Back in May we brought you a list of ten people, some famous and others just of noteworthy countenance that you instantly know who they when you see them out and about in Houston. Seems we left off ten other people deserving of the title of Most Recognizable, and today we point them out.
10. Lynn Wyatt: It's unlikely we have a greater face of wealth than Lynn Wyatt. From her home in River Oaks she has hosted everyone from royalty to rocks stars, and she remains one of the most active philanthropists around. She's been in Vogue, and voted best socialite in damned near every magazine that's offered that category. Always stylish and warm, Wyatt can be seen all around the best parts of town wearing only the best.
Flashback The Rest of the Best: The 10 Most Recognizable People in Houston
9. Monica Pope: When it comes to local chefs that everyone loves the list in Houston is short, but it always contains Monica Pope. She's currently helming the Sparrow, the best place to eat in Midtown, and she regularly makes all the top ten food lists in addition to our hope to one day make it on Chopped. She's instantly recognizable with her short, spiky hair, endless collection of T-shirt over long sleeves combos, and pixie-like enthusiasm in everything she does.
8. Chloe Dao: It's easy to forget sometimes, but Houston has a fashion scene and it can be pretty amazing. Chloe Dao represented us in the second season of Project Runway, and walked away with the prize. Now she makes a home with her boutique in Rice Village, Dao Chloe Dao, where every inch of the store has her personal touch. Wherever there's a showcase of new and exciting looks in the city, you'll be able to pick out Dao right in the middle.
7. Mattress Mack: Of all the people I left off of the first list, Jim McIngvale is easily the one I deserve the most thorough drubbing for. Generation after generation of Houstonians can quote his Gallery Furniture commercials; he's probably the most memorable person/event in Houston advertising aside from the Thunderbolt Transmission jingle. You'll find him out on the floor getting things done, too, or at the various Tea Party rallies he supports.
6. Sheila Jackson Lee: The representative of our 18th district has become a staple of national politics. She's one of out most popular politicians (The lowest she's ever won her seat by is 70 percent) and she's famous for getting out to meet the people. Her leftist positions on many issues ensure that she's always in the news (And cross hairs) from the Red State majority, and her trademark braided hair serves as a headdress that cannot be mistaken.
5. Joel Osteen: Though I joke that it looks like Zack Braff found God every time I pass Osteen's billboard, you can't argue that he's one of Houston's most noticeable personalities. His ministry at Lakewood Church reaches over seven million people a week in more than 100 countries. He's won over a lot of people with his focus on God's goodness, as well as the idea that prosperity is a sign of God's blessing that appeals to the more libertarian sides of the population. We could certainly do worse than Osteen as the face of Texas religion.
4. Dr. Red Duke: There's no one like Dr. Red Duke, and if I am ever horribly injured I really hope I end up in his hands for Duke's well-known surgical genius as well as the opportunity to tell people I met Red Duke. We've seen him on TV our whole lives with his thick Texas drawl and magnificent mustache breaking down every thing we need to know about the world of medicine. Any doctor that's good enough to treat John F. Kennedy after he was shot should be good enough for the rest of us. Houston would not be the medical powerhouse it is today without his contributions.
3. Bun B: The former partner of Pimp C is a veritable titan of Texas rap that you cannot miss and who continues to cement our city as a haven for rap. You can also catch him teaching at Rice these days, when he's not rocking the mike at any number of concerts. I can also personally attest there is no nicer man in all of rap.
2. Dominique Sachse: There's just something about Dominique Sachse that is instantly relatable. That's probably why she's celebrating 20 years at KPRC. She's more than an anchor, she's like a friend. What else would you call someone we've gone through weddings and births and important life events with?
1. George H. W. Bush: Though our 41st president is an immigrant from Massachusetts, he's been a point of pride for Houstonians for decades. He and Barbra Bush have lived in Houston since he left the White House. It's always a thrill to be at the Alley Theatre and see the Secret Service walk in to check out the premises before escorting the former president to his seat to catch a show. These days it's not as fun as it used to be, as Parkinson's has left him mostly wheelchair-bound and his health deteriorates as he closes in on his 90th birthday. Still, he was and is an amazing man who left his mark on the world more so than almost any other of our citizens.
Jef With One F is a recovering rock star taking it one day at a time. You can read about his adventures in The Bible Spelled Backwards or connect with him on Facebook.
