Hometown Heroes: Famous People Who Grew Up in Costa Mesa
Costa Mesa might be known for its vibrant arts scene, trendy boutiques, and unbeatable food, but it’s also been the launching pad for some incredible talent. This isn’t just a city of beaches and shopping malls — Costa Mesa is where big dreams start small, and locals with drive and creativity make it big.
From punk rock legends to Olympic athletes, Costa Mesa has nurtured individuals who’ve left their mark on everything from sports to entertainment.
These homegrown stars haven’t just put our city on the map — they’ve stayed connected to their roots, inspiring a sense of pride among locals.
Let’s take a closer look at five famous faces who grew up in Costa Mesa, their journeys to success, and the ways they’ve kept their ties to the community.
April Ross
Profession: Beach Volleyball Player
Bio: Born and raised in Costa Mesa, April Ross is a two-time Olympic medalist in beach volleyball. She first made waves at Newport Harbor High School, where she led her team to back-to-back state championships. Her career has taken her to the highest levels of competition, earning a silver medal at the 2012 London Olympics and a bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics, with a gold at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Fun Fact: April often credits growing up near the beach in Costa Mesa for fueling her love of the sport and her competitive drive.
Mitchell Hurwitz
Profession: Television Writer and Producer
Bio: The creator of Arrested Development, Mitchell Hurwitz grew up in Costa Mesa, where his knack for humor and creativity first began to take shape. As a 12-year-old, he co-founded a chocolate chip cookie business called The Chipyard in Newport Beach’s Balboa Fun Zone, along with his father and older brother. This entrepreneurial venture became part of the inspiration for the iconic Bluth’s Frozen Banana Stand featured in his hit show.
Fun Fact: The Chipyard, though no longer operating in Newport Beach, lives on in Boston, maintaining its legacy as a family-run business.
Mike Ness
Profession: Musician
Bio: As the lead singer and guitarist of Social Distortion, Mike Ness is a punk rock legend with deep ties to Costa Mesa. Growing up in the city’s thriving punk scene shaped his raw, authentic sound and rebellious spirit, which have become hallmarks of his music. Ness has been instrumental in defining Orange County’s punk rock identity.
Fun Fact: Many of Social Distortion’s songs reflect Ness’s experiences growing up in Costa Mesa, capturing the struggles and triumphs of Southern California life.
Tarek El Moussa
Profession: Real Estate Investor and Television Personality
Bio: Tarek El Moussa, the star of HGTV’s Flip or Flop, grew up in Costa Mesa, where he developed his entrepreneurial spirit and passion for real estate. Known for flipping houses across Southern California, Tarek has become a household name for his on-screen charisma and renovation expertise.
Fun Fact: Tarek attended Costa Mesa High School and started his real estate career locally before becoming a TV personality.
Brandon Baker
Profession: Actor
Bio: Brandon Baker, known for his starring role in Disney Channel’s Johnny Tsunami, grew up in Costa Mesa before making a splash in Hollywood. After a successful run in Disney films and television, he transitioned into roles behind the camera, working in production and other creative ventures.
Fun Fact: Even after stepping away from acting, Brandon has remained connected to Costa Mesa and credits the community for inspiring his early career.
Costa Mesa’s ability to nurture talent across such a wide range of fields is a testament to the city’s creative and supportive spirit. These five individuals highlight the diversity and depth of talent that starts right here in our backyard.
