There’s something magnetic about New Orleans that transcends the food, the music, and the architecture. It’s the soul of the city that keeps people coming back. Over the years, countless celebrities have publicly declared their love for New Orleans, with some even choosing to call it home. From movie stars to musicians, here are 10 celebrities who fell hard for the Crescent City, and what they had to say about it.
1. Solange Knowles
Solange didn’t just fall for New Orleans—she planted roots here. The Grammy-winning artist moved to the city in 2013 and even held her 2019 wedding in the historic French Quarter. In an interview with Vogue, she called New Orleans “a portal of healing” and praised its Black cultural traditions, saying, “It’s one of the most incredible places for a Black artist to exist.”
2. Brad Pitt
After Hurricane Katrina, Brad Pitt put his money—and sweat equity—into New Orleans, founding the Make It Right Foundation to rebuild homes in the Lower 9th Ward. Though the project later faced controversy, his love for the city was never in question. “There’s a real spirit here,” Pitt told Esquire, calling New Orleans “unlike anywhere else in the world.”
3. Sandra Bullock
Sandra Bullock quietly owns a home in the Garden District and has been known to support local schools and nonprofits. She told People, “New Orleans is my beloved adopted home… I just feel happy here.” She’s also been seen attending Saints games and grabbing coffee at local spots with her kids.
4. Beyoncé
While Beyoncé never lived in New Orleans full-time, her deep appreciation for the city’s culture runs through her music and visuals. The “Formation” music video, filmed in NOLA, is a love letter to Southern Black identity. She once described New Orleans as “a second home” and thanked the city for “its strength and spirit” in the wake of Katrina.
5. Nicolas Cage
Nicolas Cage once owned the infamous LaLaurie Mansion and a tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. His love for the supernatural side of New Orleans is legendary. In interviews, Cage said he felt a “deep karmic connection” to the city, and despite financial woes forcing him to sell his properties, he still visits often.
6. Anthony Mackie
Born and raised in the city, the Marvel star has always been vocal about his New Orleans roots. He once told Men’s Journal, “There’s nothing like a plate of red beans and rice from back home. It keeps you grounded.” Mackie even owns a bar in the city and continues to invest in local projects.
7. Lil Wayne
Another native son, Lil Wayne has never strayed far from his New Orleans roots—even after making it big. In countless interviews, he references the city’s influence on his music and life. “New Orleans made me,” he said in a Rolling Stone feature. “Everything I am is because of that place.”
8. John Goodman
The Roseanne and Treme actor has lived in New Orleans for decades. He often speaks about the city’s charm and resilience. Goodman told The Times-Picayune, “I came here and never left. This city has a pull like no other.” He’s a regular at Saints games and local charity events.
9. Harry Connick Jr.
A proud native of New Orleans, Harry Connick Jr. never misses a chance to show his love for his hometown. He helped launch Musicians’ Village after Katrina and has been an ambassador for the city’s music and culture for decades. “New Orleans is the reason I became a musician,” he told CBS. “It’s in the air. You can’t help but breathe it in.”
10. Questlove
The Roots drummer and musical historian has spoken often about his fascination with New Orleans’ contributions to American music. After performing at Jazz Fest, he told Billboard, “New Orleans is the cradle of everything I love about music. It’s like visiting holy ground.”
Why It Matters
When stars gush about New Orleans, it’s not just flattery, it’s recognition of the city’s global cultural impact. For those who were born here or adopted the city as their own, these celebrities remind us that New Orleans is more than a place, it’s a feeling, a rhythm, a way of life. And it has a way of sticking with you long after the visit ends.
