We do have some famous folks

Opinion

January 11, 2012

We do have some famous folks

By Leslie N. Dees The Star-Herald The Star Herald Wed Jan 11, 2012, 10:54 AM CST

KOSCIUSKO — We all know the trademark “famous” folk from Mississippi. We’ve got Elvis, Oprah, Brett Favre and John Grisham.

But, did you know that legendary screen star of the 1940s Dana Andrews was born on a farm in Covington County, Mississippi. Andrews was one of 13 children born into the ministerial family.

How about this one – The dog, who later became known as Benji, was picked up in Pass Christian by an animal control officer.

The dog still lives with “Benji” creator and producer Joe Camp and his family in Tennessee.

Ray Watson of “My Favorite Martian” fame hails from Laurel.

Considered the enduring Supreme, Mary Wilson’s roots can be found in Delta mud. Greenville to be exact.

Astronaut Fred Haise is one of 24 people who have flown to the moon. He’s a native of Biloxi.

Reality TV was formed in the hands of a Mississippian.

Jonathan Murray, a native of Gulfport, was partnered with Ellis Bunim to write a soap opera for MTV and the result of “The Real World,” an unscripted soap opera.

I could continue to list famous folks but instead, I’ll tell you to take a gander at “Mississippians,” the limited second edition, edited by Neil White.

Leslie N. Dees is managing editor of The Star-Herald. Email her at editor@starherald.net. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/lndees

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