One Of The Biggest Names In Film Grew Up In One Of The Smallest Towns In Illinois

There are tons of fun facts about Illinois, but one of the coolest to pull out is when someone famous is from your small hometown. In fact, you may be surprised to know that lots of big names are actually from small towns in Illinois. This celebrity from Christopher, Illinois event went on to be one of the most well-known names in Hollywood.

John Malkovich is an award-winning actor, director, producer, and theater director who has starred or been featured in more than 70 films (and counting) throughout this storied career.

The film star was born on December 9, 1953, in the small town of Christopher in Southern Illinois. With just under 2,700 residents currently, the town was founded as a railroad stop in 1879 and has remained a charming small town since.

Before making it big, Malkovich grew up in the nearby town of Benton, Illinois. The town currently has about 6,700 residents and is also home to a mural of George Harrison of The Beatles, who once visited the town.

As a teen, Malkovich attended Benton Consolidated High School and acted in local plays, as well as sang and performed music. He later attended Eastern Illinois University and Illinois State University before going on to study acting at William Esper Studio in New York City.

His career began in Chicago at the famed Steppenwolf Theatre Company before advancing to Broadway. He won his first Emmy in 1985 for his performance in a "Death of a Salesman" made-for-TV movie.

Throughout this acting career, he has appeared in "Places of the Heart," (1984), "Dangerous Liaisons" (1988), "In the Line of Fire" (1993), "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" (2005), "Transformers: Dark Side of the Moon," (2011), and of course the 1999 classic, "Being John Malkovich." He is also an accomplished stage and television actor.

Did you know that John Malkovich was a celebrity from Christopher, Illinois? Is there anyone famous from your hometown? Tell us in the comments! And if you feel like checking out Malkovich's Illinois roots in Benton, consider making it a weekend getaway by staying in this cool yurt village!