Most Famous Whites in the World

The surname White runs through entertainment history, showing up on credit rolls, album liners, and prime-time schedules across multiple generations. From ground-breaking television to era-defining records and influential writing rooms, these artists and creators helped shape what millions watch, hear, and talk about every day.

Below is a cross-section of widely recognized figures named White—actors, musicians, filmmakers, comedians, and television personalities—each with career highlights, signature works, and milestones that made their names familiar well beyond their core fan bases.

Betty White

Betty White built one of television’s longest careers, with major roles on ‘The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ and ‘The Golden Girls’, plus a later-career run on ‘Hot in Cleveland’. She hosted ‘Saturday Night Live’ after a viewer campaign and appeared in hundreds of episodes of scripted and unscripted TV, game shows, and specials.

Her work earned multiple Emmy Awards across acting and hosting categories, along with Screen Actors Guild and Television Hall of Fame honors. White also published books and supported animal-welfare causes, using her visibility to fundraise and narrate wildlife programming.

Jack White

Jack White rose to prominence as singer-guitarist of The White Stripes before forming The Raconteurs and The Dead Weather and releasing a string of solo albums. He has produced notable projects—including Loretta Lynn’s album Van Lear Rose—and recorded the James Bond theme for ‘Quantum of Solace’ with Alicia Keys.

Through Third Man Records, he established a label, pressing plant, and performance space that champion vinyl releases and archival projects. His recordings and productions have earned multiple Grammy Awards, and his songwriting—most famously the stadium-chanted “Seven Nation Army”—became part of global sports culture.

Barry White

Barry White’s bass-baritone voice and orchestral arrangements defined a soulful, romantic sound that topped charts worldwide. He led Love Unlimited and the Love Unlimited Orchestra, scoring an instrumental No. 1 with “Love’s Theme,” while releasing solo hits such as “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Babe” and “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything.”

As a producer, arranger, and bandleader, he shaped an elegant R&B style that influenced later generations of singers and hip-hop sampling alike. His albums earned multiple gold and platinum certifications, and his late-career work brought Grammy recognition for recordings that reaffirmed his impact.

Vanna White

Vanna White has co-hosted ‘Wheel of Fortune’ for decades, becoming a fixture of American television. She transitioned with the show from mechanical letter-turning to a digital puzzle board and has appeared in primetime specials, tours, and crossover segments tied to the series.

She has stepped in to host episodes when needed and participated in charity initiatives connected to the program’s long-running giveaway format. Outside the show, White has authored a memoir, made guest appearances on scripted TV, and pursued philanthropic projects that leverage her enduring public profile.

Michael Jai White

Michael Jai White starred in ‘Spawn’, becoming one of the first Black actors to headline a major comic-book superhero film. On television, he portrayed Bronze Tiger on ‘Arrow’ and led the cult-favorite action-comedy ‘Black Dynamite’, later reprising the concept in an animated series.

A lifelong martial artist with black belts in multiple disciplines, White brings fight choreography and technical authenticity to roles across film and TV. He has also worked behind the camera—directing titles such as ‘Never Back Down 2: The Beatdown’—and frequently collaborates on independent action projects.

Jaleel White

Jaleel White became a household name as Steve Urkel on ‘Family Matters’, a character whose popularity expanded from a guest appearance into a series lead. He later voiced Sonic in three animated series: ‘Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog’, ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’, and ‘Sonic Underground’.

White has continued with guest roles, hosting gigs, and production work, including appearances in comedies and dramas that showcase range beyond his signature sitcom role. He also contributes voice acting to games and animation, maintaining a presence with audiences who grew up alongside his early work.

Mike White

Writer-director Mike White penned ‘School of Rock’ and co-wrote ‘Nacho Libre’, pairing character-driven comedy with crowd-pleasing stories. On television, he created ‘Enlightened’ and ‘The White Lotus’, serving as showrunner, writer, and director across seasons.

His TV work earned multiple Primetime Emmy Awards, recognizing writing, directing, and series production. White’s screenplays and series often combine satirical elements with carefully drawn ensembles, and he has collaborated with a wide range of actors while balancing studio features and auteur television.

Meg White

Meg White was the drummer for The White Stripes, contributing the minimalist, driving rhythms that framed the duo’s blues-garage sound. The band’s albums yielded global hits and major festival headlining slots, elevating a two-person lineup to arena scale.

Alongside studio releases, The White Stripes issued live recordings and concert films, while music videos and art direction reinforced a distinctive red-white-black visual identity. After the band disbanded, its catalog continued to reach new listeners through sports anthems, film placements, and reissues.

Alan White

Alan White was the longtime drummer for progressive-rock band Yes, joining during a period of extensive touring and remaining through multiple classic and later lineups. He performed on many of the group’s best-known albums and international tours over several decades.

Beyond Yes, White recorded with John Lennon and George Harrison, appearing on singles and albums that broadened his studio résumé. His adaptable style bridged complex progressive arrangements and concise pop-rock formats, supporting hit singles and extended compositions alike.

Maurice White

Maurice White founded Earth, Wind & Fire, serving as bandleader, producer, and co-writer of hits including “September,” “Shining Star,” and “Boogie Wonderland.” He developed a signature blend of R&B, funk, jazz, and pop, assembling a large ensemble with horns, vocal harmonies, and choreography.

Under his direction, the band earned multiple Grammy Awards, sold out tours, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. White also produced for other artists, expanded the group’s production company, and helped shape album concepts and stage productions that traveled worldwide.

Verdine White

Verdine White is the bassist and a founding member of Earth, Wind & Fire, anchoring the group’s rhythm section on classic albums and tours. His playing appears on the band’s biggest singles and live recordings, supporting arrangements that highlight horns and layered vocals.

In addition to performing, Verdine has contributed to arranging and musical direction for the group’s concerts and television specials. He supports arts education through a namesake foundation, offering scholarships and music-program funding tied to his long career in performance.

Ron White

Ron White gained national recognition through the Blue Collar Comedy phenomenon, which included arena tours and the ensemble TV series ‘Blue Collar TV’. He appeared in the concert film ‘Blue Collar Comedy Tour: The Movie’ and released multiple televised specials and albums that charted on comedy lists.

White’s stand-up features long-form storytelling recorded across network and streaming platforms, resulting in best-selling videos and audio releases. He has also published a memoir and performed internationally, maintaining a touring schedule that spans theaters and large venues.

Michael White

Michael White was a prolific stage and film producer who brought boundary-pushing works to the West End and screen. He produced the original stage run of The Rocky Horror Show and backed innovative revues and plays that helped define a creative moment in London theatre.

In film, he produced ‘Monty Python and the Holy Grail’ and supported projects by emergent talents who later became cultural mainstays. His body of work bridged theatre and cinema, with a reputation for nurturing unconventional material into mainstream visibility.

Share your picks for other famous Whites we should include in the comments!