Rocky Top may not be known for red carpets and paparazzi, but Knoxville has produced more than its fair share of stars. From Oscar winners to stunt-loving daredevils, here’s a look at notable names with roots in K-Town.
Actors + filmmakers
Quentin Tarantino | The acclaimed writer and director was born in Knoxville in 1963. He moved to California with his mother at age 4, so his memories of the city are likely few, but he still peppers his films with nods to his birthplace.
Johnny Knoxville | Born Philip John Clapp, the “Jackass” ringleader took his stage name from his hometown. He attended South-Doyle High School and is currently raising money for his alma mater through a new apparel line.
David Keith | A longtime actor and Vols superfan, Keith is best known for his role in “An Officer and a Gentleman.” Psst — his childhood home is available to rent.
Jake Thomas | Millennials will recognize this Knoxville-born actor for childhood roles in Disney Channel hits “Lizzie McGuire” and “Cory in the House.” Fun fact: His first television appearance was on the Knoxville Evening News on the day he was born.
Christina Hendricks | Born in Knoxville and raised in Oregon and Idaho, Hendricks is best known for her roles in AMC’s “Mad Men” and NBC’s “Good Girls.”
You might also recognize Hendricks from “Hacks” and “God’s Pocket.” | Photo by Dominick D via Wikimedia Commons
Dale Dickey | This Knoxville-born-and-raised star began acting at age nine when she began landing roles on UTK stages. By the time she became a theatre major at the university, she had already participated in 20+ productions.
Patricia Neal | Knoxville’s Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Centers are named in honor of this Academy Award-winning actress, who spent her childhood in the Scruffy City. She was known to visit the hospitals regularly.
Mary Costa | The voice of Aurora in Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty” was born and raised in Knoxville and helped found the Knoxville Opera Company in 1979.
Cailee Spaeny | Born in Knoxville and raised in Missouri, Spaeny earned a Golden Globe nomination for her lead role in “Priscilla.”
Musicians + singers
Kenny Chesney | The barefoot musician’s local roots run deep. Chesney was born in Knoxville and studied advertising at East Tennessee State University. Bonus: Check out his senior photo in the Gibbs High School yearbook.
You can read more about Kenny Chesney’s upbringing in his book, “Heart Life Music.” | Photo by @tncountryfan via Openverse
Morgan Wallen | Also a Gibbs High School grad, Wallen moved to Knoxville as a teen and has given back in a big way, donating more than $500,000 to local schools and programs through the Morgan Wallen Foundation.
Kelsea Ballerini | Ballerini grew up in Knoxville and attended Central High School before moving to Nashville to chase her music career. You’ll see plenty of K-Town references in her music video for “half of my hometown,” on which Chesney is featured.
Rodney Atkins | Born in Knoxville and raised in Cumberland Gap, Atkins attended Tennessee Technological University — but he’s never been shy about cheering on the Vols.
Ellie Holcomb + Drew Holcomb | The husband-and-wife duo met at the University of Tennessee and went on to build successful solo careers, along with fan-favorite collaborations like “Bones.”
Brian Bell | The guitarist and backing vocalist for Weezer spent his formative years in Knoxville. As a teen, he delivered pizzas at Stefanos Pizza.
Who do you want to see on this list? Drop us a line.
