North Carolina, with its rich heritage and diverse contributions, has been the cradle for numerous individuals who have left a significant mark on various domains. This list showcases famous people from North Carolina, highlighting their remarkable achievements and the extensive impact they have had in their respective areas of expertise.

Famous People from North Carolina

Billy Graham (1918 – 2018) Nationality: American Known For: Evangelism An evangelist from Charlotte, Billy Graham became one of the most notable Christian figures worldwide.	James Taylor (1948 – present) Nationality: American Known For: Singer-Songwriter Born in Boston but raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Taylor is a five-time Grammy Award-winning artist known for his introspective folk-rock music.	Michael Jordan (1963 – present) Nationality: American Known For: Basketball Considered the greatest basketball player, Jordan’s legacy includes six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls.
John Coltrane (1926 – 1967) Nationality: American Known For: Jazz Saxophonist, Composer A revolutionary jazz saxophonist from Hamlet, Coltrane changed the face of jazz with his innovative music.	Ava Gardner (1922 – 1990) Nationality: American Known For: Acting Born in Grabtown, Gardner was a leading lady in Hollywood, known for her beauty and captivating performances.	Thomas Wolfe (1900 – 1938) Nationality: American Known For: Writing A novelist from Asheville, Wolfe’s “Look Homeward, Angel” is a classic of American literature.
Andy Griffith (1926 – 2012) Nationality: American Known For: Acting, “The Andy Griffith Show” From Mount Airy, Griffith was beloved for his portrayal of Sheriff Andy Taylor and as a symbol of American values.	Elizabeth Dole (1936 – present) Nationality: American Known For: Politics, Public Service A trailblazer from Salisbury, Dole has served in various significant governmental roles, impacting American politics.	Charlie Rose (1942 – present) Nationality: American Known For: Journalism, “Charlie Rose” show A journalist from Henderson, Rose is known for his in-depth interviews and contributions to journalism.
Robert F. Williams (1925 – 1996) Nationality: American Known For: Civil Rights Leadership A civil rights leader from Monroe, Williams advocated for armed black self-defense and played a pivotal role in the early civil rights movement.	Nina Simone (1933 – 2003) Nationality: American Known For: Music, Civil Rights Activism A singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist from Tryon, Simone was known for her distinctive voice and music that addressed social issues.	Richard Petty (1937 – present) Nationality: American Known For: NASCAR Racing Known as “The King” of NASCAR, Petty, from Level Cross, is a racing icon whose achievements include winning the NASCAR Championship seven times.
Nicholas Sparks (1965 – present) Nationality: American Known For: Writing An author who moved to New Bern, Sparks is known for his romance novels like “The Notebook,” many of which have been adapted into films.	Edward R. Murrow (1908 – 1965) Nationality: American Known For: Broadcast Journalism Born in Guilford County, Murrow was a pioneering broadcast journalist recognized for his radio broadcasts during World War II.	Chris Paul (1985 – present) Nationality: American Known For: Basketball Born in Winston-Salem, Paul is an esteemed professional basketball player known for his leadership both on and off the court.