I'm not sure why it's always fascinating to people when they find out that a famous person, whether a professional athlete or actor or author or serial killer just happens to hail from a small town. By virtue of sheer numbers of people, odds are more likely that the Big Apple would produce more Big Wigs than the nation's best 'Apple Town'.

People are even more surprised, if not downright proud when they discover someone who achieved fame and fortune on a grand scale, is a native to their hometown. I must admit, I'm always a little extra interested in and supportive of some of these well-doers. I find myself rooting for them or seeing their movies or reading their books or avoiding eye contact with them (in the case of serial killers).

HERE ARE FIVE OF YAKIMA'S MOST FAMOUS FAVORITE SONS & DAUGHTERS.

Kyle Maclachlan - Golden Globe Award-Winning Actor

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Kyle Maclachlan is a Yakima native and grew up and attended school here. He's carved out quite an impressive career and is widely regarded as being one of the most versatile actors of his era. Twin Peaks, Blue Velvet, Dune, The Doors, Desperate Housewives, the list goes on and on. He happens to be a mighty fine Shakespearean actor as well. A winemaker and an avid golfer, I'd certainly enjoy sipping a glass and playing a round with him someday. Did that sound all 'creepy fan'? I hope not.

Lis Wiehl - Author, Former Federal Prosecutor, and Fox News Legal Analyst

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Lis Wiehl is an Eisenhower High School Grad and is only two years younger than Kyle Maclachlan, so I wonder if they knew each other back in the day? She wrote the best-seller "Hunting the Unabomber" and was a favorite of mine on the Fox News Channel a few years back. Lis achieved a successful law career, having served as a Federal Prosecutor. I'm not sure if she plays golf but maybe when she's in town to visit family she could come along with Kyle and me when we play 18 at Apple Tree. (nothing firm planned yet)

Sam Kinison - Comedian

Screenshot via YouTube - Movie Clips
Screenshot via YouTube - Movie Clips
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Sam Kinison is certainly an example of locals being ready to latch onto the whole 'hey, he's from Yakima' thing. Yes, Sam was born here but moved soon after that and made his way to Oklahoma where he became a teenage preacher. He turned his gift of inspirational gab into a comedy career, getting a big shot on Rodney Dangerfield's comedy club stage, and soon after he appeared on national TV for the first time on the Late Night with David Letterman Show. He was an instant success. Sam, sadly, was killed in an automobile accident in 1992 at the age of 38.

Paige Mackenzie - Golf Channel TV Host & Analyst and former LPGA Tour Player

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Paige grew up here, was a dominant golfer for the Eisenhower Cadets and she competed in several national tournaments. She then went on to the UW where she was not simply an outstanding player, she posted 22 top-10 finishes for the Huskies which places her number one on the list. She went on to enjoy a solid professional career on the LPGA and has been a featured Host and Analyst on The Golf Channel for a number of years.

KPMG Women's PGA Championship National Media Day
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Wow, it just occurred to me, she could round-out our foursome with Kyle and Lis and me. I should have my people call their people and set this up. Wait. I don't have people. Nevermind.

Cooper Kupp - NFL Football Star with the Los Angeles Rams

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A standout at Davis High School, graduating in 2012. He went on to craft an incredible college career at Eastern Washington University where achieve numerous accolades. Cooper Kupp was named the recipient of the 2013 Jerry Rice Award, given to the top freshman player in the FCS. Kupp is the first Eastern Washington player and the first player from the Big Sky Conference to receive the award. Cooper signed with the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 and has been a standout for the team ever since. I always root for Cooper, unless he's playing against the Seahawks.

Los Angeles Rams v Seattle Seahawks
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In those instances, which is at least twice per year, I want the Rams to lose but I root for Cooper to have a great game. Is that fair? I hope so. And hey, if Kyle or Lis or Paige can't make it out for a round of golf at Apple Tree with me, Coop, we can squeeze you in on the foursome. Have your people ca...oh, that's right. I don't have people. Nevermind.

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