The most famous people from Indiana span music, sports, Hollywood, and space exploration. Notable Hoosiers include Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson (Gary), Larry Bird (West Baden Springs), David Letterman and Jane Pauley (Indianapolis), John Mellencamp (Seymour), James Dean (Fairmount), and NASA astronaut Gus Grissom (Mitchell). Here's a closer look at 12 iconic Indiana natives and where they're from.
1. Michael Jackson (Gary)
The King of Pop himself. Michael Jackson grew up in Gary, Indiana, as part of the Jackson 5 before becoming one of the most influential musicians of all time. You can still visit his childhood home in Gary.
2. Larry Bird (West Baden Springs)
Basketball fans know him as "The Hick from French Lick," but Larry Bird actually grew up in nearby West Baden Springs, just outside French Lick. Bird's Indiana State and Boston Celtics legacy made him one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
3. David Letterman (Indianapolis)
Before he hosted The Late Show, David Letterman was a radio DJ and weatherman in Indianapolis. His dry humor and Hoosier charm became a late-night TV staple for over 30 years.
Stay IN the Know
Get the best of Indiana delivered to your inbox every week.
4. John Mellencamp (Seymour)
John Mellencamp's songs about small-town life were autobiographical. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer grew up in Seymour, Indiana, and still reps his Hoosier roots.