The Most Famous Person in Tucson, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the person you think is the most famous!

Updated on May 4, 2024 07:11

Identifying the most famous person in Tucson can be surprisingly insightful, providing a snapshot of local culture, values, and interests. Such a ranking offers residents and visitors alike a unique perspective on the city's social landscape. It highlights those who shape local opinions, trends, and potentially, the future trajectory of the community itself. By contributing to this ranking through voting, readers engage actively with the community's narrative. This involvement not only deepens one's understanding of Tucson's cultural and social fabric but also amplifies voices that resonate with the populace. This democratic process ensures the list remains reflective of the current sentiment and charismatic figures in Tucson.

Who Is the Most Famous Person in Tucson?

1

86
votes
Carl Lender at https://www.flickr.com/photos/clender/ · CC BY-SA 3.0

Linda Ronstadt

A legendary singer, songwriter, and actress, Linda Ronstadt is one of the most famous people from Tucson, Arizona. She has won numerous awards, including 11 Grammy Awards, 3 American Music Awards, and 2 Academy of Country Music Awards. Ronstadt has sold over 100 million records worldwide, making her one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Linda Ronstadt in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Linda
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous person with Parkinson's Disease
2

24
votes

Angela George at https://www.flickr.com/photos/sharongraphics/ · CC BY-SA 3.0

Garry Shandling

A comedian and actor, Garry Shandling was born and raised in Tucson. He is best known for his sitcoms The Larry Sanders Show and It's Garry Shandling's Show. Shandling won numerous awards, including Primetime Emmy Awards, American Comedy Awards, and CableACE Awards.
3

14
votes
Romain DUBOIS · CC BY-SA 3.0

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg

One of the most successful filmmakers in history, Steven Spielberg was born in Cincinnati, Ohio but grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, and frequently visited Tucson. Spielberg has directed some of the highest-grossing and most critically acclaimed movies of all time, including Jurassic Park, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Schindler's List, and Saving Private Ryan.
Steven Spielberg is a highly successful American filmmaker and producer. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential directors in the history of cinema, with a career spanning several decades and encompassing numerous blockbuster films. Spielberg is known for his ability to create captivating stories and bring them to life on the big screen.

Birthdate: December 18, 1946

Nationality: American

Academy Awards: 3 wins, 16 nominations

Filmography: Over 30 feature films

Highest-Grossing Film: Jurassic Park ($1.03 billion worldwide)
Steven Spielberg in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most famous Steven
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous Boy Scout
- Position 2 of 10 in Most famous person with Dyslexia
- Position 3 of 10 in Most famous Scout
- Position 6 of 10 in Most famous person in California
- Position 10 of 10 in Most successful celebrities of all time
4

14
votes

Genevieve · CC BY 2.0

Craig T. Nelson

An actor, Craig T. Nelson was born in Spokane, Washington, but grew up in Tucson. He is best known for his roles in the TV series Coach and the movie Poltergeist. Nelson has won numerous awards for his acting, including Primetime Emmy Awards and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
5

10
votes

Steve Rhodes · CC BY 2.0

David Foster Wallace

A writer, David Foster Wallace was born in Ithaca, New York, but grew up in Champaign, Illinois, and later lived in Tucson. He is best known for his novel Infinite Jest, which is considered one of the greatest works of fiction of the 20th century. Wallace won numerous awards for his writing, including a MacArthur Fellowship.
6

8
votes
Gage Skidmore · CC BY-SA 3.0

Jordin Sparks

A singer, Jordin Sparks was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but spent much of her childhood in Glendale and later moved to Tucson. She won the sixth season of American Idol and has released several successful albums. Sparks has also acted in movies and TV shows.
Jordin Sparks in other rankings
- Position 5 of 10 in Most famous American Idol
- Position 7 of 10 in Most famous American Idol winner
- Position 8 of 10 in Most famous person from Phoenix
7

13
votes

Manfred Werner (Tsui) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Kate Walsh

An actress, Kate Walsh was born in San Jose, California, but spent much of her childhood in Tucson. She is best known for her role as Dr. Addison Montgomery on the TV shows Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. Walsh has also starred in movies and other TV shows.
8

14
votes

DeGrazia Foundation, Reggie Russell, Buehman, Dick Frontain, Thomas Galvin · Public domain

Ted deGrazia

An artist, Ted deGrazia was born in Morenci, Arizona, but lived and worked in Tucson for most of his life. He is best known for his colorful paintings and sculptures of Southwestern landscapes and Native American cultures. deGrazia's work has been featured in galleries and museums around the world.
9

5
votes

Jim Click

A businessman and philanthropist, Jim Click was born in Tucson and has lived there his entire life. He is the owner of Jim Click Automotive Team, one of the largest car dealerships in the state. Click is also a major supporter of charitable causes, including education and healthcare.
10

3
votes

US Congress · Public domain

Raul Grijalva

A politician, Raul Grijalva was born in Tucson and has represented Arizona's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2003. He is a member of the Democratic Party and is known for his progressive views on issues such as immigration, healthcare, and the environment.

Missing your favorite person?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for famous person

Local recognition

The level of recognition and popularity of the person within the Tucson community can be an important factor. This can be measured by their involvement in local events, organizations, and businesses.
Achievements and contributions

The person's accomplishments and contributions to their respective field or community can play a significant role. This can include their impact in areas such as art, sports, business, entertainment, or philanthropy.
Media presence

The individual's visibility in the media, both local and national, can also be considered. This can encompass their appearances in television shows, interviews, articles, or social media presence.
Influence and following

The person's influence and following in Tucson can also be an indicator of their fame. This can be examined through their social media following, fan base, or public support for their endeavors.
Longevity and consistency

The duration of their fame and the consistency of their impact in Tucson can also be taken into account. This can highlight their staying power and ongoing relevance in the community.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most famous person in Tucson. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or person is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2175 views
190 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each person once every 24 hours. The rank of each person is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most famous person in tucson

Tucson, Arizona, is home to a diverse range of individuals, from politicians and athletes to actors and musicians. With its rich history and vibrant culture, it's no surprise that many famous figures have ties to this city. But who among them can claim the title of "most famous"? This is a question that has sparked debate among Tucson residents for years. Some might argue that it's former Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived a shooting in 2011 and has since become a prominent advocate for gun control. Others might point to musician Linda Ronstadt, who rose to fame in the 1970s with hits like "Blue Bayou" and "You're No Good." Still, others might argue that it's basketball player Sean Elliott, who played for the San Antonio Spurs and was a two-time NBA All-Star. In this article, we'll explore the different contenders for the title of Tucson's most famous person and try to determine who truly deserves the crown.