There are many notable and famous people that have called San Francisco home. Whether they were born in the city or became residents, this is a list of some of the more notable people from San Francisco, California.
Joe DiMaggio
Baseball legend Joseph Paul DiMaggio, known as “Joltin’ Joe” or “The Yankee Clipper” was born in Martinez, California, in 1914. A year later, his family moved to San Francisco where he spent his childhood. DiMaggio’s father had wanted him to become a fisherman, but thought his son was lazy because he always tried to get out of cleaning the boat. DiMaggio couldn’t stand the smell. Instead of becoming a fisherman he took up odd jobs. He had started playing semi-pro baseball when his brother convinced his manager to let Joe fill in for shortstop. His talent landed him in the Major Leagues where he spent his entire 13-year career with the New York Yankees. He’s best known for his 56-game hitting streak that remains unbroken to this day.
O.J. Simpson
San Francisco born O.J. Simpson has led an eventful life that has made him famous in the media. Nicknamed “The Juice”, O.J. is a former National Football League (NFL) runningback, actor, spokesman, and broadcaster. He’s also well-known for his arrest following the famous chase from police in his white Bronco. The arrest resulted in his acquittal in the murder of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. He was later convicted of armed robbery and kidnapping. Simpson was granted parole on July 20, 2017.
Clint Eastwood
Clint Eastwood was born in San Francisco in 1930. He’s led quite the successful career as an actor, musician, filmmaker, and political figure. He has become a symbol of cultural masculinity through his famous Westerns. Eastwood boasts an impressive filmography. He was involved with films such as Dirty Harry, Rawhide, Escape from Alcatraz, and Gran Torino. Eastwood has been nominated for and received multiple awards over the years including Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, Directors Guild of America Awards, and People’s Choice Awards.
Jack London
Jack London was born in San Francisco, California, in 1876. His birth name was John Griffith Chaney. London was well-known in the commercial fiction writing world and one of the first fiction writers to become a worldwide celebrity. He made not just a living, but a large fortune, from his fiction and science fiction works. You many know London for some of his stories that are still famous today such as The Call of the Wild, White Fang, The Sea Wolf, “To Build a Fire” and “Love of Life”. London was an advocate of socialism, unionization, and workers’ rights.
Margaret Cho
Margaret Cho is another famous person that was born in San Francisco. She has an accomplished career as an actress, comedian, fashion designer, author, singer, and songwriter. She is known for her support of LGBT rights and has won multiple awards for her humanitarian efforts for the LGBT community, women, and Asians. She’s best known for her edgy stand-up routines. You’ll also recognize Cho from her roles in It’s My Party and Face/Off.
