Most Intriguing Celebrities and Entertainers from Texarkana Area

Texarkana has always been a hot spot when it comes to famous celebrities from television, movies, politicians, musicians, and sports figures. You name it Texarkana has been fortunate to produce some pretty big names in the entertainment industry.

When we think about famous people from Texarkana will automatically think of Ross Perot, the Texas billionaire who made a run for the presidency in the early 90s.

And then there is Scott Joplin, the American composer best known as the "King of Ragtime," today his mural image graces the side of a historical building in downtown Texarkana.

But Texarkana is also home to several other famous celebrities that were born and raised in the twin cities.

Some you may know, others not as much, let's take a look.

Molly C. Quinn

Texarkana native Molly C. Quinn has appeared in numerous roles in movies and television over the years. Her most recognizable role was in the ABC hit TV show "Castle" where she played Alexis Castle, the daughter of the leading character of the show. She also voiced Belinda Cratchit in Disney's A Christmas Carol in 2009 and landed a character role in the 2013 comedy movie, We're The Millers." From time to time, Quinn has come back to Texarkana to show her support for the Susan G. Komen Texarkana Race for the Cure.

Her most recent movie was the horror drama-comedy, "Agnes," in 2021 and she also had a character role in the TV drama "The Rookie."

Ellen DeGeneres

A Louisianan by birth, but claims Atlanta, Texas as her hometown since 1974, DeGeneres is a proud graduate of Atlanta High School in 1976. It's no secret that she spent several years around the Texarkana area before she moved off to the big time. DeGeneres was named Showtime's Funniest Person in America in 1982 and in 1986 appeared on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. She had her own TV sitcom Ellen which ran from 1994-1998.DeGeneres has hosted numerous award shows including the Grammys, Academy Awards, and Emmys. She developed and hosted her own daytime talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show which began in 2003 and most recently said goodbye to her fans in her last episode last month.

Stephanie Rice

Stephanie took America by storm when she auditioned for Season 12 of the popular music show "The Voice." She impressed Gwen Stefani so much that she was picked to be on Team Gwen where she advanced to the knockout rounds and eventually lost to Troy Ramey. However, she was stolen by Alicia Keys and made it into the Top 12 before being eliminated.

Today, Stephanie Rice resides in L.A. and continues to write and perform her music, her latest single is called "Rock Bottom."

Shelley Dowdy

Born in Texarkana, Arkansas on August 15, 1974, Dowdy is best known for her roles in Slackers in 2002, Evan Almighty in 2007, and Garden Party in 2008.

Bobby Dan Blocker

Dan Blocker was born in nearby De Kalb, Texas in 1928 and was the largest baby ever born in Bowie County at the time. Blocker heard Hollywood calling and was cast as Hoss Cartwright, the son of Ben Cartwright in the longest-running TV western Bonanza from 1959-1973. Unfortunately, Dan Blocker passed away in 1972 from complications of a blood clot in his lungs.

Corinne Mae Griffith

From Texarkana, Texas Corinne Griffith established herself as one of the most popular silent film actresses of the 1920s. In fact, she became known as "The Orchid Lady," and Black Oxen was her biggest movie from 1923. Griffith received an Academy Award nomination for the movie, Divine Lady," in 1923. When her acting gig was up she went on to write 11 books including two best sellers. Sadly, Corinne passed away in California in 1979. Today a mural is painted on the side of the TLC building downtown to honor her legacy.

Tracy Lawrence

Born in Atlanta, Texas, and raised in Foreman, Arkansas Tracy moved to Nashville, Tennessee in 1990 where he began a very successful country music career. Having recorded over 14 studio albums, with a string of number 1 singles, and Top 10 singles, this multi-platinum singer-songwriter has won numerous awards through the years and continues touring today. Every Thanksgiving, Tracy gives back to the homeless in Nashville by throwing a turkey fry and feeding those in need of a free meal.

Sure, we could go on and on about how many sports stars, celebrities, and influential sports figures came out of this town but we'll save that for another time because there are so many to mention.