. She was 88.

Morrison was a novelist and editor whose most famous work was her novel Beloved about an escaped slave haunted by the ghost of her dead daughter. She is also a Nobel Prize and Medal of Freedom recipient. She was born in Lorain, Ohio in 1931.

  • Ernest J. King, WWII fleet admiral: Runner-up

  • Jason Molina, musician: Runner-up

Lucas County: Gloria Steinem

Gloria Steinem is shown at the Woman's Club of Ridgewood, with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton. They talked about their new book, "The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience." Sunday, October 6, 2019
Gloria Steinem is shown at the Woman's Club of Ridgewood, with Hillary and Chelsea Clinton. They talked about their new book, "The Book of Gutsy Women: Favorite Stories of Courage and Resilience." Sunday, October 6, 2019

Steinem is a journalist and activist who co-founded Ms. magazine and was a major figure in second-wave feminism during the 60s and 70s. She was born in Toledo in 1934.

  • Jim Harbaugh, NFL and NCAA football coach: Runner-up

  • Katie Holmes, actor: Runner-up

Madison County: Dick LeBeau

Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Dick LeBeau speaks at the Hall of Fame Luncheon Club Monday, October 9, 2023.
Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinee Dick LeBeau speaks at the Hall of Fame Luncheon Club Monday, October 9, 2023.

LeBeau is a former NFL player and coach who served in a number of coaching roles with the Cincinnati Bengals, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans. He was born in London in 1937.

  • Chick McGee, radio personality: Runner-up

  • Satch Davidson, MLB umpire: Runner-up

Mahoning County: Jack L. Warner

Warner was one of the founding members of Warner Bros. Pictures, Inc., which is now Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. He was raised in Youngstown, Ohio.

  • Mildred Joanne Smith, actor: Runner-up

  • Rose Mary Woods, Nixon's secretary: Runner-up

Marion County: Norman Thomas

Thomas was a politician, author and minister who gained notoriety when he ran for the U.S. presidency six times under the Socialist Party of America's ticket in the early 20th century. He was born in Marion in 1884.

  • Florence Harding, First Lady: Runner-up

  • Aubrey Huff, MLB player: Runner-up

Medina County: Ryan Dunn

Dunn was an actor, comedian and stuntman who starred in the Jackass TV show and film series. He was born in Medina in 1977.

  • Matthew Patrick, Youtuber: Runner-up

  • Bobby Rahal, racecar driver: Runner-up

Meigs County: Ambrose Bierce

Ambrose Bierce, a Civil War veteran and author of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" spent his adolescence in Indiana, disappeared in Mexico in December 1913, and a search was officially launched Sept. 19, 1914.
Ambrose Bierce, a Civil War veteran and author of "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" spent his adolescence in Indiana, disappeared in Mexico in December 1913, and a search was officially launched Sept. 19, 1914.

Bierce was a journalist and Civil War veteran most well-known for his book The Devil's Dictionary and his short story "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge." He was born in Meigs county in 1842.

  • Benny Kauff, baseball player: Runner-up

  • Ron McDole, NFL player: Runner-up

Mercer County: Rick Derringer

Derringer is a musician and producer who co-founded and sang for The McCoys, a rock band whose hit "Hang On Sloopy" topped the charts in October 1965. "Hang on Sloopy" is the official rock song of the state of Ohio and the unofficial fight song of the Ohio State Buckeyes. He was born in Celina in 1947.

  • Jim Otis, NFL player: Runner-up

  • Jackie Tavener, basketball player: Runner-up

Miami County: Cris Carter

Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Carter alumni captain Cris Carter before the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Photo taken by Mark J. Rebilas.
Jan 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Team Carter alumni captain Cris Carter before the 2015 Pro Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Photo taken by Mark J. Rebilas.

Carter is a former NFL football player and a current analyst for NFL Network's Good Morning Football. He was born in Troy in 1965.

  • William H. Pitsenbarger, Vietnam War pararescueman: Runner-up

  • Harry Reser, banjoist: Runner-up

Monroe County: David Kirby

Kirby was an HIV and AIDS activist who was photographed in the final moments of his life by Therese Frare. The photo of Kirby was published in Life magazine and attracted international attention. He was born and raised in Stafford, Ohio.

  • Sad Sam Jones, MLB player: Runner-up

  • Kay Baxter, bodybuilder: Runner-up

Montgomery County: Orville Wright

A photo of Wilbur Wright, left and his brother, Orville Wright at home in Dayton, Ohio.
A photo of Wilbur Wright, left and his brother, Orville Wright at home in Dayton, Ohio.

Wright was one half of the Wright Brothers, bicycle mechanics who designed, built and flew the world's first airplane in the early 20th century. He was born in Dayton in 1871.

  • Paul Laurence Dunbar, poet: Runner-up

  • Martin Sheen, actor: Runner-up

Morgan County: Winston and Weston Doty

Winston and Weston Doty were twin child actors who starred in multiple movies during the silent film era. They were born in Malta in 1914.

  • Rufus R. Dawes, Civil War officer: Runner-up

  • Joseph Bailey, psychologist: Runner-up

Morrow County: Warren G. Harding

President Warren G. Harding with his Airedale Terrier, Laddie Boy
President Warren G. Harding with his Airedale Terrier, Laddie Boy

Harding was the 29th president of the United States from 1921-1923 and the sixth president to die in office. He was born in Blooming Grove in 1865.

  • Hugh Dillman, silent film actor: Runner-up

  • Calvin S. Brice, politician: Runner-up

Muskingum County: Richard Basehart

Basehart was an actor who starred in a number of TV shows like Knight Rider and Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea along with appearances in films like Moby Dick. He was born in Zanesville in 1914.

  • Zane Grey, author: Runner-up

  • Carrington T. Marshall, lawyer: Runner-up

Noble County: James M. Tuttle

Tuttle was a Civil War general and politician who captured Fort Donelson in Tennessee in 1862. He was born in Summerfield, Ohio in 1823.

  • Margaret Keenan Harrais, suffragist: Runner-up

  • Robert T. Secrest, politician: Runner-up

Ottawa County: Crystal Bowersox

Crystal Bowersox plays the Cindystock benefit show in Franklin Park.
Crystal Bowersox plays the Cindystock benefit show in Franklin Park.

Bowersox is a singer and songwriter who was the runner-up on American Idol's ninth season. She was born in Elliston, Ohio in 1985.

  • Brian Smolinski, NHL player: Runner-up

  • Chris Bassitt, MLB player: Runner-up

Paulding County: Foy David Kohler

Kohler was a diplomat who served as the American ambassador to the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. He was born in Oakwood in 1908.

  • Jesse B. Jackson, consul: Runner-up

  • Homer Clyde Snook, inventor: Runner-up

Perry County: Philip Sheridan

Sheridan was a Civil War officer and later general credited with forcing Robert E. Lee's surrender at Appomattox Court House through a successful cavalry pursuit. He was raised in Somerset, Ohio.

  • James Comly, newspaper editor: Runner-up

  • Jerome C. Davis, pioneer: Runner-up

Pickaway County: John Holmes

Holmes was a prolific adult film star whose life and exploits inspired the 1997 movie Boogie Nights. He was born in Ashville in 1944.

  • Ted Lewis, musician: Runner-up

  • Tony Laubach, meteorologist: Runner-up

Pike County: Jay Jackson

Jackson was a radio and television quiz show personality who hosted Twenty Questions and Tic-Tac-Dough in the 1950s. He was born in Stockdale in 1918.

  • Zach Veach, racecar driver: Runner-up

  • Elmer Leatherwood, politician: Runner-up

Portage County: Jani Lane

Lane was a singer and the frontman of hair-metal band Warrant. The band is most well-known for their 90s hit Cherry Pie. He was raised in Brimfield, Ohio.

  • Jack Lambert, NFL player: Runner-up

  • Jeff Richmond, TV producer: Runner-up

Preble County: Sherwood Anderson

Anderson was a writer who published a number of novels and short stories in the 20th century but is most well-known for his short story collection Winesburg, Ohio. He was born in Camden in 1876.

  • Don Elston, MLB player: Runner-up

  • Lucile Petry Leone, nurse: Runner-up

Putnam County: Dean Jagger

Dean Jagger, moved to Larwill, IN when he was 5 and attended Wabash College: Won best supporting actor for Twelve O'Clock High in 1950.
Dean Jagger, moved to Larwill, IN when he was 5 and attended Wabash College: Won best supporting actor for Twelve O'Clock High in 1950.

Jagger is an Academy Award winning actor most well-known for his role as Henry King in Twelve O'Clock High. He was born in Columbus Grove in 1903.

  • Edward Settle Godfrey, Army general: Runner-up

  • Justin LeHew, Navy Cross recipient: Runner-up

Richland County: Sherrod Brown

Jan 15, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, United States; US Senator Sherrod Brown speaks during the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Breakfast at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.
Jan 15, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, United States; US Senator Sherrod Brown speaks during the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Breakfast at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

Brown is a politician who has served as a U.S. Senator for Ohio since 2007. He was born in Mansfield in 1952.

  • Louis Bromfield, writer: Runner-up

  • Luke Perry, actor: Runner-up

Ross County: Clyde Beatty

Beatty was an animal trainer and circus performer who trained and "fought" a slew of animals like lions, tigers and polar bears. He was born in Bainbridge in 1903.

  • Nancy Wilson, singer: Runner-up

  • Emma Ann Reynolds, teacher and doctor: Runner-up

Sandusky County: Mark Coleman

Coleman is a retired mixed martial arts fighter and wrestler who became the UFC's first heavyweight champion in 1997. He was born in Fremont in 1964.

  • Charles H. McCleary, Medal of Honor recipient: Runner-up

  • Joshua Reed Giddings, politician: Runner-up

Scioto County: Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers and Dale Evans appeared at the York Fair in 1971.
Roy Rogers and Dale Evans appeared at the York Fair in 1971.

Rogers was an actor, singer and the namesake of the Roy Rogers fast food chain. He starred in a large number of western television shows and films during the 1950s. He was raised in Portsmouth.

  • Earl Thomas Conley, country music star: Runner-up

  • Kathleen Battle, opera singer: Runner-up

Seneca County: Jay Gruden

Jay Gruden and Robert Griffin III during a game in 2014.
Jay Gruden and Robert Griffin III during a game in 2014.

Gruden is a NFL coach and former quarterback who served as the Washington Commanders' head coach from 2014-2019. He has since moved on to offensive coaching positions at the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Los Angeles Rams. He was born in Tiffin in 1967.

  • Charles Foster, 35th governor of Ohio: Runner-up

  • Bill Groman, football player: Runner-up

Shelby County: Dean Miller

Miller was an actor and TV host who starred in a number of sitcoms like December Bride along with appearances in film. He was born in Sidney in 1924.

  • Paul Lauterbur, MRI innovator: Runner-up

  • Craig Clemons, NFL player: Runner-up

Stark County: Marilyn Manson

Marilyn Manson attends the Premiere of Drafthouse Films' "We Are X"at TCL Chinese Theatre on October 3, 2016 in Hollywood, California.
Marilyn Manson attends the Premiere of Drafthouse Films' "We Are X"at TCL Chinese Theatre on October 3, 2016 in Hollywood, California.

Warner, known by his stage name Marilyn Manson, is a rock artist and singer known for his controversial lyrics and dark stage persona. He was born in Canton in 1969.

  • Jack Paar, talk show host: Runner-up

  • Macy Gray, singer: Runner-up

Summit County: LeBron James

May 18, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets in the first half during game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
May 18, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) controls the ball against the Denver Nuggets in the first half during game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2023 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

James is an NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers and considered by many to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He's won four NBA championship games and appeared in them 10 times. He was born in Akron in 1984.

  • Stephen Curry, NBA player: Runner-up

  • Carrie Coon, actor: Runner-up

Trumbull County: William McKinley

McKinley was a politician and the 25th president of the United States. He was the third president to be assassinated while in office. He was born in Niles in 1843.

  • Dave Grohl, musician: Runner-up

  • Roger Ailes, TV executive: Runner-up

Tuscarawas County: Jennifer Lahmers

Lahmers is a reporter and former news anchor for Extra. She was born in Tuscarawas County in 1984.

  • Cy Young, MLB pitcher: Runner-up

  • Cory Garbrandt, UFC fighter: Runner-up

Union County: Chase Blackburn

Blackburn is a former NFL linebacker and current special teams coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. He attended Marysville High School.

  • Charles Fairbanks, politician: Runner-up

  • Norton P. Chipman, Civil War officer: Runner-up

Van Wert County: Allie Clifton

Clifton is a sports reporter known for her roles as a Cleveland Cavaliers sideline reporter and as a pregame host for Los Angeles Lakers games on Spectrum SportsNet. She was born in Van Wert, Ohio in 1988.

  • Kory Lichtensteiger, NFL player: Runner-up

  • Brent Mason, musician: Runner-up

Vinton County: Francis A. Nixon

Nixon was the father of U.S. president Richard Nixon. He was born in Elk Township in 1878.

  • Thomas S. Crow, former Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy: Runner-up

  • Maude Collins, first female sheriff in Ohio: Runner-up

Warren County: Brant Daugherty

Daugherty is an actor most well-known for his role as Noel Kahn on Pretty Little Liars. He was born in Mason, Ohio in 1985.

  • Patrick Kessler, WWII soldier: Runner-up

  • Jerry Lucas, NBA player: Runner-up

Washington County: Homer Burton Adkins

Adkins was a chemist who received a Medal of Merit for his work on chemical agents during World War 2. He was born in Newport in 1892.

  • Brian Moynihan, Bank of America CEO: Runner-up

  • Lawrence DeVol, criminal: Runner-up

Wayne County: Bobby Knight

Indiana coach Bobby Knight screams for a time out, then throws one of his trademark tantrums in the first half of play at St. John Arena. Knight had called for a time out and officials did not see him and did not give the Hoosiers a time out. Knight threw a fit. Indiana won anyway.
Indiana coach Bobby Knight screams for a time out, then throws one of his trademark tantrums in the first half of play at St. John Arena. Knight had called for a time out and officials did not see him and did not give the Hoosiers a time out. Knight threw a fit. Indiana won anyway.

Knight was a college basketball coach most well-known for his time as the head coach of the Indiana University Hoosiers from 1971 to 2000. He was raised in Orrville, Ohio.

  • Hal Dean, NFL player: Runner-up

  • Dean Chance, MLB player: Runner-up

Williams County: Zach Roerig

Zach Roerig | Photo Credits: Kevin Mazur/WireImage
Zach Roerig | Photo Credits: Kevin Mazur/WireImage

Roerig is an actor known for his portrayal of Matt Donovan on The CW's The Vampire Diaries. He was born in Montpelier in 1985.

  • Terrence T. Henricks, astronaut: Runner-up

  • Matt Wisler, MLB pitcher: Runner-up

Wood County: Scott Hamilton

Feb 14, 2018; Pyeongchang, South Korea; Former champion figure skater and now NBC analyst Scott Hamilton during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Ice Arena.
Feb 14, 2018; Pyeongchang, South Korea; Former champion figure skater and now NBC analyst Scott Hamilton during the Pyeongchang 2018 Olympic Winter Games at Gangneung Ice Arena.

Hamilton is a retired figure skater who took home a gold medal in the 1984 Olympics. He was raised in Bowling Green.

  • Sam Jaeger, actor: Runner-up

  • Jim Leyland, MLB coach: Runner-up

Wyandot County: Carl Karcher

Carl Karcher was the founder of the fast-food chain Carl's Jr. He was born in Upper Sandusky in 1917.

  • Emily Glaser, professional golf coach: Runner-up

  • Gaylord Stinchcomb, football player: Runner-up

More: Here are some of Ohio State's most famous alumni, from authors to athletes to actors

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Here are the most famous people from each of Ohio's 88 counties

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