A U.S. President, a handbag designer and a true ambassador for the game. More than a few of Kansas City’s sons and daughter have received national attention for their distinctive talents - but in the end, they’re all Kansas Citians at heart.

The following is a list of celebrities who were born or lived in the KC metro area:

Jesse James – 1847-1865
Famous outlaw was born and met his end in KC

Harry S. Truman – 1884-1972
The Buck Stops at his presidential library in the area

Thomas Hart Benton – 1887-1975
Distinctive artist’s home and studio is just like he left it.

Walt Disney – 1907-1966
Opened first animation studio here, Laugh-O-Gram Studios

Count Basie - 1904-1984
Jazz great influenced big band sound from KC

Satchel Paige – 1906-1982
Legendary pitcher played for KC Monarchs

Buck O’Neil – 1911-2006
Local baseball great became face of Negro Leagues

Charlie Parker – 1920-1955
Local saxophonist grew up to become a legend in jazz

Mickey Mouse – Created in 1928
Inspired by a friendly rodent at Laugh-O-Gram Studios

George Brett – 1953-
Hall of Fame baseball great calls KC home

Kate Spade – 1962-
Handbag designer is a native and frequent visitor

Melissa Ethridge – 1961-
Musician grew up short drive from downtown KC

Maurice Greene – 1974-
Raced around KC before becoming Olympic champion sprinter

Others

• Robert Altman (director/writer/producer)
• Ed Asner (actor)
• Thomas Hart Benton (artist)
• George Caleb Bingham (artist)
• Don Cheadle (actor)
• Lynn Cohen (actress)
• Chris Cooper (actor)
• Joan Crawford (actress)
• Walter Cronkite (journalist)
• Jean Harlow (actress)
• Pat Metheny (musician)
• Tom Pendergast (politician)
• Ginger Rogers (actress)
• Paul Rudd (actor)
• Calvin Trillin (columnist, author)
• Dee Wallace Stone (actress)
• Dianne Wiest (actress)