Reba McEntire

Country music superstar Reba McEntire enjoyed huge commercial and critical success, initially as a country music performer, and later crossing over to more mainstream pop material before eventually becoming an accomplished actor. Raised in a small town in Oklahoma, and spending much time on the rodeo circuit, McEntire began singing at a young age. She signed her first record deal by her mid-20s and went on to release several hit albums over the course of the 1980s. A life-long fan of movies, and a naturally gifted performer all-around, McEntire began her foray into acting with a role in the cult classic horror/comedy "Tremors" (1990), followed by the comedy "North" (1994), alongside Elijah Wood. On television, she portrayed Annie Oakley in "Buffalo Girls" (CBS, 1995), eventually playing another version of the historical character in the hit Broadway musical "Annie Get Your Gun" in 2001. McEntire achieved real crossover star status with her own television sitcom, "Reba" (The WB, 2001-06; The CW, 2006-07), as a recently separated mother trying to reassemble her increasingly chaotic life. The show went on to become a rare hit for the struggling WB network, and increased McEntire's already substantial fan base. More film, television and stage work followed for the entertainer, although McEntire - who greatly enjoyed her "triple-threat" stature - never forgot where she came from, continuing to record country music, and considering herself its de facto ambassador in all her endeavors.