Oregon Famous People

Famous Americans: History and Biographies

Links to histories and biographies of the famous people of Oregon. Many famous people of Oregon have made significant contributions to the history of our nation and the state of Oregon. These famous Americans, famous entertainers, famous players, famous scientist, famous singers, famous statesmen, famous women, heroes, great explorers, and others Oregon famous Americans have all made Oregon their home. This list includes Oregon historical figures, celebrities and those individuals of Oregon who have influenced the lives of others.

• Beverly Cleary (1916 - ) Children’s novelist who wrote the Ramona Quimby books; born in McMinnville.
• Abigail Scott Duniway (1834 - 1915) Journalist and woman-suffrage leader; lived in Lafayette.
• Dick Fosbury (1947 - ) Invented the “Fosbury Flop” move in high jumping, flipping over the bar backwards.  Set an Olympic record in 1968; born in Portland.
• Matt Groening (1954 - ) Cartoonist whose drawings became The Simpsons television show; Portland native.
• Ursula LeGuin (1929 - ) Author.  She has written science fiction and fantasy novels and short stories, including The Wizard of Earthsea trilogy and The Left Hand of Darkness; lives in Portland.
• Edwin Markham (1852 - 1940) Famous poet born in Oregon City who is frequently called the “Dean of American Poetry.” Works include The Man with the Hoe, and Lincoln, Man of the People.
• John McLoughlin (1784 - 1857) Built Fort Vancouver and is known as the “Father of Oregon.”
• Ahmad Rashad (1949 - ) Played 11 years in the NFL.  He is currently an NBC Sportscaster; born in Portland.
• Doc Severinsen (1927 - ) Band leader and jazz trumpet player. He was the band leader for the Tonight Show when Johnny Carson hosted it.
• Lindsay Wagner (1949 - ) Actress.  She starred in the TV series, The Bionic Woman; lived in Portland.