Entertainment:
* Tom Hanks: Actor and filmmaker, known for his roles in films like "Forrest Gump" and "Saving Private Ryan." He attended Skyline High School in Oakland, which is part of Contra Costa County.
* Zoe Saldana: Actress known for her roles in films like "Avatar" and "Guardians of the Galaxy." She grew up in Concord, Contra Costa County.
* Jamie Foxx: Actor, comedian, and musician. He was born and raised in the town of San Antonio, California.
* Robin Williams: Comedian and actor, known for his roles in films like "Mrs. Doubtfire" and "Good Will Hunting." He attended Redwood High School in Marin County, which borders Contra Costa County.
* Marlon Brando: Actor known for his roles in films like "A Streetcar Named Desire" and "On the Waterfront." He was born in Omaha, Nebraska, but spent his later years in the area.
Sports:
* Barry Bonds: Former Major League Baseball (MLB) player, known for his record-breaking home runs. He played for the San Francisco Giants, which are based in San Francisco, but the Giants' home stadium is in Contra Costa County.
* Deion Sanders: Former NFL player, known for his skills as both a defensive back and a wide receiver. He attended Oakland Tech High School in Oakland, Contra Costa County.
* Jason Kidd: Former NBA player and current head coach. He attended St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, which is part of Contra Costa County.
Politics:
* Ronald Reagan: 40th President of the United States. He was born in Tampico, Illinois, but spent his later years in the area.
* Nancy Pelosi: Former Speaker of the House of Representatives. She was born in Baltimore, Maryland, but has lived in San Francisco for many years.
* Dianne Feinstein: Senior United States Senator from California. She was born in San Francisco and has lived in the area for many years.
Music:
* Carlos Santana: Guitarist and bandleader. He was born in Jalisco, Mexico, but grew up in San Francisco and has strong ties to the area.
* Green Day: Rock band formed in Berkeley, California, which is part of Contra Costa County.
* The Offspring: Punk rock band formed in Orange County, but based in Berkeley, California.
* The Doobie Brothers: Rock band, known for their hit songs "Black Water" and "Long Train Running." They were formed in San Jose, California, but have strong ties to the area.
Arts and Culture:
* Maya Angelou: Poet, author, and activist. She attended Wakefield High School in Contra Costa County.
* John Muir: Naturalist, writer, and conservationist. He lived in Martinez for many years.
* Jack London: Author and social activist. He was born in San Francisco, but lived and worked in the area for many years.
This is just a small sample of the many famous people who have called Contra Costa County home. The county has a rich history and diverse population, and it has contributed significantly to the world in various fields.