Famous Locals

Ian Mackaye His seminal punk bands - Minor Threat and Fugazi - helped make this D.C. native a staple in the music world.

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Chris Meloni Chris Meloni, aka Detective Elliot Stabler on "Law & Order SVU," was born in D.C. and went to St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Va. He was a star quarterback, and led his team to an undefeated season in 1978.

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Edward Norton The "Fight Club" star was born in Boston, but graduated from Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, Md. His grandfather, James W. Rouse, is credited with developing the planned community.

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Kathie Lee Gifford Television host and jack of all trades Kathie Lee Gifford attended Bowie High School in Bowie, Md.

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Lewis Black The comedian grew up in Silver Spring and graduated from Springbrook High School.

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Julia Louis-Dreyfus HBO's "Veep" was born in New York, but moved to D.C. with her mom, who later married the dean of George Washington University Medical School, when she was eight. Louis-Dreyfus graduated from Holton-Arms School in Bethesda.

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Spike Jonze The director of "Her" and "Being John Malkovich" grew up in Rockville, Md.

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Jada Pinkett Smith The "Matrix" star was born and raised in Baltimore.

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Nora Roberts The Silver Spring native is a best-selling author of romance novels such as "Montana Sky," "Tribute" and "Midnight Bayou."

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Tom Clancy The Baltimorean became one of the best-selling writers of the late 20th and early 21st centuries with hits such as "The Hunt for Red October."

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Wale The D.C.-born rapper first became popular in his hometown before signing onto Interscope Records in 2008 and releasing hit singles such as "Chillin," "Pretty Girls" and "World Tour."

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Henry Rollins Singer, spoken word performer, DJ and author Henry Rollins palled around with D.C. punk pioneer Ian Mackaye before moving to Southern California and becoming the lead singer of Black Flag. He was born in the District and attended American University.

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Katie Couric The talk show host, former CBS News anchor and former "Today Show" host grew up in Arlington, Va.

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Edgar Allan Poe One of the most influential American writers ever, Poe died in Baltimore at the age of 40. Fans can pay tribute to him at the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum, at 203 North Amity St., Baltimore, Md.

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Billie Holiday The jazz singer might have been born in Philadelphia, but she spent her formative years in Baltimore.

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Marvin Gaye Marvin Gaye helped shape the Motown sound in the 1960s. He was from D.C.

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Chuck Brown Heralded as the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown was a fixture in the local music scene until his death in 2012.

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Duke Ellington D.C. native Duke Ellington is arguably one of the most influential musicians of all time.

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Dave Chappelle The comedian was born in D.C. and attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts.

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Jim Morrison Better known for his life in Los Angeles as the lead singer of The Doors, Jim Morrison spent his early years in Alexandria, Va.

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