Lauren Keaton

Have you ever sat down and actually thought of how many famous Texans there are headlining papers, dominating the silver screen and entering our homes every night on TV?

From the White House to Hollywood... they are everywhere.

Some names have been around for a while- Sissy Spacek, Farrah Fawcett, Sandy Duncan and Tommy Lee Jones are the first to come to mind when talking about southern celebrities, aside from country singers.

But, within the last few years actors and musicians from the Lone Star State have exploded into the limelight, making me realize that Texans really seem to be taking over.

Now, it is no secret that folks from this area are proud of where they come from.

Ask most Texans and they will tell you that the "Jumbo State" should be its own country, but they stay with the rest of America because they don't want to hurt anyone's feelings.

Maybe a joke... but I wonder.

My family is originally from here, but growing up mainly in the New York area, like most "Yankees," I was sucked into the misconception that all success stems from two places: Manhattan and L.A.

Now, stars like actor Matthew McConaughey, singer Jessica Simpson and Oscar-winners Renee Zellweger and Forest Whitaker (just to name a few) are quickly proving that idea wrong.

In recent entertainment news, Latin beauty Eva Longoria, from Corpus Christi, became a household name when the mega hit series "Desperate Housewives" ratings surged, bringing her and co-stars, along for a ride in the spotlight.

The show has 27 million viewers each week and she is definitely feeling the benefits of her fame. Voted by Variety as one of the "10 new faces to watch," she has also been named one of Rolling Stone's "People of the Year," USA Today's "TV's Hot 11" and TV Guide's "New Faces of Fall."

Plus, here is something you probably didn't know about Eva: Apparently she is really funny.

She stars and co-produces a critically acclaimed comedy/variety show at L.A.'s The Comedy Store called "Hot Tamales Live," which is said to be a consistent sellout.

This along with a newly-launched career on the big screen, it seems like Variety is right... keep an eye on this yellow rose.

Then, pop-psychology icon, Dr. Phil McGraw, who has changed lives all across America with his down-home values, is just one person who is bringing their no-non-sense character into the mainstream.

Going from a recurring guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show, to having his own syndicated, one-hour, daily "get real" session, he has become the most popular shrink around the globe.

In this day and age, with so much emphasis on things that don't matter, I think the world needs a little more "Texasness" in it, which is exactly what Dr. Phil is delivering.

But, the seemingly most adored young man in Texas comes from right here in the Pineywoods.

Longview native, Matthew McConaughey, is stirring things up quite a bit with his career... oh, and his looks.

It just goes to show that "ya'll really know how to grow 'em" down here.

Just last month, he graced us with his pearly whites on the cover of People Magazine, when the mag named the 37-year-old bongo-playing babe as America's hottest bachelor.

Now, does anyone disagree with that?

I didn't think so.

Aside from his dashing good looks, Matthew really is a serious actor, referencing films such as "A Time to Kill" and "Amistad," and his not-so-serious "Dazed and Confused" along with chick-flick sensation "The Wedding Planner," opposite J. Lo.

Either way, he is quite a success and seems to be very proud of his home state, talking about his southern upbringing often in interviews.

Other notables like Beyonce Knowles, Hilary Duff and even the late Anna Nicole Smith are so different, but they all have one thing in common: their Texas roots.

With its innate pioneer spirit and hard-working values, this larger-than-life area has transformed into much more than just a great place to live, it's also become a breeding ground for success.

No matter who you feel represents the state best; it goes without saying that Texans should be very, very proud.

Lauren Keaton is a staff writer for the Tyler Paper.
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