Colorado Springs is known for its mountain scenery, military presence and proximity to Pikes Peak, but the city has also produced an unusually varied group of notable people. Its native sons and daughters have reached the top of film, music, sports, politics, gaming and television.
This list ranks 10 of the most famous people born in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The names range from silent-film legends and Hall of Fame athletes to rock musicians, filmmakers and political figures.
10. Spring Byington (1886–1971)
Long before television made her a household face, Spring Byington had already built a successful stage and film career. She earned an Academy Award nomination for You Can’t Take It with You. Later, December Bride introduced her to a new generation of viewers. Few performers from her era moved so comfortably between theater, movies and television.
9. John Dingell (1926–2019)
Nearly 60 years in Congress gave John Dingell a place in American political history. He represented Michigan in the U.S. House from 1955 until 2015. No member of Congress has served longer. The Presidential Medal of Freedom was among the honors he received later in life.
8. Scott Walker (1967–)
National attention followed Scott Walker well beyond Wisconsin. His clashes with public-sector unions made him one of the country’s most discussed governors during the early 2010s. Before becoming governor, he served as Milwaukee County executive. Walker later sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016.
7. John Romero (1967–)
Few game developers had a bigger hand in shaping the first-person shooter. At id Software, John Romero helped develop Wolfenstein 3D, Doom and Quake. Those games changed the direction of PC gaming during the 1990s. Romero also became one of the industry’s first widely recognizable developer personalities.
6. Kelly Bishop (1944–)
For many viewers, Kelly Bishop will always be Emily Gilmore. Her accomplishments, however, reach much further than Gilmore Girls. Bishop won a Tony Award for A Chorus Line and later appeared in Dirty Dancing. Broadway, film and television have all played major roles in her career.
5. Chris Sanders (1962–)
Stitch alone would have given Chris Sanders a lasting place in animation history. He co-wrote and co-directed Lilo & Stitch while also providing the character’s original voice. Sanders later co-directed How to Train Your Dragon. His work has helped shape several of the most popular animated films of the modern era.
4. Tom Hamilton (1951–)
Aerosmith’s sound would not be quite the same without Tom Hamilton. He has played bass with the band through decades of albums, tours and major hits. Hamilton also helped write songs including “Sweet Emotion.” That recording remains one of Aerosmith’s most recognizable classics.
3. Bobby Unser (1934–2021)
Three Indianapolis 500 victories put Bobby Unser among racing’s elite. He won the event in 1968, 1975 and 1981. Unser also built a remarkable record at the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb. After leaving the cockpit, he remained visible to racing fans as a broadcaster.
2. Goose Gossage (1951–)
Batters knew exactly what Goose Gossage planned to throw, and it often did not matter. His overpowering fastball helped make him one of baseball’s most feared relief pitchers. Gossage earned nine All-Star selections during a career spanning more than two decades. The Baseball Hall of Fame inducted him in 2008.
1. Lon Chaney (1883–1930)
Before movie monsters had sound, Lon Chaney was already terrifying audiences. Elaborate makeup and intense physical performances earned him the nickname “The Man of a Thousand Faces.” His best-known films include The Hunchback of Notre Dame and The Phantom of the Opera. Chaney’s influence still runs through horror cinema more than a century later.
Last Updated on October 6, 2026 by F.E.M