Midland is known for oil fields and wide West Texas skies, but it has also produced people who made an impact across the world. From politics and sports to Hollywood and literature, this city’s lineup of notable names is impressive. Here are 15 of the most famous people born in Midland, Texas — ranked from local standouts to global icons.
15. Eric Winston (1984– )
Eric Winston played 12 seasons in the NFL as an offensive tackle, most notably with the Houston Texans. A graduate of Midland Lee High School, he went on to the University of Miami before turning pro. He later served as president of the NFL Players Association, representing players in key labor negotiations.
14. Raymond Benson (1955– )
Raymond Benson became known worldwide in the 1990s as the official author of James Bond novels. Born in Midland, he also wrote the Black Stiletto series and contributed to video game scripts like Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. His writing gave Midland a surprising connection to one of the most iconic franchises in pop culture.
13. Stephen Graham Jones (1972– )
Stephen Graham Jones, born in Midland, is one of the leading voices in American horror. His Indian Lake Trilogy and other works have won Bram Stoker and Shirley Jackson Awards. Now a professor at the University of Colorado, Jones’s books remain widely read, keeping him among the most influential names in modern horror.
12. Douglas McGrath (1958–2022)
Douglas McGrath was a screenwriter, director, and actor who made his mark in both Hollywood and theater. He co-wrote Bullets Over Broadway, directed Emma with Gwyneth Paltrow, and appeared in films like Quiz Show. Though raised in Texas, his career spread across Broadway and film before his passing in 2022.
11. Bessie Love (1898–1986)
Bessie Love was Midland’s first Hollywood star. She began acting during the silent era and earned an Academy Award nomination for The Broadway Melody in 1929. Later, she built a second career in British films and theater. Her journey began in Midland but reached across the Atlantic.
10. Max Muncy (1990– )
Max Muncy is an infielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his power hitting and versatility. Born in Midland, he played college ball at Baylor before becoming a two-time All-Star and helping the Dodgers win the 2020 World Series. He remains a key player in their lineup.
9. Cedric Benson (1982–2019)
Cedric Benson was a football legend at Midland Lee High School, leading the Rebels to three consecutive state championships. He later starred at the University of Texas, where he became one of the program’s all-time leading rushers. Drafted by the Chicago Bears, he rushed for more than 6,000 yards in an eight-year NFL career.
8. Kathleen Zellner (1957– )
Kathleen Zellner, born in Midland, built a legal career that made her one of the most famous attorneys in America. She has overturned more than 20 wrongful convictions and gained national fame from the Netflix series Making a Murderer. She continues to work on high-profile cases today.
7. John R. Erickson (1943– )
John R. Erickson is the author of the Hank the Cowdog series, a Texas favorite that has sold millions of copies. Born in Midland, Erickson used his ranching background to create stories filled with West Texas humor. A podcast adaptation with Matthew McConaughey recently introduced Hank to new fans.
6. Mike Timlin (1966– )
Mike Timlin pitched for 18 seasons in Major League Baseball, winning four World Series titles with the Blue Jays and Red Sox. Born in Midland, he became one of the most decorated relief pitchers in the game. Since retiring, he has remained active in baseball camps and charity events.
5. Kathy Baker (1950– )
Kathy Baker, born in Midland, is an Emmy-winning actress whose work has spanned television, film, and stage. She starred in Picket Fences and appeared in movies like Edward Scissorhands and Cold Mountain. She remains active in Hollywood, with recent streaming roles adding to her long career.
4. Jeb Bush (1953– )
Jeb Bush was born in Midland before moving to Houston and later Florida, where he became governor from 1999 to 2007. A member of the Bush political dynasty, he also ran for president in 2016. He remains active in policy and public speaking.
3. Marilyn Buck (1947–2010)
Marilyn Buck, born in Midland, became a radical activist in the 1970s and 1980s. She was convicted for her role in armed robberies and militant political groups, spending decades in prison before her release in 2010. Her notoriety keeps her name alive in discussions of American radical movements.
2. Laura Bush (1946– )
Laura Bush, born and raised in Midland, attended Midland schools and graduated from Lee High School before studying education at SMU. She later served as First Lady of the United States from 2001 to 2009, where she championed literacy and global education. She remains one of the most respected figures to come from Midland.
1. Woody Harrelson (1961– )
Woody Harrelson is Midland’s most famous entertainer. Born there in 1961, he grew up in Ohio but never lost the Midland birthplace connection. He became a household name on Cheers and went on to star in acclaimed films such as Natural Born Killers and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. He continues to headline major films and shows.
Last Updated on June 30, 2026 by F.E.M