What Celebrities Are From Nampa, ID?

Nampa, Idaho, a vibrant city in the Treasure Valley, may not be a celebrity factory like Los Angeles, but it has quietly produced a surprising array of talent that’s left a mark across entertainment, sports, technology, and politics. This close-knit community of roughly 103,000 has nurtured individuals who’ve achieved national and even global recognition. Here’s a deeper dive into Nampa’s most notable native sons and daughters.

Ronee Blakley (born August 24, 1945) is Nampa’s brightest star. A singer-songwriter and actress, she earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her unforgettable role as country singer Barbara Jean in Robert Altman’s 1975 film Nashville. Her haunting performance and musical contributions to the soundtrack cemented her legacy. Blakley also starred as Marge Thompson in Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) and collaborated with Bob Dylan in Renaldo and Clara (1978). Her blend of raw talent and versatility puts Nampa on the Hollywood map.

Larry Jackson (born May 2, 1931, died October 11, 1990) was a Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and others during the 1950s and 1960s. Beyond the diamond, Jackson served as an Idaho state representative, blending athletic prowess with civic duty. His dual legacy as a sportsman and public servant resonates in Nampa’s proud history.

Jerry Saltzer (born October 9, 1939) is a Nampa-born computer scientist whose work shaped modern computing. A key figure in developing the Multics operating system, a precursor to Unix, Saltzer’s innovations in system design and security earned him accolades in tech circles. While not a celebrity in the traditional sense, his contributions are monumental in the digital age.

Davey Hamilton (born June 15, 1962) is a racecar driver who brought Nampa to the fast lane. Competing in the IndyCar Series and multiple Indianapolis 500 races, Hamilton’s grit and skill made him a fan favorite in motorsports. His career highlights Nampa’s lesser-known racing culture.

Bud Clark (born December 19, 1931, died August 1, 2013) was born in Nampa and became a beloved figure as Portland, Oregon’s mayor from 1985 to 1992. Known for his quirky, everyman style—famously posing with a trench coat for the “Expose Yourself to Art” poster—Clark’s leadership transformed Portland’s urban landscape.

Nampa’s modest size belies its ability to produce talent that excels on diverse stages. From Blakley’s cinematic triumphs to Hamilton’s high-speed races, these individuals reflect the city’s hardworking, ambitious spirit, proving Nampa is a small town with big dreams.