Pittsburgh Icons – Famous People In Pittsburgh History

These six Pittsburghers may not be in every history book. Instead, they may be the type of Pittsburgher who everyone knows, who gave (or gives) back to their community and loves being from the city. They may be the type of Pittsburgher that you grew up seeing in commercials on TV. If there was Internet like there is now, they’d be the type to be in every meme you see. Here are six of the many iconic Pittsburghers.



1. Sally Wiggin

Who can forget the iconic Sally Wiggin, anchor for WTAE for years. She has since retired, but she certainly left her mark on the city. Now, anytime Pittsburghers run into her on the street, there are instant excited whispers that “hey, it’s Sally Wiggin!”



2. Joe DeNardo

Joe DiNardo was the weatherman for WTAE for 45 years. During that time he became an icon for his weather catchphrase “Joe said it would!” Now, Pittsburghers old enough to remember can look back on those commercials fondly.



3. Edgar Snyder

If you were home sick or watched a lot of daytime TV, chances are you remember personal injury lawyer Edgar Snyder’s commercials. His marketing campaign began in the mid-1980s, making him a well-known Pittsburgher among ’80s and ’90s kids. Snyder is now 78 years old and transitioned to founder, counsel and retired shareholder of Edgar Snyder and Associates.



4. Brett Keisel

The former defensive end for the Steelers played 12 seasons with the team. He has since established roots in Pittsburgh with his family. He gives back to the community with events like his annual “Shear da Beard.” He often is seen at Steelers and Pens games supporting the black and gold. Many Pittsburghers have stopped in for a picture with “da beard,” Keisel’s iconic long beard.



5. Myron Cope

Who could forget the incredible Myron Cope? With his clever catchphrases like “Yoi!” and calling the Browns the Brownies and the Bengals the Bungles, he established himself as one of Pittsburgh’s finest. He spent decades as a sports journalist, radio personality and sportscaster. He also created the Terrible Towel, something that years later is still a huge part of Pittsburgh history.

6. “Mean” Joe Greene

Defensive tackle Joe Greene of the Pittsburgh Steelers takes a rest in a 1970 game. ©NFLP/NFL Photos HOUCHRON CAPTION (01/30/04): Joe Greene. SPECIAL SECTION: SUPER BOWL XXXVIII 2 DAYS TO KICKOFF.

Wouldn’t it be interesting to see what Mean Joe would’ve been like playing during the social media era? The defensive tackle icon played for the Steelers from 1969 to 1981. He is considered to be one of the best defensive linemen in NFL history.



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