Alaska may be known for its breathtaking wilderness and long winters, but it’s also produced an impressive list of famous people who’ve excelled in politics, sports, music, and more. From Grammy-winning artists like Jewel to Olympic champions like Lydia Jacoby, Alaska has proven it can raise talent that thrives on the world stage.
Here’s a look at 19 notable individuals who either hail from or have strong ties to the Last Frontier.
🎤 Musicians & Artists from Alaska
1. Jewel Kilcher
Known for hits like “You Were Meant for Me,” Jewel’s debut album sold over 12 million copies. She remains a musical icon and part of the hit reality series Alaska: The Last Frontier.
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.
2. Lincoln Brewster
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.
3. John Gourley
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.
4. Tom Bodett
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.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.
🏅 Athletes from Alaska
5. Mario Chalmers
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.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.
6. Carlos Boozer
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.
7. Lydia Jacoby
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.
8. Tommy Moe
Moe is an Olympic gold medalisskier 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. Kelsey Griffin
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.
🧑💼 Politicians & Public Figures
10. Sarah Palin
Sarah Palin served as the Governor of Alaska from 2006 to 2009 and gained national prominence as the Republican vice-presidential nominee in 2008.
11. Mary Peltola
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.
12. Valerie Plame Wilson
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.
🎥 Actors & Media Personalities
13. Annie Parisse
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.
14. Levi Johnston
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.
🐶 Legendary Dog Mushers
15. Susan Butcher
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 significantly promoted women’s participation in sports.
16. DeeDee Jonrowe
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.
17. Roxy Wright
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.
📚 Writers & Historical Figures
18. Wyatt Earp
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.
19. Curt Schilling
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.
