7 Famous Arizonans: The Last One Surprised Me!

Arizona is famous for a lot of things: Old West gunfights, superheroes, rock stars, and HIGHLANDERS?! These seven amazing Arizonans were either born here or lucky enough to call our state home. I was not expecting the last one!

1. Lynda Carter

Actress Lynda Carter will forever be Wonder Woman to fans around the world.

Born in Phoenix on July 24, 1951, actress Lynda Carter was crowned Miss World United States 1972, according to Wikipedia. She finished as a semifinalist in the Miss World 1972 pageant.

2. Alice Cooper

Rocker Alice Cooper, born Vincent Damon Furnier, was born in Detroit, Michigan, on February 4, 1948. His family moved to Phoenix when he was young.

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Alice Cooper's been rocking the world for 50 years, with no signs of slowing down. He brought classic hits like "School's Out" and "Poison", but did you know? He formed a band in High School called The Spiders.

Alice lived in Los Angeles for a short time but returned to his senses and moved back to the Phoenix area.

3. Stevie Nicks

Born May 26, 1948, Stevie Nicks defined music in the '70s and '80s. Nicks was born in Phoenix. Her family moved around a lot while she was growing up because of her father's job.

Singer-songwriter Stevie Nicks joined Fleetwood Mac in 1975 and helped launch the band to success as one of the best-selling bands of all time.

She went on to a successful solo career. Did you know Stevie Nicks was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Twice!

READ THIS: How the Famous London Bridge Really Ended Up in Arizona

4. Michael Phelps

The most decorated Olympian of all time, swimmer Michael Phelps, made America proud when he won 28 medals, 23 of which were GOLD medals.

Although Phelps was born on June 30, 1985, in Maryland, he now lives with his wife, Nicole, in Paradise Valley, Arizona.

5. Joe Jonas

Jonas Brother Joe Jonas was born in Casa Grande on August 15, 1989.

He moved with his family to New Jersey when he was a toddler. Joe's brothers were not lucky enough to be born in Arizona, though. Nick was born in Texas, and Kevin was born in New Jersey.

READ: John Hughes' Connection to Arizona

6. Emma Stone

Award-winning Actress Emma Stone was born on November 6, 1988, in Scottsdale, Arizona, and began local theater productions when she was young.

This Oscar-winning actress has starred in The Amazing Spider-Man, La La Land, and Cruella.

7. Diana Gabaldon

If you've ever traveled back in time with the Outlander books or television series by Diana Gabaldon, you might be surprised to learn that she was not only born in Arizona, but also still lives here in our great state.

According to Wikipedia, prolific author Diana Gabaldon was born on January 11, 1952, in Williams, Arizona. She has a Ph.D. in zoology and has worked as a professor at Arizona State University. She taught scientific computation at ASU for 12 years before leaving to write full-time.

Who knew the roots for the characters Jamie and Claire Fraser were planted right here in Arizona?