Garland, Texas, is a vibrant city in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, boasting a population of approximately 246,889 people. It ranks as the 12th most populous city in Texas and the 5th largest within the Metroplex. This city has been the birthplace or hometown of many notable individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are 10 famous people who were either born or raised in Garland.
Athena
Athena, a professional wrestler currently signed with All Elite Wrestling, was born in Garland, Texas. She attended Lakeview Centennial High School, where her early athletic ability began to stand out. Known for her high-energy style, sharp agility, and long independent-circuit run before reaching national TV, Athena has become one of the most recognized performers in modern women’s wrestling.
Crystal Bernard
Crystal Bernard, an actress and singer-songwriter, was born in Garland, Texas, on September 30, 1961. She rose to national prominence through her role as Helen Chappell on the long-running sitcom Wings. Alongside her acting career, Bernard has written and recorded music, contributing both vocals and original songs that broadened her reach beyond television.
Caleb Landry Jones
Caleb Landry Jones, an accomplished actor and musician, was born in Garland, Texas, on December 7, 1989, and grew up in Richardson. He is known for standout performances in films such as Get Out, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and X-Men: First Class. Alongside his film career, Jones continues to build a distinct presence in the music world through his experimental recordings and live performances.
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Mitchel Musso
Mitchel Musso, an actor and singer-songwriter, was born in Garland, Texas, on July 9, 1991, and grew up in Rockwall. He is widely recognized for his Disney Channel roles, including Oliver Oken on Hannah Montana, Jeremy Johnson on Phineas and Ferb, and King Brady on Pair of Kings. Musso has also pursued music alongside his acting career, releasing original material and performing for a young national audience.
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes, a Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, actress, and author, moved to Garland, Texas, at age six. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, she continued developing her vocal and dance skills after relocating to Garland, where early performances and local training helped set the foundation for her rise as one of country music’s most successful artists.
Adrian Phillips
Adrian Phillips is a former NFL safety born in Garland, Texas. He played at Garland High School and the University of Texas before signing with the Chargers as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Phillips earned a Pro Bowl selection in 2018 and later played for the New England Patriots, highlighted by his AFC Defensive Player of the Week award in 2021. He has not appeared on an NFL roster since early 2024.
Lee Trevino
Lee Trevino is a retired professional golfer born in Garland, Texas, on December 1, 1939. Considered one of the greatest players in golf history, he won six major championships and 29 PGA Tour events. Known for his unorthodox swing and sharp wit, Trevino was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 1981 and remains an enduring figure in the sport.
Mookie Blaylock
Mookie Blaylock is a former professional basketball player born in Garland, Texas, where he attended Garland High School. He played 13 seasons in the NBA with the New Jersey Nets, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors. Known for elite defense, Blaylock twice led the league in steals, earned two All-Defensive First Team honors, and was selected as an NBA All-Star in 1994.
Buck Owens
Buck Owens, born Alvis Edgar Owens Jr. on August 12, 1929, in Sherman, Texas, attended public school in Garland for grades one through three. A pioneering figure in country music, he helped shape the Bakersfield sound and earned widespread acclaim with classics like Act Naturally and Together Again. Owens also became a household name as co-host of the long-running television show Hee Haw.
Erin McCarley
Erin McCarley is an alternative singer-songwriter born on January 8, 1979, in Garland, Texas. She attended Baylor University before moving to Nashville, where she continues to base her music career. Often compared to artists such as Sara Bareilles and Regina Spektor, McCarley released her debut album Love, Save the Empty in 2009, followed by My Stadium Electric in 2012 and Yu Yī in 2017…