Lewisville, Texas might not make many celebrity maps, but it’s quietly produced athletes, performers, and scholars who reached national recognition. Every name on this list was born in Lewisville—not just raised there—and as of late 2025, their stories stretch from Broadway and Disney sets to the NFL and academia. Here’s the definitive countdown of the city’s most famous natives.
8. Damien Martinez (2004)
Born in Lewisville, Damien Martinez has become one of the brightest running backs in college football. After excelling at Oregon State, he transferred to the University of Miami in 2024, immediately taking on a starting role. His strong vision, lower-body power, and big-play ability earned him All-ACC buzz heading into the 2025 postseason. With scouts watching closely, Martinez is on pace for an early-round NFL draft selection and could soon be Lewisville’s next pro-level name.
7. William M. Whyburn (1901 – 1972)
Long before Lewisville grew into a Dallas suburb, William M. Whyburn was born there and went on to leave an academic legacy. A mathematician specializing in differential equations, he served as president of the University of North Texas, steering it through post-war expansion and research development. His leadership and published work still appear in mathematical references today. While his fame rests in academia, Whyburn remains one of the earliest documented Lewisville natives to achieve national professional recognition.
6. Paxton Pomykal (1999)
Paxton Pomykal, born in Lewisville, is a standout midfielder for FC Dallas in Major League Soccer. A graduate of the club’s academy, he’s known for his quick passing and smart positioning, helping anchor the team’s creative play. Pomykal also represented the U.S. Men’s National Team, earning international caps and reinforcing his reputation as one of Texas’s premier homegrown soccer products. Now in his prime, he’s both a veteran leader and proof that North Texas continues to shape American soccer.
5. Nic Kerdiles (1994 – 2023)
Nic Kerdiles was born in Lewisville and broke barriers by reaching the NHL as a forward with the Anaheim Ducks. Beyond hockey, he gained wide media attention through his relationship with TV personality Savannah Chrisley, bringing an unusual crossover between professional sports and pop culture. His untimely passing in 2023 was felt across both communities, with tributes highlighting his persistence and professionalism. For many, Kerdiles remains an inspiration for young athletes from non-traditional hockey regions.
4. Stephanie Umoh (1986)
Broadway actress Stephanie Umoh, born and educated in Lewisville, continues to shine on national stages. She first drew attention with Ragtime and later toured as Angelica Schuyler in Hamilton, earning critical acclaim for her voice and command of complex roles. In 2025, Umoh remains active in theater and vocal education, mentoring emerging performers while taking on new stage projects. Her work demonstrates how a small-town arts background can translate into sustained Broadway success.
3. Saxon Sharbino (1999)
Saxon Sharbino was born in Lewisville, Texas, in 1999. She began acting at nine and gained attention for her roles as Amelia Robbins in Fox’s Touch and Kendra Bowen in the 2015 remake of Poltergeist. Known for her confident performances and natural screen presence, she remains one of the most recognizable actresses from North Texas. Her siblings Brighton and Sawyer are also in the entertainment industry.
2. Jamal Adams (1995)
Jamal Adams, born in Lewisville, rose to NFL prominence as one of football’s hardest-hitting safeties. After earning All-Pro honors with the New York Jets and later playing for the Seattle Seahawks, Adams signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in July 2025. Healthy again after multiple injuries, he’s brought veteran leadership and defensive energy to the Raiders’ secondary. His name still commands national recognition, and his physical, outspoken style keeps him in the sports conversation every season.
1. Cody Linley (1989)
Cody Linley remains the most famous person born in Lewisville. He became a household name as Jake Ryan on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, one of the defining teen shows of the 2000s. Later appearances on Dancing with the Stars and various film projects cemented his long-term visibility. In 2025, Linley still engages with fans through acting workshops and nostalgic podcast features revisiting the Disney era. For millions who grew up with that show, his face is forever tied to that cultural moment.