Every state has its own beloved actor who brings a touch of local pride to Hollywood. Whether they’ve dazzled us on the big screen, made us laugh on TV, or touched our hearts with their performances, these actors bring a piece of their state’s spirit to their work.
1. Alabama – Channing Tatum (Cullman)
Channing Tatum, born in Cullman, Alabama, has gained fame as a heartthrob and action star. Known for roles in films like Magic Mike and 21 Jump Street, he has won over audiences with his charm, comedic timing, and physicality.
2. Alaska – Charles Melton (Juneau)
Charles Melton, born in Juneau, Alaska, rose to fame with his role as Reggie Mantle in Riverdale. With his good looks and versatile acting skills, he’s captured attention in both television and film, including movies like The Sun Is Also a Star.
3. Arizona – Emma Stone (Scottsdale)
Hailing from Scottsdale, Arizona, Emma Stone has become one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. She won an Academy Award for her performance in La La Land and is widely praised for her roles in films such as The Help, Birdman, and Easy A.
4. Arkansas – Wes Bentley (Jonesboro)
Born in Jonesboro, Arkansas, Wes Bentley made his mark in Hollywood with his breakout role in American Beauty. He continues to enjoy a successful career in both film and television, including The Hunger Games and Yellowstone.
5. California – Leonardo DiCaprio (Los Angeles)
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Leonardo DiCaprio is a legendary actor known for his incredible range. From Titanic to The Revenant (which earned him an Oscar), DiCaprio’s performances have made him one of the most beloved actors of his generation.
6. Colorado – Tim Allen (Denver)
Tim Allen, born in Denver, Colorado, gained fame for his portrayal of Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor on the sitcom Home Improvement. His career expanded to film, where he became the voice of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story and starred in The Santa Clause series, securing his place as a beloved actor for family-friendly entertainment.
7. Connecticut – Katharine Hepburn (Hartford)
Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Katharine Hepburn is one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses. Known for her fierce independence and spirited performances, she won four Academy Awards for Best Actress, with unforgettable roles in classics like The Philadelphia Story, Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, and The African Queen.
Hepburn’s career spanned over six decades, making her a beloved figure in both film history and her home state.
8. Delaware – Aubrey Plaza (Wilmington)
Aubrey Plaza, born in Wilmington, Delaware, is known for her deadpan humor and quirky charm. Rising to fame with her role as April Ludgate on the sitcom Parks and Recreation, Plaza has since branched out into film with memorable roles in Safety Not Guaranteed and Ingrid Goes West.
9. Florida – Johnny Depp (Owensboro, Kentucky, raised in Miramar, Florida)
Though born in Owensboro, Kentucky, Johnny Depp was raised in Miramar, Florida, where his family moved when he was a child. Depp has become one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, known for playing eccentric characters like Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribbean series and Edward Scissorhands.
10. Georgia – Julia Roberts (Smyrna)
Julia Roberts was born in Smyrna, Georgia, and has since become a beloved Hollywood actress. Known for her wide smile and effervescent screen presence, Roberts rose to fame with her roles in Pretty Woman, Erin Brockovich (for which she won an Academy Award), and My Best Friend’s Wedding.
11. Hawaii – Jason Momoa (Honolulu)
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jason Momoa has taken Hollywood by storm with his towering presence and rugged good looks. Known for his roles as Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and the titular superhero in Aquaman, Momoa embraces his Hawaiian heritage, often paying tribute to his roots.
12. Idaho – Aaron Paul (Emmett)
Born in Emmett, Idaho, Aaron Paul gained worldwide fame for his portrayal of Jesse Pinkman in the critically acclaimed TV series Breaking Bad. His performance earned him several Emmy Awards and a dedicated fan base.
Paul’s gritty and emotional acting, particularly in Breaking Bad and El Camino, has made him one of the most beloved actors to come from Idaho.
13. Illinois – Betty White (Oak Park)
Born in Oak Park, Illinois, Betty White became a television legend through her remarkable career spanning over 80 years.
Known for her roles on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls, White’s sharp wit, comedic timing, and endearing personality made her one of America’s most cherished entertainers. Even in her later years, she remained a pop culture icon.
14. Indiana – James Dean (Marion)
James Dean, born in Marion, Indiana, became a cultural icon thanks to his brief but unforgettable film career. Known for his roles in Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden, and Giant, Dean embodied the restless, misunderstood youth of his generation.
His tragic death at the age of 24 solidified his legendary status.
15. Iowa – John Wayne (Winterset)
Born in Winterset, Iowa, John Wayne is one of the most iconic figures in American cinema. Known as “The Duke,” Wayne starred in over 140 films, many of them classic Westerns like True Grit, The Searchers, and Stagecoach.
With his tough-guy persona, deep voice, and commanding presence, Wayne became a symbol of rugged American individualism.
16. Kansas – Buster Keaton (Piqua)
Buster Keaton, born in the small town of Piqua, Kansas, was a pioneer of silent film comedy. Known for his deadpan expression and incredible physical comedy, Keaton directed and starred in classic films like The General and Sherlock Jr.
His daring stunts and innovative filmmaking techniques made him a legend in the silent film era.
17. Kentucky – George Clooney (Lexington)
George Clooney, born in Lexington, Kentucky, is one of Hollywood’s most beloved actors and filmmakers. With his suave demeanor and versatile acting chops, Clooney gained fame for roles in ER, Ocean’s Eleven, The Descendants, and Up in the Air.
He’s won multiple Academy Awards and is known for his humanitarian work as well.
18. Louisiana – Reese Witherspoon (New Orleans)
Reese Witherspoon, born in New Orleans, Louisiana, has become one of Hollywood’s most successful and beloved actresses. She won an Academy Award for her portrayal of June Carter Cash in Walk the Line and is well-known for her roles in Legally Blonde, Big Little Lies, and Wild.
Witherspoon’s talent, charm, and commitment to producing female-driven stories have made her an enduring figure in the entertainment industry.
19. Maine – Anna Kendrick (Portland)
Anna Kendrick, born in Portland, Maine, gained recognition for her roles in the Twilight series before rising to stardom with her Oscar-nominated performance in Up in the Air. She has also starred in the popular Pitch Perfect series, showcasing her comedic timing and musical talents.
Kendrick’s relatable personality and versatility as an actress have made her a fan favorite in Hollywood.
20. Maryland – Jada Pinkett Smith (Baltimore)
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Jada Pinkett Smith is an actress, producer, and singer. She gained fame for her roles in The Nutty Professor, The Matrix series, and Girls Trip.
Pinkett Smith is also known for her Red Table Talk show, where she openly discusses personal and societal issues.
21. Massachusetts – Mark Wahlberg (Dorchester, Boston)
Mark Wahlberg, born in Dorchester, a neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts, rose to fame as a rapper before transitioning to acting. Known for his roles in films like The Fighter, Boogie Nights, and Ted, Wahlberg has become a versatile actor with a flair for both dramatic and comedic roles.
22. Michigan – Kristen Bell (Huntington Woods)
Born in Huntington Woods, Michigan, Kristen Bell is a beloved actress known for her versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. She first gained fame in the title role of Veronica Mars and went on to star in hit shows like The Good Place.
Bell’s voice acting as Princess Anna in Disney’s Frozen also earned her widespread recognition.
23. Minnesota – Judy Garland (Grand Rapids)
Born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Judy Garland became an enduring icon in Hollywood. Best known for her role as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Garland had a powerful singing voice and extraordinary acting talent.
Her roles in musicals like Meet Me in St. Louis and A Star is Born solidified her place as one of the greatest performers of the 20th century.
24. Mississippi – James Earl Jones (Arkabutla)
Born in Arkabutla, Mississippi, James Earl Jones is renowned for his deep, commanding voice and immense acting talent.
Known for iconic roles in both theater and film, he provided the voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King. Jones has also appeared in films like Field of Dreams and Coming to America.
25. Missouri – Brad Pitt (Shawnee, raised in Springfield)
Born in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and raised in Springfield, Missouri, Brad Pitt is one of the most famous actors in the world. Known for roles in films like Fight Club, Ocean’s Eleven, Inglourious Basterds, and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (which won him an Oscar), Pitt’s charisma and versatility have made him a beloved star.
26. Montana – Michelle Williams (Kalispell)
Michelle Williams, born in Kalispell, Montana, is widely regarded for her nuanced performances in both film and television. She first gained fame on Dawson’s Creek before transitioning to a critically acclaimed film career with roles in Brokeback Mountain, Blue Valentine, and My Week with Marilyn.
27. Nebraska – Marlon Brando (Omaha)
Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Marlon Brando is one of the most influential actors in cinematic history. Known for his groundbreaking performances in films like A Streetcar Named Desire, On the Waterfront (which won him an Oscar), and The Godfather, Brando revolutionized acting with his naturalistic, emotionally raw style.
28. Nevada – Jena Malone (Sparks)
Born in Sparks, Nevada, Jena Malone is an actress known for her roles in both indie films and major blockbusters. She gained recognition for her performance in Donnie Darko and later starred in The Hunger Games series as Johanna Mason.
Malone’s ability to navigate both independent and mainstream films has made her one of the most talented and beloved actors from Nevada.
29. New Hampshire – Adam Sandler (Manchester)
Born in Manchester, New Hampshire, Adam Sandler became a household name through his work as a comedian, actor, and producer.
Known for his roles in comedic films such as Happy Gilmore, Billy Madison, and The Waterboy, Sandler has also shown his dramatic side in movies like Uncut Gems. His combination of humor and heart has earned him a devoted fanbase.
30. New Jersey – Meryl Streep (Summit)
Meryl Streep, born in Summit, New Jersey, is often regarded as one of the greatest actresses of all time. With a career spanning over four decades, she has received multiple Academy Awards and nominations for her work in films like The Devil Wears Prada, Sophie’s Choice, Mamma Mia!, and The Iron Lady.
31. New Mexico – Neil Patrick Harris (Albuquerque)
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Neil Patrick Harris is a versatile actor and entertainer known for his roles in television, film, and on Broadway.
He gained fame as the title character in Doogie Howser, M.D. and later achieved widespread acclaim for his role as Barney Stinson in How I Met Your Mother. Harris is also a celebrated host and Broadway star.
32. New York – Tom Cruise (Syracuse)
Tom Cruise, born in Syracuse, New York, is one of the most iconic actors in Hollywood. Known for his action-packed performances in the Mission: Impossible series, Top Gun, and Jerry Maguire, Cruise’s star power and dedication to his craft have made him one of the most bankable actors in the industry.
33. North Carolina – Julianne Moore (Fayetteville)
Born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Julianne Moore is an acclaimed actress known for her incredible range in both independent and mainstream films. She has won an Academy Award for her role in Still Alice and has starred in films such as Boogie Nights, Far from Heaven, and The Kids Are All Right.
34. North Dakota – Josh Duhamel (Minot)
Josh Duhamel, born in Minot, North Dakota, is a versatile actor known for his roles in television and film. He gained popularity with his role on the TV show Las Vegas and later starred in the Transformers film series.
Duhamel’s combination of charm and on-screen charisma has made him a beloved figure in both romantic comedies and action films.
35. Ohio – Paul Newman (Shaker Heights)
Born in Shaker Heights, Ohio, Paul Newman was an iconic actor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur.
Known for his legendary roles in films like Cool Hand Luke, The Hustler, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Newman’s blue eyes and exceptional talent made him one of the most beloved actors of his generation.
36. Oklahoma – Ron Howard (Duncan)
Ron Howard, born in Duncan, Oklahoma, is a beloved actor and director who began his career as a child actor on The Andy Griffith Show. He later starred in Happy Days before transitioning to directing, where he became one of Hollywood’s most respected filmmakers.
His directorial credits include Apollo 13, A Beautiful Mind (which earned him an Academy Award), and The Da Vinci Code.
37. Oregon – Ty Burrell (Grants Pass)
Born in Grants Pass, Oregon, Ty Burrell became widely known for his role as Phil Dunphy on the hit TV show Modern Family, a performance that earned him multiple Emmy Awards. Burrell’s comedic timing and lovable portrayal of a quirky, yet endearing father figure made him a fan favorite.
38. Pennsylvania – Will Smith (Philadelphia)
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Will Smith is one of the most beloved and successful actors in Hollywood. He first gained fame as the star of the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, before transitioning to blockbuster films like Men in Black, Independence Day, Ali, and The Pursuit of Happyness.
39. Rhode Island – Viola Davis (St. Matthews, South Carolina; raised in Central Falls)
While Viola Davis was born in St. Matthews, South Carolina, she was raised in Central Falls, Rhode Island, and is closely associated with the state.
Davis is one of the most accomplished actors of her generation, having won an Academy Award, Emmy Award, and Tony Award, making her one of the few actors to achieve the Triple Crown of Acting. She is best known for her roles in Fences, How to Get Away with Murder, and The Help.
40. South Carolina – Chadwick Boseman (Anderson)
Born in Anderson, South Carolina, Chadwick Boseman became a beloved figure in Hollywood for his portrayal of iconic figures such as Jackie Robinson in 42, James Brown in Get on Up, and most famously, T’Challa/Black Panther in Black Panther.
His untimely death in 2020 was mourned worldwide, and he remains one of South Carolina’s most revered actors.
41. South Dakota – January Jones (Sioux Falls)
Born in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, January Jones gained fame for her role as Betty Draper on the critically acclaimed TV series Mad Men.
Jones’s portrayal of the complex, emotionally reserved housewife earned her widespread praise. She has also appeared in films like X-Men: First Class and American Wedding.
42. Tennessee – Morgan Freeman (Memphis)
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Morgan Freeman is an acting legend known for his distinctive voice and commanding presence. With an Academy Award for his role in Million Dollar Baby, Freeman has also starred in iconic films like The Shawshank Redemption, Driving Miss Daisy, Se7en, and Bruce Almighty.
His ability to bring gravitas and depth to every role has made him one of the most respected and beloved actors in the world.
43. Texas – Matthew McConaughey (Uvalde)
Born in Uvalde, Texas, Matthew McConaughey is known for his charismatic performances and distinctive voice. His breakthrough role came in Dazed and Confused, and he went on to star in hits like The Lincoln Lawyer, Mud, and Magic Mike.
McConaughey won an Academy Award for his performance in Dallas Buyers Club and has since become an influential figure both in and out of Hollywood.
44. Utah – Aaron Eckhart (Concord)
Born in Concord, California, but raised in Cupertino and Salt Lake City, Utah, Aaron Eckhart is a prominent actor known for his roles in films such as Thank You for Smoking, The Dark Knight, and Sully. His intense performances and versatility across genres have earned him acclaim in Hollywood.
45. Vermont – Orson Bean (Burlington)
Born in Burlington, Vermont, Orson Bean was a beloved comedian known for his work on television and stage. Bean was a frequent guest on game shows like To Tell the Truth and had roles in shows such as Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman and Will & Grace.
His warm presence and contributions to both comedy and drama made him a cherished figure in the entertainment world.
46. Virginia – Rob Lowe (Charlottesville)
Born in Charlottesville, Virginia, Rob Lowe is a well-known actor whose career spans several decades. He first gained fame with roles in films like The Outsiders and St. Elmo’s Fire, and later starred in television hits such as The West Wing and Parks and Recreation.
Lowe’s charm and acting talent have made him a favorite among fans.
47. Washington – Chris Pratt (Seattle)
Born in Seattle, Washington, Chris Pratt rose to fame with his role as Andy Dwyer on the television show Parks and Recreation. He later gained international recognition for his roles in blockbuster films such as Guardians of the Galaxy, Jurassic World, and The Lego Movie.
Pratt’s comedic talent, combined with his ability to take on action-packed roles, has made him one of the most popular actors in Hollywood today.
48. West Virginia – Jennifer Garner (Houston)
Born in Houston, West Virginia, Jennifer Garner is a versatile actress known for her roles in both television and film. Garner gained widespread recognition for her role as Sydney Bristow on the TV show Alias, and her film career includes notable performances in 13 Going on 30, Dallas Buyers Club, and Love, Simon.
49. Wisconsin – Willem Dafoe (Appleton)
Born in Appleton, Wisconsin, Willem Dafoe is a highly respected actor known for his intense performances and wide-ranging roles. Dafoe’s filmography includes iconic roles in Platoon, Spider-Man, The Lighthouse, and The Florida Project.
His ability to portray complex and often dark characters with depth and nuance has earned him critical acclaim.
50. Wyoming – Mildred Harris (Cheyenne)
Born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mildred Harris was a prominent actress during the silent film era and the early days of Hollywood. She began her career as a child actress in silent films and gained fame as a leading lady in the 1920s.
Harris is perhaps best known for her role in The Little American and for her marriage to Charlie Chaplin, which brought her additional publicity.
Each of these actors brings distinguishing charm and talent to their craft, making them cherished not only in Hollywood but also in their home states.
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
