Legendary Pittsburgh sportswriter and broadcaster Myron Cope (1929–2008) became one of the most recognizable voices in American football as the color commentator on Pittsburgh Steelers radio broadcasts for 35 years, beginning in 1970. But his biggest national impact was as creator of the Terrible Towel, which Cope introduced to rally fans for a 1975 playoff […]

One of the most influential figures in modern dance, Martha Graham (1894–1991) is recognized as a primal artistic force of the 20th century. Born in what is now Pittsburgh’s North Side, she began dancing after moving with her family to California at age 14. She would go on to create 181 ballets and a dance […]

A photographer best known for documenting Black life in Pittsburgh during the mid-20th century, Charles “Teenie” Harris (1908–1998) was a lifelong resident of the community he chronicled. Born and raised in the city’s Hill District, he got his first camera at age 3 and began his professional career in 1937, opening a studio and taking […]

Considered one of the greatest running backs in professional football history, Franco Harris (1950–2022) played 13 seasons in the National Football League, winning four Super Bowl championships with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 1970s. He became a football legend when he scooped up a deflected pass and ran for the winning touchdown in a 1972 […]

An entrepreneur whose name is associated with a wide range of food products around the world, Henry John Heinz (1844–1919) spent his life and built his legendary namesake business in the Pittsburgh area. The founder of the H. J. Heinz Company was born in what is now the city’s South Side and raised in Sharpsburg, […]

An actress and singer known for her work in film, television, and on stage, Shirley Mae Jones (1934– ) has captivated generations with her sparkling soprano voice and timeless beauty. During a career that spanned more than six decades, she starred in over 30 movies, including three legendary musicals, and she gained pop culture success […]

Regarded as one of the greatest players in ice hockey history, Mario Lemieux (1965– )  spent his entire National Hockey League career with the Pittsburgh Penguins, thrilling fans with his exceptional skating, playmaking, and goal-scoring abilities and leading the team to Stanley Cup championships in 1991 and 1992. Born in Montreal, the Canadian phenom known as […]

One of the most prolific composers in film and television history, Henry Mancini (1924–1994) became famous for creating memorable soundtracks and theme songs that blended jazz, pop, and orchestral styles. Among his most well-known works are “Moon River” and “The Pink Panther Theme.” Born Enrico Nicola Mancini in Cleveland, he grew up in the Beaver County town of […]

One of the most beloved actors in American film history, James Maitland Stewart (1908–1997)—known to all as Jimmy—was celebrated for his warm screen presence, distinctive voice, and enduring performances in classic Hollywood movies. Born and raised in the southwestern Pennsylvania town of Indiana, he became one of the most admired stars of the 20th century, […]

An engineer, inventor, and industrialist, George Westinghouse Jr. (1846–1914) played a major role in the development of electrical power systems, and he revolutionized railroad safety through the invention of an air brake system used worldwide. Born and raised in New York, Westinghouse showed an early talent for mechanics and innovation. In 1868 he moved to Pittsburgh and founded Westinghouse Air Brake Company in the city’s Strip […]