Newport Beach attracts the famous - actor John Wayne spent leis urely afternoons in the harbor on his boat Wild Goose, had a second home in Bayshores, and in his later years was often seen hanging out at the Balboa Bay Club and Resort.
Mark McGrath, the famed singer from band Sugar Ray, grew up in Corona del Mar and spent teenage years break dancing at the Fun Zone with McG, now producer of "The O.C."
Speaking of "The O.C.," the cast of the television series, based on the city's beach lifestyle, came here last year and was greeted by hundreds of screaming fans. Another show based on Newport Beach lifestyle is "Arrested Development," which makes insider references, such as to a frozen banana stand on Balboa Island. The show's creator, Mitch Hurwitz, grew up in Newport Beach.
And who could forget Dennis Rodman, the NBA wild man who threw raging parties in his West Newport home and became a regular on the police radar after they made about 80 visits to his home in the six years he lived here? He was often seen in the harbor on his boat, Sexual Chocolate. He moved out last year.
Another well-known name who lives in Newport is Donald Bren, chairman of the Irvine Co., named Thursday as the 38th wealthiest person in the nation, at a net worth of $5.8 billion, according to Forbes.com. He leads a list of prominent CEOs and corporate officials who call Newport home.