Difference between revisions of "Famous Mormons"

From MormonWiki
Jump to: navigation, search
(→‎Authors)
(→‎Authors)
 
Line 108: Line 108:
 
*[[Ted Stewart]]: New York Times Best-selling author of ''Seven Miracles That Saved America: Why They Matter and Why We Should Have Hope'' and ''The Miracle of Freedom: 7 Tipping Points That Saved the World'' with brother Chris Stewart.
 
*[[Ted Stewart]]: New York Times Best-selling author of ''Seven Miracles That Saved America: Why They Matter and Why We Should Have Hope'' and ''The Miracle of Freedom: 7 Tipping Points That Saved the World'' with brother Chris Stewart.
 
*[[Lindsey Stirling]]: The YouTube sensation's autobiography ''The Only Pirate at the Party,'' hit #10 on the New York Times Best seller list for hardcover nonfiction.
 
*[[Lindsey Stirling]]: The YouTube sensation's autobiography ''The Only Pirate at the Party,'' hit #10 on the New York Times Best seller list for hardcover nonfiction.
−
*[[Dian Thomas]]:
+
*[[Dian Thomas]]: ''Roughing It Easy'' propelled her to the New York Times Best Seller list, thousands of appearances on national television, and subsequent books.
 
*[[Dan Wells]]: His Partials Sequence series made the New York Times Best Seller list in May of 2014.
 
*[[Dan Wells]]: His Partials Sequence series made the New York Times Best Seller list in May of 2014.
 
*[[Kiersten White]]: Her first novel, ''Paranormalacy'' (2010) took only seven days to hit the ''New York Times'' best seller’s list.
 
*[[Kiersten White]]: Her first novel, ''Paranormalacy'' (2010) took only seven days to hit the ''New York Times'' best seller’s list.

Latest revision as of 22:05, 15 July 2021

Artists

Authors

  • Robert G. Allen: Financial guru wrote the New York Times best sellers Creating Wealth and Nothing Down: How to Buy Real Estate with Little or No Money Down.
  • Glenn Beck: New York Times Best seller in fiction, nonfiction, self-help, and children's.
  • Jeff Benedict: Critically acclaimed and New York Times Best-selling author.
  • Orson Scott Card: Author, most well-known for his Ender's series.
  • Ally Condie: New York Times Best seller author of the Matched series.
  • Larry Correia: Author of New York Times Best-selling series Monster Hunter International.
  • Stephen Covey: Author of the influential best seller The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change.
  • James Dashner: Best-selling author of The Maze Runner series.
  • Richard Paul Evans: New York Times Best seller author, wrote The Christmas Box and other books.
  • Richard and Linda Eyre: Husband and wife team of New York Times Best-selling books on parenting.
  • Christine Feehan: New York Times Best seller author of The Dark series, GhostWalker series, and others.
  • Jessica Day George: Author of teen and middle grade readers series Dragon Slippers, The Princess of Westfalin, Castle Glower. Wednesdays in the Tower made #10 on the New York Times Best Seller list.
  • Shannon Hale: Newberry Award winning author of "The Goose Girl" and "Princess Academy."
  • Amy Harmon: Became a New York Times best-selling author with her book A Different Blue.
  • Tracy Hickman: Game designer with wife Laura, and New York Times best-selling author of Dragon Lance Chronicles.
  • Gordon B. Hinckley: Stand for Something: 10 Neglected Virtues That Will Heal Our Hearts and Homes became a New York Times best seller in 2000.
  • Dean Hughes: Author of historical novels and children's books.
  • Aaron Johnston: New York Times best-selling author of Earth Unaware, Earth Afire, Earth Awakens, The Swarm, Invasive Procedures, and the other forthcoming Formic Wars novels with Orson Scott Card.
  • Gerald N. Lund: Best-selling author of The Work and the Glory Series.
  • Stephenie Meyer: New York Times Best-selling author of the "Twilight" series ("Twilight", "New Moon", and "Eclipse"; next sequel due out in 2008.)
  • Brandon Mull: New York Times Best seller author of the Fablehaven series, Dragonwatch series, The Beyonders series, Five Kingdoms series.
  • Jennifer A. Nielsen: Author of the New York Times Best-selling Ascendance series, Mark of the Thief trilogy, and The Traitor's Game trilogy.
  • Brenda Novak: Has written over 50 books including her New York Times Best Seller trilogy Department 6.
  • Anne Perry: Award-winning mystery writer with over 26 million books in print.
  • Aprilynne Pike: Her first published novel climbed to #1 on the New York Times Best Seller list, as did the resulting series Wings series.
  • Larry Richman: authored over a dozen books, including Latter-day Saint books "101 Ways to Hasten the Work Online" and "Learning Through Life's Trials." Publications by Larry Richman.
  • Brandon Sanderson: New York Times Best seller epic fantasy author.
  • Heidi Schulz: Her children's book Hook's Revenge reached #5 on the New York Times Best Seller list in the Children's Middle Grade E-Book.
  • Chris Stewart: New York Times Best-selling author of Seven Miracles That Saved America: Why They Matter and Why We Should Have Hope and The Miracle of Freedom: 7 Tipping Points That Saved the World with brother Ted Stewart.
  • Ted Stewart: New York Times Best-selling author of Seven Miracles That Saved America: Why They Matter and Why We Should Have Hope and The Miracle of Freedom: 7 Tipping Points That Saved the World with brother Chris Stewart.
  • Lindsey Stirling: The YouTube sensation's autobiography The Only Pirate at the Party, hit #10 on the New York Times Best seller list for hardcover nonfiction.
  • Dian Thomas: Roughing It Easy propelled her to the New York Times Best Seller list, thousands of appearances on national television, and subsequent books.
  • Dan Wells: His Partials Sequence series made the New York Times Best Seller list in May of 2014.
  • Kiersten White: Her first novel, Paranormalacy (2010) took only seven days to hit the New York Times best seller’s list.
  • Dave Wolverton: Also writes under his pen name David Farland. Best-selling novels and series including Ravenspell, Serpent Catch, Mummy Chronicles, and New York Times best seller Runelords.
  • Jason F. Wright: New York Times Best seller author of The Christmas Jars and The Wednesday Letters.

Business Professionals

Educators

  • Dan W. Andersen (1927-2013): First president Brigham Young University Hawaii.
  • George H. Brimhall (1852-1932): Former president of Brigham Young University.
  • J. Elliot Cameron (1923-2011): Former Commissioner of Church Education, former president BYU Hawaii.
  • Joe J. Christensen (1929-2021): Former Associate Commissioner of Church Education, former president Ricks College, emeritus General Authority.
  • Kim Clark: Emeritus General Authority, former Commissioner of Church Education, former president of BYU-Idaho, former dean, Harvard Business School. He gave up his position at Harvard when the Church asked him to move to Idaho.
  • John L. Clarke (1905-1991): Former president Ricks College.
  • Benjamin Cluff (1858-1948): First president of Brigham Young University.
  • G. Homer Durham (1911-1982): Former commissioner Utah System of Higher Education, academic vice president University of Utah, president Arizona State University, emeritus General Authority.
  • Henry B. Eyring: Former president Brigham Young University-Idaho, First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
  • Henry J. Eyring: President Brigham Young University-Idaho.
  • Wilford Gardner (1925-2011): Former soil physicist and professor. Once served as dean at UC Berkeley.
  • Gordon Gee: President of West Virginia University, former president of The Ohio State University, former Chancellor of Vanderbilt University, former president of Brown University, former president of University of Colorado.
  • Clark G. Gilbert: Commissioner Church Educational System, former president of BYU-Pathway Worldwide, former president of BYU-Idaho.
  • Franklin S. Harris (1884-1960): Former president of Brigham Young University, professor at Utah State Agricultural College.
  • John "Keoni" Kauwe: President of Brigham Young University-Hawaii.
  • Truman G. Madsen (1926-2009): Former professor of religion and philosophy at Brigham Young University. Was a prolific author, recognized authority on Joseph Smith, and favorite lecturer.
  • Karl G. Maeser (1828-1901): Brigham Young Academy principal; considered true founder of Brigham Young University. Former head of Church Educational System.
  • Hyrum Manwaring (1877-1956): Former president of Ricks College.
  • Cecil O. Samuelson: Former president of Brigham Young University, emeritus General Authority.
  • V. Lane Rawlins: President, University of North Texas, retired. Former president of Washington State University and former president of the University of Memphis.
  • Alton L. Wade: Former president of BYU-Hawaii, Dixie College; vide president of Student Life at BYU.
  • Franklin L. West (1885-1966): Former Commissioner of Church Education, former Dean of Faculty at Utah State University, former professor.
  • Steven Wheelwright: Former president, Brigham Young University-Hawaii, former senior associate dean at Harvard Business School.
  • Ernest L. Wilkinson (1899-1978): Former president of Brigham Young University, former Commissioner of Church Education.

Entertainers

Includes both individuals and groups.

  • Christina Aguilera (1980-): Her parents met at BYU, but divorced when she was seven. Their Church activity after the divorce is unknown, although her mother was still receiving visits from Church members when Christina was nine. Could it be that Christina was baptized? Regardless, she is no longer a practicing Mormon. (Sources:famousmormons.net, Internet Movie Database, and Pete Thunell, "Here's the Skinny on LDS Celebrity Urban Legends, BYU Newsnet, Nov 28, 2000.)
  • David Archuleta, runner-up on American Idol and recording artist
  • Thurl Bailey (1961-): Singer and former NBA Basketball player with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves.
  • Jenny Jordan Frogley: Singer. If you play the "King Kong" video game, hers is the last voice you hear before you die.
  • Jewel (1974-): This singer was raised Mormon, but it's unclear if she was baptized.
  • Arthur "Killer" Kane (1949-2004): Guitar player (bassist) for the punk band New York Dolls.
  • Gladys Knight (1944-): Singer from "Gladys Knight and the Pips."
  • Brendon Urie: Lead singer of Panic at the Disco. Raised Mormon, but left the Church following conflict with his family.
  • Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square: The radio program Music and the Spoken Word, which broadcasts Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square performances, has been a weekly tradition since 1929 and is the longest continuous network broadcast in history. The choir has won a Grammy and has earned two platinum and five gold albums.
  • Donny Osmond (1957-): Singer, entertainer.
  • Marie Osmond (1959-): Singer, entertainer, talk-show host.
  • SHeDAISY: Country music singers. Kelsi is in charge of the Young Women's organization in her ward.
  • Brandon Flowers (1981-): Lead singer of The Killers.
  • Benji Schwimmer, dancer
  • Laci Schwimmer, dancer
  • Lindsey Stirling, violinist and YouTube star
  • Brooke White, American Idol finalist
  • Carmen Rasmusen, American Idol finalist, country singer
  • The 5 Browns, classical pianists

Military

  • David B. Bleak (1932-2006): Medal of Honor recipient
  • Leonard C. Brostrom (1919-1944): U. S. Army Infantry Soldier and Medal of Honor recipient
  • Donald Burdick: U.S. Army Major General
  • Joseph W. Dailey (1917-2007): U.S. Marine Sergeant Major
  • John R. Massaro: U.S. Marine Sergeant Major
  • Larry L. Maxam (1948-1968): U.S. Marine, Medal of Honor recipient
  • Edward S. Michael (1918-1994): U.S. Army Air Force officer and Medal of Honor recipient
  • Thomas C. Neibaur (1898-1942): Idaho National Guardsman and Medal of Honor recipient
  • Robert C. Oaks: U.S. Air Force Four-Star General
  • Clinton Romesha: Clinton LaVor “Clint” Romesha is the fourth living Medal of Honor recipient for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq (following Salvatore Giunta, Leroy Petry, and Dakota Meyer), and the eleventh overall for these campaigns.
  • Brent Scowcroft (1925-2020): U.S. National Security Adviser and Lieutenant General in the U.S. Air Force
  • George E. Wahlen (1924-2009): U.S. Army Major and Medal of Honor recipient

Movies

  • Corbin Allred: Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
  • Brady Bluhm: Voice of Christopher Robin one some of the Winnie the Pooh movies.
  • Don Bluth (1937-): Director and producer. The Rescuers (1977), Pete's Dragon (1977), The Secret of NIMH (1982), An American Tail (1986), The Land Before Time (1988), All Dogs Go to Heaven (1989), Rock-A-Doodle (1991), Thumbelina (1994), Anastasia (1997) and Titan A.E. (2000).
  • Wilford Brimley: Actor in The Thing (1981), Hotel New Hampshire (1984), The Natural (1984) and Cocoon (1986). Currently on television as the spokesperson for Liberty Medical Diabetic Supplies.
  • Kevin J. Foxe: Producer for The Blair Witch Project.
  • Jon Heder: Actor who played Napoleon Dynamite.
  • Jared Hess: Writer and director of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre.
  • Jerusha Hess: Writer of Napoleon Dynamite and Nacho Libre.
  • Kieth Merrill: Academy award-winning filmmaker.
  • Gerald "Jerry" R. Molen: Producer of Schindler's List (Best Picture, 1993).
  • Aaron Ruell: "Kip" from Napoleon Dynamite.

Politicians

Currently in office

  • Rob Bishop (1951-): US Representative, a republican from Utah
  • Mike Crapo (1951-): US Senator, a republican from Idaho
  • John Curtis (1960-): US Representative, a republican from Utah
  • Jim Gibbons (1944-): Governor of Nevada
  • Jon Huntsman, Jr. (1960-): diplomat and former governor of Utah, 2005-2009
  • Brian S. King (1959-): Utah House of Representatives
  • Mike Lee (1971-): US Senator, a republican from Utah
  • Mitt Romney (1947-): US Senator, a republican from Utah, former governor of Massachusetts, 2008 and 2012 Republican presidential candidate
  • Mike Simpson (1950-): US Representative, a republican from Idaho
  • Chris Stewart (1960-): US Representative, a republican from Utah
  • Thomas Stewart Udall (1948-): New Mexico Senator

Past politicians

  • Terrel Bell (1921-1996): Secretary of Education
  • Bob Bennett (1933-2016): former US Senator, Chief Deputy Whip, a republican from Utah
  • Ezra Taft Benson (1899-1994): US Secretary of Agriculture. He went on to become the worldwide leader of the LDS Church.
  • Angela "Bay" Buchanan (1948-): former US Treasurer
  • Chris Cannon (1950-): former US Representative, a republican from Utah
  • Jason Chaffetz (1967-): US Representative, a republican from Utah
  • J. Reuben Clark (1871-1961): US diplomat, US undersecretary of State
  • John Doolittle (1950-): former US Representative, a republican from California
  • Marriner S. Eccles (1890-1977): former chairman of Federal Reserve Board
  • Larry EchoHawk (1948-): former assistant secretary for Indian Affairs for US Department of the Interior, former Idaho State Attorney General, former Idaho State Representative
  • Eni Faleomavaega (1943-2017): Delegate to the US House of Representatives, a democrat from American Samoa
  • Jeff Flake (1962-): US Representative, a republican from Arizona
  • Jake Garn (1932-): US Senator, a republican from Utah
  • Ralph R. Harding (1929-2006): US Representative, a democrat from Idaho
  • Orrin Hatch (1934-): US Senator, a republican from Utah
  • Paula Hawkins (1927-2009): US Senator, a republican from Florida
  • Dean Heller (1960-): US Representative, a republican from Nevada
  • Gary R. Herbert (1947-): Governor of Utah
  • Wally Herger (1945-): California Congressman
  • William B. Ide (1796-1852): President of the California Republic. “In 1846, he joined John C. Fremont in the Bear Flag Revolt. They took Sonoma and captured the Mexican Commandante of Northern California. They raised a new flag and declared the independence of the California Republic with Ide as president. When the U.S. declared war on Mexico, Ide and the others joined the U.S. forces thus ending California's independence.” (Quote from famousmormons.net as quoted from Wikipedia) Ide may be the only Mormon head of state in history, unless rumors about the King of Tonga (or is it Samoa?) are true...
  • Ernest James Istook (1950-): US Representative from Oklahoma
  • David M. Kennedy (1905-1996): Secretary of the Treasury
  • David S. King (1917-2009): US Representative, a democrat from Utah
  • Raul Labrador (1967-): US Representative from Idaho
  • Rex E. Lee (1935-1996): former U.S. Solicitor General
  • Michael O. Leavitt (1951-): Secretary of Health and Human Services and former governor of Utah
  • Mia Love (1975-): US Representative, a republican from Utah
  • Jim Matheson (1960-): US Representative, a democrat from Utah
  • Ben McAdams (1974–): US Representative, a democrat from Utah, Salt Lake County Mayor, and Utah State Senator
  • Buck McKeon (1938-): US Representative, a republican from California
  • Bill Orton (1948–2009): US Representative, a democrat from Utah
  • Wayne Owens (1937-2002): US Representative, a democrat from Utah
  • Ivy Baker Priest (1905-1975): US Treasurer
  • Harry Reid (1939-): Current U.S. Senate Majority Leader, a democrat from Nevada
  • George W. Romney (1907-1995): Former Governor of Michigan, US Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
  • Gordon Smith (1952-): Former US Senator, a republican from Oregon
  • Reed Smoot (1862-1941): US Senator, a republican from Utah
  • Stewart Udall (1920-1998): US Secretary of the Interior

Professional Athletes

In alphabetical order (by last name) in each sport area.

Baseball

  • Rick Aguilera (1961-): Former relief pitcher for the New York Mets, Minnesota Twins, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago Cubs.
  • Alan Ashby (1951-): Played for the Cleveland Indians, Toronto Blue Jays, and Houston Astros.
  • Barry Bonnell (1953-): Former outfielder and third baseman for teams such as the Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. Introduced Dale Murphy to the Church.
  • John Buck (1980-): Major League Baseball player for the Kansas City Royals.
  • McKay Christensen (1975-): Outfielder for the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets.
  • Jackson Cluff (1996-): Infielder for the Washington Nationals.
  • Dennis Eckersley (1954-): Threw no-hitter for Cleveland Indians, member of Red Sox, A's.
  • Jeremy Guthrie (1979-): Pitched for Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals.
  • Bryce Harper (1992-): Right fielder for Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies.
  • Bruce Hurst (1958-): Pitched for Boston Red Sox.
  • Elliot Johnson (1984): Former infielder for Tampa Bay Rays, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Oklahoma City Dodgers.
  • Wally Joyner (1962-): Former first baseman for the California Angels, Kansas City Royals, San Diego Padres, Atlanta Braves and California Angels.
  • Jeff Kent (1968-): Second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and a former MVP winner.
  • Harmon Killebrew (1936-2011): Hall of Fame member of Minnesota Twins.
  • Vance Law (1956-): Former BYU Baseball coach and former third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago White Sox, Montreal Expos, Chicago Cubs, and Oakland A's. Son of Vernon Law.
  • Vernon Law (1930-): Major League pitcher and Cy Young award winner.
  • Matt Lindstrom (1980-): Former pitcher for the Florida Marlins, Houston Astros, Colorado Rockies, Baltimore Orioles, Arizona Diamondbacks, Chicago White Sox.
  • Jack Morris (1955-): Major League pitcher primarily for Detroit Tigers and inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in July 2018.
  • Dale Murphy (1956-): Hall of Fame centerfielder for Atlanta Braves.
  • Adam Rosales (1983-): Infielder for Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, Arizona Diamondbacks, Cleveland Indians.
  • Mitch Talbot (1983-): Pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, Houston Astros, and other teams.

Basketball

  • Danny Ainge (1959-): Pro basketball player, and former NBA coach.
  • Thurl Bailey (1961-): played for Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves, and professional singer.
  • Shawn Bradley (1972-): Former center for the Dallas Mavericks.
  • Greg Kite (1961-): Former professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers.
  • Mark Madsen (1976-): Player for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
  • Dick Motta: Coached Washington Bullets to NBA championship.
  • Andy Toolson (1966-): Former Utah Jazz player and member of several foreign teams.

Football

  • Ty Detmer: Heisman Trophy winner at BYU, and NFL quarterback
  • Rob Morris: Linebacker for the Indianapolis Colts
  • Merlin Olsen: Hall of Famer from Los Angeles Rams, actor Father Murphy, and NFL analyst
  • Steve Young: Hall of Fame quarterback for San Francisco 49ers

Golf

Olympians

  • Krešimir Ćosić (1948-1995): Croatian basketball player for Yugoslavian Olympic team (1968, 1972, 1976, and 1980). Led team to gold medal in Moscow (1980).
  • Peter Vidmar: Gymnast, Olympic gold medalist, and member of the Olympic Hall of Fame.

Soccer

Other Sports

Radio

Scientists

  • John M. Browning (1855-1926): A famous gunsmith.
  • Nolan Bushnell: Founded Atari and invented the game "Pong." He was also owner of Chuck E. Cheese's (a pizza and recreation chain for children) for a time.
  • William Clayton (1814-1879): Invented the odometer.
  • Don Carlos Edwards: Invented fry sauce.
  • Henry Eyring (1901-1981): Pioneered the application of quantum mechanics to chemistry. Received the National Medal of Science.
  • Philo T. Farnsworth (1906-1971): Contributed to the invention of the television.
  • Harvey Fletcher (1884-1981): As in Millikan and Fletcher, discoverers of the charge on an electron. He also invented the hearing aid and was president of the American Physical Society.
  • H. Tracy Hall (1919-2008): First to produce synthetic diamonds.
  • Yukihiro Matsumoto (1965-): Computer scientist, creator of the Ruby programming language.
  • Lester Wire (1887-1958): Invented the traffic light. The first one was in Salt Lake City!

Television

  • Ashlee Ashby: Contestant on Survivor Palau.
  • Roseanne Barr: She was a Mormon from age 6 to 16, but left the Church and is now critical of it due to her father.
  • Glenn Beck, radio and TV (CNN) personality and author.
  • Ryan Benson: Recent winner of the reality show The Biggest Looser.
  • Neleh Dennis: Contestant on Survivor Marquesas (2002). She brought scriptures as her luxury item.
  • Katherine Heigl: Actress on Grey's Anatomy (raised as a member of the Church, but doesn't currently practice).
  • Ken Jennings: Contestant on Jeopardy. Holds the record for the most consecutive victories in Jeopardy history. The press have reported that 10% of his earnings will be donated to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as tithing.
  • Kristy Jensen: Contestant on The Amazing Race 6.
  • Lena Jensen: Contestant on The Amazing Race 6.
  • Mrs. Larry King: No, not Larry. But his wife (Shawn Southwick King) is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.
  • Glen A. Larson: Producer of The Six Million Dollar Man (1973), Battlestar Galactica (1978), B.J. and the Bear (1978), Buck Rogers in the 25th Century (1979), Magnum P.I. (1980), The Fall Guy (1981), and Knight Rider (1982).
  • Jon Peter Lewis: Contestant on American Idol, Season 3 (2004).
  • Shawn Nelson: Winner of the reality TV show Rebel Billionaire.
  • Carmen Rasmusen: Contestant on American Idol, Season 2 (2003).
  • Robert Ray, MD, MPP: Cosmetic surgeon from Dr. 90210. Likely no longer an active member of the Church. He was brought to the U.S. by full-time missionaries.
  • Benji Schwimmer: Winner on So You Think You Can Dance?, Season 2 (2006).
  • Ellen Wheeler: "In 1986 she won the Daytime Award Emmy for 'Outstanding Ingénue in a Drama Series' for her work as Marley and Vicky Love on Another World. In 1988 she won another Daytime Emmy for 'Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series', for her work as Cindy Parker Chandler on All My Children. Ellen's character was one of the first AIDS patients on daytime television."
  • Kelly Wiglesworth: Contestant on Survivor Borneo, Season 1 (2000).

External Links

For sources, see AllAboutMormons.com.

Retrieved from "https://www.mormonwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Famous_Mormons&oldid=61310"