Arlington is the 49th-most populous city in the United States and the seventh-most populous in Texas. This vibrant city has produced several notable figures across various fields, from entertainment to sports. Here’s a list of 10 famous people who called Arlington home.

Fred Jackson

Fred Jackson
New York National

Fred Jackson, a former NFL running back who attended Lamar High School in Arlington, is best known for his nine-season career with the Buffalo Bills. He became the third all-time leading rusher for the team with over 5,600 rushing yards. After retiring in 2018, Jackson stayed connected with the Bills, being honored as the Legend of the Game several times, including in 2023.

Ronnie Coleman

www.localfitness.com

Ronnie Coleman, the legendary bodybuilder and former Arlington police officer, continues to inspire despite facing significant health challenges. After retiring from bodybuilding in 2007, Coleman underwent 13 surgeries, primarily on his back, due to heavy lifting throughout his career. Today, he is working toward walking unassisted and regularly shares his progress with fans.

Taylor Cole

Taylor Cole
By Hybrid LLC – My Summer Prince

Taylor Cole, an actress and former model, was born in Arlington in 1984. She attended Lamar High School before launching her career in fashion and acting. Cole has become a familiar face on the Hallmark Channel, starring in numerous films like Aloha Heart and the Ruby Herring Mysteries series. Beyond her acting, she is passionate about environmental causes and supports organizations like the Boys and Girls Club of America. In 2024, she continues to be a prominent figure on Hallmark, contributing to feel-good movies and maintaining her commitment to social and charitable causes​.

Lacey Sturm

Lacey Sturm
Opal Hood

Lacey Sturm, co-founder and former lead vocalist of the band Flyleaf, was raised in Arlington, Texas. After leaving Flyleaf in 2012, Sturm reunited with the band in 2022 for live performances, including festival appearances in 2023. Alongside this, she has pursued a solo career, releasing her second album, Kenotic Metanoia, in November 2023. This album showcases her distinctive voice and Christian faith, continuing the spiritual themes that have marked her career. Sturm remains a powerful figure in the hard rock and Christian rock scenes​.

Scott Hoying

Scott Hoying
Abby Gillardi

Scott Hoying, born in Arlington in 1991, is a singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix and the music duo Superfruit. In 2023, Hoying embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album Parallel, which explores personal themes of love and growth. The album reflects his journey, including his marriage to model Mark Manio in 2023.

Hoying remains active with Pentatonix, which continues to tour and innovate within the a cappella music world, while also balancing his solo projects and creative ventures.

Emmanuel Mudiay

Emmanuel Mudiay
Tdorante10

Emmanuel Mudiay, who attended Grace Preparatory Academy in Arlington, currently plays for the Quebradillas Pirates in Puerto Rico’s BSN league. After his NBA stint with teams like the Utah Jazz, Mudiay shifted to international basketball, including a strong 2023-24 season where he averaged 21.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game. He has continued to thrive in Puerto Rico and other international leagues

Chris Martin

Chris Martin Arlington
Arturo Pardavila III

Chris Martin, born in Arlington and a graduate of Arlington High School, is currently a relief pitcher for the Boston Red Sox. In 2024, he faced a challenging season, dealing with anxiety that led him to the injured list. Despite these challenges, Martin remains a valuable player with a stellar 2023 season where he posted a 1.05 ERA in 55 games, proving his consistency on the mound.

While he continues to manage his mental health, his teammates and management have been very supportive of his recovery. Martin has also hinted that 2025 may be his final season as a professional player​.

David Williams

David Williams Arlington
World Poker Tour

David Williams, born in Arlington, Texas in 1980, is a renowned professional poker player and TV personality. He gained widespread fame after finishing as the runner-up in the 2004 World Series of Poker (WSOP) Main Event, earning $3.5 million, and has since amassed over $9.4 million in live poker tournament earnings. Williams has also won a WSOP gold bracelet and a Circuit gold ring.

Apart from poker, Williams is known for his versatility, including an impressive second-place finish on Season 7 of the TV cooking competition MasterChef in 2016.

Mitch Grassi

Mitch Grassi Arlington
Aszpiga

Mitch Grassi, born in Arlington in 1992, is a talented singer, songwriter, and musician best known as a member of the Grammy-winning a cappella group Pentatonix. With his impressive high tenor voice, Grassi has helped Pentatonix achieve international success, including numerous sold-out tours and chart-topping albums. He also co-founded the pop duo Superfruit with Scott Hoying.

Hayley Orrantia

Hayley Orrantia Arlington
Justin Higuchi

Hayley Orrantia, born in Arlington in 1994, is a versatile actress, singer, and songwriter. She is widely recognized for her role as Erica Goldberg on the hit TV show The Goldbergs, which recently wrapped its tenth season. Beyond acting, Orrantia has pursued a successful music career, releasing singles like “Nights and Weekends” in 2024, blending her love for country and pop music. In October 2023, she married actor Greg Furman in a picturesque ceremony at Calamigos Ranch in Malibu

Last Updated on October 4, 2024 by F. E. Mufute

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