Pittsburgh City of Heroes
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When many of us think of Pittsburgh, we envision a blue-collar city of faceless steel workers. However, even though Pittsburgh has historically been an industrial city, it has also been home to some of the world's greatest artists, musicians, actors, and athletes. Perhaps the most famous person to come from Pittsburgh is Andy Warhol, the great artist most famous for his renditions of Campbell's soup cans and Marilyn Monroe. Born in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh, Warhol studied art at Pittsburgh's Carnegie Mellon University before moving to New York City. Pittsburgh natives have also made their mark on Hollywood. Jimmy Stewart came from Indiana, Pennsylvania, a stone's throw away from Pittsburgh. Demi Moore also lived in the Pittsburgh area as a child. Other famous Hollywood stars who came from the Pittsburgh area include Charles Bronson, Holly Hunter, Barbara Feldon, Jeff Goldblum, Michael Keaton, and Charles Grodin. Mr Rogers, the long-time staple of children's television, was also a Steel City resident. Pittsburgh also has a rich musical heritage. Perry Como, Henry Mancini, and Dean Martin all hailed from the Pittsburgh area, as did Bobby Vinton, Lou Christie, and Dusty Drake. Iconic 19th century American songwriter Stephen Foster also hailed from Pittsburgh. The world of sports can also count many native Pittsburgh residents in its ranks. In baseball, there's Ken Griffey Sr., Ken Griffey Jr., George Brett, Stan Musial, and Honus Wagner. Basketball Hall-of-Famers Pete Maravich, Maurice Stokes, and Jack Twyman were all Pittsburgh natives. However, football is how many Pittsburgh area natives made their mark. Bill Cowher, Tony Dorsett, Joe Montana, Joe Namath, Jim Kelly, Jack Ham, and George Blanda all called the Steel City home. In other sports, notable Pittsburghers include Arnold Palmer, Jim Furyk, and Rocco Mediate in golf. Michael Moorer, the 3-time heavyweight boxing champion, and Kurt Angle, the Olympic gold medalist wrestler and current pro wrestling superstar, are also area natives. Even the world of ice hockey has seen an influx of Pittsburgh-area talent. Currently, there are 5 Pittsburgh natives in the NHL, including RJ Umberger, Ryan Malone, and George Parros. It is easy to overlook the Steel City and the contributions it's citizens have made to the world, but there is not an aspect of American culture or history that has not been shaped by a native of Pittsburgh. Names like Heinz, Carnegie, Westinghouse, and Mellon have shaped the lives of millions. Alexander Hays, George Marshall, and Admiral Peary made their impact as military commanders. From art, music, entertainment and sports to industry and American history, few cities in America can boast such a roll call of famous citizens, thus making the humble city of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania one of the great cities of this nation.
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Pittsburgh City of Heroes