Famous People You May Not Know Are From Florida

Florida is rich in history and culture, with a long list of famous people who have called it home. From famous actors and musicians to athletes and politicians, the Sunshine State has produced a diverse range of talented individuals who have significantly impacted the world. Read on to discover some of the most famous people from Florida.

Musicians

Florida has produced some of the most iconic musicians of the 20th and 21st centuries. One of the most famous is Tom Petty, born and raised in Gainesville, Florida. Petty was the lead singer and guitarist for the band Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, which produced hit songs like "Free Fallin'" and "Don't Come Around Here No More." He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002 and continued to make music until his untimely death in 2017.Another famous musician from Florida is Gloria Estefan, born in Havana, Cuba, but grew up in Miami. Estefan is known for her Latin-infused pop music and has won seven Grammy Awards. Some of her most popular songs include "Conga" and "Rhythm Is Gonna Get You."

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Actors

Florida has also produced some of the biggest names in Hollywood. One of the most famous actors from Florida is Burt Reynolds, who was born in Lansing, Michigan but grew up in Riviera Beach, Florida. Reynolds is best known for his roles in films like "Deliverance," "Smokey and the Bandit," and "Boogie Nights." He was a frequent guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and became a household name in the 1970s and 1980s.

Another famous actor from Florida is Sidney Poitier, born in Miami and raised in the Bahamas. Poitier is best known for his roles in films like "In the Heat of the Night," "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," and "To Sir, with Love." He was the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for Best Actor and paved the way for future generations of Black actors in Hollywood.

Athletes

Florida is also home to some of the most successful athletes in history. One of the most famous is Michael Jordan, who was born in Brooklyn, New York but moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, before attending college at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards and is considered one of the greatest basketball players ever.

Another famous athlete from Florida is Tiger Woods, who was born in Cypress, California but moved to Florida as a child. Woods is known for his success in golf, having won 82 PGA Tour events and 15 major championships throughout his career. He was also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world during his prime.Politicians

Florida has produced some of the most influential politicians in American history. One of the most famous is Jeb Bush, born in Midland, Texas but moved to Miami in 1981. Bush served as the governor of Florida from 1999 to 2007 and was a candidate for the Republican nomination for president in 2016.

Another famous politician from Florida is Marco Rubio, born in Miami and served as a U.S. Senator from Florida from 2011 to 2021. Rubio is known for his conservative views and strong foreign policy stance.