These 7 Celebrities Hail From Some Of Pennsylvania's Most Charming Small Towns
By Beth Price-Williams|Updated on March 22, 2024(Originally published May 02, 2023)
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Pennsylvania’s most charming small towns are all known for some pretty fascinating things. Punxsutawney, for example, is pretty much synonymous with “Groundhog Day” and Phil. There are quite a few celebrities from Pennsylvania’s small towns, too, including the following seven:
Born in the Pittsburgh suburb of Coraopolis, Michael Keaton has had a long and storied Hollywood career, including starring as Batman in several films. His resume, in fact, includes an impressive list of films - "Mr. Mom," "Beetlejuice," and "Desperate Measures" among them. The Hollywood star is also known for his fierce loyalty to the Pirates.
A Hollywood legend and World War II veteran, Jimmy Stewart grew up in the darling Western Pennsylvania town of Indiana, where his presence is still felt to this day. The town has a statue and a museum dedicated to the star of such iconic films as "Mr. Smith Goes To Washington," "It's A Wonderful Life," "The Philadelphia Story," and "Harvey." Stewart passed away in July 1997 at the age of 89. He was one of the most famous celebrities from PA.
Known for his tough guy image, actor Charles Bronson's career spanned nearly five decades. The World War II veteran earned a Purple Heart before returning to the U.S., where he would star in such films as "The Dirty Dozen," "The Magnificent Seven," and "Death Wish." Bronson died of pneumonia at the age of 81 in 2003.
Although he was born in Bellefonte, actor Jonathan Frakes grew up in Bethlehem. The Hollywood actor is perhaps best-known for his portrayal of Captain William Riker on "Star Trek." He's also directed episodes of "Castle," "NCIS Los Angeles," and "Burn Notice."
Born in Bristol, actress Lauren Holly has appeared in countless television shows, beginning with several appearances on "Hill Street Blues." She went on to star in "Picket Fences" and "NCIS." Holly's movie credits include "Dumb and Dumber," "What Women Want," and "My Perfect Romance." She's one of the most famous actors from Pennsylvania.
Everyone’s favorite neighbor, Mister Rogers was born in Latrobe and spent much of his life in Western Pennsylvania. He is perhaps best known for "Mister Rogers Neighborhood." Today, there’s a statue for Mister Rogers in Pittsburgh, and kids (and kids at heart) can tour Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood on a trolley at Idlewild Park & SoakZone in Ligonier, not far from Latrobe. He's one of the most beloved celebrities from Pennsylvania.
A whole generation of kids grew up with Steve Burns and his pal Blue on "Blue's Clues." The actor was born in Boyertown, and he became a household name on the popular children's show. As a musician, he's released several albums.
Do you know of any other celebrities from Pennsylvania’s most charming small towns? Let us know in the comments! Did you know that some well-known individuals are also buried in Pennsylvania? Here are 10 famous graves to visit in Pennsylvania.
Taking a getaway in one of Pennsylvania’s small towns? Book a stay at a vacation rental on Vrbo!
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