List of famous people from South Dakota, including photos when available. The people below are listed by their popularity, so the most recognizable names are at the top of the list. Some of the people below are celebrities born in South Dakota, while others are simply notable locals. If you're from South Dakota you might already know that these prominent figures are also from your hometown, but some of the names below may really surprise you. This list includes people who were born and raised in South Dakota, as well as those who were born there but moved away at a young age.
These people, like Myron Floren and Shawn Colvin include images when available.
If you want to answer the questions, "Which famous people are from South Dakota?" or "Which celebrities were born in South Dakota?" then this list is a great resource for you.Brock Lesnar
Age: 43Birthplace: Webster, South Dakota, United States of America
Brock Edward Lesnar (; born July 12, 1977) is an American professional wrestler, and former... moreGeorge McGovern
Dec. at 90 (1922-2012)Birthplace: Avon, South Dakota, USA
George Stanley McGovern (July 19, 1922 – October 21, 2012) was an American historian, author,... moreSparky Anderson
Dec. at 76 (1934-2010)Birthplace: Bridgewater, South Dakota, United States of America
George Lee "Sparky" Anderson (February 22, 1934 – November 4, 2010) was an American Major... moreBecky Hammon
Age: 43Birthplace: Rapid City, South Dakota
Rebecca Lynn Hammon (born March 11, 1977) is a Russian-American assistant coach for the San... moreRussell Means
Dec. at 73 (1939-2012)Birthplace: Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, South Dakota, United States of America
Russell Charles Means (November 10, 1939 – October 22, 2012) was an Oglala Lakota activist for... moreLawrence Lessig
Age: 59Birthplace: Rapid City, South Dakota, United States of America
Lester Lawrence Lessig III (born June 3, 1961) is an American academic, attorney, and... moreJoseph Hansen
Dec. at 81 (1923-2004)Birthplace: Aberdeen, South Dakota
Joseph Hansen (July 19, 1923 – November 24, 2004) was an American crime writer and poet, best... moreHubert Humphrey
Dec. at 67 (1911-1978)Birthplace: Wallace, South Dakota, USA
Hubert Horatio Humphrey Jr. (May 27, 1911 – January 13, 1978) was an American politician who... more- Crazy Horse (Lakota: Tȟašúŋke Witkó in Standard Lakota Orthography, IPA: /tχa'ʃʊ̃kɛ wit'kɔ/,... more
Dorothy Provine
Dec. at 75 (1935-2010)Birthplace: USA, Deadwood, South Dakota
Dorothy Michelle Provine (January 20, 1935 – April 25, 2010) was an American singer, dancer,... moreJoseph H. Bottum
Dec. at 81 (1903-1984)Birthplace: Faulkton, South Dakota, United States of America
Joseph Henry Bottum (August 7, 1903 – July 4, 1984) was an American politician. He served as... moreErnest Lundeen
Dec. at 62 (1878-1940)Birthplace: Beresford, South Dakota, United States of America
Ernest Lundeen (August 4, 1878 – August 31, 1940) was an American lawyer and... moreBilly Robinson
Dec. at 32 (1884-1916)Birthplace: Redfield, South Dakota
William C. "Billy" Robinson (September 24, 1884 in Redfield, South Dakota – March 11, 1916 in... more- Cindy Preszler (born 1960) is a broadcast meteorologist for WeatherSTL.com, a dynamic,... more
Charles D. Gemar
Age: 65Birthplace: Yankton, South Dakota
Charles Donald "Sam" Gemar (born August 4, 1955) is an American former astronaut with NASA and... moreAllen Benson
Dec. at 94 (1905-1999)Birthplace: Hurley, South Dakota
Allen Wilbert Benson (July 12, 1908 – November 16, 1999), nicknamed "Bullet", was a... moreCash Asmussen
Age: 58Birthplace: Agar, South Dakota
Cash Asmussen (born March 15, 1962 in Agar, South Dakota) is an American thoroughbred horse... moreEarl Caddock
Dec. at 62 (1888-1950)Birthplace: Huron, South Dakota
Earl Caddock (February 27, 1888 – August 25, 1950) was an American professional wrestler and... moreGene Amdahl
Age: 97Birthplace: Flandreau, South Dakota
Gene Myron Amdahl (November 16, 1922 – November 10, 2015) was an American computer architect... moreKris Krug
Age: 43Birthplace: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Kris Krug is a 2009 Shorty Awards nominee for the Photography.... moreJ. A. Jance
Age: 75Birthplace: Watertown, South Dakota
Judith Ann (J. A.) Jance (born October 27, 1944) is an American author of mystery novels.... moreCris Williamson
Age: 73Birthplace: Deadwood, South Dakota
Cris Williamson is an American feminist singer-songwriter, who achieved fame as a recording... moreGary Owens
Age: 86Birthplace: Mitchell, South Dakota, United States of America
Gary Owens (born Gary Bernard Altman; May 10, 1934 – February 12, 2015) was an American disc... moreMary GrandPré
Age: 66Birthplace: South Dakota
Mary GrandPré (born February 13, 1954) is an American illustrator best known for her cover ... moreAlvin Hansen
Dec. at 88 (1887-1975)Birthplace: Viborg, South Dakota
Alvin Harvey Hansen (August 23, 1887 – June 6, 1975), often referred to as "the American... more