20 Best Actors Born in Washington

Washington has produced a wide range of actors who have left their mark in film, television, and theater. From classic Hollywood names to current streaming favorites, these performers span genres and generations. Many trained locally before heading to Los Angeles or New York, while others built careers on regional roots and distinctive roles. Here are twenty Washington natives whose work audiences keep returning to again and again.

Kyle MacLachlan

Born in Yakima, Kyle MacLachlan became closely associated with director David Lynch through ‘Dune’, ‘Blue Velvet’, and ‘Twin Peaks’. He won a Golden Globe for playing Special Agent Dale Cooper in ‘Twin Peaks’. His television credits also include ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Portlandia’. He continues to work in both film and TV with roles that blend drama and offbeat humor.

Rainn Wilson

Rainn Wilson was born in Seattle and rose to fame as Dwight Schrute on ‘The Office’. He received multiple Emmy nominations for that role. His credits include ‘Six Feet Under’ and ‘Utopia’, along with voice work in animation and documentaries. He has also written books and co founded philanthropic projects focused on education and creativity.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Seattle native Jeffrey Dean Morgan is known for Negan in ‘The Walking Dead’. He gained early attention with roles in ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Supernatural’. His film work includes ‘Watchmen’ and several independent features. He continues to lead and guest star in series across major networks and streamers.

Jean Smart

Jean Smart was born in Seattle and built a career across stage and screen. She earned major awards for television including wins for ‘Hacks’ and acclaimed turns in ‘Watchmen’ and ‘Fargo’. Earlier, she starred in ‘Designing Women’ and has appeared in numerous films. She remains active in theater and audiobooks alongside ongoing screen roles.

Adam West

Adam West was born in Walla Walla and became a pop culture figure as Bruce Wayne in television’s ‘Batman’. He later voiced characters in projects like ‘Family Guy’ and guest starred in many series. His career included film roles and convention appearances that connected him with multiple generations of fans. He remained a prominent figure in superhero history through tributes and retrospectives.

Bing Crosby

Born in Tacoma, Bing Crosby was a top recording artist who also became a major film star. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for ‘Going My Way’. His movies include ‘The Bells of St. Mary’s’ and ‘White Christmas’. He recorded hundreds of songs and helped popularize audio tape innovations used in broadcasting.

Dyan Cannon

Dyan Cannon was born in Tacoma and broke through with ‘Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice’. She earned Academy Award recognition and appeared in films such as ‘Heaven Can Wait’. On television she guest starred in a variety of series and directed projects as well. She has also produced and continued to act on stage and screen.

Craig T. Nelson

Craig T. Nelson was born in Spokane and is widely recognized for the sitcom ‘Coach’. He won an Emmy for his performance in that series. His film credits include ‘Poltergeist’ and voice work as Bob Parr in ‘The Incredibles’ franchise. He has also starred in shows like ‘Parenthood’ and ‘Young Sheldon’.

Jim Caviezel

Jim Caviezel was born in Mount Vernon and played Jesus in ‘The Passion of the Christ’. He headlined the long running series ‘Person of Interest’. His film roles span action, drama, and historical projects. He continues to work in features and limited series across international markets.

Sydney Sweeney

Sydney Sweeney was born in Spokane and earned major attention with ‘Euphoria’ and ‘The White Lotus’. She has led studio films including ‘Anyone But You’ and appeared in ‘Madame Web’. Her production company develops projects with women at the center. She trained in multiple sports and frequently performs her own physical work for roles.

Dove Cameron

Dove Cameron was born on Bainbridge Island and first starred in ‘Liv and Maddie’. She led Disney’s ‘Descendants’ films and later moved into music with charting singles. She has appeared in series like ‘Schmigadoon!’ and on stage in musical productions. She received a Daytime Emmy for her work in children’s programming.

Erika Christensen

Erika Christensen was born in Seattle and drew wide notice with ‘Traffic’. She later starred as Julia Braverman in ‘Parenthood’. Her film appearances include ‘Swimfan’ and a range of thrillers and dramas. She continues to act in television movies and limited series while balancing film work.

Megan Hilty

Megan Hilty was born in Bellevue and established herself on Broadway in ‘Wicked’ and ‘9 to 5’. She starred in the TV series ‘Smash’ which showcased original musical numbers. Her concert career includes symphony engagements and solo albums. She has voiced characters in animated projects and appeared in live television musicals.

Nick Robinson

Nick Robinson was born in Seattle and became widely known for ‘Love, Simon’. His credits include ‘Jurassic World’ and the limited series ‘A Teacher’. He has worked in independent films and festival premieres. He balances studio projects with character driven roles on streaming platforms.

Karan Brar

Karan Brar was born in Redmond and started with the ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ films. He starred on Disney Channel’s ‘Jessie’ and its spinoff ‘Bunk’d’. His voice and live action work spans family comedies and young adult dramas. He remains active in streaming films and series aimed at global audiences.

Ryan Stiles

Ryan Stiles was born in Seattle and became a fixture on ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’. He played Lewis Kiniski on ‘The Drew Carey Show’. His improv work led to stage productions and touring performances. He has also provided voices for animated series and appeared in guest roles across television.

Cam Gigandet

Cam Gigandet was born in Tacoma and appeared on ‘The O.C.’ early in his career. He acted in ‘Never Back Down’ and played James in ‘Twilight’. His later work includes action features and television dramas. He continues to lead independent films and ensemble thrillers.

Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson was born in Ellensburg and is known for imposing roles in ‘Cobra’ and ‘The X Files’. He appeared in several ‘Star Trek’ series in different characters. His credits include ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and numerous action films. He also directs and produces select projects.

Sarah Butler

Sarah Butler was born in Puyallup and headlined the 2010 remake of ‘I Spit on Your Grave’. She has appeared in multiple television movies and independent thrillers. Her career includes guest roles on procedural series. She continues to work in genre projects with international distribution.

Chad Lindberg

Chad Lindberg was born in Mount Vernon and appeared in ‘October Sky’. He played Jesse in ‘The Fast and the Furious’. His television work includes ‘Supernatural’ and true crime reenactment series. He also participates in documentary and reality projects related to paranormal investigation.

Share your picks and any Washington born actors we missed in the comments.