Kansas City, the heartland’s hidden gem, home to world-class barbecue, infectious jazz rhythms, and, of course, the illustrious Kansas City Chiefs. But did you know that this Midwestern metropolis has been the breeding ground for some of the world’s most renowned talents? That’s right! You might be indulging in Kansas City’s succulent burnt ends sitting next to a Grammy winner or a Hollywood star and not even know it! 

And no, we’re not just talking about Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz, because, my dear reader, we’re not in Kansas anymore! In this exciting journey, we will dig up the roots of 20 famous personalities who were born, raised, or have spent significant time in the City of Fountains. Get ready for some delightful surprises as we unveil the celebrities who swapped the ‘Paris of the Plains’ for the glitz and glam of fame. Hold on to your jazz hats and prepare for a star-studded tour, because Kansas City is about to reveal its secret A-list lineup!

These Famous People Hail From Kansas City

Without further ado, check out these A-listers who were born in Kansas City: 

1. George Brett – Major League Baseball Hall of Famer

George Brett MLB Hall of Fame Baseball Player

Swinging at the first pitch is Kansas City’s very own, George Brett – the baseball legend with a charisma that could fill up the Kauffman Stadium. Yes, folks, this Major League Baseball Hall of Famer was born and bred right here, in the heart of America.

Picture this: It’s the summer of 1953, and amidst the wafting aroma of barbecued ribs from a local diner and the distant jazz tunes, a star is born. Little did anyone know then, that this bouncing baby boy would grow up to rewrite baseball history. From trading baseball cards in the schoolyard to being featured on them, Brett’s journey is quintessential Kansas City – unexpected, yet unforgettable.

Brett would go on to sport Kansas City Royals’ blue for an impressive 21 seasons, carving his name into the heart of every local fan and into the annals of baseball history. His legendary ‘pine tar incident’ is still spoken about in hushed tones by wide-eyed baseball enthusiasts, making him as much a part of Kansas City lore as the city’s famous fountains.

Known for his infectious laughter and boyish charm, Brett brought the spirit of Kansas City to the diamond at every game. His humble beginnings in our city grounded him, and despite the roaring applause and the bright lights of fame, he never forgot his roots.

Whether you remember him for his 3,154 career hits, his unforgettable .390 season in 1980, or simply for his magnetic personality, one thing is clear – George Brett is Kansas City to the core. So, the next time you bite into a Kansas City-style hot dog at a Royals game, remember, you’re not just in the birthplace of a baseball legend – you’re in Brett’s backyard!

2. Ed Asner – Emmy Award-Winning Actor

Ed Asnar
“In this March 7, 2010, file photo, actor Ed Asner arrives during the 82nd Academy Awards in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles.” (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)

Next on our star-spangled tour, we’ll be taking a detour through the world of television, to meet a man who’s as much a part of Kansas City as its famous barbecue – Ed Asner.

Born in 1929, our beloved Lou Grant from ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ wasn’t always the gruff but lovable newsman we’ve come to know on our television screens. Before the Emmy awards and the Hollywood limelight, Asner was just another boy growing up in the heartland, learning the values of hard work, humility, and honesty that would later shape his iconic characters.

Imagine a young Ed, not yet the titan of the small screen, walking down the streets of Kansas City, soaking in the vibrant mix of jazz, the clatter of the streetcar, and the aroma of slow-smoked meat that would later fuel his gritty performances. Who would have guessed that this son of Kansas City would go on to win more Primetime Emmy Awards than any other male actor (seven, to be exact)?

But Asner never forgot his roots. In fact, the boy from Kansas City used his fame to advocate for social justice, becoming an example of the down-to-earth, compassionate spirit that Kansas City is known for.

So, the next time you find yourself laughing, crying, or simply nodding along with one of Asner’s unforgettable performances, remember that the heart of this legendary actor beats with the rhythm of Kansas City. The City of Fountains didn’t just give us Ed Asner, the actor – it gave us Ed Asner, the man, the activist, the icon. And for that, we’ll always be grateful.

3. Melissa Etheridge – Grammy Award-winning Singer-Songwriter

Melissa Etheridge

Strumming her way onto our Kansas City A-list is none other than the soulful, rock powerhouse, Melissa Etheridge. Yes, indeed! Before she was rocking stages worldwide and collecting Grammy Awards, Etheridge was just a small-town girl from Leavenworth, a charming town nestled in the outskirts of Kansas City.

Born in 1961, Etheridge’s journey from Kansas to stardom is as riveting as her powerhouse performances. Picture a young Melissa, practicing guitar chords in her room, the melodies flowing out of her window and blending with the familiar sounds of Kansas City nights. Who knew then that this Kansas girl’s voice would one day echo in music halls across the globe?

Her heartland roots undoubtedly fueled her honest and soulful songwriting. Songs like “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One” have not only topped the charts but have also carved a special place in the hearts of her fans. Her music is as unpretentious and warm as a Kansas City summer evening – filled with passion, and a testament to her undying resilience.

But Etheridge’s fame did not shake her connection to her roots. Her Midwestern grounding is evident in her passionate advocacy for social and environmental causes. The girl from Kansas City used her voice to sing, yes, but also to speak out on issues close to her heart.

So, the next time one of Etheridge’s soulful ballads comes up on your playlist, remember: That powerful voice, that rock and roll spirit, was born and nurtured in the heartland, in our very own Kansas City. Her journey reminds us that in Kansas City, dreams really can take flight, on the wings of a heart-stirring melody.

4. John Berryman – Pulitzer Prize-winning poet

From the rock melodies of Melissa Etheridge, let’s transition to the eloquent world of words. Our next Kansas City star is a master of verse, an architect of emotion, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, John Berryman.

Born in McAlester, Oklahoma, in 1914, Berryman’s story intertwines with Kansas City in his early years. After a tumultuous childhood, he moved to the city that would become the backdrop for his transformative years – Kansas City. It’s here that Berryman discovered the power of words, shaping him into one of the most influential poets of the 20th century.

Can’t you just imagine a young Berryman, strolling through the jazz-infused streets of Kansas City, drawing inspiration from its pulsing life? The city’s unique blend of urban energy and midwestern tranquility must have seeped into his consciousness, later surfacing in the complex beauty of his poetry.

Berryman went on to pen some of the most profound verses in American literature, earning him the coveted Pulitzer Prize for his book ’77 Dream Songs.’ His work was unflinchingly honest, filled with raw emotion and intricate layers of meaning – much like Kansas City itself.

Throughout his life, Berryman’s writing embodied the complex tapestry of human emotions, just as Kansas City embodies a rich blend of cultures, music, and culinary delights. His connection to the city was not just geographical; it was emotional, inspirational, and deeply personal.

So, the next time you find yourself immersed in Berryman’s moving verses, remember – the heartbeat of Kansas City pulses through his words, adding another dimension to his poetic masterpieces. This city doesn’t just breed poets; it breeds visionary storytellers like John Berryman.

5. Ginger Rogers – Academy Award-Winning Dancer and Actress

Ginger Rogers in the 1930s

Shall we dance? Because our next star is none other than the twinkle-toed, Academy Award-winning dynamo, Ginger Rogers. Known for her sizzling on-screen chemistry with Fred Astaire, Rogers was a Kansas City native, proving that the city of jazz also knows a thing or two about ballroom.

Born in 1911, Rogers was Kansas City’s sweetheart long before she became America’s. Her journey from Midwestern girl to Hollywood royalty is as captivating as her dance routines. Just imagine a young Ginger, perhaps tapping her feet to the rhythm of Kansas City’s pulsating music scene, unknowingly foreshadowing her future as a dance icon.

Her performances were as fiery as Kansas City’s famous barbecue and as smooth as its jazz. Whether she was dancing backwards in high heels or delivering unforgettable performances in films like ‘Kitty Foyle,’ for which she won an Academy Award, Rogers brought a bit of Kansas City flair to everything she did.

And while Hollywood might have polished her steps, it was Kansas City that taught her to dance. Rogers’ journey reminds us that big dreams can sprout in the heartland, ready to take on the world stage.

So, next time you watch Rogers glide across the screen, her every step a testament to grace and passion, remember: That elegance, that vivacious spirit, was nurtured right here in Kansas City. The city’s rhythm runs in her veins, pulsating in every beat, every twirl, every stunning performance. Kansas City didn’t just give us Ginger Rogers, the actress; it gave us Ginger Rogers, the unstoppable force of nature.

6. Patrick Mahomes – National Football League Player

Patrick Mahomes

From the sparkling stage of Hollywood, we’re making a dash straight to the roaring stadiums of the National Football League, where our next Kansas City luminary awaits. Buckle up, because we’re about to meet Patrick Mahomes, the football phenom who’s as synonymous with Kansas City as its mouth-watering burnt ends.

Now, let’s set the record straight. Mahomes may have been born in Tyler, Texas, but Kansas City is where his heart is. After all, it’s here in the ‘Paris of the Plains’ that Mahomes went from promising young athlete to bona fide NFL superstar.

Imagine a fresh-faced Mahomes, donning Kansas City Chiefs’ iconic red and gold for the first time, stepping onto the Arrowhead Stadium turf. The raw energy, the anticipation, the pride – it’s a quintessential Kansas City moment. He quickly became the city’s darling, his exhilarating performances thrilling fans week after week.

Under the city’s wide-open skies, Mahomes, with his signature no-look passes and unfathomable comebacks, has carved his name into the annals of football history. His 2018 MVP season and Super Bowl LIV win have catapulted him into a league of his own, earning him a rightful place among Kansas City’s most famous.

But beyond the incredible stats and jaw-dropping plays, what truly sets Mahomes apart is his connection to Kansas City. His humble demeanor, fierce loyalty, and philanthropic efforts, including his ’15 and the Mahomies’ foundation, are a testament to his deep love for this city.

So, whether you’re a football fan or not, remember this: When you see Patrick Mahomes, you’re seeing a piece of Kansas City. His spirit, his determination, his passion – they’re all deeply rooted in the heartland. Kansas City may not have given us Mahomes by birth, but it has given us Mahomes, the Chief, the MVP, the legend.

7. Sheryl Crow – Grammy Award-Winning Singer-Songwriter

Sheryl Crow performing live

From the thunderous cheers of the football stadium, let’s now move to the soulful strums of a guitar as we meet our next Kansas City luminary, Sheryl Crow. This Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter may have been born in Kennett, Missouri, but her journey to stardom took a pivotal turn in the heart of Kansas City.

Picture a young Sheryl Crow, not yet the ‘All I Wanna Do’ hitmaker, but a fledgling music teacher at an elementary school in the suburbs of Kansas City. Surrounded by the city’s rich musical heritage, brimming with jazz, blues, and rock-n-roll, it’s here that Crow honed her craft and found her voice.

Kansas City’s bustling music scene served as her playground, with every rhythm and melody feeding her musical imagination. Crow’s distinct blend of pop, rock, and country is a testament to this influence, much like how Kansas City is a melting pot of vibrant cultures and traditions.

Her journey from a local school teacher to a nine-time Grammy Award winner is as inspiring as it is exciting. Every note she sings and every chord she strums echoes with the spirit of Kansas City – a spirit of resilience, creativity, and unyielding passion.

Crow’s music has not only topped charts worldwide but has also touched millions of hearts with its sincerity and warmth. She is a shining example of the remarkable talent that emerges from the heartland, proving that Kansas City is a city of dreamers and achievers.

So the next time you find yourself tapping your foot to a Sheryl Crow tune, remember that the rhythm fueling her music was first sparked in the lively streets of Kansas City. Because in this city, dreams don’t just take flight – they soar, they sing, they resonate in the hearts of millions. That’s the power of Kansas City, and that’s the power of Sheryl Crow.

8. Ewing Kauffman – Businessman and Philanthropist

Kauffman with Royals general manager Cedric Tallis in 1968
Kauffman (left) with Royals general manager Cedric Tallis in 1968

Now, let’s pivot from the glitz and glamor of Hollywood and the pulsating rhythm of the music world to the boardrooms of big business. Our next celebrity is a man who has left an indelible mark on Kansas City, not just through his entrepreneurial success, but also through his boundless philanthropy. Ladies and gentlemen, meet Ewing Kauffman.

Ewing Kauffman, or ‘Mr. K’ as he’s affectionately known in Kansas City, was born in 1916 in a small farming community near Garden City, Missouri. Yet, his story intertwines with Kansas City when he founded Marion Laboratories in his Kansas City basement with a mere $5,000 in capital. That small venture would grow into a billion-dollar pharmaceutical company, proving that Kansas City is indeed a land of opportunity.

But Kauffman’s impact on Kansas City extends beyond his business success. In 1968, he brought Major League Baseball back to the city by establishing the Kansas City Royals, forever linking his name with the city’s rich sporting culture.

But perhaps the most significant legacy Kauffman left behind is his unwavering commitment to philanthropy. The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, established in 1966, continues to support education and entrepreneurship, changing countless lives and shaping the future of Kansas City.

So, the next time you’re cheering on the Royals at the Kauffman Stadium, remember the man behind the name. A man whose journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary success was fueled by the spirit of Kansas City. A man who gave as much to the city as it gave to him, if not more.

Ewing Kauffman embodies the essence of Kansas City – its entrepreneurial spirit, its love for sports, and its commitment to community. His story is a testament to the fact that in Kansas City, one can not only dream big but also make those dreams a reality, while uplifting others along the way.

9. Robert Altman – Academy Award-Winning Film Director

Robert Altman in 1976

From boardrooms and ballparks, let’s now take a trip to the silver screen. Our next Kansas City luminary is a visionary who transformed the way stories are told in cinema. Hold onto your popcorn, folks, because we’re about to meet Robert Altman, the Academy Award-winning film director.

Born in 1925, Altman was a Kansas City native through and through. His journey from the heartland to the heights of Hollywood is as compelling as one of his cinematic masterpieces. Can you picture a young Altman, walking along the bustling streets of Kansas City, camera in hand, viewing the world through his unique lens?

Kansas City, with its vibrant blend of urban energy and Midwestern charm, served as the perfect canvas for Altman’s creative genius. The city’s distinctive character can be seen in Altman’s unconventional narratives and innovative filmmaking techniques. Just like Kansas City, Altman’s films are a rich tapestry of diverse voices and perspectives.

Altman’s groundbreaking work in films like ‘MASH,’ ‘Nashville,’ and ‘Gosford Park’ not only earned him numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement, but also redefined the landscape of American cinema.

Even amidst the glitz and glamor of Hollywood, Altman never forgot his roots. His affinity for ensemble casts and overlapping dialogue reflects the harmony and bustling energy of Kansas City, a city that celebrates community and diversity.

So the next time you’re engrossed in an Altman film, remember: The creative genius behind the camera was shaped by the streets of Kansas City. Altman’s remarkable career is a testament to the fact that Kansas City is a city of dreamers, innovators, and storytellers. In Kansas City, one doesn’t just watch life unfold, one frames it, directs it, and turns it into art.

10. Harry S. Truman – 33rd President of the United States

Harry S. Truman - 33rd President of the United States

And finally, we reach the culmination of our star-studded tour with a man who needs no introduction. He’s made some of the most critical decisions in world history, right from the heartland of America. Please stand and salute the 33rd President of the United States, Harry S. Truman.

Born in Lamar, Missouri, in 1884, Truman’s path was deeply intertwined with Kansas City. He moved to Independence, a stone’s throw from Kansas City, at a young age, and it’s here that Truman’s character was forged – a character that would carry him all the way to the Oval Office.

Kansas City, with its hard working ethos and vibrant spirit, undoubtedly left a mark on Truman. Picture a young Truman, walking the streets of Independence, with dreams as expansive as the Kansas City skies. Who could have imagined then that this farm boy would rise to become the leader of the free world?

From deciding to drop the atomic bomb to end World War II, to implementing the Marshall Plan that rebuilt Europe, Truman’s presidency was marked by monumental decisions that shaped the course of history. And through it all, he carried with him the unpretentious, hardworking spirit of Kansas City.

After his presidency, Truman returned to his beloved Kansas City, proving that no matter how far you go, home is where the heart is. Today, you can visit the Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum in Independence and trace the extraordinary journey of this Kansas City legend.

So the next time you come across a Truman quote or a piece of legislation he enacted, remember: That indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve were nurtured right here, in the heartland, in our very own Kansas City. Truman’s story reminds us that Kansas City doesn’t just breed heroes – it breeds leaders, visionaries, presidents.

And with that, we conclude our journey through Kansas City’s illustrious roll-call of famous faces. From poets and presidents to entrepreneurs and entertainers, this city has produced some of the brightest stars in history. So, let’s raise a toast to Kansas City – a city of stars, a city of dreams, a city of endless possibilities.

Sign In

Register

Reset Password

Please enter your username or email address, you will receive a link to create a new password via email.