1

Richard Rodgers

Image: Dayne Topkin

Legendary composer Richard Rodgers was the first artist to achieve the EGOT. Over the course of his career, he composed 43 Broadway musicals and more than 900 songs. In addition to winning all four of the entertainment industry's top awards, Rodgers received a Pulitzer Prize, making him the first person to be awarded all five prizes.

In 1945, he won the Oscar for his song in the musical State Fair . Five years later, he received the first of his six Tonys for South Pacific (he would also win for The King and I and Pipe Dream , among others). In 1960 The Sound of Music gave Rodgers his first Grammy. Finally, in 1962, he completed the EGOT thanks to his composition for The Valiant Years , a documentary series about Winston Churchill.

2

Helen Hayes

Image: Alfred Cheney Johnston, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

In 1977, Helen Hayes became the first woman to earn the title of EGOT artist after winning a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Recording for Great American Documents . The famous actress, also known as "First Lady of American Theatre", received her first Academy Award in 1931 for The Sin of Madelon Claudet —in 1970, she would receive another for _Airport_—.

A few years later, she won two Tony Awards for Happy Birthday and Time Remembered , and an Emmy for the Schlitz Playhouse of Stars series. But that's not all. Hayes was such a significant artist for American culture that, in 1986, she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the National Medal of Arts in 1988.

3

Marvin Hamlisch

Image: Lucas Alexander

Composer Marvin Hamlisch, who gained fame and critical acclaim for a prolific career working on the soundtracks of dozens of films and plays, finally achieved his fourth distinct award in 1995. It was due to an Emmy for the music and lyrics for Barbra: The Concert.

By the mid-1970s, he had already won three Academy Awards for The Way We Were and The Sting , four Grammys, and a Tony for A Chorus Line . Did we mention that he also received a Pulitzer Prize? Certainly, Hamlisch was one of the most accomplished artists of the 20th century.

4

Mel Brooks

Image: Felipe Vieira

With a career spanning over seven decades , director, comedian, and screenwriter Mel Brooks has won multiple prizes and distinctions, including all four of the entertainment industry's top awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, and a National Medal of Arts, among many others.

Brooks finally became an EGOT artist in 2001. The artist won four Emmys for Outstanding Writing Achievement in Variety and as a guest actor on the sitcom Mad About You ; three Grammys as a composer and comedian; an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay; and three Tony Awards for the theatrical version of The Producers , the most awarded musical in the history of Broadway.

5

Whoopi Goldberg

Image: Library of Congress Life, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

The star of The Color Purple , the beloved Whoopi Goldberg, is the first African-American to achieve EGOT status. In 1986, she received her first award, a Grammy for Best Comedy Album. In 1990, she added another accolade to her list with an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Ghost .

In addition, in 2002, Goldberg won both the Tony Award as a producer of the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie and her first Daytime Emmy for Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel —in 2009, she would win another for The View .

6

Mike Nichols

Image: cottonbro studio

American film and theater director Mike Nichols, known for masterpieces such as Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? , Silkwood , and Working Girl, fell short of the EGOT in the 1960s. However, he finally earned the coveted title in 2001, when he received two Emmy Awards for his TV movie Wit .

In 1962, he was awarded a Grammy for his comedy show with Elaine May. Two years later, he won the first of his nine Tonys for the theatrical version of Barefoot in the Park . In 1967, Nichols received an Oscar for directing the mythical The Graduate . The Emmy had to wait 34 more years, but fortunately, it ended up arriving four years before he died in 2014.

7

Jennifer Hudson

Image: Kazuo ota

Did you know that Jennifer Hudson is the youngest woman to become EGOT? She earned the title in 2022, when she won a Tony for producing the Broadway show A Strange Loop .

Hudson already had an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls , a Grammy for her 2009 debut studio album, and a Daytime Emmy for her role as executive producer on Baby Yaga .

From rising to fame for her appearance on the third season of the reality series American Idol to being inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the 42-year-old actress and singer is one of the most promising artists of the 21st century.

8

John Legend

Image: Lijo Joseph

In 2018, singer, songwriter, and producer John Legend made history by becoming the first African American man to achieve EGOT status. In addition, Legend is the first person to receive the four awards in four consecutive years.

The artist can proudly boast 18 Grammys, including Best New Artist and Best R&B Album. In 2014, he received an Academy Award as composer of the song "Glory" for the movie Selma , while three years later, he won a Tony Award as co-producer of the revival of the classic Jitney . Lastly, in 2017, Legend gained EGOT status by winning an Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special as producer of Jesus Christ Superstar . The musical was a television special in which he also appeared as the lead actor.

9

Viola Davis

Image: Mirko Fabian

It's no secret that American actress Viola Davis is one of the most outstanding artists of her generation. Fortunately, her hard work was finally recognized when, in 2023, she received the last award she needed to join the distinguished EGOT group: the recording of her memoir Finding Me got a Grammy for Best Audio Book.

Previously, Davis had won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for Fences , an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as criminal defense attorney Annalise Keating in How to Get Away with Murder , and the Tony for her performance in King Hedley II .

10

Robert Lopez

Image: Marius Masalar

"Let it Go", the popular theme song from Disney's animated movie Frozen, has been playing since 2013 and remains a commercial success to this day. That may explain why composer Robert Lopez has become the youngest person to enter the EGOT hall of fame. Moreover, he is the only one to have two of each of these awards.

In 2004, the American songwriter won a Tony Award for Avenue Q . The streak continued with two Emmys for his work in the animated musical series Wonder Pets! The Broadway show The Book of Mormon gave him his first Grammy and two new Tonys. Lopez completed the medal count in 2014 with an Academy Award for Frozen, and in 2018, he was recognized for "Remember Me" from Coco .

1

Georgia: No eating fried chicken with utensils

Image: Shourav Sheikh

In Gainesville, Georgia, it’s i llegal to eat fried chicken with a fork . This law, passed in 1961, was meant as a publicity stunt to promote the city’s status as the "poultry capital of the world."

While no one’s actually getting arrested for improper chicken consumption, a tourist was once jokingly "arrested" for breaking this law in 2009. If you visit Gainesville, just remember, fingers only!

2

Alabama: No stink bombs or confetti

Image: Damiano Lingauri

If you love a good prank or enjoy tossing confetti at celebrations, Mobile, Alabama, is not the place for you. The city has made it illegal to possess or use stink bombs , "funk balls," and anything designed to create unpleasant odors.

That’s not all, confetti and spray string are also outlawed, so don’t plan any glittery parades. Mobile prefers its air fresh and its sidewalks clean. We cannot blame them!

3

Arizona: No spitting in public

Image: Pete F

In Goodyear, Arizona, it’s not just bad manners to spit in public, it’s illegal. The law specifically bans spitting on sidewalks, roads, parks, and public buildings, and if you’re caught doing it, you could face a $2,500 fine or even six months in jail.

So, if you have a bad habit of spitting on the sidewalk , you might want to think twice before visiting Goodyear. Besides, it’s just gross!

4

Louisiana: No crawfish theft

Image: Rasmus Gundorff Sæderup

Think stealing crawfish is a minor offense? Not in Louisiana! Swiping someone’s crawfish , especially if the value exceeds $1,500, is taken so seriously that it can lead to a $3,000 fine or up to ten years in prison.

So, next time you’re enjoying a seafood boil in the Bayou State, make sure you’re not swiping from someone else’s plate!

5

Massachusetts: No dancing to the National Anthem

Image: Jeffrey F Lin

Patriotism is important, but nobody gets it like Massachusetts! In this state, a 1917 law makes it illegal to dance to the national anthem , though enforcing it would likely be a First Amendment nightmare.

It’s unclear why lawmakers felt the need to crack down on patriotic grooves, but to be safe, keep your hand over your heart and save the dancing for later!

6

South Carolina: No working (or dancing!) on Sundays

Image: Jess Bailey

Did you know that in South Carolina, you may technically have an excuse to skip work on Sundays?

An old law still on the books prohibits working on Sundays , though it’s rarely enforced. Strangely enough, dancing is also banned on Sundays. If you were hoping for a weekend filled with productivity and footloose fun, you might have to sit this one out!

7

North Dakota: No late-night fireworks

Image: Ray Hennessy

In Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, you can buy fireworks between December 26th and January 1st, but you can’t set them off after 11 p.m. What?

Let us explain: This law was originally passed for the millennium celebrations in 1999, but it’s still on the books today. Are you planning to ring in the New Year with a bang? Make sure you light those fireworks early or risk breaking the law!

8

Montana: No "folf" allowed

Image: Oskar Kadaksoo

Montana’s wide-open spaces might seem perfect for throwing a Frisbee, but in Helena, playing Frisbee golf (also known as "folf") outside of designated areas is illegal.

If you get caught, you could face a $500 fine or even six months in jail. Where are all these weird laws coming from, anyway?

9

Indiana: Black cats must wear bells on Friday the 13th

Image: Andreea Popa

Are you superstitious? You’ll love this one. In French Lick Springs, located in Indiana, black cats must wear bells around their necks on Friday the 13th.

This law was introduced in 1939 as a "war measure" to reduce stress among the public. While it’s unlikely anyone enforces this rule today, it’s still an amusing nod to old-school superstitions!

10

Hawaii: No billboards allowed

Image: Dennis Maliepaard

Ever notice that Hawaii’s landscapes are free of massive billboards ? That’s because billboards are banned statewide! The law, dating back to 1927, is part of an effort to preserve the state’s natural beauty.

Hawaii is one of the few places in the US where advertisements don’t compete with breathtaking ocean views. Now, that’s a law we can all enjoy!

1

Gone with the Wind

Image: Adam Kring

Released in 1939, Gone with the Wind stands as one of the most iconic films in American cinema. Adapted from Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel of the same name, the film is set against the backdrop of the Civil War and follows the life of Scarlett O'Hara (played by Vivien Leigh), the strong-willed daughter of a Georgia plantation owner.

Featuring legendary performances by Clark Gable and Leslie Howard, the film captivated audiences around the globe. It not only became the highest-grossing film of its time but also held that record for over 25 years, cementing its place in cinematic history.

2

Casablanca

Image: Craig Whitehead

Casablanca is often hailed as the quintessential American film. Both filmed and set against the tumultuous backdrop of World War II, it weaves a poignant tale of romance and sacrifice in a world on the brink of chaos. The film's unforgettable characters, brought vividly to life by the stellar performances of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman, have become emblematic of American cinema.

Its most iconic line, "Here’s looking at you, kid," has etched itself into the collective memory of millions. Over the years, Casablanca has only solidified its legendary status, with its characters, famous lines, and theme song becoming a part of popular culture. It consistently ranks near the top of lists of the greatest films in history.

3

Citizen Kane

Image: Daria Kraplak

Citizen Kane (1941) is frequently acclaimed as the greatest film ever made, offering a profoundly intelligent exploration of the life of Charles Foster Kane, a fictional media mogul inspired by real-life figures like William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer.

The brainchild of the visionary Orson Welles, who served as the film’s actor, director, and producer, Citizen Kane delves into themes of wealth, power, and democracy with such depth that it remains relevant to this day. The film caused a stir upon its release, prompting Hearst to ban any mention of it in his newspapers. It was also lauded for its groundbreaking cinematography, introducing innovative techniques that set new creative standards for the industry.

4

The Wizard of Oz

Image: Mateusz Raczynski

A beloved piece of Americana, the 1939 film release of The Wizard of Oz is the most iconic adaptation of L. Frank Baum's 1900 children's fantasy novel of the same name. Dorothy’s journey to the Emerald City has captivated audiences for generations and has brought the original story to worldwide audiences.

The film's groundbreaking use of Technicolor and special effects marked a new era in American cinema. Recognized by the U.S. Library of Congress as the most-watched film in history, The Wizard of Oz remains a timeless classic, with its impact on popular culture enduring to this day.

5

It’s a Wonderful Life

Image: Johannes Roth

Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) has become an essential Christmas classic. Starring James Stewart as George Bailey, the film tells the heartwarming story of a man who, facing financial ruin and despair, is shown by his guardian angel what life would have been like if he had never existed.

Loosely based on a 1943 short story that echoes Charles Dickens’ all-time classic A Christmas Carol , the film’s messages of hope and redemption resonated deeply with audiences. Despite an initially lukewarm reception, It’s a Wonderful Life gained popularity through television broadcasts and is now regarded as a timeless holiday favorite.

6

Singin' in the Rain

Image: Ricky Turner

Widely celebrated as one of the greatest musicals in American cinema, Singin' in the Rain (1952) offers a nostalgic look at Hollywood’s transition from silent films to "talkies." Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, who also stars in the film, it became famous for its iconic musical numbers, particularly Kelly’s unforgettable dance in the rain, which has since become one of the most iconic scenes in movie history.

The film’s vibrant choreography, catchy songs, and clever commentary on the film industry have solidified its place in American film culture. As a delightful homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age, it immortalizes both the magic and the many challenges of filmmaking.

7

North by Northwest

Image: Blake Harbison

Directed by the master of suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, North by Northwest is one of the most iconic American thrillers. Starring Cary Grant as the charming protagonist Roger Thornhill, the film follows his harrowing journey as he’s mistaken for a government agent and pursued across the country by both law enforcement and international spies.

Iconic scenes like the crop duster chase and the climactic showdown on Mount Rushmore are etched in cinematic history. The film’s influence is still evident in modern thrillers, and it is celebrated to this day for its gripping narrative and stylish execution.

8

The Grapes of Wrath

Image: Sonder Quest

Based on John Steinbeck’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Grapes of Wrath (1940) is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the struggles faced by American families during the Great Depression. Directed by John Ford and starring Henry Fonda as Tom Joad, the film follows the Joad family as they journey from Oklahoma to California in search of a better life, only to encounter hardship and injustice along the way.

The Grapes of Wrath is lauded for its smart adaptation of Steinbeck’s novel and its brutally honest depiction of the social issues of the time. The film’s carefully crafted cinematography focuses on the Joad family as a unit, its visual style providing a stark contrast to the themes of suffering and perseverance that define the story.

9

The Searchers

Image: Jon Toney

John Ford’s The Searchers (1956) is considered one of the greatest Westerns ever made. Starring John Wayne in one of his most iconic roles, the film tells the story of Ethan Edwards, a hardened Civil War veteran who embarks on a relentless quest to find his niece, who has been kidnapped by Comanche Indians.

The film is both a thrilling adventure and a complex exploration of themes such as racism, obsession, and the American frontier. The movie is also praised for its stunning cinematography, particularly its use of Monument Valley’s vast landscapes, which have become synonymous with the genre.

10

Some Like It Hot

Image: Stephanie Valencia

Some Like It Hot (1959) is a comedy classic that pushed boundaries during the waning years of Hollywood’s golden era. Directed by Billy Wilder, the film stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as two musicians who witness a mob hit and disguise themselves as women to evade the gangsters pursuing them.

Marilyn Monroe co-stars as Sugar Kane, an endearing singer who unwittingly becomes entangled in their criminal scheme. The film’s sharp wit, impeccable comedic timing, and brilliant performances have made it a staple of American cinema, and it remains as fresh and funny today as it was upon its release.