List of people from North Carolina
The following is a list of notable people associated with North Carolina, USA.
Public/military figures
- William Blount (1749–1800), first North Carolina signatory of the United States Constitution; played a role in the creation of the State of Tennessee (Windsor)
- Erskine Bowles (born 1945), White House Chief of Staff under Bill Clinton, currently President of the University of North Carolina system (Greensboro)
- William G. Boykin, Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence under George W. Bush and retired Lieutenant General for the U.S. Army (New Bern)
- Braxton Bragg (1817–1876), General in the Confederate States Army; led the Confederate Army of Tennessee in the battles of Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, and the Third Battle of Chattanooga against Union General Ulysses Grant (Warrenton)
- Jim Broyhill (born 1927), Republican former U.S. Representative and Senator from North Carolina; youngest son of furniture magnate J. E. Broyhill.
- James Burnley (born 1948), U.S. Secretary of Transportation under President Ronald Reagan (Greensboro)
- Robert Byrd (1917–2010), U.S. Senator from West Virginia; longest-serving Senator in American history (North Wilkesboro)
- Julius L. Chambers (born 1936), civil rights attorney who successfully argued the 1971 Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education school busing case before the US Supreme Court (Mount Gilead, North Carolina)
- Levi Coffin (1798–1897), abolitionist and educator known as the "President" of the Underground Railroad; credited with helping over 2,000 slaves escape to freedom in the North before the Civil War (Greensboro)
- Josephus Daniels (1862–1948), US Secretary of the Navy from 1913 to 1921 under President Woodrow Wilson; also was a journalist and founder of the Raleigh News and Observer newspaper (Washington)
- William Dodd (1869–1940), ambassador of the USA to Nazi-Germany from 1933 to 1938 under Franklin Roosevelt (Clayton)
- Elizabeth Dole (born 1936), former U.S. Senator and former Secretary of Transportation under President Ronald Reagan; wife to former Republican Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole (Salisbury)
- Charlie Duke Apollo 16 Astronaut and Tenth man to walk on the moon
- Sam Ervin (1896–1985), four-term U.S. Senator and Chairman of the Senate Watergate Investigation Committee; started the legislative process which led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon (Morganton)
- Charles A. Gabriel (1928–2003), US Air Force General, 11th chief of staff of the U.S. Air Force. Lincolnton
- Richard Jordan Gatling (1818–1903), physician and inventor of the Gatling gun (Hertford County)
- The Greensboro Four, male African-American students at the North Carolina A&T State University who in 1960 started the first civil rights sit-in; their action eventually led to lunch counters and restaurants being desegregated throughout the Southern United States
- John H. Hager (born 1936), Lieutenant Governor of Virginia.
- Caleb V. Haynes, USAF major general, air pioneer
- Jesse Helms (1921–2008), retired five-term Senator from North Carolina and national spokesman for right-wing causes (Monroe)
- James Pinckney Henderson (1808–1858), United States and Republic of Texas lawyer, politician, soldier, and the first Governor of the State of Texas (Lincolnton)
- Robert Hoke (1837-1912), Major General, Confederate States Army and a Director of North Carolina Railroad, (Lincolnton)
- James B. Hunt, Jr. (born 1937), former NC governor who served a record four terms, also engaged Jesse Helms in a race for the U.S. Senate in 1984 that was the most expensive Senate campaign up to that time (Wilson)
- Andrew Jackson (1767–1845), seventh President of the United States from 1829 to 1837 (Waxhaw It should be noted his birth records are not at all complete and he very well could be from the South Carolina side.)
- Andrew Johnson (1808–1875), seventeenth President of the United States from 1865 to 1869 (Raleigh)
- Joseph Lane (1801–1881), United States Army general and member of the United States Senate from Oregon (Buncombe County)
- Dolley Madison (1768–1849), wife of President James Madison (Guilford County)
- Daniel McFadden (born 1937), economist, winner of the 2000 Nobel Prize in economics (Raleigh)
- Walter Hines Page (1855–1918), U.S. ambassador to Britain during the First World War (Cary)
- William Dorsey Pender (1834-1863), Major General, one of the youngest generals in the Confederate States Army, mortally wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, (Edgecombe County)
- James K. Polk (1797–1849), 11th President of the United States from 1845 to 1849 (Mecklenburg County)
- Stephen Dodson Ramseur (1837-1864) Major General Confederate States Army mortally wounded at the Battle of Cedar Creek Virginia. (Lincolnton)
- Hiram Revels (1822–1901), first African-American member of the United States Senate (Fayetteville)
- Hugh Shelton (born 1942), retired US Army General, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1997 to 2001 (Tarboro)
- Edward Snowden (born 1983), former NSA contractor who leaked top-secret documents regarding the NSA worldwide spying program. (Wilmington)
- Richard Dobbs Spaight Sr (1758–1802), second NC signatory of the US Constitution and the eighth NC Governor (New Bern)
- Don Vaughan (born 1952), former member of the North Carolina State Senate from Greensboro, who pushed for Susie's Law in 2010
- Robert F. Williams (1925–1996), civil rights activist who advocated using black armed guards to protect African-American neighborhoods from white supremacist groups (Monroe)
Media
- Sidney Blackmer (1895–1973), actor (Salisbury)
- Randy Boone (born 1942), actor and singer (Fayetteville)
- Doug Brochu (born 1990), actor (Fayetteville)
- Ben Browder (born 1962), actor (Charlotte)
- Jim David (born ????), stand-up comedian, actor (Asheville)
- Cecil B. DeMille (1881–1959), film director and producer (Washington)
- Tom DiCillo (born 1953), film director (Camp Le Jeune)
- Jennifer Ehle (born 1969), actress (Winston-Salem)
- Mike Evans (1949–2006), actor (Salisbury)
- Penny Fuller (born 1940), actress (Durham)
- Mark Freiburger (born 1983), filmmaker (Charlotte)
- Zach Galifianakis (born 1969), comedian, actor, writer (Wilkesboro)
- Gallagher (born 1947), comedian (Fort Bragg)
- Ava Gardner (1922–1990), actress (Smithfield)
- Kathryn Grayson (born 1922), actress and singer (Winston-Salem)
- Pam Grier (born 1949), actress (Winston-Salem)
- Nikki Griffin (born 1978), actress (Wilmington)
- Rhoda Griffis (born 1945), actress (Raleigh)
- Andy Griffith (1926–2012), actor, singer, director (Mount Airy)
- George Grizzard (1928–2007), Emmy and Tony-winning actor (Roanoke Rapids)
- Julianna Guill (born 1987), actress (Winston-Salem)
- Jester Hairston (1901-2000), actor (Belews Creek, North Carolina)
- Michael C. Hall (born 1971), actor (Raleigh)
- Murray Hamilton (1923–1986), actor (Washington)
- Jeff Hardy (born 1977), professional wrestler, entertainer (Cameron)
- Matt Hardy (born 1974), professional wrestler, entertainer (Cameron)
- Shirley Hemphill (1947–1999), stand-up comedian, actress (Asheville)
- Jackee Harry (born 1956), actress (Winston-Salem)
- Molly Haskell (born 1939), film critic (Charlotte)
- Gregory Helms (born 1974), professional wrestler, entertainer (Smithfield)
- Ed Hinton (1927–1958), actor (Wilmington)
- Edwin Hodge (born 1985), actor (Jacksonville)
- Gill Holland (born 1964), film producer
- Skip Hollandsworth (born 1957), screenwriter (Kannapolis)
- Laurel Holloman (born 1971), actress (Chapel Hill)
- Brian Huskey (born 1968), actor, comedian (Charlotte)
- Earle Hyman (born 1926), actor (Rocky Mount)
- Burgess Jenkins (born 1973), actor (Winston-Salem)
- Ken Jeong (born 1969), comedian, actor (Greensboro)
- Star Jones (born 1962), TV personality (Badin)
- Darwin Joston (1937–1998), actor (Winston-Salem)
- Allyn King (1899–1930), actress
- Tim Kirkman (born 1966), film director (Monroe)
- Sharon Lawrence (born 1961), actress (Charlotte / Raleigh)
- Beth Leavel (born 1955), actress (Raleigh)
- Chyler Leigh (born 1982), actress (Charlotte)
- Barbara Loden (1932–1980), actor and film director (Marion)
- Scotty McCreery (born 1993), singer (Garner)
- James McEachin (born 1930), actor (Rennert)
- Vince McMahon (born 1945), Chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) (Pinehurst)
- Jane McNeill (born ????), actress (Whiteville)
- Robert Duncan McNeill (born 1964), actor, director (Raleigh)
- Eddie Mills (born 1972), actor (Kannapolis)
- Rogelio Mills (born ????), television personality, author, and recording artist (Charlotte)
- Julianne Moore (born 1960), actress (Fort Bragg)
- Shannon Moore (born 1979), professional wrestler, entertainer (Cameron)
- Anita Morris (1943–1994), actress (Durham)
- Anna Mercedes Morris (born 1977), stuntwoman (Charlotte)
- Laura Moss (born 1973), actress (Kings Mountain)
- Mike Muscat (born 1952), actor (Fort Bragg)
- John Haymes Newton (born 1965), actor (Chapel Hill)
- Lee Norris (born 1981), actor (Greenville)
- Jaime Pressly (born 1977), model (Kinston)
- Emily Proctor (born 1968), actress (Raleigh)
- Jim Rash (born 1970), actor, comedian (Charlotte)
- Peyton Reed (born 1964), TV and film director (Raleigh)
- Jon Reep (born 1972), stand-up comedian (Hickory)
- Nina Repeta (born 1967), actress (Shelby)
- Tequan Richmond (born 1992), actor (Burlington)
- Britt Robertson (born 1990), actress (Charlotte)
- Marcy Rylan (born 1980), actress (Providence Township)
- Soupy Sales (1926–2009), comedian (Franklinton)
- Christoph Sanders (born 1988), actor (Arden / Hendersonville)
- Paul Schneider (born 1976), actor (Asheville)
- Judith Scott, actress (Fort Bragg)
- Nick Searcy (born 1959), actor (Cullowhee)
- Matthew Settle (born 1969), actor (Hickory)
- J. B. Smoove (born 1964), actor (Plymouth)
- Arthur Smith (born 1921), musician, composer, TV and radio producer (Charlotte)
- Margo Stilley (born 1982), actress (Bear Creek)
- Skeet Ulrich (born 1970), actor (Concord)
- Liz Vassey (born 1972), actress (Raleigh)
- Reginald VelJohnson (born 1952), actor (Raleigh)
- Ben Vereen (born 1946), actor, entertainer (Laurinburg)
- Jill Wagner (born 1979), actress, model (Winston-Salem)
- Gregory Walcott (born 1928), actor (Wendell)
- James Harvey Ward (born 1978), actor (Greenville)
- Kevin Williamson (born 1965), screenwriter (New Bern)
- Mary Elizabeth Winstead (born 1984), actress (Rocky Mount)
- Evan Rachel Wood (born 1987), actress (Raleigh)
- Bellamy Young (born 1970), actress (Asheville)
- Brad Yoder (born 1971), actor, producer (High Point)
Music
- Seth Avett (Born 1980), singer-songwriter, artist (Concord)
- Scott Avett (Born 1976), singer-songwriter, artist (Concord)
- Ryan Adams (born 1974), singer-songwriter (Jacksonville and Raleigh)
- Clay Aiken (born 1978), pop singer (Raleigh)
- Doug Aldrich (born 1964), guitarist (Raleigh)
- Gerald Alston (born 1951), of R&B group Gerald Alston & The Manhattans (Henderson)
- Tori Amos (born 1963), singer (Newton)
- Sunshine Anderson (born 1974), R&B and soul singer, songwriter (Winston-Salem and Charlotte)
- Nicholas William Bailey (born 1980), TV and film composer, singer-songwriter (New Bern, North Carolina)
- Bessie Banks (born 1938), singer (born Bessie White)
- Warren Barfield (born 1979), Christian musician (Goldsboro)
- Maria Howell (born 1962), singer (Gastonia)
- Fantasia Barrino (born 1984), singer (High Point)
- Riley Baugus (born 1965), indigenous Appalachian musician (Walkertown, North Carolina)
- Alicia Bridges (born 1953), disco singer (Lawndale, North Carolina)
- Chuck Brown (1936–2012), known as "The Godfather of Go-go" (Garysburg)
- Shirley Caesar (born 1938), singer (Durham)
- Jason Michael Carroll (born 1978), singer (Raleigh)
- Spencer Chamberlain (born 1983), singer, songwriter (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
- Eric Church (born 1977), country singer, songwriter (Granite Falls, North Carolina)
- George Clinton (born 1941), funk musician (Kannapolis)
- John Coltrane (1926–1967), jazz musician (Hamlet)
- David L. Cook (born 1968), Christian recording artist and comedian (Charlotte)
- J. Cole (born 1985), rapper (Fayetteville)
- Elizabeth Cotten (1895–1987), folk and blues singer and songwriter (Carrboro)
- Bucky Covington (born 1977), singer (Rockingham)
- Charlie Daniels (born 1936), singer, songwriter (Wilmington)
- Chris Daughtry (born 1979), singer (Roanoke Rapids & Greensboro)
- Tommy DeCarlo (born 1965), singer for Boston (Charlotte)
- Patrick Douthit (a.k.a. 9th Wonder) (born 1975), hip-hop producer (Winston-Salem)
- Jermaine Dupri (born 1972), rap artist and record producer (Asheville)
- Mitch Easter (born 1954), singer, songwriter, music producer (most notably for R.E.M.), frontman for Let's Active (Winston-Salem)
- Donna Fargo (born 1945), singer, songwriter (Mt. Airy)
- Roberta Flack (born 1937), singer (Asheville)
- Ben Folds (born 1966), singer, songwriter (Winston-Salem and Chapel Hill)
- Blind Boy Fuller (1908–1941), blues guitarist and singer Wadesboro
- Alfreda Gerald, opera singer and classical soloist (Morganton)
- Don Gibson (1928–2003), country music singer, songwriter, Country Music Hall of Fame (Shelby)
- Andy Griffith (1926–2012), actor and gospel singer (Mt. Airy)
- "K-Ci" and "JoJo" Hailey (born 1969) and (born 1971) respectively, R&B duo and members of the R&B group, Jodeci (Charlotte)
- Anthony Hamilton (born 1985), soul artist (Charlotte)
- Wilbert Harrison (1929–1994), singer, pianist (Charlotte)
- Warren Haynes (born 1960), Southern rock and blues singer, guitarist for Gov't Mule and The Allman Brothers Band(Asheville, North Carolina)
- Jimmy Herring (born 1962), guitarist for Widespread Panic and guitar virtuoso (Fayetteville)
- Byron Hill (born 1952), country songwriter (Winston-Salem)
- Michael Houser (1962–2002), guitarist, founding member of Widespread Panic (Boone)
- Stonewall Jackson (born 1932), country singer and musician (Tabor City)
- Randy Jones (born 1953), singer of the Village People (Raleigh, North Carolina)
- Cheyenne Kimball (born 1990), singer, songwriter, guitarist, mandolinist (Wilmington)
- Ben E. King (born 1938), singer, songwriter (Henderson)
- Jim Lauderdale (born 1957), bluegrass, country, and Americana singer, songwriter (Troutman)
- Dennis Lee (born 1988), singer, songwriter (Winston-Salem, North Carolina) and (Raleigh, North Carolina)
- Del McCoury (born 1939) bluegrass musician, born in (Bakersville, North Carolina)
- Scotty McCreery (born 1993), country singer and American Idol Season 10 winner (Garner)
- Ronnie Milsap (born 1946), country singer, songwriter (Robbinsville)
- Dave Moody (born 1962), Grammy-nominated, Dove Award–winning artist, producer, songwriter, filmmaker (Fayetteville)
- Thelonious Monk (1917–1982), jazz and blues pianist (Rocky Mount)
- The-Dream Real Name: Terius Nash, R&B singer, writer, producer (Rockingham)
- Oliver (singer) (born William Oliver Swofford) (1945–2000), singer (North Wilkesboro)
- Petey Pablo (born 1978), rap artist (Greenville)
- Maceo Parker (born 1943), songwriter, musician (Kinston)
- Kellie Pickler (born 1986), pop country singer, songwriter, participant in fifth season of American Idol (Albemarle)
- Joseph Poole (born 1976), rock musician (Charlotte)
- Neil Pope (born 1978), gospel singer (Asheboro)
- Calvin Richardson, R&B singer, songwriter (Monroe, North Carolina) (Union County)
- Max Roach (1924–2007), jazz drummer (Pasquotank County)
- Porter Robinson (born 1992), electronic dance musician (Chapel Hill)
- Earl Scruggs (1924–2012), bluegrass banjo player (Shelby)
- William Self (1906–1998), organist and choirmaster (Lenoir)
- Nina Simone (1933–2003), singer (Tryon)
- Arthur Smith (born 1921), music composer, entertainer, TV and radio producer (Charlotte)
- Peter Stroud Guitarist and rock musician; Cofounder of 65amps (Greensboro)
- Supastition (born 1976), hip-hop artist (Greenville)
- James Taylor (born 1948), singer, songwriter (Chapel Hill)
- Randy Travis (born 1959), country music singer (Marshville)
- Loudon Wainwright III (born 1946), songwriter, folk singer, humorist and actor (Chapel Hill)
- Doc Watson (1923–2012), folk guitarist (Deep Gap)
- Link Wray (1929–2005), pioneering guitarist, rock musician and songwriter (Dunn)
- George Younce (1930–2005), gospel singer (Caldwell County)
Journalism
- Mary Ann Akers, political gossip columnist (High Point)
- David Brinkley (1920–2003), television newscaster, host of ABC-TV's This Week with David Brinkley from 1981–96, co-anchor of the Huntley-Brinkley Report nightly newscast on NBC-TV from 1956-70 (Wilmington)
- Sharon Dahlonega Raiford Bush (born 1952), American television's first African-American prime-time weather anchor (Greensboro)
- Howard Cosell (1918–1995), sports journalist and longtime star of ABC-TV's Monday Night Football, commentator for many of the greatest fights of Muhammad Ali (Winston-Salem)
- Josephus Daniels (1862–1948), founder of Raleigh News and Observer newspaper, also served as U.S. Secretary of the Navy from 1913 to 1921 under President Woodrow Wilson (Washington)
- David Gergen (born May 9, 1942), journalist, editor-at-large for U.S. News & World Report, also serves as director of the Center for Public Leadership at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, senior political analyst at CNN (Durham)
- Al Hunt (born 1942), journalist, managing editor for Bloomberg News, longtime regular panelist on CNN's Capital Gang news program (Winston-Salem)
- Carl Kassel (born 1934), radio personality for NPR and long-time radio journalist (Goldsboro, North Carolina)
- Charles Kuralt (1934–1997), journalist and CBS television personality (Wilmington)
- Jennifer Loven, journalist and White House correspondent for the Associated Press (Matthews)
- Edward R. Murrow (1908–1965), legendary CBS News journalist and pioneer of television (near Greensboro)
- Walter Hines Page (1855–1918), journalist and publisher (Cary)
- Charlie Rose (born 1942), interviewer and journalist; host of late-night PBS television talk show (Henderson)
- Vermont C. Royster (1914–1996), editor-in-chief of The Wall Street Journal from 1957 to 1970, winner of two Pulitzer Prizes (Raleigh)
- Stuart Scott (1965-2015), television sportscaster, anchor of ESPN's SportsCenter from 1995 until present; graduated from University of North Carolina
- Wilbert Tatum (1933–2009), newspaper executive, served as editor, publisher, chairman and chief executive officer of New York Amsterdam.
Education
- Elson Floyd (born 1956), president, Washington State University, former president of University of Missouri System and of Western Michigan University
- Burl Noggle (1924-2013), historian at Louisiana State University; born and educated in North Carolina, author of book on Teapot Dome scandal
Art and literature
- Charles Alston (1907–1977), painter, illustrator, muralist, and sculptor (Charlotte)
- Ernie Barnes (1938–2009), Neo-Mannerist artist and former professional football player (Durham)
- Romare Bearden (1911–1988), African-American artist and writer (Charlotte)
- John T. Biggers (1924–2001), painter and muralist (Gastonia)
- Selma Burke (1900–1925), sculptor and ceramicist (Mooresville)
- Betsy Byars (born 1928), children's author (Charlotte)
- Fred Chappell (born 1936), author and North Carolina Poet Laureate 1997–2002 (Canton)
- Ellis Credle (1902–1998), author of books for children and young adults, including Down Down the Mountain (1934) (Hyde County, North Carolina)
- Sarah Dessen (born 1970), writer of novels for young adults (Chapel Hill)
- Thomas Dixon (1864–1946), author of Birth of a Nation (Shelby)
- Pamela Duncan (born 1961), novelist whose books often focus on working-class Southerners (Asheville)
- John Ehle (born 1925), author (Asheville)
- Minnie Evans (1892–1987), folk artist (Long Creek)
- Charles Frazier (born 1950), author of best-selling novel Cold Mountain (Asheville)
- Kaye Gibbons (born 1960), author of novels Ellen Foster and A Virtuous Woman (Rocky Mount)
- Herb Jackson (born 1945), painter, given North Carolina Award by governor in 1999
- Paul Green (born 1894), Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, author of The Lost Colony (Lillington)
- Jim Grimsley (born 1955), novelist and playwright (Pollocksville, North Carolina)
- Harvey Littleton (born 1922), glass artist, founder of American Studio Glass movement
- John Littleton (born 1957), glass artist with collaborative partner Kate Vogel, ibased in Bakersville, North Carolina
- Margaret Maron, award-winning author of mystery novels
- Kenneth Noland (born 1924), painter (Asheville)
- William Sydney Porter (1862–1910), prolific short story writer under pen name O. Henry whose works include The Ransom of Red Chief and The Gift of the Magi (Greensboro)
- Tom Robbins (born 1936), author of best-selling novels including Even Cowgirls Get The Blues (Blowing Rock)
- Nicholas Sparks (born 1965), author of best-selling novels including Message in a Bottle and Nights in Rodanthe (New Bern)
- Theodore Taylor (born 1921), author of more than 50 books for young adults including The Cay (Statesville)
- Timothy Tyson, historian at Duke University and author of the best-selling book Blood Done Sign My Name (Oxford)
- Kate Vogel (born 1956), glass artist with collaborative partner John Littleton, based in Bakersville, North Carolina
- Thomas Wolfe (1900–1948), author of classic novels such as Look Homeward, Angel and You Can't Go Home Again (Asheville)
Sports and athletics
Stephen Curry
- Dustin Ackley (born 1988), second baseman for the Seattle Mariners (Winston-Salem)
- Sam Aiken (born 1980), wide receiver; Buffalo Bills (2003–07); New England Patriots (2008–10) (Warsaw)
- Dwayne Allen (born 1990), tight end for the Indianapolis Colts (Fayetteville)
- Keenan Allen (born 1992), wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers (Greensboro)
- James Anderson (born 1983), linebacker for the Carolina Panthers (Roanoke Rapids)
- Chris Archer (born 1988), starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays (Raleigh)
- Darrell Armstrong (born 1968), former NBA point guard and current assistant coach for the Dallas Mavericks (Gastonia)
- J. J. Arrington (born 1983), pro football player (Rocky Mount)
- Scott Bankhead (born 1963), former MLB pitcher (Raleigh)
- Billy Ray Barnes (born 1935) pro ootball player (1957–66) Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, and Minnesota Vikings; selected three times for the Pro Bowl (Landis)
- Brian Barnes (born 1967), former MLB pitcher for the Montreal Expos, Cleveland Indians, and Los Angeles Dodgers (Roanoke Rapids)
- Henry Bibby (born 1949), former NBA point guard and college coach; current assistant coach for the Memphis Grizzlies (Franklinton)
- Walt Bellamy (1938-2013), basketball player, NBA Hall of Fame (New Bern)
- Brenton Bersin (born 1990), wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers (Charlotte)
- Stephen Bowen (born 1984), defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys (Holly Ridge)
- Hal Bradley (1913–1981), football player, end for NFL's the Washington Redskins and Chicago Cardinals (Winston-Salem)
- Louis Breeden, defensive back with the Cincinnati Bengals (1978–1987).
- Andre Brown (born 1986), fullback for the Washington Redskins (Greenville)
- Jason Brown (American football) (born 1983) center for the St. Louis Rams (Henderson, North Carolina)
- Madison Bumgarner (born 1989), starting pitcher for the San Francisco Giants; youngest pitcher ever to win a postseason game for the San Francisco Giants (Granite Falls, South Caldwell High School)
- Crezdon Butler (born 1987), cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers (Asheville)
- Brian Canter (born 1987), professional bull rider on the Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough Series tour (Randleman)
- Bruce Carter (born 1988), linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys (Havelock)
- Carter Capps, relief pitcher for the Miami Marlins, born in Kinston
- Joey Cheek (born 1979), Olympic gold medalist speed skater. (Greensboro)
- Lonnie Chisenhall (born 1988), third baseman for the Cleveland Indians (Newport)
- Dwight Clark (born 1957), two-time All-Pro wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers; led 49ers to their first Super Bowl appearance with a last-minute touchdown catch in the 1982 NFC Championship Game (Kinston)
- Jim Cleamons (born 1949), former NBA guard who played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and New York Knicks; assistant coach for the Lakers (Lincolnton)
- Tony Cloninger (born 1940), MLB pitcher (Cherryville)
- Jonathan Cooper (born 1990), guard for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals (Wilmington)
- Terrance Copper (born 1982), wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs (Washington)
- Alge Crumpler (born 1977), tight end for the New England Patriots. Selected twice for the All-Pro and selected four times for the Pro Bowl. (Greenville)
- Chris Culliver (born 1988), cornerback for the San Francisco 49ers (Garner)
- Kenwin Cummings (born 1986), linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys (Maxton)
- Aaron Curry (born 1986), linebacker for the Seattle Seahawks (Fayetteville)
- Stephen Curry (born 1988), player for the Golden State Warriors (Charlotte)
- Brad Daugherty (born 1965), former All-America basketball player for UNC-Chapel Hill and NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers; television commentator for Raycom Media (Black Mountain)
- Walter Davis (born 1954), former basketball player for UNC-Chapel Hill and for the NBA's Phoenix Suns; six-time NBA All-Star (Pineville)
- Matt Dodge (born 1987), punter for the New York Giants (Morehead City)
- Dale Earnhardt Sr (1951–2001), renowned NASCAR driver nicknamed "The Intimidator" for his aggressive driving style; winner of 76 NASCAR races, killed in a crash at the 2001 Daytona 500 (Kannapolis)
- Dale Earnhardt Jr (born 1974), championship-winning NASCAR driver and protégé of his father, Dale Earnhardt Sr. (Kannapolis)
- Brad Edwards (born 1966), safety for the Washington Redskins, made two interceptions in Super Bowl XXVI Lumberton, North Carolina
- Dannell Ellerbe (born 1985), linebacker for the Miami Dolphins (Hamlet)
- Vince Evans (born 1955), 1977 Rose Bowl MVP for University of Southern California, quarterback for NFL's Los Angeles Raiders and Chicago Bears (Greensboro)
- Rick Ferrell (1905–1995), Baseball Hall of Fame catcher for Boston Red Sox Washington Senators and St Louis Browns (Durham)
- Perry Fewell (born 1962), defensive coordinator for the New York Giants (Gastonia)
- Phil Ford (born 1956), retired point guard who played with the Kansas City Kings, New Jersey Nets, Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets. Won the '78–'79 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Currently the assistant coach for the Charlotte Bobcats (Rocky Mount)
- Roman Gabriel (born 1940), All-America quarterback for NC State; played for NFL's Los Angeles Rams and Philadelphia Eagles, named league's MVP in 1969 (Wilmington)
- Omar Gaither (born 1984), linebacker for the Philadelphia Eagles (Charlotte)
- Harry Gant (born 1940), former NASCAR driver, Mr. September(Taylorsville)
- David Garrard (born 1978), former East Carolina University football player, Current starting Quarterback for the Jacksonville Jaguars (Durham)
- Kenny Gattison (born 1964), former NBA player and current assistant coach for the Atlanta Hawks (Wilmington)
- Alvin Gentry (born 1954), head coach for the Phoenix Suns (Shelby)
- Joe Gibbs (born 1940), Hall of Fame head coach for the Washington Redskins and owner of Joe Gibbs Racing; won Super Bowl in 1982, 1987, and 1991; won the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2000, 2002, and 2005 (Mocksville)
- Marcus Gilchrist (born 1988), cornerback for the San Diego Chargers (High Point)
- Mark Grace (born 1964), former Chicago Cubs and Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star and Gold Glove Award-winning first baseman; has the major league record for most hits (1,754) and doubles (364) in the decade of the 1990s, broadcaster, coach (Winston-Salem)
- Jimmy Graham (born 1986), tight end for the New Orleans Saints (Goldsboro)
- Bill Haas (born 1982), professional golfer (Charlotte)
- Chris Hairston (born 1989), offensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills (Winston-Salem)
- P. J. Hairston (born 1992), player for the Charlotte Hornets (Greensboro)
- Josh Hamilton (born 1981), outfielder for the Los Angeles Angels (Raleigh)
- Dee Hardison (born 1956), former NFL defensive lineman, primarily for the Buffalo Bills and the New York Giants (Jacksonville)
- Matt Harrison (born 1985), pitcher for the Texas Rangers (Durham)
- William Hayes (born 1985), defensive end for the Tennessee Titans (High Point)
- Brendan Haywood (born 1979), center for the Dallas Mavericks (Greensboro)
- Andy Headen (born 1960), linebacker for the New York Giants from 1983 to 1988 (Asheboro)
- Madison Hedgecock (born 1981), former fullback for the St. Louis Rams and New York Giants. Selected All-Pro in 2008 (Winston-Salem)
- Tommy Helms, former Major League Baseball infielder, born in Charlotte
- Sterling Hitchcock (born 1971), former MLB pitcher for the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres (Fayetteville)
- Greg Holland (born 1985), relief pitcher for the Kansas City Royals (Morganton)
- DeVonte Holloman (born 1991), linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys (Charlotte)
- Torry Holt (born 1976), former NC State and St. Louis Rams wide receiver (1999–2008); five-time NFL Pro Bowl participant (Gibsonville)
- Brad Hoover, football player for the Carolina Panthers, attended Western Carolina University
- Joe Horn (born 1972) (grew up in Fayetteville), wide receiver, Atlanta Falcons previously New Orleans Saints (born in Connecticut)
- Josh Howard (born 1980), small forward and shooting guard for the Utah Jazz (Winston-Salem)
- Jason Hunter (born 1983), defensive end for the Oakland Raiders (Charlotte)
- Jim "Catfish" Hunter (1946–1999), Major League Baseball pitcher, starting for the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees in five World Series championships during the 1970s; member of the Baseball Hall of Fame (Hertford)
- Mark Ingram, Sr. (born 1965), former NFL wide receiver, primarily with the New York Giants (Gaston)
- John Isner (born 1985), professional tennis player (Greensboro)
- Bobby Jackson (born 1973), NBA player and assistant coach of Sacramento Kings (East Spencer)
- Dale Jarrett (born 1956), long-time NASCAR driver and winner of the 1999 NASCAR Championship (Conover)
- Ned Jarrett (born 1932), former NASCAR driver, and two-time NASCAR champion. (Conover)
- Glenn Jarrett (born 1950), former NASCAR driver. (Conover)
- Junior Johnson (born 1931), moonshiner who eluded capture by outrunning law enforcement on mountain roads; later an early superstar of NASCAR, subject of a 1965 Esquire magazine article by Tom Wolfe (Wilkes County)
- Marc Johnson (born 1970), professional skateboarder (Winston-Salem)
- Sam Jones (born 1933), Hall of Fame basketball player for the Boston Celtics (Wilmington)
- Michael Jordan (born 1963), retired basketball player, former University of North Carolina player, winner of six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls, 1984 and 1992 Olympics gold medalist, member of Pro Basketball Hall of Fame, NBA executive (Wilmington)
- Sonny Jurgensen (born 1934), Hall of Fame quarterback for the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles; longtime color commentator for Redskins radio (Wilmington)
- Clyde King (1924–2010), MLB pitcher, coach, manager, general manager, and front office executive (Goldsboro)
- Mike LaValliere (born 1960), former MLB catcher who played with the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates (Charlotte)
- Vonta Leach (born 1981), fullback for the Baltimore Ravens (Lumberton)
- Meadowlark Lemon (born 1935), basketball player for the Harlem Globetrotters; nicknamed the "Clown Prince" (Wilmington)
- Sugar Ray Leonard (born 1956), championship boxer and 1976 Olympic gold medal winner in boxing, world welterweight champion (Wilmington)
- Buck Leonard (1907–1997), Baseball Hall of Fame, first baseman Homestead Grays (Rocky Mount)
- Greg Little (born 1989), wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns (Durham)
- Sean Locklear (born 1981), offensive tackle for the Seattle Seahawks (Lumberton)
- Davis Love III (born 1964), professional golfer, attended UNC-Chapel Hill (Charlotte)
- Calvin Lowry (born 1983), football player, safety, attended Penn State, played for the Tennessee Titans and Denver Broncos. (Fayetteville)
- Bob Mann (1924–2006), wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. First African-American player for both teams. Inducted to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1988. (New Bern)
- Mohamed Massaquoi (born 1986), wide receiver for the Cleveland Browns (Charlotte)
- J. B. Mauney (born 1987), professional bull rider on Built Ford Tough Series (Mooresville)
- Cameron Maybin (born 1987), center fielder for the San Diego Padres (Asheville)
- Eric Maynor (born 1987), point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder (Raeford)
- Robert "Bob" McAdoo (born 1951), Hall of Fame basketball player for UNC-Chapel Hill and the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers; led UNC-Chapel Hill to the 1971 NCAA Final Four; known for having "best jump shot for a big man;" assistant coach for the NBA Miami Heat, (Greensboro)
- Vince McMahon (born 1945), chairman of World Wrestling Entertainment (Pinehurst)
- Nate McMillan (born 1964), retired guard for the Seattle SuperSonics; currently is head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers (Raleigh)
- David Merritt (born 1971), former NFL linebacker and current defensive backs coach for the New York Giants (Raleigh)
- Kevin Millwood (born 1974), pitcher for the Seattle Mariners (Gastonia)
- Wilmer Mizell (1930–1990), Major League Baseball pitcher and N.C. congressman
- Arthur Moats (born 1988), outside linebacker for the Buffalo Bills (Havelock)
- Brian Moehler (born 1971), starting pitcher for the Houston Astros (Rockingham)
- Scottie Montgomery (born 1978), former NFL wide receiver and current wide receivers coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers (Shelby)
- Joe Morris (born 1960), former running back for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns (Fort Bragg)
- Anthony Morrow (born 1985), basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder (Charlotte)
- Wil Myers (born 1990), outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays (Thomasville)
- Hakeem Nicks (born 1988), wide receiver for the New York Giants (Charlotte)
- Willie Parker (born 1980), running back, Pittsburgh Steelers Clinton, North Carolina "Fast Willie"
- Chris Paul (born 1985), three-time All-Star point guard for the Los Angeles Clippers, won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2006 (Lewisville)
- Julius Peppers (born 1980), All-America football player and basketball player for UNC-Chapel Hill; only athlete in history to have played in both the NCAA Final Four and NFL Super Bowl; currently an All-Pro outside linebacker for the NFL's Green Bay Packers (Bailey)
- Gaylord Perry (born 1938), MLB pitcher and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame; first pitcher to win Cy Young Award in both the American and National Leagues (Williamston)
- Greg Peterson (born 1984), defensive tackle, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, named an All-American at North Carolina Central University, Kenansville, NC
- Lee Petty (1914–2000), stock car driver, pioneer of NASCAR and three-time NASCAR champion in the 1950s; father of Richard Petty (Randleman)
- Richard Petty (born 1937), stock car driver and current holder of the NASCAR record for all-time victories at 200; son of Lee Petty (Randleman)
- Jennifer Pharr Davis, set record for quickest Appalachian Trail hike in 2011.
- Brandon Phillips (born 1981), second baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, two-time All-Star and won the Gold Glove Award three times (Raleigh)
- Landon Powell (born 1982), catcher and first baseman for the Oakland A's (Raleigh)
- Mike Quick, wide receiver with the Philadelphia Eagles (1982-1990).
- Kevin Reddick (born 1989), linebacker for the Carolina Panthers (New Bern)
- Jeff Reed (born 1979), placekicker for the Pittsburgh Steelers (Charlotte)
- Mary Reynolds (1921–1991), player in All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (Gastonia)
- Brian Roberts (born 1977), second baseman for New York Yankees (Durham)
- Lee Rouson (born 1962), former running back for the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns (Elizabeth City)
- Kelvin Sampson (born 1955), head basketball coach for the University of Houston (Laurinburg)
- Kyle Seager (born 1987), third baseman for the Seattle Mariners (Kannapolis)
- Tyler Shatley (born 1991), guard for the Jacksonville Jaguars (Icard)
- Razor Shines (born 1956), former first baseman for the Montreal Expos and current first base coach for the New York Mets (Durham)
- Enos Slaughter (1916–2002), right fielder and Baseball Hall of Famer who primarily played with the St. Louis Cardinals and the New York Yankees (Roxboro)
- Terrmel Sledge (born 1977), former MLB outfielder and current outfielder for the Yokohama BayStars (Fayetteville)
- D. J. Smith (born 1989), linebacker for the Green Bay Packers (Charlotte)
- Ish Smith (born 1988), point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder (Charlotte)
- Brandon Spikes (born 1987), linebacker for the New England Patriots (Shelby)
- Jerry Stackhouse (born 1974), former All-America basketball player for UNC-Chapel Hill and current player for the Atlanta Hawks, member of the NBA's 1996 All-Rookie team (Kinston)
- Melvin Stewart (born November 16, 1968), two-time Olympic gold medalist, swimming, inducted into the International Swimming Hall of Fame
- Hal Stowe (born 1937), former pitcher for the New York Yankees (Gastonia)
- Ryan Succop (born 1986), placekicker for the Kansas City Chiefs (Hickory)
- Brett Swain (born 1986), wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ers (Asheville)
- J. R. Sweezy (born 1989), offensive guard for the Seattle Seahawks (Mooresville)
- John Swofford (born 1948), Commissioner of the ACC since 1997 and former Athletic Director of UNC-Chapel Hill (North Wilkesboro)
- Ray Tanner (born 1958), head baseball coachACC head baseball coach SEC Athletic Director SEC (Benson)
- Brandon Tate (born 1987), wide receiver for the New England Patriots. Holds the NCAA career record for most combined yards (3,523) (Burlington)
- Ryan Taylor (born 1987), tight end for the Green Bay Packers (Winston-Salem)
- Cam Thomas (born 1986), nose tackle for the San Diego Chargers (Eagle Springs)
- David Thompson (born 1954), NC State basketball legend, leading the team to the 1974 NCAA basketball championship over UCLA, four-time NBA All-Star and member of the Basketball Hall of Fame (Shelby)
- Leigh Torrence (born 1982), cornerback for the New Orleans Saints (Raleigh)
- Norv Turner (born 1952), head coach for the San Diego Chargers (Camp Lejeune)
- Hassan Whiteside (born 1989), power forward and center for the Sacramento Kings (Gastonia)
- Brian Vickers (born 1983), NASCAR driver (Thomasville)
- Fred Vinson (born 1971), former NBA player and current assistant coach for the New Orleans Hornets (Murfreesboro)
- Adam Warren (born 1987), relief pitcher for the New York Yankees (New Bern)
- Greg Warren (born 1981), long snapper for the Pittsburgh Steelers (Goldsboro)
- Josh Whitesell (born 1983), former MLB first baseman (Durham)
- Chris Wilcox (born 1982), power forward/center for the Boston Celtics (Raleigh)
- Hoyt Wilhelm (1923–2002), Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Baltimore Orioles Chicago White Sox and other teams (Huntersville)
- Damien Wilkins (born 1980), small forward and shooting guard for the Detroit Pistons (Washington)
- Brian Williams (born 1979), cornerback for the New York Giants (High Point)
- Buck Williams (born 1960), former NBA player for the New Jersey Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, and New York Knicks and current assistant coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. Won the 1982 NBA Rookie of the Year Award. (Rocky Mount)
- Mario Williams (born 1985), former NC State football player and the first ACC football player ever selected first overall in the NFL draft; currently plays defensive end for the Buffalo Bills (Richlands)
- Perry Williams (born 1961), former cornerback for the New York Giants (Hamlet)
- Roy Williams (born 1950), UNC-Chapel Hill men's basketball coach since 2003; led UNC-Chapel Hill to the 2005 & 2009 NCAA basketball national championship (Spruce Pine)
- C. J. Wilson (born 1987), defensive end for the Green Bay Packers (Belhaven)
- James Worthy (born 1961), basketball player for UNC-Chapel Hill, named Most Valuable Player in the 1982 NCAA basketball championship game, winner of three NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers, broadcaster (Gastonia)
- Ryan Zimmerman (born 1984), All-Star third baseman for the Washington Nationals (Washington)
- Alex White, Cleveland Indians pitcher (Greenville)
- Johnny White (born 1988), running back for the Buffalo Bills (Asheville)
Other
- Ernest Angley (born 1921), international Christian evangelist and pastor of Grace Cathedral (Akron, Ohio)
- Caleb Bradham (1866–1934), inventor of Pepsi-Cola (New Bern)
- Fred Brooks (born 1931), software engineer and computer scientist (Durham)
- Eliza Bryant (1827 – May 13, 1907), humanitarian
- Judy Clarke (born 1952), criminal defense attorney in many high-profile cases (Asheville)
- John Cocke (1925–2002), computer scientist (Charlotte)
- Chelsea Cooley (born 1983), Miss USA 2005 (Mint Hill)
- Wade Crane (1944–2010), professional pool player (Robbinsville)
- Virginia Dare (1587–1597?), first person of English heritage born in the New World, to the Roanoke Colony, "The Lost Colony" (Roanoke Island)
- James Buchanan Duke (1856–1925), tobacco and electric power industrialist best known for the introduction of modern cigarette manufacture and marketing (Durham)
- Richard Jordan Gatling (1818–1903), inventor of the Gatling gun (Como)
- Billy Graham (born 1918), world-renowned evangelist and unofficial religious advisor to U.S. Presidents from Dwight D. Eisenhower to Bill Clinton (Charlotte)
- Franklin Graham (born 1952), Christian evangelist and missionary (Asheville)
- Jay U. Gunter (1911–1994), pathologist and amateur astronomer
- Kelly King (born 1948), Chairman and CEO of BB&T (Raleigh)
- Anne Graham Lotz (born 1948), Christian evangelist and daughter of Billy Graham (Montreat)
- Dan McGalliard (born 1940), (Burke County) inventor and innovator
- Benjamin Chavis Muhammad (born 1948), civil rights leader (Oxford)
- James Owens, former Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. (Elizabeth City)
- Erica Payne, public policy expert, commentator, author and strategist (Raleigh)
- Ronald Perelman (born 1943), businessman, investor, CEO of MacAndrews & Forbes (Greensboro)
- Conrad Reed (1787–1845), found a large gold nugget while fishing, triggering the first gold rush in the United States (Midland)
- Afeni Shakur (born 1947), former Black Panther, philanthropist, and mother of Tupac Shakur (Lumberton)
- David A. Smith (born 1957), computer scientist, specializing in interactive 3D (Camp Lejeune)
- Thomas Sowell (born 1930), economist, social critic, political commentator, author (Gastonia)
North Carolina residents born elsewhere
- Maya Angelou (1928–2014), poet, historian, author, actress, playwright, producer, director, and professor at Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem)
- Joseph Bathanti (born 1953), American poet, writer, professor; North Carolina Poet Laureate (Vilas)
- Frances Bavier (born 1902-1989), American actress, mainly the Andy Griffith Show; Siler City, North Carolina)
- Marshall Brain (born 1961), technology expert and internet personality at HowStuffWorks.com (Raleigh)
- Chang and Eng Bunker (1811–1874), the original Siamese twins who performed for audiences in Asia, Europe, and North America before settling in the mountains of North Carolina and marrying two local sisters (Wilkesboro)
- Orson Scott Card (born 1951), lecturer and author of the award-winning science fiction book Enders Game (Greensboro)
- Allison Hedge Coke (born 1958, raised in North Carolina), American Book Award winning author of Blood Run and other novels. (various counties)
- James U. Downs (born 1941), retired senior resident superior court judge in western North Carolina, 1983-2013 (Franklin)
- John Edwards (born 1953), former U.S. Senator and 2004 Democratic Vice-Presidential nominee (Robbins)
- Ric Flair (born 1949), most decorated professional wrestling champion of all time (Charlotte)
- Robert Wilkie (born 1962) Defense Department Leader and National Security Assistant to the President (Fayetteville)
- John Hope Franklin (1915–2009), historian and professor of African-American history at Duke University; also a civil-rights activist in the 1950s and 1960s (Durham)
- Harry Golden (1902–1981), Jewish-American humorist, writer and publisher of the "Carolina Israelite" and author of many popular books including "Only in America". (Charlotte)
- Alex Grant, Scottish-born American poet, instructor (Chapel Hill)
- Bob Havens (born 1930), musician who played trombone for the Lawrence Welk orchestra from 1960 to 1983, born in Quincy, Illinois. (Buies Creek)
- Joseph Hewes (1730–1779), signatory of the Declaration of Independence for North Carolina and first U.S. Secretary of the Navy (Edenton)
- Samantha Holvey (born 1986), Miss North Carolina USA 2006 (Buies Creek)
- Michael Jordan (born 1963), born in Brooklyn, New York but grew up in Wilmington (parents are from Wallace, basketball legend for the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, leading UNC to the 1982 NCAA basketball championship and winning six NBA titles with the Chicago Bulls (Charlotte)
- Si Kahn (born 1944), singer-songwriter and activist, supporting numerous civil-rights and environmental causes with his music (Charlotte)
- Mike Krzyzewski (born 1947), long-time men's basketball coach for Duke University, garnering four NCAA basketball national championships (Durham)
- William Lenoir (1751–1839), American patriot, serving in the Battle of Kings Mountain and several other skirmishes during the American Revolution, also the first President of the board of trustees of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Wilkes County)
- Michael Peterson (born 1943), novelist and convicted murderer; currently serving a life sentence for the 2003 murder of his wife (Durham)
- Tom Regan (born 1938), philosopher and animal rights activist at North Carolina State University, his book
- Kathy Reichs (born 1950), forensic anthropologist at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill; also the author of best-selling mystery novels featuring the character Temperance Brennan (Charlotte)
- Tony Rice, musician (Reidsville)
- Eric Rudolph (born 1966), anti-abortion terrorist currently serving five life sentences for the bombing at the 1996 Summer Olympics which killed one person and injured 111 others; Rudolph eluded capture for 5 years (Murphy)
- Randolph Scott (1898–1987), American film actor whose career spanned from 1928 to 1962. His most enduring image is that of the tall-in-the-saddle Western hero. Out of his more than 100 film appearances more than 60 were in Westerns.(Charlotte)
- Dean Smith (born 1931), retired men's basketball coach for the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, member of the NCAA Hall of Fame, earned 879 wins and two national championships in his career (Chapel Hill)
- Lee Smith (born 1944), author and instructor at North Carolina State University, winner of the O. Henry award for short-story writing (Hillsborough)
- Josef Sommer (born 1934), character actor who appeared in such hit movies as X-Men: The Last Stand, The Sum of All Fears, and Patch Adams (born in Greifswald, Germany, raised in North Carolina)
- Nicholas Sparks (born 1965) author of numerous romance novels and currently lives in New Bern (born in Omaha, Nebraska)
- Jessica Stroup (born 1986), actress who grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina (born in Anderson, South Carolina)
- Edward Teach (1680–1718), pirate known as Blackbeard, who kept his hide-out in the harbor of Ocracoke Island on North Carolina's Outer Banks (Ocracoke)
- John Tesh (born 1952), musician and television personality, best known as the host of the television series Entertainment Tonight from 1986 to 1996 (Winston-Salem)
- George Washington Vanderbilt II (1862–1914), billionaire who created the Biltmore Estate in the North Carolina mountains; it is the largest privately owned mansion in the Western Hemisphere and North Carolina's top tourist attraction (Asheville).
- Daniel Wallace (born 1959), author of the best-selling novel Big Fish: A Novel of Mythic Proportions (Chapel Hill)
- Harry Anderson (born 1952), actor best known as Judge Harry Stone from the television series, Night Court from 1984-1992. (Asheville)
- Hugh Williamson (1735–1819), physician and the third NC signatory of the Constitution (Edenton)
- Brittany York (born 1989), Miss North Carolina USA 2011 (Wilmington)
Lived or studied in North Carolina, born and lived elsewhere
- Daniel Boone (1734–1820), explorer, lived in the Yadkin River valley of western North Carolina for many years Wilkesboro, North Carolina
- Sandra Bullock (born 1964), movie actress, attended East Carolina University (Greenville)
- Nick Cannon (born 1980), actor, comedian, TV personality, graduated from Quail Hollow Middle School in Charlotte
- Chris Canty (born 1982), defensive lineman for the New York Giants, graduated from Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte)
- Perry Como (1912–2001), popular crooner and host of "The Perry Como Show", part-time resident of the NC mountains (near Asheville)
- Dan Cortese, MTV host, graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill
- Joey Dorsey (born 1983), NBA basketball player for the Sacramento Kings and alumnus of Laurinburg Institute in Laurinburg
- Fred Durst (born 1970), frontman for the rock band Limp Bizkit grew up and graduated from High School in NC (Gastonia)
- Lawrence Ferlinghetti (born 1919), poet and owner-operator of the City Lights Bookstore famous for promoting the works of beatnik writers and poets, NC resident (Chapel Hill)
- Mark Freiburger (born 1983), filmmaker, grew up in Charlotte, graduating from Providence High School and the University of North Carolina School of the Arts
- Mia Hamm (born 1972), former soccer player for UNC-Chapel Hill, two-time Olympic gold medalist, twice named FIFA's World Player of the Year (Chapel Hill)
- Brendan Haywood (born 1979), center for the Dallas Mavericks (Greensboro)
- Jesse Jackson (born 1941), politician, preacher, civil rights activist, graduated from North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro)
- Antawn Jamison (born 1976), power forward for the Los Angeles Clippers, attended Quail Hollow Middle School and Providence High School (Charlotte)
- Marion Jones (born 1975), former basketball player for UNC-Chapel Hill and Olympic runner, winner of three gold medals at the 2000 Summer Olympics (Chapel Hill)
- David Lynch (born 1946), film director and artist best known for directing the film Blue Velvet and the television series Twin Peaks, spent part of his childhood in NC (Durham)
- Pete Maravich (1947–1988), Hall of Fame NBA player, graduated from Needham B. Broughton High School (Raleigh)
- Armistead Maupin (born 1944) is an American writer best known for his Tales of the City series of novels based in San Francisco.
- Khalid Sheikh Mohammed (born 1964 or 1965), terrorist known for masterminding the 9/11 attacks, attended Chowan College and obtained a degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (Greensboro)
- Sio Moore (born 1990), linebacker for the Oakland Raiders, attended Apex High School (Apex)
- Frankie Muniz (born 1985), actor best known as the star of the popular television series Malcolm in the Middle, spent his childhood in NC (Knightdale)
- Richard Nixon (1913–1994), 37th President of the United States, graduated from the Duke University School of Law in 1937 (Durham)
- Arnold Palmer (born 1929), professional golfer and four-time winner of The Masters Tournament, attended Wake Forest University (Winston-Salem)
- Mary-Louise Parker (born 1964), film and television actress, graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts, star of the film Fried Green Tomatoes and the television series The West Wing and Weeds. Has won the Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe awards (Winston-Salem)
- Missi Pyle (born 1972), film actress, graduated from the North Carolina School of the Arts, star of films such as Bringing Down the House, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Galaxy Quest (Winston-Salem)
- Philip Rivers (born 1981), star quarterback for North Carolina State University, set school records in passing yardage and touchdowns, currently the starting quarterback for the National Football League's San Diego Chargers team (Raleigh)
- Amy Sedaris (born 1961), actress and comedienne, spent her childhood in North Carolina, best known as the star of the television series Strangers with Candy (Raleigh)
- David Sedaris (born 1956), author and essayist (brother to Amy), spent his childhood in NC (Raleigh)
- Jada Pinkett Smith (born 1971), actress and singer, attended North Carolina School of the Arts, starred in the popular television series A Different World and in the movies The Nutty Professor and Matrix Reloaded and Matrix Revolutions (Winston-Salem)
- Lawrence Taylor (born 1959), former football player for the New York Giants and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, All-America football player for UNC-Chapel Hill (Chapel Hill)
- Kristi Yamaguchi (born 1971), figure skater and member of the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame, NC resident (Raleigh)
References
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