Famous People From Utah
Utah may be known for its national parks, snow-covered slopes, and small-town charm—but it's also produced a surprising number of well-known figures across film, sports, music, politics, and business. From Hollywood actors to Olympic athletes, here are some of the most notable famous people who came out of Utah.
Actors and Actresses From Utah
James Woods
Actor James Woods was born in Vernal, Utah and spent much of his youth in Vernal. Known for Salvador, Casino, and Videodrome, he’s a two-time Academy Award nominee.
Katherine Heigl
Best known for her role on Grey’s Anatomy and rom-coms like 27 Dresses, Heigl moved to Utah and made it her permanent home. She lives with her family on a ranch outside Park City.
Matthew Davis
Davis, who played Warner in Legally Blonde and Alaric in The Vampire Diaries, is a native of Salt Lake City.
Musicians and Singers From Utah
The Osmonds
This famous musical family—Donny, Marie, and the rest—came out of Ogden, Utah. Their variety shows and chart-topping hits made them a household name in the 1970s.
Imagine Dragons
Lead singer Dan Reynolds hails from Las Vegas, but the band formed in Provo while attending Brigham Young University.
David Archuleta
The American Idol Season 7 runner-up is originally from Murray, Utah. He continues to perform and has a loyal fanbase.
Athletes From Utah
Nathan Chen
Born in Salt Lake City, Chen is an Olympic gold medalist in figure skating and widely regarded as one of the sport’s most technical skaters.
Steve Young
NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and Super Bowl MVP, Young is a native of Salt Lake City and attended BYU.
Maame Biney
While born in Ghana, U.S. Olympic speed skater Maame Biney trained and competed in Utah, where many Olympic hopefuls hone their skills.
Influencers and Media Personalities From Utah
Lindsey Stirling
This violinist and YouTube sensation grew up in Gilbert, Arizona but studied at BYU and credits Utah’s arts scene with helping her career grow.
Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight
These twin YouTubers, originally known from their mother’s “Cute Girls Hairstyles,” grew their massive online presence while based in Utah.
Shay Carl (Shaytards)
One of the early YouTube vloggers, Shay Carl grew up in Logan, Utah, and helped pioneer family-style vlogging.
Politicians and Business Leaders From Utah
Mitt Romney
Former governor of Massachusetts and Republican U.S. Senator from Utah, Romney has deep ties to the state through both business and politics.
Jon Huntsman Jr.
Former Utah Governor, U.S. Ambassador to China and Russia, and 2012 presidential candidate.
Gail Miller
Owner of the Utah Jazz and widow of Larry H. Miller, she’s one of the most influential businesswomen in the West.
Why So Many Notables From Utah?
Strong arts programs in high schools and universities
Proximity to Hollywood and scenic locations that attract filmmakers
A supportive local culture for performance, athletics, and innovation
Olympic legacy from the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City
Final Thoughts
Utah might not be the first place you think of when it comes to celebrities, but the Beehive State has helped launch the careers of actors, athletes, musicians, and more. Whether they were born here or chose to settle down in Utah, these famous names prove that the state’s influence stretches far beyond its borders.