We came across this list of people that either grew up in Downey or live in Downey and we thought it was pretty interesting.  Believe it or not James Hetfield of Heavy metal group Metallica and Weird Al Yankovic both group up in the city of Downey.

Here are some notible residents of Downey. 

  • The Carpenters (musical group - Richard Carpenter and Karen Carpenter) moved to Downey from Connecticut in 1963.
  • Mary Ford moved to Downey with her brothers and sisters following her divorce from Les Paul
  • The Blasters (Rock group)
  • "Weird Al" Yankovic (Singer/songwriter) was born in Downey, and raised in nearby Lynwood, California.
  • James Hetfield of the musical group Metallica, an alumnus of Downey High School
  • Donavon Frankenreiter (surfer and musician)
  • Hasan Habib (Professional poker player and WSOP bracelet winner) (Born April 19, 1962)
  • Ryan Hollweg (Professional Hockey Player who plays with the New York Rangers)
  • Joey Latimer (musician and computer specialist) Radio Free World founder and alumnus of Warren High School (1972)
  • Larry Latimer (Aerospace Legacy Foundation)
  • Evan Longoria (Major League Baseball Player)
  • Ken Ralston Five time Academy Award winner for Special Effects, an alumnus of Warren High School (1971)
  • Wayne Rainey, three-time world champion Grand Prix motorcycle racer.
  • Jeff Tedford (Head Coach of the California Golden Bears and former honorable mention All-American quarterback at Fresno State)
  • Aimee Teegarden - Actress(Friday Night Lights-TV Series)
  • Miranda Cosgrove - Actress (Went To Maude Price Elementary School)