Most Famous Roys in the World

From classic crooners and box-office stars to visionary filmmakers, virtuoso musicians, and global sports icons who crossed into pop culture, these are the most recognizable celebrities who share the first name Roy. Each entry highlights career-defining roles or achievements, signature works, and lasting contributions that keep their names familiar around the world.

Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison was an American singer-songwriter celebrated for his operatic voice and timeless hits like ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’, ‘Only the Lonely’, and ‘Crying’. He was a founding member of the supergroup Traveling Wilburys alongside George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, and Jeff Lynne. Orbison’s recordings influenced generations of rock and pop vocalists and producers. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Roy Rogers

Roy Rogers became a household name as the “King of the Cowboys,” starring in dozens of Western films and the television staple ‘The Roy Rogers Show’. He co-founded the harmony group Sons of the Pioneers, bringing Western music to mainstream audiences. Rogers’ image—often with his horse Trigger—anchored a vast merchandising and radio presence. He helped define family-friendly Western entertainment on radio, film, and TV.

Roy Scheider

Roy Scheider was an acclaimed actor best known for ‘Jaws’, where he played Chief Martin Brody, and for roles in ‘The French Connection’ and ‘All That Jazz’. He earned Academy Award nominations for acting in both drama and musical categories. Scheider’s career spanned stage, film, and television, with notable work in ‘SeaQuest DSV’. His performances combined physical intensity with nuanced character work, cementing his status as a leading man of the New Hollywood era.

Roy Clark

Roy Clark was a virtuoso country guitarist and banjoist who co-hosted the long-running TV variety series ‘Hee Haw’. He popularized country music with crossover performances and guest appearances on network talk and variety shows. Clark was a member of the Grand Ole Opry and earned multiple Country Music Association honors, including Entertainer of the Year. His technical skill and onstage charisma influenced countless country and bluegrass musicians.

Roy Hargrove

Roy Hargrove was a Grammy-winning jazz trumpeter who bridged acoustic jazz with soul, hip-hop, and funk through projects like the RH Factor. He collaborated with leading artists including Herbie Hancock and D’Angelo, contributing to a resurgence of groove-oriented jazz. Hargrove’s small groups showcased lyrical improvisation and tight ensemble interplay. His legacy endures through widely performed compositions and recordings that continue to inspire young horn players.

Roy Andersson

Roy Andersson is an award-winning Swedish filmmaker renowned for meticulously composed long takes and deadpan humor. His trilogy—including ‘Songs from the Second Floor’, ‘You, the Living’, and ‘A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence’—earned top festival honors and critical acclaim. Andersson’s studio-based production method emphasizes painterly sets and precise blocking. His distinctive visual language has influenced directors and commercial filmmakers around the world.

Roy Kinnear

Roy Kinnear was a beloved British character actor recognized for scene-stealing turns in ‘Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory’, ‘Help!’, and ‘The Three Musketeers’. He worked extensively with director Richard Lester and appeared in numerous British television comedies. Kinnear’s versatility made him a go-to performer for both slapstick and subtle comedic roles. His career left a lasting mark on British film and TV ensembles.

Roy Dotrice

Roy Dotrice was a stage and screen actor known for ‘Amadeus’ and for appearances in ‘Game of Thrones’ as the pyromancer Hallyne. He set a Guinness World Record for the most character voices in a single audiobook for his narration of George R. R. Martin’s epic series. Dotrice trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and had a distinguished theatre career. His voice work and television roles reached a global audience.

Roy Williams

Roy Williams is a Hall of Fame college basketball coach whose success at Kansas and North Carolina made him a national sports figure. He led North Carolina to multiple NCAA championships and produced numerous NBA players. Williams is recognized for high-tempo offenses and player development rooted in strong fundamentals. His press conferences and sideline presence kept him in the broader pop culture conversation each March.

Roy Keane

Roy Keane became one of football’s most famous midfielders and captains during his tenure at Manchester United. He won multiple Premier League titles and anchored the club’s domestic and European dominance. Keane later managed and served as an assistant coach for club and national teams. His forthright punditry and autobiography broadened his public profile beyond sport.

Roy Choi

Roy Choi is a chef and restaurateur credited with sparking the modern food truck movement through Kogi BBQ in Los Angeles. He has authored cookbooks, opened influential restaurants, and consulted on the film ‘Chef’. Choi co-hosted the Netflix series ‘The Chef Show’, bringing professional technique to home cooks. His community-focused projects highlight food’s role in culture and social change.

Roy Thomas

Roy Thomas is a comics writer and editor who succeeded Stan Lee as editor-in-chief at Marvel. He helped usher characters like Conan into mainstream comics and co-created or advanced figures such as Ultron, Carol Danvers, Morbius, and Iron Fist. Thomas’s long runs on titles including ‘The Avengers’ and ‘X-Men’ shaped major storylines adapted for film and television. His scholarship on comics history also includes editorial projects and reference works.

Roy Wood Jr.

Roy Wood Jr. is a comedian and actor widely known for his correspondent role on ‘The Daily Show’. He has headlined national stand-up tours and released critically regarded specials. Wood has hosted major events, guest starred on scripted series, and launched podcasts and radio projects. His reporting-style comedy segments helped introduce political satire to broader TV audiences.

Roy Harper

Roy Harper is an English singer-songwriter whose expansive folk-rock catalog influenced artists like Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. He recorded collaborative tracks with prominent rock musicians and appeared on landmark albums. Harper’s literate lyrics and extended song forms earned a dedicated following among musicians and critics. His work continues to be reissued and rediscovered by new listeners.

Share your picks for the most iconic Roys—and the key roles or songs that made them memorable—in the comments!