Leading the Way: Famous Kansans

Kansas is bone deep in my soul and psyche and will always define, shape, and influence my writing.

Kansas has produced it shares of celebrities. From politicians and actors to hometown heroes, Kansas as a place has influenced the lives of many who have achieved fame.

People in the Public Eye are famous as entertainers and politicians.

Alf Landon was an oil company owner, governor of the state of Kansas, and a presidential candidate. Landon lived his beliefs. During his inauguration as governor in 1933, when economic times were tough, Landon allowed no parade, no invitations, no 17-gun salute, and only volunteer musicians. When Landon ran for president against the popular incumbent in 1936 he carried votes in only two states. Landon returned to Kansas and to the oil business following his defeat and never sought public office again. Before his death, Alfred M. Landon saw his daughter, Nancy Landon Kassebaum Baker, become a U.S. senator.

His portrayal of the character Lou Grant spanned two television series: the comedy The Mary Tyler Show (1970 - 1977) and the dramatic series Lou Grant (1977 - 1982). Edward Asner was born and raised in Kansas City where he was active in high school sports and drama. Asner won seven Emmy Awards and five Golden Globe Awards. He served as National President of the Screen Actors Guild for two terms and was inducted into the TV Academy Hall of Fame in 1996.

Kansas women had just been given the right to vote and several men in Argonia were determined to embarrass Susanna Salter. They nominated her for mayor in 1887 as a joke believing she would garner only a few votes. The men were surprised when 27-year-old Salter, mother of four children, was elected by a two-thirds vote to become the first female mayor in the world. Salter was familiar with politics; her father had been the first mayor of Argonia and her father-in-law was a former Kansas lieutenant governor. Salter's administration laid the foundation for a prosperous and orderly city. Following her term as mayor, Susanna Salter returned to her role as wife and mother raising eight children.