May 14: Thursday Thirteen #18

I’ve been reading up on some local trivia lately and thought I’d use a set of fun facts I’ve found for this week’s Thursday-13. Here are 13 of the more well-known celebrities who came from Portland, Oregon, my hometown. Wikipedia’s complete list can be found here.

1. Beverly Cleary, children’s author (grew up here). Portland has erected park statues of Cleary’s most popular characters.
2. Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons (born and raised here). Many of the Simpsons character names come from Portland streets (Lovejoy, Kearney, Flanders, Terwilliger, Quimby, etc.).
3. Tonya Harding, controversial figure skater (born and raised and just won’t leave). I speak for many when I say this is the resident of which we’re least proud.
4. Katie Harman, Miss America 2002 (born and raised). She was the first Miss Oregon to win the Miss America title. Almost makes up for the Tonya shame.
5. The Kingsmen, musicians, best known for “Louie Louie” (band formed in Portland). If you’ve heard that catchy tune at a parade—because who hasn’t?—you have them to thank/blame.
6. Chuck Palahniuk, author of Fight Club (moved here as an adult, still lives in the area).
7. Sally Struthers, actress (born and raised).
8. Gus Van Sant, filmmaker, most recently recognized for Milk (grew up and currently lives here).
9. Thomas Lauderdale, musician, Pink Martini bandleader (grew up and currently lives here).
10. Mel Blanc, voice actor best known as the voice of Bugs Bunny (grew up here).
11. Sam Elliott, actor (grew up here).
12. James Beard, food expert (born and raised here).
13. Phil Knight, co-founder of Nike, Inc. and on bunches of gazillionaires lists (born and raised, and still lives here).

And what is Thursday-13? Read all about it here.