by Kimberly A. Smith

Created on: April 19, 2008   Last Updated: December 04, 2008

Many notable celebrities hail from Phoenix and the surrounding areas. From athletes to authors to politicians, these big names all spent at least some of their formative years in the Arizona capital city. Whether they were born there or made the decision to move later in life, these five people are definitely from Phoenix.

Stephanie Meyer, the author of the hit Twilight series of books, grew up in Phoenix with her large family. While she was born in Connecticut, the family moved to Arizona by the time Meyer was four and she lived there for 27 years, making her a true resident. Her young adult series has become a popular favorite among teens since the first book was published in 2005.

When you think of American politics, which Arizona senator comes to mind? After his retirement from the Navy, John McCain moved to Arizona where he married Cindy Lou Hensley and began his career in politics. After a lifetime of moving with a military family and then his own career, this was an opportunity to put down roots somewhere beautiful.

As a teenager in Scottsdale, Steven Spielberg made amateur movies with his friends. When his parents divorced, he moved to California with his father while his mother and sisters remained in Arizona. Looking at films such as Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Schindler's List, and Saving Private Ryan, is there some reflection of the teenager charging admission to his first home movies? All dreams have to start somewhere, and this one started in the Phoenix area.

Did you know that Wonder Woman was born in Phoenix? That's right - actress Lynda Carter grew up in the Grand Canyon State. Playing Wonder Woman on television was what really launched her acting career. Thirty years later she is still identified with the role.

Another entertainer, Stevie Nicks, was born in Phoenix. The singer and songwriter started calling herself Stevie as a young child because she had trouble pronouncing her given name, Stephanie. Nicks is best known for being a part of Fleetwood Mac, although her solo career has been incredibly successful as well.

This is just a small sampling of the celebrity that has come out of Phoenix. Perhaps the spectacular desert vistas outside the city inspire creativity and greatness.

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