Meet the people – and one legume – who were born, raised or lived in our region of Virginia and who gained fame or rose to prominence in their fields. When we started this quest, many doubted we could find enough people, but, as it turned out, we were forced to make some tough decisions. Many on our list are athletes or entertainers, but you’ll also find authors, politicians, businessmen and civil rights activists, as well as a suspected witch, a really tall guy and a test-tube baby. We’re sure you’ll agree with some of our picks and question why we overlooked others, but that’s part of the fun – to start people talking. Keep talking in the comments below.
- Compiled by participants in The Virginian-Pilot Minority Student Journalism Workshop - Grace Douglas, Brianne Dorsey, Janeal Downs, Jehniece Moore, Kaci Parker, Devon Williams and Matthew Wrocklage - and Pilot staffers Teresa Annas, Lorraine Eaton, Mike Gruss, Jim Haag, Caroline Luzzatto, Rashod Ollison, Diane Tennant, Michelle Washington and Denise Watson Batts
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Top from Hampton Roads
I did not know that some of these people were from Hampton Roads. Awesome!
However here are the list of NO's, no way, etc: "Clipse"(really), Michael Copon, Bob McDonnell(really), Grace S., Jean Davis, Ryan Green, Jay Harris, Chad Hugo, Travis Wall, and Nathan McCall. I guess they needed a few extras to fill the list.
Mark Gordon
Born and raised in Newport News, produced many movies including Speed and Saving Private Ryan, and now produces TV shows.
Tommy Griffiths
known in Tidewater and outside of Tidewater on radio. Got millions of dollars for local charities, did that Living Flag and still on radio here, in Washington, DC (and two other decent size east coast cities). Was part of that silly Charlie Sheen tour, saw him on Jerry Springer, Comedy Central with more appearances to come. He's more known that at least 1/4 of your list.
The Hampton Roads List
Hard to say who would be #1, but Sidney Kellam would be close. No Sidney Kellam? Wow! Memories are short.
Dorothy Maynor
I am appalled that famed classical singer, Dorothy Maynor,Soprano (1910 - 1996), and Norfolk native is NEVER included in these lists, and yet, these up-starts are!!! Dorothy Maynor was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High and Hampton Institute (University), Westminster Choir College, and then went to the north and did advanced study in vocal music. She had a brilliant career as a concert singer and recitalist. She knew many operatic roles, but was not permitted to sing on the operatic stages of the 30's, 40's and 50's. she was also the founder of the Harlem School of the Arts. Please add her to the list. I have made this request on more than one occasion.
Zach Knighton
Don't forget Zachary Knighton from ABC's Happy Endings. He graduated from Cox High School and Governors School For The Arts with me in '96.
poor choices in there
Pete Decker???? No one outside of this area knows who he is. Other people are not from here they were just here at one point. I wish Steve Earle was from here but he is from Texas. He was born in Fort Monroe when his dad was assigned there and he moved when he was around 1 or 2. My brother was born in Korea but he certainly is not from there. You also have a WAVY reporter who went on to act in there? Come on man! So many people truly from here left out. If you are including Steve Earle why not Ella Fiztgerald she was born in Newport News and moved to New York. Is Williamsburg in our area...Bruce Hornsby TRULY is from out area...is Gloucester in our area...how about Walter Reed??
More than 100
I submit Dr. Hugo A. Owens,civil rights leader who changed the face of equality in Hampton Roads
I'd submit: Marty Brennaman, Hall of Fame Baseball Broadcaster
As a long-time Cincinnati Reds fan, I think it's neat that long-time and beloved sportscaster Marty Brennaman was born in Portsmouth, Virginia. Maybe a local station would want to put his play-by-play on the air?
From Wikipedia:
In 2000, Marty Brennaman won the Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually by the National Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster "for major contributions to the game of baseball".
Brennaman has been named Ohio Sportscaster of the Year twelve times and the Virginia Sportscaster of the Year Award four times...on both the collegiate and professional levels. In addition to the Virginia Squires and the Norfolk Tides, he has called games for Virginia Tech and William & Mary, and NCAA men's basketball tournament games.
ah, add these 2
I vote for Alf Mapp Jr. (ODU professor and Thomas Jefferson historian), and G.William Whitehurst (also a ODU professor and retired 9 term congressman from 68-86). At least there are some honorable people amongst the group-no disrespect to the athletes, rappers, and actors.