Idaho may be known for its potatoes, but the Gem State is quietly becoming a home location for celebrities from a variety of industries. From actors and actresses to musicians, to writers, to politicians, and athletes, Idaho is and has been home to many famous people throughout history.
Let’s take a look at some of the famous folks who currently call or who have called Idaho home.
Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson spend time at their home in Ketchum. Bruce Willis and Demi Moore used to live in Hailey, with their children receiving their education in Idaho schools. Aaron Paul is from Emmett and still has a home and family in the area, which he used to rent out on Airbnb.com. Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin was born in Idaho. Political commentator Lou Dobbs also has a home in that he retreats too frequently.
Lillian Disney, the wife of Walt Disney, is from Idaho. Academy Award-Winning Actor George Kennedy lives in Boise. NFL players Matt Paradis and A.J. Feeley call the Gem State home. And world and Olympic champion skier Picabo Street is from Triumph.
Actor Jake McLaughlin resides in the Treasure Valley. Author Ernest Hemingway spent his final years in Idaho and is buried in Ketchum. Actress Kimberlee Peterson and Jay Pickett both hail from the Treasure Valley as well. Jazz musician Gene Harris is from Boise.
Olive Osmond, the matriarch of the singing Osmond family, is also from Idaho. Scott Campbell, Jr., the captain of the Seabrooke on Discovery’s “Deadliest Catch” lives in Meridian.
While a lot of people with celebrity status were born in Idaho, many have second homes in the state or have relocated here permanently. It’s easy to see why they choose Idaho to be a permanent residence or second home: lower cost of living, less government regulation, four beautiful seasons, and access to fantastic recreation.
These are just a sampling of famous people we know to be from or who live in Idaho. There are sure to be others with celebrity status who live here that we don’t know about, which is another great reason to live here: low key living without the scrutiny of the paparazzi.
