
Among the major celebrities who have lived and worked in the San Fernando Valley was Owen Harlen Mickel, better known as America's beloved Montie Montana. From his ranch home in Northridge, Montie worked at the world famous Republic Studios in Studio City and many other film studios in the Valley and Los Angeles.
Montie Montana was born on the 21st of June 1910, appropriately in Montana. He died on the 15th of December 2009 and is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Chatsworth. Montana's amazing riding and roping skills not only won him many roles in film but also caused him to be elected to the Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Always willing to lend his name and presence to Northridge charity events, Montie Montana is perhaps best known for his surprise, with the new president's permission, of roping Dwight D. Eisenhower during the inaugural parade.