Hollywood may be a solid ~2,000 miles away, but our little city still manages to stay on the radar of many a celeb. It’s not just Hollywood stars who’ve had the privilege of calling Greenville home – from pro ball players to superheroes to astronauts, here are some of Greenville’s most famous alumni:
Chadwick Boseman
Known for: The Black Panther
While he was technically born in neighboring Anderson, Chadwick Boseman is definitely an Upstate celebrity favorite. He’s also known for his roles in movies such as Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get on Up, and Thurgood Marshall in Marshall.
John Casper
Known for: Astronaut
While this astronaut considers Gainesville, GA to be his hometown, he was born in Greenville. He’s been on four space flights + has spent a total of 34.41 days in space.
Peabo Bryson
Known for: R&B and soul singer/songwriter
Peabo Bryson, born in Greenville, grew up working on his grandfather’s farm in Mauldin. Now the artist has won two Grammys and is credited with twenty albums.
Jesse Jackson
Known for: Civil rights leader + baptist minister
Jesse Jackson was born in + grew up in Greenville. He worked with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., ran twice for president, and in 2000 was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Josh White
Known for: Singer/songwriter, guitarist + civil rights activist
The musician + entertainer was born in Greenville and grew up singing in church choirs with his mom, as his dad was a preacher. Throughout his career Josh White played a wide range of blues, jazz + folk music. He even performed some on Broadway + became close friends with the Roosevelts.
Kevin Garnett
Known for: NBA player
This pro ball player is from neighboring Mauldin + played in the NBA for 21 seasons – first for the Minnesota Timberwolves (1995-2007), then the Boston Celtics (2007-2013), then the Brooklyn Nets (2013-2015) and then back to Minnesota (2015-2016) before announcing his retirement.
Danielle Brooks
Known for: Tasha “Tasytee” Jefferson in Orange is the New Black
Danielle Brooks was born in Georgia, but she attended Greenville’s own S.C. Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. In 2015, she also received a Tony Award Nomination for her role of Sofia in the Broadway Production, The Color Purple.
Edwin McCain
Known for: Singer/songwriter
While McCain is originally from Charleston, he’s certainly left his mark on Greenville. He’s a Christ Church Episcopal School graduate and co-founded euphoria, the annual Greenville food + drink festival (although McCain is no longer involved with the festival).
Sandi Morris
Known for: Olympic Pole Vaulter
Sandi was born in Illinois but her hometown is Greenville. She attended Greenville High School before becoming an Olympic athlete. She won a silver medal in the 2016 Olympics + has taken home a handful of other medals.
Disclaimer: This is not a complete list of every notable or famous person who is from/spent time in Greenville. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know.
