Who are the most famous Knoxvillians? Do you recognize these celebrities that call Knoxville home?
Knoxville News Sentinel
![Kelsea Ballerini brings out Kenny Chesney at her homecoming show to perform their song, “Half of My Hometown” at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/03/PKNS/71431888007-dsc-8450.jpg?width=660&height=417&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Kelsea Ballerini brings out Kenny Chesney at her homecoming show to perform their song, “Half of My Hometown” at Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center in Knoxville, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.
Hannah Mattix/News Sentinel![Grace Moore, opera singer and actress, nicknamed the "Tennessee Nightingale." Moore lived in Knoxville in the early 1900s.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2018/11/27/PKNS/b228f076-52fa-4f3d-bf7b-a2d3e38d8d96-0527_KCLO_125_Grace_Moore_1.jpg?width=530&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Grace Moore, opera singer and actress, nicknamed the "Tennessee Nightingale." Moore lived in Knoxville in the early 1900s.
News Sentinel Photo Archive![Gibbs High School alum Morgan Wallen performs on the high school baseball field, Thursday, March 2, 2023.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2023/03/03/PKNS/1fe3e228-c824-426b-97ba-77f434aa6bb6-MorganWallen0302_0357.jpg?width=660&height=440&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Gibbs High School alum Morgan Wallen performs on the high school baseball field, Thursday, March 2, 2023.
Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel![A publicity photograph shows Mary Costa promoting her role of Princess Aurora in the 1959 Walt Disney film "Sleeping Beauty."](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2018/11/27/PKNS/d8a06525-4174-4ba8-a90b-c0efcd7a52ca-0624_KCLO_125_Costa.jpg?width=515&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
A publicity photograph shows Mary Costa promoting her role of Princess Aurora in the 1959 Walt Disney film "Sleeping Beauty."
News Sentinel Photo Archive![Nikki Giovanni at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA on Monday, April 24, 2023.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2023/04/26/PKNS/d1e8ae7b-c726-43ad-bf41-73196009d74c-Nikki_Giovanni_0772_SY.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Nikki Giovanni at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA on Monday, April 24, 2023.
Saul Young/News SentinelAndrew Johnson, 1808 -1875, 17th President of the United States.
Library Of CongressPeyton Manning, Pat Summitt, Phillip Fulmer
News Sentinel Photo Archive1925: Director Clarence Brown (1890 - 1987) presents a plaque to actress Pauline Frederick (1883 - 1938) on the set of 'Smouldering Fires', in front of Robert Elliott's office door. The plaque reads 'Let No Man Be Necessary To You'.
News Sentinel Photo ArchiveTina Wesson, a cast member of the Survivor reality TV show, is pictured during a fashion shoot on Aug. 16, 2001, at her Fountain City home.
Michael Patrick/News SentinelHorace Maynard (1814 - 1882), prominent Unionist in the Civil War, U.S. representative, U.S. Postmaster General.
Library Of CongressKnoxville's Chris Blue, a contestant on "The Voice."
SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINELFrances Hodgson Burnett, author of the "The Secret Garden."
News Sentinel Photo Archive![Roy Acuff poses for a photo in 1986. Photo by J. Miles Cary](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2018/11/27/PKNS/c332ac41-12e9-4e38-965e-0e965d048d2c-cal_vol_film129.jpg?width=660&height=446&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Roy Acuff poses for a photo in 1986. Photo by J. Miles Cary
News Sentinel Photo Archive![Pat Summitt](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2018/11/27/PKNS/c2488be4-1c40-4fc5-a8c1-e417874960c2-milescary6_141228975745_864754_ver1..jpg?width=433&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Pat Summitt
News Sentinel Photo Archive![Grand Marshal of the parade, Leanne Morgan, waves to attendees as she goes by in the Knoxville St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Knoxville, March 17, 2023.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2023/03/18/PKNS/530f911b-da89-45d2-b3e1-6f4d442d2d66-StPatricksParade0317_0095.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Grand Marshal of the parade, Leanne Morgan, waves to attendees as she goes by in the Knoxville St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Knoxville, March 17, 2023.
Caitie McMekin/News SentinelDr. Bill Bass gives a presentation on his forensic work during a fundraiser at James White Fort on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)
Saul Young, Saul Young/News Sentinel![Dolly Parton is escorted off the stage by Peyton Manning after performing Rocky Top with the Pride of the Southland Band at the end of the first quarter of a football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/18/PKNS/71638208007-u-tv-ga-1118-0770.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Dolly Parton is escorted off the stage by Peyton Manning after performing Rocky Top with the Pride of the Southland Band at the end of the first quarter of a football game between Tennessee and Georgia at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023.
Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel![NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 09: Megan Fox attends the "Blaze" premiere during the 2022 Tribeca Festival at SVA Theater on June 09, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival ) ORG XMIT: 775821835 ORIG FILE ID: 1402023850](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2023/05/16/USAT/d006664b-00a9-43bd-9ef8-2750a5191024-Megan_Fox.jpg?width=440&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 09: Megan Fox attends the "Blaze" premiere during the 2022 Tribeca Festival at SVA Theater on June 09, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Tribeca Festival ) ORG XMIT: 775821835 ORIG FILE ID: 1402023850
Theo Wargo, Getty Images For Tribeca FestivaIn a 1984 photograph, actor David Keith, right, is pictured on the sidelines with University of Tennessee coach Johnny Majors. (KNS Archive)
KNS ArchiveJames Agee when he was a student at Harvard University.
Harvard UniversityJohn Ward, "The Voice of the Vols", warming up for a broadcast of a mens' basketball game at Thompson-Boling Arena. Knoxville News Sentinel staff photo by Michael Patrick, 12/5/1991
Michael Patrick/News SentinelMembers of the Bates family from Rocky Top, Tenn., are pictured in a publicity photograph from the UP Network. They are the stars of a television reality show called "Bringing Up Bates" that premiered Jan. 1 with the strongest rating ever for the UP Network, with more than 500,000 viewers.
UP Network NFSWrestler Buddy Landell, aka "Nature Boy," on March 3, 1988. Photo by Michael Patrick/News Sentinel
News Sentinel Photo Archive![Academy Award winning actress Patricia Neal cuts a ribbon Monday during a dedication of a new rehabilitation center named in her honor at Presbyterian Hospital in Knoxville in 1977. The center is scheduled to be finished early next year.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2019/11/14/PKNS/09f1ae6a-cf6d-42b1-8319-02e8072db977-Patricia_Neal_007.jpg?width=660&height=485&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Academy Award winning actress Patricia Neal cuts a ribbon Monday during a dedication of a new rehabilitation center named in her honor at Presbyterian Hospital in Knoxville in 1977. The center is scheduled to be finished early next year.
News Sentinel ArchivesActor John Cullum is seen in a publicity photo for the UT Theatre's production of "Come Back, Little Sheba" in 1956.
News Sentinel Photo ArchiveAva Barber of Powell performed on the Lawrence Welk Show from 1974-82 and will be performing with other Lawrence Welk alumni at the Platinum Awards this year.
Cathy Clarke/News-SentinelVols head coach Tony Vitello smiles ahead of the Knoxville homecoming parade in the team's honor after winning the baseball World Series, Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
Hannah Mattix/News SentinelKelsea Ballerini performs at her old high school, Knoxville Central, in 2017.
Calvin Mattheis/News SentinelCon Hunley performs at The Corner Lounge with Mic Harrison and the High Score on Friday, October 19, 2018.
Saul Young/News SentinelThe Everly brothers, Phil, left, and Don, perform on the Cas Walker Show on March 8, 1954, with parents, Ike and Margaret.
Van Winkle Collection / TAMIS-McClung Historical Collection![Collin Wilcox played Mayella Ewell in “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 1962. She was a Tyson Jr. High and Clarence Brown alum.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/aaadb778f4710ea64a658bbb900da07c4de9c8bc/c=41-0-1891-2466/local/-/media/2018/05/04/TennGroup/Knoxville/636610344049349589-Collin-Wilcox.jpg?width=496&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Collin Wilcox played Mayella Ewell in “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 1962. She was a Tyson Jr. High and Clarence Brown alum.
KNS ArchiveThe 1982 Volunteers carry Tennessee Head Coach Johnny Majors on their shoulders to meet Alabama Head Coach Bear Bryant mid-field after their victory in Neyland Stadium.
Michael Patrick/News SentinelVictor Ashe with actor David Keith at a barbecue party at Universal Studios in 1988.
News Sentinel Archives,![Christina Hendricks: May 3, 1975.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/b06583dc3a78a6f331cf9d792379abfd072a4235/c=0-18-1992-2674/local/-/media/2017/04/25/Phoenix/Phoenix/636287235180687765-GettyImages-623466738.jpg?width=495&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Christina Hendricks: May 3, 1975.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images![Jack Hanna](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/e5e5e36cacfd1bdd45940c081db9a5cb7bf1fb63/c=0-38-2193-2962/local/-/media/2016/03/25/WIGroup/GreenBay/635945169706004314-JackHanna.jpg?width=495&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Jack Hanna
Getty Images![In an October 5, 2010, photograph, actor Johnny Knoxville signs autographs for fans during an appearance to promote his new movie 'Jackass 3D' at the Regal Pinnacle Stadium 18. (Saul Young/News Sentinel)](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/9523a816ea65be93f2c0b17e4e4dc58bb529d1aa/c=0-253-4972-3062/local/-/media/2017/09/06/TennGroup/Knoxville/636403045392580164-1125-KCLO-Jackass-04.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
In an October 5, 2010, photograph, actor Johnny Knoxville signs autographs for fans during an appearance to promote his new movie 'Jackass 3D' at the Regal Pinnacle Stadium 18. (Saul Young/News Sentinel)
KNS Archive, Saul Young/News Sentinel![Comedian Henry Cho performs during "An Evening with Scott Hamilton and Friends" in Nashville.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/066ba9fd653b57e48f43271200799b63118e1216/c=86-0-2336-3000/local/-/media/2016/11/21/USATODAY/USATODAY/636153196963486790-GTY-624797824.jpg?width=495&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Comedian Henry Cho performs during "An Evening with Scott Hamilton and Friends" in Nashville.
Rick Diamond, Getty Images, For Scott Hamilton![Local actress Nikki Estridge with her father and local actor Cylk Cozart.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/e756bc5449e1f6e605424e6956ee21be40af0091/c=0-0-4135-2336/local/-/media/2017/11/21/TennGroup/Knoxville/636468683100173134-KNS-Cozart-BP2.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Local actress Nikki Estridge with her father and local actor Cylk Cozart.
Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel![Actress Dale Dickey](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/235455da51fdd1427f83f18f9168d83c91088c09/c=0-92-1662-2308/local/-/media/2017/05/09/TennGroup/Knoxville/636299344533333350-PNIBrd2-08-26-2014-Republic-1-D003--2014-08-25-IMG-PNI-0826-dale-dickey-1-1-S88BP1OJ-L473785976-IMG-PNI-0826-dale-dickey-1-1-S88BP1OJ.jpg?width=495&height=660&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Actress Dale Dickey
File, Getty ImagesKenny Chesney performs at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday, September 9, 2016. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)
Saul Young/News SentinelKnox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, aka WWE wrestler Kane, walks into the arena during a WWE Live performance at the Knoxville Civic Coliseum in Knoxville, Tennessee on Saturday, January 12, 2019. *KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL USE ONLY*
Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel NFSKristian Bush of Sugarland perform at Thompson-Boling Arena on Thursday, October 6, 2011. (SAUL YOUNG/NEWS SENTINEL)
Saul Young, Saul Young/News Sentinel![Chet Atkins tries out the seventh of his new guitars to come off the Gibson production line June 17, 1982. The instrument has the nylon strings of a classical guitar but the pickup and solid body design of an electric.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/8e7afcf2e519b4b7d9ee2333925c441717204354/c=0-169-1853-1216/local/-/media/2018/05/01/TennGroup/Knoxville/636607666958899379-820617.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Chet Atkins tries out the seventh of his new guitars to come off the Gibson production line June 17, 1982. The instrument has the nylon strings of a classical guitar but the pickup and solid body design of an electric.
J.T. Phillips / The TennesseanBrian Bell of Weezer performs at the Surf Stage during the 2017 Hangout Music Festival on May 19, 2017, in Gulf Shores, Ala.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images For Hangout Music Festival![Quentin Tarantino at Sundance NEXT FEST After Dark on Aug. 10, 2017 in Los Angeles.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/130cf858bcfad7e0c6aa105a59e2a8c67dc6881e/c=0-249-4836-2981/local/-/media/2017/10/13/USATODAY/USATODAY/636435096461669173-GTY-829653138.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Quentin Tarantino at Sundance NEXT FEST After Dark on Aug. 10, 2017 in Los Angeles.
Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images For Sundance![Bianca Belair celebrates after winning the WWE "Raw" match against Sonya Deville in Knoxville, Tenn. on Monday, April 25, 2022.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2022/04/26/PKNS/0c586ed0-c51f-495a-93a9-487cc98ce34c-KNS-BiancaHomecoming-0427_3638_SY.jpg?width=660&height=441&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Bianca Belair celebrates after winning the WWE "Raw" match against Sonya Deville in Knoxville, Tenn. on Monday, April 25, 2022.
Saul Young/News SentinelBrad Renfro, a local actor who starred in the movie "The Client", at left, prepares to autograph a book for Tammy Riseden of Powell, right, as Wal-Mart employee Amy Tidler, center, looks on. Renfro was on hand for the store's re-grand opening activities Tuesday.
Clay Owen/News Sentinel![Randy Orton enters the ring at the WWE SummerSlam 2015 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/-mm-/6e9523160560d0a161bbc1f8c9f4d7342af0cb92/c=630-346-2196-1231/local/-/media/2017/04/14/CNYGroup/Elmira/636277961764216072-GettyImages-485069382.jpg?width=660&height=373&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Randy Orton enters the ring at the WWE SummerSlam 2015 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Getty ImagesIn this April 2, 1999, file photo, Harry Fujiwara, a former wrestler known as "Mr. Fuji," appears at a movie theater where he works part time as an usher in Knoxville, Tenn. World Wrestling Entertainment said the former star wrestler and manager Fujiwara has died. An obituary posted on WWE's website Sunday, Aug. 28, 2016, said Fujiwara died that morning. (Byron E. Small/Knoxville News Sentinel)
Byron E. Small/News SentinelDonald Brown performing at Lucille's in the Old City 2001.
Amy Smotherman Burgess/News Sentinel Archives, Knoxville News-SentinelNascar driver and Knoxville native Trevor Bayne walks off stage at the Food City Family Race Night at the Knoxville Expo Center in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday, April 12, 2018. The event featured Nascar drivers, and Knoxville native's, Trevor Bayne and Chad Finchum ahead of Sunday'sFood City 500 in Bristol.
Calvin Mattheis/News Sentinel![In a March 18, 1983 photograph, Alex Haley, left and Museum of Appalachia founder John Rice Irwin are pictured in Norris.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/www.knoxnews.com/gcdn/presto/2022/01/17/PKNS/0274fc5b-c42b-4a21-9f40-ef162df1adf2-KCLO_Haley_77.jpg?width=660&height=467&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
In a March 18, 1983 photograph, Alex Haley, left and Museum of Appalachia founder John Rice Irwin are pictured in Norris.
News Sentinel Archive