Asheville and Western North Carolina have long attracted artists, musicians, actors, and writers—drawn by our scenic beauty, vibrant culture, and inviting communities. But beyond the visitors and famous names who pass through, Asheville has produced some remarkable stars of its own. Here’s a look at the celebrities who’ve lived here, grown up here, or chosen to make WNC their sanctuary.
🌄 Asheville’s Homegrown Stars
Roberta Flack
The Grammy-winning soul legend, best known for Killing Me Softly with His Song and The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face, was born in Asheville. Her voice and artistry made her one of the most influential artists of her generation, and her roots remain here in the mountains.
Luke Combs
The multi-platinum country star grew up right here in Asheville. Born in Huntersville in 1990, his family later moved to the area, and he attended AC Reynolds High School, where he sang in choir and performed in musicals. He even performed at Carnegie Hall as a student. Today, Luke Combs is one of country music’s biggest names, with Grammy nominations, record-breaking tours, and chart-topping hits—but his journey started in Asheville.
Gladys Knight
The “Empress of Soul,” best known for timeless hits like Midnight Train to Georgia and Neither One of Us, has called Western North Carolina home. With multiple Grammy Awards and a career spanning decades, Gladys Knight’s voice and artistry have made her one of the most influential performers in music history — and her presence in WNC adds even more soul to the mountains.
Chase Rice
Before becoming a Nashville star with hits like Eyes on You and Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen., Chase Rice grew up in Asheville and attended AC Reynolds High School. After football at UNC and a stint on Survivor, his music career took off. He’s now a country mainstay—but that WNC grit and storytelling spirit still runs through his songs.
Warren Haynes
A guitar legend with the Allman Brothers Band, Gov’t Mule, and the Warren Haynes Christmas Jam, he’s an Asheville native through and through. His annual benefit concert is a beloved tradition that brings world-class musicians to town while supporting local charities.
Bellamy Young
Best known for her role as Mellie Grant on Scandal, Bellamy Young grew up in Asheville. In 2024, she even rallied her Scandal castmates for a virtual reunion benefiting Hurricane Helene recovery efforts in WNC. Her Asheville roots continue to guide her community spirit.
Jermaine Dupri
Before becoming a Grammy-winning producer and hip-hop mogul, Jermaine Dupri was born in Asheville, even though his IMDB claims ATL. He went on to build a career launching artists like Kris Kross, Usher, and Mariah Carey, and founding So So Def Recordings.
🌟 Celebrities Who’ve Made WNC Home
The actress and former Revlon model lived in a stunning Tudor-style home in Biltmore Forest for years before selling it in 2012. She was often spotted enjoying Asheville’s shops and restaurants, bringing Hollywood glamour to everyday mountain life.
Steve Martin
The comedian, actor, and banjo virtuoso owns a home in Brevard, just 45 minutes from Asheville. He often plays with the Asheville-based Steep Canyon Rangers, even creating a bluegrass musical set right here in WNC.
Zach Galifianakis
Known for The Hangover and his offbeat humor, Galifianakis keeps a low profile on his North Carolina farm, about an hour from Asheville. He’s famously private, but his choice to live simply in WNC speaks volumes about the area’s pull.
Adam “Edge” Copeland
The WWE Hall of Famer and actor has long lived in WNC, enjoying a quieter life in the mountains while balancing his Hollywood and wrestling career.
James Franco
The actor, writer, and filmmaker spent time studying writing at Warren Wilson College in Swannanoa. During this period, Franco lived and worked around Black Mountain and Asheville, engaging with the local arts and literary community.
✍️ Asheville’s Literary Legends
Thomas Wolfe
Asheville’s most famous writer, Wolfe penned Look Homeward, Angel and immortalized Asheville in his stories. His boyhood home is now a historic site, and his legacy still echoes through our literary culture.
Zelda Fitzgerald
Writer, artist, and muse of the Jazz Age, Zelda lived and tragically died in Asheville at Highland Hospital. Her time here is part of Asheville’s deep literary past, tied to resilience and creativity.
🌍 Frequent Visitors & Rumored Residents
- Brad Pitt was long rumored to have had property in Biltmore Forest.
- Jennifer Lawrence, Jennifer Lopez, Woody Harrelson, Ben Affleck, and others have been spotted visiting Asheville and Hendersonville for its mix of art, music, food, and mountain escape.
✨ Asheville: Where Stardom Meets Serenity
From country music chart-toppers like Luke Combs and Chase Rice, to soul icons like Roberta Flack, guitar greats like Warren Haynes, and Hollywood stars like Andie MacDowell—Asheville and WNC have always been a magnet for talent. Whether born here, raised here, or simply drawn to the mountains’ magic, these stars remind us that Asheville shines bright on its own stage.
