Famous Freemasons: Samuel L. Clemens (Mark Twain)

 Samuel L. Clemens belonged to Polar Star Lodge No. 79 in St. Louis where he was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on July 10, 1861. Before writing some of his most famous novels.  He was considered the "Father of American Literature".  Never afraid to express his mind and go against the grain, he broke the barriers to expose the good and bad of America with his writings. 
History Channel had a great biography summarizing his rich and exciting life.

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but really great people make you feel that you too can become great"- Bro. Samuel L. Clemens

Famous Freemasons: Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal was made a mason "at sight" at Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston in 2011.   Shaquille "Shaq" has played in the NBA since 1992.  He has played for Orlando Magic, the LA Lakers, Miami Heat, the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and ended with the Boston Celtics.  He now works as an analyst for Inside the NBA.   

At 7 ft 1 inch and 325lbs, he used his incredible size and strength to dominate his opponents and quickly became one of the top centers in the league.  He has donates to charities like the Boys & Girls Clubs, Kids Wish foundation and Phoenix House.

Shaq being made a Mason at Widow's Son Lodge No.28

 

Shaq proudly shows offs a very expensive Mason ring

Famous Freemason: Richard Pryor

Richard Franklin Lennox Thomas Pryor III was made a Mason at Henry Brown Lodge #22 in Peoria, IL. He is known for drawing a thin line between comedy and tragedy in his comedy using personal conflict and redemptions with colorful vulgarity in his acts. He was best known for his comedy stand up but also starred in many movies such as Silver Streak (1976), The Toy (1982), Brewster's Millions (1985) and Harlem Nights (1989). He was the first recipient of the annual Mark Twain (another Freemason) Humor Prize. He passed away December 10, 2005 of a heart attack at the age of 65

Famous Freemason: Marion Morrison "John Wayne"

Marion Morrison was born on May 26, 1907 in Iowa.   Early in his film career, he was given on-screen credit as

“Duke Morrison”.   Later Director Raoul Walsh suggested the name of “John Wayne” and it stuck.  Some of his best films are "Stagecoach" (1939), "The Searchers" (1956), "Rio Bravo" (1959) and "True Grit" (1969)

 

John Wayne was made a Master Mason in McDaniel Lodge #56.  He later became a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and joined Al Malaikah Shrine Temple in Los Angeles.

 

Famous Freemason: George Washington

A good link of  Bro. George Washington's mason timeline from his Masonic National Memorial.  http://gwmemorial.org/washingtonTheMason.php

They also have a great preview video for the memorial on their home page. 
http://gwmemorial.org/index.php