West Covina incorporated in 1923 and grew from farmland into one of the San Gabriel Valley’s best-known suburbs. Its famous natives are a lively mix, including championship athletes, acclaimed actors, hitmakers, television personalities, and a celebrated fantasy artist. Here are ten notable people who were born in West Covina.
#10 Nad Sylvan (1959–)
Born Hugh Erik Stewart, the progressive rock singer later adopted the stage name Nad Sylvan. He gained wider recognition through Steve Hackett’s Genesis Revisited touring project. Sylvan has released several solo albums and collaborated with prominent progressive rock musicians. His theatrical voice earned him an international following among progressive rock audiences.
#9 Dwight Ramos (1998–)
A Filipino-American guard, Dwight Ramos built his professional basketball career largely in Japan. He represents the Philippines in major international competitions. Ramos played in the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. His national-team performances made him a familiar figure among Filipino basketball fans.
#8 Al Martin (1967–)
Over 12 Major League Baseball seasons, Al Martin established himself as a dependable outfielder. He spent most of his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Martin collected 1,172 hits, 132 home runs, and 173 stolen bases. His blend of speed and power made him productive throughout the 1990s.
#7 Ken Lawson (1976–)
Television audiences know Ken Lawson best for his role on the sitcom The Parkers. He played Thaddeus “T” Radcliffe across more than 100 episodes. Lawson also appeared in In the House, In the Cut, and several films. His long-running role introduced him to a broad generation of comedy viewers.
#6 Keith Parkinson (1958–2005)
Fantasy gaming gained one of its defining visual artists through Keith Parkinson. His artwork appeared on books, magazines, role-playing games, and collectible cards. Parkinson created illustrations for TSR, EverQuest, and Magic: The Gathering. His dramatic landscapes and creatures helped shape modern fantasy imagery.
#5 Scheana Shay (1985–)
Bravo viewers first widely recognized Scheana Shay through the reality series Vanderpump Rules. She appeared as an original cast member throughout the show’s first eleven seasons. Shay later expanded into podcasting, music, acting, and memoir writing. Her television longevity made her one of the franchise’s most recognizable personalities.
#4 Greg Camp (1967–)
As Smash Mouth’s principal songwriter and guitarist, Greg Camp helped shape the band’s biggest successes. He wrote “All Star,” “Walkin’ on the Sun,” and “Then the Morning Comes.” Those songs defined the band’s upbeat alternative-rock sound during the late 1990s. Camp later pursued solo music, production, and film composition.
#3 Jason Giambi (1971–)
Across 20 Major League Baseball seasons, Jason Giambi became one of his era’s most feared power hitters. The first baseman won the 2000 American League Most Valuable Player Award. He earned five All-Star selections and hit 440 career home runs. Giambi became especially prominent with the Oakland Athletics and New York Yankees.
#2 Tim Robbins (1958–)
Few West Covina natives achieved broader acclaim in film than Tim Robbins. He starred in The Shawshank Redemption, Bull Durham, and The Player. Robbins won an Academy Award for his supporting performance in Mystic River. His directing work includes the acclaimed prison drama Dead Man Walking.
#1 Troy Aikman (1966–)
During the 1990s, Troy Aikman became the central quarterback of the Dallas Cowboys dynasty. He guided the Cowboys to three Super Bowl championships. Aikman earned six Pro Bowl selections and won the Super Bowl XXVII Most Valuable Player Award. The Pro Football Hall of Fame inducted him in 2006. He later became a prominent national football broadcaster.
Last Updated on July 4, 2026 by F.E.M