North Dakota may be known for its vast prairies and rugged landscapes, but it has also produced a surprising number of notable individuals. Here are some prominent names from the state:
Arts & Entertainment:
* Josh Duhamel: Actor known for "Transformers," "Las Vegas," and "Safe Haven."
* Peggy Lee: Legendary jazz singer and songwriter known for "Fever" and "Is That All There Is?"
* Laura Ingalls Wilder: Author of the beloved "Little House" series, although she spent most of her life elsewhere, she was born in Pepin, Wisconsin, which was part of Dakota Territory at the time.
* Josh Homme: Lead singer and guitarist of Queens of the Stone Age, a prominent rock band.
* Bobby Vee: Rock and roll singer and songwriter known for "Take Good Care of My Baby."
* Bill Murray: Comedian and actor known for "Ghostbusters," "Groundhog Day," and "Lost in Translation." While Murray was born in Evanston, Illinois, his mother was from North Dakota and he spent much of his childhood there.
Politics & Law:
* John Hoeven: Former governor and current U.S. Senator for North Dakota.
* Kevin Cramer: Current U.S. Senator for North Dakota.
* Heidi Heitkamp: Former U.S. Senator for North Dakota.
* William Langer: Two-time governor of North Dakota, known for his populist policies and colorful personality.
* Lynn Frazier: Former governor and U.S. Senator for North Dakota, known for his support of farmers during the Great Depression.
* Byron Dorgan: Former U.S. Senator for North Dakota, known for his advocacy for rural America.
Sports:
* Phil Jackson: Former NBA player and coach, known for his 11 NBA championships as coach of the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Lakers.
* Walter Payton: Hall of Fame running back for the Chicago Bears, known for his powerful running style and "Sweetness" nickname.
* Travis Kelce: Tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his athleticism and impressive receiving skills.
* Jonathan Toews: Center for the Chicago Blackhawks, known for his leadership and two Stanley Cup championships.
* Brock Lesnar: Former professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, known for his strength and dominance in both sports.
Business & Industry:
* John D. Rockefeller: Oil magnate and philanthropist, founder of Standard Oil, which was founded in Cleveland, Ohio. However, he moved his headquarters to New York City after the Standard Oil trust was broken up.
* Harold Hamm: Founder and CEO of Continental Resources, a major oil and natural gas company.
Other Notable Figures:
* Garrison Keillor: Radio host and humorist, known for "A Prairie Home Companion."
* Sally Field: Academy Award-winning actress known for "Norma Rae" and "Places in the Heart." Although Field was born in Pasadena, California, she spent a significant part of her childhood in Fargo, North Dakota, with her family.
* William Least Heat-Moon: Author and travel writer, known for his book "Blue Highways."
This is just a small selection of the many notable people from North Dakota. It's a state with a rich history and diverse talent pool, producing individuals who have made significant contributions to a wide range of fields.