Austin is known for music, politics, technology, film, football, and a fiercely independent personality. That mix also appears in the famous people born here. Austin has produced athletes, actors, musicians, designers, executives, and horror filmmakers. Some became global stars, while others changed their fields through influence and originality. This countdown ranks 15 of the most famous people born in Austin.
15. Shakey Graves (1987–)
Folk, blues, and rock shaped the sound of Shakey Graves. Born Alejandro Rose-Garcia, he built a following through raw performances and inventive one-man-band arrangements. His album And the War Came helped push him to wider attention. Austin’s independent music spirit fits naturally with his restless style.
14. Gabriel Luna (1982–)
Science fiction and superhero roles brought Gabriel Luna to a wider audience. He played Robbie Reyes, also known as Ghost Rider, on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. Luna later appeared as the Rev-9 in Terminator: Dark Fate. He also portrayed Tommy in HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us.
13. Carly Fiorina (1954–)
Business leadership made Carly Fiorina one of the best-known executives of her era. She became CEO of Hewlett-Packard in 1999. Fiorina was the first woman to lead a Fortune 20 company. She later entered national politics and ran for the Republican presidential nomination.
12. Benjamin McKenzie (1978–)
Television audiences first discovered Benjamin McKenzie through The O.C. He later played a young James Gordon on Gotham. McKenzie also starred in the police drama Southland. His career has centered on intense, serious roles in network and cable television.
11. Tobe Hooper (1943–2017)
Modern horror changed when Tobe Hooper directed The Texas Chain Saw Massacre. The low-budget 1974 film became one of the genre’s most influential works. Hooper later directed Poltergeist, another major horror classic. His work helped define decades of screen terror.
10. Gary Clark Jr. (1984–)
Blues, rock, soul, and hip-hop all flow through Gary Clark Jr.’s music. His guitar playing earned comparisons to earlier Texas blues legends. Clark won Grammy Awards and built a strong national touring career. His sound connects Austin’s music history with a modern edge.
9. Dabney Coleman (1932–2024)
Few actors played arrogant, blustering bosses better than Dabney Coleman. He appeared in 9 to 5, Tootsie, WarGames, and many television projects. Coleman turned smug authority figures into comedy gold. His long career made him one of Austin’s most durable screen actors.
8. Amber Heard (1986–)
Film roles and courtroom headlines made Amber Heard one of Austin’s most widely recognized natives. She appeared in Aquaman, The Rum Diary, and Pineapple Express. Heard’s public legal battles drew enormous international attention. Her fame now stretches beyond acting into global celebrity culture.
7. Baker Mayfield (1995–)
Football made Baker Mayfield a national name before he entered the NFL. He won the Heisman Trophy at Oklahoma in 2017. Mayfield then became the first overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. His fiery style and comeback seasons have kept him in the spotlight.
6. Tom Ford (1961–)
Fashion and design turned Tom Ford into a global luxury brand. He helped revive Gucci before launching his own successful label. Ford later moved into filmmaking with A Single Man and Nocturnal Animals. His influence spans clothing, fragrance, style, advertising, and cinema.
5. Glen Powell (1988–)
Hollywood momentum has made Glen Powell one of Austin’s fastest-rising stars. He appeared in Top Gun: Maverick, Anyone But You, and Twisters. Powell’s charm and comic timing helped push him into leading-man territory. His career continues gaining speed across action, romance, and comedy.
4. Dakota Johnson (1989–)
A major film franchise made Dakota Johnson famous around the world. She starred as Anastasia Steele in the Fifty Shades movies. Johnson later built a varied career through independent films, dramas, and comedies. Her famous Hollywood family also kept her in the public eye.
3. Ethan Hawke (1970–)
Acting, writing, directing, and theater made Ethan Hawke one of Austin’s most accomplished natives. His films include Dead Poets Society, Reality Bites, Training Day, and Boyhood. Hawke earned multiple Academy Award nominations across acting and screenwriting. His career has balanced mainstream success with serious artistic ambition.
2. Nelly (1974–)
Hip-hop and pop audiences made Nelly one of the biggest stars of the early 2000s. Songs like “Hot in Herre,” “Dilemma,” and “Ride wit Me” became massive hits. His album Country Grammar helped define a commercial rap era. Nelly’s crossover success made him famous far beyond hip-hop.
1. Drew Brees (1979–)
Austin-born Drew Brees became one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl victory. Brees set major passing records during his long professional career. His leadership after Hurricane Katrina made him especially beloved in New Orleans.
Last Updated on August 13, 2026 by F.E.M