PEOPLE OF SACRAMENTO

IT’S THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THE PLACE

Whether they were born, raised or a later resident, Sacramento brings out the best in people. See if you can recognize any of these familiar faces who have ties to Sacramento.

ANTHONY KENNEDY

Born and raised in Sacramento, Harvard graduate Anthony Kennedy took over his father’s legal practice. In 1975, President Gerald Ford appointed Kennedy to the United States Court of Appeals. And in 1987, President Ronald Reagan nominated progressive-thinking Kennedy to the Supreme Court and was sworn in on February 18, 1988

BURNETT MILLER

A Sacramento icon, Burnett Miller was featured in a Ken Burns documentary entitled The War for his illustrious career in combat during World War II. He went on to serve as the mayor of Sacramento. Burnett Miller passed on October 14, 2018, at the age of 95. He will be remembered as a gentleman, a community leader and an inspiration – forever the soul of Sacramento.

DUSTY BAKER

Dusty Baker held an illustrious 19-year baseball career as an outfielder, helping primarily the Dodgers and Braves win multiple pennants and partake in several World Series championship games, before going on to coach, manage and broadcast. He served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve from 1969 through 1975.

EDDIE MURPHY

Eddie Murphy, or the Nutty Professor as we like to call him, lived in Sacramento’s Granite Bay for several years. His 2.5-acre estate, with 10 bedrooms (including one with a Shrek theme), 14 bathrooms, and 9-car garage was once on the market for $12 million!

EVELYN ASHFORD

Retired American track and field athlete Evelyn Ashford was the first to run the 100-meter dash in under 11 seconds in an Olympic Games. She was named Track and Field “Athlete of the Year” twice, in 1981 and 1984. In 1997, Ashford was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame, where she is said to be one of the greatest track and field runners ever.

GRETA GERWIG

A native of Sacramento, the ever-charming Greta Gerwig originally intended to become a playwright but discovered a true talent in acting. She was cast in many minor roles until she played the lead in bigger motion pictures such as Mistress America and Frances Ha—earning her a Golden Globe nomination. Greta’s dream was met in 2017 when she made her solo directorial debut with the coming of age film Lady Bird. Greta Gerwig truly is a triple threat.

LESTER HOLT

Lester Holt is an American journalist and news anchor for NBC, making him the first African-American to solo anchor a weekday network nightly newscast. So, what’s his connection to Sacramento? He majored in government at California State University in Sacramento.

LISA LING

Ling was born in Sacramento, so it’s no wonder she has achieved such great success. She hosted the National Geographic Explorer, worked as a special correspondent for The Oprah Winfrey Show, co-hosted ABC’s The View and has moved on to host her own show, "This is Life with Lisa Ling."

PAT MORITA

Wax on, wax off…bet you didn’t know this karate guru grew up as a Karate Kid in California. Pat started his career as a comedian, entertaining customers who came to his family’s restaurant in Sacramento. Years later he found his calling and was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe. He was an inspiration to everyone.

TIMOTHY B. SCHMIT

Bassist and vocalist in the Eagles, and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998, Timothy B. Schmit was born in Oakland, California and raised right here in Sacramento. Though the Eagles are considered a quintessentially Californian group, Schmit is the only member that’s actually a California native!

TOM HANKS

American actor and filmmaker Tom Hanks is known for his comedic and dramatic roles, collectively grossing more than $4.5 billion at U.S. and Canadian box offices, and more than $9 billion worldwide. He has become one of only two actors who won the Academy Award for Best Actor in consecutive years, a feat which has not been accomplished since. Hanks is also a successful director, producer and screenwriter.

WAYNE ALLEN COOK

Wayne Cook is a man that followed his own heart: a visionary risk taker undaunted by setbacks and ever driven to ensure a rich life for his family and close friends. Wayne Cook’s legacy tells of a remarkable life story and irrepressible spirit that will be dearly missed but never forgotten. An unbreakable friendship, mentor, and inspiration forever. “You’ve got to believe.”