List of people from Nevada facts for kids

Nevada is a state in the United States known for its deserts, mountains, and vibrant cities like Las Vegas. Many interesting people have lived in Nevada, including politicians, athletes, entertainers, and writers. This list highlights some of the famous individuals who were born, grew up, or spent a lot of time in Nevada.

Nevada's Political Leaders

This section introduces important people who have helped lead Nevada and the country. They worked in government to make decisions and create laws.

Governors and Senators from Nevada

• Kathy Augustine (1956–2006) – She was the Nevada State Controller, managing the state's money.
• Walter Baring (1911–1975) – He served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Nevada.
• Helen Delich Bentley – A former Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Alan Bible (1909–1988) – He was a Democratic U.S. Senator from Nevada.
• James Bilbray – He represented Nevada's first district in the U.S. House of Representatives.
• Emmet D. Boyle (1879–1926) – The 13th Governor of Nevada and the first governor born in Nevada.
• Berkeley L. Bunker (1906–1999) – He served as both a U.S. Senator and a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Nevada.
• Howard Cannon (1912–2002) – A former Democratic U.S. Senator from Nevada.
• Jim Gibbons (born 1944) – He was the 28th Governor of Nevada.
• Carolyn Goodman – She has been the Mayor of Las Vegas since 2012.
• Oscar Goodman – He was the Mayor of Las Vegas from 2002 to 2012.
• Morley Griswold (1890–1951) – He served in the U.S. Army during World War I. Later, he became Lieutenant Governor and then Governor of Nevada.
• Dean Heller – He served as a U.S. Senator and a U.S. Congressman for Nevada.
• Velma Bronn Johnston (1912–1977) – She was an important activist who worked to protect animal rights.
• Paul Laxalt – A Republican who served as both Governor of Nevada and a U.S. Senator.
• Myron E. Leavitt (1930–2004) – He was a former Lieutenant Governor of Nevada.
• Pat McCarran (1876–1954) – A former U.S. Senator from Nevada. McCarran International Airport is named after him.
• Mike McGinness – A Republican member of the Nevada Senate.
• Pat Nixon (1912–1993) – She was the First Lady of the United States from 1969 to 1974.
• Key Pittman (1872–1940) – A former Democratic U.S. Senator from Nevada. He was also the President pro tempore of the Senate.
• Vail M. Pittman (1880–1964) – He was the 19th Governor of Nevada and also served as Lieutenant Governor.
• Harry Reid (born 1939) – He was a powerful United States Senate Minority Leader.
• Willard Hughes Rollings (1948–2008) – A historian who studied Native American cultures.
• Grant Sawyer (1918–1996) – The 21st Governor of Nevada. He helped create the Nevada Gaming Commission.
• W. Frank Stewart - A silver miner who became a Democratic state senator for Storey County.
• Jon Wellinghoff (born 1949) – An attorney and energy expert. He chaired the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

News and Media Personalities

This section features people who worked in newspapers, radio, and television. They helped share news and stories with the public.

Journalists and Broadcasters

• Art Bell – A well-known syndicated radio host.
• A.E. Cahlan (1899–1968) – He owned and published the Las Vegas Review Journal newspaper.
• Norm Clarke – A gossip columnist for the Las Vegas Review Journal.
• Hank Greenspun (1909–1989) – He was the publisher of the Las Vegas Sun newspaper.

Nevada's Top Athletes

Nevada has been home to many talented athletes who have excelled in various sports.

Andre Agassi is a famous tennis player.

C. J. Watson played professional basketball.

Barry Zito was a Major League Baseball pitcher.

Jason Zucker is an NHL hockey player.

Sports Stars from A to G

• Andre Agassi – A Hall of Fame professional tennis player.
• Greg Anthony – An NBA player and sports broadcaster.
• Luke Babbitt – A small forward who played for the Portland Trail Blazers.
• Ryan Bader – A professional mixed martial artist in the UFC.
• Shannon Bahrke – An Olympic freestyle skier.
• Marcus Banks – A point guard for the New Orleans Hornets.
• Craig Barlow – A professional golfer.
• Avery Bradley – A player for the Boston Celtics.
• Kris Bryant – A player for the Chicago Cubs baseball team.
• Kurt Busch – A well-known NASCAR race car driver.
• Kyle Busch – Another famous NASCAR driver, Kurt's brother.
• Gina Carano – An MMA fighter and actress.
• Chris Carter – A player for the Houston Astros baseball team.
• Spencer Clark (1987–2006) – A NASCAR driver.
• Rico Constantino – A professional wrestler.
• Marty Cordova – A Major League Baseball left fielder.
• Harvey Dahl – An offensive guard who played for the Atlanta Falcons.
• Ricky Davis – A professional basketball player in the NBA.
• Brandyn Dombrowski – An offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers.
• Marion Jones Farquhar – A Hall of Fame tennis player.
• Joey Gallo – A player for the Texas Rangers baseball team.
• Brendan Gaughan – A NASCAR driver.
• Lawrence Guy – A defensive end for the Baltimore Ravens football team.

Sports Stars from H to M

• Ray Handley – A former football player and head coach for the New York Giants.
• Bryce Harper – A Major League Baseball player.
• Carey Hart – A freestyle motocross racer and professional BMX rider.
• Steven Jackson – A professional football player.
• Ben Jacobs – A professional football player.
• Nick Johnson – A professional basketball player in the NBA.
• Colin Kaepernick – A professional football player.
• Klete Keller – An Olympic swimmer.
• Jack Kramer – A Hall of Fame tennis player.
• Iris Kyle – A ten-time overall Ms. Olympia professional bodybuilder.
• Joseph Lang (1911–1990) – A boxer.
• T.J. Lavin – A professional BMX rider and musician.
• Ryan Ludwick – A right fielder for the Cincinnati Reds baseball team.
• Greg Maddux – A Major League Baseball player.
• Julia Mancuso – An Olympic alpine ski racer with gold and silver medals.
• Floyd Mayweather, Jr. – A famous boxer.
• Jake McGee – A relief pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team.
• Maurice E. McLoughlin – A Hall of Fame tennis player.
• Frank Mir – A mixed martial artist and former UFC champion.
• DeMarco Murray – A running back for the Dallas Cowboys football team.

Sports Stars from N to Z

• Amy Purdy – A snowboarder and Paralympic medalist.
• Grey Ruegamer – A professional football player in the NFL.
• Nate Schierholtz – An outfielder for the Washington Nationals baseball team.
• Adam Seward – A professional football player in the NFL.
• Chasen Shreve – A relief pitcher for the New York Yankees baseball team.
• Scott Smith – A mixed martial artist.
• Brandon Snyder – A first baseman for the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
• Stevenson Sylvester – A linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers football team.
• Korey Toomer – A linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys football team.
• Byron Velvick – A professional bass fisherman.
• C. J. Watson – A professional basketball player.
• Duke Williams – A professional football player in the NFL.
• Matt Williams – A Major League Baseball third baseman and manager.
• Aarik Wilson – A long jumper.
• Charles Wright – A professional wrestler.
• Barry Zito – A Major League Baseball starting pitcher.
• Jason Zucker – An NHL hockey player.

Entertainment Industry Stars

Nevada has produced many talented individuals who shine in movies, TV shows, and music.

Actors and Actresses

Nicolas Cage is a well-known actor.

Jena Malone is an actress and musician.

Actors from A to M

• Ben Alexander (1911–1969) – An actor.
• Mädchen Amick (born 1970) – An actress, known for her role as Shelly Johnson on Twin Peaks.
• Deanna Brooks (born 1974) – An actress and model.
• Reno Browne (1921–1991) – A film actress, equestrian, and pilot.
• Nicolas Cage (born 1964) – A famous actor and filmmaker.
• Charisma Carpenter (born 1970) – An actress, known for playing Cordelia Chase on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.
• Dillon Casey (born 1983) – An actor.
• Hobart Cavanaugh (1886–1950) – An actor.
• Daveigh Chase (born 1990) – An actress and singer, known for Rhonda Volmer on Big Love.
• Tishara Cousino (born 1978) – A model, actress, and real estate broker.
• Abby Dalton (born 1935) – An actress.
• Gabriel Damon (born 1976) – An actor.
• Doris Dawson (1909–1986) – A silent film actress.
• Loren Dean (born 1969) – An actor, appearing in films like Enemy of the State and Apollo 13.
• Thomas Dekker (born 1987) – An actor and musician, known for playing John Connor on Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles.
• Brad Dexter (1917–2002) – An actor, famous for The Magnificent Seven.
• Leah Dizon (born 1986) – A model, singer, and Japanese television personality.
• Chase Ellison (born 1993) – An actor.
• Kathy Evison (born 1963) – An actress, known for Lonnie Henderson on SeaQuest DSV.
• Joe Flanigan (born 1967) – An actor, known for Major/Lt. Colonel John Sheppard on Stargate Atlantis.
• Michele Greene (born 1962) – An actress, singer, and songwriter.
• Matthew Gray Gubler (born 1980) – An actor and director, known for Dr. Spencer Reid on Criminal Minds.
• Adam Hicks (born 1992) – An actor, singer, and dancer.
• Bryce Johnson (born 1977) – An actor, known for Josh Ford on Popular.
• Rebekah Kochan (born 1984) – An actress.
• Michelle Krusiec (born 1974) – An actress, known for One World.
• Joseph D. Kucan (born 1965) – A video game developer, director, actor, and screenwriter.
• Erin Lear (born 1984) – An actress.
• Jena Malone (born 1984) – An actress, musician, and photographer.
• Lily Mariye (born 1964) – An actress, known for Lily Jarvik on ER.
• Meaghan Jette Martin (born 1992) – An actress, singer, and musician.

Actors from N to Z

Amanda Righetti is an actress.

• Lycia Naff (born 1962) – An actress, known for Ensign Sonya Gomez on Star Trek: The Next Generation.
• Thomas Ian Nicholas (born 1980) – An actor, known for the American Pie films.
• Sean Palmer (born 1973) – An actor, singer, and dancer.
• Sasha Pieterse (born 1996) – A teen actress, known for Alison DiLaurentis on Pretty Little Liars.
• Kristoffer Polaha (born 1977) – An actor.
• Edna Purviance (1895–1958) – An actress.
• Amanda Righetti (born 1983) – An actress, known for Grace Van Pelt on The Mentalist.
• Stephanie Romanov (born 1969) – An actress and model, known for Lilah Morgan on Angel.
• Sophia Rossi (born 1977) – An actress, model, and dancer.
• Paul Schrier (born 1970) – An actor, known for Bulk on Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.
• Jason-Shane Scott (born 1976) – An actor.
• Dana Snyder (born 1973) – A stand-up comedian, actor, and voice artist, known for Master Shake on Aqua Teen Hunger Force.
• Shannyn Sossamon (born 1978) – An actress, dancer, model, and musician.
• Charlie Stewart (born 1993) – An actor.
• Bobby Tonelli (born 1975) – An actor.
• Cerina Vincent (born 1979) – An actress and model, known for Maya on Power Rangers Lost Galaxy.
• Carrie Clark Ward (1862–1926) – A silent film actress.
• Dawn Wells (born 1938) – An actress and business owner, known for Mary Ann on Gilligan's Island.
• Rutina Wesley – An actress, known for Tara Thornton on True Blood.
• Lauren Woodland (born 1977) – An actress, known for Brittany Marsino on The Young and the Restless.

Music Artists and Performers

Brandon Flowers is the lead singer of The Killers.

Dia Frampton is an indie pop singer.

Dan Reynolds is the frontman for Imagine Dragons.

• Vernon Alley – A jazz bassist.
• Joyce Collins – A jazz pianist and singer.
• Rick DeJesus – The lead vocalist for the band Adelitas Way.
• Daniel de los Reyes – A percussionist.
• Dino – A DJ, singer-songwriter, and record producer.
• Brandon Flowers – The lead singer of the popular band The Killers.
• Dia Frampton – An indie rock and pop singer.
• Tony Fredianelli – An alternative rock musician, formerly with Third Eye Blind.
• Nicholas Furlong – A singer, songwriter, and producer.
• Mikalah Gordon – A singer and American Idol finalist.
• Chris Jones – A guitarist.
• Jenny Lewis – A singer.
• Justin McBride – A country music singer.
• Nikki Nelson – A country music singer.
• Louis Prima Jr – A singer, entertainer, trumpeter, and bandleader.
• Dan Reynolds – The frontman for the band Imagine Dragons.
• Ryan Ross – The former lead guitarist and lyricist for Panic at the Disco.
• Chuck Ruff – A rock drummer.
• Lee Scrivner – A songwriter.
• Kevin Seconds – A vocalist, songwriter, and musician.
• Billy Sherwood – A progressive rock musician, record producer, and engineer.
• Mark Slaughter – A singer and musician, founder of the hard rock band Slaughter.
• Spencer Smith – The drummer for Panic at the Disco.
• Lynn Truell – The drummer for Imperial Teen.
• Brendon Urie – The lead singer for Panic at the Disco.
• Willy Vlautin – The lead singer for Richmond Fontaine.
• David Yow – The lead vocalist for Scratch Acid and The Jesus Lizard.
• Dolora Zajick – A mezzo-soprano opera singer.

Behind-the-Scenes Talent: Film, Stage, and TV Production

• Glen Charles – An Emmy Award-winning television writer.
• Les Charles – Another Emmy Award-winning television writer.
• C. Jay Cox (born 1962) – A director and screenwriter.
• Nicholas RAS Furlong – A songwriter and record producer.
• Curtis Hanson – An Academy Award-winning filmmaker.
• Daniel C. Mitchell – A screenwriter and producer.

Nevada's Authors and Writers

This section highlights people from Nevada who have written books, poems, and articles.

Writers and Poets

• Alta – A poet, prose writer, and publisher.
• Nevada Barr – An author known for her mystery novels.
• Charles Bock – A novelist.
• Juanita Brooks – An author and historian.
• Walter van Tilburg Clark – A writer.
• Cecelia Holland – A historical novelist.
• Robert Laxalt – A writer.
• Adrian C. Louis – An author and poet.
• James Marshall – A children's author and illustrator.
• Lloyd Osbourne – A novelist.
• Lute Pease – A journalist and cartoonist.
• Sheldon Rampton – An editor and author of books about the public relations industry.
• Andrew Romanelli – A journalist, poet, songwriter, and blogger.
• Geoff Schumacher – A journalist and author.
• Harry Shannon – A novelist.
• Georgie Sicking – A cowboy poet and former rancher.
• David Derek Stacton (1925–1968) – An author and poet.
• Richard Walton Tully – A playwright.
• Dave Ulrich – An author of books on leadership and human resources.
• Claire Vaye Watkins – The author of the book Battleborn.

Other Notable Nevadans

This section includes other interesting people from Nevada who have made a name for themselves in various fields.

Diverse Talents from Nevada

• Jennifer Allan – A model.
• James E. Casey (1888–1983) – The founder of United Parcel Service (UPS).
• Kimberley Conrad – A model and former wife of Hugh Hefner.
• Laura Dahl – A fashion designer.
• Michael David – A painter.
• Milton H. Erickson – A psychiatrist specializing in medical hypnosis and family therapy.
• Sean Hamilton – A radio personality.
• Jennifer Harman – A professional poker player.
• Chelsie Hightower (born 1989) – A Latin ballroom dancer, known from Dancing with the Stars.
• Jimmy Kimmel – A popular talk show host and comedian.
• Dat So La Lee (1829–1925) – A famous basket weaver.
• Jessica Miller – A fashion model.
• Pierre Omidyar – The billionaire founder of eBay.
• Bob Tallman – A rodeo announcer.
• J. Buzz Von Ornsteiner – A psychologist and television personality.
• Steve Wynn – A casino tycoon and owner of Wynn Resorts Limited.

Images for kids

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  Bryce Harper is a Major League Baseball player.

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  Steven Jackson was a professional football player.

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  Mädchen Amick is an actress.

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  Lute Pease was a journalist and cartoonist.

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  James E. Casey founded UPS.