We’re all familiar with quite a few famous people, but you may not realize how many are from the Silver State. Many people from a variety of fields, such as famous athletes, actors, and political figures are from right here in Nevada. Read on to see 13 famous people from Nevada: how many do you know the origins of?
Jena Malone has starred in a number of popular films. Her acting credits include "Stepmom," "Donnie Darko," and "The Hunger Games" film series. She's also a musician, songwriter, and accomplished photographer as well! She has even performed on Broadway in the hit show "Doubt." She was born in Sparks and spent much of her early life in the Las Vegas area.
Kyle Busch is one of the most accomplished professional stock car drivers of all time and one of the biggest celebrities in Nevada. He was born in Las Vegas and grew up there. At just six years old, he was driving through his neighborhood on a go-kart.
Dawn Wells will be forever remembered as Mary Ann Summers on the iconic sitcom "Gilligan's Island." She was born and raised in Reno. In 1959, she was crowned Miss Nevada and competed in the Miss America pageant the following year.
Another of our famous people from Nevada born in Las Vegas, Rutina Wesley is best known for her role on the television series "True Blood." Her father was a professional tap dancer and her mother a showgirl, so performing was definitely in her blood. She graduated from the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts.
Barry Zito was a professional baseball player who played for 15 seasons. While the main teams associated with him are both in California (Oakland Athletics and San Francisco Giants), he was born in Nevada. His family moved to San Diego when he was young to give him more opportunities to advance his baseball career, which obviously worked!
Television lovers will recognize Charisma Carpenter from her role as Cordelia Chase on the shows "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and its spin-off "Angel." She also acted in the popular shows "Veronica Mars" and "Charmed." She was raised in Las Vegas and attended high school there.
Andre Agassi is widely considered to be one of the best tennis players of all time. Now retired, he won the U.S. Open twice. He was raised in Vegas and dropped out of school in ninth grade to pursue his tennis career.
Matthew Gray Gubler is best known for his role as Dr. Spencer Reid on the hit television show "Criminal Minds." He studied acting at the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts only because his first choice, filmmaking, was not offered. He's directed several projects and has also had success as a children's book author, model, and painter.
Gladys Wasden gained fame under her stage name of Abby Dalton. She is best known for her roles on the television shows "Hennessey," "The Joey Bishop Show," and the popular soap opera "Falcon Crest."
Thomas Ian Nicholas gained fame at a young age when he starred in "A Kid In King Arthur's Court." He went on to play in major films like "Rookie of the Year" and the "American Pie" series. He has also released several music albums.
Pat Nixon is best known for who she married: President Richard Nixon. While First Lady, she heavily promoted volunteerism. She also worked to acquire many historical pieces of art and furnishings for the White House.
When Amy Purdy was just 19 years old, she fell ill with bacterial meningitis that resulted in both of her legs being amputated below the knee. She had just a 2 percent chance of survival, but has now found herself a medal winner at the Paralympics as a successful snowboarder. She has also competed on "Dancing With The Stars" and is a model and motivational speaker.
The second Busch on our list of famous people from Nevada, Kurt Busch is also a professional NASCAR driver. He is Kyle Busch's older brother and has also found great fame and success as a driver.
This is definitely not meant to be an all-inclusive list, and note that it only includes famous people from Nevada (as in, actually born in the Silver State).
What other famous people from Nevada should be on the list? We love Nevada trivia and are always excited to hear more, so share your thoughts in the comments!
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Carson City is one of just two capital cities in the United States that borders another state. Nevada means "snow-covered" in Spanish (interesting, as we are not particularly known for snow!). Check out this list for more interesting facts about Nevada!
