Los Angeles is more than just a city it is the epicenter of global entertainment. From Hollywood’s golden age to today’s streaming-driven celebrity culture, Los Angeles has shaped how the world consumes movies, music, television, and pop culture.
While many stars move to LA to chase fame, a select group of celebrities are actually from Los Angeles, growing up in the neighborhoods, schools, and creative environments that helped mold their careers. These homegrown stars often reflect the city’s diversity, ambition, and constant reinvention.
This list highlights the top 10 most popular celebrities from Los Angeles, based on cultural impact, mainstream recognition, longevity, and influence across film, music, and media. Each of these figures represents a different side of LA’s entertainment legacy, proving that the city doesn’t just attract stars it creates them.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio
Born in Hollywood and raised largely in Los Angeles, Leonardo DiCaprio is one of the most respected actors of his generation. He began acting as a child, appearing in commercials and TV shows before breaking out in films like What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Titanic.
Over the years, DiCaprio evolved into a serious dramatic actor, collaborating frequently with director Martin Scorsese on films such as The Aviator, The Departed, and The Wolf of Wall Street.
Leonardo DiCaprio2. Angelina Jolie
Angelina Jolie was born in Los Angeles into a family already connected to Hollywood, yet she forged her own path to superstardom. Known initially for her intense performances in films like Girl, Interrupted, Jolie later became a global action star through the Tomb Raider franchise.
Angelina Jolie3. Kendrick Lamar
Although often associated with Compton, Kendrick Lamar is very much a product of the greater Los Angeles area. Rising from the city’s storied hip-hop scene, Lamar redefined modern rap with deeply personal, socially conscious albums like good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN.
His music explores race, identity, and systemic injustice while still achieving mainstream success. Kendrick Lamar’s influence extends beyond music into culture, education, and activism, solidifying him as one of LA’s most important modern celebrities.
Kendrick Lamar4. Billie Eilish
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Billie Eilish represents a new generation of LA-born superstars. Alongside her brother Finneas, she recorded much of her early music at home, proving that massive success no longer requires traditional studio systems.
Her debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, turned her into a global phenomenon almost overnight. Known for her unique style, whisper-like vocals, and genre-blending sound, Billie Eilish has reshaped pop music while staying closely tied to her Los Angeles roots.
Billie Eilish5. Brad Pitt
Though often associated with the Midwest, Brad Pitt was born in Los Angeles and began his journey in the city before achieving international fame. He rose to prominence in the 1990s with films like Legends of the Fall, Fight Club, and Se7en.
Over time, Pitt transitioned into a respected producer through his company Plan B Entertainment, backing award-winning films such as 12 Years a Slave and Moonlight. His longevity and ability to evolve with the industry make him one of LA’s most enduring celebrity figures.
Brad Pitt6. Reese Witherspoon
Reese Witherspoon was born in Los Angeles and grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry, yet she worked hard to stand out on her own merit. After early success in films like Cruel Intentions, she earned critical acclaim and an Academy Award for Walk the Line.
In recent years, Witherspoon has become a powerful producer, championing female-driven stories through her production company. Her work on shows like Big Little Lies and The Morning Show has reshaped how Hollywood approaches women-led narratives.
Reese Witherspoon7. Ice Cube
Ice Cube is one of the most influential celebrities ever to emerge from Los Angeles. Growing up in South Central LA, he rose to fame as a founding member of N.W.A., helping pioneer West Coast gangsta rap.
His transition from music to film was equally impactful, with roles in Boyz n the Hood and later mainstream success in comedies like Friday. Ice Cube’s career reflects LA’s cultural complexity gritty, creative, controversial, and influential across multiple industries.
Ice Cube8. Natalie Portman
Born in Los Angeles, Natalie Portman is known for combining intellectual depth with Hollywood success. She began acting at a young age, gaining attention in Léon: The Professional before transitioning into major franchises like Star Wars and critically acclaimed films such as Black Swan, which earned her an Academy Award.
Natalie Portman9. Will Ferrell
Will Ferrell was born in Irvine, California, part of the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, and developed his comedic style in Southern California. He became a household name through Saturday Night Live before dominating comedy films in the 2000s with hits like Anchorman, Elf, and Talladega Nights.
Ferrell’s humor, rooted in absurdity and character-driven comedy, has made him one of the most recognizable comedic figures to come from the LA region.
Will Ferrell10. Zooey Deschanel
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Zooey Deschanel grew up immersed in the arts. She gained recognition through indie films before becoming a mainstream TV star with New Girl. Known for her quirky screen presence and musical talent, Deschanel represents a softer, indie-influenced side of LA celebrity culture.
Her success highlights the city’s role not just in blockbuster stardom but also in shaping alternative and offbeat creative voices.
Zooey DeschanelLos Angeles has long been seen as a destination for aspiring stars, but these celebrities prove that the city is also a powerful incubator of talent. From Oscar-winning actors and chart-topping musicians to cultural trailblazers and industry innovators, LA-born celebrities reflect the city’s diversity, ambition, and global reach.
