Dayton, Ohio is a city with a long and rich history, full of surprises. Not only has it been the birthplace of famous inventors, industrialists, and politicians, but it has also been home to some of the world’s most famous celebrities. Here are 10 of the most famous celebrities who have lived in Dayton Ohio.
1. Wilbur and Orville Wright
The Wright brothers are two of the most famous people to have ever lived in Dayton. Wilbur and Orville Wright, born in 1867 and 1871 respectively, are best known for their revolutionary invention of the airplane. The brothers operated a bicycle shop in Dayton and it was there that they conducted the experiments which eventually led to the invention of the airplane.
2. Erma Bombeck
Erma Bombeck was a writer and humorist who was born in Dayton in 1927. She wrote a number of books about her life and experiences, which were often humorous and thought-provoking. She was also a columnist for the Dayton Daily News and had her own television show. Bombeck was an influential figure in the women’s liberation movement of the 1960s and 70s.
3. Paul Laurence Dunbar
Paul Laurence Dunbar was born in Dayton in 1872. He was the first African-American writer to gain national recognition, and his work is still studied in literature classes today. Dunbar wrote poetry, novels, and short stories, and his works often explored the struggles of African-Americans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
4. The Smothers Brothers
Tom and Dick Smothers were born in Dayton in 1937 and 1939 respectively. The brothers were famous for their comedy act, which they performed on television and in nightclubs throughout the 1960s and 70s. The Smothers Brothers were also known for their activism and political satire, which often put them at odds with the government and the media.
5. Neil Armstrong
Neil Armstrong was born in Wapakoneta, Ohio in 1930, but grew up in Dayton. He is best known for being the first person to walk on the moon, which he did in 1969 as part of the Apollo 11 mission. Armstrong was an aerospace engineer and a United States Navy pilot before becoming an astronaut.
6. Bob Ross
Bob Ross was born in Dayton in 1942. He was a painter and television host who is best known for his popular television show The Joy of Painting. Ross’s show was a hit in the 1980s and 1990s and his easy-going and calming teaching style made him a beloved figure among fans of the show.
7. Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1940, but moved to Dayton when he was just a child. Nicklaus is widely considered to be the greatest golfer of all time and is one of the most successful professional athletes in history. He won a total of 18 major championships and was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1974.
8. Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor was born in London in 1932, but moved to Dayton when she was 10 years old. Taylor was a renowned actress and is considered one of the most beautiful and talented actresses of all time. She starred in a number of iconic films, such as Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, Cleopatra, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
9. Clark Gable
Clark Gable was born in Cadiz, Ohio in 1901, but moved to Dayton when he was a teenager. He is best known for his roles in films such as Gone with the Wind and It Happened One Night. Gable was one of the biggest stars of the Golden Age of Hollywood and was known for his charismatic and rugged good looks.
10. John Legend
John Legend was born in Springfield, Ohio in 1978, but moved to Dayton at a young age. He is a singer, songwriter, and actor who has won numerous awards for his music. Legend has released seven studio albums and has collaborated with a number of other artists, such as Kanye West and Alicia Keys.
Dayton, Ohio has been home to a number of famous celebrities over the years. From inventors to musicians, the city has produced some of the most influential and talented people in history. These 10 famous celebrities are just a few of the many who have lived in Dayton.