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20 Famous Figures Who Call Naples, Florida Home

Renowned for its sugary beaches, high-end boutiques, and lavish golf courses, Naples, Florida has perpetually been a favoured destination for the affluent and well-known. While many are seasonal visitors, Naples boasts a substantial roster of noteworthy inhabitants.

From titans of industry to iconic and famous athletes, some of the globe’s most recognizable personalities have established roots in this corner of Southwest Florida. Situated along the sun-kissed shores of the Gulf Coast, Naples stands as a sanctuary of luxury and serenity, attracting luminaries from diverse domains.

Beyond the swaying palm trees and immaculate beaches, a tapestry of exceptional narratives unfolds. In this feature, we reveal twenty celebrated individuals who have chosen Naples, Florida as their abode.

1. Shahid Khan

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Shahid Khan is a wealthy Pakistani-American entrepreneur and influential figure in the world of sports. He holds ownership of Flex-N-Gate, an American company specializing in automotive components.

Additionally, Khan is the proprietor of the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL and Fulham F.C. in the Premier League. He is also a co-owner, alongside his son Tony Khan, of the wrestling promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). Khan obtained his American citizenship through naturalization in 1991.

Khan possesses a residence in Naples, Florida, and owns the luxurious superyacht known as Kismet. He also maintains an apartment in the Gold Coast neighbourhood of Chicago.

2. Rocco Mediate

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Rocco Mediate is a professional American golfer with six victories on the PGA Tour and three on the PGA Tour Champions. He notably came in second at the 2008 U.S. Open at the Torrey Pines South Course, narrowly losing to Tiger Woods in a sudden-death hole following an 18-hole playoff.

In 2016, Mediate secured a victory at the Senior PGA Championship, which is one of the five major senior tournaments. In terms of residences, he has owned properties in both Pittsburgh and Naples, Florida in the United States.

3. Mike Ditka

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Michael Ditka, an American retired football player, coach, and television analyst, boasts an impressive career.

He was named the UPI NFL Rookie of the Year in 1961, earned Pro Bowl honours five times, and achieved All-Pro status six times as a tight end for the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. Currently, he resides in Naples, Florida.

4. Dave Wannstedt

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David Wannstedt, a retired American football coach with extensive experience in both the National Football League (NFL) and collegiate football, held leadership positions with notable teams.

He was the head coach for the Chicago Bears and Miami Dolphins in the NFL and also led the University of Pittsburgh football team from 2005 to 2010. Additionally, he maintained a long-standing coaching partnership with Jimmy Johnson, collaborating on various teams such as the Dallas Cowboys, Miami Hurricanes, and Oklahoma State Cowboys.

They were also colleagues at the University of Pittsburgh. Wannstedt splits his time between residences in Chicago and Naples, Florida. In his leisure time, he finds enjoyment in playing golf and creating cherished memories with his grandchildren

5. Sean Hannity

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Sean Hannity is an American commentator on broadcast news, a conservative political analyst, talk show presenter, and writer. He is recognized for his role as the host of The Sean Hannity Show, a talk radio program with extensive syndication.

Additionally, since 2009, he has been the presenter of a commentary show named Hannity on Fox News. Sean Hannity splits his time between Nassau County, New York, and Naples, Florida.

6. Alex Lifeson

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Alex Lifeson, a Canadian musician, is most famous for his role as the guitarist in the rock group Rush, one of the most famous rock groups. Back in 1968, Lifeson was a co-founder of a band that eventually evolved into Rush, alongside drummer John Rutsey and bassist and lead vocalist Jeff Jones.

Throughout the band’s entire history, Lifeson was the sole consistent member, remaining with Rush from its inception. He was joined by bassist/vocalist Geddy Lee, who is the only other member to have appeared on all of the band’s albums.

Most of Lifeson’s musical career has revolved around his work with Rush, although he has also contributed to projects outside the band, such as his solo album titled Victor (1994) which includes some of the most famous rock songs ever. Beyond music, Lifeson has engaged in various pursuits, including painting, obtaining a pilot’s license, acting, and previously co-owning a Toronto establishment known as The Orbit Room, which served as a bar and restaurant.

7. Jane Seymour

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Jane Seymour OBE is a highly accomplished English actress. She embarked on her screen career with an uncredited role in the 1969 musical comedy Oh! What a Lovely War, and later moved into prominent leading roles in both film and television.

Some of her notable achievements include starring in the television series The Onedin Line (1972–1973) and portraying the psychic Bond girl Solitaire in the James Bond film Live and Let Die (1973). Beyond her acting pursuits, Seymour is the founder of the Open Hearts Foundation and has gained recognition as an author, contributing to various children’s books and self-help publications.

Furthermore, under the Jane Seymour Designs label, she has developed a diverse range of products, spanning jewellery, scarves, furniture, rugs, handbags, paintings, and sculptures.

8. Bob Seger

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Robert Seger is a retired American singer-songwriter and musician. Seger’s compositions, known for his distinct and powerful gravelly voice, frequently explored topics of love, relationships, and working-class realities. He is a well-known figure in the heartland rock genre.

Over a phenomenal six-decade career, Seger has sold over 75 million records worldwide, firmly establishing himself as one of the most popular performers in music history.

Seger, who is originally from Detroit, has lived in Naples for almost 25 years, spending his time between the city and a Gulf-side condo.

9. Fuzzy Zoeller

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Frank Urban “Fuzzy” Zoeller Jr. is an American professional golfer with a record of ten victories on the PGA Tour, including two major championships. He holds the distinction of being one of three golfers to have triumphed in the Masters Tournament during their inaugural appearance and one of the most famous golf players ever.

Additionally, he clinched the 1984 U.S. Open, an achievement that led to him being honoured with the 1985 Bob Jones Award. Since the early 70s, Fuzzy Zoeller, a two-time winner of major championships on the PGA Tour, has considered Naples his part-time residence.

10. Judge Judy Sheindlin 

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Judith Susan Sheindlin, professionally known as Judge Judy, is an American figure renowned as a court show arbitrator, media personality, television producer, philanthropist, and former prosecutor and family court judge in Manhattan. She is one of the most famous people born in October.

For a span of 25 seasons, from September 16, 1996, to July 23, 2021, Sheindlin was the central figure in her highly-rated court show, “Judge Judy.”

This impressive tenure led her to become the longest-serving television arbitrator in the history of courtroom-themed programming, a feat acknowledged by her inclusion in the Guinness World Records in 2015.

In recognition of her contributions, Sheindlin was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 2019.

Sheindlin possesses residences in various states, including New York, Florida, California, and Wyoming. She sold her penthouse in Naples, Florida and acquired a waterfront mansion also located in Naples back in 2015.

11. John Kruk

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John Kruk, an American ex-professional baseball player, operated as both a first baseman and outfielder. He was a prominent figure in Major League Baseball (MLB) while representing the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, and Chicago White Sox from 1986 to 1995.

Throughout his tenure, he earned the title of MLB All-Star on three occasions. Following his playing days, Kruk transitioned into a role as a baseball analyst for ESPN.

Presently, he serves as a colour commentator for Philadelphia Phillies’ games on NBC Sports Philadelphia. After a prosperous MLB career, Kruk chose to retire in Naples, Florida.

12. Tom Cruise

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Tom Cruise is an American actor who is widely recognized as one of the highest-paid actors globally. He has garnered numerous awards, including an Honorary Palme d’Or and three Golden Globe Awards, and received nominations for four Academy Awards.

His movies have amassed over $4 billion in North America and a staggering $11.5 billion worldwide, solidifying his position as one of the highest-grossing stars in box office history.

Cruise is primarily known for his roles in science fiction and action films, where he has established himself as a prominent action star, often undertaking daring stunts himself. Since 1996, he has portrayed Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible film series.

When he is not in Los Angeles, Cruise has a residence in downtown Clearwater Naples. Cruise’s residence in Clearwater Naples is a luxurious waterfront estate with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. 

13. Greg Luzinski

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Gregory Michael Luzinski, an American retired professional baseball player, primarily served as a left fielder in Major League Baseball from 1970 to 1984.

He gained prominence, particularly as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies, where he garnered the distinction of being a four-time All-Star and contributed significantly to the team’s triumph in the 1980 World Series.

Luzinski clinched the National League (NL) RBI championship in 1975, and in 1978, he was recognized with the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award for his active involvement in local community endeavours.

His career concluded with a tenure playing for the Chicago White Sox. In 1998, Luzinski was honoured with induction into the Philadelphia Phillies Wall of Fame.

14. Richard Schulze

Richard Michael Schulze, born on March 25, 1941, is an American billionaire entrepreneur and among the richest men in the world. Following this, he served in the U.S. Air Force with the Minnesota Air National Guard.

Post his Air Force stint, he pursued a career in consumer electronics sales. Schulze is the founder of Best Buy and held positions as chairman and CEO. Currently, he resides in Naples, Florida.

15. Neal Boortz

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Neal A. Boortz Jr. is an American author, former lawyer, and former libertarian radio host. His nationally syndicated talk show, The Neal Boortz Show, came to an end in 2013, and it reached audiences throughout the United States.

The program delved into a wide range of topics, including politics, current events, social issues, and other engaging subjects, all of which Boortz discussed with callers, correspondents, and guests. Boortz frequently tackled controversial issues and received numerous accolades in the industry.

He was acknowledged as one of the “25 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America” by Talkers magazine and was named one of “Georgia’s 100 Most Influential People” by Georgia Trend.

In 2009, Boortz was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame. Neal and Donna his wife, own a penthouse condo in North Naples and a home on a canal in Marco Island.

16. Don Garlits

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Donald Glenn Garlits, an American automotive engineer and among the most famous race car drivers, is known as the “Big Daddy” by drag racing fans throughout the world and is regarded as a pioneer in the sport of drag racing.

He is regarded as a drag racing pioneer, having perfected the rear-engine Top Fuel dragster after suffering a dragster accident that resulted in the partial loss of his foot.

Garlits is the first drag racer to officially surpass several speed benchmarks in the quarter-mile, including 170, 180, 200, 240, 250, and 270 miles per hour. He was also the first person to break the 200 mph (320 km/h) mark in the 18-mile (0.20 km).

His contributions have led to his induction into multiple Halls of Fame, and he has garnered numerous awards throughout his illustrious career.

17. John Schnatter

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Hampton, John “Papa John” Schnatter is a well-known American entrepreneur who founded the Papa John’s pizza restaurant business in 1984. Schnatter started the Pizza business in the back room of his father’s pub, using the funds from the sale of his automobile to buy used restaurant equipment.

In 2017, his net worth surpassed $1 billion. Schnatter resigned as CEO on January 1, 2018, following a controversy over comments he made about the National Football League (NFL) not doing enough to address national anthem demonstrations by NFL players, which he said had a negative impact on his business. He owns a penthouse with a waterfront view in Naples.

18. Tom Golisano

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Tom Golisano is a prominent American billionaire entrepreneur and generous philanthropist. He is renowned as the founder of Paychex, a company specializing in providing payroll and human resources services to businesses.

In the years spanning from 2019 to 2022, Golisano also held ownership of Greenlight Networks, a fibre internet provider headquartered in Rochester, New York. Moreover, he served as the owner of the Buffalo Sabres in the National Hockey League and the Buffalo Bandits in the National Lacrosse League from 2003 to 2011.

Golisano pursued gubernatorial office in New York three times as a third-party candidate in 1994, 1998, and 2002, although these attempts were ultimately unsuccessful.

His notable contributions to Naples charities, particularly the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida and the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples, have garnered admiration. During his leisure moments, Golisano finds solace in his Naples residence when he’s not actively involved in philanthropic endeavours.

19. Robin Cook

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Robin Cook is an American doctor and author who focuses on medical and public health themes in his novels. He is renowned for blending medical insights with the suspenseful elements of thrillers.

A significant number of his works have earned spots on The New York Times Best Seller List and have been featured in Reader’s Digest. Collectively, his books have achieved a staggering global sales figure of nearly 400 million copies. Cook divides his time between New Hampshire and Naples.

20. Mary Carillo

Mary Carillo, an ex-professional tennis player from the United States, has transitioned into a sportscaster. She currently serves as an analyst for Tennis on NBC and contributes as a reporter for NBC’s Olympic broadcasts.

Notably, Carillo has also been a part of the Women’s Tennis Association’s Board of Directors in the past. Her place of residence is Naples, Florida.

From business leaders to golf legends, Naples, Florida boasts an impressive roster of celebrity homeowners. This coastal paradise provides privacy and luxury amenities that attract notable figures like the ones highlighted in this article.

With its natural beauty and upscale amenities, Naples continues to draw iconic part-time inhabitants.

 For more on famous residents with connections to Nebraska, check out our article on renowned Nebraska natives here.