Every city has its legends! From hometown heroes to household names, celebrities shine a spotlight on our communities and help build their world renown. Major metros like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago often boast the biggest claim to fame. But here in Indiana, we have our own fair share of famous people who’ve made Hoosier history.

Now, not all of these celebrities were born in Indianapolis. Some of them grew up in Central Indiana. Many started their careers here, and others found their forever home in Indy. But no matter how far they go in life, these legends can all claim a connection to Indiana and proudly call themselves Hoosiers. 

Check out our list of the top 85 Famous People from the Indianapolis region—and learn about the legends that shaped our history!  

FAMOUS SPORTS LEGENDS FROM INDIANAPOLIS 

Indianapolis is the Racing Capital of the World for a reason! But racing isn’t the only sport that Hoosiers show up for. From the Swimming Trials to March Madness, we’ve built a reputation as the best host city in the country, and nobody knows basketball better than a Hoosier.

1. Reggie Miller

A five-time NBA All-Star, Olympic Gold Medalist, and an undisputed legend—Reggie Miller was one of the best shooters in NBA history. He dedicated his entire 18-year career to the Indiana Pacers, scoring over 25,000 points across 1,389 games. 

2. Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning played quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts for 14 years, successfully leading the team to its first Super Bowl win in 2006. Years after retiring, this five-time NFL MVP still holds the single-season record for passing yards and passing touchdowns. 

3. Larry Bird

One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Larry made history with the Boston Celtics before coming home to Indiana to coach the Pacers. Since then, he’s spent over 15 years coaching, advising, and supporting the team in various roles.  

4. Lilly King 

Olympic swimmer Lilly King is also a native Hoosier and a proud Indiana University alum. Her dominance in the water has earned her six Olympic medals, 17 World Championship wins, and the world record in 100m Breaststroke. 

5. The Andretti Family

Andretti is one of the most famous names in racing—with five family members competing behind the wheel at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Now, Fishers, Indiana, is home to the Andretti Global Headquarters and Michael Andretti himself. 

6. Oscar Robertson 

Born in Indianapolis, Oscar Robertson led Crispus Attucks High School to become the first all-Black school in the U.S. to win a state championship. He went on to be a 12-Time NBA All-Star and a two-time inductee in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

7. Pete Dye

Pete Dye was one of the greatest golf course architects in modern history, designing over 100 iconic courses around the world. He began his career in Indianapolis, where he built many of his first courses alongside his wife and partner Alice. 

8. Max Siegel

Max Siegel is a renowned sports executive and the current CEO of USA Track & Field, governing the sport from their Indianapolis-based headquarters. He is also the Owner of Rev Racing, a NASCAR racing team dedicated to female and minority drivers. 

9. Caitlin Clark 

One of Indy’s newest celebrities, Caitlin Clark took the world by storm when she joined the Indiana Fever. She was named WNBA Rookie of the Year, building on her historic college career where she shattered the record for most career points and three-pointers. 

10. Slick Leonard

Boom Baby! From the halls of IU to coach for the Pacers, Bobby “Slick” Leonard was a Hoosier through and through. He led the Pacers to three ABA championships and later coined his famous catchphrase while commentating the team’s games.

11. Tony Stewart 

Tony Stewart is one of the winningest drivers to ever take the wheel. This Columbus, Indiana, native remains the first and only racer to win championships in NASCAR, IndyCar, and the USAC Triple Crown—and still tears up the track in NHRA drag racing.

12. John Wooden

John Wooden was born in Indiana, where he played for Purdue and coached at Indiana State University before making history at UCLA. In 1973, he became the first person to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as both player and coach. 

13. Major Taylor

Indianapolis-born Marshall “Major” Taylor broke boundaries to become the Fastest Cyclist in the World. In 1899, he overcame intense discrimination and segregation to set seven world records in cycling and win recognition as America’s first Black sports star. 

14. Jim Harbaugh

Head Coach of the LA Chargers, Jim Harbaugh has dedicated his life to the game of football. He scored career highs as quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, leading the team to the 1995 AFC Championship Game before retiring to coach in 2002. 

15. Tyrese Haliburton 

Yes ‘Cers! Tyrese Haliburton is the latest star athlete to carve his name into Hoosier history, as guard for the Indiana Pacers. He joined the team in 2022, quickly becoming a two-time NBA All-Star and one of the most talented players in franchise history. 

16. Tamika Catchings 

Tamika Catchings is a WNBA legend who led the Indiana Fever to 13 playoffs and retired as the league’s No. 2 all-time scorer. She even won the first-ever ESPN Sports Humanitarian Award in honor of her game-changing work with the Catch the Stars Foundation. 

17. Brad Stevens

Did you know that renowned Boston Celtics executive Brad Stevens is actually a native Hoosier? He grew up in Zionsville, Indiana, and coached at Butler University for over a decade, before becoming Head Coach of the Boston Celtics in 2013.

FAMOUS ARTISTS & WRITERS FROM INDIANAPOLIS

Indy has always been a community of creators. For centuries, our lush landscapes, cobblestone streets, and heartwarming Hoosier hospitality have inspired artists to pick up their pens and capture both the beauty of our world and the stories in our hearts. 

18. Kurt Vonnegut

Author Kurt Vonnegut is best known for his wry wit and poignant satirical novels, including great American classics like Cat’s Cradle and Slaughterhouse-Five. He was a true Hoosier who took great pride in his hometown and Indy’s genuine community spirit.

19. John Green

John Green is a New York Times best-selling author and popular YouTube creator alongside his brother, Hank Green. As an Indianapolis resident, he often advocates for the city and features elements of the city in his novels, including The Fault in Our Stars.

20. Mari Evans

African American poet and activist Mari Evans was a pioneer of the Black Arts Movement. She went on to teach at both Purdue and Indiana University and lived in Indianapolis for nearly 70 years, where her legacy lives on in a mural on Mass Ave. 

21. Robert Indiana

Robert Indiana is one of the most prominent names in American art, known for advancing the Pop Art movement. Born a native Hoosier, he adopted the state’s name as his own—and to this day, his iconic LOVE sculpture remains on display at Newfields.  

22. Ernie Pyle 

Born and educated in Indiana, Ernie Pyle was one of America’s most widely read journalists—with columns featured in 400 daily newspapers. He earned a Pulitzer Prize for his profound wartime reporting, before losing his own life to combat in World War II.  

23. Etheridge Knight

A veteran, a prisoner, and a poet, Etheridge Knight’s life is a powerful story of rebirth and recovery. He started writing poetry in prison, becoming one of the leading voices in the Black Arts Movement and eventually earning his Bachelor’s degree here in Indianapolis. 

24. T.C. Steele

T.C. Steele was the most renowned of the “Hoosier Group” of Impressionist painters, celebrated for his lush landscapes and sophisticated portraits. To this day, you can tour his estate in Brown County and admire the nature preserve that inspired much of his later works.

25. John Wesley Hardrick

African American artist John Wesley Hardrick was an Indianapolis native and an early student of the Herron School of Art and Design. Many of his paintings remain on display in museums today, capturing the beauty of Indiana’s humble people and scenic places. 

26. Jim Davis

Famous cartoonist Jim Davis is best known for creating Garfield—the iconic orange cat who loves lasagna and hates Mondays. Born in Marion, Indiana, Davis earned his degree from Ball State University and still proudly calls the Hoosier State home. 

27. Suzanne Collins 

Long before she became the best-selling author of The Hunger Games series, Suzanne Collins traveled to Indy to earn her Bachelor’s from Indiana University. While she didn’t stay here long, both she and her husband are proud alumni who first met as Hoosiers. 

28. James Whitcomb Riley 

Indiana’s most iconic writer, James Whitcomb Riley was called the “Hoosier Poet” for how he captured the state’s unique dialect and culture. His poems inspired both Little Orphan Annie and Raggedy Ann—and after his death, locals built the Riley Hospital for Children in his honor. 

29. William Edouard Scott

Born in Indianapolis, William Edouard Scott studied under “Hoosier Group” artist Otto Stark before traveling to Chicago and beyond. He was famous for painting portraits of the Black community in both America and Haiti, redefining racial perceptions of the time. 

30. Booth Tarkington

From birth to death, famed novelist Booth Tarkington spent much of his life in Indiana, writing about Midwestern life. He was one of only four authors to win the Pulitzer Prize in Fiction more than once, for his books: The Magnificent Ambersons and Alice Adams. 

31. A’Lelia Bundles 

Indianapolis native A’Lelia Bundles is an award-winning journalist and news producer. As Madam C.J. Walker’s great-great-granddaughter, she wrote Walker’s biography and founded the Madam Walker Family Archives to help preserve her family’s legacy.

FAMOUS MUSICIANS FROM INDIANAPOLIS

When it comes to music, cities like Nashville, New Orleans, and New York often steal the spotlight. But Indianapolis is home to a thriving indie music scene and a history of producing jazz legends! From Indiana Avenue to the symphony stage, these famous musicians got their start right here in Central Indiana.  

32. Hoagy Carmichael 

Born in Bloomington, Indiana, and an Indiana University alum, Hoagy Carmichael was one of the preeminent songwriters of the 1930s, known for composing hundreds of songs and American classics like “Stardust” and “Can’t Get Indiana Off My Mind.” 

33. Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds

Indianapolis native Kenneth Edmonds—known as Babyface—is one of history’s best music producers. This 13-time Grammy Award winner has over 200 Top 10 R&B hits, including songs with legends like Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Whitney Houston, and more. 

34. John Mellencamp

Rock star John Mellencamp has been a proud Hoosier all his life, never shying away from his roots in smalltown Indiana. He founded his own studio in Brown County, remains an avid IU football fan, and still lives near Bloomington to this day. 

35. Wes Montgomery 

A self-taught musician, Wes Montgomery became a legendary jazz guitarist that influenced generations of future artists. He was born and raised in Indianapolis—and won two Grammy Awards before suddenly passing away during the height of his career.

36. Axl Rose & Izzy Stradlin

Iconic rock band Guns N’ Roses was founded in Los Angeles in 1985. But before they moved to California, Axl Rose and Izzy Stradlin grew up together in Lafayette, Indiana, where they formed a high school band and played covers out of their garage. 

37. Freddie Hubbard

One of history’s greatest jazz trumpeters, Freddie Hubbard got his start right here on Indiana Avenue. His unique sound quickly earned the respect of his icons, leading to over 50 solo recordings and 100 album appearances with veterans like Herbie Hancock. 

38. David Lee Roth 

David Lee Roth was the lead singer and frontman of rock band Van Halen, known for his iconic style and charismatic stage presence. Born in Bloomington, he grew up in New Castle, Indiana, before traveling out west to the California coast. 

39. Noble Sissle

An icon of the Harlem Renaissance, Noble Sissle was a talented bandleader and lyricist, best known for the Broadway musical Shuffle Along. Born in Indianapolis, he briefly attended Butler University before moving to New York and becoming the honorary Mayor of Harlem. 

40. David Baker

A lifelong Hoosier, David Baker grew up on Indiana Avenue and founded the trailblazing Jazz Studies program at Indiana University. He taught the language of jazz for over 50 years and ended his career with 65 recordings, 70 books, and 400 articles to his name.

41. Joshua Bell

Grammy Award winner Joshua Bell first studied violin at Indiana University—right here in his hometown of Bloomington. Named an “Indiana Living Legend,” Bell has performed for nearly every major orchestra around the world and recorded more than 40 albums. 

42. Bill Gaither

Bill Gaither and his wife Gloria wrote over 700 popular gospel songs, winning a total of eight Grammy Awards. They made Gaither a household name and launched one of the world’s largest Christian music companies from their home in Alexandria, Indiana.

43. Jon McLaughlin

Pop star Jon McLaughlin was born in Anderson, Indiana, where he also attended college at Anderson University. His debut major-label album was named Indiana in honor of his home state and became the first of many albums to capture his honest Midwestern spirit.

FAMOUS BUSINESS LEADERS FROM INDIANAPOLIS 

From the Kelley School of Business to the World’s Leading CRM Provider, Central Indiana is a cutting-edge business hub that attracts creators and companies from across the globe. Whether they came here to learn or to work, these entrepreneurs all pursued their passions here in Indy.

44. Mark Cuban

Famous Shark Tank celebrity, owner of the Dallas Mavericks, and proud Indiana University alum, Mark Cuban is a renowned entrepreneur and billionaire. He made much of his fortune selling Broadcast.com to Yahoo! in 1999 with fellow IU alum Todd Wagner.

45. Madam C.J. Walker 

Madam C.J. Walker built a haircare empire that made her the first self-made woman millionaire in America. In 1910, she moved her manufacturing headquarters to Indiana Avenue, where her impact lives on today through the Madam Walker Legacy Center. 

46. Scott Dorsey

Indianapolis entrepreneur Scott Dorsey co-founded ExactTarget, which was acquired by Salesforce for $2.5 billion in 2013. He remained CEO of the Salesforce Marketing Cloud until he founded High Alpha—a venture firm that supports next-gen software companies.  

47. John Lechleiter

Dr. John Lechleiter joined Eli Lilly as an organic chemist and worked his way up to President and CEO of the company. He advocated for the establishment of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute and remains dedicated to serving the local business community. 

48. Carl Fisher & James A. Allison

These long-time business partners spearheaded the creation of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, alongside co-founders Frank Wheeler and Arthur Newby. Carl Fisher became the first IMS President—and when he resigned, James Allison kept his vision alive while simultaneously launching the business known today as Allison Transmission. 

49. Jennifer Rumsey

Growing up in Columbus, Indiana, Jennifer Rumsey spent her summers interning at the Cummins world headquarters. Now, she is President and CEO of this global power leader—and the first woman to lead the company since Cummins was founded in 1919. 

50. Orville Redenbacher

That’s right! Orville Redenbacher was a real person from Brazil, Indiana. He studied agronomy at Purdue University and worked hard to engineer the perfect popcorn hybrid. And to this day, Orville Redenbacher’s remains the #1 Brand of Microwave Popcorn in America!

51. Carolene Mays 

From the Indiana House of Representatives to White River State Park, Carolene Mays has led a prolific career in both business and government. As President of the Indianapolis Recorder, she revitalized the award-winning newspaper—and later founded Black Leadership + Legacies to help support professionals in the community. 

52. Jeff Simmons

Since 1989, Jeff Simmons has dedicated his life to promoting health and innovation at Elanco’s headquarters in Indiana. As CEO, he’s grown Elanco into one of the world’s leading animal health companies, while endlessly advocating for food security and sustainable agriculture. 

FAMOUS SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS FROM INDIANAPOLIS 

Throughout history, Indianapolis has been a leading hub of tech innovation and scientific excellence. Our community connects people with top-tier engineering schools, world-renowned life sciences companies, and a network of Hoosiers working to invent the technologies of tomorrow. 

53. Eli Lilly 

In 1876, Colonel Eli Lilly opened a small pharmaceutical lab in Indianapolis that would grow into one of the world’s leading medical companies. To this day, Eli Lilly & Company upholds his commitment to quality, providing life-changing medicine to over 100 countries around the world. 

54. Gus Grissom

Born in Mitchell, Indiana, Virgil “Gus” Grissom was one of the Mercury Seven—the first seven astronauts trained by NASA. He studied at Purdue University, piloted the first crewed mission of the Gemini Program, and became the second American in space.

55. Neil Armstrong

With one small step, Neil Armstrong became the first man on the Moon in 1969. But before he joined NASA, he studied aeronautical engineering at Purdue University, where he was chairman of the Purdue Aero Flying Club and first began his piloting career. 

56. Kate Maxwell

A proud Hoosier by choice, Kate Maxwell spent 16 years engineering at Raytheon before joining the team at Microsoft. She currently serves as the Industry Lead for Microsoft Worldwide Education and is widely known as a trailblazer for women in STEM. 

57. James D. Watson

In 1950, James Watson received his PhD from Indiana University, paving the way for a career of scientific discovery. He went on to partner with Francis Crick on the Human Genome Project and earned the Nobel Prize for revealing the molecular structure of human DNA. 

58. Percy L. Julian 

DePauw University alumnus Percy Lavon Julian overcame racial discrimination to become one of the most respected chemists of the 20th century. He pioneered physostigmine for glaucoma treatment, synthesized human hormones from plants, and developed a synthetic cortisone to relieve arthritis pain.  

59. David Wolf

Indianapolis native David Wolf found his calling in the Medical Sciences Division of NASA, designing the medical facility for the International Space Station. He later became an astronaut and conducted seven spacewalks throughout his career.

60. Margaret Elaine Hamilton

A native Hoosier and Earlham alum, Margaret Hamilton is the computer scientist credited with inventing the term “software engineering.” She led the development of the on-board flight software for NASA’s Apollo Program and has published over 130 papers and reports on her work. 

ACTORS, CELEBRITIES & INFLUENCERS FROM INDIANAPOLIS 

From late-night talk show hosts to breaking news reporters, Indy’s the place where many stars first stand in the spotlight and get their big break. Check out a few of the most famous Hoosier celebrities and personalities who have graced the silver screen! 

61. David Letterman

Did you know that David Letterman is a Hoosier? He grew up in the heart of Broad Ripple and started his broadcasting career as a weatherman in Indianapolis. Now, this iconic media personality is the longest-serving late-night talk show host in American history. 

62. Vivica A. Fox

Born in South Bend, popular actress Vivica A. Fox grew up in Indianapolis before pursuing her career in California. Her filmography includes more than 250 film and television appearances, including Independence Day, Kill Bill, and Days of Our Lives.

63. Robert Wise

Robert Wise was a true pillar of the film industry, respected as the four-time Oscar-winning director of West Side Story and The Sound of Music. Born and raised in Indiana, he went on to shape the future of Hollywood and even received the AFI Life Achievement Award for his contributions to the art of film.

64. Adam Driver

Made famous as Kylo Ren in Star Wars, actor Adam Driver grew up in Mishawaka, Indiana, and briefly studied at the University of Indianapolis before attending Julliard. Now, this Hollywood star has received numerous nominations for his work in Marriage Story, BlacKkKlansman, and more. 

65. Mike Epps

Born and raised in Indianapolis, stand-up comedian Mike Epps has toured the country, writing and performing his comedy specials. Epps is also a talented host, emcee, and actor best known for his role in The Hangover series.

66. Jane Pauley

One of the most respected women in broadcast journalism, Jane Pauley has hosted the likes of the Today show, Dateline NBC, and CBS Sunday Morning. A native Hoosier, she attended Indiana University and started her award-winning career as a reporter for WISH-TV in Indianapolis. 

67. Ryan Murphy

Indianapolis native and IU alum Ryan Murphy has become one of the most recognized producers in television, known for creating Glee, 9-1-1, American Horror Story, and more. He’s won 6 Primetime Emmy Awards with over 35 nominations throughout his career. 

68. Doug Jones

You may not recognize him by face, but Indianapolis native Doug Jones is the actor inside the costume of many non-human characters, including The Pale Man in Pan’s Labyrinth, Amphibian Man in The Shape of Water, and Admiral Saru in Star Trek: Discovery.

69. Pat McAfee

American sports analyst Pat McAfee spent eight seasons as kicker for the Indianapolis Colts, before retiring from the sport and making a name for himself as the host of The Pat McAfee Show, building his business from the ground up right here in Indianapolis. 

70. Mina Starsiak Hawk

HGTV fans will easily recognize local entrepreneur Mina Starsiak Hawk—the daughter of the house-flipping duo on Good Bones. She and her mother spent eight seasons renovating homes in Indianapolis and giving the world a glimpse into Hoosier history. 

71. James Dean

Actor James Dean was a 1950s Hollywood heartthrob who starred in Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden, and Giant, before dying in a tragic accident at the age of 23. He’s buried in his hometown of Fairmount, Indiana, where a museum stands in his honor to this day.   

FAMOUS POLITICIANS FROM INDIANAPOLIS  

Indiana has long been a state of patriots—people driven to protect our freedoms and serve our country. Many Hoosiers have been called to public service, but a fortunate few have ascended to the nation’s highest legislature and become leaders that history will never forget. 

72. Senator Richard Lugar

Richard Lugar was a fifth-generation Hoosier who became a visionary mayor and a respected senator, celebrated around the world as a model of diplomacy. He was best known for launching the Nunn-Lugar Program, which disarmed thousands of weapons of mass destruction in the wake of the Cold War.

73. Vice President Mike Pence 

Mike Pence dedicated his life to politics, serving as a U.S. Representative, the 50th Governor of Indiana, and the 48th Vice President under President Trump. He remains an active civic leader and a proud Hoosier, living with his family in Carmel, Indiana. 

74. Governor Mitch Daniels

Mitch Daniels is a highly respected businessman, leader, and politician who was elected the 49th Governor of Indiana. After two terms as “My Man Mitch,” he retired from politics and spent nearly a decade in higher education as the President of Purdue University.

75. President Benjamin Harrison

In 1889, Benjamin Harrison followed in the footsteps of his grandfather, William Henry Harrison, to become the 23rd President of the United States. He staged his campaign from his home in Indianapolis, where he remained a pillar of the community throughout his life.

76. Vice President Dan Quayle 

Born in Indianapolis, Dan Quayle earned his J.D. from IU and practiced law in northern Indiana before pursuing his career in politics. He served in Congress for over a decade and was elected the 44th Vice President under President George H. W. Bush in 1989.

77. Representative Julia Carson

Julia Carson was the first woman and the first African American to represent Indianapolis in Congress. She served in the U.S. House of Representatives for six terms and was succeeded by her grandson André Carson, who remains in office still today. 

78. Representative Lee Hamilton

Lee Hamilton was a longtime member of Congress, representing Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives for over 30 years. He later served as the Vice Chairman of the 9/11 Commission and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015. 

LOCAL INDY CHANGEMAKERS 

Not all heroes are world famous! Many of the most influential movers, shakers, and changemakers do their work behind the scenes. You may not know these Hoosiers by name, but their lives have made a profound impact on their country, their home, and the world at large. 

79. Jim Morris

Jim Morris was a native Hoosier and a global humanitarian who dedicated his life to service. From the Lilly Endowment to the United Nations World Food Programme, his leadership brought people together, helped feed people in need, and built Indianapolis into the city it is today. 

80. Ryan White

Born in Kokomo, Indiana, Ryan White was just 13 years old when he was diagnosed with AIDS. He became a leading voice for AIDS advocacy, combating the misinformation that leads to discrimination. After he died, Congress passed the Ryan White CARES Act to fund grants for AIDS-related medical expenses. 

81. The Hulman Family

After World War II, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was in such disrepair, it was going to become a housing development. Anton Hulman Jr. saved the speedway and revived the Indianapolis 500, reigniting Indy’s racing legacy. The Hulman family remained owners of IMS for generations, before passing the torch to Roger Penske in 2019. 

82. The Irsay Family

Bob Irsay changed Hoosier history when he decided to move his NFL team from Baltimore to Indianapolis. Since then, the Indianapolis Colts have been a beloved local franchise, guided by the shrewd leadership and philanthropic spirit of the Irsay family.

83. The Simon Family

Herb Simon and his brother Mel forever shaped the future of Indianapolis, as owners of both the Simon Property Group and the Indiana Pacers. Herb is now the longest tenured owner in NBA history, and his family has built a reputation around their forward-thinking vision and community-driven business. 

84. Christel DeHaan

Indianapolis resident Christel DeHaan was a talented businesswoman who built a timeshare empire—and then paid it forward to children across the globe. She founded Christel House International to holistically teach students around the world and help them break free from the cycle of poverty. 

85. Eva Mozes Kor

Eva Kor survived the experiments of Dr. Josef Mengele and became one of the most influential Holocaust educators in the world. She founded the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center in her hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana—and ensured the next generation would remember the truth of what happened at Auschwitz.