Fresno has long been the center of California’s Central Valley, known for farming, migration, and its working-class roots. But the city has also produced writers, athletes, actors, and musicians whose names carried far beyond the valley. From Hollywood to the Olympics and even outer space, these Fresno natives made their mark on culture. Some passed on, others still active — but all were born here.
15. Rudi Bakhtiar (1966–)
Bakhtiar was born in Fresno and built an international journalism career. She anchored for CNN, reported for Voice of America, and contributed to Al Jazeera English. Known for covering global conflicts and U.S. politics, she remains a respected journalist with Fresno…..