Omaha - Notable People

Notable People

Main article: List of people from Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha is the historic and modern birthplace and home of notable politicians, actors, musicians, business leaders, sportsmen and cultural leaders. Numerous actors, including Gabrielle Union, Montgomery Clift, Fred Astaire and Adele Astaire, Dorothy McGuire, Marlon Brando and Nick Nolte, were born in Omaha. Academy Award winner Henry Fonda also grew up in Omaha. Marlon Brando's mother encouraged Henry Fonda to pursue acting at the Omaha Community Playhouse. His son Peter Fonda also briefly lived in Omaha. Mrs. Brando helped found the playhouse. His family's home still stands on South 33rd Street, a few blocks from the site of the first home of Gerald Ford.

Jazz Age magazine illustrator, Broadway scenic designer, and comic strip artist Russell Patterson was born in Omaha. Tennis player Andy Roddick, former ATP ranking leader, was born in Omaha. Omaha's rich musical history produced legends such as Wynonie Harris, Preston Love, Buddy Miles, Sara Olson, Calvin Keys, Eugene McDaniels and others. Members of 311 and Bright Eyes are part of the modern music scene. Chip Davis and Mannheim Steamroller began in and still headquarter out of Omaha.

Warren Buffett, in 2008 the richest person in the world, was born in and lives in Omaha where he made his fortune in business. Two native sons who achieved prominence nationally were born in Omaha, with their families moving away shortly thereafter.

The Gerald Ford birthplace site memorializes the 38th President.

African American activist and son of a Baptist minister, Malcolm X, first known as Malcolm Little, was also born in Omaha. Joining dozens of other important Omaha Landmarks, the Malcolm X House Site has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Frank Rinehart : (February 12, 1861–December 17, 1928) was an American artist famous for his photography capturing Native American personalities and scenes, especially portrait settings of leaders and members of the delegations who attended the 1898 Indian Congress in Omaha.

Steve Borden (Sting) was born in Omaha while Ted DiBiase billed as born in Omaha.

Gale Sayers, a football player for the Chicago Bears was raised in Omaha graduating from an Omaha high school.

Alexander Payne, American film director and screenwriter was born and raised in Omaha.

Ed Ruscha, a noted 20th and 21st Century American painter.

Dick Cavett, talk show host who preceded Johnny Carson, another Nebraskan who got his start in Omaha.

Elliott Smith, now-deceased musician in the "indie-rock" genre, was born in Omaha.

Craig Anton, actor and comedian who appeared on MADtv and played the father on Disney's Phil of the Future, was born and raised in Omaha, graduated from an Omaha high school, and graduated from a Nebraska college