20 Best Actors Born in Houston

Houston is home to a remarkable group of talented performers who’ve become well-known in television, film, and theater. These actors, ranging from comedy stars to action heroes and Broadway legends, have achieved success far beyond their Texas roots. Here’s a look at twenty actors originally from Houston who have left a lasting impression with their iconic roles, awards, and contributions to the entertainment industry.

Patrick Swayze

Patrick Swayze, originally from Houston, Texas, was a trained dancer who became a popular movie star. He first gained widespread recognition in ‘Dirty Dancing’ and then solidified his leading man status with roles in ‘Ghost’ and ‘Point Break’. He received Golden Globe nominations for both ‘Dirty Dancing’ and ‘Ghost’, and his early dance training at the Houston Ballet Academy greatly influenced his movement on screen. Beyond film, Swayze also appeared in television, notably in the miniseries ‘North and South’ and the drama ‘The Beast’.

Dennis Quaid

Dennis Quaid, who was raised in Houston, has had a successful film career, appearing in a variety of genres including sports movies, thrillers, and family comedies. He’s well-known for roles like astronaut Gordon Cooper in ‘The Right Stuff’ and Jerry Lee Lewis in ‘Great Balls of Fire!’, and more recently for films like ‘The Parent Trap’, ‘The Rookie’, and ‘Frequency’. He’s also appeared in television series such as ‘Goliath’ and ‘Full Circle’.

Randy Quaid

Randy Quaid, a Houston native, gained recognition for his acting, earning an Academy Award nomination for ‘The Last Detail’. He’s known for memorable performances in films like ‘National Lampoon’s Vacation’ and ‘Independence Day’. He also won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Lyndon B. Johnson in the TV movie ‘LBJ: The Early Years’, and his career spans a wide range of genres, including dramatic roles in films like ‘Brokeback Mountain’ and comedic parts.

Jim Parsons

Jim Parsons, originally from Houston, Texas, is widely known for playing Sheldon Cooper on the popular TV show ‘The Big Bang Theory’. He’s won several Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe for his work. Beyond television, Parsons has appeared in films like ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Home’, and starred in Broadway plays such as ‘The Boys in the Band’. More recently, he’s been both a star and producer on the series ‘Call Me Kat’ and the film ‘Spoiler Alert’.

Alexis Bledel

I first really noticed Alexis Bledel when she played Rory Gilmore on ‘Gilmore Girls’ – she was fantastic! It’s cool to see how far she’s come, even winning an Emmy for ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. She’s also been in some great films, like ‘Sin City’ and ‘The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’. It’s impressive how she’s successfully juggled TV, movies, and modeling throughout her career.

Jennifer Garner

Jennifer Garner started her career in Houston and became well-known for playing Sydney Bristow on the TV show ‘Alias’, a role for which she won a Golden Globe. She then built a successful film career, appearing in movies like ‘13 Going on 30’, ‘Juno’, and ‘Dallas Buyers Club’. Garner has starred in and helped create both comedic and dramatic series and films, and she’s also been in family-friendly projects such as ‘Yes Day’ and the series ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’.

Hilary Duff

I remember when Hilary Duff first burst onto the scene! Growing up, ‘Lizzie McGuire’ on Disney Channel was a total staple, and ‘The Lizzie McGuire Movie’ was a must-see. It’s been great watching her career evolve beyond that, with consistent roles in shows like ‘Younger’ and ‘How I Met Your Father’. But she’s not just an actress – she’s a musician with several albums under her belt, and she’s also expanded into producing and even writing books. It’s really impressive to see someone stay creative and successful in so many different areas of the entertainment world.

Beyoncé Knowles

Beyoncé Knowles, originally from Houston, is known for both her music and her acting. She gained recognition for her role in ‘Dreamgirls,’ which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, and for playing Etta James in ‘Cadillac Records.’ Other film credits include ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember,’ ‘Obsessed,’ and voicing Nala in ‘The Lion King.’ Beyoncé has also starred in concert films and TV specials that showcase her performances as a form of storytelling.

Brent Spiner

Brent Spiner, originally from Houston, is famous for his role as Data in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’. He’s continued playing the character in several ‘Star Trek’ movies and the series ‘Star Trek: Picard’. Beyond science fiction, he’s appeared in popular films such as ‘Independence Day’ and has a significant background in theater.

Renée O’Connor

Renée O’Connor, originally from Houston, Texas, gained worldwide fame playing Gabrielle in the TV series ‘Xena: Warrior Princess’. Since then, she’s continued to work in independent films and theater. She also started her own production company to create both stage and screen projects, and her work now includes directing and producing as well as acting.

Phylicia Rashād

As a lifelong movie and TV fan, I’ve always admired Phylicia Rashad. I first knew her as the wonderful Claire Huxtable on ‘The Cosby Show,’ and it’s amazing to see the range she’s shown throughout her career. Beyond that iconic role, she’s a true stage actress – she even won a Tony for ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ and then brought that same brilliance to a TV version! More recently, I’ve enjoyed seeing her in the ‘Creed’ movies and ‘This Is Us.’ It’s inspiring how she effortlessly moves between acting on stage, in front of the camera, and also dedicates herself to teaching and leading in the arts.

Debbie Allen

Debbie Allen, originally from Houston, is a talented performer and filmmaker. She’s known for her role as Lydia Grant on the show ‘Fame’ and has won several Emmy Awards for her dance work. She’s also a successful director, having directed many episodes of popular TV series like ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ where she also plays Catherine Fox and works as an executive producer. Allen is dedicated to nurturing new talent through the dance academy she established, which helps dancers break into film and television.

Loretta Devine

Loretta Devine, originally from Houston, first played Lorrell Robinson in the Broadway hit ‘Dreamgirls’. She’s also been in popular movies like ‘Waiting to Exhale’ and ‘Crash’, and has appeared in many TV shows. Devine won an Emmy Award for her work on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and has received several Image Awards. She’s even lent her voice to animated films and family-friendly movies.

Jaclyn Smith

Jaclyn Smith, originally from Houston, became famous for her role as Kelly Garrett in the original ‘Charlie’s Angels’ television series. She continued to appear in many TV movies and shows over the years, and even made a brief appearance in the 2019 ‘Charlie’s Angels’ film. Alongside her acting career, Smith also created a thriving lifestyle brand.

Annette O’Toole

Annette O’Toole, originally from Houston, is known for playing Martha Kent in ‘Smallville’ and Lana Lang in ‘Superman III’. More recently, she’s appeared in the Netflix series ‘Virgin River’. She’s also received an Academy Award nomination for co-writing a song for the film ‘A Mighty Wind’, and has had recurring roles in the TV shows ‘Halt and Catch Fire’ and ‘The Good Doctor’.

Chandra Wilson

Chandra Wilson, originally from Houston, has played Dr. Miranda Bailey on ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ since the very beginning of the show. She’s been nominated for an Emmy Award several times for this role. Beyond acting, Wilson also directs episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and has directed for other television series. Before her work on ‘Grey’s Anatomy,’ she performed on stage and in made-for-TV movies.

Cierra Ramirez

Cierra Ramirez, originally from Houston, is an actress and musician known for her roles as Mariana Adams Foster in both ‘The Fosters’ and ‘Good Trouble’. She started her career as a young performer on ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’ and has also received Imagen Award nominations for her work on television.

Dylan Sprayberry

Dylan Sprayberry, originally from Houston, Texas, first became well-known for his role as Liam Dunbar in the series ‘Teen Wolf’. He also played a young Clark Kent in the movie ‘Man of Steel’. Since then, he’s been in shows like ‘Light as a Feather’ and various independent films. Sprayberry began his acting career with commercials and smaller parts before getting consistent roles on television.

Kendrick Sampson

Kendrick Sampson, originally from Houston, is an actor best known for his role as Nathan on the HBO series ‘Insecure’. He’s also appeared in popular shows like ‘The Vampire Diaries’, ‘How to Get Away with Murder’, and ‘The Flash’. Beyond acting, Sampson co-founded BLD PWR, a group focused on social change, and often works as a producer. He continues to take on diverse roles in both dramatic and comedic television projects.

Matt Stone

Matt Stone, originally from Houston, is best known as the co-creator of the animated series ‘South Park,’ where he also provides the voices for several key characters. He also co-wrote and produced the film ‘Team America: World Police.’ Expanding his creative work, Stone ventured into theater with ‘The Book of Mormon,’ winning numerous awards with his frequent collaborator. Today, he continues to work as a voice actor, with occasional appearances in live-action roles.

Share your favorites and any Houston born actors we missed in the comments.

2025-10-28 06:46