The California Museum has revealed the inductees for its 19th class of the California Hall of Fame, honoring figures from politics, entertainment, sports, and arts. Governor Gavin Newsom praised them as trailblazers embodying the state's resilience and creativity. The ceremony is set for March 19, 2026, in Sacramento.
The California Museum in Sacramento announced the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame on March 8, 2026. Governor Gavin Newsom described the honorees as trailblazers whose achievements reflect California's spirit of resilience and creativity. He and first partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom highlighted how the class spotlights Los Angeles as a global hub of culture and innovation.
Newsom stated, “From the State Capitol to Los Angeles, from bestselling books to Olympic triumphs, the inductees of the 19th class of the California Hall of Fame have reshaped our culture and our communities.” He added, “Resilient and innovative, these leaders and luminaries represent the best of the California spirit.”
The inductees include a diverse group recognized for contributions to civic life, creativity, and social advancement. John L. Burton is noted as a lifelong public servant advocating for civil rights, healthcare, and foster youth. Jamie Lee Curtis, a Hollywood star with a five-decade career, won an Academy Award for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once; she is also an Emmy and Golden Globe winner, humanitarian, and children's book author. Riane Eisler, a systems scientist and cultural historian, authored the bestseller The Chalice and the Blade, published in 27 languages, promoting human rights and sustainable societies.
Janet Evans earned four individual Olympic gold medals in swimming, the first American woman to do so, and now serves as Chief Athlete Officer for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Carl Lewis amassed nine Olympic gold medals in track and field, dominating sprints and long jumps in the 1980s and 1990s. Mariachi Reyna de Los Ángeles, America's first all-women mariachi ensemble, has performed internationally for over three decades, reshaping the traditionally male-dominated genre.
Nobuyuki Matsuhisa, known as Nobu, operates 40 restaurants worldwide across five continents. Terry McMillan wrote bestsellers like Waiting to Exhale and How Stella Got Her Groove Back, elevating women's and Black voices in literature. Arnold Schwarzenegger rose from bodybuilding champion to Hollywood icon, businessman, environmentalist, philanthropist, author, and California's 38th governor.
The induction ceremony will occur on March 19, 2026, at the California Museum.
