Support Us Button Widget

Famous Lakelanders You Know

Screen Shot 2019-10-10 at 1.29.17 PM

Lakeland, Florida | Photo by Catapult Lakeland

Table of Contents

We might not think we are a part of the fame and fortune of television and Hollywood today, but in reality, we couldn’t be more wrong. Famous athletes, Olympians, actors, and even supermodels had to have their roots somewhere - who would have thought it would have been in the Lakeland area?

Ray Lewis

The NFL Great himself was a Lakeland native who graduated from Kathleen High School. An infamous Baltimore Raven, he was named MVP of the team’s Super Bowl victory in 2001.

Lindsey Alley

A famous Mouseketeer and actress, Lindsey graduated from Lakeland High School in 1996. Other shows you might have seen her in: Ernest Saves Christmas, Bedtime Stories, How I Met Your Mother, and On the Patio.

Rhea Durham

Rhea spiked to fame as a model for Victoria’s Secret. You may recognize her from their ads or even storefront images. She’s also married to Mark Wahlberg. You go girl! She was discovered in a model search at the Lakeland Square Mall.

Bob Murphy

This pro-golfer has won five PGA titles! Sounds like quite a few rounds of golf. He graduated from Mulberry High School.

Lee Janzen

Lee has won two U.S. Opens since stepping out on the green. This is no longer a game of put-put.

Ken Brokenburr

It takes time, training, and dedication to make it to the Olympics in your sport. Ken ran out of Winter Haven and onto the track for the U.S. team in 2000 and is also a medalist.

Brooke Bennett

The U.S. Olympic swimmer came out of Winter Haven to swim in the 1996 Olympics, and even received a gold medal. She also participated in the 2000 Olympics in Australia and medaled there, as well.

Rowdy Gaines

Three-time Olympic gold medalists Rowdy Gaines is from Winter Haven. He’s also a member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame and the U.S. Olympics Hall of Fame.

Tracy McGrady

Dunking hoops from Orlando to San Antonio, Tracy first started on the court in Auburndale.

Matt Joyce and Gus Schlosser

Both former Florida Southern Mocs, these pro baseball players will be on their team’s starting line up this season. Look for Matt at a Ray’s home game down in St. Pete.

Chris Sale

This Yankee lead pitcher is a Lakeland native, as well. He graduated from Lakeland High School and was a first round draft pick.

Joe Nemechek

For all you NASCAR Fans, good ol’ Joe is a constant on the racing circuit and also a Lakeland native.

There’s more out there! Who else can you think of? List them below. Be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and share who else is a Lakeland Star!

More from LALtoday
There are both benefits and strict guidelines for homes in Lakeland’s seven historic districts. Does your home make the cut?
Check out our guide to the many meaningful murals you can find around our city.
Lakeland’s iconic bird mascot gets an annual visitor in the form of Canadian pelicans.
This is where you’ll find our readers grabbing a bite and catching a game.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in Swan City.
Polk is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels — check out our favorites in and around Lakeland, Florida.
Strawberries, citrus, and sunflowers await at these U-pick spots where you’ll harvest your own bounty.
Whether you’re seeking a new romance or a fresh friendship, we’re asking readers where they go to meet people in Lakeland.
This home in the Beacon Hill Historic District has a story that spans over a century — in fact, it’s almost as old as the City of Lakeland itself.
Grab your boo or your bestie to celebrate love, friendship, and everything in between at these events around Swan City.