Evander Jones
Every state has that one person who made it big in Hollywood. You know, the actor everyone claims as their own when they hit it big. These stars carry their hometown pride wherever the red carpet takes them. Time to see who represents your home state.
Octavia Spencer: Alabama
Director Rob Reiner discovered Octavia Spencer during her stand-up comedy days in Los Angeles, leading to minor film roles. The Montgomery native eventually won an Oscar for “The Help” in 2012. Her very own production company, Orit Entertainment, now develops projects.
Darby Stanchfield: Alaska
Commercial fishing runs in Darby Stanchfield’s family, making her Hollywood success even more remarkable. The University of Puget Sound communications graduate landed “Scandal” after guest spots on “Mad Men” and “NCIS.” Between filming schedules, she actively supports Alaskan environmental conservation efforts back home.
Emma Stone: Arizona
Valley Youth Theater launched Stone’s career before she convinced her parents to move to L.A. at 15. The former Emily Stone changed her name due to Screen Actors Guild regulations. Her childhood anxiety battles became public advocacy, while “La La Land” made her Arizona’s first acting Oscar winner.
Billy Bob Thornton: Arkansas
Coming from Hot Springs, Billy Bob Thornton worked as a dishwasher and house painter before Hollywood called. His breakthrough “Sling Blade” earned him an Oscar for screenwriting, which he also directed and starred in. Beyond six marriages, including Angelina Jolie, Thornton continues his country music career.
Leonardo DiCaprio: California
Environmental activism defines Leonardo DiCaprio as much as his acting, with two full-length documentaries produced on climate issues. His mother felt him kick while viewing a da Vinci painting, inspiring his name. It was after five Oscar nominations that “The Revenant” brought him the win.
T.J. Miller: Colorado
It is said that a traumatic brain injury during college ironically enhanced T.J. Miller’s comedic timing. The former George Washington University circus performer specialized in clowning before “Silicon Valley” fame. He ultimately left the show before the final season due to personal issues.
Meg Ryan: Connecticut
Journalism studies at the University of Connecticut seemed like Meg Ryan’s destiny before acting intervened. The former Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra became America’s rom-com queen through “When Harry Met Sally” and “Sleepless in Seattle.” Her directorial ventures also include “Ithaca”.
Aubrey Plaza: Delaware
Unfortunately, a devastating stroke at 20 temporarily paralyzed Plaza and affected her speech patterns. The Wilmington native’s recovery led to studies at NYU Tisch School and training with the Upright Citizens Brigade. Her deadpan delivery on “Parks and Recreation” launched a successful independent film career.
Bella Thorne: Florida
Born in Pembroke Pines, Florida, on October 8, 1997, this actor has starred in Disney Channel’s “Shake It Up” (2010-2013). Her OnlyFans debut literally generated $1 million in 24 hours, revolutionizing celebrity platform engagement strategies. Apart from acting, she has directed music videos and short films.
Chloe Grace Moretz: Georgia
Four actor brothers created Chloe Grace Moretz’s entertainment industry support system from childhood. Her first-ever role in “Amityville Horror” at seven led to mature roles in the well-known “Let Me In.” Interestingly, the youngest MTV Best Breakthrough Performance winner uses her platform for LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Jason Momoa: Hawaii
Fluent Hawaiian flows naturally from this man’s lips during interviews, reflecting his deep cultural roots. Discovered at 19 for “Baywatch Hawaii,” the 6’4″ figure learned surfing at 14. Momoa’s casting as Aquaman perfectly matched his oceanic heritage. He was in a brief relationship with Lisa Bonet.
Aaron Paul: Idaho
Three Emmy Awards for “Breaking Bad” changed Aaron Paul from Emmett’s most unlikely success story. Born prematurely on his mother’s bathroom floor, he originally planned a ministry before acting intervened. He soon moved to Los Angeles, which eventually led to the launch of Dos Hombres mezcal.
Harrison Ford: Illinois
Carpentry work for George Lucas accidentally brought to light Ford’s legendary career. Thanks to cabinet-building, the star landed a role in the “Star Wars” cast. Interestingly, the Chicago-born had survived a 2015 plane crash. He still maintains his pilot’s license for emergency rescues.
Jenna Fischer: Indiana
Real receptionist experience prepared Jenna Fischer for her iconic “Office” role as Pam Beesly. Years of Hollywood struggle preceded her Fort Wayne success, despite theater training at Truman State University. Fischer’s “Office Ladies” podcast with Angela Kinsey continues dissecting every workplace comedy episode.
Michelle Monaghan: Iowa
For this woman, journalism studies seemed logical until modeling opportunities in Milan redirected her path. Growing up among Winthrop’s 1,000 residents, she jumped from Columbia College Chicago to “Mission: Impossible” action sequences. Monaghan has been married to graphic artist Peter White since 2005.
R. Lee Ermey: Kansas
Originally hired as a technical advisor, Ermey impressed “Full Metal Jacket” directors enough to earn the starring role. The Emporian appeared in over 60 films while hosting History Channel’s “Mail Call.” His 11-year Marine Corps service provided authentic drill instructor material.
Johnny Depp: Kentucky
Character transformation reaches artistic extremes through Johnny Depp’s complete physical and vocal metamorphoses. Depp started with The Kids band before discovering acting in the 1980s. However, it was Keith Richards who inspired his Jack Sparrow mannerisms, bagging three Oscar nominations.
Reese Witherspoon: Louisiana
Hello Sunshine production company revolutionized female-driven Hollywood content under the leadership of Reese Witherspoon. The star balanced Stanford University English literature studies with early acting work. Her company produced hits like “Big Little Lies” and “The Morning Show,”. Today, she is recognized as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman.
Anna Kendrick: Maine
A Tony nomination at age 12 propelled Kendrick’s Broadway career with “High Society” before film success. Community theater in Portland gave her a foundation from the age of 6 onward. Plus, her musical skills, including sight-reading and good pitch, enhanced her “Pitch Perfect” performances.
Anna Faris: Maryland
Anna Faris, a comedic talent from Baltimore, gained fame through her work in the “Scary Movie” franchise. Before shifting to Hollywood, she studied English literature at the University of Washington and participated in theater in Seattle. Faris hosts the podcast “Unqualified,” where she offers relationship advice.
