team Emil Martinec (b. 1958), string theorist Thomas McCracken Jr. (born 1952), Illinois state legislator and lawyer Jim McDermott (b. 1936), U.S. representative representing Washington's 7th congressional district from 1989 to 2017 Sherrill Milnes (b. 1935), baritone, formerly with the Metropolitan Opera Sandi Morris (b. 1992), pole vaulter, silver medalist at 2016 Olympics and 2017 World Championships Edward F. Mrkvicka Jr. (b. 1944), lay minister and financial expert Bryan Mullins (b. 1987), former basketball player and current Men's Basketball head coach at Southern Illinois University Bill Novey (1948–1991), head of special effects at Walt Disney Imagineering Emo Philips (b. 1956), comedian Lanny Poffo (b. 1954), professional wrestler "Shorty" Powers (1922–1979), NASA spokesman for Project Mercury Joe Principe (b. 1974), bass guitarist for Rise Against Denise Richards (b. 1971), actress and former model, The World Is Not Enough, Wild Things, Denise Richards: It's Complicated John Ridgely (1909–1968), actor, The Big Sleep, Air Force, Destination Tokyo Johnny Sain (1917-2006), baseball pitcher, 6-time World Series champion; died in Downers Grove Randy Savage (1952-2011), Randall Mario Poffo, ring name "Macho Man", former professional wrestler and actor Luther Ely Smith (1873–1951), founder of the Gateway Arch National Park Barbara Stock (b. 1956), actress, Spenser: For Hire, Dallas Joseph Tumpach (1912-1968), Illinois state representative and motel owner Matthew West (b. 1977), contemporary Christian musician Megan Callahan-Shah (b. 1985), 5-time Emmy Awards nominated writer for Saturday Night Live See also List of towns and villages in Illinois References External links Village of Downers Grove Villages in Illinois Populated places on the Underground Railroad Populated places established in 1832 Chicago metropolitan area Villages in DuPage County, Illinois 1873 establishments in Illinois