7 Famous People That Hail From Massachusetts (How Many Did You Know?)

Some of the most famous people in the world are from the great state of Massachusetts. Matt Damon and Mindy Kaling, for example, are both from Cambridge, while John Krasinski, Uma Thurman, Chris Evans, and Allison Janney are all from Boston.

While the bigger cities of the Bay State have produced some major talent, so have the state's smallest and most charming towns. Here are seven of the most famous people from Massachusetts who hail from some of the state's smaller cities.

1. Comedian Bo Burnham

Internet comedian Bo Burnham hails from Hamilton, a small coastal town in Essex County with a population of less than 7,800. The city boasts several natural surroundings and nature trails to explore, along with a small downtown area with shops, restaurants, and other gathering spots. We can imagine that Burnham spent some of his childhood days exploring the great outdoors here.

2. Olympic Figure Skater Nancy Kerrigan

Iconic 90s figure skater Nancy Kerrigan is from Stoneham, Massachusetts, a small town in Middlesex County that's home to the Middlesex Fells Reservation and the Stoneham Zoo. There's also a downtown area and a town square—perfect for meeting up with friends and family. What a charming place for a future Olympian to grow up.

3. Actor Steve Carell

It's amazing that someone as talented as Steve Carell grew up in a small town in Massachusetts. He was born in Concord—a historic town best known for its role in starting the American Revolutionary War—and grew up in Acton, which is home to the gorgeous Acton Arboretum.

4. Actor and Former Pro Wrestler John Cena

John Cena spent his childhood in the tiny town of West Newbury, which today has fewer than 5,000 residents. The city is filled with so much beauty, from its trails and scenery at Mill Pond Recreation Area to its charming farm stands like Long Hill Orchard & Farm. It's a picturesque place to visit, if you get the chance to go.

5. Comedian Conan O'Brien

Comedian and late-night talk show host Conan O'Brien is the epitome of a Massachusetts native. He was born and raised in Brookline—a town with approximately 60,000 people—and despite its size, it still feels quaint. The city located in Norfolk County has plenty of historic sites, including the 17th-century Larz Anderson Estate and the esteemed American architect Fredrick Law Olmsted's original design studio.

6. Comedian and Actor Bill Burr

Turns out, quite a few funny and talented people hail from Massachusetts, including famous comedian Bill Burr. (If you've never seen his act, you're missing out.) Born in Canton—a town just 30 minutes from Boston—Burr eventually went on to receive his undergraduate degree at Emerson College in Boston. Before then, he likely spent time at places like Farnham-Connolly State Park or the Copperworks.

7. Singer Meghan Trainor

It's almost hard to imagine that a star like Meghan Trainor grew up on the small island of Nantucket, but it's true. It was on the island where she learned music and how to play a variety of instruments. There must've been something about living there, taking in the waterfront scenery, that was so inspiring.

So much talent has come from the great state of Massachusetts. Which celebrities did you know hailed from the Bay State? If you're hoping to get an insider's look at their childhoods, visit these small towns yourself and take in the sights and sounds! You can also use Only In Your State's itinerary planner to help plan out your trip.