Augusta, Georgia, is famous for the Masters Tournament, but its contributions extend far beyond golf. The historic city along the Savannah River has produced Hollywood stars, legendary musicians, championship athletes, and influential figures in American history. Some became international celebrities, while others helped shape art, literature, science, and government. From professional wrestling to the Federal Reserve, these 20 famous people born in Augusta left their mark in remarkably different ways.
20. Archibald Butt (1865–1912)
A vacation aboard the Titanic ended tragically for Archibald Butt in April 1912. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he served as a military aide to Presidents Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. His earlier career included journalism, diplomatic service, and military assignments overseas. Butt’s surviving letters later gave historians valuable insights into life inside the White House.
19. Faith Prince (1957–)
Broadway audiences know Faith Prince for her powerful voice and lively stage performances. The Augusta-born actress won a Tony Award for her performance in the 1992 revival of Guys and Dolls. Her career also expanded into television, film, and voice acting. Prince became one of musical theater’s most respected performers.
18. Takeo Spikes (1976–)
With his intimidating physique and relentless playing style, Takeo Spikes became a formidable NFL linebacker. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he played college football at Auburn before joining the Cincinnati Bengals. His professional career stretched across 15 seasons and included two Pro Bowl selections. Spikes also played for Buffalo, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and San Diego.
17. Joseph Wheeler (1836–1906)
Few military careers crossed as many American historical divides as Joseph Wheeler’s. Born near Augusta, he became a Confederate cavalry general during the Civil War. Wheeler later represented Alabama in Congress before returning to American military service during the Spanish-American War. His remarkable career included service in both the Confederate and United States armies.
16. Montgomery C. Meigs (1816–1892)
Keeping an enormous army supplied during the Civil War required exceptional organization. Augusta-born Montgomery C. Meigs handled that responsibility as quartermaster general of the Union Army. His work helped deliver essential supplies to troops across multiple battlefields. Meigs also played an important role in establishing Arlington National Cemetery.
15. Vernon Forrest (1971–2009)
Inside the boxing ring, Vernon Forrest built a reputation for speed, precision, and determination. The Augusta native represented the United States at the 1992 Olympics before becoming a professional champion. He won world titles in two weight divisions and twice defeated Shane Mosley. Forrest’s life ended tragically when he was shot and killed in Atlanta in 2009.
14. Khary Payton (1972–)
Fans of The Walking Dead will recognize Khary Payton as the charismatic King Ezekiel. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he also developed a successful career in animated television and video games. His voice performances include Cyborg in Teen Titans and Aqualad in Young Justice. Payton’s versatility has made him a familiar presence across several generations of entertainment.
13. Danielle Panabaker (1987–)
Superhero television brought Danielle Panabaker international recognition through her work on The Flash. The Augusta-born actress played Caitlin Snow and her alter ego, Killer Frost, in the popular CW series. Earlier performances included Disney productions and films such as Sky High. Panabaker also expanded her career into directing television episodes.
12. Sharon Jones (1956–2016)
Success arrived relatively late for Sharon Jones, but her extraordinary voice made the wait worthwhile. Born in Augusta, Georgia, she became the dynamic frontwoman of Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings. The group helped revive classic soul and funk for modern audiences. Her energetic performances earned international admiration and a Grammy nomination.
11. Larry Mize (1958–)
Imagine growing up near Augusta National Golf Club and eventually winning the Masters Tournament. Larry Mize accomplished exactly that in 1987. Born in Augusta, he defeated Greg Norman with an unforgettable chip shot during a sudden-death playoff. The victory made him the first Augusta native to win the prestigious tournament.
10. Frank Yerby (1916–1991)
Millions of readers discovered historical fiction through the novels of Frank Yerby. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he became one of America’s most commercially successful African American authors. His breakthrough novel, The Foxes of Harrow, reached bestseller lists and inspired a Hollywood film. Across his career, Yerby’s books sold more than 55 million copies worldwide.
9. Charles Kelley (1981–)
Country music fans have heard Charles Kelley’s voice on some of the genre’s biggest modern hits. The Augusta-born musician became a founding member of the Grammy-winning group Lady A. Songs including “Need You Now” helped the trio achieve international success. Kelley also pursued solo projects while continuing to build his reputation as a singer and songwriter.
8. Danielle Brooks (1989–)
A breakout performance on Orange Is the New Black introduced Danielle Brooks to millions of television viewers. Born in Augusta, Georgia, she portrayed the memorable character Tasha “Taystee” Jefferson. Her work later expanded to Broadway and major Hollywood productions. Brooks earned an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the 2023 film The Color Purple.
7. Horace Grant (1965–)
Basketball fans of the 1990s remember Horace Grant as a key member of Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he developed into a dependable defender and rebounder. Grant helped Chicago win three consecutive NBA championships before later earning another title with the Los Angeles Lakers. His trademark protective goggles became almost as recognizable as his playing style.
6. Jasper Johns (1930–)
An American flag became the foundation for one of modern art’s most influential careers. Augusta-born Jasper Johns challenged traditional artistic expectations through paintings of flags, targets, numbers, and everyday symbols. His work helped reshape American art during the second half of the twentieth century. Johns eventually received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions.
5. Jessye Norman (1945–2019)
Opera audiences around the world admired the extraordinary voice of Jessye Norman. Born in Augusta, Georgia, she became one of the most celebrated sopranos of her generation. Her performances took her to prestigious opera houses and concert halls across Europe and America. Norman received multiple Grammy Awards, Kennedy Center Honors, and the National Medal of Arts.
4. Amy Grant (1960–)
Long before contemporary Christian music became a major commercial force, Amy Grant helped introduce it to mainstream audiences. Born in Augusta, Georgia, she achieved enormous success with inspirational recordings and crossover pop hits. Her album Heart in Motion featured the chart-topping single “Baby Baby.” Grant earned multiple Grammy Awards and became one of Christian music’s most successful performers.
3. Ben Bernanke (1953–)
Few Augusta natives have influenced the global economy as directly as Ben Bernanke. The economist served as chairman of the Federal Reserve from 2006 to 2014. During the 2008 financial crisis, he helped shape America’s response to collapsing banks and financial markets. Bernanke later received the 2022 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for his research on banking and financial crises.
2. Laurence Fishburne (1961–)
From intense dramatic performances to blockbuster science fiction, Laurence Fishburne has built an extraordinary acting career. Born in Augusta, Georgia, he became internationally famous for portraying Morpheus in The Matrix films. His performance as Ike Turner in What’s Love Got to Do with It earned an Academy Award nomination. Fishburne also won major honors for his work in theater and television.
1. Hulk Hogan (1953–2025)
Few professional wrestlers achieved the worldwide recognition of Hulk Hogan. Born Terry Gene Bollea in Augusta, Georgia, he became the defining face of professional wrestling during the 1980s. His larger-than-life personality, signature mustache, and memorable matches helped transform wrestling into mainstream entertainment. Hogan later reinvented himself as a villain in WCW, extending his influence across another generation of fans.
Last Updated on October 16, 2026 by F.E.M