Oregon, with its stunning landscapes and serene lifestyle, has attracted a diverse group of celebrities who call it home. From actors and musicians to filmmakers and authors, many famous personalities have chosen to reside in this beautiful state. Notable among them is Kirstie Alley, the renowned Cheers star, who reportedly owns a home in Oregon. Acclaimed director Gus Van Sant, known for films like My Own Private Idaho and Drugstore Cowboy, has been a Portland resident for over three decades.
Southern Oregon has been home to Evil Dead actor Bruce Campbell since 1998. Kim Novak and Jim Belushi, who owns a cannabis farm in the state’s southern region, are other well-known figures living in Oregon. This list delves into the lives of these and other celebrities, highlighting the allure of Oregon as a haven for the rich and famous. Discover who else shares this scenic state as their abode.
Famous People Who Live In Oregon
- Bruce Campbell
- Carrie Brownstein
- Gus Van Sant
- Jim Belushi
- Rainn Wilson
- Sam Elliott
- Ty Burrell
- Chuck Palahniuk
- K.d. Lang
- Kim Novak
- Matt Groening
- Tonya Harding
Bruce Campbell
Bruce Campbell, born in Royal Oak, MI, is an actor and filmmaker known for cult classics. He starred in the Evil Dead franchise and Bubba Ho-Tep. Campbell bought property in Southern Oregon in 1998. He has “a little place in Ashland” and “a place out in the boonies in the Applegate.”
He actively participates in the local theater scene and has performed at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. His love for acting extends beyond the screen. Campbell is also a writer, having penned several books. He enjoys the quiet life in Oregon and frequently shares his experiences on social media. His home is a haven for fans of horror and comedy.
Carrie Brownstein
Carrie Brownstein, born in Seattle, WA, is a musician, writer, and actress. She is one-third of the band Sleater-Kinney and a co-creator and star of the show Portlandia. Brownstein grew up in Redmond, Washington, and moved to Portland, Oregon, in 2000. She recently moved to Los Angeles but says she lives part of the time in Oregon. The city’s vibrant culture greatly influences her work. She is a key figure in Portland’s music and arts scenes.
Brownstein’s unique style and wit shine through in her projects. She is a respected voice in the indie music world. Portland remains an important part of her creative journey.
Gus Van Sant
Gus Van Sant, born in Louisville, KY, is a filmmaker with a distinctive style. He directed acclaimed movies like Good Will Hunting, Milk, and Elephant. Van Sant moved to Portland with his family when he was still in school and has maintained various homes in Portland over the years. His Sauvie Island home sold for $1.4 million in October 2015.
The city’s artistic community inspires him. He enjoys exploring different forms of storytelling and has collaborated with the Portland Art Museum. He is also known for his photography and painting. His presence in Portland adds to the city’s rich cultural landscape. Van Sant continues to create thought-provoking work.
Jim Belushi
Jim Belushi, born in Wheaton, IL, is an actor and comedian. He starred in According to Jim and appeared on Saturday Night Live. Belushi worked with contractors to build a vacation cabin on the Rogue River in Southern Oregon, a process chronicled in the DIY Network series, “Building Belushi.” He now lives in Southern Oregon, where he owns and operates a cannabis farm.
Belushi is passionate about his work in the cannabis industry and has also engaged in local philanthropy. His love for Oregon’s nature is evident. He often shares his outdoor adventures with fans. His diverse interests keep him active and involved in the community.
Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson, born in Seattle, WA, is an actor and writer. He is best known as Dwight Schrute on The Office. Born in Seattle, Wilson attended college in New York before moving to Portland, Oregon, to pursue acting. Wilson and his wife have a cabin in Sisters, in Central Oregon.
Wilson told 1859 Magazine in 2011, “Oregonians are like Canadians — impossibly nice and they wear whitewater sandals with wool socks.” He has a distinctive comedic style and has appeared in many films and TV shows, Also an author and a philanthropist. He co-founded the organization Lide Haiti, supporting arts education. Portland is a special place for him, and he enjoys the city’s creative energy.
Sam Elliott
Sam Elliott, born in Sacramento, CA, is an actor and producer known for his deep, resonant voice. He moved to Oregon with his family as a child and attended high school in Portland. At the 2015 Winter TV Press Tour, Elliott mentioned he still spends a lot of time in Oregon. “My mom’s house is still there, and we still own it,” he said. “I’ve got a place in the Willamette Valley, down near Eugene. I’m ultimately hoping to move back to Oregon.”
He’s famous for his roles in classic Westerns like Tombstone and The Big Lebowski. His distinctive voice has made him a sought-after spokesperson for various products. Elliott’s portrayal of rugged, cowboy-like characters has defined his career. He has a strong connection to Oregon and often visits the state. His work has left a lasting impression on Hollywood and fans of Western films.
Ty Burrell
Ty Burrell, born in Grants Pass, OR, is an actor best known for playing Phil Dunphy on Modern Family. He was born in Grants Pass, Oregon, and grew up in the state. Burrell attended college in Ashland. He has appeared in numerous films and television shows throughout his career.
Burrell is known for his comedic timing and ability to play both comedic and dramatic roles. His portrayal of Phil Dunphy made him a household name. Burrell’s ties to Oregon remain strong, and he often returns to the state. His work has earned him critical acclaim and several awards.
Chuck Palahniuk
Chuck Palahniuk, born in Pasco, WA, is a novelist and essayist best known for Fight Club. Born in Pasco, Washington, he has lived in Portland, Oregon, for many years. Palahniuk draws inspiration from his surroundings, often reflecting on Portland’s unique culture. He describes the city as a place “where people go to retire and die.”
His writing style is unique and often darkly humorous. Palahniuk has a devoted following and is a sought-after speaker. His books often explore the darker aspects of society and human nature. He continues to write and live in Portland, contributing to its literary scene.
K.d. Lang
K.d. Lang, born in Edmonton, Canada, is a Canadian singer and songwriter, calls Oregon her home. She is renowned for her unique voice and soulful music. Lang moved to Portland in 2013, a city known for its vibrant arts scene. In an interview, she said, “I was really attracted to the city for years and years.
It just got to the point where I felt it was time to leave Los Angeles, and Portland was my No. 1 destination. So I just kind of bit the bullet.” She enjoys the creative atmosphere and the natural beauty of the state. In Oregon, she finds a welcoming and inclusive environment. She often participates in local events and supports various causes.
Lang’s presence in Oregon adds to the state’s rich cultural tapestry. Her love for the region is evident in her choice to reside there, embracing both the artistic community and the tranquility of the Pacific Northwest.
Kim Novak
Kim Novak, born in Chicago, IL, is an actress who became famous in the 1950s and 60s. She starred in classic films like Vertigo and Picnic. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Novak eventually moved to Oregon. She now lives on a place on the Rogue River in Southern Oregon, where she and her husband have two islands and wonderful places for their horses.
“We love it here,” she told me in a 2010 interview. “It’s very important for us to be on the water. I loved living on the ocean before, and now we’re on the Rogue.” Despite being a Hollywood icon, Novak prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight. She is passionate about animal rights and has become an advocate for various causes.
Novak’s choice to live in Oregon reflects her love for nature and privacy. She occasionally makes public appearances but mostly enjoys the serenity of her ranch. Her legacy in film remains influential, and she continues to be admired by fans worldwide.
Matt Groening
Matt Groening, born in Portland, OR, is a cartoonist and animator, best known for creating The Simpsons. Born in Portland, Oregon, Groening grew up in nearby Springfield. This town inspired the fictional setting of his famous show. He attended college in Olympia, Washington, before returning to Portland. Groening began his career with the comic strip Life in Hell.
This work led to his breakthrough in animation. The Simpsons became a cultural phenomenon and a long-running hit. Groening’s unique artistic style and quirky humor are his trademarks. He continues to work on The Simpsons and other projects. Groening’s influence on animation and pop culture is profound, and he remains a beloved figure in the industry.
Tonya Harding
Tonya Harding, born in Portland, OR, is a former figure skater and boxer, who resides in Oregon. Born and raised in Portland, she became a household name in the 1990s. Harding’s skating career was marked by both talent and controversy. Despite her turbulent past, she has found a quiet life in Oregon.
Harding enjoys the state’s natural beauty and outdoor activities. She has distanced herself from the limelight, focusing on her family and personal life. Harding occasionally appears in the media, sharing her story and experiences. Her connection to Oregon remains strong, as it provides her with a peaceful retreat. The state’s supportive community has helped her rebuild and move forward.