(To see our full list of movers, shakers, and other news-makers, check out the full Who’s Who listing. To see our salute to 11 Memphians who have made our Who’s Who list every year since it’s inception with our Who’s Who Hall of Fame)
Kathy Bates
Began her acting career at White Station High School; went on to Southern Methodist University. Age 57. Made her film debut in 1971's Taking Off. Had a successful career on Broadway and made her television debut on an episode of Love Boat; later appeared on daytime soap All My Children. Winner of 1991 Best Actress Oscar for her role as deranged fan in Stephen King's Misery. Played "Unsinkable" Molly Brown in Titanic. Received Oscar nomination for supporting role in Primary Colors; nominated for both Oscar and Golden Globe for supporting role in About Schmidt. In 2005, appeared in various films including The Bridge of San Luis Rey and Relative Strangers, as well as Rumor Has It, starring Jennifer Aniston. In 2006, appeared in Failure to Launch, starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew McConaughey.
Ginnifer Goodwin
Memphis-born actress. Currently starring in Big Love, an HBO drama about polygamists in Utah. Played Johnny Cash's first wife in Walk the Line, a biopic filmed in Memphis that earned Academy Award honors for lead Reese Witherspoon. In 2004, had supporting roles in the movies Mona Lisa Smile, starring Julia Roberts, and Win a Date with Tad Hamilton. Was a regular on NBC's now-canceled Ed. Age 28. Attended St. Mary's Episcopal School and Lausanne Collegiate School and participated in their theater programs. With a bachelor of fine arts degree from Boston University, she studied in London at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, the Shakespeare Institute, and the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts. Received the Excellence in Acting Professional Promise Award in New York from the Bette Davis Foundation.
Isaac Hayes
Songwriter, musician, producer, and actor. His soundtrack to 2000's movie Shaft debuted at No. 22 on Billboard charts. Lives in New York. Born in Covington, Tennessee. Moved to Memphis at age 5. Found his way to fame at Stax Recording Studio in 1964. Owns namesake restaurant in downtown's Peabody Place. Age 63. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March 2002. Winner of three Grammys, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar. Since 1997, provided the voice of Chef in Comedy Central's South Park until he abruptly left the show in March, citing "intolerance of religious beliefs." Founded the Isaac Hayes Foundation in 1999 to promote literacy and music education for children. In summer 2000, opened a school in Ghana (through his Isaac Hayes Foundation) linking children in Africa with those in American inner cities via the Internet. Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June 2005, and the same year was among those honored at The Recording Academy's star-studded October fete. Welcomed fourth son, Nana Kwadjo Hayes, in April.
B.B. King
Universally known as the King of the Blues, with more than 100 albums. Came to Memphis in 1947 from Itta Bena, Mississippi, where he landed a job with WDIA radio station on Beale Street. Age 80. Currently lives in Las Vegas, but often is touring. Awarded 14 Grammys. His most recent Grammy is Best Traditional Blues Album for B.B. King & Friends - 80. In 2006, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame for his Live at the Regal album. Between 1951 and 1985, wrote 74 songs that made the Billboard R&B charts. Owns B.B. King's Blues Clubs in Memphis, Nashville, New York, and Los Angeles. Member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Winner of the Kennedy Center lifetime achievement award, and named entertainer of the year seven years consecutively.
Jazze Pha
Memphis-bred, Atlanta-based hip-hop producer who has worked on albums by artists such as Outkast, Nelly, Ludacris, and American Idol finalist Ruben Studdard. Given name is Phalon Alexander, son of original Bar-Kays bassist James Alexander. First made his market as a hip-hop producer in the mid-'90s and in recent years has become one of the music industry's most successful and sought-after producers. Moved from behind the scenes to become a visible star through appearances in his artists' videos. Scored massive hit last year with "1, 2, Step," with singer Ciara.
Cybill Shepherd
Actress best known for TV series Moonlighting and Cybill, which was awarded four Golden Globes and four People's Choice awards. Has signed on to join the cast of The L Word, a Showtime drama entering its fourth season and will appear in upcoming movies Open Window and Hard Luck, both slated for release in 2006. Has recently portrayed Martha Stewart in two made-for-television movies: Martha, Inc.: The Story of Martha Stewart and Martha: Behind Bars. Got her start in acting while attending East High School. Was named Miss Teenage Memphis twice. Launched her movie career with a supporting role in The Last Picture Show. A cabaret singer with five albums to her credit, the most recent titled At Home with Cybill, released in 2004. Age 56. Lives in California but often returns to her home in Downtown's South Bluffs. Is a member of the Riverfront Development Board. In the past has been a spokesperson for the American Lung Association.
Justin Timberlake
Acclaimed singer and songwriter, topping music charts first as member of N'SYNC, currently as solo artist. Age 25. Born in Millington, performed at Grand Ole Opry at age 10. Sang on Star Search at age 11. Moved to Orlando and in early 1990s was cast member of the Mickey Mouse Club. Founded the Justin Timberlake Foundation to support math and music education for children. In 2002, released Justified, a multi-platinum-selling solo debut that scored hit singles such as "Rock Your Body" and "Cry Me a River." Following music success, has branched into film, with roles this year in the crime drama Alpha Dog, Donnie Darko director Richard Kelly's Southland Tales, and opposite Christina Ricci in Memphis filmmaker Craig Brewer's Black Snake Moan. Musically, Timberlake has been working on a follow-up to Justified, has written songs with famed Stax songwriter David Porter, and has been rumored to start a Memphis-based record label using the Stax name.
DeAngelo Williams
Greatest football player in University of Memphis history. Only fourth player in NCAA Division I-A history to rush for 6,000 yards in career. NCAA record-holder for all-purpose yardage (7,573) and 100-yard games (34). Two-time All-America (second team in 2005, third in 2004). Three-time Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year. Rushed for more than 1,900 yards in each of his last two seasons in Memphis. Scored a school-record 60 touchdowns in career while leading Tigers to three straight bowl games. Age 23. Selected by Carolina Panthers with 27th pick of 2006 NFL draft. U of M plans to retire his uniform number 20 during 2006 season.
