Jack Nicholson
He is repeatedly mentioned as one of the most prominent actors of the 20th century. Jack Nicholson has won many awards, including three Oscars for the films “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975), “Tender Language” (1983) and “As Good as It Gets” (1997).
Although there is no official confirmation and Nicholson himself has not been sure who his father is, biographer Patrick McGillan has indicated in his book about the actor “Jack’s Life” that it is Latvian-born Edgars Kirschfeld.
Bob Saget and John Stamos
As it turns out, the main characters of the once popular and also shown in Latvia TV series “Full House” are of Latvian origin.
Content continues after commercial
Advertising
In 2022, shortly after Saget’s death, information appeared that his grandfather, a Jew by origin, was born in Varaklani and came to the United States in 1913 with 19 dollars. On the other hand, Staimos’ great-grandfather was from Latvia.
Mikhail Baryshnikov
The ballet dancer, ballet masters as well as the actor was born and spent his childhood in Riga, but in 1974 he fled to Canada during guest performances. From there, his path to world fame began, and it is believed that thanks to Baryshnikov, interest in ballet arose in the United States.
He has also participated in several films and was nominated for a Golden Globe for his supporting role in the film “Turning Point” (1977). Since 2017, Baryšnikovs is also a citizen of Latvia.
Debbie Mazar
She did not know about her father’s origin and Latvian roots until she was 20 years old. It must be said that the twists and turns of Mazara’s life and career have been quite interesting. Growing up in New York, she did various odd jobs and worked in nightclubs, Mazara met the pop singer Madonna, becoming her make-up artist and participating in several of the pop diva’s music videos.
Although they were not big roles, she appeared in such recognizable films as “The Good Guys” (1990), “The Doors” (1991) and “Batman Forever” (1995).
DJ Lethal
One of the members of the popular rap metal group “Limp Bizkit”, DJ Lethal or Leors Dimants was born in 1972 in Riga. When he was seven years old, the family emigrated to Italy and later to North America, where Dimant developed his skills as a beatboxer and DJ. Before joining Limp Bizkit, he was also in the hip-hop group House of Pain.
Leo
Among the younger generations of show business stars, the singer Lauv (Ari Staplans Lefs), born in the USA, whose mother is Latvian, should be singled out. His stage name is derived from the Latvian language – lauva. Growing up, he has maintained his connection with Latvia and spent summers at his grandparents’ house in Jūrmala.
