Iowa, with its rich agricultural heritage and Midwestern values, has been the birthplace of many remarkable individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here is a list of famous people from Iowa, showcasing their extraordinary achievements and impact in different areas of life.

Famous People from Iowa

John Wayne (1907 – 1979) Nationality: American Known For: Acting Born in Winterset, Wayne became an iconic figure in American cinema, known for his roles in Western and war films.	Grant Wood (1891 – 1942) Nationality: American Known For: Painting Hailing from Anamosa, Wood was a painter best known for his work “American Gothic,” which has become a quintessential image of rural American life.	George Washington Carver (1864 – 1943) Nationality: American Known For: Scientist and Inventor Although born into slavery in Missouri, Carver spent his formative educational years in Iowa, where he began his journey that led to groundbreaking agricultural research.
Herbert Hoover (1874 – 1964) Nationality: American Known For: 31st President of the United States Born in West Branch, Hoover was the 31st President of the United States, known for his humanitarian efforts both before and after his presidency.	Norman Borlaug (1914 – 2009) Nationality: American Known For: Agronomy, Humanitarian Work Born in Cresco, Borlaug was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his contributions to increasing food production, thereby saving over a billion people from starvation.	Mamie Eisenhower (1896 – 1979) Nationality: American Known For: First Lady of the United States Born in Boone, she served as the First Lady of the United States from 1953 to 1961, known for her public charm and contributions to social causes.
Terry Branstad (1946 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Politics Originating from Leland, Branstad served as the Governor of Iowa for over 22 years, making him one of the longest-serving governors in U.S. history.	Shawn Johnson (1992 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Gymnastics A native of Des Moines, Johnson is an Olympic gold medalist known for her success in balance beam and floor exercise.	T. S. Eliot (1888 – 1965) Nationality: American Known For: Poetry Although better known as a British poet, Eliot was born in St. Louis but spent significant time at his family’s summer home in Iowa. His work has had a profound effect on modern literature.
Sara Bareilles (1979 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Singer-Songwriting Though often associated with California, Bareilles was born in Eureka, Iowa, and has achieved critical acclaim for her contributions to music and Broadway.	Ashton Kutcher (1978 – Present) Nationality: American Known For: Acting, Entrepreneurship Born in Cedar Rapids, Kutcher is not only known for his acting but also for his successful investments in technology startups.	Johnny Carson (1925 – 2005) Nationality: American Known For: Television Hosting A native of Corning, Carson was the beloved host of “The Tonight Show” for three decades, influencing the format of late-night television.
Glenn Miller (1904 – 1944) Nationality: American Known For: Music and Band Leading Born in Clarinda, Miller was a trombonist and leader of one of the most successful big bands of the Swing Era.	Donna Reed (1921 – 1986) Nationality: American Known For: Acting Hailing from Denison, Reed was an Academy Award-winning actress known for her roles in films such as “From Here to Eternity” and the television series “The Donna Reed Show.”	James Van Allen (1914 – 2006) Nationality: American Known For: Space Science A native of Mount Pleasant, Van Allen discovered the radiation belts around Earth, a fundamental contribution to the field of space science.