Famous People From Washington

The state of Washington is situated along the west coast of the United States, in close proximity to the British Columbia region of Canada. The name of the state has been derived from the surname of legendary politician, George Washington, the first president of the country and a prominent historical figure. The state is known for its great political significance. The White House, the office of the American president, is situated in the city of Washington D.C. The White House has been the venue where these politicians take oath before assuming office. Apart from its rich political history, the state has also been known for being the native of several acclaimed celebrities. Music icon Kurt Cobain, yesteryear singer and songwriter Judy Collins, Comedian Ryan Stiles of ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’, actress Anna Faris, actor Chris Kattan and musician Chris Cornell are a few famous faces from Washington. Kurt Cobain died when he was just 27, but his tracks continue to be popular among the youth even after two decades since his death. Do you know the names of other famous people who hail from the state of Washington? Well, scroll down to be surprised.
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 1 
Bill Gates
(Co-Founder of Microssoft)
Bill Gates
232
Listed In: Business People
Birthdate: October 28, 1955
Sun Sign: Scorpio

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.

 2 
Kurt Cobain
(Guitarist, Lead Vocalist and Primary Songwriter of the Rock Band 'Nirvana')
Kurt Cobain
154
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: February 20, 1967
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: April 5, 1994

Gaining fame as a member of the rock band Nirvana, singer-songwriter and musician Kurt Cobain was often heralded as a spokesman of Generation X. He is considered to be one of the most influential musicians in the history of alternative rock. He enjoyed tremendous professional success, but his personal life was troubled. He died of suicide at just 27.

 3 
Jimi Hendrix
(One of the Most Influential Electric Guitarists & the Greatest Instrumentalist in the History of Rock Music)
Jimi Hendrix
64
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: November 27, 1942
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: September 18, 1970

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.

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 4 
Bing Crosby
(Actor and One of the Most Popular and Influential Musical Artists of the 20th Century)
Bing Crosby
49
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: May 3, 1903
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: October 14, 1977

Bing Crosby was an American singer, actor, and comedian. Widely regarded as the first multimedia star, Bing was a leader in motion picture grosses, radio ratings, and record sales from 1930 to 1954. His intimate singing style influenced several popular singers, such as Frank Sinatra, Perry Como, John Lennon, and Elvis Presley among others.

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 5 
Chris Cornell
(Lead vocalist of the Rock Bands 'Soundgarden' & 'Audioslave')
Chris Cornell
40
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: July 20, 1964
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: May 18, 2017

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.

 6 
Paul Allen
(Co-founder of Microsoft, Philanthropist)
Paul Allen
31
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: January 21, 1953
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: October 15, 2018

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.

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 7 
Isaiah Thomas
(Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as a Point Guard)
Isaiah Thomas
44
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: February 7, 1989
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Isaiah Thomas, also known as “The Pizza Boy,” plays for the Washington Wizards. He has previously played for teams such as the Sacramento Kings, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He is a two-time NBA All-Star and a two-time First-team All-Pac-10, and was named to the All-NBA Second Team.
 8 
Dove Cameron
(Actress)
Dove Cameron
125
Birthdate: January 15, 1996
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Dove Cameron is a popular actress and singer who mesmerized the audience with her performance as the eponymous characters in the famous comedy series, Liv and Maddie. As an openly bisexual artist, she also serves as an inspiration to the LGBTQ community all over the world.

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Jeffrey Dean Morgan
53
Birthdate: April 22, 1966
Sun Sign: Taurus

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.

 10 
Sydney Sweeney
60
Birthdate: September 12, 1997
Sun Sign: Virgo
Sydney Sweeney is best known for her roles in the series Euphoria, Everything Sucks!, and The Handmaid's Tale. She amazed audiences with her award-winning role in the short film Takeo. Sydney is also trained in MMA and is known to create note books for each of her characters.
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 11 
John Stockton
(Basketball player)
John Stockton
4
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 26, 1962
Sun Sign: Aries
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
 12 
Rainn Wilson
(Best Known for His Role as 'Dwight Schrute' on the NBC sitcom 'The Office')
Rainn Wilson
41
Birthdate: January 20, 1966
Sun Sign: Aquarius

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.

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 13 
Hope Solo
(Football Goalkeeper)
Hope Solo
38
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: July 30, 1981
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 14 
Bob Barker
(Television Game Show Host)
Bob Barker
30
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: December 12, 1923
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Bob Barker is a retired TV game show host. Barker is credited with making CBS's The Price Is Right the longest-running daytime game show in the history of North American television, hosting the show from 1972 to 2007. Also an animal rights activist, Barker has supported groups like the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and the United Activists for Animal Rights.

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 15 
John Elway
(American football player)
John Elway
17
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 28, 1960
Sun Sign: Cancer
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
 16 
Layne Staley
(Original Lead Singer of the Rock Band 'Alice in Chains')
Layne Staley
37
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 22, 1967
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: April 5, 2002

Layne Staley was an American musician best known for his tenor voice and distinct vocal style. The original lead singer of the band Alice in Chains, Layne Staley is credited with the success of the rock band in the early-1990s. His untimely demise at age 34 has inspired several songs, such as Bleeding The Orchid, and a couple of biographies.

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 17 
Jim Caviezel
(Actor Known for His Role as ‘Jesus Christ’ in the Film ‘The Passion of the Christ’)
Jim Caviezel
26
Birthdate: September 26, 1968
Sun Sign: Libra

Jim Caviezel is an American actor. He is credited with playing important roles in films that have touched the lives of people in many ways. After playing Jesus in the movie The Passion of the Christ, he has been serving as a public speaker at religious venues. He believes that his film Sound of Freedom would save children from sex trafficking.

 18 
Adam West
(American Actor Who Portrayed 'Batman' in Several Movies and Television Shows)
Adam West
13
Birthdate: September 19, 1928
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: June 9, 2017

Adam West was an actor best known for his portrayal of Batman in the 1960s live-action TV series of the same name. One of the first actors to play Batman, West is considered the most popular actor to play the iconic character. After his death, the Bat-Signal was projected on Los Angeles’ City Hall as a tribute to the actor.

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 19 
Macklemore
(Rapper and Songwriter Best Known for His Albums ‘The Heist’ and ‘This Unruly Mess I've Made’)
Macklemore
36
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: June 19, 1983
Sun Sign: Gemini
Rapper Macklemore shot to fame as part of the duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. They were the first duo in Billboard Hot 100 chart history to have their first two singles, Thrift Shop and Can't Hold Us, featured at the number one position. They won four Grammys in 2014.
 20 
Ryan Stiles
(Best Known for his TV Show 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?')
Ryan Stiles
13
Birthdate: April 22, 1959
Sun Sign: Taurus

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.

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 21 
Jonathan Banks
14
Birthdate: January 31, 1947
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Jonathan Banks became the first actor to receive nominations for Primetime Emmy Award under the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series category for three different shows, all of which feature him in the main cast. He has also made contributions to a couple of video games, namely Batman: Arkham Knight and Lego The Incredibles.

 22 
Samuel Burl Kinison
(Comedian)
Samuel Burl  Kinison
30
Birthdate: December 8, 1953
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: April 10, 1992
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
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 23 
Jean Smart
(Actress)
Jean Smart
36
Birthdate: September 13, 1951
Sun Sign: Virgo

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.

 24 
Nick Robinson
(Best Known for His Role as ‘Simon Spier’ in the Film ‘Love, Simon’)
Nick Robinson
71
Birthdate: March 22, 1995
Sun Sign: Aries

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. 

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 25 
Alex Smith
(Former American Football Player Who Played as a Quarterback )
Alex Smith
19
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 7, 1984
Sun Sign: Taurus
NFL quarterback Alex Smith led the Utah Utes to the national top five, during his college days. He was later drafted by the San Francisco 49ers and played with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Washington Redskins. He returned to the ground in 2020, after recovering from a life-threatening injury.
 26 
Duff McKagan
(Musician, Songwriter)
Duff McKagan
12
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: February 5, 1964
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 6'3" (190 cm)
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 27 
Madelaine Petsch
(Known for Her Role as 'Cheryl Blossom' in the TV Series ‘Riverdale’)
Madelaine Petsch
32
Birthdate: August 18, 1994
Sun Sign: Leo

Madelaine Petsch is an American YouTuber and actress best known for playing Cheryl Blossom in the popular teen drama TV series, Riverdale. Also an entrepreneur, Petsch came up with her own collection of sunglasses in 2018 after joining hands with Privé Revaux. A vegan in real life, Madelaine Petsch has taken part in awareness campaigns for organizations, such as PETA

 28 
Nate Robinson
(American Former Professional Basketball Player)
Nate Robinson
18
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: May 31, 1984
Sun Sign: Gemini

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.

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 29 
Kyle MacLachlan
(Best Known as 'Dale Cooper' in the series 'Twin Peaks')
Kyle MacLachlan
10
Birthdate: February 22, 1959
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 30 
Craig T. Nelson
11
Birthdate: April 4, 1944
Sun Sign: Aries

Craig T. Nelson is an American stand-up comedian and actor. One of the earliest members of the popular comedy troupe The Groundlings, Nelson went on to form his own comedy team along with Rudy De Luca and Barry Levinson. Also an avid racer and motorsports fan, Nelson founded the Screaming Eagles Racing in 1992.

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 31 
Frank Herbert
(Science Fiction Author Best Known for His 1965 Novel 'Dune' & Its Sequels)
Frank Herbert
15
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: October 8, 1920
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: February 11, 1986

American author, newspaper-journalist, book-reviewer, lecturer, photographer, and ecological consultant Franklin Herbert is most noted for his 1965 sci-fi novel Dune and its five sequels. Dune won the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award and spearheaded the Dune franchise. The novel is cited as the best-selling sci-fi novel in history while the series is counted among the classics of the genre.

 32 
Kenny Loggins
(Singer-songwriter,)
Kenny Loggins
6
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: January 7, 1948
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
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 33 
Zach LaVine
(American Basketball Player Who Plays as a Shooting Guard / Small Forward)
Zach LaVine
12
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 10, 1995
Sun Sign: Pisces

Zach LaVine is an American basketball player. He currently plays for the Chicago Bulls of the NBA. LaVine, who has twice won the Slam Dunk Contest, became only the fourth NBA player to win the contest on two successive occasions in 2016. Before making his entry into the NBA, Zach LaVine was an important player for the UCLA Bruins

 34 
Gabe Newell
(Entrepreneur)
Gabe Newell
14
Listed In: Scientists
Birthdate: November 3, 1962
Sun Sign: Scorpio

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.

 35 
Amanda Knox
(Wrongful conviction of the murder of Meredith Kercher)
Amanda Knox
35
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: July 9, 1987
Sun Sign: Cancer

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.

 36 
Kenny G
(Smooth Jazz Saxophonist and One of the Best-Selling Musicians of All Time)
Kenny G
10
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: June 5, 1956
Sun Sign: Gemini

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.

 37 
Randy Couture
(Actor, Former Mixed Martial Artist & Greco-Roman Wrestler)
Randy Couture
10
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 22, 1963
Sun Sign: Cancer

Randy Couture is a former U.S. Army sergeant and retired mixed martial artist. He currently works as an actor. He began his career as an army man and later turned to mixed martial arts. In this field, he was a three-time UFC Heavyweight Champion. After quitting UFC, he became an actor and starred in the hit film The Hard Way. 

 38 
Mario Batali
(American Celebrity Chef and Restaurateur)
Mario Batali
5
Listed In: Food Experts
Birthdate: September 19, 1960
Sun Sign: Virgo

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.

 39 
Karan Brar
(American Actor Best Known for His Role as ‘Chirag Gupta’ in the Film ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid)
Karan Brar
50
Birthdate: January 18, 1999
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Karan Brar is an American actor. Starting his career as a child artist, Brar landed the role of an Indian boy named Ravi Ross in the comedy TV series Jessie; the casting directors were so impressed with Brar that they decided to recreate the role as Ravi Ross was originally intended to be a South American boy named Javier.

 40 
Erika Christensen
(Actress and Singer)
Erika Christensen
11
Birthdate: August 19, 1982
Sun Sign: Leo

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.

 41 
Lil Mosey
(Rapper, Singer-Songwriter Known for His Albums ‘Northsbest’ and ‘Certified Hitmaker’)
Lil Mosey
72
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: January 25, 2002
Sun Sign: Aquarius

Lil Mosey is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper. Known for his melodic flow of music, Mosey has released singles, such as Blueberry Faygo, which featured on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at number eight. The song has been certified platinum in the US and Australia and 4× platinum in Canada.

 42 
Cooper Kupp
(Football player)
Cooper Kupp
11
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: June 15, 1993
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
 43 
Gary Larson
(Cartoonist)
Gary Larson
6
Birthdate: August 14, 1950
Sun Sign: Leo

Gary Larson is an American environmentalist, cartoonist, and former musician. He is credited with creating a single-panel cartoon series titled The Far Side, which was syndicated for 15 years to over 1,900 newspapers around the world. In 1990 and 1994, Gary Larson was honored by the National Cartoonists Society (NCS) with the prestigious Reuben Award. 

 44 
Dyan Cannon
(First Woman to be nominated for Oscars Both in Front of and Behind the Camera)
Dyan Cannon
21
Birthdate: January 4, 1937
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Dyan Cannon is best known for her Academy Award-nominated roles in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice and Heaven Can Wait. She has also written, directed, and produced the Academy Award-nominated film Number One. She has appeared in series such as Ally McBeal and Three Sisters, too.
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 45 
Chuck Jones
(Animator, Filmmaker, Cartoonist, Author, Artist, & Screenwriter)
Chuck Jones
8
Birthdate: September 21, 1912
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: February 22, 2002

Chuck Jones was an American animator, painter, and voice actor. Jones is best remembered for his work on Merrie Melodies and Looney Tunes. He is credited with founding Chuck Jones Enterprises where he produced and directed the film adaptation of The Phantom Tollbooth. During the course of his career, Chuck Jones received three Academy Awards and the Edward MacDowell Medal.

 46 
Valkyrae
(American Internet Personality YouTube Star)
Valkyrae
31
Listed In: YouTubers
Birthdate: January 8, 1992
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Rachell Hofstetter, better known as Valkyrae, shot to fame with her YouTube gaming channel. She is equally popular on Instagram. She previously worked at GameStop and was a Twitch streamer. The first female 100 Thieves content creator, she supports female gamers and signed an exclusive contract with YouTube in 2020.
 47 
Katelyn Ohashi
(American Former Artistic Gymnast)
Katelyn Ohashi
21
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: April 12, 1997
Sun Sign: Aries
Artistic gymnast Katelyn Ohashi is a six-time All-American and a four-time USA Gymnastics' Junior National Team member. She won the 2011 Junior National Championship and the 2013 American Cup. A video of her perfect 10-winning routine at the 2019 Collegiate Challenge went viral on the internet, gaining her international fame.
 48 
Carol Channing
(Actress)
Carol Channing
6
Birthdate: January 31, 1921
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: January 15, 2019
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 49 
Fred Couples
(Professional Golfer and Former World No. 1)
Fred Couples
3
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 3, 1959
Sun Sign: Libra

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. 

 50 
Darren McGavin
5
Birthdate: May 7, 1922
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: February 25, 2006

Darren McGavin was an American actor whose journey from being a squatter in Tacoma to becoming a popular stage, film, TV actor was quite remarkable. He started his career as a set painter for Columbia Pictures before trying his hand at acting and eventually receiving a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for his work in the sitcom TV series, Murphy Brown.