Stars aren’t just made in Hollywood. Our city is home to many celebrities and personalities that have made great impact not only nationally, but also globally. Think actors, best-selling authors, artists, influencers, prominent business starters — the Twin City has them all.
While some called Winston-Salem their home at one point of their lives, a handful were born and raised in the city. Without further ado, here are some of Winston-Salem’s most famous alumni:
Maya Angelou | The poet, author, and civil rights activist was a professor at Wake Forest University and lived at 3240 Valley Rd. where she would often host her grad students for dinners. The poet is known for her piercing writing voice, including her most famous poem “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings” which has sold over one million copies worldwide.
Dr. Gary Chapman | The famous author who currently lives in Winston-Salem has sold over 20 million copies of his book “The 5 Love Languages.” The book has been translated in 40+ languages. Chapman travels through the US hosting marriage and family conferences.
Richard Joshua Reynolds | The founder of the second-largest tobacco company in the US started the business in the town of Winston in 1873. Camel cigarettes became the highest-selling cigarette in 1913, making Winston-Salem a prime location for business trades.
Chris Paul | The Winston-Salem native attended Wake Forest University and led the Demon Deacons to a school record of 27 victories. The 12-time NBA All-Star was named among the 75 greatest players in NBA history.
Burgess Jenkins | The actor has starred in movies like “One Tree Hill” and “Blue Ridge.” Born in Winston-Salem, Jenkins came back to his hometown where he turned the iconic Summit Street Pharmacy building into a charming cafe and bar — The Remedy in West End.
9th Wonder | The hip-hop producer was ranked among Billboard’s top 25 greatest rap producers of all time. He gained recognition for working with artists like Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child, and Drake. You can see a mural of the legend while strolling around the Twin City.
Nia Imani Franklin | The composer, actress, conductor, and singer was crowned Miss America 2019 and attended UNC School of the Arts. Her EP, “Extended,” and her orchestra piece “Chrysalis Extended,” has amassed nearly four million views on her TikTok profile.
Caitlin Covington | The lifestyle influencer flaunts her seasonal outfits with Winston-Salem as her backdrop. Caitlin started her blog in 2011 posting all things fashion, wellness, and healthy lifestyle tips. Today, she has amassed ~1.3 million followers on Instagram and currently lives in the Twin City with her husband and two daughters.
George Hamilton IV | The Winston-Salem native graduated RJ Reynolds High School and rose to the top pop chart with the hit “A Rose and a Baby Ruth” at age 19. He later switched from pop to country music which gained popularity internationally. The country singer was a member of The Grand Ole Opry.
The “5" Royales | The quintet began as gospel group the Royal Suns in Winston-Salem in 1942 and recorded songs like “Baby Don’t Do It,” which was No. 1 on the R&B chart for three consecutive weeks in 1953. Peep their mural at Trade and 8th streets.
Think we should add someone to the list? Drop us a line.
