In recent years, there has been an influx of people moving to Austin, celebrities included. Luckily, it’s proven to be a terrific place to live.
Thus, it’s highly likely that you’ll come across a range of celebrities that live in Austin. From actors and musicians to professional wrestlers and journalists, it seems everyone can’t get enough of that Austonite vibe.
Who Are the Celebrities That Live in Austin?
With its balance between abundant wildlife and a bustling modern hub, Austin seems to be the perfect place to call home. That’s why it shouldn’t be surprising that so many famous people have claimed this remarkable Texan town.
We rounded up ten celebrities that live in Austin. Scroll down to find out who made our list.
Dan Rather: Journalist and TV Presenter
Dan Rather was born in Texas and called himself a ‘proud Texan.’ He began his career in Texas in the 1960s, working for CBS News. Since then, he’s traveled worldwide as a White House and foreign correspondent.
Even though his career in journalism and TV has won him many awards and accolades, he always returns to his home in Austin.
Matthew McConaughey: Actor/Tenure College Professor
Matthew McConaughey is a beloved actor and producer. His acting debut was in the movie Dazed and Confused in 1993. Since then, he’s been wowing audiences with his Texan charm and friendly demeanor.
McConaughey attended the University of Texas, located in Austin. Now, he teaches a ‘Script to Screen’ class as a tenured professor.
Sandra Bullock: Actor/Producer
Sandra Bullock is one of the most beloved names in Hollywood. She started her acting career in 1987 with her motion-picture debut, Hangmen. Since then, her acting career has been soaring.
Even though she owns a home in California, Bullock couldn’t resist the Austinite charm. She fell in love with the city while filming Hope Floats and decided to stay.
Mark Calaway: Professional Wrestler
Mark Calaway, aka ‘The Undertaker,’ started his wrestling career back in 1987 and worked with the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) company until he retired in 2020.
Calaway got his nickname because of his fascination with the dead. Now, with his focus geared more towards the living, he’s proudly set up roots in Austin, along with his wife, Michelle, and their four children.
Elijah Wood: Actor/Producer
Elijah Wood started his career in 1989 when he appeared in a small part in Back to the Future II. Since then, he has starred in numerous movies and TV shows, but his iconic role is playing Frodo Baggins in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Wood owns a home in Bouldin Creek in Austin. He prefers to stay out of the public eye mostly. Still, he’s been occasionally spotted at some of Austin’s DJ events and restaurants.
Bobby Epstein
Robert ‘Bobby’ Epstein started his career as a fixed income analyst in the 1980s. A decade later, he founded his company ‘Arbour Financial Corporation.’ He’s also a founding partner at ‘Circuit of The Americas,’ a popular destination for world-class motorsports racing located just outside Austin.
Epstein enjoys his lavish Austinite home that overlooks the Colorado River. Not only is it massive, but it’s also conveniently located near the racing track facilities.
Kyle Chandler: Actor
Kyle Chandler was born in Buffalo, New York. He’s an Emmy-award winner best known for his lead role as high school football coach Eric Taylor on the drama series Friday Night Lights.
He currently resides on his Austin ranch with his wife, Kathryn, and their two daughters. They own several dogs and miniature donkeys and raise an assortment of cute animals.
Gary Lee Clark, Jr.: Musician
Gary L. Clark, Jr. has been making headway as a musician since he signed a contract with Warner Bros. Records in 2011. His music combines soul, rock, and blues for a truly unique and distinctive sound.
Born and bred in Texas, Clark decided to set up roots in Austin. He currently lives there with his wife, Nicole Trunfio, and their two children. It’s also where he co-owns the club Antone’s.
Joe Rogan: Podcaster
Joseph James Rogan is a comedian and television presenter turned Ultimate Fighting Championship color commentator. Yet, it’s being a podcaster that he enjoys doing the most.
It could be why he and his wife, Jessia Ditzel, decided to set up shop in Austin. He designed a custom-built recording studio in his Austin mansion, where he records and streams his podcasts.
James Van Der Beek: Actor
James Van Der Beek is best known for his role in Dawson’s Creek drama. He also went to appear on television shows, like CSI: Cyber and the 1997 film Varsity Blues, along with a slew of supporting roles and voice-overs.
A couple of years ago, he and his wife, Kimberly, decided to trade in the glitz and glam of Hollywood for the lush landscape and evergreen forests of Austin, Texas.
5 Things To Do When You’re in Austin
Many people don’t know that Austin is known as the ‘City of the Violet Crown.’ It gets this descriptive nickname because of its vibrant glow covering the hilltops at sunset.
So, besides bumping into celebrities and watching the breathtaking colors change at sunset, here are 10 top things you can do on your next visit to the Texan capital.
- Visit the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail
- Tour the LBJ Presidential LIbrary
- Go Bat Watching at the Congress Avenue Bridge
- Visit the immersive art show ‘Wonderspaces’
- Rent a travel-yacht at Devil’s Cove
- Cool off at Waterloo Adventures
- Enjoy some magic at Magic’s Theater
- Zip over Austin at Lake Travis Zipline Adventures
- Enjoy the bustling nightlife at Rainey Street District
- Take a boat ride with the Austin Duck Adventures tour
Living in Austin: FAQs
What is Austin best known for?
Austin is known for a lot of things. Yet, it’s most famous for being the world’s live music capital, with The Continental Club being the hub of live musical shows, competitions, and theatrical performances.
Are there lakes in Austin?
Austin has a wide range of man-made lakes, like Lady Bird Lake. There are also plenty of lakes that run off the Colorado River, including Lake Travis. They’re perfect for year-round fishing and plenty of water sports.
References:
- https://people.com/movies/professor-mcconaughey-what-matthew-mcconaughey-teaches-at-his-film-class-at-ut/
- https://austonia.com/austin-businesses-behind-the-joe-rogan-studio-2647571718
- https://www.cbsnews.com/video/dan-rather-reports-from-jfk-shooting-scene/
- https://www.bizjournals.com/austin/blog/creative/2014/08/new-antone-s-blood-famous-blues-guitarist-joins.html
Christian Linden is a seasoned writer and contributor at Texas View, specializing in topics that resonate with the Texan community. With over a decade of experience in journalism, Christian brings a wealth of knowledge in local politics, culture, and lifestyle. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of Texas. When he's not writing, Christian enjoys spending weekends traveling across Texas with his family, exploring everything from bustling cities to serene landscapes.