The Myrtle Beach Area
Famous People from Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach is a popular place for tourists as well as for people looking to live in a coastal town. While the Grand Strand is famous for its 60 miles of gorgeous sandy beach, rich history, top-rated dining, and more, did you know that there are quite a few famous people from Myrtle Beach? From TV and movies to award-winning writers and athletes, check out this list of famous people from Myrtle Beach:
Anthony James
Anthony James was born on July 22, 1942 in Myrtle Beach, SC. James grew up as the only child to Greek immigrants and eventually made his way into the movie industry. James is best known as a character actor who portrays villains in movies and on TV. You can see James in productions such as Return from Witch Mountain (1978); The Naked Gun 2.5: The Smellf of Fear (1991); and many more!
Anthony King
We emailed Anthony King to double-check that he was born in Myrtle Beach, and indeed he was, but in our correspondence he told us that he wouldn’t categorize himself as famous. We disagree! King, who now lives in Los Angeles, has written for and even produced some big-name television shows such as Broad City, Wrecked, and Search Party, as well as Netflix originals Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp, and Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later. It should also be noted that King also appears in the J.C. Superstar Band in the classic movie Along Came Polly.
Brandon Frye
Brandon Frye is a former NFL offensive tackle who was born on January 23, 1983 in Myrtle Beach. After playing college football at Virginia Teach, Frye found himself picked by the Houston Texans in the 2007 NFL Draft. He also played for the Seattle Seahawks and the Miami Dolphins. He is now retired and lives near Washington, DC.
Cam Richards
Cam Richards has been a big name in the surfing world over the past few years. Richards was born on September 25, 1995 in Garden City. This local surfer is one to keep an eye out for, and even received attention from Hollywood actors Jamie Foxx and Jaden Smith when he was only 17 years old.
Dustin Johnson
While Dustin Johnson may have been born in Columbia, SC, we still consider him a famous person from Myrtle Beach as he gained his notoriety in golf at Coastal Carolina University. Johnson has been one of the best golfers in the world during his time on tour and has won two major championships: the 2016 US Open and the 2020 Masters Tournament.
Gabbie Rae
Rock singer Gabbie Rae was born in 1998 in New England, however, she was mostly raised in the Myrtle Beach area until she ultimately found her home in Los Angeles. Gabbie Rae has been working as a professional singer since the age of 7. When she was 12, Gabbie was signed to the Purple Ribbon Kidz Label ran by Big Boi from Outkast. Her video for Neverland” was featured in Billboard, the Rolling Stone, and also appeared on VH1’s Best Week Ever.
Jonathan McClain
Film actor and writer Jonathan McClain was born on July 2, 1970 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. McClain is credited with being a writer on episodes of Disney’s Liv and Maddie, as well as appearing in many television shows and series. Perhaps his most famous role is in Disney Channel’s Bizaardvark, in which he plays the character Liam. Other shows he has appeared in include: Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS: Los Angeles, School of Rock, The Exorcist, Mad Men, CSI: Miami, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Law & Order: Special Victim’s Unit, and more!
Josh Norman
Josh Norman is a former NFL player who was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in 2012. He played 11 seasons in the NFL for various teams and was considered to be one of the best cornerbacks in the league during his prime years. While he was born in Greenwood, SC, he was a star football player at Coastal Carolina University so we celebrate him as an honored local.
Kelly Tilghman
If you like golf, then you probably know who Kelly Tilghman is from The Golf Channel. Tilghman, who was born on August 6, 1969 in North Myrtle Beach, played golf at Duke University, and later became a broadcaster for The Golf Channel as well as the PGA Tour’s first female lead golf announcer.
Kelly Wearstler
Kelly Wearstler is a big name in the design world. She was born on November 21, 1967 in Myrtle Beach, and founded her own design firm in the 1990s. Wearstler became quite popular for her design work in the hotel industry and was recognized for her eye for style by The New York Times. She has worked with clients like Cameron Diaz and Gwen Stefani, and was a judge on each season of Top Design on Bravo.
Madison Iseman
Madison Iseman may be young, but she is making her name in the movie and television industry as this is being written. Iseman was born on February 14, 1997 in Myrtle Beach. She is best known for her roles in the TV shows, Still the King and I Know What You Did Last Summer, as well as the movie Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
Mickey Spillane
Writer Mickey Spillane wasn’t born in Myrtle Beach, but he did live the end of his life in Murrells Inlet because he fell in love with the beauty of the area. In July 2011, Murrells Inlet named U.S. 17 Business the Mickey Spillane Waterfront 17 Highway.” He is known for his early-career comic books as well as his Mike Hammer, Tiger Mann, and Morgan the Raider novel series.
Nancy O'Dell
Nancy O’Dell was born in Sumter, SC but moved to Myrtle Beach when she was still an infant. She attended the former Coastal Academy High School, and graduated with a marketing degree from Clemson University in 1990. In 1987, O’Dell won the Miss South Carolina pageant and went on to represent the state of SC at the Miss American pageant in 1988. She began a broadcast career at the local WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach, and eventually moved her way up to lead anchor at Access Hollywood from 1996 until 2009. She was a special correspondent on Entertainment Tonight from 2011 until 2019.
Ramon Sessions
Ramon Sessions was born on April 11, 1986 in Myrtle Beach, SC. He attended Myrtle Beach High School where he was named SC 3A State Player of the Year three times with the Myrtle Beach Seahawks basketball team. He went on to play for the Nevada Wolf Pack men’s basketball team before being selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2007. Sessions has since played for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers, Charlotte Bobcats, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, and, currently, the New York Knicks.
Tyler Thigpen
Tyler Thigpen was born in a different part of South Carolina, but he made a name for himself as the first quarterback to play for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers football team. He was drafted out of CCU during the 2007 NFL Draft and went on to play for the Minnesota Vikings. Thigpen has also played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Cleveland Browns.
Vanna White
If you’ve seen Wheel of Fortune, then you know the beautiful Vanna White. She was born just outside of Myrtle Beach in Conway, SC on February 18, 1957. Her first TV appearance was as a contestant in the Miss Georgia pageant in 1978. When former Wheel of Fortune hostess Susan Stafford left the game show, White became a co-host, and eventually landed the spot as the main hostess.
