These Five Celebrities Hail From Some of Maryland’s Most Charming Small Towns

There's no shortage of surprising names that will come up if you search for famous people from Maryland (David Hasselhoff, anyone?). Of course, Baltimore is a big one, but there's just something special about the small-town kids who made it big. You'd probably be surprised to learn that there are quite a few other famous folks who hail from smaller towns scattered throughout the Old Line State. So here's a handful of Maryland's famous people who come from those smaller, lesser-known communities.

1. Edward Norton, Columbia

A famous person from Maryland you've likely heard of is Edward Norton. The star of hit films like Fight Club has made a name for himself in Hollywood, but he originally hails from the little town of Columbia.

Columbia is a beautiful town crisscrossed with bike paths and speckled with parks. There's also a lakefront that's perfect for some family-friendly fun, and it's home to some of the strangest street names in the state!

2. William H. Macy, Cumberland

Another of our famous people in Maryland is William H. Macy. This iconic movie star has mostly made a name for himself in small indie films, but he's been in plenty of hits, like Fargo and Jurassic Park III. Macy spent many of his formative years in Cumberland, a gorgeous town that once served as a stop along the iconic B&O railroad.

3. Toni Braxton, Severn

It's not just actors that are among Maryland's famous people: you'll also find singers! The incomparable Toni Braxton is from the small town of Severn.

This town is located along the banks of the Severn River. It's a short trip from nearby Annapolis but there is plenty to discover winding through here as well! Who knew such a notable celebrity would come from such a small place?

4. Stefon Diggs, Gaithersburg

American football wide receiver Stefon Diggs might just be the most famous person from the small community of Gaithersburg. Gaithersburg is a relatively small city in Montgomery County that boasts some of the best hiking paths you could hope to come across, and some of the best cinnamon rolls, too!

5. Linda Hamilton, Salisbury

Yes, that's right - Sarah Connor herself hails from our very own Salisbury. Salisbury may get overshadowed at times by neighboring Ocean City, but this small town is chock-full of exciting places to explore.

Maryland is full of surprises, and its connections to some of the most influential and notable figures are no exception. From iconic performers to revolutionary thinkers, the Old Line State has been home to a wealth of talent and inspiration. Each city and town, whether it’s Salisbury, Gaithersburg, or elsewhere, has its own unique contribution to celebrate. It’s exciting to know that some of the faces we've admired on the big screen, or the extraordinary individuals who have shaped our culture, grew up in the same vibrant communities we see today. There's also plenty to explore in the parts of Maryland associated with the more historical kind of celebrity. Be sure to check out Babe Ruth's hometown or the Edgar Allan Poe bar, inspired by Baltimore's favorite spooky author, while you're here as well! Feeling inspired? Try planning your own Maryland trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.