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Top Colorado Springs Celebrities: Dierks Bentley, Lamarr Houston, Goose Gossage, Michelle Waterson & More!

Singers, actors, football players, MMA athletes and scientist celebrities hail from Colorado Springs. Here’s a short list of the famous folks who call or called Colorado Springs home.

Country Singer Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley is a well-known country music artist who has made a name for himself with his heartfelt lyrics and catchy tunes. While he may have originally hailed from Arizona, Bentley has spent a significant amount of time living in Colorado Springs at the base of Pikes Peak in the Rocky Mountains.

Bentley loves taking his family on adventures in Colorado Springs, according to his Instagram account. He cites the natural beauty of the area and the sense of community he finds there as some of the things he loves most about the city. In an interview with Colorado Springs Gazette, he said, “It’s one of the most beautiful places in the world. And there’s such a great sense of community here. It’s really a special place.”

One of the things Bentley enjoys most about Colorado Springs is the opportunity to be outdoors and take advantage of the city’s stunning natural surroundings. He is an avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, and the Rocky Mountains provides him with plenty of opportunities to explore and unwind. He particularly enjoys hiking to the summit of Pikes Peak, the high mountain in the region, and taking in the breathtaking views from the top. In addition to the natural beauty of the area, Bentley also appreciates the strong sense of community in Colorado Springs.

Bentley has also been actively involved in giving back to the Colorado Springs community. He has performed at local benefit concerts and worked with local organizations to raise awareness and funds for various causes. In 2018, he launched his own charity event, the Seven Peaks Festival, in nearby Buena Vista, Colorado. The festival aims to raise money for local charities and organizations that support the environment, education, and the arts. In 2023, the September event looks like it will be held in Villa Grove, Colorado in the San Luis Valley. Here’s how to get VIP passes for the camping and music festival starring Dierks Bentley. Villa Grove is about 2 and a half hours from Colorado Springs on the US-50 W. 


Despite his busy schedule and success in the music industry, Bentley has maintained strong ties to Colorado Springs and continues to spend time in the city whenever he can. He has even recorded music videos in the area, showcasing the stunning scenery and highlighting the special place Colorado Springs holds in his heart.

Where is Dierks Bentley From?

Bentley was born in Arizona, and he was a Thanksgiving baby born November 20, 1975. He moved to Colorado in 2020 with his family. They went during the pandemic, and didn’t want to leave, according to popular accounts. The state’s natural beauty, strong sense of community, and supportive residents have all played a role. Bentley’s love for Colorado Springs, the San Luis Valley, and Telluride, Colorado is evident in his music and his continued involvement in the community, and it is clear that the state holds a special place in his heart.

NFL Pro Lamarr Houston: Excels in Football and Business

Lamarr Houston is a famous NFL pro athlete from Colorado Springs, Colorado who is thriving as an entrepreneur. Born on June 24, 1987, he is best known for his achievements as a football player. Houston played for the University of Texas at Austin as a defensive end before being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft.

NFL Pro Athlete Lamarr Houston made it to the NFL, drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the NFL draft (Photo courtesy Lamarr Houston)
College recruiters pushed hard to garner Lamarr Houston from Colorado Springs, and he chose Texas!

Houston’s early years were marked by his passion for football. He attended Doherty High School in Colorado Springs, where he played on the school’s football team. His outstanding performance earned him a spot on the First-Team All-State defense, and he was named the Colorado Springs Defensive Player of the Year.

Photo of Lamarr Houston when The Chicago Bears signed him, Courtesy of Lamarr Houston

Houston’s success on the high school field led to his recruitment by several universities. He signed a letter of intent to Texas Longhorns in 2006. He attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he played football for four years. As a Longhorn, Houston was a standout player. That’s when he got invited to the NFL draft.

Lamarr Houston Highlight Reel courtesy YouTube!

Following his illustrious college career, Houston was drafted 44th overall by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He started his NFL pro career at the left defensive end position. He played for the Raiders for four years before being traded to the Chicago Bears in 2014. Houston and the Chicago Bears agreed to a five-year contract. The deal was worth $35 million, with $15 million guaranteed, according to Wikipedia.

In addition to his football career, Houston is also known for his charitable work. He has worked with organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Special Olympics, and he has also hosted several football camps for young athletes. Houston is committed to using his platform as a professional athlete to make a positive impact in his community and beyond. In recent years, Houston is the CEO and co-founder of the flourishing start-up company BoxxTech.

Former NFL Pro Lamarr Houston is making waves as an entrepreneur with his company BoxxTech.

Lamarr Houston is a talented entrepreneur, athlete and dedicated philanthropist from Colorado Springs. His exceptional performance on the football field, both in college and in the NFL, has earned him widespread recognition and respect. Off the field, Houston’s commitment to giving back to his community has made him a role model for young athletes and fans alike. Look for new successes for this talented CEO in the years to come.

Edward Norton

Edward Norton is an American actor and filmmaker known for his dynamic range and ability to disappear into a role. He has been nominated for three Academy Awards and has won numerous other accolades throughout his career. Norton’s maternal grandfather, James Rouse, was a prominent real estate developer who built the iconic Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Rouse also founded the nonprofit organization Enterprise Community Partners, which focuses on affordable housing and community development.

Norton has fond memories of visiting Colorado Springs as a child and has continued to support the city throughout his career. In 2014, he narrated a documentary called “Bending the Arc” at the Colorado Springs Film Festival, and he has donated to local organizations, including the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center and the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo. Norton’s ties to Colorado Springs serve as a reminder of his family’s legacy and his commitment to giving back to the community.

Born on August 18, 1969, in Boston, Massachusetts, Norton was raised in Columbia, Maryland. His father, Edward Mower Norton Jr., was an environmental lawyer and conservationist, and his mother, Lydia Robinson “Robin” Norton, was an English teacher. Norton attended Yale University, where he earned a degree in history, and then went on to study acting at the Actors Studio in New York City.

Norton made his film debut in the 1996 thriller “Primal Fear,” in which he played a stuttering altar boy accused of murder. His portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The following year, Norton starred in “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” playing the role of a lawyer defending the controversial pornographer Larry Flynt. For his performance, Norton received another Academy Award nomination, this time for Best Actor.

Norton continued to impress audiences with his versatile performances in films such as “Rounders,” “American History X,” and “Fight Club.” In “American History X,” Norton played a reformed neo-Nazi trying to prevent his younger brother from following in his footsteps. His raw, intense portrayal of the character earned him critical acclaim and another Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

In addition to his acting career, Norton is also a filmmaker. He made his directorial debut with the 2000 comedy “Keeping the Faith,” in which he also starred alongside Ben Stiller and Jenna Elfman. Norton has also produced a number of films, including “Leaves of Grass,” “The Painted Veil,” and “Motherless Brooklyn.”

Norton is known for his commitment to social and environmental causes. He has been a vocal advocate for renewable energy and has worked with organizations such as the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust and the Enterprise Community Partners, which helps to provide affordable housing in underserved communities.

In 2009, Norton co-founded Crowdrise, a fundraising website that has helped to raise millions of dollars for various charities and causes. The site was acquired by GoFundMe in 2017, and Norton has since continued his philanthropic work through other ventures.

Norton has been in a number of high-profile relationships throughout his career, including with actress Salma Hayek and producer Shauna Robertson. In 2012, he married Canadian film producer Shauna Robertson, and the couple has two children together. Despite his many achievements, Norton is known for being notoriously private and rarely gives interviews or talks about his personal life. However, his talent and impact on the film industry are undeniable, and his contributions to social and environmental causes have made him a respected figure both on and off the screen.

Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger

Dottie Metcalf-Lindenburger is an accomplished former teacher and NASA astronaut hailing from Colorado Springs. In 2004, Dottie was selected as an Educator Mission Specialist and went on to become the first Space Camp alumna to join the ranks of astronauts. Her stellar achievements were recognized in 2007 when she was inducted into the Space Camp Hall of Fame.

Baseball’s Rich “Goose” Gossage

Rich “Goose” Gossage is a former American baseball pitcher who played 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) between 1972 and 1994. In 1993, he was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame. He pitched his best years with the New York Yankees and San Diego Padres. He led the American League in saves three times. At this writing he remained third in wins in relief (115) according to Wikipedia.

Colorado Springs baseball rock star Rich “Goose” Gossage

In Colorado Springs, the Goose Gossage Skate Park provides a vibrant and lively tribute to the Colorado Springs ballplayer for skaters of all levels of experience. Located at 3870 Mark Dabling Blvd. in Colorado Springs, 80907, the park is outdoors. Plans are in place to add lighting to the park. Goose Gossage grew up in Colorado Springs, graduatin in 1970 from Wasson High School in Colorado Springs, where he played baseball and basketball. He was selected in the 9th round of the MLB draft in 1970.

Actress Carole “Kelly” Bishop

From her roots in Colorado Springs, Kelly Bishop became a beloved actress and dancer, best known for her roles as the matriarch on Gilmore Girls and the mother in Dirty Dancing. She originated the role of Sheila in A Chorus Line, for which she won a Tony Award for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical.

Author Anne Parish

Colorado Springs native Anne Parrish (1888 – 1957) was a celebrated novelist whose beloved children’s books included The Dream Coach, Floating Island, and The Story of Appleby Capple. Her books were illustrated by her brother Dillwyn. Their collaboration titled Knee-High to a Grasshopper was followed by another book for children in 1924.

colorado-springs-author-anne-parrish

Parrish was born in November, 1888, where she attended the Misses Ferris’ and San Luis Schools. Her book The Story of Appleby Capple won the prestigious Newberry Award. Parrish remains a cherished figure in children’s literature. Her father, Thomas Parrish, was in the Colorado mining business, and died in 1899.

Actor & Makeup Artist Lon Chaney

Lon Chaney, known as the “Man of a Thousand Faces,” was a legendary silent film actor and makeup artist who left an indelible mark on the film industry. His contributions to the art of film were so significant that he was posthumously honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But Chaney’s legacy extends beyond Hollywood, and it’s in Colorado Springs where the actor made some of his most significant contributions to the world of film.

Chaney’s ties to Colorado Springs began in 1906 when he joined the local theater scene. He had just left his job as a telegraph operator in New Mexico and was eager to pursue his dream of becoming an actor. Chaney quickly made a name for himself in the Colorado Springs theater scene, and his talent and dedication earned him a loyal following.

In 1912, Chaney moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film. He quickly found work as a character actor, playing a variety of roles in silent films. But Chaney’s true talent lay in his ability to transform himself through the use of makeup. He became known for his ability to create complex and intricate makeup designs that allowed him to play a wide range of characters, from monsters to clowns to tragic heroes.

In 1923, Chaney returned to Colorado Springs to film what would become one of his most famous movies, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” The film was shot on location at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, which was then known as the Broadmoor Art Academy. Chaney played the hunchback Quasimodo, a role that required him to wear a heavy, uncomfortable hump on his back and a grotesque makeup design that he had created himself. Despite the physical challenges of the role, Chaney delivered a stunning performance that cemented his place as one of the greatest actors of his time.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame” was just the beginning of Chaney’s contributions to the Colorado Springs film scene. In 1925, he returned to the city to film “The Phantom of the Opera,” another classic horror movie that featured Chaney in a groundbreaking makeup design. This time, Chaney played the Phantom, a disfigured and tormented character who wears a mask to hide his face. Chaney’s makeup design for the Phantom was so innovative that it inspired countless imitations and set a new standard for horror movie makeup.

Chaney’s influence on the film industry can still be felt today. His dedication to creating complex and realistic makeup designs paved the way for future makeup artists like Rick Baker and Tom Savini, who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in film.

But Chaney’s legacy in Colorado Springs goes beyond his contributions to the film industry. In the years following his death in 1930, the city has honored the actor in a number of ways. In 1957, the Colorado Springs Little Theatre Company renamed itself the Lon Chaney Theatre Company in his honor. The company has since produced numerous plays and musicals, and its name serves as a testament to Chaney’s enduring legacy in the city.

In 1971, the city of Colorado Springs dedicated a park to Chaney. Located in the heart of downtown, the Lon Chaney Memorial Park features a bronze statue of the actor as the Phantom of the Opera. The statue, which was created by local artist J. Seward Johnson Jr., is a popular tourist attraction and a fitting tribute to one of Colorado Springs’ most famous residents.

Today, Chaney’s legacy lives on in Colorado Springs and beyond. His contributions to the film industry have inspired countless filmmakers and artists, and his dedication to his craft has set a standard for excellence that still holds true today.

WNBA Allstar Glory Johnson

Glory Johnson has achieved great success on the court and has become a voice for equality and social justice off the court. In the summer of 2022, Johnson made headlines when she was traded from the Dallas Wings to the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. This move had a significant impact on the WNBA landscape and sparked discussions about the future of the league.

Glory Johnson was born on July 27, 1990, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She attended Webb School of Knoxville in Tennessee before playing college basketball at the University of Tennessee. Johnson was a dominant force for the Lady Volunteers and was named the SEC Player of the Year in 2012. She was drafted by the Tulsa Shock with the fourth overall pick in the 2012 WNBA Draft and played for the team for four seasons before being traded to the Dallas Wings in 2016. She’s currently a player on the Atlanta Dream.

It’s a Smackdown with Colorado Springs Native Bob Sapp of MMA Fame

Bob Sapp is a truly dynamic athlete who has made his mark in football, wrestling, kickboxing, and mixed martial arts. With two black belts, a stint on the Minnesota Vikings, Bob Sapp was born on September 22, 1973, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He attended the University of Washington, where he played football as an offensive lineman for the Huskies from 1991 to 1994. After college, Sapp played briefly in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings.

Sapp then turned his attention to combat sports and quickly gained a reputation as a fearsome fighter. He started his kickboxing career in 2000, winning his first nine matches by knockout. Sapp’s imposing size, standing at 6’5″ and weighing over 300 pounds, made him a formidable opponent for anyone who stepped into the ring with him.

Sapp made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2002, defeating Kimo Leopoldo by TKO in the first round before exchanging words with fighter Mike Tyson. He went on to fight in various promotions around the world, including Pride Fighting Championships in Japan and Cage Rage in England. 

He is well known in Japan, where he has appeared in numerous commercials, television programs, and various other media, and released a music CD, Sapp Time. In recent years, Sapp has shifted his focus to acting and entertainment. He has appeared in several movies, including “Conan the Barbarian” and “The Longest Yard,” and has also worked as a commentator for various combat sports events.

Mixed Martial Arts Michelle Waterson Spices up Life as Karate Hottie

Michelle Waterson was born in Colorado Springs in 1986, and was raised in Aurora, Colorado. Waterson is a rising star in the world of mixed martial arts, known for her impressive fighting skills and dedication to the sport. She has won several awards, including the Atomweight of the Year award and the Most Vulgar Display of Power award.

Waterson, who is also known as “The Karate Hottie,” was born on January 6, 1986, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She began her training in martial arts at a young age, studying Shotokan karate under her father. She later added other disciplines to her training, including Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and wrestling.

Waterson made her professional MMA debut in 2007, and quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the sport. She competed in several promotions, including Ring of Fire and Invicta FC, before signing with the UFC in 2015. She has also earned several impressive victories, including a submission win over Paige VanZant.

Waterson’s success in the octagon is due in part to her well-rounded skills and her ability to adapt to different fighting styles. She is known for her fast and accurate striking, as well as her grappling skills, which have earned her several submission victories. Outside of the octagon, Waterson is also a dedicated role model for young girls who are interested in martial arts. She has earned several awards and accolades for her achievements in the octagon, and is poised to continue making waves 

Mediterranean Diet Author & Scientist Ancel Keys to Eat and Stay Well

Ancel Keys was a pioneering physiologist whose work on the connection between diet and cardiovascular disease was ahead of its time. His book Eat Well and Stay Well, published in 1959, is a classic.  Today, his research is the basis for modern dietary guidelines recommending the avoidance of saturated fats. Additionally, Keys popularized the Mediterranean Diet as a healthy eating option.

Augie Lohman, Special Effects Artist

Augie Lohman (1911-1989) was a special effects artist whose work on more than 60 films plus an academy award nomination for the film Lost Voyage contributed to his fame. He was also credited for special effects on The Electric Horseman (1979). His passion for creating amazing and realistic special effects made him a well-known name in the industry. Augie’s work has been featured in major films and TV shows, and his expertise in the field has earned him numerous awards and recognition.

Born and raised in Colorado Springs, Augie always had a love for the arts. He started out as a young artist, drawing and painting, but it wasn’t until he discovered the world of special effects that he found his true calling. Augie began experimenting with different materials and techniques to create his own special effects, and soon he was making a name for himself in the industry. Augie was an avid collector of rare books and artwork, and he attended art exhibitions and festivals around the world.

If you’ve got a friend who is a celebrity from Colorado Springs, Colorado, we’d love to hear from you. Just send a note to Editor@ ColoradoSpringsNewsandReviews.com to nominate a star for a feature article.

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