Baltimore’s Famous Natives
What famous people came from Baltimore? The list may surprise you. On the list, you will see many world-class athletes, prominent politicians, and members of the entertainment industry. Here are some of the most famous Baltimore natives.
Athletes
Although we could fill this article with the list of athletes that came from Baltimore, here are a few of the most notable from the list.
Babe Ruth
Born George Herman Ruth, Jr., “Babe” Ruth was born in Baltimore on February 6, 1895. He began his baseball career playing for the Boston Red Sox, but received much of his fame when playing for the New York Yankees. Ruth was one of the first five players to be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Ruth died in 1948 at the age of 53.
Michael Phelps
One doesn’t have to be that in tune with the world of swimming to have heard of Michael Phelps. In fact, he is one of the most famous Olympians ever.
Michael Fred Phelps II was born in Baltimore on June 30, 1985. He is the most decorated Olympian of all time, winning an astounding 28 medals. He is known for his record-breaking achievements in the 400-meter individual medley, the 200-meter freestyle, the 100 and 200-meter butterfly, and the 200-meter individual medley.
Politicians
It’s little wonder that many famous politicians came from Baltimore. Perhaps being born a stone’s throw from the White House inspired these individuals to enter the world of politics.
Spiro Agnew
Spiro Theodore Agnew was born on November 9, 1918. He attended Johns Hopkins University and the University of Baltimore School of Law. He served as Vice President under Richard Nixon but resigned when he found himself in controversy regarding tax fraud and extortion charges.
Agnew died in 1996.
Nancy Pelosi
Nancy Patricia D’Alesandro was born the youngest of seven children to a politically-interested family living in Baltimore. She began her political career when she was elected to Congress by the voters in California’s 12th Congressional District.
Currently, she serves as the Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives. As she is third in line to the presidency, she is the highest-ranking female in an elected position in the history of the country.
Thurgood Marshall
Born Thoroughgood Marshall, the first African American Associate Justice of the Supreme Court was born on July 2, 1908. He descended from enslaved people on both his mother’s and father’s side. He was nominated to the bench by President Lyndon B. Johnson and was succeeded by Clarence Thomas, a nominee from the George H.W. Bush administration.
Marshall died in 1993.
Entertainers
Several entertainers had their humble beginnings in Baltimore as well.
David Hasselhoff
“The Hoff” was born on July 17, 1952, to a Roman Catholic family living in Baltimore. He is most famous for his roles on Knight Rider and Baywatch. Besides acting, Hasselhoff has also tried his hand at singing as well.
Billie Holiday
Even though Billie Holiday was officially born in Philadelphia, her teenage mother quickly moved to Baltimore following the birth of her daughter. Born Eleanora Fagan on April 7, 1915, Billie Holiday became one of the most famous jazz and pop singers of the time. Holiday died in 1959.
This list of famous Baltimorians is far from complete, but it will give you a glimpse into some of the most famous personalities that came from Maryland’s largest city.