Wisconsin is famous for many things (mostly cheese and football). But you may not know that there are many famous people from Wisconsin! The Badger State has many celebrities that were born or raised here. Read on to see who all is from our great state:

1. Mark Ruffalo (Kenosha)
Tony Felguieras
2. Willem Dafoe (Appleton)
Josh Jensen
Well-known for his distinctive voice, Willem Dafoe is an Academy Award-nominated actor. He even portrayed Jesus!
3. Liberace (West Allis)
Alan Light
Liberace was well-known for his antics both on and off-stage. He is one of the best-known celebrities in Wisconsin.
4. Chris Noth (Madison)
det.logan
He's been two of the most iconic roles on television over the last few decades, Mr. Big (Sex and the City) and Detective Mike Logan (Law and Order),
5. Tony Romo (Burlington)
AJ Guel
One of the best-known football players of all time, Romo was born in California but raised in Racine County.
6. Greta van Susteren (Appleton)
dutchlad
Van Susteren started her career as a lawyer and gained fame as a news anchor on multiple stations, including CNN and MSNBC.

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7. Golda Meir (Milwaukee)
City of Boston Archives
Israel's first female prime minister was born in Russia but moved to Milwaukee when she was very young.
8. Dan Harmon (Milwaukee)
Rex Hammock
Creator of the hit TV show Community and co-creator of Rick and Morty, Harmon was born and raised in Milwaukee.
9. Georgia O'Keefe (Sun Prairie)
Martin Beek
O'Keefe was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
10. Les Paul (Waukesha)
Allen
His name is practically synonymous with guitars nowadays!
11. Gene Wilder (Milwaukee)
Steve
Legendary funny man Gene Wilder made us laugh for decades with roles in classics like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein.
12. Harry Houdini (Appleton)
John H. Thurston/Wikimedia Commons
This world-famous magician renowned for his escape acts was born in Budapest but claimed Appleton as his hometown.
13. Danica Patrick (Beloit)
David Shankboke
Danica Patrick is one of the most successful female racecar drivers of all time.

 

So keep being awesome, Wisconsin. Who knows – maybe you’ll make Vol. 2 of this list.

Did you know that there are so many famous people from Wisconsin? Did we forget any of your favorites? Share them in the comments!

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Wisconsin Trivia

Lisa Sammons | July 05, 2021

What are some fun facts about Wisconsin?

Did you know that America's first kindergarten class was held in Wisconsin? Or that the Republican Party was born in Ripon? How about that Wisconsin's oldest city is Green Bay? Check out this list for more interesting facts about the Badger State!

Are there any strange laws in Wisconsin?

We don't know that you'd ever be prosecuted for it, but yes. You actually can't serve margarine at a restaurant unless a customer specifically asks for it (though, we have to say, this one actually might make a little sense). Check out this article for more interesting and wacky laws!

What are some unique things about Wisconsin?

Moving to Wisconsin will show you a side of life you may have not known about before. Any idea how to pronounce Ashwaubenon? You'll learn quickly!

 

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