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9 Famous People From Illinois That Made it Big

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Countless celebrities and entertainers have once called Illinois their home. Many are well known for their roots, and others might be a surprise. Popular television shows like Saturday Night Live have hosted several performers from the land of Lincoln, showcasing some of the best talents the midwest has to offer. It’s no surprise then that there are so many famous people from Illinois. However, you may not know that these 9 famous people are from Illinois.

1. Melissa McCarthy

hsn.com
hsn.com

This highly acclaimed actress and comedian is known for her recent work such as the television series Gilmore Girls, Mike and Molly, and an array of films that keep fans coming back. She has hosted Saturday Night Live multiple times, always winning over audiences. Those audiences would be excited to know that McCarthy was actually born in Plainfield, Illinois.

2. Bill Murray

Hello Magazine
Hello Magazine

Bill Murray’s vast body of work has launched him to mega popularity with his fans. His midwestern fans would be pleased to know that he was born in Evanston, Illinois, and spent much of his youth in Wilmette, Illinois. With his talent, it was no surprise that he performed with Second City prior to getting a role on Saturday Night Live.

3. Gillian Anderson

celebritiestattooed.com
celebritiestattooed.com

A fan favorite, Gillian Anderson, is perhaps best known for her pivotal role as FBI Special Agent Dana Scully in the extremely popular series, The X Files. Illinois residents would be surprised to also know that she was born in Chicago, and spent much of her early life and career there.

4. Peter Sarsgaard

Collider
Collider

Dramatic actor Peter Sarsgaard was born to an Air Force father. Many would be surprised to learn that he was actually born at Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. Similar to many military families, he moved numerous times throughout his youth. Eventually, he settled down in New York City, where he took part in notable projects like Law and Order: SVU.

5. Natasha Leggero

AV Club
AV Club

Well known stand up comedian, Natasha Leggero, was born in Rockford, Illinois, where she spent her years of youth. Between touring with her stand up, and acting in her television show Another Period, she keeps busy entertaining crowds of all sizes, even occasionally returning to Illinois to perform stand up in her home state.

6. Nick Offerman

Her Campus
Her Campus

One of the most notable stars of NBC’s Parks and Recreation, Nick Offerman is a well-known actor as well as comedian born in Joliet, Illinois. He spent much of his early career performing in the Chicago area at improv shows and productions at the Steppenwolf and Goodman Theaters.

7. Jesse Williams

Huffington Post
Huffington Post

Many of us got to know Jesse Williams for his role as Dr. Jackson Avery in popular television series Grey’s Anatomy. He was born and raised in the Chicago area. He is also a dedicated activist, earning him the BET Humanitarian Award in 2016.

8. Betty White

Parade
Parade

Beloved actress Betty White was born and raised in Oak Park, Illinois. Her extensive body of work includes classic favorites like The Mary Tyler Moore Show and The Golden Girls, and more recently the sitcom Hot In Cleveland. Betty White has also dedicated much for her time towards activism efforts, earning her the Humane Award presented by the American Veterinary Medical Association.  

9. Lea DeLaria

Huffington Post
Huffington Post

Best known for her role as Boo in the Netflix hit Orange Is The New Black, Lea DeLaria was born and raised in Belleville, Illinois. In 2015, she also was honored with the Equality Illinois Freedom Award for her cutting edge work that has opened many viewer’s eyes over the years.

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