Over the years, the Valley has become the home of people who have made their mark in the sports or entertainment world. The Valley is quickly becoming a popular place for celebrities to call home, thanks to the beautiful winters and our proximity to California. You may see them in nightclubs, restaurants or even the grocery store. Here’s a handful of celebrity faces you may have seen around the Gilbert area.
Chester Bennington
Chester Bennington – Best known as the lead vocalist of Linkin Park, Bennington was born here in the Valley to a nurse and a police detective. Now the frontman for Stone Temple Pilots, Bennington calls Gilbert home. He has lived with his wife and children in Gilbert since 2008. A tattoo enthusiast, Bennington has done promotions with Club Tattoo, a popular tattoo parlor in Tempe, Arizona that is owned by Sean Dowdell, Chester’s friend since high school.
Roy Wayne Farris – Better known by his ring name The Honky Tonk Man,Farris entered the World Wrestling Federation in 1986. Honky made his televised WWF debut on the September 28, 1986 episode of Wrestling Challenge, defeating Terry Gibbs. Known especially for his Elvis impersonator gimmick, the Honky Tonk Man ended up being a villain in the manner of Andy Kaufman during his tenure with the WWF. After spurts of activity in the WWF and WCW, Farris has since been on the independent wrestling circuit. Since 1993, Farris has lived with his family here in Gilbert.
Dave Burba – The former MLB pitcher for several teams during his 15-year major league career, including the Seattle Mariners, San Francisco Giants, Cincinnati Reds and Cleveland Indians. Burba’s professional record was 115–87, with 1,398 strikeouts, and a 4.49 ERA. Burba recorded nearly 1,400 strikeouts as a major leaguer.