Rhode Island Famous People

Famous Americans: History and Biographies

Links to histories and biographies of the famous people of Rhode Island. Many famous people of Rhode Island have made significant contributions to the history of our nation and the state of Rhode Island. These famous Americans, famous entertainers, famous players, famous scientist, famous singers, famous statesmen, famous women, heroes, great explorers, and others Rhode Island famous Americans have all made Rhode Island their home. This list includes Rhode Island historical figures, celebrities and those individuals of Rhode Island who have influenced the lives of others.

Famous People from Rhode Island

Harry Anderson (1951 - ) Actor and magician. He starred in the sit-com Night Court; born in Newport.
Nicholas Brown (1729 - 1791) An instrumental figure in convincing leaders to ratify the US Constitution; Rhode Island College was renamed Brown University after him.
George Michael Cohan (July 3, 1878 - November 5, 1942), known professionally as George M. Cohan, was an American entertainer, playwright, composer, lyricist, actor, singer, dancer and producer.
Jabez Gorham was a silversmith and founder of the family silver business that represents one of the most respected makers of silver today. The business is still based in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
Bobby (Robert Leo) Hackett (1915-1976) Jazz trumpeter; born and raised in Providence.
Mr. Potato Head - The first toy to be advertised on television, Mr. Potato Head is the product of Rhode Island-based Hasbro Toys. He has recently seen new popularity in the Disney Toy Story movies, and as official "spudsperson" of the state's tourism efforts.
Julia Ward Howe (May 27, 1819 - October 17, 1910) was a prominent American abolitionist, social activist, poet, and the author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic". Julia was born in New York City. She was the fourth of seven children born to a Wall Street stockbroker, Samuel Ward III and his wife, occasional poet Julia Rush Cutler. Her eldest brother was Samuel Cutler Ward. Samuel Ward III was a well-to-do banker and was a strict Calvinist. Julia Rush Cutler was related to Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of the American Revolution. ulia Ward Howe's accomplishments mostly reside in her contribution to women's rights. She laid the foundation for women's rights groups both in her own home and in the public eye. Howe died of pneumonia October 17, 1910, at her home, Oak Glen, in Portsmouth, Rhode Island at the age of 91
Napoleon (Larry) Lajoie (1874 - 1959) Baseball player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1937; born in Woonsocket.
H.P. (Howard Phillips) Lovecraft (1890 - 1937) Author. He wrote the book Necronomicon and was interested in science fiction and supernatural stories; born in Providence
Horace Mann (1796 - 1859) Known as the father of American public education and served as the first head of the Massachusetts state board of education; graduated from Brown University.
Samuel Slater (1768 - 1835) English manufacturer who built the first water-powered textile mill in 1791 in Pawtucket; migrated to Rhode Island in 1780.
Gilbert Stuart (1755 - 1828) Artist that painted the George Washington that appears on the dollar bill; born in Saunderstown.
Roger Williams (1604 - 1683) He was a Puritan leader and the founder of Rhode Island.

More Famous People of Rhode Island

Find more more Rhode Island famous people below. You may not even realize many of these famous people were born in Rhode Island or notable associated with Rhode Island, including actors, actresses, explorers, historical figures, inventors, musicians, novelists, professional athletes, important politicians, singers, sport stars and more.

George M. Cohan actor, dramatist, Providence
Eddie Dowling actor, stage producer, Woonscocket
Nelson Eddy baritone, actor, Providence
Peter Farrelly writer, director, Cumberland
Jabez Gorham silversmith, Providence
Robert Gray sea captain, Tiverton
Spalding Gray writer, performance artist, Barrington
David Hartman TV newscaster, Pawtucket
Ruth Hussey actress, Providence
Thomas H. Ince film producer, Newport
Van Johnson actor, Newport
Galway Kinnell poet, Providence
Irving R. Levine news correspondent, Pawtucket
Ida Lewis lighthouse keeper, Newport
Dana C. Munro educator, historian
Matthew C. Perry naval officer, Newport
Oliver Hazard Perry naval officer, South Kingstown
Stephen Wilcox inventor, Westerly
Jemima Wilkinson religious leader, Cumberland
Leonard Woodcock labor union official, Providence

US Famous People

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