Some Of North Carolina’s Most Googled Celebrities Have This In Common

Have you ever 'Googled' yourself?  Come on, admit it.  If not, you might consider trying it.  And, the results could surprise you even if you're not famous.   But, when it comes to some of North Carolina's most googled celebrities it seems they have one particular thing in common.

According to Bet Carolina's latest study of Google numbers, the top 10 most searched celebs include some of the obvious choices.  However, several of the top 10 are alike in their occupation.  Of course, there was a variety of folks from all walks of life including actors, singers, social media influencers and athletes.  And, that's where we find common ground among North Carolina's most Googled celebrities.

So, basketball is a huge part of North Carolina's history.  Therefore, I guess it's no surprise that 4 of North Carolina's most Googled celebrities are basketball players.  And, the first one who comes to mind is obviously Michael Jordan.  Bet Carolina says Jordan's search volume in 2023 was 922,000.

Next on the list is Steph Curry.  Curry, who attended Davidson University and is a decorated athlete has strong North Carolina roots.  And, Curry racked up 916,000 searches for the year studied.  Also, his other passion is a game near and dear to my family.  Curry's Underrated Golf Tour, spotlights up and coming junior golfers.  And, the summer tournament works to give more access to the sport.

Then, coming in at number 5 on the list of North Carolina's most Googled celebrities is Zion Williamson.  The Duke attendee became the fourth youngest NBA player to be selected to an All-Star game in 2021.  Williamson was born in Salisbury and garners an impressive 657,000 searches.

And finally, Winston-Salem's Chris Paul rounds out the foursome.  This member of North Carolina's most Googled celebrities racked up 419,000 searches in 2023.  Nicknamed "CP3" and "the Point God," Paul attended Wake Forest.  And, Paul was a 1st round, 4th overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft.

Bet Carolina set the parameter for inclusion on the list as 'a person who resided in North Carolina in their formative childhood and teenage years for over 10 years.'  Of course, the list included country music superstar Luke Combs, You Tube phenomenon MrBeast and plenty more.  So, be sure to take a look at the full story.

Many celebrities and noteworthy individuals have called North Carolina home at some point in their lives. From actors to musicians, politicians, and athletes. And some elected for North Carolina to become their final resting place after death. In all honesty, there are way too many to name. But as we are approaching fall and spooky season (I know I know, it is a ways off but I'm ready), I figured sharing 13 of the famous people who are buried in North Carolina would be appropriate. And I have to say, some of these are people I would not have expected even had connections to North Carolina. Others make perfect sense are they were important members of the local community.

One exception was made on this list, for a noteworthy individual who technically is not buried here. Instead, his ashes are spread in a place that was special to him. Other than that, each of the other 12 individuals included on this list is buried somewhere in the state of North Carolina. Final resting sites include the mountains, the Piedmont, and on the coast. Each of these people left their mark and legacy on the world in their time. And they will forever be linked to our great state.

To create this list I consulted the website Find A Grave (www.findagrave.com). It's a great resource to figure out where any public figure you can imagine is buried! In fact, if you're truly curious it will even tell the cemetery plot where graves are located. In case, you know, you wanted to pay your own respects. So take a look at 13 of the most interesting famous people who are buried in North Carolina below. Do any of these surprise you? Perhaps you've even visited the gravesite of one or two of these individuals.

Jimmy V the National Championship-winning NC State basketball coach is buried in Raleigh, NC at Oakwood Cemetery. His battle with cancer that cost him his life was well-documented and his inspiring "Don't Give Up, Don't Ever Give Up" speech is still broadcast every year on ESPN.

Andy Griffith is best known for his namesake show The Andy Griffith Show based in the fictional town of Mayberry North Carolina. The star is buried in NC at the Griffith Family Estate on Roanoke Island.

Perhaps one of the most famous evangelists of all time, Billy Graham is buried in Charlotte on the grounds of the Billy Graham Library. Graham is best known for his annual Billy Graham Crusades which he hosted for more than 50 years.

Actress Ava Gardner was born in the small NC town of Grabtown. Though she passed away in England, she is buried in Sunset Memorial Park in Smithfield NC.

NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Sr was born in Kannapolis, NC. He was tragically killed in an accident in Daytona in 2001 and is buried in Mooresville, NC at the Earnhardt Estate.

Wolfman Jack was a DJ, actor, and entertainer whose legal name is Robert Weston Smith. His final resting place is the Smith Family Estate Cemetery in Belvidere, NC. 

Junior Johnson was another NASCAR driver who was a dominant racer in the 1950s and 60s. He later became a team owner. Junior Johnson is buried in Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Cemetery in Ronda, NC. 

Television reporter and journalist Charles Kuralt was born in Wilmington, NC. Perhaps best known for his series "On The Road", Kuralt is laid to rest in Old Chapel Hill Cemetary in Chapel Hill, NC.

Former Panther and Super Bowl winner with the Green Bay Packers Reggie White is buried at Glenwood Memorial Park in Mooresville. White passed away at the young age of 43 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame after his death. 

Professional wrestler Andre the Giant Roussimoff was born and died in France. While he isn't technically buried on the grounds of the Roussimoff Family Ranch, a place he loved dearly, his ashes are spread there. 

Another beloved character from the Andy Griffith Show, "Aunt Bee" or Francis Elizabeth Bavier continued to call North Carolina home and is buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Siler City, NC.

Yes, Buffalo Bob, Robert Smith, of the Howdy Doody Show is buried in North Carolina. The show's create retired to Hendersonville, NC is buried nearby at the Pinecrest Presbyterian Church Memorial Garden Flat Rock.