Most people don’t think of Nampa as a place that produced Hollywood stars, Major League Baseball pitchers, or people who helped shape the modern internet. But it did.

In fact, this small city in the Treasure Valley has quietly produced some remarkable people. Here’s a look at four of the most notable famous people from Nampa Idaho.

Ronee Blakley — Oscar Nominee and Hollywood Actress

Most Nampa residents have no idea that a girl from their city earned an Academy Award nomination and toured with Bob Dylan.

Ronee Blakley was born in Nampa on August 24, 1945. Wikipedia She went on to study at Stanford University and Juilliard before landing one of the most talked-about roles in 1970s cinema.

She earned worldwide recognition playing fictional country superstar Barbara Jean in Robert Altman’s Nashville in 1975. Golden Globes Her performance was so powerful that it earned her an Oscar nomination, a Golden Globe nomination, a BAFTA nomination, and a Grammy nomination — all for the same role.

But that’s not all. She also sang background vocals on Bob Dylan’s iconic song “Hurricane” and appeared in Dylan’s film Renaldo and Clara. Golden Globes

Then, in 1984, she showed up in one of the most famous horror films ever made. Blakley played Marge Thompson in Wes Craven’s A Nightmare on Elm Street. Fandom

Not bad for a kid from Nampa, Idaho.

Larry Jackson — MLB All-Star and Idaho Politician

Before Nampa produced subdivisions, it produced a pitcher who dominated the National League for over a decade.

Larry Jackson was born in Nampa on June 2, 1931. Wikipedia He went on to pitch for the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, and Philadelphia Phillies from 1955 to 1968.

His best season came in 1964. That year, Jackson led the National League with 24 wins — even though he pitched for the last-place Cubs. Wikipedia He finished as runner-up for the Cy Young Award that season, losing out to Dean Chance.

Even more impressive, Jackson won more games than any pitcher in history who never played on a first-place team. Baseball Egg

After baseball, he came home to Idaho. Jackson served four terms in the Idaho Legislature Wikipedia and even ran for governor in 1978. He was as reliable in politics as he was on the mound.

Jerry Saltzer — The Man Who Helped Build the Internet

You probably haven’t heard of Jerry Saltzer. Most people haven’t. But chances are you use his work every single day.

Saltzer was born in Nampa and went on to become a key figure in developing the Multics operating system — a direct precursor to Unix Kimdobias, which powers the majority of servers, smartphones, and systems that run the modern internet.

His contributions to computer science shaped how operating systems handle security and design. Without people like Saltzer, the digital world would look very different today.

Not a bad legacy for someone who grew up in the Treasure Valley.

Bud Clark — Nampa Native Who Became Mayor of Portland

Here’s one most locals don’t know. Portland, Oregon’s beloved mayor in the 1980s? He was from Nampa.

Bud Clark was born in Nampa on December 19, 1931, and went on to serve as Portland’s mayor from 1985 to 1992. Kimdobias

Clark became known for his colorful personality and his deep connection to everyday Portland residents. He was the kind of mayor people actually liked. And it all started right here in the Treasure Valley.

Nampa Has More History Than Most People Realize

These four people are just the beginning. Nampa has grown a lot over the years — and so has its story.

If you want to stay up to date on everything happening in Nampa today, from new developments to local events and business openings, keep checking AllThingsNampa.com.

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