Lithuanian Learning Community and Resources

Nobody is surprised when the most gorgeous actors, musicians, and scientists come from Italy, Spain, France, Germany, and other large nations. But trust me, in a world where many have never heard of tiny Lithuania, we name our famous Lithuanians with great pride. 

In one of my articles, I have already mentioned a few names, but there are many more, and I believe it might be a good conversation starter with local people to talk about the stuff that’s put us on the global map. 

Famous people of Lithuanian origin 

1. Pink  

Alecia Beth Moore, famously known as Pink, hails from Pennsylvania with a colorful lineage — her mom’s a Litvak (Lithuanian Jew) from Vilnius. Her family tree stretches back to the lively streets of Vilnius, Lithuania. Pink wraps up her diverse background in a neat package, calling it “Irish-German-Lithuanian-Jew.” This world-renowned US singer, songwriter, and actress boasts three Grammy Awards, a Brit Award, and six MTV Video Music Awards. Quite the global sensation, right? 

2. Bob Dylan 

A true legend in music and art, Bob Dylan has been captivating audiences for over five decades. Dylan’s trophy shelf is overflowing with awards, including the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature. 

Robert Allen Zimmerman, better known as Bob Dylan, was born on May 24 (by the way, I was born the same day! :) ), 1941, in Duluth, Minnesota. His father, Abram Zimmerman, was the son of Russian Jews, and his mom was from the Jewish-Lithuanian family who sought a new beginning in America in 1902. 

3. John C. Reilly 

 John C. Reilly, the hilarious American comedian, actor, and singer known for teaming up with Will Ferrell in blockbuster comedies, is the fifth of six kids born to a Lithuanian mother and an Irish father, right on the south side of Chicago. He’s made a name for himself with memorable roles in movies like “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” (1993), “The Hours” (2002), and “Chicago” (2002). 

4. Brandon Flowers 

 Any fans of “The Killers” here?

 Brandon Flowers, the charismatic frontman of the music group “The Killers,” has a grandmother from Lithuania. This guy burst onto the scene in the early 2000s, making waves with hits like “Hot Fuss” (2004), “Sam’s Town” (2006), “Sawdust” (2007), and “Day & Age” (2008). And it’s not just with the band; Flowers has rocked the charts with his solo albums, too, landing in the top 10. 

5. Anthony Kiedis 

 As well as Brandon Flowers, Anthony Kiedis, the lead vocalist of Red Hot Chilli Peppers, is a second-generation Lithuanian.  

Kiedis hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan, born to Margaret “Peggy” Nobel and John Michael Kiedis (a.k.a. Blackie Dammett). His dad’s side of the family originally made their way over from Lithuania in the early 20th century. 

6. Rose Namajunas 

Meet Rose Gertrude Namajunas, or as she’s known in her Lithuanian roots, Rožė Gertrūda Namajūnaitė. Born on June 29, 1992, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she’s a powerhouse in the world of mixed martial arts, proudly holding the title of UFC champion. Rose has twice dominated the UFC women’s strawweight division. 

Rose’s heritage is deeply Lithuanian: her mother, Jolita Namajūnienė, is a musician, and her father, Artūras Namajūnas, was an artist. The family, including her older brother Nojus, went to the US in 1991, seeking a new life.  

7. Birutė Galdikas (Birutė Marija Filomena Galdikas-Brindamour)