List of people from Louisiana
Appearance
The following are notable people who were either born, raised, or have lived for a significant period of time in the U.S. state of Louisiana.
A
[change | change source]- Danneel Ackles (born 1979), actress, model, One Life to Live, One Tree Hill, Friends with Benefits, Supernatural
- Bert A. Adams (1916–2003), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Vernon Parish (1956–68)
- Bryan Adams (born 1963), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Jefferson Parish
- Trace Adkins (born 1962), singer-songwriter originally from Sarepta
- Joe W. Aguillard (born 1956), president of Louisiana College (2005–14)
- Robert Alford (born 1988), cornerback for the Atlanta Falcons
- David Allen (born 1945), productivity consultant, author of Getting Things Done
- August Alsina (born 1992), singer
- William Alston (1921–2009), philosopher
- Jacques Amans (1801–1888), neoclassical portrait artist
- David Andrews (born 1952), actor, Gordon Cresswell on JAG
- J. Burton Angelle (1924–1997), politician from Breaux Bridge
- Scott Angelle (born 1961), member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission, son of J. Burton Angelle
- Phil Anselmo (born 1968), singer-songwriter of the band Pantera
- Louis Armstrong (1901–1971), musician and entertainer
- Evelyn Ashford (born 1957), Olympic sprint champion
- Elizabeth Ashley (born 1939), actress, movies and television's Evening Shade
- Nnamdi Asomugha (born 1981), cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles
- D. J. Augustin (born 1987), point guard for the Chicago Bulls
- Lisa Aukland (born 1957), professional bodybuilder and powerlifter
- Ray Authement (1928–2020), longest-serving public university president in the United States; president of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (1974–2008)
- The Axeman (fl. 1918–1919), serial killer
- Clarence C. Aycock (1915–1987), speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives (1952–56) and lieutenant governor (1960–72)
B
[change | change source]- Boosie Badazz aka Lil Boosie (born 1982), rapper
- George Ballas (1925–2011), inventor of the string trimmer
- Charles C. Barham (1934–2010), state senator from Ruston; son of C. E. Barham
- Edwards Barham (1937–2014), first Republican elected to Louisiana state senate since Reconstruction (1976–80)
- Danny Barker (1909–1994), singer-songwriter, musician, writer from New Orleans[1]
- Amy Coney Barrett (born 1972), Associate Justice of the Supreme Court
- Dave Bartholomew (1918–2019), musician, composer, promoter
- Robert W. Bates (born 1941), former agent of the United States Secret Service
- J. D. Batton (1911–1981), sheriff of Webster Parish (1952–64)
- Carl W. Bauer (1933–2013), politician
- Ralph Norman Bauer (1899–1963), politician
- Bryan Batt (born 1963), actor, Sal Romano on Mad Men
- Arnaz Battle (born 1980), wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Hazel Beard (born 1930), mayor of Shreveport (1990–94)
- P. G. T. Beauregard (1818–1893), general, inventor
- Odell Beckham Jr. (born 1992), wide receiver for the New York Giants
- Lottie Beebe (born 1953), politician and educator
- Geoffrey Beene (1927–2004), fashion designer
- Sidney Bechet (1897–1959), musician
- Clyde F. Bel Jr. (c. 1932–2014), businessman and stare representative for Orleans Parish
- Demetress Bell (born 1984), offensive tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles
- V. J. Bella (born 1927), state legislator and fire marshal
- E. J. Bellocq (1873–1949), photographer
- Judah P. Benjamin (1811–1884), U.S. Senator, Confederate cabinet member, lawyer in Great Britain
- Michael Bennett (born 1985), defensive end for the Seattle Seahawks
- Sherman A. Bernard (1925–2012), politician
- Louis Berry (1914–1998), civil rights attorney from Alexandria
- Johnny Berthelot (born 1951), politician
- Henry Bethard (born 1924), attorney and former state representative from Red River Parish
- B.G. (born 1980), rapper
- Joseph A. Biedenharn (1866–1952), entrepreneur, first to bottle Coca-Cola; settled in Monroe in 1913
- Rene J. Bienvenu (1923–1983), university president
- Bienville (Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne) (1680–1767), French colonial governor, founder of New Orleans
- Robert Billiot (born 1953), state representative for Jefferson Parish (since 2008)
- Birdman aka Brian "Baby" Williams (born 1969), rapper and record executive
- Stuart Bishop (born 1975), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for Lafayette
- Wesley T. Bishop (born 1967), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for Orleans Parish
- Evelyn Blackmon (1924–2014), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from West Monroe (1984–88)
- Morton Blackwell (born 1939), Louisiana Republican political activist, since relocated to Virginia
- Brian Blade (born 1970), award-winning, Grammy-nominated, jazz musician, bandleader, conductor
- Newton C. Blanchard (1849–1922), governor of Louisiana (1904–08); U.S. senator (1894–97)
- Terrence Blanchard (born 1962), musician, composer
- Kathleen Blanco (1942–2019), Governor of Louisiana (2004–08)
- Alexander Boarman (1839–1916), politician
- Walter Boasso (born 1960), politician, businessman
- Hale Boggs (1914–1972), U.S. representative for Louisiana's 2nd congressional district
- Lindy Boggs (1916–2013), wife of Hale Boggs and his successor in Congress, Ambassador to the Vatican
- Thomas Hale Boggs Jr. (1940–2014), lawyer and lobbyist, son of Hale and Lindy Boggs
- William Benton Boggs (1854–1922), first mayor of Plain Dealing (1890); state senator for Bossier and Webster parishes (1908–16)
- Brandon Bolden (born 1990), running back for the New England Patriots
- Buddy Bolden (1877–1930), musician, "inventor of jazz"(?)
- Skip Bolen (fl. 1980s–2010s), photographer
- James E. Bolin (1914–2002), former state representative; former district court judge; retired appeal court judge
- Donald G. Bollinger (1915–2000), shipbuilder and Republican state chairman
- George Washington Bolton (1841–1931), state representative and Speaker of the Louisiana House from Alexandria
- James C. Bolton (1899–1974), Alexandria banker and civic figure
- James W. Bolton (1869–1936), Alexandria banker and politician
- Peggy Bolton (1917–1987), Alexandria civic and community leader
- George W. Bond (1891–1974), president of Louisiana Tech University (1928–36)
- James Booker (1939–1983), musician
- Curtis Boozman (1898–1979), state representative from Natchitoches Parish
- Edward S. Bopp (1930–2015), state representative for Orleans and St. Bernard parishes (1977–84)
- Calvin Borel (born 1966), jockey, winner of 2007, 2009 and 2010 Kentucky Derby
- Pierre Bossier (1797–1844), first U.S. representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district (1843–44)
- Savannah Smith Boucher (born 1943), actress
- Sherry Boucher (born 1945), actress
- MacKenzie Bourg (born 1992), singer-songwriter and contestant on American Idol season 15
- Charles Boustany (born 1956), US Representative
- Denise Boutte (born 1982), model, actress, Meet the Browns
- John Boutté (born 1958), jazz singer
- Shirley D. Bowler (born 1949), state representative
- Jimmy Boyd (fl. 1940s–1950s), state representative for Bossier Parish from 1944 to 1952
- Thomas Duckett Boyd (1854–1932), president of Northwestern State University (1888–96) and LSU (1896–1926)
- Betsy Vogel Boze (born 1953), University President at Kent State University Stark Campus
- Harley Bozeman (1891–1971), politician, journalist, and historian
- Henry Braden (1944–2013), African-American politician
- Terry Bradshaw (born 1948), Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback, Fox television commentator
- Mike Branch (born 1968), politician and commercial pilot
- Allen Bradley (born 1951), former state representative from DeRidder
- Tim Brando (born 1956), CBS Sports announcer
- Elward Thomas Brady Jr. (c. 1926–2007), politician
- Thomas "Bud" Brady (1938–2011), politician
- Parey Branton (1918–2011), politician
- Wellman Braud (1891–1966), musician
- Donna Brazile (born 1959), author, professor, political analyst for the Democratic Party
- Delvin Breaux (born 1989), cornerback for the New Orleans Saints
- John Breaux (born 1944), U.S. Senator
- Phanor Breazeale (1858–1934), U.S. Representative
- Owen Brennan (1910–1954), restaurateur, Brennan's in New Orleans
- Richard Brennan Sr. – restaurateur, Commander's Palace in New Orleans
- Rick Brewer (born 1956), president of Louisiana College in Pineville since 2015
- Reid Brignac (born 1986), shortstop for the Tampa Bay Rays
- Armand Brinkhaus (1935–2017), former member of both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature from St. Landry Parish
- Pat Brister (1946–2020), Republican politician
- T. C. Brister (1907–1976), state representative from Rapides Parish (1940–44, 1948–52 and 1968–72)
- Poppy Z. Brite (born 1967), writer
- Chris Broadwater (born 1972), politician
- Clifford Cleveland Brooks (1886–1944), politician
- Lawrence Brooks (1909–2022), supercentenarian, World War II U.S. Army veteran
- Overton Brooks (1897–1961), U.S. Representative, 1937–1961
- Jared Brossett (born 1982), New Orleans politician
- Edwin S. Broussard (1870–1934), U.S. senator, 1921–1933
- Marc Broussard (born 1982), singer-songwriter
- Robert F. Broussard (fl. 1890s–1910s), U.S. representative for Louisiana's 3rd congressional district 1897–1915 and U.S. senator 1915–1918
- Campbell Brown (born 1968), journalist
- Chad M. Brown (born 1970), state representative for Iberville and Assumption parishes, effective January 2016
- Dee Brown (1908–2002), novelist, historian, author of Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee
- H. Rap Brown, black activist
- Sharon Brown (fl. 1960s), 1961 Miss USA
- George Brunies (1902–1974), musician
- James Lee Burke (born 1936), crime novelist, born in Texas
- Paul Burke (1926–2009), actor: Naked City, Twelve O'Clock High, The Thomas Crown Affair
- James Burton (born 1939), guitarist
- C.E. Byrd (1859–1926), educator, founder of C.E. Byrd High School
C
[change | change source]- George Washington Cable (1844–1925), writer
- Burl Cain (born 1942), warden of the Louisiana State Penitentiary (since 1995)
- Etienne J. Caire (1868–1955), Republican candidate for governor of Louisiana in 1928 against Huey P. Long
- Riemer Calhoun (1909–1994), state senator from DeSoto and Caddo parishes (1944–52)
- Bill Callegari (born 1941), member of the Texas House of Representatives from Harris County; native of Avoyelles Parish
- Jefferson Caffery (1886–1974), US ambassador; cousin of Patrick T. Caffery and Donelson Caffery
- Patrick T. Caffery (1932–2013), US Representative; cousin of Jefferson Caffery and grandson of Donelson Caffery
- Donelson Caffery (1835–1906), US Senator; grandfather of Patrick T. Caffery
- Chris Cagle (born 1968), country music artist
- George A. Caldwell (1892–1966), building contractor; designed twenty-six public buildings in Louisiana
- Jorrick Calvin (born 1987), cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Foster Campbell (born 1947), politician
- William Derwood Cann Jr. (1919–2010), World War II lieutenant colonel; mayor of Monroe (1978–79)
- Billy Cannon (1937–2018), football player for LSU, Heisman Trophy winner
- Joseph Cao (born 1968), former U.S. representative; lawyer
- Tom Capella (born 1965), assessor of Jefferson Parish and former state representative and Jefferson Parish Council member
- Truman Capote (1924–1984), writer and author of In Cold Blood
- Lindsey Cardinale (born 1985), American Idol finalist, country singer
- Harvey Locke Carey (1915–1984), lawyer and United States District Attorney
- Kitty Carlisle (1910–2007), entertainer and television personality; married to playwright Moss Hart
- W. W. Carloss (1833–1900), first state representative from Webster Parish (1874–78); fought in the Siege of Port Hudson
- Thomas G. Carmody (born 1961), state representative
- Edward M. Carmouche (1921–1990), politician
- Liz Carmouche (born 1984), mixed martial arts fighter
- Paul Carr (1934–2006), actor
- Lane Carson (born 1947), first Vietnam War veteran to serve in Louisiana House of Representatives
- Gary Carter Jr. (born 1974), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from the Algiers neighborhood in New Orleans, effective 2016
- J. J. Carter (1832–1907), politician from Webster Parish
- Robby Carter (born 1960), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for East Feliciana, St. Helena, and Tangipahoa parishes, 1996–2008 and since 2016
- James Carville (born 1944), political consultant and television commentator
- Tommy Casanova (born 1950), football player, ophthalmologist, politician
- Edgar Cason (born 1952), businessman and philanthropist
- Bill Cassidy (born 1957), U.S. representative, physician
- Don Cazayoux (born 1964), politician
- Leonard J. Chabert (c. 1932–1991), politician
- Marty J. Chabert (born c. 1956), politician
- Norby Chabert (born 1976), politician
- Tina Chandler (born 1974), IFBB professional bodybuilder
- Pokey Chatman (born 1969), basketball player, WNBA head coach
- Clifton Chenier (1925–1987), Zydeco musician
- Claire Chennault (1893–1958), aviator, general
- Jimmy Childress (1932–2015), state and national championship high school football coach
- Jay Chevalier (1936–2019), singer
- Monnie T. Cheves (1902–1988), educator and state legislator
- Kate Chopin (1851–1904), author
- Benny Gay Christian (1925–1982), state representative for Richland, Caldwell, and Madison parishes, 1964–74
- Philip Ciaccio (1927–2015), state representative, New Orleans City Council member, state circuit judge from 1982 to 1998
- Ben Claassen III (born 1978), illustrator and comics artist, DIRTFARM
- Morris Claiborne (born 1990), cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys
- William C. C. Claiborne (1775–1817), first US Governor of Louisiana
- Ryan Clark (born 1979), safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Clem S. Clarke (1897–1967), oilman and politician from Shreveport
- Patricia Clarkson (born 1959), Emmy Award-winning and Academy Award-nominated actress
- Sally Clausen (born 1945), university president and commissioner of higher education
- Thomas G. Clausen (1939–2002), last elected Louisiana state superintendent of education
- Michael Clayton (born 1982), wide receiver for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- A.C. "Ace" Clemons Jr. (1921–1992), first Republican state senator since Reconstruction; switched parties in 1970
- Bill Cleveland (1902–1974), Crowley real estate developer and member of both houses of Louisiana state legislature (1944–64); defeated for third term in state Senate in 1964 by Edwin Edwards
- Van Cliburn (1934–2013), classical pianist
- George Henry Clinton – politician
- Carl B. Close (1907–1980), politician
- James E. Cofer (born 1949), president of University of Louisiana at Monroe, 2002–2010
- J. Frank Colbert (1882–1949), politician
- Luther F. Cole (1925–2013), state representative and associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court
- Elliot D. Coleman (1881–1963), sheriff and bodyguard at the assassination of Huey P. Long Jr.
- Hamilton D. Coleman (1845–1926), U.S. representative from Louisiana's 2nd congressional district (1889–1991)
- Vincent Coleman (1901–1971), actor
- Ashton B. Collier (1910–1973), state representative from Winn Parish
- La'el Collins (born 1993), offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys
- Landon Collins (born 1994), safety for the New York Giants
- Tazzie Colomb (born 1966), IFBB professional female bodybuilder and powerlifter
- Marshall Colt (born 1948), actor
- Amie Comeaux (1976–1997), country singer
- Ward Connerly (born 1939), political activist, businessman, and former University of California Regent
- Harry Connick Jr. (born 1967), musician, entertainer, actor
- Harry Connick Sr. (born 1926), district attorney, singer
- Patrick Connick (born 1961), politician
- John R. Conniff (1874–1957), educator
- Charlie Cook (born 1953), political analyst
- John Cooksey (born 1941), US Representative
- Donnie Copeland (born 1961), Republican member of the Arkansas House of Representatives; Pentecostal pastor in North Little Rock, native of Monroe, Louisiana
- Charles C. Cordill (1845–1916), politician
- Daniel Cormier (born 1979), UFC fighter and Olympic freestyle wrestler
- Lance Cormier (born 1980), relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays
- Jeff Cox (born 1962), judge
- Kenny Ray Cox (born 1957), state representative for Natchitoches, Red River and Desoto parishes (since 2012); former United States Army lieutenant colonel
- Robert Crais (born 1953), crime novelist
- Clifford Ann Creed (born 1938), pro golfer
- Scott Crichton (born 1954), state district court judge in Shreveport
- Greg Cromer (born 1958), state representative from St. Tammany Parish
- Brenham C. Crothers (1905–1984), politician
- John David Crow (1935–2015), football player and coach, born in Union Parish
- Marvin T. Culpepper (1908–1970), politician
- Robert C. Culpepper (1873–1950), state senator for Jackson and Ouachita parishes and judge from Alexandria
- William A. Culpepper (1916–2015), judge based in Alexandria, son of Robert C. Culpepper
- Charles Milton Cunningham (1877–1936), educator, lawyer, newspaperman, politician
- Milton Joseph Cunningham (1842–1916), state representative and state senator; state attorney general (1884–88 and 1892–1900)
- William Tharp Cunningham (1871–1952), planter, attorney, state representative, and judge from Natchitoches Parish
- W. Peyton Cunningham (1901–1971), newspaper publisher and member of the Louisiana House from Natchitoches Parish (1932–40)
- Cupid (born 1982), R&B singer
- Currensy (born 1981), rapper
- Robert Houston Curry (1842–1992), state representative for Bossier Parish; wounded Confederate Army soldier
- Joseph T. Curry (1895–1961), politician; planter
- Israel "Bo" Curtis (1932–2012), African American politician from Alexandria
- Jacob Cutrera (born 1988), middle linebacker for the Jacksonville Jaguars
D
[change | change source]- Casey Daigle (born 1981), former MLB pitcher
- Mike Danahay (born 1957), state representative for Calcasieu Parish (since 2008)
- William Daniel (born 1955), state representative for East Baton Rouge Parish (1996–2008)
- Stormy Daniels (born 1979), porn actress, stripper
- Jay Dardenne (born 1954), former state senator, Louisiana secretary of state, and lieutenant governor (since 2010); candidate for governor (2015)
- George W. D'Artois (1925–1977), Shreveport public safety commissioner (1962–76)
- Buster Davis (born 1985), wide receiver for the San Diego Chargers
- Edwin Adams Davis (1904–1994), historian
- Glen Davis (born 1986), power forward and center for LSU and the Los Angeles Clippers
- Jackson B. Davis (1918–2016), attorney and former state senator
- Jimmie Davis (1899–2000), singer, Governor of Louisiana
- Willie Davis (1934–2020), Hall of Fame defensive end for the Cleveland Browns and Green Bay Packers
- Keyunta Dawson (born 1985), defensive end for the Indianapolis Colts
- Jay Dean (born 1953), mayor of Longview, Texas, 2005–15; incoming Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives, effective 2017; reared in Opelousas
- Cleveland Dear (1888–1950), politician
- Michael E. DeBakey (1908–2008), pioneering cardiovascular surgeon
- Greshun De Bouse, American Activist
- Jefferson J. DeBlanc (1921–2007), World War II fighter pilot and flying ace, recipient of the Medal of Honor
- Edmond Dede (1827–1903), musician, composer
- Jesse C. Deen (1922–2015), state representative for Bossier and Webster parishes, 1972–88
- Larry Deen (born 1948), sheriff of Bossier Parish, 1988–2012
- Ellen DeGeneres (born 1958), comedian, actress, television personality
- Kitty DeGree (1922–2012), Monroe real estate developer and philanthropist
- Joe Delaney (1958–1983), running back for Northwestern State University and for the Kansas City Chiefs; died saving children from swimming hole
- Jake Delhomme (born 1975), quarterback for University of Louisiana at Lafayette and for Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl XXXVIII
- David Dellucci (born 1973), MLB outfielder, played primarily with the Arizona Diamondbacks
- Numa T. Delouche (1888–1965), state representative from Natchitoches Parish (1944–48)
- George Dement (1922–2014), politician
- Tim Dement (born 1958), amateur boxer who competed at the 1972 Summer Olympics
- James L. Dennis (born 1936), judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit; former judge of the Louisiana Supreme Court; former state representative
- Catherine Dent (born 1965), actress, Danni Sofer on The Shield
- Natalie Desselle-Reid (born 1967), actress
- Henry C. Dethloff (1934–2019), historian
- Charles W. DeWitt Jr. (born 1947), politician and rancher
- F.O. "Potch" Didier (1919–2007), sheriff
- Juba Diez (born 1944), state representative from Ascension Parish (1976–2004)
- Herbert B. Dixon (born 1949), former state representative and school board member from Rapides Parish
- Lurita Doan (born 1958), Administrator of the General Services Administration under President George W. Bush
- James Dobson (born 1936), evangelical Christian author, psychologist, founder of Focus on the Family
- William Joseph "Bill" Dodd (1909–1991), politician
- John J. Doles Jr. (1922–2004), banker
- John J. Doles Sr. (1895–1970), Plain Dealing banker and state senator (1952–56)
- James R. Domengeaux (1907–1988), U.S. representative; French language cultural activist
- Ronald Dominique (born 1964) serial killer
- Fats Domino (1928–2017), musician
- Vol Dooley (1927–2014), sheriff of Bossier Parish (1976–88)
- Caroline Dormon (1888–1971), naturalist, horticulturist, promoter of Kisatchie National Forest
- Glenn Dorsey (born 1985), defensive end for the San Francisco 49ers
- E. S. Dortch (1841–1943), planter and politician from Bossier Parish
- Lorenzo Doss (born 1994), cornerback for the Denver Broncos
- Cat Doucet (1899–1975), sheriff
- Early Doucet (born 1985), wide receiver for the Arizona Cardinals
- Eddie Doucet (1924–2008), state representative for Jefferson Parish (1972–88); businessman
- Donna Douglas (born 1933–2015), actress, "The Beverly Hillbillies
- Hunt Downer (born 1946), politician; National Guard officer
- C. H. "Sammy" Downs (1911–1985), member of both houses of the Louisiana legislature from Rapides Parish
- James Crawford "Jam" Downs (born 1940), former district attorney for Rapides Parish
- James U. Downs (born 1941), retired superior court judge in western North Carolina, born and reared in Shreveport
- Gil Dozier (1934–2013), Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry (1976–80)
- Dee D. Drell (born 1947), U.S. district judge in Alexandria
- R. Harmon Drew Sr. (1916–1995), city judge, state representative
- Richard Maxwell Drew (1822–1850), judge and state representative
- Clyde Drexler (born 1962), basketball player, University of Houston, NBA and U.S. Olympic team, member of Basketball Hall of Fame
- Francis Dugas (1919–2008), politician
- John Malcolm Duhé Jr. (born 1933), retired state court, U.S. district, and appellate court judge from New Iberia and Lafayette
- Chris Duhon (born 1982), NBA point guard
- David Duke (born 1950), former state representative, former Ku Klux Klansman
- Lance Dunbar (born 1990), running back for the Dallas Cowboys
- Ken Duncan (born 1945), state treasurer from 1996 to 2000; Baton Rouge lawyer and businessman
- Warrick Dunn (born 1975), NFL running back
- Mark Duper (born 1959), Miami Dolphins wide receiver
- Adrian G. Duplantier (1929–2007), U.S. District Judge and former state senator from Orleans Parish
- Jay Duplass (born 1973), film director
- Gilbert L. Dupré (1858–1946), politician from St. Landry Parish
- H. Garland Dupré (1873–1924), politician
- Champion Jack Dupree (c. 1909–1992), boxer, musician
- Chad Durbin (born 1977), MLB pitcher
- Joey Durel (born 1953), mayor of Lafayette (since 2004)
- Stanwood Duval (born 1942), federal judge in New Orleans
- Stephen Dwight (born 1977), member of the Louisiana House for Calcasieu and Beauregard parishes
- Wilbur Dyer (1907–1985), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Rapides Parish (1974–80)
- W.E. "Bill" Dykes (1925–2015), politician
E
[change | change source]- Edwin Edwards (1927–2021), Governor of Louisiana
- Allen J. Ellender (1890–1972), Member of Congress, United States Senator and President Pro Tem of the Senate
- Faye Emerson (1917–1983), actress
- Albert Estopinal (1845–1919), politician
F
[change | change source]- Clarence Faulk (1909–2010), publisher, broadcaster, businessman from Ruston
- Kevin Faulk (born 1976), New England Patriots running back, LSU Hall of Famer
- Marshall Faulk (born 1973), Hall of Fame running back, television commentator
- Lionel Ferbos (1911–2014), jazz musician from New Orleans
- David Filo (born 1966), co-founder of Yahoo!
- Jimmy Fitzmorris (1921–2021), politician, lieutenant governor
- Sean Patrick Flanery (born 1965), actor
- Dan Flores (born 1948), historian of the American West
- D. J. Fluker (born 1991), offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers
- Jerry Fontenot (born 1966), assistant coach for the Green Bay Packers
- Faith Ford (born 1964), actress
- Frankie Ford (1939–2015), singer
- C. B. Forgotston (1945–2016), state government watchdog
- Barbara Forrest (born 20th century), philosopher and prominent critic of the intelligent design movement
- Matt Forte (born 1985), running back for the Chicago Bears
- Murphy J. Foster Jr. aka Mike Foster (1930–2020), Governor of Louisiana
- Murphy J. Foster (1849–1921), Governor of Louisiana
- Pete Fountain (1930–2016), musician
- Mike Francis (born 1946), businessman, Republican former state party chairman
- A. B. Franklin (born 1948), state representative for Calcasieu Parish (since 2008)
- Tillman Franks (1920–2006), country musician and manager
- Mannie Fresh (born 1974), record producer, musician, rapper (member of Big Tymers)
- W. C. Friley (1845–1911), educator and Baptist clergyman
- Samuel B. Fuller (1905–1988), founder and president of the Fuller Products Company, publisher of the New York Age and Pittsburgh Courier
- Henry L. Fuqua (1865–1926), Governor of Louisiana (1924–his death)
G
[change | change source]- Ernest J. Gaines (1933–2019), author
- Count Bernardo de Gálvez (1746–1786), Spanish governor; viceroy of New Spain
- Jim Garrison (1921–1992), former New Orleans district attorney; later a state judge
- Kevin Gates (born 1986), rapper
- Randall Gay (born 1982), cornerback for the New Orleans Saints
- Philip H. Gilbert (1870–1932), politician; former lieutenant governor
- Mickey Gilley (born 1936), musician; singer; nightclub owner
- David "Bo" Ginn (1951–2006), state senator of Morehouse Parish (1980–88)
- Edgar Godbold (1879–1952), president of Louisiana College (1942–51)
- John Goodman (born 1952), actor, comedian
- Alfred Goodwill (1830–1905), businessman from Minden; owned largest general store in Louisiana in the 1880s in Minden
- Stephen Gostkowski (born 1984), placekicker for the New England Patriots
- Louis Moreau Gottschalk (1829–1869), pianist; composer
- Shirley Ann Grau (1929–2020), writer
- Webster "Webbie" Gradney Jr. (born 1985), rapper
- Danny Granger (born 1983), small forward for the Philadelphia 76ers
- Todd Graves (born 1972), entrepreneur and founder of Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers
- Douglas D. "Doug" Green (born c. 1950), politician
- Howard Green (born 1979), nose tackle for the Green Bay Packers
- BenJarvus Green-Ellis (born 1985), running back for the New England Patriots
- Thomas A. "Tom" Greene (born 1948), former state senator
- John Grenier (1930–2007), Republican politician in Alabama; born in New Orleans
- Grits Gresham (1922–2008), sportsman; journalist
- J. D. Grey (1906–1985), clergyman
- Bob Griffin (born 1934), broadcast journalist; from Shreveport
- Robert Groves (born 1948), sociologist; Director of the United States Census Bureau under U.S. President Barack Obama
- Anthony Guarisco Jr. (born 1938), politician
- Dudley A. Guglielmo (1909–2005), insurance commissioner
- Dick Guidry (1929–2014), politician; businessman from Lafourche Parish
- Greg G. Guidry (born 1960), member of the Louisiana Supreme Court
- Jesse J. Guidry (c. 1921–1987), state representative and secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries; from St. Martin Parish
- John Michael Guidry (born 1962), circuit court judge; former member of both houses of the state legislature from Baton Rouge
- Richard Guidry (1949–2008), advocate of French language in Louisiana
- Ron Guidry (born 1950), Cy Young Award-winning pitcher for the New York Yankees
- Brandon Guillory (born 1985), businessman
- Elbert Guillory (born 1944), politician
- Mickey Guillory (born 1940), retired state police officer; state representative for Acadia, Evangeline, and St. Landry parishes (since 2004)
- G. Earl Guinn (1912–2004), president of Louisiana College (1951–75)
- Bryant Gumbel (born 1948), television journalist
- Greg Gumbel (born 1946), sportscaster
- Buddy Guy (born 1936), blues musician
H
[change | change source]- Billy Hagan (1932–2007), NASCAR owner and racer, businessman
- Richard T. Haik (born 1950), United States District Judge for the Western District of Louisiana
- Ted Haik (born 1945), politician
- Jeff Hall (born 1951), state representative for Rapides Parish (since 2015)
- Pike Hall Jr. (1931–1999), judge from Shreveport
- William Pike Hall Sr. (1896–1945), lawyer and politician in Shreveport
- Jan Hamer (1927–2008), organic chemist
- Rusty Hamer (1947–1990), child actor
- John Martin Hamley (1883–1942), politician
- Paul Jude Hardy (born 1942), state senator, secretary of state, lieutenant governor
- Henry E. Hardtner (1870–1935), lumberman, conservationist, politician, founder of Urania
- George W. Hardy Jr. (1900–1967), mayor of Shreveport and judge of the state circuit court of appeal
- John Spencer Hardy (1913–2012), lieutenant general in the United States Air Force
- Robert Harling (born 1951), playwright, screenwriter and movie director (Steel Magnolias)
- Winsor Harmon (born 1963), actor, The Bold and the Beautiful
- Lance Harris (born 1961), state representative
- Mary Johnson Harris (born 1963), educator from Shreveport
- Will Harris (born 1984), relief pitcher for the Houston Astros
- Damon Harrison (born 1988), nose tackle for the New York Giants
- Joe Harrison (born c. 1952), state representative
- Ryan Harrison (born 1992), professional tennis player
- Leonard R. "Pop" Hataway (born 1939), former sheriff of Grant Parish
- Jason Hatcher (born 1982), defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys
- Don Hathaway (born 1928), Shreveport public works commissioner (1970–78); Caddo Parish sheriff (1980–2000)
- Richmond C. Hathorn (1893–1941), state representative from Rapides Parish (1936–40)
- Kenny Havard (born 1971), politician
- Elvin Hayes (born 1945), Hall of Fame basketball player
- Hunter Hayes (born 1991), country singer
- Rufus D. Hayes (1913–2002), first state insurance commissioner, East Baton Rouge Parish district attorney and judge, Democratic state chairman
- O. H. Haynes Jr. (1920–1996), Webster Parish sheriff (1964–80)
- William Wright Heard (1853–1926), governor of Louisiana (1900–04)
- Bobby Hebert (born 1960), New Orleans Saints quarterback known as "Cajun Cannon"
- Dennis Paul Hebert (1926–2015), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for Tangipahoa Parish, 1972–96
- Felix Edward Hébert (1901–1979), journalist, politician
- Paul M. Hebert (1907–1977), judge, Louisiana State University Law Center dean
- Troy Hebert (born 1966), politician
- Lee Hedges (born 1929), champion football coach in Shreveport
- Fred Heebe (born 1952), New Orleans real estate developer
- Jennifer Sneed Heebe (born 1966), politician
- Talmadge L. Heflin (born 1940), former member of the Texas House of Representatives
- Marie Alice Heine (1858–1925), first American Princess of Monaco
- Betty Heitman (1929–1994), Republican politician
- David Heitmeier (born 1961), state senator for Orleans Parish (since 2008); optometrist
- Francis C. Heitmeier (born 1950), former state senator for Orleans Parish; lawyer and lobbyist
- Knute Heldner (1875–1952), impressionist artist
- Lillian Hellman (1905–1984), playwright and screenwriter
- Devery Henderson (born 1982), wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints
- Lloyd Hendrick (1908–1951), Shreveport lawyer and state senator for DeSoto and Caddo parishes (1940–48)
- Ellis Henican (born 1958), journalist, commentator, talk show host
- Jeff Hennessy – trampoline coach
- Leigh Hennessy – world champion gymnast and movie stuntwoman
- Shelley Hennig (born 1987), actress, Days of Our Lives
- Charlie Hennigan (1935–2017), football player
- Gilbert Franklin Hennigan (1883–1960), politician
- Cameron Henry (born 1974), politician
- Clarence "Frogman" Henry (born 1937), singer, musician
- Gloria Henry (1923–2021), actress, CBS's Dennis the Menace
- Bob Hensgens (born 1955), state representative
- George Herriman (1880–1944), Krazy Kat cartoonist
- Charles R. Herring (born 1945), chiropractor; served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from Rapides Parish (1988–92)
- Louis Herthum (born 1956), actor, Murder, She Wrote
- Jacob Hester (born 1985), fullback for the San Diego Chargers
- Emma Churchman Hewitt (1850–1921), writer, journalist
- Theodore M. Hickey (1910–1993), New Orleans City Council member and state senator; introduced bill establishing the University of New Orleans
- W. W. Hicks (1843–1925), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for Webster Parish (1900–04)
- Andrew Higgins (1886–1952), shipbuilder, industrialist
- Clay Higgins (born 1961), U.S. representative for Louisiana's 3rd congressional district, beginning 2017
- Stephanie Hilferty (born 1985), state representative for Orleans and Jefferson parishes since 2016
- Dorothy Sue Hill (born 1939), state representative for Allen, Beauregard, and Calcasieu parishes since 2008
- Herman Ray Hill (born 1937), state representative for Allen, Beauregard, and Calcasieu parishes (1996–2008)
- Kenny Hill (born 1958), NFL defensive back
- Corey Hilliard (born 1985), offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions
- Quin Hillyer (born 1964), columnist and editor
- Donald E. Hines (1933–2019), politician and physician
- Walker Hines (born 1984), state representative from Orleans Parish
- Al Hirt (1922–1999), musician
- Valarie Hodges (born 1955), politician
- Melvin L. Holden (born 1952), first African-American mayor of Baton Rouge
- Cheryl Holdridge (1944–2009), actor
- Trindon Holliday (born 1986), wide receiver and return specialist for the New York Giants
- Earl Holliman (born 1928), actor
- Harry Hollins (1932–1989), state representative for Calcasieu Parish from 1964 to 1980
- Ken Hollis (1942–2010), state senator from Jefferson Parish (1982–2008)
- Paul Hollis (born 1972), state representative from St. Tammany Parish
- Clyde C. Holloway (1943–2016), former US Representative; member of the Louisiana Public Service Commission
- Ben F. Holt (1925–1995), politician
- Jay F. Honeycutt (born 1937), former director of the Kennedy Space Center
- Dalton W. Honoré (born 1943), politician
- Russel L. Honoré (born 1947), general during Hurricane Katrina relief
- Taylor Horn (born 1992), singer and actress
- Dodie Horton – state representative for Bossier Parish, effective 2016
- Son House (1902–1988), blues singer and guitarist
- TJ House (born 1989), pitcher for the Cleveland Indians
- Alton Hardy Howard (1925–2006), co-founder of Howard Brothers Discount Stores; gospel songwriter
- Jaye Howard (born 1988), nose tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs
- V. E. Howard (1911–2000), Church of Christ clergyman, founder of radio International Gospel Hour
- W. L. "Jack" Howard (1921–2004), mayor of Monroe and partner of Howard Brothers Discount Stores
- Arlene Howell (born 1939), Miss USA 1958 and actress: Bourbon Street Beat
- Jerry Huckaby (born 1941), US Representative
- Thomas H. Hudson (born 1946), Baton Rouge attorney and former state senator
- Jefferson D. Hughes III (born 1952), associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court since 2013
- William Clark Hughes (1868–1930), Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives (1926–28); Bossier Parish farmer
- Guy E. Humphries Jr. (1923–2010), state court judge in Alexandria
- Melvin Hunt (born 1969), assistant coach of the Dallas Mavericks
- Clementine Hunter (c. 1886–1988), folk artist
- Jeffrey Hunter (1926–1969) actor – The Searchers, King of Kings; born in New Orleans; reared in Wisconsin
- Marcus Hunter (born 1979), politician
- Carolyn Huntoon (born 1940), scientist
I
[change | change source]- Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville (1661–1706), founder of the French colony of Louisiana of New France
- Iron Eyes Cody (1904–1999), actor; native of Kaplan
- Walter Isaacson (born 1952), author; journalist; president and chief executive officer, Aspen Institute
J
[change | change source]- George W. Jack (1875–1924), federal judge
- Wellborn Jack (1907–1991), state representative from Caddo Parish (1940–64)
- Whitfield Jack (1906–1989), Shreveport attorney and United States Army colonel in World War II and United States Army Reserve major general
- Alphonse J. Jackson (1927–2014), educator, civil rights activist, and member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from Caddo Parish (1972–92)
- Donte Jackson (born 1995), NFL cornerback
- Girod Jackson III (born 1972), former state representative for Jefferson Parish
- John E. Jackson (1892–1989), chairman of the Louisiana Republican Party, 1929–34; Republican national committeeman, 1934–52; practice law in New Orleans
- John M. Jackson (born 1950), actor, JAG
- Lisa Jackson (born 1962), administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency under Barack Obama
- Mahalia Jackson (1911–1972), gospel singer
- Randy Jackson (born 1956), musician, entrepreneur, television personality
- Tyson Jackson (born 1986), defensive tackle for the Atlanta Falcons
- Brandon Jacobs (born 1982), running back for the New York Giants
- Angie Jakusz (1980–2021), Contestant on Survivor: Palau
- Bradie James (born 1981), linebacker for the Houston Texans
- Edward C. James – state representative for East Baton Rouge Parish (since 2012)
- Antawn Jamison (born 1976), NBA player for the Los Angeles Lakers
- Rajarsi Janakananda (1892–1955), former president of the Self-Realization Fellowship
- Lemuel Jeanpierre (born 1987), center for the Seattle Seahawks
- Patrick O. Jefferson (born 1968), state representative for Bienville, Claiborne, and Lincoln parishes (since 2012); lawyer in Arcadia
- Eddie Jemison (born 1963), actor, Hung, Bruce Almighty, and Ocean's Eleven and its sequels
- Faith Jenkins (born 20th century), attorney, legal commentator, Miss Louisiana 2000
- Mykel Shannon Jenkins (born 1969), actor, The Bold and the Beautiful
- Woody Jenkins (born 1947), politician, newspaper publisher
- J. Thomas Jewell (1909–1993), politician from New Roads
- Bobby Jindal (born 1971), Governor of Louisiana
- Ronnie Johns (born 1949), politician
- Andrew R. Johnson (1856–1933), state senator and mayor of Homer; named Ashland, Louisiana
- Avery Johnson (born 1965), NBA player and coach
- Bernette Joshua Johnson (born 1943), Chief Justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court since 2013; associate justice, 1994–2013
- Bill Johnson (1872–1972), jazz musician
- Damaris Johnson (born 1989), wide receiver and punt returner for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Mike Johnson (born 1972), U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 4th congressional district since 2017; former state representative and constitutional attorney from Bossier Parish
- Quinn Johnson (born 1986), fullback for the Green Bay Packers
- John Bennett Johnston Jr. (born 1932), U.S. Senator (1972–97); lobbyist (since 1997); state senator (1968–72); state representative (1964–68)
- Toya Johnson (born 1983), actress
- Bert Jones (born 1951), football quarterback, LSU and NFL's Baltimore Colts
- Chad Jones (born 1988), safety for the New York Giants
- Deion Jones (born 1994), linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons
- Donald Edward Jones (born 1949), mayor of Bossier City (1984–89)
- Donnie Jones (born 1980), punter for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Dub Jones (born 1924), NFL and AAFC running back
- Edgar Jones (born 1984), linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs
- E. Holman Jones (1926–2014), state representative
- Fred W. Jones Jr. (1924–2000), city, district and state circuit court judge from Ruston
- Gary Lee Jones (born 1946), Republican member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
- Jacoby Jones (born 1984), wide receiver for the Baltimore Ravens
- Perry Jones III (born 1991), player for the Oklahoma City Thunder
- Ralph Waldo Emerson Jones (1905–1982), president and baseball coach at Grambling State University (1936–77)
- Sam Houston Jones (1897–1978), Governor of Louisiana
- Sam S. Jones (born 1953), politician, businessman
- Henderson Jordan (1896–1958), Bienville Parish sheriff, in posse that ambushed Bonnie and Clyde
- Michael I. Jordan (born 1956), Professor at University of California, Berkeley, researcher in machine learning and artificial intelligence
- J. E. Jumonville Jr. (born 1942), state senator and horse breeder from Pointe Coupee Parish
- J. E. Jumonville Sr. (1919–1983), state senator and natural gas developer from Pointe Coupee Parish
- Juvenile (born 1975), rapper
K
[change | change source]- Kelly Keeling (born 1966), singer-songwriter from Houma
- Perry Keith (1847–1935), politician
- William P. Kellogg (1830–1918), Member of Congress; Governor; United States Senator
- Iris Kelso (1926–2003), New Orleans journalist
- Bolivar E. Kemp (1871–1933), U.S. representative (1925–33)
- Bolivar Edwards Kemp Jr. (1904–1965), Louisiana Attorney General (1948–52)
- John Neely Kennedy (born 1951), Louisiana State Treasurer
- Robert F. Kennon (1902–1988), Governor of Louisiana (1952–56)
- Doug Kershaw (born 1936), musician, singer
- Sammy Kershaw (born 1958), musician; singer; candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana
- Ernie K-Doe (1936–2001), singer; billed himself as the "Emperor of the Universe"
- DJ Khaled (born 1975), record producer; radio personality; DJ; record label executive
- Nat G. Kiefer (1939–1985), state senator from New Orleans
- Catherine D. Kimball (born 1945), retired chief justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court
- Claude King (1923–2013), country singer-songwriter; known for "Wolverton Mountain"
- Earl King (1934–2003), musician
- Ralph E. King (1902–1974), physician; state senator from Franklin Parish
- Edith Killgore Kirkpatrick (1918–2014), music educator; former member of Louisiana Board of Regents
- Mark Klein (born 1993), singer
- Neil Haven Klock (1896–1978), sugar planter; politician from Rapides Parish
- Jeannette Knoll (born 1943), associate justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court
- Jesse Monroe Knowles (1919–2006), politician; survivor of the Bataan Death March during World War II
L
[change | change source]- John LaBruzzo (born 1970), politician
- Eddie Lacy (born 1990), running back for the Green Bay Packers
- Adolphe Lafargue (1855–1917), newspaper publisher; state legislator; judge; from Marksville
- Malcolm Lafargue (1908–1963), U.S. attorney in Shreveport (1940s)
- Ed Lafitte (1886–1971), baseball player
- Jean Lafitte (c. 1780 – c. 1826), blacksmith; pirate
- Juan LaFonta (born 1972), former state representative for Orleans Parish and New Orleans lawyer
- Papa Jack Laine (1873–1966), bandleader
- Maxie Lambright (1924–1980), football coach
- Dorothy Lamour (1914–1996), actress
- Edgar H. Lancaster Jr. (1918–2009), former state representative and interim judge
- Katherine LaNasa (born 1966), actress, Judging Amy
- Mary Landrieu (born 1955), US Senator
- Mitch Landrieu (born 1960), politician
- Moon Landrieu (born 1930), judge, politician
- Ali Landry (born 1973), actress; model; Miss USA (1996)
- Jarvis Landry (born 1992), wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins
- Jeff Landry (born 1970), politician
- Lisa Landry (born 1977), comedian
- Nancy Landry (born 1962), politician
- Terry Landry – state representative for Lafayette, Iberia, and St. Martin parishes since 2012; former superintendent of the Louisiana State Police
- Eric Laneuville (born 1952), actor; television director, St. Elsewhere, Room 222
- Nick LaRocca (1889–1961), self-proclaimed "inventor of jazz"
- John Larroquette (born 1947), actor
- Hank Lauricella (1930–2014), football player; state senator
- Marie Laveau (c 1794 – c. 1881), Voodoo priestess
- Theodore K. Lawless (1892–1971), dermatologist, medical researcher, and philanthropist
- Rollo C. Lawrence (1894–1968), mayor of Pineville, 1930–46; first superintendent of Louisiana State Penitentiary, 1948–51
- Claude "Buddy" Leach (born 1934), politician; businessman
- Lead Belly (1885–1949), musician
- Alexander McIntyre Leary (1873–1937), mayor of Minden (1903–05); director of the Home Owners Loan Corporation in Shreveport (1935–37)
- Ronald Leary (born 1989), guard for the Dallas Cowboys
- Bernard LeBas (born 1943), pharmacist; state representative for Evangeline and St. Landry parishes (since 2008)
- Dudley J. LeBlanc (1894–1971), politician; businessman; made a fortune in the patent medicine Hadacol
- Fred S. LeBlanc – politician
- Jerry Luke LeBlanc (born 1956), politician
- Samuel A. LeBlanc I (1886–1955), lawyer; state representative; state court judge; grandfather of Sam A. LeBlanc III
- Conway LeBleu (1918–2007), state representative for Calcasieu and Cameron parishes, 1964–88
- Richard Leche (1898–1965), Governor of Louisiana
- Joseph E. LeDoux (born 1949), neuroscientist
- David Lee (born 1943), football player
- Harry Lee (1932–2007), Jefferson Parish sheriff
- Rory Lee (born 1949), president of Louisiana College (1997–2004)
- Swords Lee (1859–1929), businessman and politician in Grant Parish and Alexandria
- Walter C. Lee (born 1934), member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (1991–2014); retired educator in Shreveport
- Walter L. Lee (1921–2015), Clerk of Court in Evangeline Parish (1956–2012)
- W. Burch Lee (1883–1939), state representative for Webster Parish (1914–16); clerk of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana (1918–33)
- Keith Lehr (born 1963), two-time World Series of Poker bracelet winner, born and resides in Bossier City
- John A. Lejeune (1867–1942), Marine Corps general
- Don Lemon (born 1966), journalist and television anchor; host of CNN Newsroom
- Countess Leon (1798–1881), founder of Germantown Colony in Webster Parish
- Elmore Leonard (1925–2013), crime and western novelist; born in New Orleans
- Joe LeSage (1928–2015), former state senator for Caddo Parish; LSU supervisor and Shreveport attorney
- Jim Leslie (1937–1976), journalist; advertising executive; assassinated in Baton Rouge
- Jared Leto (born 1971), actor; lead singer and guitarist of the alternative rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars
- Shannon Leto (born 1970), drummer of the alternative rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars, occasional actor
- Zachary Levi (born 1980), actor, Less than Perfect, Chuck
- Jerry Lee Lewis (born 1935), musician
- Keenan Lewis (born 1986), cornerback for the New Orleans Saints
- Michael Lewis (born 1960), author; financial journalist; Moneyball, The Blind Side
- Patrick Lewis (born 1991), center for the Seattle Seahawks
- Rashard Lewis (born 1979), forward for the Orlando Magic
- Lil Wayne (born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.), rapper
- Coleman Lindsey (1892–1968), politician
- Meghan Linsey (born 1985), musician, singer/songwriter, and contestant on The Voice season 8
- F. A. Little Jr. (born 1936), judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
- Little Walter (1930–1968), blues harmonica player
- Lloyd Harlin Polite (born 1986), R&B singer
- Nate Livings (born 1982), guard for the Dallas Cowboys
- Bob Livingston (born 1943), Member of Congress (1977–99)
- Edward Livingston (1764–1836), Member of Congress; United States Secretary of State
- Lloyd (born 1986), contemporary R&B and hip hop singer
- Bennie Logan (born 1989), nose tackle for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Earl Kemp Long (1895–1960), Governor of Louisiana (1939–40, 1948–52 and 1956–60)
- George S. Long (1883–1958), US Representative
- Gerald Long (born 1944), Republican state senator from Natchitoches; only elected Republican official of the Long family
- Huey Pierce Long Jr. (1893–1935), Governor of Louisiana; US Senator
- Jimmy D. Long (1931–2016), politician
- Russell Long (1918–2003), US Senator
- Speedy O. Long (1928–2006), US Representative; district attorney from La Salle Parish
- Professor Longhair (1918–1980), musician
- John L. Loos (1918–2011), historian
- Joseph Lopinto (born c. 1976), state representative from Jefferson Parish
- Morris Lottinger Jr. (born c. 1938), politician
- Morris Lottinger Sr. (1902–1978), politician
- Lance Louis (born 1985), offensive guard for the Indianapolis Colts
- Aaron Loup (born 1987), relief pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays
- Margaret Lowenthal (1929–2003), first woman state representative for Calcasieu Parish, service from 1980 to 1988
- Fred L. Lowery (born 1943), clergyman; author
- J. A. W. Lowry (1848–1899), politician in Bossier Parish
- Bobby Lowther (1923–2015), only two-sport (basketball and track and field) All-American at Louisiana State University (1946)
- Cornelius Lucas (born 1991), offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions
- Jay Luneau (born 1962), state senator and lawyer from Alexandria, effective 2016
- Robert L. Lynn (1931–2020), president of Louisiana College from 1975 to 1997
- Hall Lyons (1923–1998), oilman; politician
- Ted Lyons (1900–1986), Hall of Fame baseball player
M
[change | change source]- Sherman Q. Mack (born 1972), politician
- Anthony Mackie (born 1979), actor, Million Dollar Baby, The Hurt Locker, Captain America
- Magic Sam (1937–1969), blues music pioneer
- John Maginnis (1948–2014), journalist; author
- Mikie Mahtook (born 1989), outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays
- Karl Malone (born 1963), Hall of Fame basketball player, mainly with the Utah Jazz
- Jeff Mangum (born 1970), musician; founder of Neutral Milk Hotel
- Robert "Bob" Mann (born 1958), journalist, historian
- Archie Manning (born 1949), former New Orleans Saints quarterback; father of Eli, Cooper and Peyton
- Cooper Manning (born 1974), television personality; brother of Eli and Peyton
- Eli Manning (born 1981), New York Giants quarterback; son of Archie Manning; brother of Peyton and Cooper
- Peyton Manning (born 1976), retired Denver Broncos quarterback; son of Archie Manning; brother of Eli and Cooper
- Tommy Manzella (born 1983), shortstop for the Colorado Rockies
- "Pistol" Pete Maravich (1947–1988), basketball player, LSU and NBA Hall of Famer
- Paul Mares (1900–1949), musician
- Anna Margaret (born 1996), singer
- Angélica María (born 1944), Mexican actress and singer
- Robert M. Marionneaux (born 1968), politician
- Branford Marsalis (born 1960), musician
- Ellis Marsalis Jr. (1934–2020), musician; educator
- Ellis Marsalis Sr. (1908–2004), poultry farmer; jazz musician; hotelier; civil rights activist
- Wynton Marsalis (born 1961), musician
- Leonard Marshall (born 1961), former defensive end, primarily for the New York Giants
- Samuel W. Martien (1854–1946), planter; politician
- Danny Martiny (born 1951), politician
- Rod Masterson (1945–2013), actor
- Tyrann Mathieu (born 1992), free safety and cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals
- Vance McAllister (born 1974), U.S. representative from Louisiana's 5th congressional district
- Jay McCallum (born 1960), justice of the Louisiana Supreme Court; former state representative for Lincoln and Union parishes
- James T. McCalman (1914–1977), state senator from Claiborne and Bienville parishes (1960–64)
- Todd McClure (born 1977), center for the Atlanta Falcons
- John McConathy (1930–2016), professional basketball player and educator
- Mike McConathy (born 1955), basketball coach at Northwestern State University since 1999; son of John McConathy
- Billy McCormack (1928–2012), Southern Baptist clergyman; national director of the Christian Coalition of America
- Jim McCrery (born 1949), US Representative
- Sidney McCrory (1911–1985), Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry (1956–60)
- Jack McFarland (born 1969), state representative from Winn Parish, effective 2016
- Eugene McGehee (1928–2014), state legislator; judge; from East Baton Rouge Parish
- Tim McGraw (born 1967), country musician; singer; actor
- John McKeithen (1918–1999), Governor of Louisiana (1964–72)
- W. Fox McKeithen (1946–2005), Louisiana secretary of state (1988–2005)
- Charles E. McKenzie (1896–1956), U.S. representative
- Baylus Benjamin McKinney (1886–1952), Christian singer-songwriter
- Joe McKnight (born 1988), tailback for the New York Jets
- A. J. McNamara (1936–2014), state representative; U.S. District Judge from Jefferson Parish
- Gil Meche (born 1978), MLB pitcher
- Leon C. Megginson (1921–2010), LSU professor noted for his clarifying statements about Darwinism
- D. L. Menard (1932–2017), Cajun musician from Erath
- Adah Isaacs Menken (1835–1868), actress
- Emile Meyer (1910–1987), actor
- Quintin Mikell (born 1980), safety for the St. Louis Rams
- Lizzie Miles (1895–1963), singer
- Wade Miley (born 1986), relief pitcher for the Houston Astros
- Roderick Miller (1924–2005), politician; lawyer
- Percy "Master P" Miller (born 1967), rapper; actor; record producer; athlete
- Fred H. Mills Jr. (born 1955), politician, pharmacist, banker
- Jordan Mills (born 1990), offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears
- Newt V. Mills (1899–1996), U.S. representative
- Paul Millsap (born 1985), power forward for the Utah Jazz
- Alexander Milne (1742–1838), businessman; slave trader; philanthropist
- Barkevious Mingo (born 1990), outside linebacker for the New England Patriots
- H. Lane Mitchell (1895–1978), Shreveport commissioner of public works (1934–68)
- RJ Mitte (born 1992), actor, Walt Jr. on Breaking Bad
- Beth Mizell (born 1952), state senator for St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington parishes since 2016
- Bill Monroe (1920–2011), journalist, host of Meet the Press (1975–84)
- Greg Monroe (born 1990), center for the Detroit Pistons
- Billy Montgomery (born 1937), politician; former educator
- Little Brother Montgomery (c. 1906–1985), musician
- Chris Mooney (born 1977), journalist and author
- Cleo Moore (1923–1973), actress (1950s)
- Danny Roy Moore (1925–c. 2020), state senator from Claiborne Parish (1964–68)
- Ellen Bryan Moore (1912–1999), Register of State Lands; captain in Women's Army Corps during World War II
- Mewelde Moore (born 1982), running back for the Indianapolis Colts
- W. Henson Moore (born 1939), US Representative
- Jackie Moreland (1938–1971), professional basketball player
- Aaron Morgan (born 1988), outside linebacker and defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Cecil Morgan (1898–1999), state legislator; led the impeachment forces against Huey Pierce Long Jr.; executive with Standard Oil Company; dean of Tulane University Law School
- Elemore Morgan Jr. (1931–2008), landscape painter and photographer
- Lewis L. Morgan (1876–1950), U.S. representative; gubernatorial runoff candidate (1944)
- Dutch Morial (1929–1989), judge; mayor of New Orleans
- Sergio Rossetti Morosini (born 1953), Diplomat, Artist, Author; 1975 Honorary Louisiana State Senator
- Cynthia Hedge-Morrell (born 1947), member of the New Orleans City Council
- Jean-Paul Morrell (born 1978), New Orleans lawyer and member of both houses of the Louisiana State Legislature
- Jay Morris (born 1958), state representative from Ouachita and Morehouse parishes
- deLesseps Morrison Jr. (1944–1996), state representative from Orleans Parish
- deLesseps S. "Chep" Morrison (1912–1964), mayor of New Orleans; ambassador to the Organization of American States; three-time gubernatorial candidate
- Logan Morrison (born 1987), outfielder and first baseman for the Seattle Mariners
- Morgus the Magnificent – fictional horror host (1950s–1980s)
- Paul Morphy (1837–1884), world chess champion
- Garrett Morris (born 1937), actor and comedian, Saturday Night Live
- Isaac Edward Morse (1809–1866), Attorney General of Louisiana; US Member of Congress[2]
- Jelly Roll Morton (1890–1941), musician; composer; self-proclaimed "inventor of jazz"
- Alicia Morton (born 1987), actress
- Alexander Mouton (1804–1885), Governor; United States Senator
- Jonas Mouton (born 1988), linebacker for the San Diego Chargers
- Bernhard Müller (1788–1834), colonizer of Grand Ecore in Natchitoches Parish
- W. Spencer Myrick (1913–2001), state legislator from West Carroll Parish
N
[change | change source]- Ray Nagin (born 1956), mayor of New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina; convicted felon
- Edward F. Neild (1884–1955), architect; from Shreveport
- Ed Nelson (1928–2014), actor, Peyton Place
- Aaron Neville (born 1941), singer
- Arthel Neville (born 1962), anchor for Fox News
- Drake Nevis (born 1989), defensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys
- Josephine Louise Newcomb (1816–1901), philanthropist (Newcomb College)
- Malik Newman (born 1997), basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
- Randy Newman (born 1943), singer-songwriter; pianist
- Francis T. Nicholls (1834–1912), Governor of Louisiana
- Lance E. Nichols (born 1955), actor, Treme
- J. Kelly Nix (born 1934), politician; businessman
- Taurean Nixon (born 1991), cornerback for the Denver Broncos
- James A. Noe (1890–1976), Governor of Louisiana (for five months in 1936); oil driller; broadcaster
- Rico Noel (born 1989), outfielder for the New York Yankees
- Aaron Nola (born 1993), MLB All Star baseball pitcher
- William Wiley Norris III (1936–2016), city, district, and circuit court judge from West Monroe
- Solomon Northrup (1807–1863), abolitionist
- Alcide Nunez (1884–1934), musician
- Samuel B. Nunez Jr. (1930–2012), politician
- William Harold "Billy" Nungesser (born 1959), Republican politician
O
[change | change source]- Prentiss Oakley (1905–1957), Bienville Parish sheriff (1940–52); in posse that ambushed Bonnie and Clyde in 1934
- Frank Ocean (born 1987), Grammy Award-nominated R&B singer
- Alton Ochsner (1896–1981), surgeon; medical researcher
- Kenneth L. Odinet Sr. (born 1930), state representative for Orleans and St. Bernard parishes (1988–2008)
- Bob Odom (1935–2014), state agriculture commissioner (1980–2008); longest-serving individual in that office
- Ethma Odum (1931–2009), pioneer woman television personality at KALB-TV in Alexandria
- Arthur J. O'Keefe Sr. (1876–1943), mayor of New Orleans (1926–29)
- Michael H. O'Keefe (1931–2021), politician; convicted felon
- Henry Warren Ogden (1842–1905), politician
- Taylor W. O'Hearn (1907–1997), politician
- Shaquille O'Neal – former LSU and NBA player, Basketball Hall of Famer
- Joe "King" Oliver (1885–1938), jazz musician
- Virgil Orr (1923–2021), state representative; vice president, Louisiana Tech University
- Joe Osborn (1937–2018), musician
- Kenneth Osterberger (1930–2016), state senator from East Baton Rouge Parish, 1972 to 1992; former opponent of David Duke
- Lee Harvey Oswald (1939–1963), presumed assassin of U.S. President John F. Kennedy
- Lionel Ott (1894–1987), politician; businessman
- George T. Oubre (1918–1998), politician; from St. James Parish
- Darrell Ourso (born 1964), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from East Baton Rouge Parish (since 2015)
- Jessel Ourso (1932–1978), sheriff of Iberville Parish
- John H. Overton (1875–1948), US Senator
- Mel Ott (1909–1958), Hall of Fame baseball player
- Don Owen (1930–2012), news anchor; politician
P
[change | change source]- Robert Pack (born 1969), NBA player and coach
- Frank Page (1925–2013), radio broadcaster, KWKH in Shreveport
- James George Palmer (1875–1952), Mayor of Shreveport (1930–32); Judge, Louisiana Circuit Court of Appeals (1932–33)
- Jonathan Papelbon (born 1980), closer for the Philadelphia Phillies
- Robert Parish (born 1953), Hall of Fame basketball player
- Hugh G. Parker Jr. (1934–2007), architect
- Larry Parker (1922–1996), businessman; state representative from Rapides Parish
- John M. Parker (1863–1939), Governor of Louisiana (1920–24)
- John Victor Parker (1928–2014), federal judge (1979–2014)
- Mel Parnell (1922–2012), pitcher for the Boston Red Sox
- Edward Grady Partin (1924–1990), Teamsters Union business agent in Baton Rouge
- Otto Passman (1900–1988), U.S. Representative
- Paul Pastorek (born 1954), politician, lawyer, educational specialist
- William S. Patout III (1932–2017), sugar grower in Iberia Parish
- David I. Patten (1920–1998), politician
- Carly Patterson (born 1988), Olympic gold medalist in gymnastics
- B. R. Patton (1920–1999), state senator from Lincoln and Union parishes (1956–64)
- Felix Octave Pavy (1879–1962), physician and politician from St. Landry Parish
- James E. Paxton (born 1963), district attorney of Louisiana 6th Judicial District
- E. N. Payne (1873–1951), state representative for Webster Parish (1932–36)
- Elfrid Payton (born 1994), Point guard for the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association
- Nicholas Payton (born 1973), musician
- Joe Raymond Peace (born 1945), football coach
- Dave L. Pearce (1904–1984), politician
- Kevin Pearson (born 1959), politician
- Jesse Pearson (1930–1979), actor and screenwriter
- Charles B. Peatross (1940–2015), circuit court judge in Shreveport
- William S. Peck Jr. (1916–1987), politician
- William S. Peck Sr. (1873–1946), politician
- Harvey Peltier Jr. (1923–1980), politician
- Harvey Peltier Sr. (1899–1977), politician
- Leander Perez (1891–1969), District judge; political boss of St. Bernard and Plaquemine parishes (1919–69)
- Tony Perkins (born 1963), conservative politician; head of the Family Research Council
- Ralph Perlman (1917–2013), state budget director (1967–88)
- Pauley Perrette (born 1969), singer and actress (NCIS)
- Jonathan W. Perry (born 1973), politician
- Tyler Perry (born 1969), television/movie producer, writer, actor, director
- Jace Peterson (born 1990), second baseman for the Atlanta Braves
- Bob Pettit (born 1932), Hall of Fame basketball player (1954–65)
- Andy Pettitte (born 1972), former starting pitcher for the New York Yankees and Houston Astros
- Marguerite Piazza (1921–2012), operatic soprano
- Abe E. Pierce III (1934–2021), politician; educator
- Webb Pierce (1921–1991), singer
- Wendell Pierce (born 1962), actor, Bunk Moreland on The Wire
- Juan Pierre (born 1977), outfielder for the Miami Marlins
- Vincent Pierre (born 1964), state representative for Lafayette Parish (since 2012)
- P.B.S. Pinchback (1837–1921), politician, Governor of Louisiana
- Glen Pitre (born 1955), filmmaker
- Loulan Pitre Jr. (born 1961), lawyer in New Orleans; former state representative for Lafourche Parish
- Montgomery Pittman (1917–1962), actor, screenwriter, producer, known for 77 Sunset Strip
- Vance Plauché (1897-1976) - U.S. Representative, 1941 to 1943
- Dustin Poirier (born 1989), UFC fighter
- Leonidas Polk (1806–1864), Confederate general; Episcopal bishop; founder of Sewanee: The University of the South
- Tracy Porter (born 1986), cornerback for the Oakland Raiders
- Dante Powell, stand-up comedian
- Henry "Tank" Powell (born 1945), politician
- Mike Powell (born 1961), Shreveport politician
- Robert E. Powell (1923–1997), mayor of Monroe from 1979 to 1996
- Julien de Lallande Poydras (1740–1824), poet, politician
- Steve Prator (born 1951), Caddo Parish sheriff
- Phil Preis (born 1950), politician
- Sister Helen Prejean (born 1938), activist
- Arthur T. Prescott (1863–1942), educator and founding president of Louisiana Tech University
- Dak Prescott (born 1993), quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys
- Edward J. Price (born 1953), state representative for Ascension, Iberville, and St. James parishes (since 2012)
- Louis Prima (1910–1978), musician, entertainer
- Professor Longhair (1918–1980), musician
- Albin Provosty (1865–1932), politician from New Roads
- Paul Prudhomme (1940–2015), chef
- Keith M. Pyburn (1910–1967), state representative for Caddo Parish (1948–52)
Q
[change | change source]- Chris Quinn (born 1983), point guard for the New Jersey Nets
R
[change | change source]- Paul Rae (born 1968), actor
- Max Rafferty (1917–1982), author ;educator; California politician
- Henry Ragas (1897–1919), early jazz pianist
- Kevin Rahm (born 1971), actor
- Tanner Rainey (born 1992), relief pitcher for the Washington Nationals
- Melvin Rambin (1941–2001), politician; banker
- Rueben Randle (born 1991), wide receiver for the New York Giants
- Kevin Rankin (born 1976), actor, Friday Night Lights, Trauma, Unforgettable
- Ed Rand (1920–1999), state representative from Rapides Parish (1960–64)
- Joseph E. Ransdell (1858–1954), U.S. representative from Louisiana's 5th congressional district; U.S. senator (1913–31)
- John Rarick (1924–2009), US Representative; state court judge
- Clyde V. Ratcliff (1879–1952), politician; planter
- Eddy Raven (born 1944), singer-songwriter
- Donald Rawson (1925–2014), historian
- Shawn Reaves (born 1978), actor
- Mac "Dr John" Rebbenack (born 1940), pianist, singer-songwriter
- Ed Reed (born 1978), NFL free safety
- Willis Reed (1941–2019), Hall of Fame basketball player with the New York Knicks; NBA head coach
- Pee Wee Reese (1918–1999), Hall of Fame shortstop for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers
- Terry Reeves (1946–2005), district attorney for Winn Parish (1991–2005, his death)
- Godfrey Reggio (born 1940), filmmaker
- Eric Reid (born 1991), safety for the San Francisco 49ers
- Sean Reilly (born 1961), state representative; chief operating officer of Lamar Advertising Company
- Ed Renwick (1938–2020), political scientist
- Darius Reynaud (born 1985), wide receiver and running back for the Tennessee Titans
- Gene Reynolds (born 1950), state representative
- Slater Rhea (Shuai De, 帅德), American singer and TV personality famous in China; born in Alexandria
- Doris Lindsey Holland Rhodes (1909–1997), politician
- Anne Rice (1941–2021), author
- Jerome "Dee" Richard (born 1955), politician
- Teddy Riley (1924–1992), jazz trumpeter
- Norbert Rilleaux (1806–1894), inventor; engineer
- Edward Ripoll (1924–2006), state representative; bar owner in New Orleans
- Neil Riser (born 1962), state senator, 2008 to 2020; state representative since 2020
- Randy Roach (born 1951), mayor of Lake Charles since 2000
- Joel Robideaux (born 1962), politician
- Cokie Roberts (1943–2019), television journalist; author; daughter of Hale Boggs and Lindy Boggs
- Robert Roberts Jr. (1872 – date of death missing), politician from Union and Webster parishes
- Kay Robertson (born 1950), television personality
- Phil Robertson (born 1946), television personality
- Si Robertson (born 1948), television personality
- Scotty Robertson (1930–2011), basketball coach
- Greg Robinson (born 1992), offensive tackle for the St. Louis Rams
- W. C. Robinson (1861–1914), educator
- George Rodrigue (1944–2013), "Blue Dog" artist
- Buddy Roemer (1943–2021), governor of Louisiana (1988–92)
- Charles E. Roemer II (1923–2012), state commissioner of administration (1972–80)
- Chas Roemer (born 1970), president of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (since 2012)
- Ned Romero (1925–2017), actor; originally from Franklin
- Ralph L. Ropp (1897–1982), president of Louisiana Tech University (1949–62)
- Leon Roppolo (1902–1943), musician
- Jacques Roy (born 1970), mayor of Alexandria (since 2006)
- Alvin Benjamin Rubin (1920–1991), federal judge
- Barry Rubin (born 1957), Head Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL
- Robert Edwin Russ (1830–1902), founder of Ruston, Louisiana
- Bill Russell (1934–2022), Hall of Fame center for the Boston Celtics; NBA coach
- Weldon Russell (born 1946), politician; businessman
S
[change | change source]- Jeffrey D. Sadow (born 1962), political scientist; columnist; educator
- Larry Sale (1893–1977), sheriff of Claiborne Parish
- Joe R. Salter (born 1943), politician, educator
- A. T. "Apple" Sanders Jr. (1926–1989), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from East Baton Rouge Parish (1956–64)
- Roy Sanders (1904–1976), educator; state legislator from Natchitoches Parish
- John N. Sandlin (1872–1957), U. S. representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district (1921–37)
- McIntyre H. Sandlin (c. 1870–1955), politician in Minden
- Nicholas J. Sandlin (1832–1896), politician in Webster Parish
- Jean Oliver Sartor (1918–2007), artist
- Kurtis Scaletta – writer
- Clay Schexnayder (born 1969), state representative; businessman
- John Schroder (born 1961), former state representative from Covington; businessman
- Mike Scifres (born 1980), punter for the San Diego Chargers
- Ashley Scott (born 1977), actress, model, Jericho, Dark Angel, Birds of Prey
- Nauman Scott (1916–2001), U.S. District Court judge
- Pat Screen (1943–1994), mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish (1981–88)
- Alan Seabaugh (born 1967), state representative
- J.C. Seaman (1898–1964), state representative from Tensas Parish (1944–64)
- Sam Seamans (born 1967), Anglican Church bishop in Mountain Home, Arkansas; born in Morgan City
- Aaron Selber Jr. (1927–2013), businessman and philanthropist
- Joe Sevario (born 1944), state senator from Ascension Parish, 1976–94
- Henry Clay Sevier (1896–1974), politician
- V. C. Shannon (1910–1989), politician
- Amanda Shaw (born 1990), actress; singer; fiddler
- B. L. Shaw (1933-2018) - former state senator, educator
- Rhonda Shear (born 1954), beauty queen; television host
- Ben Sheets (born 1978), MLB pitcher
- Virginia Shehee (1923-2015) -first woman elected to Louisiana Senate
- Clarence Shelmon (born 1952), NFL offensive coordinator
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd (born 1977), musician
- Alana Shipp (born 1982), American-Israeli IFBB professional bodybuilder
- Chris Shivers (born 1978), professional bull rider
- Henry Miller Shreve (1785–1854), inventor; steamboat captain
- Phil Short (born 1947), state senator; relocated to Virginia
- Rockin' Sidney (1938–1998), Zydeco musician
- Richard Simmons (born 1948), fitness authority; television personality
- Scott M. Simon (born 1961), state representative
- Tharold Simon (born 1991), cornerback for the Seattle Seahawks
- Frank P. Simoneaux (born 1933), state representative from East Baton Rouge Parish (1972–82)
- C. O. Simpkins Sr. (1925–2019), state representative from Shreveport; civil rights activist, and dentist
- Cuthbert Ormond Simpkins Jr. (born 1947), physician and historian, reared in Shreveport
- Oramel H. Simpson (1870–1932), Governor of Louisiana (1926–28)
- Fulwar Skipwith (1765–1839), diplomat; politician
- Eric Skrmetta (born 1958), politician
- John Slidell (1793–1871), U.S. Senator; Confederate diplomat
- Soulja Slim (1977–2003), musician
- Donald Sloan (born 1988), guard for the Atlanta Hawks
- LeRoy Smallenberger (1912–2002), Republican lawyer; politician
- Argile Smith (born 1955), interim president of Louisiana College (2014–15)
- Dorothy Garrett Smith (c. 1932–1990), first woman president of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
- George Luke Smith (1837–1884), U.S. representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district
- Howard K. Smith (1914–2002), television journalist; reporter
- James Peyton Smith (1925–2006), politician
- Jasper K. Smith (1905–1992), politician
- John R. Smith (born 1945), politician
- Otis Smith (born 1965), New England Patriots cornerback; Kansas City Chiefs assistant coach
- Patricia Haynes Smith (born 1946), state representative from Baton Rouge
- Ada Jack Carver Snell (1890–1972), short story writer
- Jefferson B. Snyder (1859–1951), politician
- Robert H. Snyder (1855–1905), politician
- Guy Sockrider (1921–2011), politician
- Steven Soderbergh (born 1963), film producer; screenwriter; cinematographer; director
- Floyd Soileau (born 1938), record producer
- Ian Somerhalder (born 1978), actor; model
- Art Sour (1924–2000), State Representative from Shreveport (1972–92)
- James Z. Spearing (1864–1942), politician
- Britney Spears (born 1981), singer; actress
- Bryan Spears (born 1977), film and television producer
- Jamie Lynn Spears (born 1991), actress; singer
- Lynne Spears (born 1955), author
- Marcus Spears (born 1983), defensive end for the Dallas Cowboys
- Freddie Spencer (born 1961), world motorcycle champion
- Mason Spencer (1892–1962), politician
- Tommy Spinks (1948–2007), football player
- Tam Spiva (1932–2017), screenwriter
- Frank Spooner (born 1937), businessman and politician
- David Theophilus Stafford (1849–1926), sheriff of Rapides Parish, 1888–1904
- Grove Stafford (1897–1975), state senator for Rapides Parish, 1940–48
- Leroy Augustus Stafford (1822–1864), Confederate brigadier general
- Tom Stagg (1923–2015), Judge of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana
- Richard Stalder (born 1951), secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections
- Rusty Staub (1944–2018), MLB right fielder, designated hitter, and first baseman
- Edward J. Steimel (1922–2016), lobbyist and founder of Louisiana Association of Business and Industry
- Craig Steltz (born 1986), safety for the Chicago Bears
- Alton Sterling (1979–2016), black man fatally shot by a police officer in Baton Rouge
- E. L. Stewart (1872–1956), Minden lawyer and state representative for Webster Parish from 1904 to 1908
- Kordell Stewart (born 1972), NFL quarterback and wide receiver
- Karen St. Germain (born c. 1957), member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for Iberville and Assumption parishes (since 2004)
- Dennis Stine (born 1952), businessman and politician from Lake Charles
- Tim Stine (born 1956), businessman and politician from Sulphur in Calcasieu Parish
- Ford E. Stinson (1914–1989), lawyer and state legislator from Bossier Parish
- Julie Stokes (born 1969), state representative from Jefferson Parish
- Brandon Stokley (born 1976), wide receiver for the Denver Broncos
- Johnathan Stove (born 1995), basketball player for Hapoel Galil Elyon of the Israeli Basketball Premier League
- Jimmy Strain (1926–1973), politician and pediatrician
- Michael G. Strain (born 1959), veterinarian; state representative; Commissioner of the Louisiana Departmentof Agriculture and Forestry
- Izzy Stradlin (born 1962), singer, guitarist and backing vocal at Guns N' Roses
- James St. Raymond (born c. 1957), state representative for Orleans Parish (1988–92); businessman
- Roy C. Strickland (1942–2010), businessman, politician
- Raymond Strother (born 1940), political consultant
- James Sudduth (1917–1995), mayor of Lake Charles, 1965–73; 1989–93
- Patrick Surtain (born 1976), NFL cornerback
- James Sutterfield (born 1942), lawyer; Republican member of the Louisiana House from Orleans Parish (1970–72)
- Hal Sutton (born 1958), PGA Tour golfer
- Jimmy Swaggart (born 1935), evangelist
- Marc Swayze (1913–2012), comic book writer and illustrator
- Stromile Swift (born 1979), NBA player
- Harold Sylvester (born 1949), actor, Married... with Children, Today's F.B.I., Shaky Ground
T
[change | change source]- Joseph Talamo (born 1990), jockey
- Kirk Talbot (born 1969), state representative from Jefferson Parish
- Irvin Talton – member of the Louisiana House of Representatives for Webster Parish (1880–84)
- Elmer R. Tapper (1929–2011), politician
- Gregory Tarver (born 1946), civil rights activist, state senator from Caddo Parish
- Ray Tarver (1921–1972), dentist; represented Natchitoches Parish in state House of Representatives (1964–68)
- John Adam Tassin Jr, MD (1944–2020), doctor; represented Avoyelles, Evangeline and Allen Parishes in State Senate (1972-1976)
- Albert Tate (1920–1986), state and federal judge
- Billy Tauzin (born 1943), US Representative; lobbyist
- Dorothy Mae Taylor (1928–2000), first African American woman in the Louisiana House of Representatives (1971–80)
- Ike Taylor (born 1980), cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Jim Taylor (1935–2018), Hall of Fame fullback, primarily with the Green Bay Packers
- Joe Gray Taylor (1920–1987), historian
- Richard Taylor (1826–1879), Confederate general
- Zachary Taylor (1784–1850), 12th President of the United States; US Army general
- Lloyd George Teekell (1922–1996), politician
- Benjamin Milam Teekell (1867–1942), state representative from Red River Parish (1920–28)
- Garrett Temple (born 1986), point guard for the San Antonio Spurs
- Suzanne Haik Terrell (born 1954), politician
- Byron Thames (born 1969), actor and musician (Father Murphy)
- Sam H. Theriot (born 1954), politician
- Ryan Theriot (born 1979), infielder for the San Francisco Giants
- Major Thibaut (born 1977), politician
- Keith Thibodeaux (born 1950), actor
- Ledricka Thierry (born 1978), politician
- Dallas Thomas (born 1989), offensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins
- Mike Thomas (born 1987), wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tyrus Thomas (born 1986), power forward for the Charlotte Bobcats
- Addison Roswell Thompson (1911–1976), segregationist politician
- Jeff R. Thompson (born 1965), politician
- Ken Thompson (born 1943), pioneer of computer science
- Lizzie P. Thompson (1894–1973), state representative
- Richard S. Thompson (1916–1997), state representative from Grant Parish
- Sandra Thompson (born 1946), politician; environmentalist
- Steve D. Thompson (born 1935), member of the Louisiana State Senate from Franklin Parish (1988–96)
- T. Ashton Thompson (1916–1965), U.S. representative
- Dale Thorn (1943–2014), journalist; Louisiana State University professor; press secretary to Governor Edwin Edwards
- Marcus Thornton (born 1987), shooting guard for the New Orleans Hornets
- George H. Tichenor (1837–1923), surgeon; pioneer in antiseptics
- E. M. Toler (1874–1954), physician; coroner; state senator for East and West Feliciana parishes (1944–54)
- Tommy Tomlinson (1930–1982), guitarist; inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame
- David Toms (born 1967), PGA Tour golfer
- Charles Emery Tooke Jr. (1912–1986), lawyer; state senator
- John Kennedy Toole (1937–1969), author of Pulitzer Prize-winning A Confederacy of Dunces
- Reggie Torbor (born 1981), former NFL linebacker
- Ned Touchstone (1926–1988), politician; publisher
- Allen Toussaint (1938–2015), New Orleans musician; composer; record producer
- David C. Treen (1928–2009), US Representative (1973–80); Governor of Louisiana (1980–84)
- Ralph T. Troy (1935–2014), mayor of Monroe (1972–76)
- Ben Turpin (1869–1940), silent movie actor and comedian
- Trai Turner (born 1993), guard for the Carolina Panthers
U
[change | change source]V
[change | change source]- Steve Van Buren (1920–2012), Hall of Fame halfback for the Philadelphia Eagles
- Troy Verges, country pop music songwriter
- Jacques Villeré (1760–1830), Creole; Governor of Louisiana; general
- Pruitt Taylor Vince (born 1960), movie and television character actor
- David Vitter (born 1961), U.S. Senator
- John Volz (1936–2011), U.S. attorney; prosecuted high-profile corruption cases in the 1980s
- Cole Vosbury (born 1991), singer-songwriter, musician, and contestant on The Voice season 5
W
[change | change source]- David Wade (1911–1990), general
- Thomas M. Wade (1860–1929), politician; educator
- Von Wafer (born 1985), shooting guard for the Orlando Magic
- Joseph David Waggonner Jr. (1918–2007), U.S. representative from Louisiana's 4th congressional district
- W. E. "Willie" Waggonner (1905–1976), sheriff of Bossier Parish (1948–76)
- Bryan Wagner (1943–2018), Republican politician; former member of the New Orleans City Council
- Madam C. J. Walker (1867–1919), business tycoon
- Joseph Marshall Walker (1786–1856), Governor of Louisiana
- Lillian W. Walker (1923–2016), politician
- Taijuan Walker (born 1992), starting pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks
- Mike Wallace (born 1986), wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers
- Dayton Waller (1925–2015), former state representative from Caddo Parish
- Ray Walston (1914–2001) actor – My Favorite Martian
- Mike Walsworth (born 1956), state senator from Ouachita Parish
- Donald Ellsworth Walter (born 1936), former U.S. attorney; U.S. district judge in Shreveport
- Rick Ward III (born 1982), state senator from Iberville Parish
- Jack Wardlaw (1937–2012), journalist
- Henry C. Warmoth (1842–1931), Governor of Louisiana during Reconstruction
- Ron Washington (born 1952), manager for the Texas Rangers
- J. Louis Watkins Jr. (1929–1997), judge; politician
- John D. Watkins (1828–1895), state senator and judge in Webster Parish
- John T. Watkins (1854–1925), state court judge; U.S. representative for Louisiana's 4th congressional district (1905–21)
- Muse Watson (born 1948), actor, Prison Break, NCIS
- Reggie Wayne (born 1978), wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts
- Carl Weathers (born 1948), NFL player; actor, Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies
- Blayne Weaver (born 1976), actor
- Corey Webster (born 1982), cornerback for the New York Giants
- Gus Weill (1933–2018), political consultant and author
- Carl Weiss (1906–1935), physician; purported assassin of Huey Pierce Long Jr.
- Fred Weller (born 1966), actor, In Plain Sight, Missing Persons
- Rebecca Wells (born 20th century), actress; playwright; author
- Vernon Wells (born 1978), outfielder for the New York Yankees
- Charcandrick West (born 1991), running back for the Kansas City Chiefs
- Shane West (born 1978), actor
- Lloyd F. Wheat (1923–2004), state senator from Natchitoches and Red River parishes (1948–52)
- Bodi White (born 1956), politician
- Edward Douglass White (1845–1921), Chief Justice of the United States
- John C. White (born 1975), Louisiana state superintendent of education (since 2012)
- Malinda Brumfield White (born 1967), state representative from Bogalusa, effective 2016
- Tony Joe White (1943–2018), singer-songwriter; musician
- Wally Whitehurst (born 1964), former MLB pitcher
- Lynn Whitfield (born 1953), actress
- Lenar Whitney (born 1959), politician
- Jonathan Wilhite (born 1984), cornerback for the Denver Broncos
- Robert L. Wilkie (born 1962), Assistant Secretary of Defense
- Aeneas Williams (born 1968), Hall of Fame defensive back in the NFL
- Alfred C. Williams (1951–2015), state representative for East Baton Rouge Parish (since 2015)
- A. L. Williams (born 1934), retired football coach
- Chris Williams (born 1985), offensive guard for the Chicago Bears
- Doug Williams (born 1955), NFL quarterback, led Washington Redskins to Super Bowl XXII championship
- Duke Williams (born 1990), safety for the Buffalo Bills
- Gerald Williams (born 1966), former Major League Baseball outfielder
- Hank Williams Jr. (born 1949), singer
- Kyle Williams (born 1983), defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills
- Lucinda Williams (born 1963), singer-songwriter; musician
- Mary Bushnell Williams (1826–1891), writer, poet, translator
- Patrick C. Williams (born 1963), state representative for Caddo Parish
- T. Harry Williams (1909–1979), historian
- Tramon Williams (born 1983), cornerback for the Green Bay Packers
- Norris C. Williamson (1874–1949), politician
- Edwin E. Willis (1904–1972), US Representative (1949–69)
- Tom Willmott (born 1960), state representative from Jefferson Parish (since 2008)
- Harry D. Wilson (1869–1948), Louisiana Commissioner of Agriculture and Forestry (1916–48)
- Justin E. Wilson (1914–2001), Cajun; raconteur; chef; humorist; politician
- Peggy Wilson (born 1937), Republican politician; former member of the New Orleans City Council
- Riley J. Wilson (1871–1946), U.S. representative
- Rush Wimberly (1873–1943), politician
- Stephen J. Windhorst (born 1957), judge; state representative
- John D. Winters (1917–1998), historian
- Tommy Wiseau (born 1968), screenwriter; director; producer; executive producer; actor
- Reese Witherspoon (born 1976), Academy Award-winning actress
- A. Baldwin Wood (1879–1956), inventor; engineer
- Susan Ward (born 1976), actress; model
- Ebony Woodruff (born 1980), state representative for Jefferson Parish from 2013 to 2016
- Xavier Woods (born 1995), safety for the Dallas Cowboys
- J. Robert Wooley (born 1953), politician
- Orlando Woolridge (1959–2012), NBA power forward for several teams
- G. L. P. Wren (1836–1901), member of both houses of the Louisiana legislature; farmer in Webster Parish
- Zelma Wyche (1918–1999), politician; civil rights activist
Y
[change | change source]- Andrew Young (born 1932), politician and civil rights advocate
- Lester Young (1909–1959), musician
- Thaddeus Young (born 1988), small forward for the Philadelphia 76ers
- YoungBoy Never Broke Again (born 1999), rap singer
Z
[change | change source]- Buckwheat Zydeco (1947–2016), musician
Related pages
[change | change source]Notes
[change | change source]- ↑ "Bogalusa Strut: The Story of Danny Barker".
- ↑ Who Was Who in America, Historical Volume, 1607–1896. Chicago: Marquis Who's Who. 1963.