Reno has long carried the nickname “The Biggest Little City in the World,” a place that grew from a rail stop and gambling town into a hub for tourism, politics, and outdoor culture. Along the way, it has produced nationally known athletes, actors, politicians, and performers. Some went on to global stages, others stayed closer to Nevada, but all began their stories in Reno.
15. Bryce Johnson (1977–)
Actor Bryce Johnson was born in Reno before pursuing a career in Hollywood. He built a steady résumé of television and film roles, with appearances in Pretty Little Liars, Popular, and MTV’s Death Valley. Johnson’s career shows how Reno-born talent can find lasting work in entertainment beyond the city’s casinos and ski slopes.
14. Hillary Schieve (1970–)
Schieve was born and raised in Reno before becoming a small business owner and later mayor. First elected in 2014, she has served multiple terms and raised the city’s national profile in urban policy circles. Schieve’s leadership connects Reno politics with her lifelong roots in the community.
13. Gabriel Damon (1976–)
Child actor Gabriel Damon was born in Reno before moving into film and voice work. He is best remembered as the original voice of Littlefoot in The Land Before Time and for his role as “Spot” in Disney’s Newsies. Damon’s Reno birth ties the city to beloved characters from the late 20th century.
12. Jaylen Barron (1998–)
Television actress Jaylen Barron was born in Reno and later raised in California. She broke through with recurring roles on Shameless, Netflix’s Free Rein, and the Starz series Blindspotting. Barron has steadily built recognition in Hollywood while always carrying her Reno birthplace as part of her story.
11. Jessica Nigri (1989–)
Jessica Nigri, born in Reno, became one of the most recognizable names in cosplay and gaming culture. Rising from convention appearances, she gained international attention through social media and voice roles in projects like RWBY. Her Reno start connects the city to the global rise of internet fandom.
10. Kristoffer Polaha (1977–)
Polaha was born in Reno before finding a career as an actor in television and film. Known for roles in Wonder Woman 1984, Jurassic World Dominion, and numerous Hallmark films, he’s become a familiar face across genres. His Reno upbringing adds depth to the city’s list of Hollywood exports.
9. Garrett Hampson (1994–)
MLB utility player Garrett Hampson was born in Reno and developed his baseball skills at Reno High School. Drafted in 2016, he debuted for the Colorado Rockies in 2018 and has since built a reputation as a versatile player. His career keeps Reno on the radar of baseball fans nationwide.
8. Nate Schierholtz (1984–)
Schierholtz was born in Reno and later helped the San Francisco Giants win the 2012 World Series. He also earned a bronze medal representing Team USA in baseball at the 2008 Olympics. His professional career connected Reno to both the Major Leagues and international competition.
7. Perris Benegas (1995–)
BMX freestyle rider Perris Benegas was born in Reno and became a world champion in 2018. She added to her accomplishments with an Olympic silver medal at the Paris 2024 Games. Benegas’s rise from Reno skateparks to the global BMX stage highlights the city’s unexpected sporting pipeline.
6. Shannon Bahrke (1981–)
Olympic skier Shannon Bahrke was born in Reno before competing internationally in freestyle moguls. She won a silver medal at the 2002 Winter Games and added a bronze in 2010, becoming the first American woman to medal twice in her sport. Her Reno birthplace ties the city to Olympic skiing glory.
5. Jake Dalton (1991–)
Dalton was born in Reno and trained locally before representing the United States at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in gymnastics. Known for his strength on floor exercise and vault, Dalton carried northern Nevada onto the world stage in back-to-back Games.
4. Austin Corbett (1995–)
NFL lineman Austin Corbett was born in Reno and starred at Reed High School in Sparks before playing for the Nevada Wolf Pack. Drafted in the second round in 2018, he won a Super Bowl ring with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. His success links Reno directly to the NFL’s biggest stage.
3. Jennifer Harman (1964–)
Born in Reno, Jennifer Harman became one of the world’s best poker players. With two World Series of Poker bracelets, she broke barriers in high-stakes games dominated by men. Harman is considered a pioneer in professional poker, and her Reno birth anchors the city’s role in gambling history.
2. Adam Laxalt (1978–)
Reno-born Adam Laxalt became Nevada’s attorney general and later ran high-profile campaigns for U.S. Senate and governor. As the grandson of former Senator Paul Laxalt, he carried his family’s political name onto the national stage, keeping Reno in the spotlight through his career.
1. Dawn Wells (1938–2020)
Actress Dawn Wells was born and raised in Reno, graduating from Reno High School before being crowned Miss Nevada. She became nationally famous as Mary Ann on Gilligan’s Island, one of television’s most enduring characters. Wells’s Reno roots remain a proud part of the city’s entertainment history.
Last Updated on September 15, 2026 by F.E.M