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Littleton Hometown Heroes: A Legacy of Success

Are you prepared to explore a city bursting with talent and multiple things to do? Dive into the compelling narratives of prominent figures from Littleton, Colorado, a place known for its great outdoors, rich arts and culture, and family friendly atmosphere. Discover how their early experiences, influenced by the local community and the city’s vibrant sports and recreation scene, molded these icons, propelling them from their modest starts to remarkable achievements in their diverse careers.


You’re about to see Littleton in a completely new light, as a hub of talent that has cultivated success stories across various spheres. This article goes beyond just celebrating Littleton’s famous personalities-  it’s your gateway to grasping the distinct splendor of Littleton, Colorado.


 AnnaSophia Robb

Stars of the Screen: Littleton in Hollywood


Littleton has been a starting point for many talented individuals who have gone on to make big names for themselves in the entertainment industry. A number of these stars began their journey to fame right here in this small city.


AnnaSophia Robb


In the same vein, AnnaSophia Robb, also from Arapahoe High School, has impressed audiences with her performances in The Act on Hulu and the inspiring Soul Surfer film, based on the life of surfer Bethany Hamilton.


Melissa Benoist


One such notable personality is Melissa Benoist. An alumnus of Arapahoe High School, she found considerable success with her roles in popular shows like Glee on Fox, and Supergirl on CBS and the CW. Presently, she can be seen in The Girls on the Bus on Max.


Ross Marquand


Ross Marquand, known for his roles in The Walking Dead and Avengers: Infinity War, is another actor who got his start in Littleton. His career trajectory showcases the city’s influence in nurturing acting talent.


Matt Stone


Last but not least is Matt Stone, a graduate of Heritage High School. He co-created the hit animated series South Park, and made a name for himself on Broadway with The Book of Mormon.


 Nate Field on the pitcher's mound in Colorado Rockies uniform.

Athletic Achievements: Sporting Legends from Littleton


Although small, Littleton, Colorado, has been a breeding ground for some of the fantastic sports talent we know today. From football to baseball and even rugby, let’s explore the athletes who got their start in Littleton.


Nate Field and Luke French


Baseball lovers might be familiar with the names Nate Field and Luke French. Both played Major League Baseball and came from Littleton. Field juggled the ball across teams like the Kansas City Royals, Colorado Rockies, and Florida Marlins. French, another Heritage High graduate, had his time as a pitcher for the Detroit Tigers


Tom Rouen


Meet Tom Rouen. Born and raised in Littleton, he played high school football at Heritage High before going on to win two Super Bowls as a punter for the Denver Broncos. Littleton gave him the start he needed in the world of sports.


April Heinrich


April Heinrichs, another Littleton native, has significantly impacted women’s soccer as the United States Soccer Development Director for Women’s Soccer. Her dedication to the sport underscores Littleton’s influence on developing athletic talent.


Cody Melphy


Let’s not forget about rugby. Cody Melphy, also a graduate of Heritage High School, has donned the U.S. jersey in national rugby competitions and participated in the 2020 Summer Olympics.


These athletes demonstrate that achieving greatness is within reach, regardless of whether you’re from a bustling metropolis or a quaint town like Littleton. Here’s to the next generation of Littleton athletes!


Business Innovators: Littleton’s Entrepreneurial Spirit


Some big names in business have roots in the small city of Littleton, Colorado. This place has a history of fueling people with a strong drive for entrepreneurship. It has a way of shaping people to be persistent, think outside the box, and be strategic in their business journeys.


Daniel Baer


Let’s take a closer look at some of these individuals. Daniel Baer, the former U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of Security and Co-operation in Europe. Baer, Littleton-born and bred, artfully navigated the maze of global politics and business. His diplomatic endeavors are an epitome of the industrious spirit fostered in this city.


Laura Fraser


Laura Fraser, a journalist and New York Times-bestselling author, hails from Littleton. Her success in the literary world highlights the city’s ability to nurture creativity and storytelling.


Janice Min


Another luminary who called Littleton home, Janice Min, is a prime example of strategic brilliance coupled with entrepreneurial tenacity. As the former editor of Us Weekly and editorial director of The Hollywood Reporter, Min’s acumen transformed these publications into potent entities within the entertainment news industry. Her intelligent business decisions and creative innovations speak volumes about the spirit of Littleton, a town that cultivates the spirit of innovation and forward thinking.


Steve Spangler


Steve Spangler, a well-known television personality, author, and science teacher, also got his start in Littleton. His passion for education and entertainment showcases the city’s diverse range of talent.


This pattern of success in business isn’t an accident but a sign of the fertile environment Littleton offers. The city fuels an entrepreneurial spirit that inspires its people to reach for the stars and defy limits. It’s a testament to the vitality of Littleton’s entrepreneurial spirit, and a model for cities across the nation.


Artistic Impressions: Littleton’s Cultural Contributions


Littleton’s vibrant culture has given rise to exceptional talent in the arts. This city fosters creativity, which is evident in the success stories of our notable individuals.


David Miller


David Miller, a native of Littleton, is a testament to the city’s rich artistic culture. As an important part of the well-known quartet Il Divo, he has stunned audiences worldwide with his powerful operatic voice. The foundation of his impressive musical career is rooted in Littleton, underscoring the city’s significant impact on the world of the arts.


Eli Saslow


Littleton’s knack for fostering talent isn’t confined to the music world. Eli Saslow, another Littleton success story, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the realm of literature. His work for The Washington Post, which earned him a Pulitzer Prize in 2014, reflects the profound insights and rich storytelling techniques developed during his formative years in Littleton. This underlines Littleton’s role in cultivating unique and compelling voices in literature.


Littleton’s influence in the arts spans wide, celebrating a variety of fields. As we acknowledge these talents, we also appreciate the city that has significantly contributed to their remarkable journeys.


From Littleton to Limelight: Reflecting on a Legacy of Excellence


We’ve spotlighted some remarkable people from Littleton, Colorado, and how this hometown helped shape their paths to success. These individuals, coming from fields such as sports, entertainment, and business, have shown the possibilities and support Littleton can offer. Their inspiring journeys underline the special qualities of this city, connecting their early experiences to their great achievements.


We hope these stories have given you a deeper understanding of the potential a community like Littleton can foster and its role in forging successful careers. Whether you’re interested in recreation and sports, shopping, spas and fitness, or simply enjoying the beauty of the great outdoors, Littleton has something for everyone. And with a variety ofshort-term rentals available, you can easily make Littleton your home base for exploring all that this vibrant city has to offer.


Image credits:


AnnaSophia Robb by Mandy Jouan, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link


Luke French by D.L. on Flickr (Original version)User UCinternational (Crop) – Originally posted to Flickr as “pitchers up in the bullpen” cropped by UCinternational, CC BY-SA 2.0, Link