Washington State has launched the careers of many talented actors who have become well-known in movies, TV shows, and on stage. These performers, ranging from Golden Age stars to today’s streaming sensations, have worked in all kinds of genres and appeal to audiences of all ages. Some started their training in Washington before moving to major entertainment hubs like Los Angeles or New York, while others found success building careers closer to home with memorable performances. Here’s a look at twenty actors originally from Washington whose work continues to captivate viewers.
Kyle MacLachlan
As a total film buff, I’ve always loved Kyle MacLachlan. He really came onto my radar with those early David Lynch films – ‘Dune’ and especially ‘Blue Velvet’ – but it was ‘Twin Peaks’ that cemented him as a legend. Winning a Golden Globe for Dale Cooper? Totally deserved! And he’s had such a great career beyond that, popping up in shows like ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Portlandia’. The best part is, he consistently chooses roles that are both dramatic and wonderfully quirky. He’s still working steadily, and I’m always excited to see what he does next.
Rainn Wilson
Rainn Wilson, originally from Seattle, became well-known for playing Dwight Schrute on the TV show ‘The Office,’ a role that earned him several Emmy nominations. He’s also appeared in shows like ‘Six Feet Under’ and ‘Utopia,’ and has done voice work for animated projects and documentaries. Beyond acting, Wilson is an author and has co-founded charities dedicated to supporting education and creative endeavors.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Jeffrey Dean Morgan, originally from Seattle, is best known for playing Negan on ‘The Walking Dead’. He first became recognizable with appearances in shows like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Supernatural’, and has also appeared in films such as ‘Watchmen’ and a number of independent movies. He continues to take on leading and guest roles in television series on both major networks and streaming platforms.
Jean Smart
Jean Smart began her acting career in Seattle and has since become a successful performer in theater, television, and film. She’s won awards for her television work, including a win for ‘Hacks,’ and has been highly praised for her roles in shows like ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Fargo.’ Many fans remember her from ‘Designing Women,’ and she continues to work steadily in all three mediums – screen, stage, and audiobooks – today.
Adam West
Adam West, born in Walla Walla, Washington, became famous as the original Bruce Wayne in the 1960s ‘Batman’ TV series. He continued to work in entertainment, lending his voice to shows like ‘Family Guy’ and making appearances on various other series. Throughout his career, he also acted in films and regularly attended fan conventions, connecting with fans of all ages. Even after his passing, Adam West remains an important part of superhero history, celebrated through tributes and looks back at his work.
Bing Crosby
I’ve always been a huge Bing Crosby fan! Growing up in Tacoma, he became one of the biggest stars of his time – not just as a singer, but in movies too. He even won an Oscar for ‘Going My Way’! Everyone knows his classics like ‘The Bells of St. Mary’s’ and, of course, ‘White Christmas’. And he wasn’t just a performer, he was a pioneer – he really helped bring new recording technologies, like audio tape, to the radio and music industry. He was truly one of a kind.
Dyan Cannon
Dyan Cannon began her career in Tacoma and gained fame with the film ‘Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice’. She received an Academy Award nomination and went on to star in popular movies like ‘Heaven Can Wait’. Beyond acting, she’s worked as a director and guest star on numerous TV shows, and continues to produce and perform in both stage and film roles.
Craig T. Nelson
As a film and TV buff, I always recognize Craig T. Nelson – he’s fantastic! Most people probably know him best as Coach, and rightfully so, he even won an Emmy for that role. But he’s been in so much else! I remember being genuinely scared of him in ‘Poltergeist,’ and of course, he’s the voice of Bob Parr, Mr. Incredible, which is just brilliant. Beyond that, he’s popped up in shows I’ve enjoyed like ‘Parenthood’ and more recently, ‘Young Sheldon.’ He’s had a really solid, long career!
Jim Caviezel
Jim Caviezel, born in Mount Vernon, is best known for his portrayal of Jesus in ‘The Passion of the Christ’ and for starring in the popular TV series ‘Person of Interest’. He’s acted in a wide variety of films – from action and drama to historical pieces – and continues to appear in movies and limited series around the world.
Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney started her career in Spokane and gained widespread recognition through her roles in the popular TV shows ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The White Lotus’. She’s since starred in leading roles in films like ‘Anyone But You’ and ‘Madame Web’. Beyond acting, she runs a production company focused on stories with female leads and often does her own stunts and physical work in her roles, thanks to her background in various sports.
Dove Cameron
Dove Cameron began her career on Bainbridge Island and gained recognition starring in the Disney Channel series ‘Liv and Maddie.’ She then became known for leading the popular ‘Descendants’ movies before pursuing a music career with several successful songs. Beyond Disney, she’s appeared in shows like ‘Schmigadoon!’ and performed in musical theater. She’s also received a Daytime Emmy Award for her contributions to children’s television.
Erika Christensen
Erika Christensen began her acting career with a memorable role in the film ‘Traffic’ after being born in Seattle. She’s also known for playing Julia Braverman on the TV show ‘Parenthood,’ and has appeared in films like ‘Swimfan,’ often working on thrillers and dramas. Currently, she continues to act in both television movies and limited series alongside her film projects.
Megan Hilty
Megan Hilty began her career in Bellevue and became a Broadway star through roles in shows like ‘Wicked’ and ‘9 to 5’. She gained wider recognition on the TV series ‘Smash’, which featured new musical performances. Beyond theater, she performs in concerts with orchestras, has released her own albums, and has lent her voice to animation and live TV musicals.
Nick Robinson
Nick Robinson started his career in Seattle and gained recognition for his role in ‘Love, Simon’. He’s also appeared in popular projects like ‘Jurassic World’ and the series ‘A Teacher’. He enjoys working on both smaller, independent films and larger studio productions, and often takes on complex characters in streaming series.
Karan Brar
Karan Brar began his acting career with the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ movies and later became known for his roles on the Disney Channel shows ‘Jessie’ and ‘Bunk’d’. He’s worked on both animated and live-action projects, appearing in comedies and dramas for families and young adults. Currently, he continues to act in films and series available through streaming platforms, reaching viewers around the world.
Ryan Stiles
Ryan Stiles, originally from Seattle, is best known for his hilarious work on ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’. He also played the character Lewis Kiniski on ‘The Drew Carey Show’. Beyond television, Stiles is a talented improviser who has performed on stage and in touring shows, and he’s lent his voice to animated series while making guest appearances on various TV programs.
Cam Gigandet
Cam Gigandet began his acting career with appearances in shows like ‘The O.C.’ and quickly gained recognition for roles in films such as ‘Never Back Down’ and ‘Twilight’ (where he played James). He’s since worked on a variety of projects, including action movies and TV dramas, and continues to star in independent and ensemble thriller films.
Brian Thompson
Brian Thompson, originally from Ellensburg, is a familiar face in action and science fiction. He’s well-known for playing powerful characters in films like ‘Cobra’ and on TV shows such as ‘The X-Files.’ A frequent guest star in the ‘Star Trek’ universe, he’s also appeared in ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and many other action movies. Beyond acting, Thompson also directs and produces occasionally.
Sarah Butler
Sarah Butler, originally from Puyallup, is an actress who gained prominence starring in the 2010 remake of ‘I Spit on Your Grave’. She’s worked steadily in television movies and independent thrillers, including guest appearances on popular crime and investigation shows. Currently, she focuses on genre films that are released internationally.
Chad Lindberg
I’ve always been a fan of character actors, and Chad Lindberg is definitely one of them. I first noticed him in ‘October Sky,’ and then he was Jesse in the original ‘The Fast and the Furious’ – a great role! But he’s really been all over the place on TV, from shows like ‘Supernatural’ to those true crime reenactments. And it’s fascinating to see he gets involved in documentaries and reality shows about paranormal investigations too – he clearly has a wide range of interests!
Share your picks and any Washington born actors we missed in the comments.
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2025-10-28 03:16