Nebraska Backroads

Grover Cleveland Alexander (1887 – 1950) One of the greatest pitchers in baseball history; played for the Philadelpia Phillies, the Chicago Cubs, and the St. Louis Cardinals. Born in Elba, NE (351)

Fred Astaire (1899 – 1987) American film and Broadway dancer. He was also a choreographer, singer, and actor. He was considered to be one of the greatest dancers of the 20th century. Born in Omaha, NE (341)

Maximilian Adelbert Baer (1909 – 1959) Was an American boxer of the 1930s, one-time Heavyweight Champion of the World, actor, entertainer, professional wrestler and referee. Born in Omaha, NE (950)

Bil Baird (1904 – 1987) Was an American puppeteer of the mid- and late 20th century. Born in Grand Island, NE (951)

Marlon Brando (1924 – 2004) Actor who won an Academy Award for his role in The Godfather. Born in Omaha, NE (342)

Warren Buffett (1930 – ) Successful businessman, investor, and philanthropist.  Born in Omaha, NE (346)

Dick Cavett (1936 – ) Is a former American television talk show host known for his conversational style and in-depth discussion of issues. Born in Gibbon, NE (952)

Dick Cheney (1941 – ) White House Chief of Staff to President Ford, U.S. congressman, Secretary of Defense and Vice president of the U.S.; grew up in Casper.  Born in Lincoln, NE (670)

Edward Montgomery Clift (1920 – 1966) Was an American film and stage actor. Born in Omaha, NE (953)

Red Cloud (1822 – 1909) Oglala Sioux leader who defeated the U.S. Army in many battles.  Born in North Platte, NE (350)

James Coburn, Jr. (1928 – 2002) Was an American film and television actor who appeared in nearly 70 films and made over 100 television appearances during his 45-year career. Born in Laurel, NE (954)

Sandra Dale Dennis (1937 – 1992) Was an American theater and film actress. Born in Hastings, NE (955)

Mignon Eberhart (1899 – 1996) Was an American author of mystery novels. Born in Lincoln, NE (956)

Harold Eugene “Doc” Edgerton (1903 – 1990) Was a professor of electrical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is largely credited with transforming the stroboscope from an obscure laboratory instrument into a common device. Born in Fremont, NE (957)

Ruth Etting (1897 – 1978) Was an American singing star and actress of the 1920s and 1930s. Born in David City, NE (958)

Henry Fonda (1905 – 1982) Actor who won an Academy Award for On Golden Pond. Born in Grand Island, NE (345)

Gerald R. Ford (1913 – 2006) Became the 38th President of the United States when Richard Nixon resigned; grew up in Grand Rapids. Born in Omaha, NE (267)

Hoot Gibson (1892 – 1962) Was an American rodeo champion and a pioneer cowboy film actor, director and producer. Born in Tekamah, NE (959)

Joyce C Hall (1891 – 1982) American businessman who became the founder of the Hallmark Card Corporation.  Born in David City, NE (347)

David Janssen (1931 – 1980) Was an American film and television actor who is best known for his starring role as Dr. Richard Kimble in the television series The Fugitive. Born in Naponee, NE (960)

Nick King (1941 – ) Is an American actor, film producer and former model. Born in Omaha, NE (962)

Dorothy McGuire (1916 – 2001) Was an American actress. Born in Omaha, NE (961)

Paul Revere (1938 – ) Musician, raised in Caldwell. Born in Harvard, NE (130)

Hilary Swank (1974 – ) Oscar winning actress; Known for her roles in Boys Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby.  Born in Lincoln, NE (619)

Inga Swenson (1932 – ) Is an Emmy award and Golden Globe-nominated American actress. Born in Omaha, NE (963)

Robert Taylor (1911 – 1969) Born Spangler Arlington Brough. Was an American film and television actor.  Born in Filley, NE (964)

Don Wilson (1900 – 1982) Was an American announcer and occasional actor in radio and television, with a Falstaffian vocal presence, remembered best as the rotund announcer and comic foil to the star of The Jack Benny Program. Born in Lincoln, NE (966)

Julie Wilson (1924 – ) Is an American singer and actress.   Born in Omaha, NE (967)

Malcolm X (Little) (1925 – 1965) One of the most prominent civil rights leader in the United States; He focused on black pride and economic reliance until he was killed in 1965. Born in North Omaha, NE (348)