Celebrities From North Carolina: 10 Small-Town Icons

While many actors, musicians, politicians, athletes, and artists have lived in and loved this rugged mountain land, some particularly notable celebs hail from the great state of North Carolina.

Most people would think these famous icons are from the biggest and most bustling North Carolina cities, but they actually came from small towns and humble beginnings. With that, here are 10 celebrities born and raised in the Tar Heel State.

1. Actor Mike Evans

Mike Evans was from a small town called Salisbury in North Carolina. Evans, right, played the beloved son Lionel Jefferson on “The Jeffersons” (1975-1985), and guest-starred on “All in the Family.” This 1971 photo features a scene from the latter, with Evans talking to actor Caroll O’Connor, left, who played Archie Bunker. If you ever find yourself in Salisbury, North Carolina, make sure you visit Dunn’s Mountain Nature and History Preserve.

2. Actor and Model Jaime Pressly

Pressly is a funny Emmy-winning actor, fashion designer, and model, most famous for her role as Joy Turner on NBC’s sitcom “My Name Is Earl.” She also starred in “Mom,” “Welcome to Flatch,” and various movies. Visit her small hometown of Kinston, North Carolina, where you can learn a bit of Civil War history at the Kinston Battlefield Park, or stroll through the several natural trails the town has to offer.

3. Musician George Clinton

George Clinton is a multi-award-winning musician, bandleader, singer, and record producer, most known for his Parliament-Funkadelic collective. The iconic influencer further developed funk-rock music and psychedelic fashion in the most exciting shows that hit the stage. He hails from Kannapolis, North Carolina, a suburb near Charlotte of about 60,000 people, with tons of family-friendly charm. Visit the historic Gem Theatre while you’re there.

4. Singer Chris Daughtry

Chris Daughtry, most known for “American Idol” fame, is the lead guitarist and vocalist for the rock band Daughtry. He was born in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, and was later raised in nearby Lasker, which only has a population of around 150 people. Talk about a small town! The Roanoke Rapids area has plenty of natural beauty to see—like at the Roanoke Canal Museum and Trail—and local music venues like the Weldon Mills Theatre.

5. Musician Tori Amos

Another musician quite familiar with the stage, Tori Amos is a classically trained musician who’s been playing live since she was 13 years old. While the composer, performer, and pianist was born in Newton, North Carolina—a town of about 13,000 people—she actually grew up in Maryland. But we can’t forget her Tar Heel State roots. Newtown is the gateway to the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains and is the epitome of a cozy mountain town.

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6. Singer James Taylor

What can we say about James Taylor that you don’t already know? The iconic singer-songwriter is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, and just so happens to hail from North Carolina. Take a day trip to Taylor’s hometown of Chapel Hill and enjoy all of the shopping, dining, and sightseeing options it has to offer. Some notable sights include the University of North Carolina campus, the botanical garden, and the Ackland Art Museum.

7. Songwriter and Activist Nina Simone

Nina Simone was one of the most influential songwriters, singers, pianists, and civil rights activists of all time. She performed and sang at several civil rights meetings, helping to fight for equal rights for Black Americans in the U.S. Simone was born and raised in the friendly town of Tryon, North Carolina, where they’ve since memorialized her with a sculpture in Nina Simone Plaza on South Trade Street.

8. Race Car Driver Dale Earnhardt Sr.

Remembered as one of the greatest drivers in NASCAR history, Dale Earnhardt Sr. was a professional stock car driver and team owner, who raced from 1975 until his tragic death in 2001 in the former NASCAR Winston Cup Series. Earnhardt was born and raised in Kannapolis, North Carolina, where you can find a life-size statue in his honor at the Dale Earnhardt Tribute Plaza on West Street.

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9. Actress and Singer Kellie Pickler

Kellie Pickler might not necessarily by a household name, but the North Carolina-born country music singer, songwriter, and actress is beloved by many in her home state. Pickler became known during her time as contestant in the fifth season of “American Idol,” and has been featured on several USO tours. If you ever visit her hometown of Albemarle, make sure to spend some time at Morrow Mountain State Park, where you can witness all of the Tar Heel State’s natural beauty.

10. Gospel Singer Randy Travis

Randy Travis is a renowned, award-winning country musician and gospel singer, who also made his way onto TV shows and films. He hails from Marshville, North Carolina, which was established in 1877. The town only has about 2,500 people, is close to city life in neighboring Monroe and Wingate, and is a filming location for the famous film “The Color Purple.”

Sure, these celebrities aren’t from major cities, but they’ve created larger-than-life names for themselves, gathering fans all over the U.S. Did we miss any of your favorite North Carolina celebs? If so, visit their hometowns for yourself to get the inside scoop, and use Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to guide your days.