Which famous people are from Kentucky? 8 names you may not know who call Kentucky home
It's no secret that Kentucky is home to famous faces like Jack Harlow and Jennifer Lawrence, but while you may know of some, others might surprise you.
Plenty of NBA stars, award-winning actors and memorable musicians have come out of the Bluegrass State. Here are eight names you may not know that have their roots in the Bluegrass State:
Billy Ray Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus, the voice behind country classics like "Achy Breaky Heart," is from Flatwoods in Greenup County.
A two-time Grammy Award winner, Cyrus is the father of Miley Cyrus, with whom he starred in the Disney Channel series "Hannah Montana." His two Grammys are for his collaboration with Lil Nas X in the song "Old Town Road," according to the Recording Academy website.
Cyrus was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2018.
Chrishell Stause
If you're binge-watching "Selling Sunset" on Netflix, then you might already be more than familiar with Chrishell Stause.
The Draffenville native is currently the star of the reality show, but has also acted in daytime soap operas including "Days of Our Lives" and "The Young and the Restless."
More: 'The Golden Bachelor,' 'Selling Sunset' and grieving on TV
D'Angelo Russell
D'Angelo Russell is a Louisville native who currently plays for the Los Angeles Lakers. According to his NBA profile, he was the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft.
Aside from sports, he has a foundation, the D’Angelo Russell Foundation, with which he recently donated $100,000 to help improve Algonquin Park.
More: Louisville native D’Angelo Russell's foundation donates $100k for Algonquin Park upgrades
George Clooney
George Clooney might be seen around the world with his wife Amal, but his beginnings are right here in Kentucky. He was born in Lexington and raised in Mason, Ohio, The Cincinnati Enquirer previously reported.
Clooney is the winner of two Academy Awards — Best Supporting Actor for "Syriana" and Best Picture for "Argo" which he co-produced.
Clooney is the nephew of singer and actress Rosemary Clooney, who was from Maysville, Kentucky, according to the Songwriters Hall of Fame website.
More: How George Clooney finally made an 'exciting' rowing movie with 'The Boys in the Boat'
Johnny Depp
Before starring in major movies, including the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, Johnny Depp had his roots in Owensboro.
Some of his other notable credits are "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," "Edward Scissorhands" and "Alice in Wonderland."
Josh Hutcherson
Josh Hutcherson, a Union native, has been on the big screen since he was little, starting in movies including "Little Manhattan" and "Bridge to Terabithia."
You also might know Hutcherson from "The Hunger Games" franchise, starring alongside Louisville native and Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence. Most recently, Hutcherson starred in the movie adaptation of the video game Five Nights at Freddy's.
More: Josh Hutcherson during 'Tonight Show' appearance on whistle edit meme: 'I'm here for it'
Marisha Ray
Louisville native Marisha Ray is mostly known for her work in television and streaming, including "8.13," the "Dungeons & Dragons" actual play series "Critical Role" and its animated spin-off, "The Legend of Vox Machina."
"I am an actor, host, stunt performer, and all around nerd," Ray said in her website.
Rajon Rondo
Rajon Rondo has double ties to Kentucky — he is a Louisville native, but also played basketball in the mid-2000s with the University of Kentucky Wildcats. He was even inducted into the UK Athletics Hall of Fame in 2023.
Rondo has also made a name for himself outside of the Bluegrass State, playing in the NBA with teams including the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.
Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect that George Clooney is the nephew of Rosemary Clooney.
More: Rajon Rondo, former guard for Kentucky basketball, inducted into UK Athletics Hall of Fame
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Famous people from Kentucky you may not know. See the list
