# List of people from Virginia

This is a list of notable people who were born in the U.S. state of Virginia, were raised or lived in Virginia, or for whom Virginia is a significant part of their identity. Those not born in Virginia are marked with §.
* A
* B
* C
* D
* E
* F
* G
* H
* I
* J
* K
* L
* M
* N
* O
* P
* Q
* R
* S
* T
* U
* V
* W
* X
* Y
* Z
* See also
* References

## A

* Alden Aaroe – WRVA talk show host
* Caroline Aaron – actress and producer
* John Aboud – writer, comedian, commentator on Best Week Ever and other VH1 shows
* Jim Acosta – national political correspondent for CNN
* Hunter "Patch" Adams § – doctor, author, and social activist
* Rick Adams – Internet pioneer, founder of UUNET
* Xavier Adibi § – linebacker for Minnesota Vikings
* Cynthia Adinig § – Healthcare equity activist
* Chris Adler – drummer for Lamb of God
* Willie Adler – guitarist for Lamb of God
* Danny Aiken – long snapper for New England Patriots
* Mary C. Alexander – aviation pioneer
* Andy Allanson – former MLB catcher
* James Anderson § – linebacker for Carolina Panthers
* Justin Anderson – player for Dallas Mavericks
* V.C. Andrews – novelist; born in Portsmouth, Virginia
* Anhayla – singer, guitarist, YouTube personality
* Andi Arndt – audiobook narrator
* David Arquette – actor, born on commune in Winchester
* John Ashby – colonel in the Virginia militia
* Arthur Ashe (1943–1993) – tennis player and social activist
* Bob Asher – former NFL offensive tackle
* Abelhaleem Hasan Abdelraziq Ashqar – Palestinian convicted of criminal contempt and obstruction of justice for refusal to testify in a trial related to the funding of Hamas in the US
* Shakira Austin (born 2000) – basketball center for the Israeli team Elitzur Ramla
* Stephen F. Austin (1793–1836) – first Secretary of State of Republic of Texas
* Kevin Aviance – dancer

## B
### Ba–Bm

* Nathaniel Bacon (1647–1676) – led Bacon's Rebellion against British authority in 1676
* Diedrich Bader (born 1966) – actor
* Margaret L. Bailey (1812–1888) – writer, poet, lyricist, editor, and publisher
* Pearl Bailey – Tony Award-winning actress and singer
* Ronald Bailey § – science editor for Reason magazine
* Dylan Baker § – actor
* David Baldacci – author
* Krystal Ball – businesswoman, co-host of MSNBC show The Cycle
* Gordon Banks – guitarist and songwriter
* Steve Bannon – campaign manager, businessman, media executive, Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor to President Donald Trump
* Ronde Barber (born 1975) – NFL cornerback
* Tiki Barber (born 1975) – sportscaster, NFL running back
* Don Barclay (born 1989) – NFL offensive lineman
* Kylene Barker – Ms. America 1979
* Melody Barnes (born 1964) – director of Domestic Policy Council for President Barack Obama
* Lauren Barnette – beauty pageant winner and model
* Joey Baron – musician
* Connor Barth (born 1986) – placekicker for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
* Samuel Barton § (1749–1810) – explorer, pioneer; early settler of Nashville, Tennessee
* Viola Baskerville (born 1951) – Virginia Secretary of Administration
* Dave Batista – professional wrestler
* Warren Beatty (born 1937) – actor and Academy Award-winning director
* Beth Behrs § (born 1985) – actress, 2 Broke Girls
* Bob Bender (born 1957) – basketball player and coach
* Antoine Bethea § – football player for San Francisco 49ers
* Larry Bethea § – football player for Dallas Cowboys
* Rainey Bethea (1909–1936) – last person publicly executed in United States
* Leslie Bibb § – actress, Carley Bobby in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
* Jim Bibby – former Major League pitcher; from Madison Heights
* Lewis Binford (1931–2011) – archaeologist
* Adam Birch – professional wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment's SmackDown!
* Peter Blair – Olympic bronze medalist in freestyle wrestling
* Benny Blanco – record producer and songwriter
* Tom Bliley – member of United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 3rd congressional district then 7th congressional district
* Dré Bly – football player with the Detroit Lions
* Randy Blythe – singer of metal band Lamb of God

### Bn–Bz

* Bruce Bochy § – manager for Texas Rangers
* Rudy Boesch § – third-place finalist on Survivor: Pulau Tiga (first season)
* Bill Bolling § – Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
* Gary U.S. Bonds § – singer-songwriter
* J. Evan Bonifant – actor
* Olive Borden – actress
* Maria Boren – contestant on TV's The Apprentice
* Wes Borland – guitarist for Limp Bizkit and other bands
* Th-resa Bostick § – IFBB professional bodybuilder
* Luke Bowanko – center for the Jacksonville Jaguars
* Mary Bowser – freed slave who worked as Union spy during American Civil War, admitted to Military Intelligence Hall of Fame
* Jackie Bradley Jr. – center fielder for Boston Red Sox
* Ahmad Bradshaw (born 1986) – running back for New York Giants
* Karen Briggs § – violinist
* Antwain Britt (born 1978) – mixed martial artist
* Connie Britton § (born 1968) – actress; raised in Lynchburg
* Dave Brockie – founder of GWAR
* Aaron Brooks – football quarterback for Oakland Raiders
* Ahmad Brooks – professional football linebacker for San Francisco 49ers
* Chris Brown (born 1989) – singer and actor
* Duane Brown – offensive tackle for Houston Texans
* Ruth Brown – Grammy Award-award-winning singer and entertainer
* Mika Brzezinski § – television news journalist at MSNBC
* Shannon Bream – lawyer and Journalist, attended Liberty University
* Bebe Buell – fashion model, groupie; mother of Liv Tyler
* Joyce Bulifant – television actress
* Sandra Bullock (born 1964) – actress
* Plaxico Burress (born 1977) – wide receiver for New York Jets
* Hilarie Burton – actress
* Jeff Burton (born 1967) – NASCAR driver
* Ward Burton (born 1961) – NASCAR driver
* Curtis Bush – world champion kickboxer and actor
* Jermon Bushrod – offensive tackle for Chicago Bears
* Deon Butler – professional football wide receiver for Seattle Seahawks; from Woodbridge
* Eddie Butler – starting pitcher for Colorado Rockies
* Martha Haines Butt (1833–1871) — author
* Charlie Byrd – jazz guitarist

## C

* James Branch Cabell – author of fantasy fiction and belles lettres
* Erin Cahill – actress, Jen Scotts on Power Rangers Time Force
* Alyson Cambridge (born 1980) – operatic soprano and classical music, jazz, and American popular song singer
* Shawn Camp – relief pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays
* John Campbell – bassist for Lamb of God
* Eric Cantor – member of the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 7th congressional district
* Steve Cardenas – martial artist, actor, Rocky DeSantos on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers: Zeo
* Lott Carey – early African-American colonist and missionary to Liberia
* Jay Carney – White House Press Secretary under U.S. President Barack Obama
* A. P. Carter – musician, singer-songwriter; member of Carter Family
* Allen 'Big Al' Carter – painter, photographer, sculptor and teacher
* Maybelle Carter – guitarist, singer, member of Carter Family; mother of June Carter Cash
* Robert "King" Carter I (1663–1732) – wealthy colonist businessman
* Sara Carter (1898–1979) – country music singer
* Alan-Michael Cash – defensive tackle for Montreal Alouettes
* June Carter Cash (1929–2003) – singer-songwriter, actress and comedian; member of Carter Family, second wife of Johnny Cash
* Anthony Castonzo § – NFL player
* Jake Cave (born 1992) – outfielder for the Minnesota Twins
* Christina Chambers (born 1969) – actress and model, One Life to Live, Sunset Beach
* Kam Chancellor (born 1988) – strong safety for Seattle Seahawks
* David Chang – restaurateur
* Anthony Clark – actor (television sitcoms Yes, Dear and Boston Common); born in Lynchburg
* Florence Anderson Clark (1835–1918) – university librarian and administrator
* George Rogers Clark (1752–1818) – American Revolutionary War military leader
* William Clark (1770–1838) – explorer (Lewis and Clark Expedition); brother of George Rogers Clark
* Roy Clark – country musician born in Meherrin, Virginia
* Henry Clay (1777–1852) – 19th-century statesman
* Clarence Clemons (1942–2011) – saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, played football for Norfolk Neptunes
* Patsy Cline (1932–1963) – singer
* Jim Coates – former MLB pitcher, primarily with New York Yankees
* Sarah Johnson Cocke – writer and civic leader
* Coko – member of SWV, gospel music singer
* Catherine Coleman § (born 1960) – NASA astronaut
* Matt Coleman III (born 1998) - basketball player for Hapoel Haifa of the Israeli Basketball Premier League
* Francis Collins – physician-geneticist, director of National Institutes of Health
* Mike Compton – NFL player
* Stacy Compton – NASCAR driver and team owner; born in Hurt
* Kavell Conner – linebacker for Indianapolis Colts
* Matthew Continetti – journalist, editor-in-chief of The Washington Free Beacon
* Scott Cooper – actor, writer, director
* Michael Copon – actor, Lucas Kendall in Power Rangers: Time Force
* Leanza Cornett – Miss America, actress, TV commentator
* Alex Cosmidis – baseball player, manager, scout
* Joseph Cotten (1905–1994) – actor
* Patricia Cornwell § – novelist
* Katie Couric (born 1957) – television personality
* Michael Covel – author and documentarian
* Robert Cray § (born 1953) – blues musician
* Henry Creamer – vaudeville song lyricist
* Zach Cregger – actor
* Romeo Crennel (born 1947) – NFL coach
* Kyle Crockett (born 1991) – MLB pitcher
* Amanda Cromwell – professional soccer coach and former player
* Adrian Cronauer § – disc jockey
* Michael Cuddyer (born 1979) – MLB outfielder
* Elizabeth Litchfield Cunnyngham — missionary and church worker
* Dell Curry (born 1964) – former NBA player for the Charlotte Hornets; father of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry

## D

* D'Angelo – R&B musician
* Dan Daniel – politician, 39th National Commander of American Legion
* Troy Daniels – shooting guard for Charlotte Hornets
* Colgate Whitehead Darden Jr. – Governor of Virginia, Chancellor of the College of William & Mary and President of the University of Virginia
* Wendy Dascomb – Miss USA 1969
* Chris Daughtry § (born 1979) – American Idol finalist; attended high school in Charlottesville
* Ed Davis § – power forward for Toronto Raptors; attended Benedictine High School in Richmond
* Tanya Davis – artist and past president of the Torpedo Factory Artists Association
* Tyrone Davis – NFL tight end, primarily with Green Bay Packers
* John M. Dawson (1829–1913) – minister and Virginia Senator
* Jimmy Dean – singer, actor, television personality and "sausage king"
* Serena Deeb – professional wrestler
* Dalvin DeGrate – singer, member of R&B group Jodeci
* Evelyn Magruder DeJarnette (1842–1914) — author
* DeSagana Diop § – center for Charlotte Bobcats; attended Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson
* Junie Donlavey – owner and namesake of NASCAR "Donlavey" racing team
* Eric Dorsey § – defensive end for New York Giants; attended high school in McLean
* Desmond Doss – United States Army corporal who served as a combat medic during World War II
* Gabby Douglas – artistic gymnast and Olympic gold medalist
* Fanny Murdaugh Downing (1831–1894) — author and poet
* Bill Dudley (1921–2010) – former NFL halfback, member of the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame
* Eliza Ann Dupuy (c. 1814 – 1880) — littérateur and author
* Kevin Durant § – All-Star small forward for NBA champion Golden State Warriors; attended Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson

## E

* Kenny Easley (born 1959) – NFL safety for the Seattle Seahawks, member of the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame
* Ferrell Edmunds (born 1965) – NFL tight end
* Tremaine Edmunds (born 1998) – NFL linebacker
* Terrell Edmunds (born 1997) – NFL safety
* Trey Edmunds (born 1994) – NFL running back
* Elizabeth Edwards § (1949–2010) – attorney, author; estranged wife to John Edwards
* Missy Elliott (born 1971) – rapper
* Perry Ellis (1940–1986) – fashion designer
* Brother Claude Ely (1922–1978) – singer-songwriter, Pentecostal Holiness preacher
* Phillip H. Emerson (1834–1889) – Justice of the Supreme Court of the Utah Territory 1873–1885
* Garrett Epps (born 1950) – legal scholar, novelist, journalist
* Victoria Espinel (born 1968) – Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator under U.S. President Barack Obama
* Charles Esten § (born 1965) – comedian, actor and singer

## F

* Jonny Fairplay – Survivor: Pearl Islands contestant and professional wrestler
* Frankie Faison – film actor
* Jerry Falwell (1933–2007) – Christian minister, televangelist, and political activist (Moral Majority)
* James Farrior – NFL linebacker
* William Faulkner § (1897–1962) – author, writer-in-residence at University of Virginia from 1957 until his death
* Florian-Ayala Fauna – artist, musician, music producer
* Mimi Faust – reality TV personality
* Justin Fairfax (born 1979) – Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
* Bessie Alexander Ficklen (1861–1945), poet and artist
* Dorian Finney-Smith – NBA player for Dallas Mavericks
* Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) – jazz singer
* Roberta Flack § – Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, musician
* Gary Fleder – film director, screenwriter, producer
* Charles Follis – first African-American professional football player
* Jon Foreman – lead singer for rock band Switchfoot
* Tim Foreman – bass player for rock band Switchfoot
* Chip Franklin – comedian and talk show host

## G

* Lea Gabrielle (born 1975) – journalist and correspondent, Fox News Channel
* Forrest Gander § (born 1956) – poet, essayist and translator
* Greg Garcia – director, producer, creator of sitcoms Raising Hope and My Name Is Earl, co-creator of Yes, Dear
* Clifton Garvin – chief executive officer of Exxon 1975–1986
* Gray Gaulding – NASCAR driver
* Azita Ghanizada § – actress, Saira Batra on General Hospital: Night Shift
* William D. Gibbons – Baptist minister
* William Gibson § – cyberpunk author; coined the term 'cyberspace'
* Vince Gilligan – director, producer, creator of Breaking Bad
* Jim Gilmore – Governor of Virginia
* Sheila Giolitti – artist and art dealer
* Jack Gilpin – actor
* Ellen Glasgow – early 20th-century novelist
* Indur M. Goklany – science and technology policy analyst for U.S. Department of the Interior
* Irving Gottesman – professor and professor emeritus at University of Virginia
* Lauren Graham – actress, comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls
* Samuel Gravely – African-American officer who broke many racial barriers in U.S. Navy
* Justin Grimm § – relief pitcher for Chicago Cubs
* David Grohl – musician with Foo Fighters; moved to Virginia at age three
* Johnny Grubb – Major League Baseball player
* Kevin Grubb – NASCAR driver
* Wayne Grubb – NASCAR crew chief and former driver
* Grant Gustin – actor best known for his role as The Flash in the superhero TV series of the same name; born in Norfolk
* Brandon Guyer § – outfielder for Cleveland Indians

## H

* Hilary Hahn (born 1979) – two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist
* Charlie Hales § (born 1956) – Mayor of Portland, Oregon
* Charles Haley – football player for Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers; born in Gladys
* DeAngelo Hall § (born 1983) – cornerback for Washington Redskins
* Fawn Hall (born 1959) – figure in Iran–Contra affair
* Mark Hamill § (born 1951) – actor, known for Star Wars films; attended high school in Annandale
* Peter Hamby § (born 1981) – journalist; attended high school in Richmond
* Denny Hamlin (born 1980) – NASCAR driver, 2006 rookie of the year, and Three time Daytona 500 winner; grew up in Chesterfield
* Zac Hanson (born 1985) – member of pop band Hanson
* Jason Butler Harner § (born 1970) – actor
* Eli Harold (born 1994) – linebacker for San Francisco 49ers
* Justin Harper (born 1989) – power forward for Orlando Magic
* Benjamin Harrison – 23rd President of the United States; grandson of William Henry Harrison
* Benjamin Harrison V – signer of the Declaration of Independence, father of U.S. President William Henry Harrison
* Carl Hairston (born 1952) – NFL player, Super Bowl champion
* William Henry Harrison (1773–1841) – 9th President of the United States
* Kathryn Harrold (born 1950) – actress
* Bryan Harvey – musician; known for fronting role in House of Freaks; murdered with family in 2006
* Percy Harvin – NFL wide receiver
* Nidal Hasan – U.S. Army psychiatrist; sole suspect in Fort Hood shooting of 2009
* Frank Hassell (born 1988) – basketball player
* Earl Hebner – professional wrestling referee
* Mike Helton – vice chairman of NASCAR
* William Henderson – fullback for Green Bay Packers
* Lauri Hendler – actress, Gimme a Break!
* Rick Hendrick – NASCAR Cup Series team owner for Chase Elliott, Jimmie Johnson, Alex Bowman, and William Byron; born in South Hill
* Molly Henneberg (born 1973) – reporter for Fox News
* Patrick Henry (1736–1799) – American Revolution figure and first Governor of Virginia after nation's independence
* Kate Higgins (born 1969) – anime voice actor
* Grant Hill § (born 1972) – basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, 7-time NBA All-Star
* Oliver Hill (1907–2007) – lawyer
* Laura Hillenbrand (born 1967) – author of books and magazine articles
* Skip Hinnant (born 1940) – actor, The Electric Company
* Mary Evelyn Hitchcock (1849–1920) — author and explorer
* Wendell and Sherman Holmes – blues, gospel and roots musicians
* David Homyk – musician
* Grace Hopper § (1906–1992) – pioneering computer scientist, and United States Navy rear admiral
* Constance Horner (born 1942) – public official in Reagan and first Bush administrations; independent director of Pfizer, Prudential Financial, and Ingersoll Rand; resides in Lexington
* Bruce Hornsby (born 1954) – musician
* Ralph Horween (1896–1997) – Harvard Crimson and NFL football player, centenarian
* Quin Houff (born 1997) – NASCAR driver
* Sam Houston (1793–1863) – born in Rockbridge County; Governor of Tennessee (1827–1829); first and third President of Republic of Texas; Governor of Texas; U.S. Senator from Texas
* David Huddleston (1930–2016) – actor, The Big Lebowski, Blazing Saddles
* Juliet Huddy § (born 1969) – Fox News news anchor; attended high school in McLean
* Daniel Hudson (born 1987) – closer for Washington Nationals
* Steve Huffman (born 1983) – co-founder and CEO of Reddit
* Chad Hugo (born 1974) – musician and music producer, one-half of The Neptunes
* Patrick Hull – entrepreneur based in Richmond
* Randy Hundley – catcher for Chicago Cubs
* Al Hunt – columnist for Bloomberg View
* Robert Hurt (born 1969) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 5th congressional district

## I

* Ashley Iaconetti (born 1988) – television personality
* Arsalan Iftikhar (born 1977) – human rights lawyer, global media commentator, and author
* Brandon Inge (born 1977) – MLB player; from Lynchburg
* James Addison Ingle (1867–1903) § – American missionary to China
* Mike Imoh (born 1984) – former Virginia Tech and Canadian Football League running back
* Andre Ingram (born 1985) – NBA player, NBA G League record holder for most games played
* Jay M. Ipson (born 1935) § – Holocaust survivor and co-founder of the Virginia Holocaust Museum
* Daryl Irvine (born 1964) – former MLB relief pitcher
* Allen Iverson (born 1975) – former NBA player for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons
* Mark Ivey (born 1973) – college football coach
* Larry Izzo (born 1974) – NFL player, coach

## J

* Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson § (1824–1863) – Confederate military leader; born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia (which was formerly Virginia)
* Mickie James (born 1979) – professional wrestler and musician
* Tommy Lee James – country music songwriter and record producer
* Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) – 3rd President of the United States, author of Declaration of Independence, founder of University of Virginia
* Clara Jeffery § (born 1967) – co-editor of Mother Jones magazine
* Rashad Jennings (born 1985) – running back for New York Giants
* Jim Jinkins – cartoonist
* Cornelius Johnson (born 1943) – NFL guard, won Super Bowl V with Baltimore Colts
* Nicole Johnson (born c. 1974) – Miss America 1999
* Wes Johnson – actor and comedian
* Maria I. Johnston (1835–1921) — author, journalist, editor and lecturer
* Arrington Jones (born 1959) – running back for San Francisco 49ers
* Julius Jones (born 1981) – football player for Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks
* Thomas Jones (born 1978) – running back for Kansas City Chiefs
* Akeem Jordan (born 1985) – linebacker for Philadelphia Eagles
* Cornelia J. M. Jordan (1830–1898) — poet and lyricist
* Henry Jordan (1935–1977) – lineman for Green Bay Packers, member of Pro Football Hall of Fame
* Orlando Jordan – professional wrestler
* Samuel Jordan (died 1621) – earliest Virginia leader at Jamestown Settlement

## K

* Tim Kaine § (born 1958) – former Governor and current U.S. Senator, 2016 Democratic nominee for vice president under Hillary Clinton
* Archie Kao § – actor and director
* Josh Kaufman § (born 1976) – Soul singer-songwriter, winner of NBC's The Voice season 6; attended Blacksburg High School
* Jeremy Kapinos § (born 1984) – punter for Pittsburgh Steelers
* Richard Kelly (born 1975) – film director
* Patrick Kilpatrick – actor, Minority Report, Eraser
* Barbara Kingsolver – author; lives outside Abingdon
* V.J. King (born 1997) – NBA player, attended Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax, Virginia
* Wayne Kirby – first base coach for Baltimore Orioles
* Chaney Kley (1972–2007) – actor, Asher on The Shield
* John Kuester (born 1955) – assistant coach for Los Angeles Lakers

## L

* Michael Lachowski – bass guitar player for rock band Pylon
* Jeffrey M. Lacker – chief executive of Fifth District Federal Reserve Bank at Richmond
* Kendall Langford – defensive end for Miami Dolphins
* Rick Langford – MLB pitcher
* Wayne LaPierre – former CEO and executive vice president of National Rifle Association of America, author, gun rights advocate
* Alan Larson (born 1949) – diplomat and ambassador
* Mat Latos – MLB pitcher
* Wendy B. Lawrence § (born 1959) – retired U.S. Navy Captain, helicopter pilot, engineer, NASA astronaut
* Wilford Leach (1929–1988) – film and theatre director, screenwriter
* Jake E. Lee (born 1957) – guitarist for Ratt, Rough Cutt, Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands
* Light Horse Harry Lee (1756–1818) – Prince William County; American Revolutionary War hero; father of Robert E. Lee
* Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794) – Westmoreland County; presented proposal for independence to Continental Congress in 1776
* Robert E. Lee (1807–1870) – Confederate States of America military leader, commander of Army of Northern Virginia
* Will Yun Lee – actor
* William Gregory Lee – actor, Dante's Cove
* Tim Legler – ESPN NBA analyst
* Egbert Leigh – evolutionary ecologist
* Meriwether Lewis (1774–1809) – explorer with Lewis and Clark Expedition
* Shaquan Lewis – aka "Skillz" from Supafriendz, rapper
* Sabrina Lloyd (born 1970) – actress, Sliders, Sports Night, Numb3rs
* Mike London (born 1960) – head football coach at University of Virginia
* Chris Long § (born 1985) – NFL defensive end for New England Patriots
* Hyman Isaac Long (born 18th century) – Freemason
* Kyle Long – NFL offensive lineman
* Javier López § (born 1977) – relief pitcher for San Francisco Giants
* Brandon Lowe (born 1994) – second baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays
* Rob Lowe (born 1964) – actor known for films and TV series including The West Wing, Wayne's World, Parks and Recreation
* David Lowery – lead singer of Cracker, co-founder Sound of Music Studios
* Rich Lowry (born 1968) – editor of National Review, syndicated columnist, and author
* Henry Lee Lucas (1936–2001) – serial killer
* Elaine Luria (born 1975) – member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 2nd district; former United States Navy Commander

## M
### Ma–Md

* Douglas MacArthur § (1880–1964) – military leader, born in Arkansas, considered Norfolk his hometown; buried in Norfolk
* Stanton Macdonald-Wright (1890–1973) – artist
* Vernon Macklin (born 1986) – power forward for Detroit Pistons
* Shirley MacLaine (born 1934) – Academy Award-winning actress and author
* Scott Mactavish (born 1965) – filmmaker and author
* James Madison (1751–1836) – 4th President of the United States, co-author of The Federalist Papers, "Father of the United States Constitution"
* Magnum T. A. – professional wrestler
* William Mahone (1826–1895) – Confederate States of America general, founder of Norfolk and Western Railroad (now Norfolk Southern)
* John Maine (born 1981) – MLB pitcher; born in Fredericksburg; graduate of North Stafford High school
* Lee Major – Grammy-nominated music producer
* Moses Malone (1955–2015) – NBA player in Basketball Hall of Fame
* Aimee Mann – musician; from Midlothian and Richmond area
* Sally Mann (born 1951) – photographer; from Lexington
* Charlie Manuel § (born 1944) – former manager of Philadelphia Phillies
* EJ Manuel (born 1990) – quarterback for Oakland Raiders
* Chris Marion § (born 1962) – musician, member of classic rock band Little River Band
* Fannie H. Marr (1835–1918) — author and poet
* Henry L. Marsh (born 1933) – first African-American mayor of Richmond, Virginia
* George Marshall § (1880–1959) – U.S. Army officer, World War II military leader, U.S. Secretary of Defense, author of Marshall Plan and recipient of Nobel Peace Prize; graduate of Virginia Military Institute
* John Marshall – lawyer, statesman, and fourth Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court
* Sean Marshall – MLB pitcher
* David Martin § – tight end for Buffalo Bills
* George Mason (1725–1792) – politician, author of Virginia Declaration of Rights; namesake of George Mason University
* Bobby Massie (born 1989) – offensive tackle for Arizona Cardinals
* Debbie Matenopoulos – television personality
* Dave Matthews § (born 1967) – musician, frontman of Dave Matthews Band; resident of Charlottesville
* Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806–1873) – U.S. Navy officer, astronomer, oceanographer, geologist, educator
* Jerod Mayo (born 1986) – linebacker for New England Patriots
* Jayma Mays (born 1979) – actress, Emma Pillsbury on Glee
* John McAfee § (1945–2021) – software engineer for NASA, Computer Sciences Corporation, and Lockheed, known for McAfee antivirus software
* Danny McBride (born 1976) – actor, star of films and TV series Eastbound and Down; from Fredericksburg
* John McCain § (1936–2018) – Panamanian-born politician, navy officer, U.S. Senator from Arizona from 1986 until his death; 2008 Republican nominee for President; raised in Alexandria and Arlington
* John McCargo (born 1983) – NFL defensive tackle for Buffalo Bills
* Dagen McDowell – anchor on Fox Business Network and correspondent for Fox News Channel
* Michael McGlothlin (born 1951) – president of [University of Appalachia] School of Pharmacy, politician, and activist
* William Holmes McGuffey § (1800–1873) – creator of McGuffey Readers; professor at University of Virginia
* David McLeod (born 1971) – first recipient of Arena Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award
* Billy McMullen – football player for University of Virginia and Minnesota Vikings
* Jesse McReynolds – bluegrass musician, mandolin player

### Me–Mz

* Joseph Meek (1810–1875) – explorer and fur trader
* Philip B. Meggs – design historian, author of History of Graphic Design
* Christopher Meloni – actor, Law & Order: SVU; grew up in Alexandria and went to St. Stephens School
* Leland D. Melvin (born 1964) – NASA astronaut
* Camila Mendes (born 1994) – actor, Do Revenge; born in Charlottesville
* Joey Mercury (born 1979) – professional wrestler
* LaShawn Merritt – track sprinter, 3-time Olympic gold medalist
* Heath Miller (born 1982) – NFL tight end for Pittsburgh Steelers
* Jason C. Miller § (born 1972) – lead vocalist and guitarist for Godhead
* Mittie Miller (1850–1937) — novelist
* Judson Mills § (born 1969) – actor, Francis Gage on Walker, Texas Ranger
* Nannie Jacquelin Minor (1871–1934) – early practitioner of public health nursing in Virginia
* Arthur Moats (born 1988) – NFL linebacker for Buffalo Bills
* Modern Groove Syndicate – funk band from Richmond, Virginia
* Darryl Monroe (born 1986) – professional basketball player, 2016 Israeli Basketball Premier League MVP
* James Monroe (1758–1831) – 5th President of the United States; namesake of Monroe Doctrine
* John Montague (born 1947) – MLB pitcher
* Will Montgomery § (born 1983) – NFL lineman for Washington Redskins
* Jim Moody (born 1949) – actor
* Lottie Moon (1840–1912) – Christian missionary to China
* Jim Morrison § (1943–1971) – singer-songwriter for The Doors; born in Florida; graduated from high school in Alexandria
* Mark Morton – guitarist for Lamb of God
* John Singleton Mosby (1833–1916) – Edgemont; "The Gray Ghost", Confederate cavalry commander
* William P. Moseley – (1819–1890) businessman and Virginia senator
* Wendell Moore Jr. (born 2001) – basketball player
* Alonzo Mourning (born 1970) – basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, member of Basketball Hall of Fame
* Jason Mraz (born 1977) – musician
* John Mullan (1830–1909) – soldier, explorer, civil servant, and road builder
* Dermot Mulroney (born 1963) – actor of many films including My Best Friend's Wedding
* Mick Mulvaney (born 1967) – Director of the Office of Management and Budget
* Lenda Murray § (born 1962) – IFBB professional bodybuilder
* Bret Myers (born 1980) – soccer player and professor
* Lon Myers (1858–1899) – sprinter, multiple world records

## N

* Kaedan Nam - member of South Korean boy group, Fantasy Boys
* Diane Neal (born 1976) – actress; Casey Novak on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
* Thomas Nelson Jr. (1738–1789) – Governor of Virginia, signer of Declaration of Independence
* Nettspend (born 2007-2008) – Rapper
* Ralph Northam (born 1959) – 73rd Governor of Virginia
* Johnny Newman (born 1963) – University of Richmond and NBA basketball player
* Tommy Newsom (1929–2007) – saxophone player, bandleader
* Wayne Newton (born 1942) – singer, entertainer, actor
* Nick Novak § (born 1981) – placekicker for San Diego Chargers

## O

* Afemo Omilami (born 1950) – actor
* Texas Jack Omohundro (1846–1880) – frontier scout, actor, and cowboy
* Uncle Charlie Osborne (1890–1992) – musician
* Patton Oswalt (born 1969) – actor and comedian
* Rayvon Owen (born 1991) – musician, contestant on American Idol season 14
* Ken Oxendine – NFL running back

## P

* Elizabeth Fry Page (1865–1943) — author and editor
* Micky Park § – singer and actor
* Ace Parker (1912–2013) – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback
* George S. Patton § (1885–1945) – World War II military leader; family was from Fredericksburg; attended the Virginia Military Institute
* M. M. Parsons (1822–1865) – Confederate general, second commander of Missouri State Guard in the American Civil War
* Robert Paxton – historian
* James Spriggs Payne – fourth and eighth president of Liberia
* John Payne – actor of many films including Miracle on 34th Street
* Judith Peck – award-winning visual artist and portrait painter
* Cedric Peerman – NFL running back
* Tom Peloso – member of Modest Mouse; formerly of The Hackensaw Boys
* Tony Perez (born 1942) – actor, Hill Street Blues
* Thomas J. Perrelli (born 1966) – U.S. Associate Attorney General under President Barack Obama
* Darren Perry (born 1968) – assistant coach for Green Bay Packers
* Jay Pharoah (born 1987) – comedian, impressionist, Saturday Night Live
* John Phillips § (1935–2001) – folk and pop musician of 1960s vocal group The Mamas & the Papas
* John Phillips (born 1987) – tight end for Dallas Cowboys
* Pocahontas (1595–1617) – princess of Powhatan tribe
* Edgar Allan Poe § – iconic author of "The Raven", "The Tell-Tale Heart" and other poems and stories
* Lewis F. Powell – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States 1971-87
* Darrell C. Powers – member of Easy Company, Band of Brothers (1923–2009)
* Chief Powhatan (1547–1618) – ruler of Eastern Virginia at time of founding of Jamestown
* Paul Pressey (born 1958) – NBA small forward, assistant coach for Cleveland Cavaliers
* Sterling Price (1809–1867) – 11th Governor of Missouri, first commander of Missouri State Guard in the American Civil War
* Faith Prince § (born 1957) – actress, Huff and Spin City
* Margaret Prior (1773–1842) — missionary, reformist, and writer
* Chesty Puller (1898–1971) – most decorated Marine in American history

## Q

* George Quaintance (1902–1957) – artist
* Christopher Dillon Quinn – documentarian

## R

* Edmund Randolph (1753–1813) – Governor of Virginia, U.S. Attorney General, Secretary of State
* Peyton Randolph – 1775 President of Continental Congress
* Della H. Raney (1912–1987) – first African American accepted into the United States Army Nurse Corps
* Clay Rapada (born 1981) – retired MLB pitcher
* Chris Ray (born 1982) – retired MLB pitcher
* J. J. Redick § (born 1984) – shooting guard for New Orleans Pelicans
* Ralph Reed (born 1961) – conservative political activist, novelist
* Tim Reid (born 1944) – actor, comedian, director, WKRP in Cincinnati, Simon & Simon, Sister, Sister
* J. Sargeant Reynolds – businessman, statesman, Lieutenant Governor
* LaRoy Reynolds – linebacker for Atlanta Falcons
* Mark Reynolds § (born 1983) – MLB infielder for Colorado Rockies
* R. J. Reynolds (1850–1918) – businessman and founder of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
* Vera Reynolds (1899–1962) – 1920s and '30s film actress
* Chris Richardson § (born 1984) – American Idol finalist
* Alex Riley – WWE professional wrestler
* John Ripley (1939–2008) – decorated United States Marine Corps colonel
* David L. Robbins – novelist
* Tom Robbins – author, studied art at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University), worked for Richmond Times Dispatch
* Jane Roberts (c. 1819–1914) – 1st First Lady of Liberia
* Joseph Jenkins Roberts (1809–1876) – 1st President of Liberia
* Pat Robertson (born 1930) – Christian televangelist and political leader
* Bill "Bojangles" Robinson § (1878–1949) – dancer
* David Robinson § (born 1965) – Hall of Fame basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, 10-time NBA All-Star
* Michael Robinson (born 1983) – running back for Seattle Seahawks
* John Rolfe § (c. 1585–1622) – settler at Jamestown Settlement, first developer of cultivated tobacco for European market
* John Rollins (born 1975) – professional golfer
* Felipe Rose § – founding member of the Village People
* Tim Rose § – rock, folk, and blues singer-songwriter
* Bobby Ross § – college and pro football coach
* Aaron Rouse (born 1984) – safety for the United Football League and Virginia State Senator
* Eddie Royal (born 1986) – wide receiver for San Diego Chargers
* Albert Rust (1818–1870) – politician and Confederate general

## S
### Sa–Sm

* Elliott Sadler (born 1975) – NASCAR driver
* Bob Saget § (born 1956) – actor, comedian, television series Full House, original host of America's Funniest Home Videos
* Billy Sample (born 1955) – MLB player for Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves
* Ralph Sampson (born 1960) – Hall of Fame center, Virginia Cavaliers and NBA
* Rick Santorum (born 1958) – lawyer and former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
* Joe Saunders (born 1981) – MLB pitcher
* Eric Schmidt (born 1955) – software-engineer and executive chairman of Google
* Owen Schmitt § (born 1985) – fullback for Philadelphia Eagles
* Ed Schultz (1954–2018) – left-wing radio and television host, The Ed Show
* Michael Schwimer (born 1986) – relief pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies
* George C. Scott (1927–1999) – actor; won an Academy Award for Best Actor for film Patton (1970)
* Wendell Scott (1921–1990) – first African American to race in NASCAR
* Willard Scott (1934–2021) – weather reporter on The Today Show; the original Ronald McDonald
* Winfield Scott (1786–1866) – United States Army general
* Steve Scully (born 1960) – host of C-SPAN's Washington Journal
* Rhea Seehorn (born 1972) – Kim Wexler on Better Call Saul
* Seka (born 1954) – adult film star
* Tom Shadyac (born 1958) – film director, Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty, The Nutty Professor
* Darren Sharper – retired NFL safety
* Meghann Shaughnessy – professional tennis player
* Deborah Shelton § (born 1948) – actress, Miss USA 1970
* Ricky Van Shelton – country music and gospel singer; born in Danville, Virginia
* Lauren Shehadi (born 1983) – sportscaster and Journalist
* John Wesley Shipp – actor (Dawson's Creek, The Flash, Guiding Light)
* Gray Simons – Olympic freestyle wrestler, won four NAIA national championships and three NCAA wrestling championships
* Clint Sintim – linebacker for New York Giants
* Scott Sizemore – infielder for New York Yankees
* Sam Sloan (born 1944) – political prisoner, kidnapping victim
* Bruce Smith (born 1963) – former NFL star, career sack leader
* Joe Smith (born 1975) – NBA player for Los Angeles Lakers
* John Smith of Jamestown § (1580–1631) – co-founder of Jamestown Settlement, first English colony in America (1607)
* Kate Smith (1909–1986) – singer best known for rendition of "God Bless America"
* Torrey Smith – wide receiver for San Francisco 49ers

### Sn–Sz

* Norm Snead (born 1939) – NFL quarterback for five teams
* Sam Snead (1912–2002) – Hall of Fame golfer, winner of 82 PGA Tour events including three Masters championships
* Jason Snelling § (born 1983) – running back for Atlanta Falcons
* Abigail Spanberger (born 1979) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 7th Congressional district
* Chris Sprouse (born 1966) – comics artist
* John W. Snow – United States Secretary of the Treasury, chairman and CEO of CSX Corporation
* Maura Soden (born 1955) – actress
* Trey Songz (born 1984) – singer
* Scott Sowers (1963–2018) – actor
* Eric Stanley (born 1991) – violinist, arranger, YouTube personality
* Ralph Stanley (1927–2016) – musician
* Robert Stanton (born 1963) – actor, The Cosby Mysteries
* Peter Starke (1813–1888) – politician and Confederate general
* Robert Stethem § (1961–1985) – U.S. Navy Seabee diver killed by Hezbollah militants during hijacking of TWA Flight 847
* Brandon Stokley (born 1976) – wide receiver for Seattle Seahawks
* Charles Stanley (born 1932) – Southern Baptist pastor
* Dick Stockton § (born 1951) – professional tennis player
* Julyan Stone (born 1988) – player for Denver Nuggets
* Curtis Strange (born 1955) – professional golfer, member of the World Golf Hall of Fame
* Greg Stroman (born 1996) – NFL cornerback
* J.E.B. Stuart (1833–1864) – Confederate general
* William Styron (1925–2006) – novelist
* Skipp Sudduth § (born 1956) – actor, John 'Sully' Sullivan on Third Watch
* Margaret Sullavan (1909–1960) – actress
* Charlie Sumner (1930–2015) – former NFL player and coach
* Carol M. Swain (born 1954) – political scientist, Vanderbilt professor
* Josh Sweat (born 1997) – NFL defensive end
* DeVante Swing (born 1969) – music producer, singer, founder of R&B group Jodeci
* Wanda Sykes – comedian and actress; born in Portsmouth, Virginia

## T

* Darryl Tapp (born 1984) – defensive end for Philadelphia Eagles
* Fran Tarkenton – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback for Minnesota Vikings; co-host of ABC-TV's That's Incredible
* Ben Tate (born 1988) – running back for Houston Texans
* Chris Taylor (born 1990) – baseball player for Los Angeles Dodgers
* Edmund Dick Taylor (1804–1891) – "Father of the Greenback"
* Lawrence Taylor (born 1959) – Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker for New York Giants
* Peter Taylor (1917–1994) – writer; born in Tennessee, spent most of career teaching at University of Virginia
* Tyrod Taylor (born 1989) – quarterback for Buffalo Bills
* Zachary Taylor (1784–1850) – 12th President of the United States
* Lewis Temple – escaped African-American slave who invented a new kind of harpoon known as "Temple's Toggle"
* David Terrell – football player
* Logan Thomas (born 1991) – NFL tight end, played quarterback at Virginia Tech
* Scottie Thompson (born 1981) – actress, Jeanne Benoit on NCIS
* Lee Thornton (1941–2013) – journalist and correspondent for CBS, CNN, and NPR
* Matt Tifft (born 1996) – former NASCAR driver
* Timbaland (born 1974) – music producer and rapper
* Mike Tomlin (born 1972) – head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers, led team to Super Bowl XLIII championship
* Randy Tomlin – MLB pitcher; from Madison Heights
* Al Toon (born 1963) – retired football player for New York Jets
* Adrian Tracy (born 1988) – NFL and CFL defensive back
* Scott Travis (born 1961) – drummer for Judas Priest and Racer X
* Adriana Trigiani – writer, author of novel Big Stone Gap
* Curtis Turner (1924–1970) – stock car racer, member of NASCAR Hall of Fame
* Nat Turner (1800–1831) – leader of slave rebellion
* Leeann Tweeden (born 1973) – model, television personality
* Cy Twombly (1928–2011) – abstract artist
* John Tyler (1790–1862) – 10th President of the United States

## U

* Kali Uchis – singer
* Skeet Ulrich – actor, starred in Scream, The Newton Boys, and Jericho
* B. J. Upton – MLB outfielder
* Justin Upton – MLB outfielder

## V

* S. S. Van Dine (1888–1939) – author, creator of Philo Vance
* Lila Meade Valentine (1865–1921) – education reformer, health-care advocate, and woman's suffragist
* Marc Vann (born 1954) – actor, Conrad Ecklie on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
* Jarvis Varnado (born 1988) – professional basketball player, 2013 NBA champion with the Miami Heat
* Phil Vassar – country music singer/songwriter; from Lynchburg
* Julian Vaughn (born 1988) – professional basketball player
* Abraham B. Venable (1758–1811) – representative and senator from Virginia
* Brandon Vera (born 1977) – mixed martial artist
* Justin Verlander (born 1983) – Major League Baseball pitcher for Houston Astros
* Charles Vess (born 1951) – fantasy artist and comic-book illustrator
* Marcus Vick (born 1984) – NFL quarterback
* Michael Vick (born 1980) – NFL quarterback
* Gene Vincent (1935–1971) – musician who pioneered styles of rock and roll and rockabilly

## W
### Wa–Wh

* Bobby Wadkins – professional golfer
* Lanny Wadkins – professional golfer
* Amina Wadud – Islamic Virginia Commonwealth University professor
* Mark Warner (born 1954) – senior United States senator of Virginia
* Billy Wagner (born 1971) – retired MLB pitcher, primarily for Houston Astros and New York Mets; also pitched for Ferrum College
* Richard Wagoner – former president of General Motors
* Maggie L. Walker – first woman to found a bank in U.S.
* Travis Wall (born 1971) – reality-television personality, So You Think You Can Dance, Season 2
* Ben Wallace – NBA basketball player
* Randall Wallace – writer, director, Braveheart, Pearl Harbor, We Were Soldiers
* Dylan Walsh § – actor, Nip/Tuck, Brooklyn South, Gabriel's Fire
* Booker T. Washington (1856–1915) – iconic educator, activist, founder of Tuskegee Institute
* George Washington (1732–1799) – 1st President of the United States, commander-in-chief of Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, "Father of Our Country"
* Kelley Washington (born 1979) – wide receiver for Baltimore Ravens
* Benjamin Watson (born 1980) – tight end for New Orleans Saints
* B. W. Webb (born 1990) – cornerback for Dallas Cowboys
* Haley Webb – actress
* Tyler Webb – pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals
* Brianté Weber (born 1992) – basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
* Susan Archer Weiss (1822–1917) — poet
* Josh Wells – offensive tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars
* Kellie Wells – track hurdler, 2012 Olympic bronze medalist
* Paul Wellstone § (1944–2002) – member of U.S. Senate from Minnesota
* Jennifer Wexton (born 1968) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 10th congressional district
* Suzanne Whang – television host, actress, House Hunters, Las Vegas
* Pernell Whitaker – professional boxer
* Jason White – NASCAR driver
* Lucky Whitehead – wide receiver for Dallas Cowboys

### Wi–Wz

* Tom Wiggin § (born 1955) – actor, Kirk Anderson on As the World Turns and Joe Foster on Texas
* L. Douglas Wilder (born 1931) – first elected African-American governor of U.S. state (Governor of Virginia, 1990–1994), Richmond City mayor
* Jenny Wiley § (1760–1831) – pioneer, Native American captive
* Daryl Williams (born 1992) – offensive tackle for Carolina Panthers
* Keller Williams (born 1970) – musician
* Kiely Williams – member of 3LW and The Cheetah Girls, actress The House Bunny
* Monty Williams – former NBA player; head coach for New Orleans Hornets
* Pharrell Williams (born 1973) – Grammy Award-winning musician and producer, one-half of The Neptunes
* Reggie Williams (born 1986) – NBA basketball player
* Steven Williams § (born 1949) – actor, 21 Jump Street, L.A. Heat, Linc's
* Carl Willis (born 1960) – MLB pitcher and coach
* Curtis Wilkerson (born 1961) – MLB player for four teams
* Casey Wilson (born 1980) – actress, comedian, Happy Endings, Saturday Night Live
* David Wilson (born 1991) – running back for New York Giants
* Patrick Wilson (born 1973) – actor, Nite Owl II in Watchmen, The Conjuring, Fargo
* Russell Wilson § – quarterback for Seattle Seahawks
* Samuel V. Wilson (1923–2017) – United States Army lieutenant general
* Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) – 28th President of the United States
* Stan Winston – film special-effects designer
* Henry Wise Jr. (1920–2003) – physician and World War II Tuskegee Airman fighter pilot
* Julia A. Wood (1840–1927) – writer and composer
* Tom Wolfe (1930–2018) – journalist, novelist, father of "New Journalism"
* Robert J. Wood (1905–1986) – U.S. Army four-star general
* Josh Woodrum (born 1992) – quarterback for Washington Redskins
* Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950) – African-American historian, author, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History
* Damien Woody (born 1977) – retired offensive lineman for New York Jets
* Link Wray – guitarist
* David Wright (born 1982) – third baseman for New York Mets
* Avis Wyatt (born 1984) – professional basketball player
* Kerry Wynn (born 1991) – defensive end for New York Giants
* Robert E. Wynn – member of Easy Company, Band of Brothers (1921–2000)
* George Wythe (1726–1806) – Hampton; first professor of law in American college, William & Mary

## Y

* Rachael Yamagata – singer-songwriter
* Elliott Yamin § (born 1978) – American Idol finalist
* Marl Young (1917–2009) – composer, music director, Here's Lucy
* Megan Young (born 1990) – actress, model, TV host

## Z

* John G. Zehmer Jr. (1942–2016) – architectural historian, preservationist, photographer, and author of architectural history
* Gerald Zerkin (born 1949) – lawyer
* Emanuel Zervakis (1930–2003) – NASCAR Cup Series driver
* Zeda Zhang (born 1987) – professional wrestler
* Boris Zhukov (born 1959) – professional wrestler
* Craig Zimmerman (born 1974) – actor
* George Zimmerman (born 1983) – man responsible for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida
* Ryan Zimmerman § (born 1984) – first baseman for the Washington Nationals
* Nell Zink (born 1964) – novelist
* Charlotte Zolotow (1915–2013) – writer, poet, publisher of children's books
* Zach Zwinak (born 1992) – former Penn State football running back