Famous People Born In Seattle

Leading American technologist, business leader and philanthropist, Bill Gates is the co-founder of the world’s largest software company, Microsoft. His passion for computers made him one of the richest in the world and through his charity foundation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he and his ex-wife, Melinda, use this money generously to help people world over live a better life.

One of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century, Jimi Hendrix began playing guitar at the age of 15. As his career progressed, he became the first musician to use stereophonic phasing effects in recordings. Rolling Stone ranked him as the greatest guitarist and the sixth greatest artist of all time. He died under mysterious circumstances at the age of 27.

Singer, songwriter, and musician Chris Cornell rose to fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for the bands Soundgarden and Audioslave. One of the key figures of the 1990s grunge movement, he also had a successful solo career. Unfortunately, he suffered from depression and died of suicide at the peak of his career.

Paul Allen was an American investor, business magnate, and philanthropist. He is credited with co-founding one of the most popular multinational technology companies in the world, Microsoft Corporation. Along with his philanthropic activities and ownership of several other companies and sporting clubs, Paul Allen had a major impact on sports, wildlife, education, arts, healthcare, community services, environmental conservation, and more.

Jeffrey Morgan is an American actor who shot to fame with television series Supernatural and Grey’s Anatomy. But it was his role in movie, Watchmen, and the still running zombie horror series, The Walking Dead, that really made him a star. Jeffrey wanted o be a basketball player but an injury ended his sports dream and turned him towards acting.

Rainn Wilson is an actor and writer who used his popularity to make his YouTube channel, SoulPancake, a success. Also a climate change advocate, Wilson made a documentary titled The Idiot’s Guide to Climate Change, based on his trip to Greenland. He is known for his charitable works and has adopted a vegan diet since adopting Vietnamese pot-bellied pigs.

Ryan Stiles is an American-Canadian comedian and actor. Stiles, whose forte is improvisational comedy, is known for his work in the TV series Whose Line Is It Anyway? Also known for his charity work, Stiles has been working hard to raise fund for children with burn injuries. Since 2009, he has raised over $500,000 for a foundation called the Burned Children Recovery Center.

Active in the field of entertainment for over 40 years, actress Jean Smart began her career in regional theater. After finding much fame as a stage actress, she started taking up TV and film roles as well. She has given many critically acclaimed performances and is the winner of three Primetime Emmy Awards.

Nick Robinson is an American actor known for his contribution across all three major acting mediums. He started his career as a child artist before going on to establish himself in the film, TV, and theater industry; in 2018, he was mentioned in Forbes magazine's 30 Under 30 list. 

Nate Robinson is a former professional basketball player who has played in the NBA for the New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Boston Celtics,  Golden State Warriors, and Chicago Bulls. He went professional in 2005 and became the NBA's first three-time slam dunk champion in 2010. He retired in 2018. He now runs a restaurant in Rainier Beach.

Kenneth Bruce Gorelick, better known as Kenny G, is a best-selling jazz saxophonist who has sold over 75 million records and even owns a line of saxophones. He is also a certified pilot and a skilled golfer who has participated in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am seven times.

Businessman Gabe Newell is the co-founder and president of the video game developer and digital distribution company, Valve. As a young man, he worked for Microsoft for several years before he quit to found his own venture. He was inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame in 2013.

Erika Christensen, who began her career starring in McDonald's ads, is best known for her award-winning role in the film Traffic. She has also been part of the series Six Degrees and Parenthood. She was raised by staunch Scientologist parents and also grew up to be one.

Mario Batali is an American chef, restaurateur, writer, and media personality. He started hogging the limelight after appearing on some of Food Network's shows, such as Iron Chef America and Molto Mario. Also a well-known philanthropist and social activist, Batali established the Mario Batali Foundation in 2008, which funds pediatric disease research and various children's educational programs.

Amanda Knox is an American woman who made headlines when she was convicted for the murder of Meredith Kercher in Italy. After spending almost four years in prison, Amanda was definitively acquitted after a new trial that found her not guilty. Her story inspired books and documentaries; Knox's memoir Waiting to Be Heard became popular.

Fred Couples is a professional golfer who is a former World No.1. He has competed on the PGA Tour and the PGA Tour Champions and has won 64 professional tournaments. He is known for his long and accurate driving ability off the tee. He was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2013. 

Richard Karn is an American actor and former game show host. He is known for hosting the popular game show, Family Feud, and for playing Al Borland in the television series Home Improvement. Karn used the popularity, which he achieved through Home Improvement, to author a couple of books on home renovation, such as House Broken and Handy at Home.

Gypsy Rose Lee was an American vedette and burlesque entertainer best remembered for her striptease act. She was also an actress, playwright, and author whose memoir inspired the 1959 stage musical, Gypsy. Lee's life inspired several works of art, including a song titled Gypsy Rose Lee by The Distillers. She also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Constance Zimmer is best known as Dana from Entourage and as Claire from Boston Legal. She has delivered an Emmy-nominated performance in the series Unreal, and lent her voice to the series Transformers: Robots in Disguise and the film Wonder Woman: Bloodlines. She supports charities such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Rosanna Pansino is an American social media personality, YouTuber, author, actress, and singer. One of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world, Pansino was mentioned in Forbes magazine's Top Influencers list in 2017. The recipient of a Shorty Award, Rosanna Pansino also has five Streamy Award nominations under her belt. A classically trained singer, she released her debut single in 2015.

Josh Barnett is a mixed martial artist, submission grappler, and professional wrestler. He is currently signed to Bellator MMA. In the past, he was associated with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion. As a wrestler, he made his in-ring debut in 2003. He calls himself a catch wrestler. 

Hollywood make-up artist, stylist, former image consultant, and YouTuber Tati Westbrook is best known for her YouTube channel Tati, previously known as GlamLifeGuru. She has gained a huge fan base for her beauty tutorials and reviews. She owns the company Halo Beauty and the cosmetic line Tati Beauty.

Gregg Rolie is a singer and keyboardist. He gained international popularity as the frontman of the bands Santana and Journey. He was a co-founder of both as well. He currently performs with his Gregg Rolie Band and also collaborates with Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band. Rolie has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice.