All About Mormons

You should add more of the authors and artists! You have Orson Scott Card but forgot Dave Wolverton, M. Shayne Bell, Tracy Hickman, and many others. James C. Christensen is a famous artist.

Now I get the joke about Christina Aguilera being a Mormon on ‘The Singles Ward’! I always just thought it was just a joke about people who think every famous person is Mormon. Interesting page!

What about Mormon Athletes. Dale Murphy was one of the greatest baseball players of all time.

Cove Reber From the band Saosin is Mormon too.

What about the British guitarist Mick Ronson who wrote many of David Bowies’ songs and later played for Mott the Hoople? He was a member as a teenager from Hull before becoming a rock legend.

Terry Rooney is a member and also a Labour Party MP, representing Bradford in the UK.

Billy Casper, the golfer, is a member.

For famous members:

M. Ben Couch, a Mormon, is a member of the New Zealand Parliament.

From Australia, David Gibson is the first LDS member of Parliament in Queensland.

There was also a member of Congress in Argentina who was LDS, Peronista party in 1991, but I can’t find the reference for it yet.

Love you Donny that was great are you married if not I will marry you I saw you on when will I be famos and you got my vote by far if you are married the girl is lucky because you wrote a song called puppy love I am getting a puppy and I am calling it Donny after you you realy do rock I could just kiss you Donny even in Joseph where you had the long hair I even watch pyrmids.

Robert “Bert” McCracken from the rock band “The Used” was raised Mormon, although he no longer practices.

Alaska-based cartoonist Nathan Reynolds is LDS.

Brendan Urie of Panic! at the Disco was raised Mormon.

Brian on “Fast and Furious” is Mormon, but doesn’t practice. Also heaps of rugby players are Mormon.

Stewart Peterson is another actor who is LDS. He was one of the main characters in “Seven Alone,” a true account of a boy who leads his family on a 2,000 mile trek on the Oregon Trail.

1940s and 50s truly awful actress Lorraine Day never missed a chance to tell an audience she was Mormon.

While you mentioned his father, former University of Utah President James Chipman Fletcher was more famous as Director of NASA – if memory serves he was in that position when astronauts landed on the moon.

Why do you not have Glenn Beck on the list? See glennbeck.com for the details on the radio talk show host (3rd in the nation) who has his own show on headline news.

Wasn’t Stewart Peterson also in The Church’s original film strip of “The First Vision” starring as Joseph Smith?

A. J. Cook from Criminal minds (She plays J. J. Jareau) is also LDS. She has actually stated that she will not take a role if it goes against her faith.

Keri Russell was Mormon while growing up in Mesa, AZ. She left when she was about 15 and doubt she is Mormon still. But she was at one point.

I didn’t see arthur “killer” kane on the list. He was in the rock band the new york dolls. There is a movie called “New York Doll” that tells about his life in the band and then being converted after hearing the missionary discussions.

I read that American Idol’s David Archuleta is LDS… I am not sure of this fact, but if so… What a shining example of grace and dignified spirit, wrapped in a gifted, angelic voice… And also, of an obviously supportive nurturing family that carried his talent along until he matured enough for all of us to enjoy.

I think he is a rising super talent/star with much in store for the world. I look forward to buying/listening to his music for many years to come.

He is also a strong, shining example for youth, as well as a benevolent spirit from what I can tell.

[To note: I am not a teeny bopper fan… I am an artist, and know a truly gifted performer when I hear one!]

Webmaster: Actually, two of the top 10 American Idols are Mormon. Both David Archuleta and Brooke White are LDS.

How about Ricky Schroder? He is LDS. Been through the temple even I think. (That’s what I heard any way.)

Webmaster: The all-knowing wikipedia confirms that you speak the truth! 🙂

I think American Idol stars David Archeleta and Brooke White are Mormons.

Webmaster: They are indeed! Thanks for your comment.

Dude mormons are kick but all that not doing and stuff. Also the lead singer of the Killers. And the New York Doll best Mormon punk.

There are a quite a few your missing if I may say, however, not too bad of a start.

Business men:

Robert C. Gay – huge business man, previous teacher at Harvard, vice president of GE, managing director of Bain Capital (with Mitt Romney), ect.

John Huntsman – another huge businessman, too many businesses to name.

Sports:

Mike Weir – very famous golfer

Steve Young – NFL hall of famer and superbowl MVP

Danny Ange – NBA hall of famer, works with Celtics right now

Authors:

Richard Paul Evans – famous children book writer

Stephan Covey – very famous business book writer

Jeff Benedict – well known buiness writer and businessman.

Ken Dayley, MLB pitcher…. Actually played with Dale Murphy for a few seasons… Also LDS.

You have to have Glenn Beck on there. Also, did you have Shawn Bradley? I might have missed him. But if not, you need him, too. Also, Kirby Heyborne was in movies like “The Last Chapter” and “Social Suicide” and TV shows like “Team” and “Free Ride.” He plays Jonathan on TLC (I love the abbreviation for that movie, especially since it’s a thriller movie) and Dillon on “Free Ride.” That’s all I know out of those 4. But he’s in a lot of others.

Also, he is a musician with 3 or 4 CDs out right now.

Elvis was not a Mormon… He was a Baptist!! Just because someone shares their belief system with you does not mean they embrace it. Please correct immediately!

Webmaster: No correction is necessary. The site explicitly says that Elvis was not baptized. He was not Mormon. He did have more than a passive interest in Mormonism, however. He read the Book of Mormon and wrote notes in the margins. One note said “I know this in my heart to be true.” Another said, “My Daughter Lisa is 9 years old. She needs this church. Please help her.”

Isn’t Andy Pettitte a mormon?

Webmaster: I don’t think so…

You forgot to add Linton and Burch of Jimmy Eat World, who are both Mormons from Arizona.

What about the singer of The Killers? He was raised Mormon, I don’t think he practices.

Webmaster: You’re referring to Brandon Flowers. Actually, he is a practicing Mormon. He has described his personal [Mormon] faith as a “very important” part of his life.

Is Jeff Kent mormon? He attends my friends ward in Houston.

Webmaster: Yes, Jeff Kent, a major league baseball second baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers, is Mormon.

Heck yes Brandon Flowers is a Mormon and a devout one.

Darren Dalton of “The Outsiders” and “Red Dawn at Morning” was raised Mormon although he currently does not practice.

And you can’t forget Stephanie Meyers of the “Twilight” trilogy.

Webmaster: I didn’t know about Dalton. Can I ask what’s your source?

Perhaps if Roseanne and Christina had remained in the church their actions and activities would have been of good repute. I am not knocking them but am showing how living according to the principles and standards of the church makes a difference in character and example.

Webmaster: It is certainly true that Rosanne Barr is not an example of the best Mormonism has to offer!

David Archuleta, the American Idol season 7 runner up is a mormon.

Webmaster: Thanks! I can’t believe I missed him! 🙂

Just FYI, check out http://www.famousmormons.net. It has lots of interesting names listed (with pictures)

Isn’t Johnny Whitaker a Mormon?

WebmasterYes, I believe the American actor Johnny Whitaker is Mormon. It appears that he served his mission in Portugal.

You can’t leave off Aaron Eckhart… Harvey Dent/Two-Face in the Dark Knight. Graduated from BYU in 1994. Served mission in Europe.

Webmaster: In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, in regards to his Mormon faith, Eckhart revealed: “I’m sure people think I’m a Mormon, but I don’t know that I’m a Mormon anymore, you know? To be honest, to be perfectly clear, I’d be a hypocrite if I did say that I was, just because I haven’t lived that lifestyle for so many years.”

Sports: Peter Vidmar gymnist at UCLA and 1984 olympics. His uncle was my bishop and he was my home teacher when I was not active.

I believe Gordon Jump (Arthur Carlson on WKRP in Cincinatti) is LDS. Also, is Dave Ramsey LDS, or is he (more or less) endorsed by church-realted groups because of his no-nonsense approach to personal finances?

Webmaster: Hi friend. Gordon Jump is Mormon, but I have seen no evidence that Dave Ramsey is LDS, nor is he endorsed by the Church.

These are some very prominent Mormons: in golf, Billy Casper and Johnny Miller
One of most famous child actors Rick Schroerder.

Aaron Eckhart is LDS. Not practicing though, last I heard. He served a mission in France and Switzerland and graduated from BYU.

Webmaster: You’re right. Eckhart was raised Mormon but does not now practice.

And you forgot Dr. Edwin Catmull co-founder of Pixar and current president of Disney-Pixar animation studio. How could you forget? Pixar is like the best animation studio ever. And Catmull did the amazing job and trumendous contribution to computer science. Gotta love Pixar, Wall-E is the best!: ] merry Christmas and happy new year.

Webmaster: Thanks! I had no idea!

Matthew Kennedy from LDS Living is listed on the Associated Press executive biography. It says that he is related to the Kennedy family and is a graduate of Brigham Young University and then an MBA from Harvard. LDS Living won the National Addy Award and the New York Times “Park” Award.

Grant Wilson from GhostHunters is a Mormon who served a mission in Italy. Also, I read below that someone wanted to know about Darren Dalton (Outsiders, Red Dawn). Darren was raised a Mormon in my ward — knew him well. He is no longer a practicing Mormon however, but his mother and brother still are.

You do need to add Glen Beck. He’s actively building a multi-media empire and has borne his testimony on the airwaves multiple times. Keep up the good work. Great site.

Jay north aka Dennis the Mennis joined the Mormon church in the 1970’s

How could you forget Mr. Marriot CEO of Marriot hotels?

The Popes (Robbie and Ryan) from the Getup Kids were raised mormon too!

Webmaster: Hey Anonymous. I couldn’t confirm that they are Mormon. Do you happen to have a source? Thanks.

The actor Ryan Gosling from The Notebook is as well. My friend served a mission in Canada where Ryans Father lives.

Webmaster: According to Wikipedia, Ryan’s parents were Mormons, but Ryan was not raised in a strictly devout household and “never really identified with the religion.”

Yea dude Grant from Ghost Hunters, Steve Young qb San Fran 49ners, the lead singer from The Killers thats all I can think of off the top of my head

You’re forgetting Eliza Dushku, famous as Faith in Buffy the Vampire Slayer; now (2009) appearing in Dollhouse. Raised LDS but currently non-practicing according to wikipedia.

How about Matthew Modine from full metal jacket

Webmaster: I don’t think he is Mormon, though his uncle is.

Believe it or not most afficionados of boxing don’t think muhamod ali was the greatest of all time. Why? Simple. He didn’t have a ultra-great knockout punch. Either the “brown bomber” or Jack Dempsy is considered the best. Certainly Jack Dempsy was the most entertaining… Sort of the stephanie meyers of boxing heavywieghts. When he was a teenager (before he had filled out phisically into his six foot two frame) brother Jack would go to a bar and ask who was the fiercest hombre in the bar who wanted to box him, bare knuckles, for money. He was often short of money as a teenager and was a hobo that rode the rails looking for work (like alot of people in the depression). His high squeeky voice, shy mannerisms, and his unfilled in teenage six foot two frame invariably inticed the meanest, biggest, and most reckless of the bunch to go toe to toe with Jack. Jack Dempsy made alot of money, and knocked out alot of teeth that way. He was a natural talent at fisticuffs. Afterwards he refused to drink alcohol, but would pay for everyone elses at the bar with the winnings. When he finaly got a chance to box the world champion he broke the mans cheek (a famous sports picture) in the first round. Up against a fierce argentina boxing goliath Jack was literally knocked out of the ring and knocked out (this is another famous sports picture), but somehow maneged to slither back into the ring before the manditory ten count. Within a short time the argintine superman was knocked out. Dempsey later claimed he couldn’t remember the fight at all, and had to ask a newspaper boy for a newspaper to find out who won the boxing match. As a senior citizen (many years after he retired) five streetgang members tried to rob him and quite possibly rape his wife. Bad idea. Although (very) old Jack Dempsy took little time, quickly smashing bones, breaking ribs, and giving some very nasty head aches to his would be attackers. The cops could only laugh. Did these knuckleheads choose the wrong old guy to mug or what? Jack Dempsy was a nonpracticing mormon in his later years, but he never apoligized for having grown up as a mormon. His wife after his death called him a true gentle gentileman as a husband. No one considered Jack dempsey gentle that fought against him, whether that be bare knuckles, with boxing gloves, or street fighting. Jack Dempsy is iconic, he deserves his place on the list.

Webmaster: Very nice! I added him to the list.

I ate at brother Aguileras home in Staten Island as a missionary, he regularly has the missionaris over for dinner and is very active

Sports players: Mark Madsen. Played for the Lakers, Timberwolves and now the Clippers. Served a mission in spain. Still very active. Heard him speak at a youth conference a couple of years ago.

Webmaster: Fun fact: Mark once went on a date with my sister. 🙂

I grew up in youth with Ryan Gosling. It is such crap that he didnt grow up devout.. He was as active and into it as it gets. His family had the people mover and everything. His parents moved him and his sister all over chasing stardom but his dad and sister stayed in our ward while he was in Florida with his mom on Mickey Mouse Club. He was raised as Mormon as they get- passed the sacrament etc etc sad that he is ashamed enough of it to have those things written in his bio. Poor little man- good actor though.

A member from the band Saosin, Cove Reber, is a member of the church. My brother talked to him and found out personally.

Also, Jon Peter Lewis from American Idol (not sure which season) goes to school at Brigham Young University-Idaho, and is a member. (source-I also attend the close-knit university. Friends of mine, along with the school’s weekly paper, have confirmed his membership.)

Another: Brandon Flowers from the killers has revealed that he is active in the church yet again.

Hey Brandon Manumaleuna is a mormon. He plays for the San Diego Chargers was traded there from the St. Louis Rams. I know because he is my cousin and he grew up in the church and is still practicing. Thanks.

I think Billy Barty, the wizard from Willow, is a member. I attended his daughters first wedding in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Webmaster: Very good. I’ll add him to the list.

Ryan Raddon aka Kaskade is LDS, go to pandora.com and put in kaskade, his music is awesome.

Webmaster: Thanks! I’ll add him to the list.

Alan Sparhawk and wife, Mimi Parker of the indie “slow-core” band Low. Alan was an elder’s quorum president for a while.

Win Butler of the band the Arcade Fire was raised a member but no longer practices.

Scott Pollard, NBA player went to seminary with my wife. (*)

I beleive you but some of this just seems extraordinary! Wow! I beleive you, just thought I’d mention that again.

Jacoby Ellsbury, the best centerfielder in baseball is mormon.

Webmaster: Thanks! I’ll add him to the list…

I’m pretty sure Dr. H. Tracy Hall was the first man to create a synthetic dianond. He was working for G. E. at the time and later did research at the BYU. You seem to have given credit to his son.

Webmaster: Thanks friend! You’re right. I’ve corrected the mistake.

Great stuff!! I believe that Scott Mitchell, who played QB for the Detroit Lions, is LDS. Also, a friend of mine who was a bishop in Lawrence, KS had one of the KU basketball players come through. He was a member, but not very active. I think he played for the Denver Nuggets after he left KU. I’m curious, are any of the assistants from BYU football who made it big LDS; namely Norm Chow, Brian Billick or Mike Holmgren?

Webmaster: Very nice. I’ll add Scott and Norm to the list. Brian and Mike are actually not LDS.

Roy Halladay (now of the Philadelphia Phillies) is Mormon. He was in my ward when I moved to Arvada, Co in 1995.

Webmaster: Very good. I’ll add him to the list. Thanks.

Jason Derek Brown is a mormon. He is on the fbi’s 10 most wanted fugitive list. Brown served a mission to France. In November of 2004, in Phoenix, Arizona, Brown shot and killed an armored car guard outside a movie theater and then fled with the money. Considered armed and extremely dangerous.

Webmaster: Very interesting. For the record, Brown has been excommunicated and so is no longer Mormon.

Nick Whitaker is LDS. He was in High School Musical as well as some other Disney channel moveis. He was also in the Resoration movie currently playing in Temple Square playing the young Joseph Smith.

Webmaster: Very good. I’ll add him to the list.

Reg Wilkins is an active LDS member – see his FaceBook fan page.

Reg Wilkins, a celebrated international photographer, is a convert to the LDS church and active. Either goggle Reg Wilkins or see his facebook fan page.

Webmaster: Very nice! Thanks for the info!

Danny White played for the dallas cowboys as their quarterback for several years.

Webmaster: Thanks Nelson. I’ll add him to the list.

Aimy Kersey is an active LDS church member – she has appeared in numerous TV productions and played many lead roles in theatre. She narrates the film Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration currently showing at the Legacy Theater in Salt Lake City.

Interesting site. I served a mission in Pittsburgh PA from ’93-’95. When I served in the Beaver Valley Ward (covering Rochester PA area), we were contacting families with unbaptized children over the age of 8 and ended up at Christina Aguilera’s grandma’s house in the fall of ’94 (her mom Shelley was listed in the ward directory at that address, with Christina, age 13, unbaptized, and Rachel, age 7). Christina and her younger sister were visiting. At the time she lived in the Wexford area, but had recently returned from Florida where she was part of the Mickey Mouse Club. She was nice, but quiet. Her grandma encouraged her to sing for us, which she did. She had a great voice even then. We took a picture with them before we left. At least at that time (age 13) she had not been baptized and her family was not active in the Wexford Ward.

Webmaster: Thanks friend! Very interesting.

Matt Kennedy from LDS Living does not have a degree from Harvard or any college degree.

Haloti Ngata, dt and pro bowler for Baltimore and All Pac 10 for Oregon Ducks. (*)

Frank W. Gay is a successful, but completely humble, businessman, and has been serving in a Park City ward’s bishopric recently. He is the CEO of Nutraceutical Corp. (NUTR). His only brother is Robert Gay, co-founder of H&G… Huntsman and Gay (with John Huntsman Sr.). Their LDS father Frank W. Gay was a senior corporate officer to Howard Hughes, and testified in a publicized lawsuit 3 years ago on behalf of his former employer. He died at 86 soon thereafter.

Rose Marie Reid, bathing suit designer.

Moroni Olsen & Laraine Day, actors

Checketts, business (Madison Sq Garden) (*)

I’m just ending service in the New York South Mission which covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Long Island, and Bermuda. I served in Staten Island and know personally Christina Aguilera’s father. He’s active and is one of the most humble people I know.

You forgot Austin Collie in the athletes section. He plays wide receiver for the Indianapollis Colts. (*)

Me encanta que muchos famosos son miembros de la iglesia pues tal vez con su influencia puedan cambiar la vida de los que se encuentran en su medio que tanto la necesitan…!!!!!

I am a huge fan of Bonanza, its where I found love for Chevy’s. Dan Blocker was LDS, and played “Hoss” on the show. His son Dirk Blocker, was in Star Wars, tho I can’t recall his character. I had many LDS friends while I played for the Oakland Raiders, and I loved to drive by the Oakland temple at night. Howie Long.

Manuel Leal: Hi Howie. You may be the most famous person who’s ever posted on my site! 🙂 Thanks for your comment. I’m very happy you’ve had positive experiences with your Mormon friends, and that they were good examples of what it means to be a Mormon. If you ever feel like you’d like to learn more about the Church, I invite you to meet with Mormon missionaries. At the very least, the missionaries would have a cool “I met a famous person” story when they returned home! 🙂

Laurel Thatcher Ulrich won a Pulitzer Prize in 1991 for “A Midwife’s Tale”. She was our LDSSA advisor at Harvard. Excellent author. Wikipedia: “Laurel Thatcher Ulrich (born July 11, 1938), is a historian of early America and the history of women and a university professor at Harvard university. Ulrich’s innovative and widely influential approach to history has been described as a tribute to “the silent work of ordinary people”—an approach that, in her words, aims to “show the interconnection between public events and private experience.” Also, Richard and Linda Eyre are best selling authors and international public speakers. Wikipedia: “Eyre and his wife Linda have written over a dozen books, many bestsellers. These include Teaching your Children Values which was the first parenting book to make it to the position of #1 New York Times bestseller since Dr. Spocks book”. Thanks for the website. Love it. (*)

Robert G. Allen is a devout member. He is the NY Times best selling author of “Nothing Down”, “Multiple Streams of Income,” and many others. (*)

I was told that Troy Dunn, the star of “The Locator” was a bishop in florida. I seem to remember him being interviewed in LDS Living Magazine. (*)

Mufi Hannemann is currently the mayor of Honolulu, Hawaii. He is the high priest teacher in his ward. He was sworn in by a relative, who is a judge and also a member of the church. The church news published an article about the mayor Jan. 17, 2009. He is related to a dean at BYU-Hawaii and has had city council meetings on campus at BYU-Hawaii. (*)

Grant Hill was interim leader of the conservative party in Canada. Afterwards, Stephen Harper took over and is now the prime minister. Grant Hill used to have occasional high priest meetings in his office-which was the office of leader of the opposition-at the time. He took a bunch of us member students on a tour of the legislature in Ottawa. There are also a bunch of LDS professional sports players missing-mostly from the province of Alberta. Aaron Wagner-Toronto Argonauts-CFL, Brock and Brett Ralph-CFL, retired Lloyd Fairbanks-Calgary Stampeders-CFL, Skouson Harker-pro-bball in Europe-played for Birmingham, Sefa O’Reilly-CFL-Winnepeg Blue Bombers.

Keri Russell used to be an active member of the LDS church.

Ryan Gosling was active until his teenage years and his sister, Mandi, is still active as far as I know. She is an actress in LA and moved in with him when she originally moved there. From what I have heard-from aquaintances of Jewel is that she was baptized, but doesnt really know anything about the church anymore and she isnt interested for the time being. Kelly Packard of Baywatch and California Dreams is mormon and so is Paul Walker. There is Bert McCracken -lead singer of The Used and Panic at the Disco frontman-Brendon Urie. I am not sure whether you are just trying to put down active members. That can be difficult for celebrities-as many do not want to outright say they are because they dont want to be a poster child for the church, as they may isolate themselves from nonmembers and not be able to live up to expectations by members. (*)

Diane Neal on CSI is a mormon, she was a laurel with my daughter in Denver.

Dan Truman who is the piano player for Diamond Rio is a devout member of the church as well. (*)

Brady Poppinga Greenbay Packer lb is a member my wife was in his stake when she lived up there. Also the offensive coordinator for the minnesota vikings Darrell Bevell is, only know that because he was the qb for uw the Wisconsin one 1992-95 was also the qb coach for the pack before that gig. (*)

Jennette McCurdy from Nickelodeon’s hit T.V. show, “iCarly” is mormon. :] (*)

Let’s not forget good old Sandy Petersen, creator of the Call of Cthulhu roleplaying game and lots of other games (both “real” and computer) since then. He designed the game, based on lovecraft’s stories, right after his mission. *jeep! — Grandpa Chet

Great website!  You might consider a category for famous mormons in the law.  There are many federal judges, state supreme court judges, and law professors–even outside of Utah.  If you are interested, I could probably guide you to some information.

Frank W. Gay sr. and his two sons Bob Gay and Bill 11. How much more successful can you be? (*)

Kevin Curtis, NFL wide receiver (Rams, Eagles, Chicago)

Chris Cooley, NFL redskins pro-bowl tight end, baptized and married a great LDS gal, then turned inactive while pursuing the pro athlete lifestyle (*)

Wow, its really amazing, I mean this site really cool.

Gifford Nielsen who was an all-american quarterback at BYU, then played professional football with the Houston Oilers. Afterwards, he became the sports announcer for a major TV network in Houston. He has just been called as an area authority in the Houston, TX area. (*)

Terry McEwen who is co-owner of Poag & McEwen in Memphis, TN is the pioneer of the lifestyle center type mall. He has developed many of these malls across the country. We were on a mission together in Colombia.

I will give you more information, Lani Misalucha is one of the best singer back in the Philippines, but now she lived in the United State, she always performs in Flamingo Las Vigas, a group of Society of Seven-SOS, she is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. (*)

Lino Brocka, film director in the philippines, the first pilipinos missionary was asign in Hawaii. One of the femous mormon in the philippines. His name Catalino Ortiz Brocka, know as Lino Brocka (*)

Johnny Whitaker is also mormon. He served an LDS mission I believe to Portugal. He was on a TV show many years ago called “Family Affair” with Brian Keith. (*)

Bryce Harper is mormon. (*)

Mimilanie Laurel Marquez, popularly known as Melanie, is a Filipina television and movie actress, producer, personality development coach, author, and celebrity endorser. She is a former beauty queen and model, best… She is a temple workers in Philippines Manila Temple (*)

Eric Eeddle San Diego Chargers (*)

Kelly Packard the actress is a memeber and has been sealed in the temple. Katherine Heigl the actress not active at the moment but has not ruled out coming back to the church. The british author Anne Bradshaw is an active member. (*)

Yeah, Jennette McCurdy is a member. They tried to hook her up with David Archuleta but it didn’t work out ha ha. He’s a great guy though.

John Buck plays for the Blue Jays. (*)

Chelsea Handler, the comedian, was raised by her mormon mother (*)

Oh my, I love Brandon Flowers of the Killers and Stephanie Meyer of Twilight!!!! Mormons rock!!

Mervyn S. Bennion, was captain of the U. S. S. Virginia at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, when he earned the Medal of Honor posthumously for trying to maneuver his ship out of danger despite being mortally wounded. (*)

Jenny Oaks Baker…classical violinist that has had multiple billboard top classical albums and has performed with many orchestras, etc. (*)

He isn’t known by a lot of folks, but Glenn Hinton is a prolific inventor/designer in the semiconductor industry. He has authored or co-authored over 100 patents related to central processing units (cpu’s) and other electronic devices.

Manuel Leal: Very interesting, friend. Can you please elaborate? I wasn’t able to find anything on the internet confirming that he is Mormon. Thanks.

He has two degrees from BYU. Probably a good sign. 🙂 (*)

Gifford Nielsen is a former NFL and All-American college football quarterback. He played for the Houston Oilers. He announced his retirement as the sports director of KHOU-TV in Houston, TX, on March 30, 2009. His last newscast was tuesday, March 31, 2009. Gifford was an All-American Quarterback at Brigham Young University (BYU) under head coach Lavell Edwards. He was inducted into the college football hall of fame in 1994. Nielsen was selected in the third round of the 1978 NFL draft by the Houston Oilers, the team with which he spent his entire NFL career. Nielsen played six seasons as a part-time quarterback. From 1984-87, he served as a color commentator on Oilers radio broadcasts. Gifford Nielsen served as president of the Houston Texas south stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held that calling since 2009, but was recently called as an area seventy. Giff Nielsen was the master of ceremonies at the 100 years of scouting celebration at Minute Maid Park in Texas.

Larry Chesley known as “Lucky Larry” was shot down over Viet Nam and spent 7 years in the Hanoi prison. More time than John McCain. Wrote the book of his experience titled “Seven Years in Hanoi” Now lives in Queen Creek Arizona.

Brandon Sanderson, the man who is finishing up the extremely popular Wheel of Time series created by Robert Jordan. Gotta have him on the list. (*)

Mike Weir is not a mormon.

Manuel Leal: That’s right. He went to BYU, but he is not mormon. Thanks for your comment.

Alice Cooper the singer was mormon.

Manuel Leal: Actually, according to one website I found, he was a member of an offshoot sect of the LDS Church. He apparently did not belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Very interesting!

You should include all the Osmonds! Most people know of mormonism because of them.

Creed Haymond record holder famous runner (*)

There are alot of famous members around the world. The NRL (professional rugby league) has alot of members in it. Sam Perret (I served in the YSA branch in Sydney when he moved there) of the Sydney City Roosters is always over looked. In rugby you have Sid going who is considered the greatest half back to ever play for New Zealand whose biography Super Sid has a whole chapter devoted to his mission in Alberta Canada. (*)

Merril Hoge, football player and sportscaster is mormon. Have sat in sacrament meeting with him many times. (*)

Charles Scaliger is the nom-de-plume of a prominent and prolific writer for the New American magazine who is LDS.

Jennette McCurdy is also an LDS member. (*)

Allston Collie of the Indianapolis Colts football team

An educator: David Pierpont Gardner (born 1933) was the 17th president of the University of California (1983-1992) and was also the president of the University of Utah.

Manuel Leal: WOW!!! I had no idea. This is very interesting to me, since I’m currently employed by the University of California. Thanks!

Great site! May I suggest that you add these famous mormons’ websites (the ones you know of) so people may contact them directly if they wanted to? I’ve been a Mormon my whole life and I absolutely love it. During the good times and the not-so-good times, my testimony of the reality of Jesus Christ and his love for us keeps me going. Keep up the good work. 🙂

Rulan Gardner is a olympic gold medalist in wrestling (*)

Here are some well-known LDS performers:

Nephi Hannemann. (totally committed LDS. I personally know his uncle, Tavita Tausilinu’u Hannemann. He is the brother of Mufi Hannemann, the out-going mayor of the city and county of Honolulu. Nephi is a very popular performer in Waikiki and Las Vegas. He has also been a featured actor in a number of the the Hawaii Five-O series and other Hawaii-based productions.)

Johnny Whitaker. (According to his wikipedia “bio” he was raised LDS and served a two-year mission to Portugal. I assume he is still active.)

Jeff Hamblin (born and raised LDS. Was baptized in Santa Monica at age 8. I have no idea if he still identifies himself as being LDS.)

Fay Wray. (Actress and “heart-throb” star of 1933 King Kong. Born in Cardston, Alberta and raised LDS. There is a nice plaque and a small park in Cardston have been dedicated in her honor. I am not sure what her feelings were regarding the church in her adult life.)

Ariel Bybee. (450 leading soprano roles in the NY “Met” Opera and the San Fran. Opera). Super active and “to the core” committed LDS. Now retiered an married to college English professor, Dr. James Ford and lives in Lincoln, Neb. Her recent autobiography is “From Lincoln Center to Lincoln, Nebraska”) (*)

You should add an active LDS artist named Erik Christensen to this list. He just won an emmy this year for his video editing work on the reality show “Intervention.” If you look at your Ensign cover from earlier this year (maybe July or August), he and his wife are on the cover.

Manuel Leal: Hi friend. Do you know Erik? How certain are you that he is Mormon beyond seeing someone that looks like him on an Ensign cover? I only ask because I couldn’t find any information specifically identifying him as LDS on the internet. Thanks for your help.

James: Yes, I’m positive he’s Mormon. He is married to my sister, so I know him very well.

Manuel Leal: Extremely cool! Thanks for the info. (*)

Sports:

Haloti Ngata: the biggest and baddest defensive lineman in all the NFL

Maaake Kemoeatu (NFL): was baptized but when his mother found out, she intervened before he could be confirmed the following day.

Deuce Lutui (NFL): offensive lineman for the Arizona Cardinals.

Uale Mai (Rugby): Samoan rugby great who has played in more international sevens games than anybody in sevens rugby history. Former captain of the Manu Samoa sevens team and first Samoan to win the IRB International Sevens Player of the Year award in 2006 and guided Samoa to the 2009/2010 IRB World Sevens Series Championship title (considered by some to be the biggest sporting accomplishment of the year). Currently playing professional rugby in Spain.

Entertainment:

Paul Walker: starred in the Fast and Furious movie series. Was raised a member in socal until his teenage years when he stopped attending church. Source?…. Mr Paul Walker himself. 🙂

Sid Liufau: has been in ‘Mummy: The Scorpian King’, ‘You Me and Dupree’ and recently ‘Hawaii Five-0’ and ‘Faster’. Lives in Las Vegas.

Taylor Wiley: former sumo and MMA fighter, was in ‘North Shore’ TV series, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall” and currently has a reccuring role in ‘Hawaii Five-0’.

Aldric Iaauli Porter: movie director, was an assistant to Ron Howard in many blockbuster movies. (*)

Fred Roberts played NBA, Shaun Bradley – NBA, Travis Hansen – NBA, Dave Rose – coaching BYU, Jimmer Freddette – playing at BYU. There are a ton of athletes that are LDS (*)

I heard that Ted Bundy, the notorious serial killer, was raised as a latter-day saint but obviously strayed. Also, Gary Stevenson and Scott Watterson are LDS and were partners who started proform/icon, a billion-dollar exercise equipment manufacturer. (*):

Manuel Leal: Hi friend. Actually, Ted Bundy was raised a Lutheran but was baptized into the LDS Church as a college student at the University of Utah. Even following his baptism, however, he continued to smoke and drink, etc., suggesting his conversion was not sincere. I suspect he became Mormon to better cover up his crimes.

No mention of Joseph Paur? Or his brother Leo? Maybe not hugely famous, but incredibly talented. (*)

I didn’t see Chelsea Handler’s name on there…. I’m pretty sure her mother was mormon 🙂

Great list! Btw… A lot of the political info changed recently (i. e., Bennett isn’t a senator or chief deputy whip anymore)

Couple more media personalities you could add. Bruce Lindsay is a popular newscaster in the Salt Lake market. Spoke with him in a sacrament meeting and went to school with his daughter.

Also, Ray Combs, successor to Richard Dawson as host of long-running gameshow Family Feud was a returned missionary and proud LDS member. (*)

Eliza Dushku, actress, is quoted as being raised by active LDS parents but is not active at this time. (*)

The Jets was a 1980s teenybopper band with hit songs such as “Crush on You” and “You Got it All” and included a number of members from an active LDS family.

Tom Chambers! Tom Chambers! How could an nba all-star game MVP and one of the NBA’s most prolific all-time scorers be left off this list? (*)

Chad Lewis, NFL all-pro tight end for the Philadelphia Eagles and perhaps one of the NFL’s greatest international spokespeople, is a devout LDS member. (*)

Dave Checketts, who is LDS, is a businessman and former president/general manager of the NBA’s Utah Jazz, president of the New York Knicks, and president/CEO of Madison Square Garden, the company that owns a number of New York-area professional sports teams. Dave Checketts also owns the major league soccer (MLS) professional soccer team, Real Salt Lake. (*)

Amazingly, Joseph Smith, founder of the the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has not yet been added to this list. In addition to achieving worldwide fame for founding the religion, he ran for president of the united states, which I suppose means you could place him the politicians category. (*)

Did Jan, back in 2007, mean actress Laraine Day, who is/was LDS? Lorraine Day, who may be a snake-oil salesperson (or may not), is not a professional actress.

Mark Schultz, an American Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling is Mormon. He coached at BYU for a period. He is considered among the top american wrestlers of all time.

The current coach of the Penn State wrestling team is a famous wrestler – Cael Sanderson, former Olympic Gold medalist and 4-time collegiate wrestliing champion.

Forgot Brigham Young first governor of the Territory of Utah. (*)

Brandon Sanderson the author of the Mistborn Trilogy and the author that has been selected to finish the Wheel of Time series is LDS. He is from Oklahoma but lives in Provo and teaches at BYU. Look him up and add him to authors. (*)

The heavyweight champion boxer Jack Dempsey was LDS

Hi, as a Hawaiian, the late judge on Maui, He later served as a district judge in Wailuku from 1848 to 1851…… Incorrect on the date of Napela’s birth and thus on the date when he began school at Lahainaluna….. Jonathan H. Napela received his endowment on August 2, 1869 from school was a mormon and a LDS in good standing, primary saint helper and assisted the first missionaries on the island.

In the actors department you missed these three:

Laraine Day (1920-2007) American film, radio, TV and stage actress who appeared in movies like “Mr. Lucky”, “The Locket”, “My Dear Secretary” and “Foreign Correspondent”. Active from 1937 to 1986.

Virginia Grey (1917-2004) American film and TV actress. Starred in movies like “Test Pilot”, “The Women”, “Tish”, and “Another Thin Man”. Active from 1927 to 1977.

Billy Barty (1924-2000) American film, stage, and television actor. Starred in “Gold Diggers of 1933”, “The Day of the Locust”, “Under The Rainbow” and guest-starred on such TV shows as “Little House on the Prairie” And “The Golden Girls”. Active from 1927 to 2000.

Brazilian national soccer player Elano is LDS (*)

Jimmer Fredette??? (*)

Author Brenda Novak, member of Ashton Park Ward, Sacramento East Stake, Sacramento, CA. Brenda is the largest selling romance author in history. Very active Mormon.

One of the Eagles is a former Mormon, the bass player, I believe. His mother is an inactive member of Hurley Ward, Sacramento East Stake, Sacramento, CA. (*)

Timothy Schmitz, bass player for The Eagles, inactive

Ryan Gosling (actor) is a Mormon–although currently inactive (*)

Under other I see have Elvis listed as taking missionary discussions. But even more noteworthy is Marilyn Monroe. She took the lessons and studied with her ex sister in law Joe DiMagio’s sister (who was a member of the Church). Great Site and imformative also

John Moses Browning was not just a famous gunsmith. He invented the most famous semi automatic pistol on our planet–the 1911. 45 carried through WWII and still most popular today as it celebrates its 100 year anniversary this year. Also invented the .50 caliber BAR machine-gun and almost every other gun including the water cooled machine gun. The lever action rifle and on and on and on. He invented the semi and automatic systems.

Edmon K. Parker, a Hawaiian born BYU graduate and is known as the Father of American Kenpo Karate. A true pioneer in the world of Martial Arts. He opened up one of the first commercial Martial Arts schools in Pasadena in 1956. He is a teacher, author of many books, introduced Bruce Lee to the world, and was a dear friend and bodyguard of Elvis Presley.

Johnny Whitaker, actor, was omitted. (*)

Eliza Dushku was raised mormon, cause I talked to her on a plane once when she was flying in to SLC to see her grandparents

David Archuleta is totally mormon, he goes to the temple every week, doesnt sing about bad things, he always hangs around Utah and not Cali

Jimmer Fredette is a Mormon!! You should put up famous artist like Greg Olsen and Simon Dewey. Someone had made a comment about Donny Osmond and wanted to know if he’s married. Yes he is married. I went to high school with his son and his niece. Yes David Archuleta is a Mormon as well. (He used to sing for my grandpa when he was younger.)

The late Charlie Walker a long time member of the Grand Ole Opry was an LDS convert. I am not sure if he was still a member of record at the time of his death.

Under Actors you also forgot Fay Wray.

Rick Schroder is *not* LDS, but his wife is. I hate it when Mormons feel the need to “claim” someone as their own, even when it’s not true. You did, however, leave off Johnny Whitaker (child actor from the 1960s and early 1970s). Most people would remember him as the curly-topped, red-headed kid, Jody, from Family Affair.

Manuel Leal: What a coincidence! I dislike it when people make blanket, stereotypical statements condemning whole segments of our society! It seems we both have our pet peeves. And, incidentally, Rick Schroder is LDS. He was baptized by his father-in-law in 2000.

This is so cool!

Maude Adams. For over 20 years she was the most beloved woman in American popular culture, and any eBay search shows postcards of her modest Mormon birthplace.

For many, many years, her crib was on display at the Temple, and was an ongoing tourist attraction for non LDS visitors as well as Mormons.

Because she was of the theater and her reign was just before movies and radio, she has fallen off the radar of most Americans.

Still, the characters in and around her life are all the luminaries in the arts at the end of the 19th and the first two decades of the 20th century. Charles Frohman, John Drew, leading light of the Barrymore family, Augustus Saint Gaudens and his son, Homer, and dozens of others.

First and foremost among them was her friendship with British author and playwright J. M. Barrie, a man she made very wealthy with her wildly successful stage interpretations of his work.

Barrie wrote the stage adaptation of his popular book PETER PAN with Maude Adams in mind the whole time, and she introduced the the character of the boy who wouldn’t grow up to millions of adoring fans on Broadway and around the country.

While not a practicing Mormon as an adult, Maude Adams was and was known as a deeply spiritual person, a seeker of truth.

Dane Iorg and his Brother Garth Iorg (father of Cale iorg) are both former major league baseball players and practicing mormons. Garth is also now the 1st base coach for the brewers.

Stephenie Meyer – author of the Twilight Series

Robert Goble, author of Across A Harvested Field, is Mormon. I love his books, and I hear he’s coming out with a new one, a dark horror/fantasy called Pony Rides the Sunbeam. (*)

Bobby Engeman and Jim Pike of the Lettermen attended BYU. Jim, his brother Gary, and Ric de Azevedo, sing The Lettermen hits, billed as “Reunion.” Also, the King Sisters singing group were born and reared in Pleasant Grove. Alyce King is the mother of Ric and Lex de Azevedo. All of the above are or were LDS, and several of them were in the Studio City Ward when I was a missionary there in 1962.

Thanks for the information, I think Mormons are gifted people… 😉

Jimmer!!!!!!!! (*)

Great list! Could you add country singer Charley Jenkins.

Sir Richard-Merlin Atwater (Major, USAF, Retired) is a life-long active Mormon from Maine. His autobiography: The Man Who Helped Bring Down the Iron Curtain reveals his 23 year career as a Top Secret spy in Air Force intelligence during the Cold War in Soviet Affairs that led to the collapse of Soviet communism. He was aso the intelligence officer at He was a BYU Profesor for several years, and author of 25 books, and recorded 4 music albums of original songs he composed. Currently at age 65 he is dubbed The Prime Minister of Pop-Rock Music with a new Pop-Rock music album to be released in late 2011 titled: In Aphrodites Shoes. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2011 by The Florida Writers Association. In 1980 he was the intelluigence officer at Opration Forward Area Aplpha on the Arabian Desert for the Iranian hostage rescue mission.

David Archuleta is a great singer and a Mormon! 😉

Stephen M. Studdert– Former “adviser” (head of security) to the president for President Ford, Reagan and Bush, Sr.

I know Cove Reber personally; he grew up in my stake and is good friend of my brother… He’s not exactly active unfortunately. He joined Saosin right as he was considering a mission, and his activity has declined ever since.

Mark Hoffman, was my D. L. in England Bristol mission 1975-1977, possessed a brilliant mind especially with regards to church history, duped people into buying fake church manuscripts, was working on “oath of a free man” early American historical document, more notorious than famous, banged up in Utah State Penn. Still love him and always be my D. L. He just got in too deep.

Manuel Leal: Very interesting to hear from someone who knew Mark Hoffman! I agree that murder is “too deep,” as you suggest. 🙂

Jimmer Fredette was basketball player of the year 2011 for BYU, he should be added. (*)

With regards to Mark Hoffman, whilst on his mission he was developing a photographic memory, and would memorize and recite whole chunks of the pearl of great price, book of abraham and book of moses. He was also knowledgable about the jehovah witnesses and had a “green dragon” all tabulated, and knew quite a bit about their early church leaders rutherford & russel. He had a book written by one of them with a picture of the saviour on a crucifix, of course the J. W’s do not believe Jesus was crucified on a cross, but on a torture stake. Like I say he knew a lot of stuff. He had a scar on his neck, which he said was from a chemistry lesson accident when at high school, as we know he was responsible for making the parcel bombs, which blew up not only his vitim, but also himself. Apparently a passer by gave him a priesthood blessing that he would live from his injuries. He was partial to english trifle, and we spent p. day eve scoffing copious amounts of the stuff. If you were in a scripture “bash” you would want mark hoffman on your side. Though he denied ever having a testimony of the church, I personally do not believe that as he was a hard working, dilligent, 60hr a week missionary, never jammed off, put in the graft, and u just wouldn’t do that if u didn’t care. One final story, I remember him telling me about Joseph Smith having been chased down a hill by a log, he said not many people knew this but it was depicted in church history. Mark Hofmann was always fascinating.

Manuel Leal: Very interesting!

Ally Condie, author of “Yearbook”, “First Day”, “Reunion”, “Freshman for President”, “Being Sixteen”, “Matched”, and soon, “Crossed”.

Under inventors, Jon Huntsman, Sr. Invented Styrofoam (the source of the Huntsman fortune), and Lorrie Meacham invented Huggies.

I have heard that Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii visited Salt Lake City, where she was baptized a Mormon. Hawaiian oral history says that she was put under house arrest upon her return, because the Protestant missionaries were afraid her people would all adopt her new religion, and allied themselves with the economic and political interests in taking over the country. I don’t have citations on this, but the house arrest is thoroughly established, and did happen immediately upon her return from America.

Mark Schultz should be added. He one of the greatest wrestlers in modern times. One of a handful who were Olympic, World, and National Champions. Former head coach for BYU. Also an early UFC champion.

Hi: I assert you should add Michael (Evans) Ensign, raised in the LDS community of Safford, Arizona (where President Specer W Kimball served as Stake President before being called to the Quorum of the Twelve) to your Famous Mormon list in the category of “actor”. I have been a fan of his work since the mid 70s ((Ghostbusters, Titanic, Seabiscuit, Boston Legal, Star trek, MacGyver, Superman, Midnight Express, WarGames, Mr Mom, etc) I and 5 other Mormon missionaries (including Elder Evans) shared an apartment in Santos, Sao Paulo, Brasil in 1964 where Elder Evans served a 2 1/2 year mission. Thanks, Bob Hallett

Manuel Leal: Very cool. He appeared in one of my favorite Star Trek episodes. I didn’t even know he was Mormon. 🙂

Such a great site. Never knew all these great people were Mormon!

Dana (Kimmell) Anderson was a highly esteemed actress during the late 70’s/early 80’s and played in numerous films and tv shows to include: Lone Wolf McQuade (with Chuck Norris) and Friday the 13th Part 3 (she was the one who killed Jason)…. She was converted my Stewart Peterson thru a movie they starred and co-starred in together. (*)

I heard that Matthew Gray Gubler, the actor from Criminal MInds, was baptised as a child, but I don’t think he is a practicing Mormon. (*)

Interesting website!

To some of us interested in firearms John Browning is considered “The Master”. His Model 1911 pistol is sold by the thousands every year. His other designs for firearms and ammunition have stood the test of time and are still used by the military and the rest of us a hundred years or so later. Brother Browning could use a little more research on his bio.

Jennette McCurdy is mormon. Famous actress on Nickelodeon. She plays Sam on Icarly

There are several hundred mormon athletes identified at http://www.LDSpros.com