Missouri, the Show-Me State, has a long-standing reputation for being the birthplace and nurturing ground of individuals whose contributions have left a significant mark on various aspects of culture, science, politics, and sports globally. This diverse array of talents underscores the state’s rich cultural heritage and its role in shaping leaders, innovators, artists, and athletes who have risen to national and international prominence. Here is a list of famous people from Missouri, showcasing their extraordinary achievements and impact in different areas of life.

Famous People from Missouri

Mark Twain (1835 – 1910) Nationality: American Known For: Author, Humorist Mark Twain, born in Florida, Missouri, is known for his wit and satire, with classics like “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” and “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.”	Tennessee Williams (1911 – 1983) Nationality: American Known For: Playwriting One of the greatest American playwrights of the 20th century, born in Columbus, Mississippi, but moved to St. Louis, Missouri, where he spent a significant part of his life. His works include “A Streetcar Named Desire” and “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.”	Harry S. Truman (1884 – 1972) Nationality: American Known For: 33rd President of the United States Truman, from Lamar, Missouri, is known for his leadership during the final stages of World War II and the early years of the Cold War.
Chuck Berry (1926 – 2017) Nationality: American Known For: Rock and Roll Music Chuck Berry, born in St. Louis, Missouri, was a pioneering figure in rock and roll music, known for hits like “Johnny B. Goode.”	T.S. Eliot (1888 – 1965) Nationality: American Known For: Poetry, Modern Literature T.S. Eliot, born in St. Louis, Missouri, is celebrated for his impact on modern literature, with works like “The Waste Land.”	George Washington Carver (1860s – 1943) Nationality: American Known For: Agricultural Science, Inventions Born into slavery in Diamond, Missouri, Carver became a leading scientist and inventor, promoting alternative crops and methods to prevent soil depletion.
Yogi Berra (1925 – 2015) Nationality: American Known For: Baseball, New York Yankees Yogi Berra, born in St. Louis, Missouri, is known for his illustrious career with the New York Yankees and his memorable sayings.	Josephine Baker (1906 – 1975) Nationality: American-French Known For: Entertainment, Civil Rights Activism Josephine Baker, from St. Louis, Missouri, was a celebrated entertainer and activist, known for her contributions to the arts and her activism.	Walt Disney (1901 – 1966) Nationality: American Known For: Animation, Entertainment Industry Walt Disney, raised in Marceline, Missouri, revolutionized the animation and theme park industries.
Jesse James (1847 – 1882) Nationality: American Known For: Outlaw, Bank and Train Robberies Jesse James, an infamous outlaw born in Kearney, Missouri, known for his bank and train robberies in the American Old West.	Langston Hughes (1902 – 1967) Nationality: American Known For: Poetry, Harlem Renaissance Langston Hughes, born in Joplin, Missouri, was a leader of the Harlem Renaissance, celebrated for his insightful portrayals of black life in America.	Jackie Joyner-Kersee (Born 1962) Nationality: American Known For: Track and Field Athlete, Heptathlon, Long Jump Jackie Joyner-Kersee, closely associated with Missouri, is an American retired track and field athlete, ranked among the greatest in the heptathlon and long jump.
Scott Joplin (1868 – 1917) Nationality: American Known For: Ragtime Music, “The Entertainer” Scott Joplin, the “King of Ragtime,” spent significant parts of his career in Missouri, known for his composition “Maple Leaf Rag.”	Eminem (Born 1972) Nationality: American Known For: Rap, Songwriting, Record Producing American rapper, songwriter, and record producer, born in St. Joseph, Missouri. Known as one of the greatest and most influential artists in the history of hip hop.	Virginia Minor (1824 – 1894) Nationality: American Known For: Women’s Suffrage Movement Virginia Minor, active in Missouri, was a suffragist known for her role in the early women’s suffrage movement in the United States.