Notable Mormon Entrepreneurs and Entertainers

It seems that Mitt Romney's run for President of the United States has him under close scrutiny these days. Definitely, he is not the richest person that has run for this office, but the fact that he paid more than ten per cent of his income to the Mormon Church (otherwise known as LDS - to which he belongs) has caused quite a stir. Here are a few other Mormons who have paid the price to be successful in business or in entertainment, and are fairly well known throughout the world.

Donny Osmond

Over fifty years ago, Donny began his stardom in Chicago. He was recently was interviewed by Piers Morgan, telling of his rise, fall, and then rise again in show business. As you can see in the video, he stays true to his beliefs. Donny was seventh of nine children. The Osmond Brothers were an item before Donny joined them at age five.

Marie Osmond

Of course, you cannot mention Donny without Marie Osmond. They went through all of it together as well as the rest of their family members. Marie sells dolls, has danced on Dancing with the Stars, and is a spokesperson for Jenny Craig after losing several pounds.

Gladys Knight

One of my favorite soul singers is Gladys Knight. She came and sang here in our little town of Laie, Hawaii a few years ago, and shared her story of baptizing into the Mormon Church. She joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (otherwise known as Mormons) in 1997. She has even advised leaders of the church to put a little 'pep' into their music (in jest). Besides performing, she has written several books and owns a restaurant chain in Georgia.

Derek and Julianne Hough

You might recognize this pair. This brother/sister duo are pro dancers on Dancing with the Stars. Their parents and grandparents were also dancers.

David Archuleta

An American Idol runner up, David is a Mormon, and just recently announced that he will take two years off to serve a mission for his church. He began at the age of ten, competing in talent shows. Even overcoming partial vocal paralysis, David did not give up his dream of singing, and has recorded three albums.

Stephanie Meyer

The author of the Twilight series is also a Mormon. Stephanie Meyer really found her niche, and she credits her religion for her perspective on the world and what she writes.

Other Notable Mormons

J. Willard Marriott, Founder of Marriott Hotels

David Neeleman, Founder of JetBlue Airways

Nolan D. Archibald, CEO of Black and Decker

Bryce Harper, baseball - first overall pick in the 2010 MLB draft (chosen by the Washington Nationals)

Steve Young, 49ers quarterback (direct descendent of Brigham Young).

There are too many to mention here, but there is a facebook group called Famous Mormons. Also there is a great site which gives names of known Mormon:

• actors
• athletes and olympians
• artists
• authors
• educators
• engineers
• executives
• involved in media
• lawyers
• musicians
• military and other service
• politicians

Check it out and you might be surprised who is Mormon. I was, and yes, I am a Mormon.

On further research, I found that there is actually a list of famous Baptists, Catholics, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and other religions online. Just do a google search and you'll find them. You can even find a list of famous athiests. May we all live in peace!