Georgia has produced a remarkable range of influential figures across politics, music, sports, literature, and civil rights. From hometown heroes to global icons, these individuals have helped shape American culture and history. Below is a selection of famous Georgians whose legacies continue to impact the world.
1. Martin Luther King Jr.
Born in Atlanta in 1929, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. became one of the most prominent leaders of the American civil rights movement. A Baptist minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner, King’s philosophy of nonviolence and equality helped drive landmark changes in American law and society. The Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park in Atlanta preserves his childhood home, church, and legacy.
Known for: Civil rights leadership, “I Have a Dream” speech, Montgomery Bus Boycott
2. Jimmy Carter
The 39th President of the United States, Jimmy Carter hails from Plains, Georgia. Elected in 1976, Carter focused on human rights, environmental issues, and diplomacy. After leaving office, he founded The Carter Center in Atlanta, which works globally to promote peace and fight disease. Carter is also a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and has been involved in Habitat for Humanity for decades.
Known for: U.S. presidency, humanitarian work, Nobel Peace Prize
3. Ray Charles
Although born in Albany, Georgia, Ray Charles became a national icon for blending gospel, blues, and R&B into a unique sound. Blind from a young age, Charles overcame adversity to become a pioneer in soul music, earning multiple Grammys and a spot in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His rendition of “Georgia on My Mind” is the state’s official song.
Known for: Soul music, “Georgia on My Mind,” music innovation
4. Julia Roberts
Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts was born in Smyrna, Georgia. She gained fame in the 1990s with hits like Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich, and My Best Friend’s Wedding. Known for her charisma and versatility, Roberts remains one of the most bankable stars in Hollywood.
Known for: Film acting, Academy Award for Erin Brockovich
5. Herschel Walker
One of the greatest college football players of all time, Herschel Walker was born in Wrightsville and starred at the University of Georgia, where he won the Heisman Trophy in 1982. He later played in the NFL and became known for his strength, speed, and unique workout routines. He remains a prominent sports figure in the state.
Known for: Heisman Trophy, UGA football legend, NFL career
6. James Brown
Although he was born in South Carolina, James Brown spent much of his life in Augusta, Georgia, and considered it home. Known as the “Godfather of Soul,” Brown’s influence on funk, soul, and hip-hop is immeasurable. A statue in downtown Augusta commemorates his legacy.
Known for: Soul and funk music, electrifying performances, cultural influence
7. Flannery O’Connor
Born in Savannah in 1925, Flannery O’Connor became a major figure in American literature. Her Southern Gothic short stories and novels are known for their sharp wit, dark themes, and moral depth. O’Connor’s home, Andalusia Farm, in Milledgeville, is now a museum and literary site.
Known for: A Good Man Is Hard to Find, Southern Gothic fiction
8. Tyler Perry
Writer, director, and actor Tyler Perry is a major force in film and television, known for creating the Madea franchise and founding Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. His work often explores Black family life, spirituality, and resilience, and his success helped make Georgia a major hub for film production.
Known for: Madea films, Atlanta film studio, media empire
9. Jackie Robinson
The first African American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era, Jackie Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia, in 1919. Though he was raised in California, his Georgia roots remain a proud part of his story. Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947 with the Brooklyn Dodgers and changed sports forever.
Known for: Breaking baseball’s color barrier, civil rights impact
10. Gladys Knight
Born in Atlanta, Gladys Knight is known as the “Empress of Soul.” With her group Gladys Knight & the Pips, she delivered hits like “Midnight Train to Georgia” and “Neither One of Us.” Her smooth voice and emotional depth have earned her seven Grammy Awards and a lasting place in American music history.
Known for: Soul music, “Midnight Train to Georgia,” Grammy Awards
11. Newt Gingrich
A controversial but influential political figure, Newt Gingrich served as Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives from 1995 to 1999. Representing Georgia’s 6th congressional district, Gingrich played a major role in the Republican “Contract with America” and helped shift the tone of American politics in the 1990s.
Known for: Speaker of the House, conservative politics
12. Brittney Griner
Born in Houston, Texas, but raised in part in Georgia, Brittney Griner is one of the most dominant players in women’s basketball. A WNBA champion and Olympic gold medalist, she gained national attention in recent years for her imprisonment in Russia and her advocacy for prisoner rights upon release.
Known for: WNBA career, Olympic gold, activism