Wait. I didn’t know these celebs were from Utah

Now that I’ve lived in Utah for almost 2 decades, I’m told that almost makes me a native. But as I get to know more about the state we love, I continue to find surprises. As I roll out these surprises, my “native” status goes away as real natives ask, “Did you NOT know that?” So, let’s see if any of these are a surprise to you.    

I didn’t know actor James Woods was from Utah. He was born in Vernal UT. I’ve only been to Vernal once.  It was for a fun concert and the people of Vernal were great. I did know Donnie & Marie Osmond are from Utah. Years ago when I'd just started working in Salt Lake City, I walked into my office and Donnie Osmond was sitting at my desk.  

I did know Julianne Hough and her brother Derek Hough are from Utah. My former boss had a picture of Julianne Hough in his kitchen hanging out with his daughter in Park City. 

Football great Merlin Olsen is from Utah. Didn’t know that. He grew up in Logan UT. Remember the Fearsome Foursome of the Los Angeles Rams? Merlin Olson, Rosey Grier, Lamar Lundy and Deacon Jones.  These guys were all soft spoken and easy going off of the football field.  But when it was game time, they tackled everyone in sight.

I get a kick out of knowing Butch Cassidy was from Beaver UT. How cool is that?  I didn’t know Jewel was from Payson.  I picture her being from Alaska or Seattle ...or Canada.  Not Payson UT USA.

Wilford Brimley was from Salt Lake City.

I did know Steve Young was from Salt Lake City but I didn’t know Frank Zamboni – inventor of the Zamboni ice smoother machine was from Eureka UT. 

I would have bet Chrissy Teigen was from Los Angeles. I would have lost. She’s from Delta. Have you been to Delta? I flew in to the little Delta airport when I was training for my pilot’s license. It’s tiny.  

Did you know Stephen Covey was from Utah? His 7 Habits of Highly Effective People may have come from the people of Utah.  

Any others come to mind?  Let me know.