Why Does Roanoke Produce So Many Celebrities?
Roanoke has a long history of producing noteworthy individuals, from athletes to politicians to television stars and everything in between. With such a diverse group of people it may be difficult to find a commonality between them beyond their connection to the Star City. Nevertheless, we'll dig a little deeper and try.
Wayne Newton
Mr. Las Vegas himself Wayne Newton was born in Norfolk but spent much of his youth in Roanoke, VA where he learned to play the guitar, steel guitar, and piano at just 6 years old. Wayne and his brother Jerry once performed for then President Dwight D. Eisenhower in the early 1950's before Wayne went on to sell 1 million copies of Daddy Don't You Walk So Fast in 1972.
Wayne went on to do thousands of solo shows in Las Vegas, appear in 18 films, and countless television shows. The road leading to the main terminal at Las Vegas's McCarran International Airport is even called Wayne Newton Boulevard. After a tumultuous series of bad investments and a bankruptcy, Newton currently resides at his Casa de Shenandoah ranch in Las Vegas and has an estimated net worth of $120 million.
In 2023, he celebrated his 81st birthday and marked his 65th anniversary as a performer in Las Vegas, where he has extended his residency, "Wayne: Up Close and Personal," at the Wayne Newton Theater inside Bugsy’s Cabaret at the Flamingo, through the end of 2023.
J. J. Redick
J.J. Redick's roots in Roanoke, Virginia, are a significant part of his background. Growing up in Roanoke, he honed his basketball skills, eventually becoming a standout player at Cave Spring High School where he scored 43 points in the Virginia State Championship game as a senior.
After establishing himself in Roanoke, J.J. Redick's career took him to Duke University, where he was recognized for his exceptional three-point shooting and free-throw accuracy. Redick set numerous records, including becoming the all-time leading scorer for Duke and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).
His performance earned him several accolades, including the prestigious Naismith College Player of the Year in 2006. Redick's success at Duke significantly contributed to his reputation as one of the best shooters in college basketball history.
His performance at Duke leading to a successful NBA career, Redick was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 2006 and later played for the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Pelicans, and Dallas Mavericks. Each stint at these teams added to his reputation as a proficient shooter and a valuable team player in the league.
Post-retirement, he has built a new path as an ESPN analyst, known for his honest and insightful sports commentary. This journey from a Roanoke high school athlete to a prominent figure in the sports media world showcases his talent and adaptability.
Whitney Cummings
Before co-creating CBS's hit sitcom 2 Broke Girls, and creating and starring in NBC's Whitney, Whitney Cummings attended Roanoke Catholic School where she was a high scorer for the girls basketball team. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, she has appeared in over two dozen films and television shows. Whitney Cummings recently authored a book called I'm Fine... and Other Lies which is currently available on Amazon.
Cummings is also known for her stand-up comedy specials, which showcase her unique blend of wit and observational comedy. Additionally, she hosts the podcast "Good For You," where she interviews celebrities and discusses various topics. Her multifaceted career, rooted in her beginnings in Roanoke, highlights her diverse talents in the entertainment industry.
In 2023, Cummings announced her pregnancy, sharing the news on social media.
Ronde Barber and Tiki Barber
Twin brothers Ronde and Tiki Barber were born just 7 minutes apart on April 7, 1975 and grew up in Roanoke, VA. Their father, J.B. Barber, was a star running back for Virginia Tech. The twins both played football for Cave Spring High School in Roanoke, played for the University of Virginia, and were drafted into the NFL - Ronde to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where he was selected to 5 Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XXXVII, and Tiki to the New York Giants where he became the team's all-time leading rusher. After football, Tiki launched a career in broadcasting as a correspondent for NBC's Today Show and served as the morning host on CBS Sports Radio's Tiki & Tierney. Ronde has also enjoyed a successful career in broadcasting, currently serving as an analyst for Fox Sports.
John McAfee
John McAfee, originally from Scotland, spent his formative years in Roanoke, receiving a bachelor's degree in mathematics in 1967 from Roanoke College in Salem. He made a significant impact in the tech world by founding McAfee Associates in 1987. His company was a pioneer in developing commercial antivirus software. McAfee's career also included a period working at NASA's Institute for Space Studies in New York City. His life took a dramatic turn after moving to Belize, where he faced legal troubles, including a 2012 raid on his compound on suspicions of drug manufacturing and illegal firearms possession, though no charges were filed.
He also became a person of interest in a murder case involving his neighbor. These incidents, coupled with his controversial lifestyle and legal issues, made him a subject of media fascination. McAfee's later years were marked by further legal challenges, and he made a bid for the U.S. presidency in 2016 as a Libertarian. His life ended in mystery with his death in a Spanish prison in June 2021. The complexities of McAfee's life have been explored in various documentaries, which delve into his multifaceted and often tumultuous life journey.
Jen Lilley
Jen Lilley, born and raised in Roanoke, Virginia, attended Cave Spring High School. Following high school, she went on to attend the University of Virginia, where she honed her performing arts skills. Her career highlights include significant roles in soap operas "Days of Our Lives" and "General Hospital," and she has become a staple in Hallmark Channel movies. Her work in these areas has made her a familiar face in the entertainment industry. As of 2023, Lilley continues to act and engage in philanthropic activities.
