15 Oregon-Born Celebrities Who Are Still Making Major Headlines In 2024

Oregon’s cultural impact on the world is far more significant than its population might suggest, consistently producing some of the most influential figures in film, literature, music, and business. From the visionary creator of Springfield to the co-founder of a global sportswear empire, the state of Oregon, particularly the greater Portland area, serves as a powerful incubator for world-class talent and boundary-pushing artists.

As of late 2024, the careers of many Oregon-born celebrities are experiencing fresh, new chapters. Whether it’s a massive philanthropic donation, a return to a beloved TV network, or a new album and tour, the creative energy flowing from the Pacific Northwest remains a dominant force in the global entertainment and business landscapes. We dive into the latest and most current updates from the biggest names who proudly call the Beaver State home.

The A-List: Oregon Celebrities and Their Latest 2024 Projects

The following list highlights the most notable Oregonians, with a focus on their current, up-to-date activities in 2024, proving their continued relevance and impact on their respective industries.

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Matt Groening: The Animated Architect of Oregon’s Legacy

Born in Portland, Oregon, Matt Groening is arguably the state’s most globally recognized native, having created the cultural behemoths *The Simpsons* and *Futurama*. His work is famously peppered with references to his Oregonian roots, including character names borrowed from Portland streets.

• Latest Update (2024): Groening’s legacy is more alive than ever. 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of *Futurama*, which celebrated with a new season. Furthermore, there is significant buzz and confirmation of a new *The Simpsons 2* movie being planned for a 2027 release, ensuring his creations will dominate the pop culture conversation for years to come. Groening also appeared at the New York Comic Con in 2024, discussing the longevity of his iconic animated series.
• Key Entities: *The Simpsons*, *Futurama*, *Disenchantment*, Homer Simpson, Springfield, Portland.

Ty Burrell: The Post-Modern Family Return to TV

Best known for his Emmy-winning role as the lovable, goofy dad Phil Dunphy on *Modern Family*, Ty Burrell was born in Grants Pass, Oregon.

• Latest Update (2024): After *Modern Family* concluded, fans eagerly awaited Burrell's next major role. In 2024, he announced his return to ABC to star in and executive produce a new multi-camera comedy pilot titled *Forgive and Forget*. This new project sees him playing a larger-than-life father figure, promising a fresh take on the comedic persona that made him a global star.
• Key Entities: *Modern Family*, Phil Dunphy, Grants Pass, *Forgive and Forget*, ABC, Sitcom.

Phil Knight: The Billion-Dollar Oregon Philanthropist

The co-founder of Nike, Phil Knight, is a Portland native and University of Oregon alumnus whose business success reshaped the global athletic industry. His influence in Oregon extends far beyond sportswear.

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• Latest Update (2024): Knight cemented his place as one of America's most generous philanthropists with a historic and massive $2 billion donation to the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU) Knight Cancer Institute. This record-setting gift, announced in 2024, is aimed at accelerating the development of new diagnostic tools and expanding patient access to clinical trials in Oregon. He and his wife, Penny Knight, were ranked among the top 50 most generous donors in the country in 2024.
• Key Entities: Nike, University of Oregon, OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, Penny Knight, Business Mogul, Philanthropy.

Carrie Brownstein: Rock Icon and Multi-Talent

Musician, actress, writer, and comedian, Carrie Brownstein is a true Portland polymath. She is best known as a member of the influential rock band Sleater-Kinney and as the co-creator/star of the sketch comedy show *Portlandia*.

• Latest Update (2024): Brownstein remains highly active in the music world. Her band, Sleater-Kinney, released their new album *Little Rope* and embarked on a major 2024 tour, showcasing her continued creative output in the indie-rock scene. Her work continues to reflect the unique, artistic vibe of her Pacific Northwest home.
• Key Entities: Sleater-Kinney, Corin Tucker, *Portlandia*, Wild Flag, Indie Rock, Actress, Writer.

Oregon’s Literary and Digital Trailblazers

Oregon’s creative output isn't limited to Hollywood and the music industry; its writers and digital artists are also setting new standards globally.

Chuck Palahniuk: The Cult Author’s Newest Shock

The author of the cult classic novel *Fight Club*, Chuck Palahniuk is another celebrated Portland native whose dark, satirical works have defined a generation of literature.

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• Latest Update (2024): Palahniuk delivered a fresh dose of his signature dark satire with the release of his new novel, *Shock Induction*, in 2024. The book continues his trend of exploring unsettling social themes through a mysterious, satirical parable about disappearing overachievers in a high school setting.
• Key Entities: *Fight Club*, *Choke*, *Haunted*, *Shock Induction*, Cult Classic, Satire, Novelist.

Zach King: The Magician of Social Media

Born in Portland, Zach King has leveraged his filmmaking skills to become one of the most-followed people on the internet, famous for his "magic vines" and visual illusions that blur the line between reality and digital trickery.

• Latest Update (2024): King continues his reign as a social media mogul, maintaining over 80 million followers on TikTok, 25 million on Instagram, and 40 million on YouTube. In a nod to his continued influence, he delivered the Spring 2024 commencement address at Biola University, showcasing his transition from digital star to inspirational figure. His videos are consistently among the most-viewed on platforms like TikTok.
• Key Entities: TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Visual Illusion, Digital Creator, Social Media Star, Filmmaker.

The Next Generation of Oregonian Talent

Beyond the established icons, a new wave of Oregon talent is making its mark, ensuring the state's cultural influence remains strong.

Eric Christian Olsen: From Actor to Executive Producer

Known for his long-running role as Investigator Marty Deeks on *NCIS: Los Angeles*, Eric Christian Olsen was born in Eugene, Oregon.

• Latest Update (2024): Following the conclusion of *NCIS: Los Angeles* in 2023, Olsen quickly pivoted to a new phase of his career: executive producing. His major project for the 2024-2025 TV season is the new CBS series *Matlock*, starring Kathy Bates. This move highlights his continued evolution in the television industry, moving behind the camera to shape new primetime hits.
• Key Entities: *NCIS: Los Angeles*, Marty Deeks, Eugene, *Matlock*, Executive Producer, CBS.

Paige VanZant: The MMA Star’s Fighting Return

Born in Dundee, Oregon, Paige VanZant is a mixed martial artist, model, and author who gained fame competing in the UFC and later in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship (BKFC).

• Latest Update (2024): VanZant announced her return to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in 2024, signing a deal with GFL. This marks her first planned MMA fight since 2020, signaling a renewed focus on her combat sports career after a period of focusing on other endeavors. Her decision to return to the cage is one of the most anticipated events in the women's fighting world this year.
• Key Entities: UFC, BKFC, MMA, Dundee, Combat Sports, Flyweight, Fighter.

Other Influential Oregon-Born Entities

The depth of Oregon's talent pool is vast, spanning multiple fields and generations. These individuals further solidify the state's reputation as a cradle of genius:

• River Phoenix (Actor): Born in Madras, Oregon, his tragically short career left an indelible mark on cinema with films like *Stand by Me* and *My Own Private Idaho*.
• Courtney Love (Musician): The frontwoman of the band Hole, born in Portland, remains an iconic and influential figure in alternative rock and the grunge movement.
• Gus Van Sant (Director): Born in Louisville but a Portland resident, he is an Academy Award-nominated director whose films, such as *Good Will Hunting* and *Milk*, often reflect the Pacific Northwest's artistic sensibilities.
• Beverly Cleary (Author): The beloved children's author of the Ramona Quimby series, who grew up in Yamhill and Portland, created stories that are foundational to American childhood literature.
• Linus Pauling (Scientist): Born in Portland, Pauling is the only person to ever win two unshared Nobel Prizes (Chemistry and Peace), making him one of the most important scientists of the 20th century.
• James Beard (Chef): Born in Portland, he is considered the "Dean of American Cookery," and the prestigious James Beard Awards are named in his honor, celebrating excellence in the culinary arts.
• Ndamukong Suh (Athlete): Born in Portland, he is a five-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle and Super Bowl champion in the NFL, representing Oregon's athletic prowess on the national stage.
• Bridgette Wilson (Actress/Model): Born in Gold Beach, she is known for roles in *Mortal Kombat* and *Billy Madison*.
• Justin Kirk (Actor): Born in Salem, he is known for his roles in *Angels in America* and *Weeds*.