Channing Tatum, the award-winning actor from Magic Mike, was born in the small town of Cullman, Alabama to parents who worked as a flight attendant and construction worker. He made his film debut in Coach Carter and has gone on to be in many successful films. Lionel Richie, the beloved Commodores singer, was born in Tuskegee, Alabama and almost became a priest. Richie decided to pursue the limelight and has since become a Grammy-winning artist.
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Nat King Cole, the beloved Jazz Hall of Famer, was famous for his vocals and piano skills throughout his career. He was born in Montgomery, Alabama, to a family that was full of musicians and performers. Hank Williams is also from Alabama, in the tiny town of Mount Olive. The highly influential country singer embraced his Southern roots, leading to a successful music career.
Irene Bedard, the famous voice of Disney's Pocahontas, was born in Anchorage, Alaska. She's played many Native American characters, staying true to her heritage. Jewel Kilcher, the singer-songwriter and actress, was raised in Homer, Alaska, where she used to practice yodeling. Luckily, Jewel decided to sing instead of yodel, because it's led her to win many awards. Another famous name, Holly Madison, was raised in Craig, Alaska. She went on to become famous for being one of Hugh Hefner's girlfriends.
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Sarah Palin was born in Idaho, but her family relocated to Skagway, Alaska when she was a few months old. She went on to become the Governor of Alaska and even ran for Vice President alongside John McCain.
Emma Stone, from Scottsdale, Arizona, is an Academy Award-nominated actress who is famous for roles in movies like Zombieland, Easy A, and The Help. Jordin Sparks, an American Idol winner, is also from Phoenix. Sparks has since gone on to produce multiple pop albums, earning her national fame.
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The white witch herself, Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac, is from Phoenix, Arizona. As her family constantly moved around the state, Nicks found comfort and a way to express herself with music, leading to a hugely successful career. The 1972 winner of the Miss World United States pageant, Lynda Carter, is from Phoenix, Arizona. The famous beauty is also a singer, actress, and model.
The 42nd president of the United States, Bill Clinton, is from the small town of Hope, Arkansas. Clinton had a difficult childhood with an abusive father but didn't let his past stop him from having a successful future as the leader of the free world. Billy Bob Thornton, the Sling Blade writer and director, is also from Arkansas. Thornton hails from the tourist town of Hot Springs, which is famous for its spas, crystal digging sites, and historical ties to gangsters like Al Capone.
Ne-Yo, a singer-songwriter, producer, actor, and dancer, is from Camden. He never found much success as a recording artist. Instead, he made most of his money through songwriting and producing. One of the best-selling music artists of all time, Johnny Cash, is also from Arkansas. He comes from the tiny town of Kingsland, Arkansas, and was the fourth of seven children.
Since Hollywood is in California, it's no surprise that a lot of A-list celebrities are from this state. Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson is also from California. The college football player, professional wrestler, and action movie actor is from Hayward, California. Another hard-hitting actor, Leonardo DiCaprio, is from California. DiCaprio was born in Los Angeles to a legal secretary and underground comix artist.
Tom Hanks, an award-winning actor and filmmaker, is from Concord, California. Hanks was an awkward and shy kid but eventually overcame his fear and found massive success on the silver screen. Jennifer Aniston, the beloved Friends actress, is also from LA. She moved to New York at a young age and supported herself while she pursued acting.
Colorado, home of the Rocky Mountains, is also home to a few celebrities. David Fincher is a film and TV producer and director, most well-known for films such as The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, The Social Network, and Fight Club. The accomplished director is from Denver and was born to a mental health nurse and author. Fun fact: George Lucas was Fincher's neighbor when he was a child.
Tim Allen, known for playing Tim "the Toolman" Taylor on Home Improvement, is from Denver. T.J. Miller, the Cloverfield actor, is also from Denver. Both actors are also loved for their comedic performances and voice-acting skills. Trey Parker, an animator, director, and actor, is from Conifer, Colorado. The award-winning writer is best known for co-creating South Park.
Dewan, born in Hartford, is best known for her role in Step Up and used to be married to Channing Tatum. Meg Ryan is an award-winning actress from Fairfield. Her parents were teachers and her mother was also a former actress. She's best known for her performances in When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle, and The Women.
Seth MacFarlane, the man responsible for the long-running series Family Guy, is an actor, animator, and comedian from Kent, Connecticut. MacFarlane has also written and done animation work for Johnny Bravo, Cow and Chicken, and Dexter's Laboratory. Glenn Close, from Greenwich, is a hugely successful actress, singer, and producer.
Aubrey Plaza is well-loved for playing a cynical and mean character on Parks and Recreation. The actress and comedian is from Wilmington, Delaware and was born to an attorney and financial advisor. Raul Esparza, who is from Wilmington, is most famous for his roles in Law and Order: SVU, Taboo, and Company.
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Ryan Phillippe, the One Life to Live actor, is from New Castle. His character, Billy Douglas, was the first gay teenager on a daytime soap opera. Judge Reinhold, who also hails from Wilmington, has starred in movies such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High, Gremlins, and The Santa Clause.
Florida is one of those states that is home to too many heavy-hitting stars to name. Florida has also given us famous musicians like Ariana Grande, who is a multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning artist from Boca Raton. She also has some acting under her belt, citing roles in TV shows like Victorious and Sam & Cat. Eva Mendes is an actress, model, and businesswoman from Miami, who is known for her roles in movies like Training Day, 2 Fast 2 Furious, and Hitch.
Norman Reedus is from Hollywood, Florida and had his huge break in The Walking Dead. Before that, he starred in The Boondock Saints and Blade II. Pitbull, an American rapper and songwriter, was born in Miami to Cuban expatriates.
While Georgia is famous for its peaches, it has also given us celebrities like Andre 3000 and Dakota Fanning. Andre 3000, the rapper and record producer from Atlanta, is best known for his part in the hip hop duo Outkast, the film Families, and the animated TV show Class of 3000. Dakota Fanning is an actress known for her roles in films such as Because of Winn Dixie, Bridge to Terabithia, and War of the Worlds. The child actress is from Conyers and has been working on more serious roles since her whimsical screen appearances as a kid.
Roberts is an award-winning actress from Smyrna, Georgia, who has graced the big screen with performances in films like Pretty Woman, Steel Magnolias, and Mona Lisa Smile. Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States, is from Plains, Georgia. He was the first president to be born in a hospital and is also distant relatives of Richard Nixon and Bill Gates.
When a place is as glamorous as Hawaii, it's hard not to have a lot of famous people come out of it. Among the long list of celebrities from this state, Barack Obama and Bruno Mars are included. Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, is from Honolulu. He is the first black president and served as the senator of Illinois from 2005 to 2008, right before his presidential election. Bruno Mars, the award-winning artist behind Doo-Wops & Hooligans, is also from Honolulu.
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It only makes sense that the buff heartthrob Jason Momoa is from Honolulu. After all, he played roles like the superhero Aquaman, the Dothraki leader Khal Drogo, and the title character in Conan the Barbarian. Bette Midler, the beloved singer and actress in movies such as Beaches, Hocus Pocus, and The First Wives Club, is also from Honolulu.
Aaron Paul, from Emmett, Idaho, is most famous for his role as Jesse Pinkman in Breaking Bad. He's also starred in films such as Need for Speed and lent his voice to the show BoJack Horseman. Dree Hemingway, the fashion model and actress from Starlet, is from Sun Valley, Idaho. She was born to the actress Mariel Hemingway and quickly followed in her mother's footsteps.
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Tara Buck, the True Blood actress, is from Hailey, Idaho. She started out in theatre productions before landing her first role on Party of Five. Another famous actress, Sherry Jackson, hails from Wendell, Idaho. She took drama, singing, and dancing lessons in her childhood that gave her the skills to make it on the big screen.
Illinois might seem like a strange state to produce big-name celebrities, but it sure gave us a lot. Harrison Ford, the Star Wars and Indiana Jones actor, is from Chicago. He was born to a former actor and actress and went on to have a massively successful career in Hollywood. Bill Murray is another famous celeb from Illinois. Murray is an award-winning actor, comedian, and filmmaker from Evanston who is best known for performances in Caddyshack, Saturday Night Live, and Ghostbusters.
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Betty White is a beloved actress and comedian and has the longest television career of any female entertainer. Her 80-year-long career includes credits in roles such as The Golden Girls, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Hot in Cleveland. Nick Offerman is another funny actor and writer from Illinois that can't be forgotten. Nick Offerman, loved for his role as the grumpy Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation, is from Joliet.
Brendan Fraser, the George of the Jungle and Mummy actor, is from Indianapolis. He's mostly fallen out of the spotlight, but he was one of our favorite '90s and early 2000s actor. David Letterman, the host of The Late Show with David Letterman, is famous for being a host, comedian, and writer. The Indianapolis native was born to a florist and church secretary, who were occasional figures on Letterman's shows.
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Janet Jackson, the iconic sister of the late Michael Jackson, is an award-winning artist who is known for her innovative and elaborate performances. Born in Gary, Indiana, Jackson was left out of the family group, Jackson 5 but eventually found success as a solo artist.
Ashton Kutcher was one of the stars in That '70s Show, Dude, Where's My Car?, and The Butterfly Effect. The celebrity A-lister was born in Cedar Rapids to a conservative Catholic family. Kutcher has a fraternal twin, Michael, who has cerebral palsy, has had a heart transplant, and deals with cardiomyopathy. Elijah Wood is another famous name from Iowa, also born in Cedar Rapids. He's famous for his part in The Lord of the Rings triology, The Good Son, and lending his voice to Happy Feet.
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Michelle Monaghan, the Kiss Kiss Bang Bang actress, is from Winthrop, Iowa. She's also appeared in Gone Baby Gone and done modeling work in Milan and Hong Kong. Cloris Leachman, the actress and comedian, has won multiple awards for her roles in The Last Picture Show, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and Phyllis. Leachman is from Des Moines, Iowa, and was a Miss America pageant contestant.
Janelle Monae, the singer-songwriter, actress, and rapper, is from Kansas City. The Grammy-winning artist has found massive success in the music industry, gracing our ears with masterpieces like Dirty Computer, The ArchAndroid, and The Electric Lady. Another celeb from Kansas includes D-list model and actress Kirstie Alley, who is from Wichita.
Scott Foley, famous for roles in productions such as Scrubs, Scandal, and Scream 3, is from also from Kansas City. Other celebrities from Kansas include the gorgeous, country music singer-songwriter legend Martina McBride, who was born in Sharon, Kansas.
Diane Sawyer, the American television journalist famous for her anchor role on ABC World News, is from Glasgow. Hollywood legend Georgy Clooney is from the humble town of Lexington, Kentucky. He's enjoyed success after landing star-studded roles in movies like Ocean's Eleven, O Brother, Where Art Thou?, and The Men Who Stare at Goats.
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Jennifer Lawrence, from Indian Hills, is another Hollywood sweetheart who made her way out of small-town Kentucky to the silver screen. Lawrence has made a name for herself for performances in Silver Linings Playbook, Hunger Games, and American Hustle. Chris Stapelton, the singer-songwriter, guitarist, and record producer was born in Lexington.
Ellen DeGeneres, host of The Ellen DeGeneres Show and famous voice of Dory from Finding Nemo, is from the small town of Metairie, Louisiana. She was one of the first people in Hollywood to come out as openly gay and has since become an important voice in the Human Rights Campaign. Ian Somerhalder also hails from Lousiana, from Covington, to be more specific. He's most famous for his role in The Vampire Diaries, but he was also in Lost and Smallville.
Other celebrity legends, including Reese Witherspoon and Tim McGraw, also call Louisiana home. The Legally Blonde actress, Reese Witherspoon, comes from New Orleans and has starred in multiple movies and television shows, earning her multiple awards. McGraw, the Grammy-award winning country artist, is from Start.
Maine is the northeasternmost U.S. state, known for its rocky coastline and rich maritime history. Anna Kendrick was born in Portland, Maine and has been pretty famous since her breakout role in Pitch Perfect. Dempsey, best-known for his role as "McDreamy" in Grey's Anatomy, is from Lewiston. We'll miss you McDreamy. Maine doesn't just give us actors, however.
Stephen King is one of the most successful authors in the world, having written famous book-turned-movie titles such as Carrie, The Shining, It, Christine, and so many more. King is from Portland and grew up in a poor but loving household without his father. Other familiar faces from the television screen include Erin Andrews, who is from Lewiston and is an American sportscaster and television personality.
Anna Faris, the actress, producer, and author, is from Baltimore. She's famous for roles in the Scary Movie films and lending her voice to the Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs franchise. David Hasselhoff, the Holywood legend himself, is from also Baltimore, Maryland. He has too many roles to cite here but is best-known for his role in Baywatch, Knight Rider, and debut in the Broadway musical Jekyll & Hyde.
Jada Pinkett Smith, the comedian, actress, and businesswoman, is also from Baltimore. She's been in films like Set It Off, Scream 2, and Bad Moms, but has also had a profitable music career. Another Baltimore native, Babe Ruth, made a name for himself by becoming one of the best and most well-known baseball athletes of all time.
Massachusetts is home to celebs like Marky Mark, Matt Damon, Mindy Kaling, and more. Marky Mark, also known as Mark Wahlberg, is a rapper, actor, and model from Boston. Mark is the youngest of nine children in a family that's full of other actors and singers, too. Matt Damon is the star of the Bourne series, Dogma, and Good Will Hunting. The accomplished actor is from Cambridge.
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Mindy Kaling is also from Cambridge and is famous for roles in The Office, The Mindy Project, and voice acting for movies like Wreck it Ralph. The popular television host and comedian, Conan O'Brien is also from Massachusetts. The Brookline native is known for his parts in Saturday Night Live, Not Necessarily the News, and The Tonight Show.
You can thank Michigan for giving us celebrity legends like Diana Ross and Madonna. Diana Ross, the lead singer of the Supremes, is also a majorly successful female recording artist. Ross, known as the most successful female music artist in history by the Guinness World Records, is from Detroit. Madonna, AKA the "Queen of Pop," is from Bay City. The Material Girl has won numerous awards and is cited as the best-selling female recording artist of all time by Guinness World Records.
Another famous woman, celebrity athlete Serena Williams, is from Michigan. The Saginaw-born tennis legend has won 23 Grand Slams and as the No. 1 ranked American female professional tennis player. Actor Terry Crews is from Flint, Michigan. Crews is known for his roles in Everybody Hates Chris, White Chicks, and Brooklyn Nine-Nine.
Chris Pratt and Bob Dylan are two huge A-list celebrities from Minnesota. Pratt, famous for roles in Parks and Recreation and Guardians of the Galaxy, is from Virginia, Minnesota. Bob Dylan, one of the major figures in pop culture for more than 50 years now, was born in Duluth, Minnesota in a small, close-knit Jewish community. Dylan went on to be an award-winning singer-songwriter, author, and visual artist.
Jessica Lange is another heavy-hitter from Minnesota. Coming from the small town of Cloquet, Lange found success as Triple Crown of Acting winning actress. She's famous for roles in American Horror Story, Tootsie, and Blue Sky. Winona Ryder (another Minnesotan), from Olmsted County, is loved for her performances in cult classics like Heathers and Beetlejuice but has also revamped her career in the TV show Stranger Things.
Who knew Mississippi would give us some of the most iconic celebrities of all time? Britney Spears, the Oops!... I Did It Again pop star, is from McComb. Spears has also done some acting and TV host work. Jimmy Buffet is also from Mississippi. The musician and actor, known for songs like Margaritaville, is also a best-selling writer and restauranteur from Pascagoula.
Media mogul, actress, and philanthropist, Oprah Winfrey is from Kosciusko, Mississippi. Fun fact: she was born Orpah, after the biblical figure, but people kept mispronouncing her name, so Oprah stuck. Another famous actor, James Earl Jones, is from Arkabutla. Jones is loved for his voice-acting roles in films such as The Lion King, Star Wars, and Robots.
What famous celebrities could possibly come out of Missouri? More than you think! John Goodman is a big-name actor from the small town of Affton, Missouri. Goodman has won awards for his roles in Roseanne, O Brother, Where Art Thou, 10 Cloverfield Lane, and so many more. Jon Hamm, the Mad Men actor, is from St. Louis. He's won many awards for his acting work, starring in productions such as Black Mirror, The Town, and Bridesmaids.
Matt Bomer, the beautiful face behind the con man-turned informant in White Collar, is from Webster Groves. Bomer has also been in A Streetcar Named Desire, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamboat, All My Children, and American Horror Story. Born in Kansas City, Ellie Kemper hit it big when she landed a role on The Office and went on to star in her own show, The Unbreakable Kimmie Schmidt.
Dana Carvey, the Wayne's World actor, is from Missoula. Carvey is a comedian, actor, screenwriter, and producer who won an Emmy for his work on Saturday Night Live. David Lynch, the Blue Velvet and Mulholland Drive director, is also from Missoula, Montana. He was born to a research scientist and language tutor, in a household that was often moving from place to place. In addition to filmmaking, Lynch is a famous painter, musician, and photographer.
Other celebs from Montana include Michelle Williams and Jesse Tyler Ferguson. Williams, a singer from Destiny's Child, has found success as a solo artist after Beyonce left the group. Jesse Tyler Ferguson was born in Missoula and has earned four Screen Actors Guild awards from his performance on Modern Family.
Nebraska, the Cornhusker state, might not seem like a place that could produce glamourous, famous celebrities but it definitely is. Bryan Greenberg, from One Tree Hill, is from Omaha. The actor and singer found moderate success in TV roles and through his three studio albums. Gabrielle Union, from Bring It On, was also born in Omaha. Since leaving Nebraska for the big screen, Union has won awards for her activist work as well as her acting talent.
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Hilary Swank, from Lincoln, Nebraska, had her debut in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and went on to star in Boys Don't Cry and Million Dollar Baby. Finally, the iconic actor and director, Marlon Brando, is from Omaha. Brando is known for his work in films such as The Godfather, On the Waterfront, and A Streetcar Named Desire.
The state that's home to the sin-city itself was bound to give us some big-name celebrities. Jena Malone is an actress, musician, and photographer from Sparks, Nevada. She's won awards for her performance in roles such as Bastard Out of Carolina, Contact, and Donnie Darko. Mathew Gray Gubler of Criminal Minds is another one of those names. He was born in Las Vegas and is also a painter and director, having directed a few episodes of Criminal Minds. He was also in (500) Days of Summer and lent his voice to Alvin and the Chipmunks.
Rutina Wesley, also from Las Vegas, is an actress we can thank Nevada for. She is best known for her roles in True Blood and Queen Sugar. Jimmy Kimmel, a television host and comedian, grew up in Las Vegas. You'd recognize Kimmel from Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Man Show, and Crank Yankers.
The tiny state of New Hampshire doesn't seem like a likely place to produce many stars, but it doesn't disappoint. Mandy Moore, the popular singer-songwriter and actress, is from the town of Nashua, New Hampshire. Moore has starred in films like Tangled, Brother Bear, and A Walk to Remember. From Manchester, Matt Czuchry is best known for his part as Logan Huntzberger on Gilmore Girls.
Sarah Silverman is also from this small state. She hails from Bedford and can be thanked for facing taboo topics head-on in her comedy, as well as her iconic deadpan acting style in films like Who's the Caboose?, School of Rock, and Rent. Dan Brown, the author of The Da Vinci Code, Inferno, and Angels & Demons, is from Exeter, New Hampshire. Several of his books have been adapted into films.
New Jersey, the Garden State, has also given us some home-grown celebrities. Bruce Springsteen, from the E Street Band, also had a good solo career and was inducted into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Springsteen is from Long Branch, New Jersey. Another musical legend, Jon Bon Jovi of the band Bon Jovi, is from Perth Amboy. Bon Jovi has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and was named one of the sexiest artists by bothVH1 and People.
New Jersey didn't just give us music stars. Acting royalty like Meryl Streep and Danny DeVito also call New Jersey home. Streep is from Summit and was born to a commercial artist and pharmaceutical executive. DeVito was born in Neptune Township and was raised in Asbury Park.
With a reputation for being the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico definitely had to give us some stars! Demi Lovato is also from New Mexico. Originally from Albuquerque, the singer and actress found success on Disney's Camp Rock and Sonny With a Chance before fully pursuing her music career. Demi Moore is an actress, songwriter, and model from Roswell, home of the aliens. She's been loved in roles on titles such as General Hospital, St. Elmo's Fire, and Ghost.
Another huge star is Neil Patrick Harris, who is most famous for his role on How I Met Your Mother. He's also done more work in children's productions like A Series of Unfortunate Events and The Smurfs. Harris is from Albuquerque and grew up Ruidoso, New Mexico. Adrian Grenier, from Santa Fe, is an actor and director known for his role in Entourage and The Devil Wears Prada.
New York, like California, is one of the star-studded capitols of the world. Denzel Washington, from Mount Vernon, is one of the many celebs who call the state home. Washington can be seen in iconic movies like Glory, Training Day, and Malcolm X. New York has given us successful musicians, too. Mariah Carey, from Huntington, has been nominated for 377 awards and won 217, including five Grammys.
Roberty Downey Jr., AKA Iron Man, is from Manhattan. Downey has enjoyed massive success and overcome personal struggles with drug addiction, going on to star in films like Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Iron Man, and Sherlock Holmes. Naturally, we can't forget J-Lo, the iconic actress, singer, and dancer. She's won 121 awards and is more than happy to say she's from the Bronx.
North Carolina can be thanked for being the home state of stars like Evan Rachel Wood. Wood, from the popular HBO series Westworld, was born in Raleigh. Then, there's Julianne Moore and Zach Galifianakis. Moore is from the Fort Bragg Army installation in North Carolina. The actress and children's author has starred in films like Short Cuts, Boogie Nights, and Hannibal.
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Galifianakis, a comedy actor and writer, is from Wilkesboro. He's known for roles in The Hangover series, Due Date, and his talk show Between Two Ferns. Michael Jordan, one of the best basketball players of all time, was raised in Wilmington, North Carolina.
North Dakota is one of the northernmost states in the U.S. and is filled with nothing but bitter cold, lots of open space, and famous celebrities. Mark Duhamel, from All My Children, was born in Minot, North Dakota. You'd also recognize Duhamel from The Picture of Dorian Gray, the Transformers series, and Las Vegas. Kellan Lutz, best known for his role as Emmett Cullen in The Twilight Saga series, is from Dickinson. He's been in several other minor roles and has found moderate success as a model.
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The Black and Yellow rapper, Wiz Khalifa, is also from Minot. Khalifa is a Grammy-nominated artist who has won BET awards, Billboard Music Awards, and Teen Choice Awards. Angie Dickinson, the Gun the Man Down actress, was born in Kulm. Dickinson has had a successful Hollywood career, even winning a Golden Globe for her role in Rio Bravo.
You can thank Ohio for giving us celebrities that aren't all famous actors. Drew Carey, the only actor included from Ohio, was born in Cleveland. The comedian and actor is known for hosting The Price is Right, Whose Line is it Anyway?, and Freaky Friday. LeBron James, considered one of the best basketball players of all time, is from Akron, Ohio. His first two NBA championships were won while playing for the Miami Heat.
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Steven Spielberg is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time, responsible for movies like Jaws, Jurassic Park, Schindler's List, and Men in Black. Spielberg is from Cincinnati. Dave Grohl, from Nirvana and Foo Fighters, was born in Warren, Ohio. Grohl has gone on to become a successful and influential artist.
Hollywood legend Brad Pitt hails from Shawnee, Oklahoma. He was born to a trucker and school counselor and held a series of odd jobs before making it onto the big screen. He's known for roles in Thelma & Louise, the Oceans series, Seven, Interview with the Vampire, and so much more. Carrie Underwood is another A-lister from Oklahoma. The Muskogee native won the fourth season of American Idol, propelling her to fame. She's since won three Grammy Awards for her music.
Country music legend Toby Kieth is from Clinton and grew up in Moore. The successful artist has been nominated for many awards and won quite a few, too. Bill Hader, a Saturday Night Live cast member, was born in Tulsa. He's since gone on to be in Superbad, Tropic Thunder, and Barry.
Kaitlin Olson, from the popular It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, was born in Portland. Olson has also done improv work and lent her voice to the Finding Dory film. River Phoenix, born in Madras, was famous for his parts in Stand by Me, Running on Empty, and My Own Private Idaho. The teen idol died at age 23 from a drug overdose.
Ty Burrell, an actor and comedian, is from Grants Pass, Oregon. The small-town boy grew up to be a big-name actor, appearing in shows like Modern Family, Broadway productions such as Macbeth, and even The Incredible Hulk film. Tonya Harding, from Portland, was a U.S. Figure Skating Champion until her honors were revoked after an assault scandal in 1994.
Kevin Bacon, a huge Hollywood A-lister, is from Philly. The award-winning actor has been in Friday the 13th, Footloose, and Apollo 13. The popular comedian and actress, Tina Fey, is from Delaware County, Pennsylvania. You'd recognize her from Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and Mean Girls.
Will Smith, AKA The Fresh Prince, is a rapper, actor, and media personality from Philadelphia. He's won Golden Globes, Academy Awards, and Grammys for his acting and musical career. Smith is famous for appearing in films such as The Pursuit of Happyness, Bad Boys, and I, Robot. Bob Saget, the former dad from Full House and stand-up comedian, is also from Philadelphia.
Rhode Island is teeny-tiny but chock-full of amazing talent. Damien Chazelle, of Whiplash and La La Land, is from Providence. He's received several accolades for his acting talent. Debra Messing was raised in East Greenwich, Rhode Island by a professional singer and sales executive. She's been in The Starter Wife, Ned and Stacey, and Will & Grace.
Viola Davis, from How to Get Away With Murder, was raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island. She's the first black actress to have won an Academy Award, an Emmy, and a Tony, which is also known as the Triple Crown of Acting. Former Miss USA and Miss Universe winner Olivia Culpo is also from Rhode Island. The Cranston native is also a model and actress.
South Carolina is full of Southern-grown talents like Aziz Ansari and Chadwick Boseman. Aziz Ansari has roots in South Carolina. Ansari was born in Columbia, South Carolina and is known for his role in Parks and Recreation. Chadwick Boseman, AKA Black Panther, is from Anderson. The superhero-actor also played Jackie Robinson in 42 and James Brown in Get on Up.
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Chris Rock, from Andrews, is an award-winning comedian, actor, and writer. He's been in high-profile roles such as The Longest Yard, Everybody Hates Chris, and Madagascar. Mike Colter is also from Columbia. The Luke Cage actor is known for playing a superhero in the Marvel universe.
The former host of The Price is Right, Bob Barker, grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in Mission, South Dakota. The beloved game show host is an official member of the Sioux tribe and was in the Navy during World War II. January Jones, known for playing Betty Draper in Mad Men, was born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The award-winning actress was raised by a coach and store manager before pursuing modeling and acting.
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Tom Brokaw is also from South Dakota. He was born in Webster to a post-office clerk and construction foreman. You might remember Brokaw for being the anchor and managing editor of the NBC Nightly News for 22 years. Stand-up comic Amy Hill is from Deadwood. She started out as a performance artist at the Asian American Theater Company in San Franciso before landing a role in Margaret Cho's All-American Girl.
There are quite a few well-known celebrities from Tennessee. Miley Cyrus is from Franklin, Tennessee to Leticia Finley and Billy Ray Cyrus. Miley Cyrus is a singer-songwriter and actress who gained fame when she starred in Disney Channel's Hannah Montana. Morgan Freeman, the man with everyone's favorite voice, was born in Memphis. Freeman is an actor, director, and narrator who has gotten quite a few Oscar nominations, in addition to winning other awards. He's been in too many movies to count and is ranked as the seventh-highest box office star.
Tennessee also gave us one of the greatest filmmakers of all time: Quentin Tarantino. He's known for films like Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and Kill Bill, which feature nonlinear storylines, lots of dialogue, and glorifying violence. And of course, the southern state produced Kenny Chesney, one of the most famous country singers around. Chesney, like Tarantino, was born in Knoxville and has enjoyed a successful music career with many top hits and sold out concerts.
Texas is so big, it was bound to be home for some A-list celebrities. Beyonce is from Houston and is currently one of the most popular musical artists. She was the lead singer for Destiny's Child before a solo career propelled her to superstardom. Steve Martin is an actor, comedian, writer, filmmaker, and musician from Waco, Texas. The Emmy, Grammy, and American Comedy award winner started out as a writer for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Tour before becoming a stand-up comedian. He's since become a successful actor, landing roles in movies like Little Shop of Horrors and All of Me.
Woody Harrelson is also from the lone-star state. He was born in Midland to a secretary and convicted hitman. Harrelson's breakout role was in Cheers, but he's since been in movies such as The Hunger Games, Solo: A Star Wars Story, and White Men Can't Jump. Texas also gave us Tom Ford, the fashion designer and director. He's best known for his luxury clothing brand but also directed a few Academy Award-nominated films.
Utah is known for more than being the Morman state. Chrissy Teigen was born in Delta, Utah, to a Thai immigrant and Norwegian electrician. The model and author made her debut in Sports Illustrated and now co-hosts the show Lip Sync Battle. Julianne Hough, the dancer, actress, and singer, was born in Orem, Utah. She's known for being a two-time champion of Dancing With the Stars, starring in the remake of Footloose, and Fox's live production of Grease.
Roseanne Barr, famous for her sitcom Roseanne, was born in Salt Lake City. The Emmy winning actress started out as a stand-up comedian before her TV series, but she's currently in hot water for some controversial tweets and got kicked off the reboot of her own show. The actor Matthew Davis was also born in Salt Lake City. He played Elle Wood's ex-boyfriend in Legally Blonde and also had a recurring role in The Vampire Diaries.
Grace Potter is an American singer-songwriter and actress from Vermont. She started out her career in her band, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, before getting into the acting world on One Tree Hill. JoJo is another singer and actress from the Green Mountain state. She had childhood success with her music and earned a spot on Billboard before becoming an actress.
Zosia Mamet is an actress known for her roles in Mad Men and Girls. She was born in Randolph, Vermont to a playwright and actress who encouraged her acting career.
Missy Elliott is a successful rapper, singer, and record producer from Portsmouth, Virginia. The Grammy-winning artist started out in the R&B group Sista before she released her solo album Supa Dupa Fly in 1997. Rob Lowe is an actor who was born in Charlottesville. He made his acting debut at the age of 15 on ABC's A New Kind of Family and quickly became a teen idol.
Sandra Bullock, the famous actress and philanthropist, is from Arlington. Other than her impressive career, she's been voted People's Most Beautiful Woman in 2015 and was the highest paid actress in the world from 2010 to 2014. Hilarie Burton, the former host of TRL and One Tree Hill star, is from Sterling. She's currently pursuing her acting career and has had recurring roles on quite a few shows.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan is an actor who is best known for his roles as John Winchester in Supernatural and Negan in The Walking Dead. The Seattle native has also appeared in Grey's Anatomy. Jimi Hendrix, the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music, was also born in Seattle. Hendrix was famous for his guitar skills and remains one of the most influential electric guitarists in rock music.
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Kyle MacLachlan, from Yakima, is an American actor who's known for his award-winning performances. His most famous role was Dale Cooper in Twin Peaks, but you can also catch him in Blue Velvet, Dune, Portlandia, and Desperate Housewives.
Brad Paisley is a country music singer who has sold more than 11 million albums, won three Grammys, two AMAs, and 14 Academy of Country Music awards. The successful artist was born in Glen Dale, West Virginia, where he found his talent for music in the church band. John Corbett is another country singer and actor from West Virginia. He was born in Wheeling and learned to play the guitar at the young age of seven. He's also famous for his roles in My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Sex and the City.
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Steve Harvey is a comedian, TV host, actor, and author with many awards under his belt. He was born in Welch and was a boxer, insurance salesman, and mailman before making it into Hollywood. Christopher Sarandon, an American actor, is from Beckley, West Virginia. His most famous performances include Prince Humperdinck from The Princess Bride and providing the voice of Jack Skellington in The Nightmare Before Christmas.
Heather Graham, an actress from Milwaukee, started out doing commercials before landing a starring role in License to Drive. You'd also recognize her from Austin Powers, Boogie Nights, and The Hangover. Mark Ruffalo, the Hulk actor, is from Kenosha. He was in many movies but didn't find massive success until he played the role of Bruce Banner, which led to seven movies.
Willem Dafoe is a famous character actor, known for roles in The Boondock Saints, Spider-Man, and Murder on the Orient Express. He was born in the town of Appleton, Wisconsin before joining an experimental theater company in college that led to his acting career. The late Chris Farley is also from Wisconsin. The actor and comedian, known for his performances in Saturday Night Live, was from Madison.
Jackson Pollock was an American painter who was very influential in the abstract expressionist movement. He was born in Cody, Wyoming, where he was expelled from his fine arts-focused high school. He later became famous for his wild, abstract splatter paintings. John Perry Barlow was another influential artist from Wyoming. He didn't paint, though, he was a writer. Barlow was a poet, political essayist, and was a lyricist for the Grateful Dead at one point.
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Travis Rice is a professional snowboarder, starred in more than 20 snowboarding films, and has been called one of the greatest snowboarders of all time. Rice was born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where he still lives. Jim Beaver, born in Laramie, is an actor, writer, and film historian. He's best known for his roles in Supernatural, Justified, and Deadwood, but he also did some theater work while in college.
