Hollywood may be a solid 2,500 miles away, but our little cities still manage to stay on the radar for all kinds of celebrities. From musicians to movie stars, check out some of the famous folks who have called our slice of the Gulf Coast home.
Erin Andrews | One of America’s most famous sports reporters got her start as a sideline reporter for the Tampa Bay Lightning on the Sunshine Network. But her TBAY roots are even deeper: Her father is Steve Andrews, a former senior investigative reporter for WFLA News Channel 8.
Doechii | “The Swamp Princess” frequently references her Tampa roots with lines like “In the 813, this my legacy.” And we love her for it. The Grammy-Award-winning rapper plays the Yuengling Center in October.
David Fagen | Donald Fagen was born to former slaves in 1878 in The Scrub. He would go on to become a Buffalo Soldier, and desert the US Army in the Philippines in 1899.
Pete Alonso | Yes, the star first baseman — who recently entered free agency — actually hails from Tampa. In fact, Alonso attended South Tampa’s H.B. Plant High School.
Sarah Paulson | The renowned actress, producer, and director grew up in South Tampa until she was five. Paulson is known for her work in classics like “American Gothic” and “12 Years a Slave,” and as Cousin Michelle, of course, in “The Bear.”
Michelle Phan | She was one of YouTube’s earliest beauty personalities. And, she was also raised in Tampa and attended Tampa Bay Technical High School. Phan went on to found the beauty brand Ipsy.
George Steinbrenner | The longtime principal owner + managing partner of the New York Yankees lived in Tampa for some 35 years. Known as “The Boss,” Steinbrenner believed in his new hometown, calling it “America’s Next Great City.” He truly made it as a Tampan in 1996, when the Ye Mystic Krewe of Gasparilla crowned him king.
Favorite famous TBAY residents not on the list? Let us know.
