Des Moines is best known as the heart of Iowa politics, home to presidential caucuses, insurance companies, and cornfields stretching to the horizon. Yet the city has also been the starting point for stars of film, music, sports, and fashion. From Olympic gold to chart-topping albums, Des Moines has produced talent that reached audiences worldwide. These fifteen were all born here in the capital city of Iowa.
15. Perfume Genius (Mike Hadreas, 1981–)
Born in Des Moines before moving to Seattle, Mike Hadreas became internationally known as Perfume Genius. His music blends haunting vocals with bold themes of identity, love, and struggle, earning critical acclaim and a devoted following. Albums like Too Bright and No Shape placed him among the most important indie artists of the 2010s.
14. Jeremy Hellickson (1987–)
Pitcher Jeremy Hellickson was born in Des Moines and rose through the minor leagues to make his MLB debut in 2010. He quickly found success, earning the American League Rookie of the Year Award in 2011 with the Tampa Bay Rays. His steady career later included time with the Orioles, Phillies, and Nationals.
13. Bill Daily (1927–2018)
Actor Bill Daily was born in Des Moines and later became a familiar face on American television. He played Major Roger Healey on I Dream of Jeannie and later appeared as Howard Borden on The Bob Newhart Show. His comedic timing made him a fixture of 1960s and 1970s TV.
12. Ben Silbermann (1982–)
Pinterest cofounder Ben Silbermann was born in Des Moines and grew up with a fascination for design and collecting. In 2010, he launched Pinterest, a visual discovery engine that quickly became a major global platform. His success in Silicon Valley connects the Iowa capital directly to the digital age.
11. Steve Higgins (1963–)
Comedy writer and performer Steve Higgins was born in Des Moines and later became widely recognized as the announcer on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. He also served as a longtime writer and producer for Saturday Night Live, shaping sketches that defined American comedy.
10. Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins (1970–)
Singer Tionne Watkins, better known as T-Boz, was born in Des Moines before moving to Atlanta. She became a founding member of TLC, one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. With hits like Waterfalls and No Scrubs, her voice became part of 1990s pop culture.
9. Lolo Jones (1982–)
Olympian Lolo Jones was born in Des Moines and raised in poverty before becoming one of the city’s most inspiring athletes. A three-time Olympian, she competed in both hurdles and bobsled, showing rare versatility. Jones’s determination and resilience reflect the grit of her Iowa roots.
8. Joey Jordison (1975–2021)
Born in Des Moines, Joey Jordison became the founding drummer of Slipknot. His aggressive style and stage presence helped shape the band’s heavy sound, propelling them to global fame. Jordison remains a legend in metal music, his legacy tied to the city where Slipknot first formed.
7. Corey Taylor (1973–)
Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor was born in Des Moines and grew up in the city before launching one of metal’s most famous bands. Beyond Slipknot, he also found success with Stone Sour and as a solo artist. His powerful voice keeps Des Moines in the conversation of heavy music worldwide.
6. Bill Bryson (1951–)
Author Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines and became one of the world’s most popular travel writers. Known for books like A Walk in the Woods and Notes from a Small Island, his witty and observant style made him a best-seller on both sides of the Atlantic.
Travel writing giant who started in Des Moines.
5. Brandon Routh (1979–)
Actor Brandon Routh was born in Des Moines and grew up in nearby Norwalk. He won the role of Superman in 2006’s Superman Returns and later appeared in Legends of Tomorrow as Ray Palmer. His Kansas-neighboring birthplace gave the city its own real-life Superman.
4. Shawn Johnson East (1992–)
Olympic gymnast Shawn Johnson was born in Des Moines and began training at a young age. She won gold and silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and later became a public figure through television and philanthropy. Her achievements remain one of the city’s proudest sporting moments.
3. Halston (1932–1990)
Roy Halston Frowick, known simply as Halston, was born in Des Moines before redefining American fashion in the 1970s. Known for his minimalist yet glamorous designs, he dressed celebrities like Jackie Kennedy and became a global brand. Des Moines was the unlikely starting point for this style icon.
2. Cloris Leachman (1926–2021)
Oscar-winning actress Cloris Leachman was born in Des Moines and later studied at Northwestern before conquering Hollywood. With a career spanning decades, she won eight Primetime Emmys, an Academy Award, and became one of America’s most decorated actresses.
1. Caitlin Clark (2002–)
Born in Des Moines, Caitlin Clark has already become one of the most celebrated athletes in women’s basketball history. At the University of Iowa, she broke scoring records and drew record crowds before being drafted first overall into the WNBA in 2024. She continues to put Des Moines on the map with every game.
Last Updated on April 20, 2026 by F.E.M