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We kicked off this series last Friday by listing Notable People Named Karen. Today, let’s create the definitive list of people named Louis. (Or Lewis.)
The concept is pretty simple: If you know of a notable person with that name, leave a comment explaining why he belongs on our list. They need not be famous. Beloved teachers or old roommates or nice waitresses are all welcome. And we’ll be back next week with a girly name that starts with ‘m.’ We’re alternating boys and girls as we dance through the alphabet, like weatherpeople do with hurricanes.
Lots to choose from. Louis XIV, Louis Armstrong, Louis Vuitton.
But I’ll start things off with some more obscure examples. Former New York Jets defensive lineman Lou Benfatti is probably my high school’s most famous alum. At that same learning institution, Lewis Potters was one of my greatest teachers (as his 1996 Morris Knolls High School Teacher of the Year trophy would suggest). And Lou Harrsch is one of Hollywood’s brightest young star executives. Write that name down somewhere. Or, you know, just bookmark this page.
Comments (35)
Comment
My husband (Louis Jr) and his dad. My father in law was an amazing man, who passed away last year. He was a judge, who when people here I am his daughter in law they are always quick to compliment his years of service and dedication.
posted by Jo-Ann on 1-11-2008 at 7:29 am
Louis B. Mayer, the notable third part of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM).
posted by K on 1-11-2008 at 7:41 am
Does Louie Anderson count? He always creeped me out, but that’s kind of notable.
posted by Tracy on 1-11-2008 at 7:47 am
louis leakey
posted by q on 1-11-2008 at 8:15 am
Myself.Nobody gets this name anymore, I’m 23 and have met one other person named Lewis or Louis.
posted by Lewis on 1-11-2008 at 8:17 am
Lou Costello!…….Hey, Abbbbbooootttt
Captain Lou Albano, rockin the rubber bands
Lewis Black comedian
Lou Reed singer
posted by qt314159265 on 1-11-2008 at 8:23 am
I nominate the character Lewis from Dumb and Dumberer. The lone shining “star” from that trainwreck of a movie.
posted by Ben on 1-11-2008 at 8:35 am
Louis L’amour
One of the west’s best authors.
posted by Jeremy on 1-11-2008 at 8:38 am
Lou Rawls.
Louis Gossett, Jr.
St. Louis.
Lew Alcindor.
Chef Louie from The Bakery in Chicago (yum!) (Louis Szathmary) (RIP)
posted by Moon on 1-11-2008 at 8:48 am
Louis Sachar, one of the greatest kid’s lit authors.
posted by Emily on 1-11-2008 at 8:49 am
Two stars from the journalistic field (sort of): Lewis Grizzard and (my hero) Lewis (Studs) Terkel.
posted by harold on 1-11-2008 at 8:58 am
Huey Lewis (Of Huey Lewis and the News)
Also, Lou Ferigno and Lou Gehrig.
posted by Doc on 1-11-2008 at 9:02 am
Lewis Carroll, author of Alice In Wonderland and Through The Looking-Glass.
posted by John on 1-11-2008 at 9:05 am
Not yet notable (but he will be) is my son James Lewis. He’s only 2-1/2 so give him time.
posted by Beth on 1-11-2008 at 9:10 am
Louis Sachar is a great choice.
Mine would be Uncle Lewis from Christmas Vacation. “That ain’t the friggin’ Christmas Star, Griz, it’s the light from the sewage treatment plant.”
posted by stacy on 1-11-2008 at 9:36 am
Louis Prima! Just a gigolo, everywhere I go….
posted by fixedgear on 1-11-2008 at 9:49 am
Al Lewis, Grandpa from the Munsters!
John L. Lewis, former head of the Teamsters. (the “L.” stands for Llewellyn! At some point in his life, he may have been known as Lew Lewis!)
posted by Moon on 1-11-2008 at 9:49 am
OMG! I almost forgot Meriwether Lewis!
posted by Moon on 1-11-2008 at 9:51 am
Louis Pasteur?
posted by qt314159265 on 1-11-2008 at 10:02 am
Louis Braille (I tried to write that in Braille, but it didn’t work)
posted by Megan on 1-11-2008 at 10:15 am
Gotta say Fat Louie from The Princess Diaries. He’s definitely the best.
Failing that, my cousin Lou, who now goes by Samantha. :D
posted by Allison on 1-11-2008 at 11:42 am
One of my favorite comedians, Lewis Black.
posted by Tamara Evans on 1-11-2008 at 12:25 pm
I’d nominate my uncle Louis but I don’t like him very much.
So instead I’ll nominate Louis Comfort Tiffany, for all his fabulous designs and artwork.
posted by Hannah on 1-11-2008 at 1:21 pm
Most notable person FORMERLY known as Lewis - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar nee Lewis Alcindor, Jr.
posted by Wanda on 1-11-2008 at 2:32 pm
A kid in my class named Louis- he’s barely 11, but he’s in a tenth grade math class. That’s just weird, if you ask me.
posted by Anon on 1-11-2008 at 3:11 pm
Lennox Lewis the boxer
posted by Mike on 1-11-2008 at 3:30 pm
I know a cat isn’t a person, but my cat Louis is on his way up the evolutionary ladder. He’s got opposable thumbs.
posted by Tricia on 1-11-2008 at 10:36 pm
Louis (CK) Szekely
posted by Gary on 1-12-2008 at 4:03 am
Lewis Black the greatest Comedian of all time!
posted by Ray on 1-12-2008 at 5:06 pm
Louis Brandeis, Supreme Court Justice and namesake of Brandeis University.
posted by Matt on 1-12-2008 at 10:04 pm
Okay maybe this only half counts by my Grandpa’s middle name was Louis. He passed away almost 4 years ago now but he was the most kind, wonderful, funny, sweet man I ever knew. He always saw the good in people which is where I think my Dad gets it. He was also a minister, a poet and a songwriter who had 5 children, 13 grandkids, 14 great grandkids and one great great grandkid!
posted by Sandy C on 1-12-2008 at 11:42 pm
C.S. Lewis. One of the greatest theologians and authors of all time.
posted by Jeremy Tallo on 1-13-2008 at 7:38 am
Louis Pasteur…. I can’t believe no one has mentioned him. He is to thank for pasteurization. And he was a founder of microbiology. :)
posted by Dany on 1-13-2008 at 2:40 pm
Lewis Hamilton - next big thing in F1
Carl Lewis - wonderful smile, most fav athlete ( thanks to ‘84 Olympics)
-F
posted by Falcon on 1-14-2008 at 10:27 am
Lewis Potters is the worst teacher ever
Just my opinion
As a current student of Morris Knolls High School, I just feel compelled to voice this over the internet, that he is a pompous, self-obsessed, son of a bitch. He shoots down anyone with a somewhat different idea then his with some “witty” sarcasm, and then insults anyone who doesn’t laugh. Maybe he was different when he taught you, and has become callous and bitter over the years. Maybe you are very much like him, and therefore he treated you with the respect he denies others. I don’t know, but to make a long story short….I respectfully disagree sir. Thank you.
posted by Kevin on 6-6-2008 at 12:07 pm