Famous Latter-day Saints

July 05, 2023 09:00 AM MDT
The Polynesian Cultural Center has attracted the attention of both Latter-day Saints and celebrities over the years. Here are just a few of its most famous visitors.
5 Min Read
April 07, 2022 08:00 AM MDT
Every Easter season, I anxiously anticipate when the classic, Academy Award-winning, biblically epic movie The Ten Commandments begins to play on TV stations around the world.
2 Min Read
October 19, 2021 11:00 AM MDT
Any discussion of Latter-day Saint connections in Star Wars has to begin with the old legend that Yoda was modeled after Latter-day Saint prophet Spencer W. Kimball, who was passably similar in appearance and mannerism.
4 Min Read
By  LDS Living
December 27, 2019 10:04 PM MST
Dan Truman and Jason Deere aren’t your typical Nashville-based singer-songwriters. They founded an inspirational hit band that’s captured the attention of the Christian world with its tributes to the Bible, missionary work, Jesus Christ, and more. We recently asked them about their new album and what they love about music.
2 Min Read
December 11, 2019 09:00 PM MST
When Elder Vai Sikahema was a boy, he kept the law of chastity out of respect for his mother. Then it turned into a desire to obey God’s commandments. Now, as a father, Elder Sikahema finds new gratitude in the blessing it was to his children.
1 Min Read
By  Amy Parker
November 25, 2019 04:33 PM MST
One question we hear people say all the time is, “How is it possible that a story this good was out there, but I’ve never heard of it?” Surely, with our great love and interest in our Church’s history—and the fact that these events take place in Palmyra—you would expect we would all know and be familiar with Willard and Rebecca Bean.
2 Min Read
By  LDS Living
November 22, 2019 10:00 PM MST
1. What is a hobby most people don’t know you have?
2 Min Read
November 17, 2019 10:00 PM MST
In the 1970s, the Osmond family thrilled throngs of screaming fans with performances throughout the United Kingdom. Because of their shining example both on and off the stage, these musical missionaries would play a key role in sharing the gospel and growing the Church in that corner of the world.
10 Min Read
By  LDS Living
October 31, 2019 01:12 PM MDT
Latter-day Saint violinist Lindsey Stirling was recently featured on The Kelly Clarkson Show, accompanying Clarkson as she performed an exciting Halloween-themed rendition of "The Upside."
1 Min Read
October 18, 2019 03:20 PM MDT
Paul Cardall, a well-known Latter-day Saint pianist, became the first Latter-day Saint to win an award at the Gospel Music Association’s 50th Annual Dove Awards, held this week. He received the Instrumental Album of the Year award for his album Christmas, which had already landed a spot on 9 Billboard Charts including no. 1 New Age Album and no. 4 Classical Album.
2 Min Read
By  LDS Living
October 15, 2019 12:06 PM MDT
All four of the original Osmond Brothers—Alan, Wayne, Merrill, and Jay Osmond—gathered for a final performance together for Marie Osmond's 60th birthday on The Talk Monday.
1 Min Read
October 12, 2019 01:00 PM MDT
Bill Marriott puts faith at the forefront of his life, and that's no secret. In the rooms in his hotels guests can find a copy of the Book of Mormon and Bible. At a party celebrating the opening of his $24-million Los Angeles hotel Bill recalled a memorable moment with John Wayne: “He was a very large man and a man of few words, but he let me know exactly what he wanted—a drink—when he said, ‘I understand liquor flows like glue at Mormon parties.’” There was little doubt in any one's mind that to Bill Marriott, faith and family came first.
11 Min Read
October 02, 2019 12:15 PM MDT
“I have never spoken about this before,” Marie Osmond said on Tuesday’s episode of The Talk. “My son who died, he was bullied.”
2 Min Read
September 28, 2019 12:00 PM MDT
The following article previously ran on LDS Living earlier this year and is being shared as part of an article series that will highlight the life and teachings of President Russell M. Nelson. Beginning at his birthday week and leading up to general conference, LDS Living will focus on the insights and life lessons we can learn from the Lord's prophet on the earth today.
3 Min Read
September 28, 2019 09:30 AM MDT
From film to television to music, Latter-Day Saints have left an indelible mark on Hollywood, starring alongside legendary performers in the process. Here are the lucky few whose careers have been immortalized on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, California.
8 Min Read
September 25, 2019 04:20 PM MDT
The story of the Christmas Jars phenomenon is officially getting another chapter! Only this time, fans of the Jason F. Wright novel can watch the beloved Christmas story unfold right before their eyes.
5 Min Read
September 24, 2019 11:57 AM MDT
On Fox Sports' Fair Game with Kristine Leahy, Shaquille O'Neal praised Latter-day Saint NBA player Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen as "the purest NBA guy I've ever met." He continues, "I don’t know much about Mormons or their religion, but . . . most rookies, when they come in, they go crazy, including me. . . . Mark was none of that."
2 Min Read
By  LDS Living
September 19, 2019 04:22 PM MDT
Marie Osmond appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert on Monday, September 16, and even beat the host in a race to see who could list all of their siblings' names in order. The two talked about Donny and Marie's award-winning Las Vegas show, which has been running 11 years. When the show wraps up this November, Marie will have performed more shows on the Strip than Elvis and Celine Dion combined. "We have been very blessed," Marie says of the show and the numerous awards it has received.
1 Min Read
September 18, 2019 12:50 PM MDT
This September has seen countless Latter-day Saint artists topping Billboard charts. And now the success has reached a new peak.
2 Min Read
September 11, 2019 09:00 AM MDT
In 1991, Marriott opened the 37-story, 504-room Financial Center Marriott two blocks from the World Trade Center. It was the only competition for the nearby Vista International hotel, which was nestled between the massive 110-story Twin Towers of the World Trade Center.
11 Min Read
By  LDS Living
September 09, 2019 04:00 PM MDT
During an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Donny and Marie Osmond were asked a question many have wondered: Has their squeaky-clean lifestyle ever held them back?
2 Min Read
September 09, 2019 02:59 PM MDT
Latter-day Saints havelong dominated the classical Billboard charts. But this week, Latter-day Saints have claimed three of the top 10 spots on multiple Billboard charts.
1 Min Read
By  LDS Living
September 06, 2019 04:12 PM MDT
In honor of President Nelson's 95th birthday, Latter-day Saint artists The Bonner Family, Nathan Pacheco, Jenny Oaks Baker & Family Four, GENTRI, and Donny Osmond along with The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square will all be performing at the Conference Center on Friday.
1 Min Read
September 05, 2019 02:00 PM MDT
From a young age, Jenny Oaks Baker’s parents instilled in her a love of music and faith—a faith that has become the central force in her life.
5 Min Read
By  LDS Living
August 30, 2019 02:50 PM MDT
Latter-day Saint dancer and violinist phenomenon Lindsey Stirling has done it again with her new music video, "Artemis."
1 Min Read
August 30, 2019 02:00 PM MDT
It’s no secret the Sosa siblings, Ezra and Stephanie, have wowed an audience with their high-energy dancing on the most recent season of So You Think You Can Dance. But like any family, their path to success didn’t always consist of the brightest days. In fact it was unexpected trials that led them to where they are now.
7 Min Read
By  LDS Living
August 27, 2019 12:54 PM MDT
Latter-day Saint dancers Charity Anderson and Andres Peñate have made history on World of Dance, twice. In 2018 they became the first dancers to earn a perfect score on the show, and they are also the first Latter-day Saints to win the junior division. Recently, the duo teamed up with the Piano Guys to create a stirring music video of Lewis Capaldi’s "Someone You Loved."
1 Min Read
By  LDS Living
August 26, 2019 03:10 PM MDT
After 11 years and more than 1,600 performances at the Flamingo, Donny and Marie were honored by the city of Las Vegas with a key to the Strip and an upcoming star on the Walk of Stars.
1 Min Read
August 21, 2019 05:36 PM MDT
Eliana Su’a does resemble the Disney animated character Moana. There is no denying it. But on the set of Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, where Eliana was starring in her first major motion picture as Sam, the daughter of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the popular Disney movie came to life. It all started when Hollywood sweethearts Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively brought their daughters on the set of the film while Reynolds was filming a brief cameo appearance. Their daughters, who are both under the age of 5, began following Eliana around the set saying, “Moana, Moana!”
3 Min Read
By  LDS Living
August 21, 2019 12:02 PM MDT
Despite receiving glowing praise from the judges, both of the Sosa siblings found themselves in the bottom four of So You Think You Can Dance this week.
1 Min Read
August 08, 2019 04:00 PM MDT
The tragic death of Latter-day Saint YouTube sensation Grant Thompson has been reported by major news outlets including The New York Times, CNN, BuzzFeed News, The Washington Post, and more. With 11 million subscribers and billions of views on his videos, it is no surprise that Grant’s unexpected death has caused a stir. As these reporters review the highlights of his life, however, many are failing to mention what Grant may have considered his greatest accomplishment: his role as a husband and father in the gospel.
6 Min Read
August 08, 2019 09:00 AM MDT
From the entertainment world to the medical field, Latter-day Saints have made several significant contributions to the way we live in the modern world.
16 Min Read
August 06, 2019 03:41 PM MDT
In 16 seasons, Fox's So You Think You Can Dance has never had a pair of siblings crack the top 10 together. Until now.
2 Min Read
August 02, 2019 01:03 PM MDT
As a seasoned, media-savvy leader of a D1 college football program, Ken Niumatalolo is deft at answering tough questions.
1 Min Read
July 27, 2019 03:00 PM MDT
This story previously ran on LDS Living in June 2017 but has been updated to include new information.
11 Min Read
By  LDS Living
July 18, 2019 12:53 PM MDT
Six-year-old Claire Ryann Crosby has been on The Ellen Show more than most big-name actors, not to mention she starred in live-action retellings of The Little Mermaid and Anastasia. But despite her YouTube and Hollywood fame, Claire's most stunning videos continue to be those that testify of her faith, including this gorgeous new video, "Consider the Lilies."
1 Min Read
By  LDS Living
July 10, 2019 04:55 PM MDT
What do flat earthers, Tupac, and the moon landing have in common? They were all recently featured in a skit that won over the judges on NBC's Bring the Funny.
1 Min Read
July 09, 2019 02:00 PM MDT
A little over 100 years ago, Jack Dempsey became the heavyweight boxing champion of the world, defeating four-year defending champion Jess Willard in a title fight by way of corner retirement between the third and fourth rounds.
8 Min Read
By  LDS Living
July 03, 2019 01:13 PM MDT
With the recent release of the movie Yesterday in theaters across the nation, The Piano Guys have decided to take their own twist on this iconic Beatles song. "This poignant timeless Beatles melody has always been a favorite of ours," they posted on YouTube. "With this arrangement, we attempted to portray the idea of someone breaking free of melancholy with fond reminiscence of happier times."
1 Min Read
June 29, 2019 09:19 AM MDT
The following story originally ran on LDS Living in 2015 and has been updated to include recent information.
4 Min Read
June 26, 2019 09:19 AM MDT
A returned missionary going back to visit the country where they served? Normal. Moving there, earning a spot on a professional soccer team, touring nearly the entire country as a back-up dancer, and then starting a movement that involves running down the entire coast of the country picking up tons (literally tons) of trash along the way? Not so normal. But that is exactly what Clayton Thomas Kearl is doing.
8 Min Read
By  LDS Living
June 25, 2019 12:10 PM MDT
Against a striking, alien backdrop, The Piano Guys have done it again, creating a breathtaking music video using James Horner's music from Avatar. Check out this new video filmed in Disney World's Animal Kingdom:
1 Min Read
June 18, 2019 02:30 PM MDT
Although Nathan Pacheco has performed a variety of projects throughout his vocal career, his latest album released, “My Prayer,” has brought him “a little closer to heaven” than he was before.
1 Min Read
June 17, 2019 09:00 AM MDT
The following article previously ran on LDS Living in August 2014.
4 Min Read
By  LDS Living
June 14, 2019 04:10 PM MDT
Between fulfilling his role as a father and working his job as the chief executive officer of the Philadelphia 76ers, Scott O'Neil leads a busy life.
1 Min Read
June 07, 2019 05:29 PM MDT
Surrounded by screaming fans at Madison Square Garden, Justin Osmond watched his dad and uncles onstage perform some of the hits that made the Osmonds mega-stars of the 1970s.
1 Min Read
By  LDS Living
June 06, 2019 02:37 PM MDT
It's not often you see the presiding bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints hitting the no. 1 spot on a Billboard chart. But Bishop Gérald Caussé and Nicolas Giusti just took that acclaimed spot on the classical charts with their album Joyful.
1 Min Read
May 30, 2019 04:20 PM MDT
Glenn Beck was a teenager when his mother died by suicide. Having experienced depression as a boy, Beck recalls the oppressive grief and the feeling of inevitability that he would follow in his mother's footsteps. "You get to a place to where you think, 'Well, that's just in our blood. That's the way it works in our family, and I am going to repeat her mistakes,'" Beck says in the Good Morning America podcast Journeys of Faith with Paula Faris.
5 Min Read
By  LDS Living
May 29, 2019 02:11 PM MDT
Marie Osmond thanked everyone for prayers on behalf of her newest granddaughter yesterday.
1 Min Read
By  Chad Lewis
May 25, 2019 02:46 PM MDT
Before his football career with BYU and the Philadelphia Eagles—as a member of the latter he also became a three-time pro-bowler—Chad Lewis served a mission in Taichung, Taiwan. Though his mission was difficult at times, it was while serving others in Taiwan that he learned some of the most important lessons of his life. It was also during those two years that he was convinced to walk onto BYU’s football team, beginning his prolific career in the sport. The following excerpt includes Lewis describing an experience he had during his mission:
4 Min Read
May 22, 2019 12:41 PM MDT
"I got a new ministering companion and was so excited when I learned that I had been paired with a celebrity in our ward," Sharon Eubank said in a video she shared on her Facebook page.
1 Min Read
May 14, 2019 12:41 PM MDT
Humanitarian leader and businesswoman Gail Miller will be honored with a congressional award for setting an example for youth and expanding opportunities for Americans.
1 Min Read
May 11, 2019 01:00 PM MDT
From TV shows to charity foundations to a member of their family being knighted, there is no doubt the Osmond family has become one of the icons of entertainment throughout the 1960s to today.
1 Min Read
By  LDS Living
May 08, 2019 01:34 PM MDT
With Mother's Day approaching, GENTRI released a cover mashup of the songs "You Say" and "Wind Beneath My Wings," featuring Ryan Innes, Yahosh and O/B/A Bonner, and EJ Michels.
1 Min Read
May 04, 2019 12:00 PM MDT
Professional MMA fighter Westin Wilson sees no conflict between the religion he lives and his profession in Mixed Martial Arts. In fact, the father of two uses his fame and publicity as a platform to share the gospel.
6 Min Read
May 03, 2019 10:00 PM MDT
Nine children with 34 gold and platinum records, hit television shows, over 102 million records sold worldwide, and an international following in the UK torival that of the Beatles' success in the United States. Not to mention anon-profit foundationthat has raised more than $5 billion for 170 children's hospitals across the nation.
4 Min Read
May 01, 2019 05:00 PM MDT
From the Osmond family's relationship with Elvis Presley to Justin Osmond's experience as a deaf person, father and son Merrill and Justin Osmond are sharing some of their greatest life lessons through their new video podcast, Sound Advice.
2 Min Read
April 27, 2019 01:26 PM MDT
While it is impossible to mention all the Latter-day Saint athletes making a difference in the world today, here are a few examples of those who have stood for their faith and the empowering messages they've shared about our Savior Jesus Christ and His gospel.
11 Min Read
April 25, 2019 02:19 PM MDT
Celebrated opera soprano Charity Tillemann-Dick not only stunned audiences with her awe-inspiring voice, she also motivated thousands to live truer, fuller, more intentional lives. On April 24, Tillemann-Dick passed away at 35 years old. On her Facebook page, her loved ones posted:
1 Min Read
April 16, 2019 12:16 PM MDT
Despite blowing the judges' minds since her audition on American Idol and being told by Katy Perry "You could win this competition!" Latter-day Saint Ashley Hess did not make the top 10 this week.
1 Min Read