List of people from Virginia

This is a list of notable people who were born in the U.S. state of Virginia, were raised or lived in Virginia, or for whom Virginia is a significant part of their identity. Those not born in Virginia are marked with §.

A

 * Alden Aaroe – WRVA talk show host
 * Caroline Aaron – actress and producer
 * John Aboud – writer, comedian, commentator on Best Week Ever and other VH1 shows
 * Jim Acosta – national political correspondent for CNN
 * Hunter "Patch" Adams § – doctor, author, and social activist
 * Xavier Adibi § – linebacker for Minnesota Vikings
 * Chris Adler – drummer (Lamb of God)
 * Willie Adler – guitarist (Lamb of God)
 * Danny Aiken – long snapper for New England Patriots
 * James Anderson § – linebacker for Carolina Panthers
 * Justin Anderson – player for Dallas Mavericks
 * V.C. Andrews – novelist; born in Portsmouth, Virginia
 * Anhayla – singer, guitarist, YouTube personality
 * David Arquette – actor, born on commune in Winchester
 * Arthur Ashe (1943–1993) – tennis player and social activist
 * Stephen F. Austin (1793–1836) – first Secretary of State of Republic of Texas
 * Kevin Aviance – dancer

B

 * Ba–Bm


 * Nathaniel Bacon (1647–1676) – led Bacon's Rebellion against British authority in 1676
 * Diedrich Bader (born 1966) – actor
 * Pearl Bailey – Tony Award-winning actress and singer
 * Ronald Bailey § – science editor for Reason magazine
 * Dylan Baker § – actor
 * David Baldacci – author
 * Krystal Ball – businesswoman, co-host of MSNBC show The Cycle
 * Gordon Banks – guitarist and songwriter
 * Steve Bannon – campaign manager, businessman, media executive, Chief Strategist and Senior Counselor to President Donald Trump
 * Ronde Barber (born 1975) – NFL cornerback
 * Tiki Barber (born 1975) – sportscaster, NFL running back
 * Don Barclay (born 1989) – NFL offensive lineman
 * Kylene Barker – Ms. America 1979
 * Melody Barnes (born 1964) – director of Domestic Policy Council for President Barack Obama
 * Lauren Barnette – beauty pageant winner and model
 * Joey Baron – musician
 * Connor Barth (born 1986) – placekicker for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
 * Samuel Barton § (1749–1810) – explorer, pioneer; early settler of Nashville, Tennessee
 * Viola Baskerville (born 1951) – Virginia Secretary of Administration
 * Dave Batista – professional wrestler
 * Warren Beatty (born 1937) – actor and Academy Award-winning director
 * Beth Behrs § (born 1985) – actress, 2 Broke Girls
 * Bob Bender (born 1957) – basketball player and coach
 * Antoine Bethea § – football player for San Francisco 49ers
 * Larry Bethea § – football player for Dallas Cowboys
 * Rainey Bethea (1909–1936) – last person publicly executed in United States
 * Leslie Bibb § – actress, Carley Bobby in Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby
 * Jim Bibby – former Major League pitcher; from Madison Heights
 * Lewis Binford (1931–2011) – archaeologist
 * Adam Birch – professional wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment's SmackDown!
 * Tom Bliley – member of United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 3rd congressional district then 7th congressional district
 * Dré Bly – football player with the Detroit Lions
 * Randy Blythe – singer of metal band Lamb of God


 * Bn–Bz


 * Bruce Bochy § – manager for San Francisco Giants
 * Rudy Boesch § – third-place finalist on Survivor: Pulau Tiga (first season)
 * Bill Bolling § – Lieutenant Governor of Virginia
 * Gary U.S. Bonds § – singer-songwriter
 * J. Evan Bonifant – actor
 * Olive Borden – actress
 * Maria Boren – contestant on TV's The Apprentice
 * Wes Borland – guitarist for Limp Bizkit and other bands
 * Th-resa Bostick § – IFBB professional bodybuilder
 * Luke Bowanko – center for the Jacksonville Jaguars
 * Mary Bowser – freed slave who worked as Union spy during American Civil War, admitted to Military Intelligence Hall of Fame
 * Jackie Bradley Jr. – center fielder for Boston Red Sox
 * Ahmad Bradshaw (born 1986) – running back for New York Giants
 * Karen Briggs § – violinist
 * Antwain Britt (born 1978) – mixed martial artist
 * Connie Britton § (born 1968) – actress; raised in Lynchburg
 * Dave Brockie – founder of GWAR
 * Aaron Brooks – football quarterback for Oakland Raiders
 * Ahmad Brooks – professional football linebacker for San Francisco 49ers
 * Chris Brown (born 1989) – singer and actor
 * Duane Brown – offensive tackle for Houston Texans
 * Ruth Brown – Grammy Award-award-winning singer and entertainer
 * Mika Brzezinski § – television news journalist at MSNBC
 * Bebe Buell – fashion model, groupie; mother of Liv Tyler
 * Joyce Bulifant – television actress
 * Sandra Bullock (born 1964) – actress
 * Evan Burfield – entrepreneur
 * Plaxico Burress (born 1977) – wide receiver for New York Jets
 * Hilarie Burton – actress
 * Jeff Burton (born 1967) – NASCAR driver
 * Ward Burton (born 1961) – NASCAR driver
 * Curtis Bush – world champion kickboxer and actor
 * Jermon Bushrod – offensive tackle for Chicago Bears
 * Deon Butler – professional football wide receiver for Seattle Seahawks; from Woodbridge
 * Eddie Butler – starting pitcher for Colorado Rockies
 * Charlie Byrd – jazz guitarist

C

 * James Branch Cabell – author of fantasy fiction and belles lettres
 * Erin Cahill – actress, Jen Scotts on Power Rangers Time Force
 * Alyson Cambridge (born 1980) – operatic soprano and classical music, jazz, and American popular song singer
 * Shawn Camp – relief pitcher for Toronto Blue Jays
 * John Campbell – bassist (Lamb of God)
 * Eric Cantor – member of the United States House of Representatives representing Virginia's 7th congressional district
 * Steve Cardenas, martial artist, actor, Rocky DeSantos on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Power Rangers: Zeo
 * Lott Carey – early African-American colonist and missionary to Liberia
 * Jay Carney – White House Press Secretary under U.S. President Barack Obama
 * A. P. Carter – musician, singer-songwriter; member of Carter Family
 * Allen 'Big Al' Carter - painter, photographer, sculptor and teacher
 * Maybelle Carter – guitarist, singer, member of Carter Family; mother of June Carter Cash
 * Robert "King" Carter I (1663–1732) – wealthy colonist businessman
 * Sara Carter (1898–1979) – country music singer
 * Alan-Michael Cash – defensive tackle for Montreal Alouettes
 * June Carter Cash (1929–2003) – singer-songwriter, actress and comedian; member of Carter Family, second wife of Johnny Cash
 * Anthony Castonzo § – NFL player
 * Christina Chambers (born 1969) – actress and model, One Life to Live, Sunset Beach
 * Kam Chancellor (born 1988) – strong safety for Seattle Seahawks
 * Anthony Clark – actor (television sitcoms Yes, Dear and Boston Common); born in Lynchburg
 * George Rogers Clark (1752–1818) – American Revolutionary War military leader
 * William Clark (1770–1838) – explorer (Lewis and Clark Expedition); brother of George Rogers Clark
 * Roy Clark – country musician born in Meherrin, Virginia
 * Henry Clay (1777–1852) – 19th-century statesman
 * Mark E. Clayton (born 1976 or 1977) – Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate from Tennessee in 2012; reared in Alexandria
 * Clarence Clemons (1942–2011) – saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, played football for Norfolk Neptunes
 * Patsy Cline (1932–1963) – singer
 * Jim Coates – former MLB pitcher, primarily with New York Yankees
 * Coko – member of SWV, gospel music singer
 * Catherine Coleman § (born 1960) – NASA astronaut
 * Francis Collins – physician-geneticist, director of National Institutes of Health
 * Mike Compton – NFL player
 * Stacy Compton – NASCAR driver and team owner; born in Hurt
 * Kavell Conner – linebacker for Indianapolis Colts
 * Matthew Continetti – journalist, editor-in-chief of The Washington Free Beacon
 * Scott Cooper – actor, writer, director
 * Michael Copon – actor, Lucas Kendall in Power Rangers: Time Force
 * Leanza Cornett – Miss America, actress, TV commentator
 * Alex Cosmidis – baseball player, manager, scout
 * Joseph Cotten (1905–1994) – actor
 * Patricia Cornwell § – novelist
 * Katie Couric (born 1957) – television personality
 * Michael Covel – author and documentarian
 * Robert Cray § (born 1953) – blues musician
 * Henry Creamer – vaudeville song lyricist
 * Zach Cregger – actor
 * Romeo Crennel (born 1947) – NFL coach
 * Kyle Crockett (born 1991) – MLB pitcher
 * Adrian Cronauer § – disc jockey
 * Michael Cuddyer (born 1979) – MLB outfielder
 * Dell Curry (born 1964) – former NBA player for the Charlotte Hornets; father of Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry

D

 * D'Angelo – R&B musician
 * Dan Daniel – politician, 39th National Commander of American Legion
 * Troy Daniels – shooting guard for Charlotte Hornets
 * Colgate Whitehead Darden Jr. – Governor of Virginia, Chancellor of the College of William & Mary and President of the University of Virginia
 * Wendy Dascomb – Miss USA 1969
 * Chris Daughtry § (born 1979) – American Idol finalist; attended high school in Charlottesville
 * Ed Davis § – power forward for Toronto Raptors; attended Benedictine High School in Richmond
 * Tyrone Davis – NFL tight end, primarily with Green Bay Packers
 * Tanya Davis (artist) – Artist and past president of the Torpedo Factory Artists Association
 * Magneto Dayo - Rapper, Song writer
 * Jimmy Dean – singer, actor, television personality and "sausage king"
 * Serena Deeb – professional wrestler
 * Dalvin DeGrate – singer, member of R&B group Jodeci
 * DeSagana Diop § – center for Charlotte Bobcats; attended Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson
 * Junie Donlavey – owner and namesake of NASCAR "Donlavey" racing team
 * Eric Dorsey § – defensive end for New York Giants; attended high school in McLean
 * Kevin Durant § – All-Star small forward for NBA champion Golden State Warriors; attended Oak Hill Academy in Mouth of Wilson

E

 * Kenny Easley (born 1959) – College Football Hall of Fame safety for the Seattle Seahawks
 * Elizabeth Edwards § (1949–2010) – attorney, author; estranged wife to John Edwards
 * Missy Elliott (born 1971) – rapper
 * Perry Ellis (1940–1986) – fashion designer
 * Brother Claude Ely (1922–1978) – singer-songwriter, Pentecostal Holiness preacher
 * Garrett Epps (born 1950) – legal scholar, novelist, journalist
 * Victoria Espinel (born 1968) – Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator under U.S. President Barack Obama
 * Chip Esten § (born 1965) – comedian, actor and singer

F

 * Jonny Fairplay – Survivor: Pearl Islands contestant and professional wrestler
 * Frankie Faison – film actor
 * Jerry Falwell (1933–2007) – Christian minister, televangelist, and political activist (Moral Majority)
 * James Farrior – NFL linebacker
 * William Faulkner § (1897–1962) – author, writer-in-residence at University of Virginia from 1957 until his death
 * Florian-Ayala Fauna – artist, musician, music producer
 * Mimi Faust – reality-TV personality
 * Dorian Finney-Smith – NBA player for Dallas Mavericks
 * Ella Fitzgerald (1917–1996) – jazz singer
 * Roberta Flack § – Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, musician
 * Gary Fleder – film director, screenwriter, producer
 * Charles Follis – first African-American professional football player
 * Jon Foreman – lead singer for rock band Switchfoot
 * Tim Foreman – bass player for rock band Switchfoot
 * Chip Franklin – comedian and talk show host

G

 * Lea Gabrielle (born 1975) – journalist and correspondent, Fox News Channel
 * Forrest Gander § (born 1956) – poet, essayist and translator
 * Greg Garcia – director, producer, creator of sitcoms Raising Hope and My Name Is Earl, co-creator of Yes, Dear
 * Clifton Garvin – chief executive officer of Exxon from 1975 to 1986
 * Azita Ghanizada § – actress, Saira Batra on General Hospital: Night Shift
 * William Gibson § – cyberpunk author; coined the term 'cyberspace'
 * Vince Gilligan – director, producer, creator of Breaking Bad
 * Jim Gilmore – Governor of Virginia
 * Sheila Giolitti – Artist and art dealer
 * Jack Gilpin – actor
 * Ellen Glasgow – early 20th-century novelist
 * Indur M. Goklany – science and technology policy analyst for U.S. Department of the Interior
 * Irving Gottesman – professor and professor emeritus at University of Virginia
 * Lauren Graham – actress, comedy-drama series Gilmore Girls
 * Samuel Gravely – African-American officer who broke many racial barriers in U.S. Navy
 * Justin Grimm § – relief pitcher for Chicago Cubs
 * David Grohl – musician with Foo Fighters; moved to Virginia at age three
 * Johnny Grubb – Major League Baseball player
 * Kevin Grubb – NASCAR driver
 * Wayne Grubb – NASCAR crew chief and former driver
 * Grant Gustin – actor best known for his role as The Flash in the superhero TV series of the same name; born in Norfolk
 * Brandon Guyer § – outfielder for Cleveland Indians

H

 * Hilary Hahn (born 1979) – two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist
 * Charlie Hales § (born 1956) – Mayor of Portland, Oregon
 * Charles Haley – football player for Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers; born in Gladys
 * DeAngelo Hall § (born 1983) – cornerback for Washington Redskins
 * Fawn Hall (born 1959) – figure in Iran–Contra affair
 * Mark Hamill § (born 1951) – actor, known for Star Wars films; attended high school in Annandale
 * Peter Hamby § (born 1981) – journalist; attended high school in Richmond
 * Denny Hamlin (born 1980) – NASCAR driver, 2006 rookie of the year; grew up in Chesterfield
 * Zac Hanson (born 1985) – member of pop band Hanson
 * Jason Butler Harner § (born 1970) – actor
 * Eli Harold (born 1994) – linebacker for San Francisco 49ers
 * Justin Harper (born 1989) – power forward for Orlando Magic
 * Benjamin Harrison – 23rd President of the United States; grandson of William Henry Harrison
 * Benjamin Harrison V – signer of the Declaration of Independence, father of U.S. President William Henry Harrison
 * William Henry Harrison (1773–1841) – 9th President of the United States
 * Kathryn Harrold (born 1950) – actress
 * Bryan Harvey – musician; known for fronting role in House of Freaks; murdered with family in 2006
 * Percy Harvin – NFL wide receiver
 * Nidal Malik Hasan – U.S. Army psychiatrist; sole suspect in Fort Hood shooting of 2009
 * Earl Hebner – professional wrestling referee
 * William Henderson – fullback for Green Bay Packers
 * Lauri Hendler – actress, Gimme a Break!
 * Rick Hendrick – NASCAR Sprint Cup Series team owner for Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Jr., and Kasey Kahne; born in South Hill
 * Molly Henneberg (born 1973) – reporter for Fox News
 * Patrick Henry (1736–1799) – American Revolution figure and first Governor of Virginia after nation's independence
 * Kate Higgins (born 1969) – anime voice actor
 * Grant Hill § (born 1972) – basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, 7-time NBA All-Star
 * Laura Hillenbrand (born 1967) – author of books and magazine articles
 * Skip Hinnant (born 1940) – actor, The Electric Company
 * Wendell and Sherman Holmes – blues, gospel and roots musicians
 * David Homyk – musician
 * Grace Hopper § (1906–1992) – pioneering computer scientist, and United States Navy rear admiral
 * Constance Horner (born 1942) – public official in Reagan and first Bush administrations; independent director of Pfizer, Prudential Financial, and Ingersoll Rand; resides in Lexington
 * Bruce Hornsby (born 1954) – musician
 * Ralph Horween (1896–1997) – Harvard Crimson and NFL football player, centenarian
 * Sam Houston (1793–1863) – born in Rockbridge County; Governor of Tennessee (1827–1829); first and third President of Republic of Texas; Governor of Texas; U.S. Senator from Texas
 * David Huddleston (born 1930) – actor, The Big Lebowski, Blazing Saddles
 * Juliet Huddy § (born 1969) – Fox News news anchor; attended high school in McLean
 * Dan Hudson (born 1987) – starting pitcher for Arizona Diamondbacks
 * Steve Huffman (born 1983, unknown location) – co-founder and CEO of Reddit
 * Chad Hugo (born 1974) – musician and music producer, one-half of The Neptunes
 * Randy Hundley – catcher for Chicago Cubs
 * Al Hunt – columnist for Bloomberg View
 * Robert Hurt (born 1969) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 5th congressional district
 * Patrick Hull – entrepreneur based in Richmond

I

 * Brandon Inge (born 1977) – Major League Baseball player; from Lynchburg
 * Andre Ingram (born 1985) - NBA player, NBA G League record holder for most games played
 * Allen Iverson (born 1975) – former basketball player for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, and Detroit Pistons
 * Larry Izzo (born 1974) – NFL player, coach

J

 * Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson § (1824–1863) – Confederate military leader; born and raised in Clarksburg, West Virginia (which was formerly Virginia)
 * Mickie James (born 1979) – professional wrestler and musician
 * Tommy Lee James – country music songwriter and record producer
 * Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826) – 3rd President of the United States, author of Declaration of Independence, founder of University of Virginia
 * Clara Jeffery § (born 1967) – co-editor of Mother Jones magazine
 * Rashad Jennings (born 1985) – running back for New York Giants
 * Jim Jinkins – cartoonist
 * Cornelius Johnson (1943) – NFL guard, won Super Bowl V with Baltimore Colts
 * Nicole Johnson (born c. 1974) – Miss America 1999
 * Wes Johnson – actor and comedian
 * Arrington Jones (born 1959) – running back for San Francisco 49ers
 * Julius Jones (born 1981) – football player for Dallas Cowboys, Seattle Seahawks
 * Thomas Jones (born 1978) – running back for Kansas City Chiefs
 * Akeem Jordan (born 1985) – linebacker for Philadelphia Eagles
 * Henry Jordan (1935–1977) – lineman for Green Bay Packers, member of Pro Football Hall of Fame
 * Orlando Jordan – professional wrestler
 * Samuel Jordan (died 1621) – earliest Virginia leader at Jamestown Settlement

K

 * Tim Kaine § (born 1958) – former Governor and current U.S. Senator, 2016 Democratic nominee for Vice President under Hillary Clinton
 * Archie Kao § – actor and director
 * Josh Kaufman § (born 1976) – Soul singer-songwriter, winner of NBC's The Voice season 7; attended Blacksburg High School
 * Jeremy Kapinos § (born 1984) – punter for Pittsburgh Steelers
 * Richard Kelly (born 1975) – film director
 * Patrick Kilpatrick – actor, Minority Report, Eraser
 * Barbara Kingsolver – author; lives outside Abingdon
 * Wayne Kirby – first base coach for Baltimore Orioles
 * Chaney Kley (1972–2007) – actor, Asher on The Shield
 * John Kuester (born 1955) – assistant coach for Los Angeles Lakers

L

 * Michael Lachowski – bass guitar player for rock band Pylon
 * Jeffrey M. Lacker – chief executive of Fifth District Federal Reserve Bank at Richmond
 * Kendall Langford – defensive end for Miami Dolphins
 * Rick Langford – MLB pitcher
 * Wayne LaPierre – executive vice president of National Rifle Association, author, Second Amendment advocate
 * Mat Latos – MLB pitcher
 * Wendy B. Lawrence § (born 1959) – retired U.S. Navy Captain, helicopter pilot, engineer, NASA astronaut
 * Wilford Leach (1929–1988) – film and theatre director, screenwriter
 * Jake E. Lee (born 1957) – guitarist for Ratt, Rough Cutt, Ozzy Osbourne, Badlands
 * Light Horse Harry Lee (1756–1818) – Prince William County; American Revolutionary War hero; father of Robert E. Lee
 * Richard Henry Lee (1732–1794) – Westmoreland County; presented proposal for independence to Continental Congress in 1776
 * Robert E. Lee (1807–1870) – Confederate States of America military leader, commander of Army of Northern Virginia
 * Will Yun Lee – actor
 * William Gregory Lee – actor, Dante's Cove
 * Tim Legler – ESPN NBA analyst
 * Egbert Leigh – evolutionary ecologist
 * Meriwether Lewis (1774–1809) – explorer with Lewis and Clark Expedition
 * Shaquan Lewis – aka "Skillz" from Supafriendz, rapper
 * Sabrina Lloyd (born 1970) – actress, Sliders, Sports Night, Numb3rs
 * Mike London (born 1960) – head football coach at University of Virginia
 * Chris Long § (born 1985) – defensive end for New England Patriots
 * Hyman Isaac Long (born 18th century) – Freemason
 * Javier López § (born 1977) – relief pitcher for San Francisco Giants
 * Rob Lowe (born 1964) – actor known for films and TV series including The West Wing, Wayne's World, Parks and Recreation
 * David Lowery – lead singer of Cracker, co-founder Sound of Music Studios
 * Rich Lowry (born 1968) – editor of National Review, syndicated columnist, and author
 * Elaine Luria (born 1975) - member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 2nd district, and former United States Navy Commander.

M

 * Ma–Md


 * Douglas MacArthur § (1880–1964) – military leader, born in Arkansas, considered Norfolk his hometown; buried in Norfolk
 * Stanton MacDonald-Wright (1890–1973) – artist
 * Vernon Macklin (born 1986) – power forward for Detroit Pistons
 * Shirley MacLaine (born 1934) – Academy Award-winning actress and author
 * Scott Mactavish (born 1965) – filmmaker and author
 * James Madison (1751–1836) – 4th President of the United States, co-author of The Federalist Papers, "Father of the United States Constitution"
 * Magnum T.A. – professional wrestler
 * William Mahone (1826–1895) – Confederate States of America general, founder of Norfolk and Western Railroad (now Norfolk Southern)
 * John Maine (born 1981) – MLB pitcher; born in Fredericksburg; graduate of North Stafford High school
 * Moses Malone (1955–2015) – NBA player in Basketball Hall of Fame
 * Aimee Mann – musician; from Midlothian and Richmond area
 * Sally Mann (born 1951) – photographer; from Lexington
 * Charlie Manuel § (born 1944) – former manager of Philadelphia Phillies
 * EJ Manuel (born 1990) – quarterback for Oakland Raiders
 * Chris Marion § (born 1962) – musician, member of classic rock band Little River Band
 * Henry L. Marsh (born 1933) – first African-American mayor of Richmond, Virginia
 * George Marshall § (1880–1959) – U.S. Army officer, World War II military leader, U.S. Secretary of Defense, author of Marshall Plan and recipient of Nobel Peace Prize; graduate of Virginia Military Institute
 * John Marshall – lawyer, statesman, and third Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court
 * Sean Marshall – MLB pitcher
 * David Martin § – tight end for Buffalo Bills
 * George Mason (1725–1792) – politician, author of Virginia Declaration of Rights; namesake of George Mason University
 * Bobby Massie (born 1989) – offensive tackle for Arizona Cardinals
 * Debbie Matenopoulos – television personality
 * Dave Matthews § (born 1967) – musician, frontman of Dave Matthews Band; resident of Charlottesville
 * Matthew Fontaine Maury (1806–1873) – U.S. Navy officer, astronomer, oceanographer, geologist, educator
 * Jerod Mayo (born 1986) – linebacker for New England Patriots
 * Jayma Mays (born 1979) – actress, Emma Pillsbury on Glee
 * John McAfee § (born 1945) – software engineer for NASA, Computer Sciences Corporation, and Lockheed, known for McAfee antivirus software
 * Danny McBride (born 1976) – actor, star of films and TV series Eastbound and Down; from Fredericksburg
 * John McCain § (1936–2018) – Panamanian-born politician, navy officer, U.S. Senator from Arizona from 1986 until his death and 2008 Republican nominee for President; raised in Alexandria and Arlington
 * John McCargo (born 1983) – NFL defensive tackle for Buffalo Bills
 * Dagen McDowell – anchor on Fox Business Network and correspondent for Fox News Channel
 * Michael McGlothlin (born 1951) – president of [University of Appalachia] School of Pharmacy, politician, and activist
 * William Holmes McGuffey § (1800–1873) – creator of McGuffey Readers; professor at University of Virginia
 * David McLeod (born 1971) – first recipient of Arena Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award
 * Billy McMullen – football player for University of Virginia and Minnesota Vikings
 * Jesse McReynolds – bluegrass musician, mandolin player


 * Me–Mz


 * Joseph Meek (1810–1875) – explorer and fur trader
 * Philip B. Meggs – design historian, author of History of Graphic Design
 * Christopher Meloni – actor, Law & Order: SVU; grew up in Alexandria and went to St. Stephens School
 * Leland D. Melvin (born 1964) – NASA astronaut
 * Joey Mercury (born 1979) – wrestler
 * Heath Miller (born 1982) – NFL tight end for Pittsburgh Steelers
 * Jason C. Miller § (born 1972) – lead vocalist and guitarist for Godhead
 * Judson Mills § (born 1969) – actor, Francis Gage on Walker, Texas Ranger
 * Arthur Moats (born 1988) – NFL linebacker for Buffalo Bills
 * Modern Groove Syndicate — funk band from Richmond, Virginia
 * James Monroe (1758–1831) – 5th President of the United States; namesake of Monroe Doctrine
 * John Montague (born 1947) – MLB pitcher
 * Will Montgomery § (born 1983) – NFL lineman for Washington Redskins
 * Jim Moody (born 1949) – actor
 * Lottie Moon (1840–1912) – Christian missionary to China
 * Jim Morrison § (1943–1971) – singer-songwriter for The Doors; born in Florida; graduated from high school in Alexandria
 * Mark Morton – guitarist (Lamb of God)
 * John Singleton Mosby (1833–1916) – Edgemont; "The Gray Ghost", Confederate cavalry commander
 * Alonzo Mourning (born 1970) – basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, member of Basketball Hall of Fame
 * Jason Mraz (born 1977) – musician
 * John Mullan (1830–1909) – soldier, explorer, civil servant, and road builder
 * Dermot Mulroney (born 1963) – actor of many films including My Best Friend's Wedding
 * Mick Mulvaney (born 1967) – Director of the Office of Management and Budget
 * Lenda Murray § (born 1962) – IFBB professional bodybuilder
 * Lon Myers (1858–1899) – sprinter, multiple world records

N

 * Diane Neal ( born 1976) – actress; Casey Novak on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
 * Thomas Nelson Jr. (1738–1789)– Governor of Virginia, signer of Declaration of Independence
 * Diandra Newlin – singer, actor, and model
 * Johnny Newman (born 1963) – University of Richmond and NBA basketball player
 * Tommy Newsom (1929–2007) – saxophone player, bandleader
 * Wayne Newton (born 1942) – singer, entertainer, actor
 * Nick Novak § (born 1981) – placekicker for San Diego Chargers

O

 * Afemo Omilami (born 1950) – actor
 * Texas Jack Omohundro (1846–1880) – frontier scout, actor, and cowboy
 * Uncle Charlie Osborne (1890–1992) – musician
 * Patton Oswalt (born 1969) – actor and comedian
 * Rayvon Owen (born 1991) – musician, contestant on American Idol season 14
 * Ken Oxendine – NFL running back

P

 * Micky Park § – singer and actor
 * Ace Parker (1912–2013) – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback
 * George S. Patton § (1885–1945) – World War II military leader; family was from Fredericksburg; attended the Virginia Military Institute
 * M. M. Parsons (1822–1865) – Confederate general, second commander of Missouri State Guard in the American Civil War
 * Robert Paxton – historian
 * James Spriggs Payne – fourth and eighth president of Liberia
 * John Payne – actor of many films including Miracle on 34th Street
 * Judith Peck – award winning visual artist & portrait painter
 * Tom Peloso – member of Modest Mouse; formerly of The Hackensaw Boys
 * Tony Perez (born 1942) – actor, Hill Street Blues
 * Thomas J. Perrelli (born 1966) – U.S. Associate Attorney General under President Barack Obama
 * Darren Perry (born 1968) – assistant coach for Green Bay Packers
 * Jay Pharoah (born 1987) – comedian, impressionist, Saturday Night Live
 * John Phillips § (1935–2001) – folk and pop musician of 1960s vocal group The Mamas & the Papas
 * John Phillips (born 1987) – tight end for Dallas Cowboys
 * Pocahontas (1595–1617) – princess of Powhatan tribe
 * Edgar Allan Poe § – iconic author of "The Raven", "The Tell-Tale Heart" and other poems and stories
 * Lewis F. Powell – Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States 1971-87
 * Chief Powhatan (1547–1618) – ruler of Eastern Virginia at time of founding of Jamestown
 * Paul Pressey (born 1958) – NBA small forward, assistant coach for Cleveland Cavaliers
 * Sterling Price (1809–1867) – 11th Governor of Missouri, first commander of Missouri State Guard in the American Civil War
 * Faith Prince § (born 1957) – actress, Huff and Spin City

Q

 * George Quaintance (1902–1957) – artist
 * Christopher Dillon Quinn – documentarian

R

 * Edmund Randolph (1753–1813) – Governor of Virginia, U.S. Attorney General, Secretary of State
 * Peyton Randolph – 1775 President of Continental Congress
 * Clay Rapada (born 1981) – retired MLB pitcher
 * Chris Ray (born 1982) – retired MLB pitcher
 * J. J. Redick § (born 1984) – shooting guard for Philadelphia 76ers
 * Ralph Reed (born 1961) – conservative political activist, novelist
 * Tim Reid (born 1944) – actor, comedian, director, WKRP in Cincinnati, Simon & Simon, Sister, Sister
 * J. Sargeant Reynolds – businessman, statesman, Lieutenant Governor
 * LaRoy Reynolds – linebacker for Atlanta Falcons
 * Mark Reynolds § (born 1983) – MLB infielder for Colorado Rockies
 * R. J. Reynolds (1850–1918) – businessman and founder of R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company
 * Vera Reynolds (1899–1962) – 1920s and '30s film actress
 * Chris Richardson § (born 1984) – American Idol finalist
 * Alex Riley – WWE wrestler
 * David L. Robbins – novelist
 * Tom Robbins – author, studied art at Richmond Professional Institute (now Virginia Commonwealth University), worked for Richmond Times Dispatch
 * Pat Robertson (born 1930) – Christian televangelist and political leader
 * Bill "Bojangles" Robinson § (1878–1949) – dancer
 * David Robinson § (born 1965) – Hall of Fame basketball player, Olympic gold medalist, 10-time NBA All-Star
 * Michael Robinson (born 1983) – running back for Seattle Seahawks
 * John Rolfe § (c. 1585–1622) – settler at Jamestown Settlement, first developer of cultivated tobacco for European market
 * Felipe Rose § – founding member of the Village People
 * Tim Rose § – rock, folk, and blues singer-songwriter
 * Bobby Ross § – college and pro football coach
 * Aaron Rouse (born 1984) – safety for the United Football League
 * Eddie Royal (born 1986) – wide receiver for San Diego Chargers
 * Mark Ruffalo § (born 1967) – actor, Shutter Island, Collateral, The Avengers
 * Albert Rust (1818–1870) – politician and Confederate general

S

 * Sa–Sm


 * Elliott Sadler (born 1975) – NASCAR driver
 * Bob Saget § (born 1956) – actor, comedian, television series Full House, original host of America's Funniest Home Videos
 * Billy Sample (born 1955) – MLB player for Texas Rangers, New York Yankees, and Atlanta Braves
 * Ralph Sampson (born 1960) – Hall of Fame center, Virginia Cavaliers and NBA
 * Rick Santorum (born 1958) – lawyer and former U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania
 * Joe Saunders (born 1981) – MLB pitcher
 * Eric Schmidt (born 1955) – software-engineer and executive chairman of Google
 * Owen Schmitt § (born 1985) – fullback for Philadelphia Eagles
 * Ed Schultz (born 1954) – left-wing radio and television host, The Ed Show
 * Michael Schwimer (born 1986) – relief pitcher for Philadelphia Phillies
 * George C. Scott (1927–1999) – actor; won an Academy Award for Best Actor for film Patton (1970)
 * Wendell Scott (1921–1990) – first African American to race in NASCAR
 * Willard Scott (born 1934) – weather reporter on The Today Show; the original Ronald McDonald
 * Winfield Scott (1786–1866) – United States Army general
 * Steve Scully (born 1960) – host of C-SPAN's Washington Journal
 * Seka (born 1954) – adult film star
 * Tom Shadyac (born 1958) – film director, Liar Liar, Bruce Almighty, The Nutty Professor
 * Darren Sharper – retired NFL safety
 * Meghann Shaughnessy – professional tennis player
 * Deborah Shelton § (born 1948) – actress, Miss USA 1970
 * Ricky Van Shelton – country music and gospel singer; born in Danville, Virginia
 * John Wesley Shipp – actor, Dawson's Creek, The Flash, Guiding Light
 * Clint Sintim – linebacker for New York Giants
 * Scott Sizemore – infielder for New York Yankees
 * Sam Sloan (born 1944) – political prisoner, kidnapping victim
 * Bruce Smith (born 1963) – former NFL star, career sack leader
 * Joe Smith (born 1975) – NBA player for Los Angeles Lakers
 * John Smith of Jamestown § (1580–1631) – co-founder of Jamestown Settlement, first English colony in America (1607)
 * Kate Smith (1909–1986) – singer best known for rendition of "God Bless America"
 * Torrey Smith – wide receiver for San Francisco 49ers


 * Sn–Sz


 * Norm Snead (born 1939) – NFL quarterback for five teams
 * Sam Snead (born 1912) – Hall of Fame golfer, winner of 82 PGA Tour events including three Masters championships
 * Jason Snelling § (born 1983) – running back for Atlanta Falcons
 * John W. Snow – United States Secretary of the Treasury, chairman and CEO of CSX Corporation
 * Maura Soden (born 1955) – actress
 * Trey Songz (born 1984) – singer
 * Scott Sowers (born 1963) – actor
 * Eric Stanley (born 1991) – violinist, arranger, YouTube personality
 * Ralph Stanley (born 1927) – musician
 * Robert Stanton (born 1963) – actor, The Cosby Mysteries
 * Peter Starke (1813–1888) – politician and Confederate general
 * Robert Stethem § (1961–1985) – U.S. Navy Seabee diver killed by Hezbollah militants during hijacking of TWA Flight 847
 * Brandon Stokley (born 1976) – wide receiver for Seattle Seahawks
 * Julyan Stone (born 1988) – player for Denver Nuggets
 * Jessica Mae Stover – actor, filmmaker, author
 * J.E.B. Stuart (1833–1864) – Confederate general
 * William Styron (1925–2006) – novelist
 * Skipp Sudduth § (born 1956) – actor, John 'Sully' Sullivan on Third Watch
 * Margaret Sullavan (1909–1960) – actress
 * Carol M. Swain (born 1954) – political scientist, Vanderbilt professor
 * DeVante Swing (born 1969) – music producer, singer, founder of R&B group Jodeci
 * Wanda Sykes – comedian and actress; born in Portsmouth, Virginia

T

 * Darryl Tapp (born 1984) – defensive end for Philadelphia Eagles
 * Fran Tarkenton – Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback for Minnesota Vikings; co-host of ABC-TV's That's Incredible
 * Ben Tate (born 1988) – running back for Houston Texans
 * Chris Taylor (born 1990) – baseball player for Los Angeles Dodgers
 * Edmund Dick Taylor (1804–1891) – "Father of the Greenback"
 * Lawrence Taylor (born 1959) – Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker for New York Giants
 * Peter Taylor (1917–1994) – writer; born in Tennessee, spent most of career teaching at University of Virginia
 * Tyrod Taylor (born 1989) – quarterback for Buffalo Bills
 * Zachary Taylor (1784–1850) – 12th President of the United States
 * Timmy Teepell (born 1975) – political consultant in Alexandria with firm OnMessage Inc.
 * Lewis Temple – escaped African-American slave who invented new kind of harpoon known as "Temple's Toggle"
 * David Terrell – football player
 * Scottie Thompson (born 1981) – actress, Jeanne Benoit on NCIS
 * Timbaland (born 1974) – music producer and rapper
 * Mike Tomlin (born 1972) – head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers
 * Randy Tomlin – MLB pitcher; from Madison Heights
 * Al Toon (born 1963) – retired football player for New York Jets
 * Scott Travis (born 1961) – drummer for Judas Priest and Racer X
 * Adriana Trigiani – writer, author of novel Big Stone Gap
 * Nat Turner (1800–1831) – leader of slave rebellion
 * Leeann Tweeden (born 1973) – model, television personality
 * Cy Twombly (1928–2011) – abstract artist
 * John Tyler (1790–1862) – 10th President of the United States

U

 * Skeet Ulrich – actor, starred in Scream, The Newton Boys, and Jericho
 * B. J. Upton – MLB outfielder
 * Justin Upton – MLB outfielder

V

 * S. S. Van Dine (1888–1939) – author, creator of Philo Vance
 * Marc Vann (born 1954) – actor, Conrad Ecklie on CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
 * Phil Vassar – country music singer/songwriter; from Lynchburg
 * Justin Verlander (born 1983) – Major League Baseball pitcher for Houston Astros
 * Charles Vess (born 1951) – fantasy artist and comic-book illustrator
 * Marcus Vick (born 1984) – NFL quarterback
 * Michael Vick (born 1980) – NFL quarterback
 * Gene Vincent (1935–1971) – musician who pioneered styles of rock and roll and rockabilly

W

 * Wa–Wh


 * Bobby Wadkins – professional golfer
 * Lanny Wadkins – professional golfer
 * Amina Wadud – Islamic Virginia Commonwealth University professor who led over 100 Muslims in prayer in New York on March 18, 2005
 * Billy Wagner (born 1971) – retired MLB pitcher, primarily for Houston Astros and New York Mets; also pitched for Ferrum College
 * Richard Wagoner – former president of General Motors
 * Maggie L. Walker – first woman to found a bank in U.S.
 * Travis Wall (born 1971) – reality-television personality, So You Think You Can Dance, Season 2
 * Ben Wallace – NBA basketball player
 * Randall Wallace – writer, director, Braveheart, Pearl Harbor, We Were Soldiers
 * Dylan Walsh § – actor, Nip/Tuck, Brooklyn South, Gabriel's Fire
 * Booker T. Washington (1856–1915) – iconic educator, activist, founder of Tuskegee Institute
 * George Washington (1732–1799) – 1st President of the United States, commander-in-chief of Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War, "Father of Our Country"
 * Kelley Washington (born 1979) – wide receiver for Baltimore Ravens
 * Benjamin Watson (born 1980) – tight end for New Orleans Saints
 * B. W. Webb (born 1990) – cornerback for Dallas Cowboys
 * Haley Webb – actress
 * Tyler Webb – pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals
 * Jennifer Wexton (born 1968) – U.S. Representative of Virginia's 10th congressional district
 * Josh Wells – offensive tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars
 * Paul Wellstone § (1944–2002) – member of U.S. Senate from Minnesota
 * Suzanne Whang – television host, actress, House Hunters, Las Vegas
 * Pernell Whitaker – professional boxer
 * Jason White – NASCAR driver
 * Lucky Whitehead – wide receiver for Dallas Cowboys


 * Wi–Wz


 * Tom Wiggin § (born 1955) – actor, Kirk Anderson on As the World Turns and Joe Foster on Texas
 * L. Douglas Wilder (born 1931) – first elected African-American governor of U.S. state (Governor of Virginia, 1990–1994), Richmond City mayor
 * Jenny Wiley § (1760–1831) – pioneer, Native American captive
 * Daryl Williams (born 1992) – offensive tackle for Carolina Panthers
 * Keller Williams (born 1970) – musician
 * Kiely Williams – member of 3LW and The Cheetah Girls, actress The House Bunny
 * Monty Williams – former NBA player; head coach for New Orleans Hornets
 * Pharrell Williams (born 1973) – Grammy Award-winning musician and producer, one-half of The Neptunes
 * Reggie Williams (born 1986) – NBA basketball player
 * Steven Williams § (born 1949) – actor, 21 Jump Street, L.A. Heat, Linc's
 * Carl Willis (born 1960) – MLB pitcher and coach
 * Curtis Wilkerson (born 1961) – MLB player for four teams
 * Casey Wilson (born 1980) – actress, comedian, Happy Endings, Saturday Night Live
 * David Wilson (born 1991) – running back for New York Giants
 * Patrick Wilson (born 1973) – actor, Nite Owl II in Watchmen, The Conjuring, Fargo
 * Russell Wilson § – quarterback for Seattle Seahawks
 * Woodrow Wilson (1856–1924) – 28th President of the United States
 * Stan Winston – film special-effects designer
 * Tom Wolfe (born 1931) – journalist, novelist, father of "New Journalism"
 * Robert J. Wood (1905–1986) – U.S. Army four-star general
 * Carter G. Woodson (1875–1950) – African-American historian, author, founder of the Association for the Study of African American Life and History
 * Damien Woody (born 1977) – retired offensive lineman for New York Jets
 * Link Wray – guitarist
 * David Wright (born 1982) – third baseman for New York Mets
 * Kerry Wynn (born 1991) – defensive end for New York Giants
 * George Wythe (1726–1806) – Hampton; first professor of law in American college, William & Mary

Y

 * Rachael Yamagata – singer-songwriter
 * Elliott Yamin § (born 1978) – American Idol finalist
 * Marl Young (1917–2009) – composer, music director, Here's Lucy
 * Megan Young (born 1990) – actress, model, TV host

Z

 * Boris Zhukov (born 1959) – professional wrestler
 * Craig Zimmerman (born 1974) – actor
 * George Zimmerman (born 1983) – man responsible for fatally shooting Trayvon Martin in Sanford, Florida
 * Ryan Zimmerman § (born 1984) – third baseman for the Washington Nationals
 * Charlotte Zolotow (1915–2013) – writer, poet, publisher of children's books