When you think about Alaska, what comes to mind? Snowy landscapes? Majestic wildlife? How about the talented and inspiring people who call this state home? While Alaska is famous for its natural beauty, it’s also home to many individuals who’ve made their mark in different fields.
Today, our topic is to go into the list of some of the most famous people from Alaska and what makes them stand out.
Who Are the Most Famous Persons From Alaska?
1. Sarah Palin
- Birth Month: February 1964
- Fame: Politician
Sarah Palin served as the Governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009 and gained national prominence as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2008. She has been a prominent figure in conservative politics, authored several books, and starred in her own reality show, Sarah Palin’s Alaska. In 2022, she ran for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives but was defeated by Democrat Mary Peltola.
2. Jewel Kilcher
- Birth Month: May 1974
- Fame: Musician
Known simply as Jewel, she is a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter from Homer, Alaska. Her debut album, Pieces of You, sold over 12 million copies in the U.S., featuring hits like “You Were Meant for Me.”
Jewel has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and continues to be involved in music and television, including appearances on her family’s reality show Alaska: The Last Frontier.
3. Mario Chalmers
- Birth Month: May 1981
- Fame: Athlete (Basketball)
Born in Anchorage, Chalmers is best known for his time as a point guard for the Miami Heat, where he won two NBA championships in 2012 and 2013. He also played a key role in the University of Kansas’s 2008 NCAA championship victory.
4. Lincoln Brewster
- Birth Month: July 1971
- Fame: Musician
A renowned Christian musician and guitarist from Fairbanks, Brewster gained fame through his work in contemporary Christian music. He has toured with notable artists and continues to influence the genre.
5. Carlos Boozer
- Birth Month: November 1981
- Fame: Athlete (Basketball)
Born in Juneau, Boozer is a former NBA player who won an Olympic bronze medal in 2004. He played for teams including the Chicago Bulls and Utah Jazz during his career.
6. Annie Parisse
- Birth Month: July 1975
- Fame: Actress
Parisse is known for her role in Law & Order and has appeared in various films such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and National Treasure. She was born in Anchorage.
7. Susan Butcher
- Birth Month: December 1954 (died August 2006)
- Fame: Athlete (Dog Musher)
Butcher was a legendary dog musher who became the first woman to win the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in 1986. She won the race four times (1986, 1987, 1988, and 1990) and played a significant role in promoting women’s participation in sports.
8. Tommy Moe
- Birth Month: July 1970
- Fame: Athlete (Skiing)
Moe is an Olympic gold medalist skier who made history at the 1994 Winter Olympics by winning both gold in downhill skiing and silver in super-G. He was raised in Palmer and trained in Girdwood.
9. Wyatt Earp
- Birth Month: March 1848 (died January 1929)
- Fame: Historical Figure
Although born in Illinois, Earp spent time in Nome during the Klondike Gold Rush era, where he opened the Dexter Saloon. He is best known for his role as a lawman during America’s Wild West period.
10. Curt Schilling
- Birth Month: November 1966
- Fame: Athlete (Baseball)
A Hall of Fame pitcher born in Anchorage, Schilling is known for his success with teams like the Boston Red Sox and Arizona Diamondbacks. He has also been active as a sports commentator after retiring from baseball.
11. Valerie Plame Wilson
- Birth Month: April 1963
- Fame: Former CIA Officer
Born on a military base in Anchorage, Plame became widely known after her identity was leaked in a political scandal that led to significant legal consequences for several individuals involved.
12. Lydia Jacoby
- Birth Month: January 2004
- Fame: Athlete (Swimmer)
Jacoby gained fame by winning a gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as part of Team USA’s swimming team, making her one of the youngest athletes to achieve this feat.
13. Mary Peltola
- Birth Month: August 1973
- Fame: Politician
Elected in 2022, Mary Peltola became the first Alaska Native woman to serve in the U.S. Congress after winning a special election for Alaska’s at-large congressional district. She has focused on issues such as subsistence rights and environmental protection.
14. DeeDee Jonrowe
- Birth Month: December 1953
- Fame: Athlete (Dog Musher)
A celebrated dog musher, Jonrowe has competed in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race thirty-six times, finishing in the top ten sixteen times. She is also a cancer survivor and an advocate for search and rescue missions with her dogs. In 2022, she was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sport.
15. John Gourley
- Birth Month: June 1981
- Fame: Musician
The lead singer of the band Portugal. The Man, Gourley has achieved significant success with hits like “Feel It Still,” which won a Grammy Award in 2018. The band has roots in Alaska and continues to influence the music scene.
16. Levi Johnston
- Birth Month: September 1989
- Fame: Media Personality
Known for his relationship with Bristol Palin, Levi Johnston gained fame during the 2008 presidential election cycle. He remains a public figure and has participated in various media projects since then.
17. Roxy Wright
- Birth Month: Not specified
- Fame: Athlete (Dog Musher)
Wright is recognized as one of the most accomplished sprint-distance dog mushers in history. She was inducted into the Alaska Women’s Hall of Fame in 2022 for her contributions to dog mushing and athletics.
18. Kelsey Griffin
- Birth Month: July 1987
- Fame: Athlete (Basketball)
Griffin is a professional basketball player who has played in both the WNBA and overseas. She was part of multiple championship teams and continues to participate in sports development in Alaska.
19. Tom Bodett
- Birth Month: February 1955
- Fame: Writer and Voice Actor
Best known for his work as a voice actor for Motel 6 commercials, Bodett has written several books and continues to engage with audiences through radio shows and podcasts.