Famous Cajuns

This project highlights the many notable figures who trace their roots to the Creole and Cajun communities of southern Louisiana.

Cajuns

Cajuns -- les Cadiens -- are an ethnic group mainly living in the U.S. state of Louisiana, consisting of the descendants of French-speaking exiles from Acadia in what are now the Canadian Maritimes. About 500,000 Americans list themselves as Cajun, including nearly 450,000 in Louisiana.

Cajuns have exerted an enormous impact on the state's culture. Since their establishment in Louisiana, Cajuns have developed their own dialect, Cajun French, and have developed a vibrant culture that includes distinctive folkways, music, and cuisine.

A map of the parishes in Louisiana with the largest Cajun populations can be seen here.

Famous Figures

Please list below the notable Cajuns you add to this project.

D

• Ellen DeGeneres (1958 - ), comedian and talk-show host; from Metairie, Lousiana

F

• Brett Favre (1969 - ), legendary American football quarterback; paternal ancestors were Cajun

L

• Shia LaBeouf (1986 - present), actor; son of Cajun father
• Tom Landry (1924 - 2000), legendary American football coach; paternal ancestors were Cajun
• Lt. Gen. John A. Lejeune (1867 - 1942), 13th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps; from Point Coupee Parish, Louisiana
• Jared Leto (1971 - present), actor and singer; from Bossier City, Louisiana

P

• Paul Prudhomme, (1940 - present) chef, from Opelousas, Louisiana

Resources

• History of Cajun Country
• Cajun Genealogy Resources
• Wikipedia: List of Cajuns
• A Brief Guide to Acadiana
• Cajun Heritage & Recipes