Lifestyle
5 Celebrities That Aren’t From Texas, but Should be
I’m not from Texas. I moved to Kerrville 25 years ago just as I was entering junior high. At the time venturing from the East Coast to the middle of Texas, even if it was the Hill Country, seemed like the worst thing that could ever happen. Over time I began to appreciate the scenic views, the slower country life, and all the qualities that make Texas and her people fantastic.
Like me, there are many people in our country, particularly celebrities that would be a great fit in Texas. Whether it’s their bravado, their outdoorsy nature, or their personalities, these five folks would fit in quite nicely in the Lone Star State, and some have already joined our ranks.
1. Chuck Norris
Photo: Facebook/Chuck Norris
Maybe this one is a little cliché, but give him a chance and you’ll find Chuck is true Texas material. Of course, there is the obvious fact that he played in the hit TV series “Walker Texas Ranger.” I imagine that many Texas Rangers balk at the idea that a black belt is needed to do the job, but you have to admit, a few windmill kicks and some butt-kicking isn’t such a bad thing.
Born in Oklahoma on March 10, 1940 (that’s crazy!), Chuck Norris is an accomplished television and movie actor but is also highly successful in his personal life. He is the first Westerner to achieve an 8th Grand Master Rating in the 4,500-year history of Tae Kwon Do. Norris is also a best-selling author and a six-time World Professional Middle Weight Karate Champion.
Additionally, the legend of Norris is nearly as large as Texas itself. More important than the legend is the fact he is socially active (no not just social media) and he’s a veteran. He is a long-time supporter of the Second Amendment and is an active supporter of our military service members. He also started a program called “Kickstart Kids,” helping at-risk kids to develop “strong moral character through martial arts.” The program has graduated 85,000 children since 1992.
Maybe the greatest thing about Norris, he is now a Texan. Norris lives on a ranch, with his family, near Houston.
2. Pretty Much any of the Duck Dynasty Family
Photo: Facebook/Duck Dynasty on A&E
It’s true, the Robertsons have had their fair share of news and controversy, but what self-respecting, independent Texan hasn’t had their share of scrutiny? The fact is, their wit, charm, hard work, and family values all represent standard Texas dogma. The Duck Dynasty brand as a major hunting, apparel, and outdoors brand might be enough by itself.
Whether it’s Uncle Si’s no non-sense style, patriarch Phil’s simple guidance, Willie’s whit and charm, Jase’s or any of the family members, there is a character that would fit seamlessly in nearly every Texas setting. These guys hunt, fish, and possess little reservations when “going big.”
Forget about politics and public feuds, there is a great deal about the Robertsons that make an excellent Texas fit. This family appears to be the kind of people you would want to spend a Texas summer afternoon with or have along to grab a cold beer, and that makes them Texas material in my book.
3. Clint Eastwood
Photo: Wikimedia
One could argue Clint Eastwood is the cowboy’s cowboy given, of course, he’s not an actual cowboy. If you’re going to be a fake cowboy, Clint Eastwood is likely the kind of fake cowboy many of us want to be.
Born in 1930, Eastwood’s career spans 50 years and is one of the most relevant of any Hollywood celebrity in generations. After three years in the Army, Eastwood was discharged in 1953 and began his career as an actor in Los Angelas. In 1958 he landed his first major role on the hit TV series Rawhide.
He eventually traveled to Italy and starred in a series of hit “spaghetti westerns” (because they were filmed in Italy, get it, spaghetti) directed by Sergio Leone. While his career began as a cowboy, he eventually starred in several successful comedies and gritty action flicks. As a director, Eastwood has created several award-winning films like “Million Dollar Baby” and “Letters from Iwo Jima.”
Few people know Eastwood also dabbled in politics when he served two years as mayor of Carmel, California. My guess is if he ran again, he would likely win pretty much whatever race he wanted.
While not a real cowboy, Eastwood’s film legacy, rugged good looks, and pension for history and storytelling would cement his place in the Texas expanse if he ever chose to call this great state home.
4. Mike Rowe
Photo: Facebook/Mike Rowe
I truly believe there is no way to accurately summarize Rowe’s life or career. Somehow, he is the kind of guy nearly everyone could get along with, all the while being the guy no one really talks about, he might be the least “celebrity” of the celebrity world. Honestly, the real way to get a good feeling of Mike is to follow him on Facebook or follow his podcast. His dry wit, intelligent talk, and willingness to politely wade into some otherwise un-wadable social issues makes each of his posts a worthwhile read/listen.
After a bit of opera, yes opera, and a stint on QVC, Mike found a home as the host of Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs.” There, he built a reputation of getting in touch with everyday Americans, doing everyday jobs most of us didn’t know existed. His dry sense of humor and otherwise shifty banter made the show a success. According to his website, he traveled to all 50 states and tried to complete 300 different jobs while hosting the show.
Mike’s life is now filled with public speaking engagements, running his foundation mikeroweWORKS, and discussing issues primarily focussed on skilled labor. In 2014 Mike paired with CNN to bring a new show to the air “Somebody’s Gotta Do It.” Once again his show introduces viewers to people getting stuff done in a variety of different ways.
While he is technically a Californian, Mike’s attention to skilled labor, manufacturing, and hard work, coupled with his no-nonsense humor would make him a great fit in Texas.
5. Jewel
IMAGE: Facebook/Jewel
She’s from Alaska, and that’s good enough for me. I think anyone who can survive in the Alaskan wilderness is welcome in Texas anytime. Jewel’s folksy sound and multi-genre appeal led her through a successful 20+ year career in pop, folk, country, and Americana music.
Jewel’s love for music and her talent are part of her family legacy. She and her father, Atz Kilcher (family patriarch of Discovery Channel’s “Alaska: The Last Frontier”), sang together through her youth. According to a 2013 article at cleveland.com, her musical talent is just one part of her Texas persona. “I was raised to work hard and not feel entitled,” Jewel said of her wilderness upbringing. Making her a perfect fit for the Texas country.
If that wasn’t enough Jewel was married to retired professional bull rider Ty Murray, and now lives in Stephenville, Texas, making her officially a Texan.
There are over 350 million people in America and nearly 27 million reside in Texas. Not everyone is “Texas Material,” but there is no doubt we would happily have or would accept these five celebrities. With famous faces like Tommy Lee Jones, Jewel, Chuck Norris, and Sandra Bullock calling the Lone Star State home, Texas is looking pretty good.
