The Most Famous Person from West Virginia, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the person you think is the most famous!

Updated on Apr 22, 2024 08:17

In the heart of Appalachia, West Virginia has been a silent nurturer of numerous influential personalities who have shaped various facets of culture and innovation. Understanding who ranks as the most famous can spark interesting conversations and bring attention to the heritage and accomplishments of the state. By voting for these figures, users contribute to an ongoing narrative of cultural recognition and appreciation. This not only serves to educate others about notable contributions from West Virginians but also engages a community in celebrating its historical and contemporary icons.

Who Is the Most Famous Person from West Virginia?

1

61
votes
Crisco 1492 · CC BY-SA 4.0

Brad Paisley

Country music superstar and West Virginia native, known for hits such as "Mud on the Tires" and "Whiskey Lullaby."
Brad Paisley in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous person from Nashville, TN
2

32
votes
Nan Palmero · CC BY 2.0

Jennifer Garner

Actress known for her roles in Alias, 13 Going on 30, and Dallas Buyers Club, was born in Houston, Texas, but raised in Charleston, West Virginia.
Jennifer Garner in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous Jennifer
- Position 6 of 10 in Most beautiful Aries woman
- Position 9 of 10 in Most famous celebrity in Texas
3

17
votes
Avito C.Dalan for the Philippine News Agency · Public domain

Steve Harvey

Comedian, actor, and TV host, known for hosting Family Feud and his own talk show, The Steve Harvey Show. Harvey was born in Welch, West Virginia.
Steve Harvey in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most popular Family Feud host
- Position 4 of 10 in Most famous Steve
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular radio personalities
- Position 8 of 10 in Most popular daytime talk show host
4

13
votes

CBS Television · Public domain

Don Knotts

Emmy-winning actor known for his roles in The Andy Griffith Show and Three's Company, was born and raised in Morgantown, West Virginia.
5

19
votes
[2] from Baltimore, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0

Randy Moss

NFL Hall of Fame wide receiver, born and raised in Rand, West Virginia.
Randy Moss in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous wide receiver
6

12
votes
Chuck Yeager

Retired United States Air Force officer and test pilot, who was the first person to break the sound barrier, was born and raised in Myra, West Virginia.
Chuck Yeager in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Air Force pilot
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Yeager in the Soty family
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous pilot
7

10
votes

Rob Poetsch · CC BY 2.0

Jerry West

Retired NBA player and executive, known as "The Logo" for his silhouette being used as the NBA logo, was born and raised in Chelyan, West Virginia.
8

9
votes

Arnold Genthe · Public domain

Pearl Buck

Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her novels The Good Earth and Dragon Seed, was born in Hillsboro, West Virginia.
9

2
votes

Kathy Mattea

Grammy-winning country singer known for hits such as "Where've You Been" and "455 Rocket," was born and raised in Cross Lanes, West Virginia.
10

10
votes

Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain

Sam Huff

Retired NFL linebacker and Hall of Famer, who played for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins, was born in Edna Gas, West Virginia.

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Ranking factors for famous person

Accomplishments and recognition

Consider the individual's achievements, awards, and notable contributions in their field. This can range from professional achievements, such as winning prestigious awards or gaining international recognition, to cultural or artistic contributions that have had significant impact.
Influence and impact

Assess the individual's impact on society, whether through their work, advocacy, or cultural influence. This can include their influence on the state of West Virginia or their impact on a global scale.
Popularity and public recognition

Consider the person's level of fame, public recognition, and popularity within and outside of West Virginia. This can be measured by factors such as media coverage, public opinion, social media following, and overall public awareness.
Historical significance

Evaluate the historical significance of the individual in relation to West Virginia. This can include figures who have played a crucial role in shaping the state's history, politics, culture, or identity.
Longevity and sustained success

Take into account the individual's longevity and sustained success in their respective field. This can demonstrate their ability to maintain relevance and impact over time.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous person from West Virginia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or person is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1582 views
171 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each person once every 24 hours. The rank of each person is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous person from west virginia

West Virginia is a state nestled in the Appalachian Mountains with a rich cultural heritage. The state has produced many famous musicians, writers, and athletes, but when it comes to the most famous person from West Virginia, there are a few names that immediately come to mind. One of the most well-known figures from the state is Chuck Yeager, a legendary pilot who was the first person to break the sound barrier. Another famous West Virginian is Brad Paisley, a country music superstar who has won multiple Grammy Awards. Other notable names include Jennifer Garner, Don Knotts, and Jerry West. With so many talented individuals hailing from West Virginia, it's no surprise that the state has earned a reputation as a breeding ground for greatness.