FAMOUS OKLAHOMANSChuck Norris, actor, Mike Huckabee supporter and one of only three Americans to achieve eighth black belt status in tae-kwon-do, was born in Ryan. After serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, he began teaching karate. Some of his
students include Priscilla Presley, The Osmonds and Steve McQueen. This born again Christian and active supporter of the Republican Party has yet to rule out running for public office.
James Garner, actor, Purple Heart recipient and was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum (Oklahoma City) in 1990 was born in Norman. Famous for playing Jim Rockford on "The Rockford Files," Garner has been nominated for an Academy and has been nominated for 14 Emmy awards, winning two of them.
Paul Harvey, who made "stand by" and "the rest of the story" household phrases was born in Tulsa. He made is radio debut at KVOO in Tulsa. He left Tulsa and worked for a radio station in Abilene, Kansas. From there he went to WKZO in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where, in 1941, he became the program the director. He moved on from there to be heard around the world through the ABC Radio Network. Harvey was inducted into the Radio Hall of fame in 1990.
Brad Pitt, actor, voted "Sexiest Man Alive" by People Magazine in 1994 and in 2000, nominated for two Academy Awards and
4 Golden Globes (won in 1996) and is famous for being the boyfriend of Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie, was born in Shawnee. Pitt was married to "America's Sweetheart" and actor, Jennifer Aniston.
Rue McClanahan, a New York stage actress, cum laude graduate from The University of Tulsa with a degree in German and theater arts, and the Honorary Director of PETA, was born in Healdton. This cancer survivor has starred in many hit television shows such as "Maude" and "The Golden Girls." She has been nominated for four Emmy awards, winning in 1987 as well as being nominated for three Golden Globes. McClanahan was the only female student in the science club at the University of Tulsa. Dedicated to animal rights, she is active in stopping the mistreatment of animals.
Ron Howard, actor, director and writer, was born in Duncan. This Oklahoman landed his first role at 18 months old. He went on to star in "The Andy Griffith Show" and "Happy Days." Despite his early start in Hollywood, he attended public school. Howard
has been nominated for two Academy Awards, winning in 2002 for "A Beautiful Mind" starring Russell Crowe. He has also won two Director Guild of America Awards, one Golden Globe award and three Emmy awards.