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Welcome again everyone and for this time I will discuss the article about "Houston's Iconic Celebrities: Who They Are and What They Do", Houston, Texas is a thriving city with a rich culture and diverse community. It's no surprise that many celebrities have chosen to call this vibrant metropolis home. From musicians to athletes, actors, and business moguls, Houston has been a popular destination for the rich and famous for decades. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the celebrities that live in Houston.
1. Beyoncé
No list of Houston celebrities would be complete without mentioning Queen Bey herself. Born and raised in Houston, Beyoncé has always been proud of her roots and often references her hometown in her music. In 2014, she and her husband Jay-Z bought a massive mansion in the city's exclusive River Oaks neighborhood, complete with a massive outdoor pool, helipad, and multiple guest houses. They reportedly paid $88 million for the property, making it one of the most expensive homes in Houston.
Beyoncé is also known for giving back to her community, particularly through her BeyGOOD initiative. In the wake of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, she donated millions of dollars to relief efforts and worked with local organizations to provide aid to those in need.
2. Travis Scott
Travis Scott is a rapper, singer, and songwriter who was born and raised in Houston. He first gained fame in 2013 with his mixtape "Owl Pharaoh," and has since released several critically acclaimed albums. In 2020, he made headlines for his partnership with McDonald's, which resulted in a limited-edition meal and a line of merch.
Like Beyoncé, Travis Scott is also known for his philanthropy. In 2018, he launched the Cactus Jack Foundation, which aims to provide opportunities and resources for underprivileged youth. The foundation has since donated to organizations that support education, health, and social justice initiatives in Houston and beyond.
3. Jim Parsons
Jim Parsons is best known for his role as Sheldon Cooper on the hit TV show "The Big Bang Theory." Although he was born in Houston, he grew up in nearby Spring, Texas. In 2019, he and his husband, Todd Spiewak, purchased a stunning mid-century modern home in the city's historic neighborhood of Riverside Terrace. The house, which was built in 1962, features floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious backyard with a pool and outdoor kitchen.
Parsons has also been active in Houston's theater scene, having graduated from the University of Houston's School of Theatre and Dance. He has served on the board of directors for the Stages Repertory Theatre, and in 2018, he and Spiewak donated $300,000 to the University of Houston to establish an endowed scholarship for LGBTQ students in the School of Theatre and Dance.
4. Tilman Fertitta
Tilman Fertitta is a billionaire businessman and owner of the Houston Rockets NBA team. He is also the CEO of Landry's, Inc., a hospitality and entertainment company that owns several popular restaurants and casinos across the country. Fertitta was born and raised in Galveston, Texas, and has since made Houston his home base.
In 2019, Fertitta made headlines for his purchase of the Houston Rockets for a reported $2.2 billion, making it the highest price ever paid for an NBA franchise. He has also been a major contributor to the city's arts and culture scene, serving on the board of directors for the Houston Museum of Fine Arts and donating millions of dollars to the University of Houston's athletics program.
5. Simone Biles
Simone Biles is an Olympic gold medalist and one of the most accomplished gymnasts of all time. She was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, but moved to Houston in 2017 to train at the World Champions Centre, a gym owned by her parents in the Houston suburb of Spring, Texas. Since then, she has become a beloved member of the Houston community.
Biles has won a total of 30 Olympic and World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast of all time. She has also been a vocal advocate for mental health, opening up about her struggles with anxiety and depression. In 2021, she withdrew from several events at the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health, sparking a nationwide conversation about the importance of mental health in sports.
6. Joel Osteen
Joel Osteen is a televangelist, author, and pastor of Lakewood Church, one of the largest megachurches in the country. The church is located in Houston's affluent Upper Kirby neighborhood and can seat up to 16,000 people. Osteen has been criticized for his prosperity gospel message, which emphasizes material wealth and success as signs of God's favor.
Despite the controversy surrounding his teachings, Osteen has amassed a massive following and is estimated to be worth over $100 million. He has also been active in the Houston community, particularly in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. In 2017, he and his church opened their doors to flood victims, providing shelter and supplies to those in need.
7. Patrick Swayze
Although he passed away in 2009, Patrick Swayze was once a beloved member of the Houston community. The actor and dancer was born in Houston in 1952 and grew up in nearby Oak Forest. He later attended San Jacinto College in Pasadena before moving to New York City to pursue his acting career.
Swayze is best known for his roles in hit movies like "Dirty Dancing," "Ghost," and "Road House." He was also an accomplished dancer and trained in ballet and jazz from a young age. Despite his fame and success, Swayze remained humble and grounded, often returning to Houston to visit his family and friends.
Conclusion
Houston has long been a destination for celebrities seeking a vibrant, diverse community and a high quality of life. From Beyoncé to Patrick Swayze, Houston has been home to some of the biggest names in entertainment, business, and sports. Whether they are giving back to the community through philanthropy or simply enjoying the city's many amenities, these celebrities have helped to shape Houston's culture and identity.