Situated in the vicinity of the splendid Great Lakes region, Wisconsin is a nature lover’s paradise. According to various sources on the internet, Wisconsin apparently has around 15,000 lakes. Filmmaker Zack Snyder, actress Heather Graham, Gene Wilder and model Laura Kaeppeler are a few famous celebrities who hail from Wisconsin. Maverick filmmaker Zack Snyder is the man behind Hollywood blockbusters like ‘Man Of Steel’, ‘300: Rise Of An Empire’ as well as ‘Batman v Superman: Dawn Of Justice’. Laura Kaeppeler was crowned ‘Miss America’ in 2012 and thus, she became the first woman from Milwaukee to hold the title. The 1988 flick ‘License To Drive’ marked the debut of actress Heather Graham and since then there has been no looking back for this talented woman who is one of the most seasoned Hollywood artistes. Listed below are the names of a few other famous celebrities from Wisconsin. The bond these eminent personalities share with their state cannot be described in a few words.
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1
JJ Watt(One of the Greatest Defensive Linemen of All Time)
Birthdate: March 22, 1989
Sun Sign: Aries
JJ Watt is an American football player who currently plays defensive end for the Houston Texans of the National Football League (NFL). He also plays defensive tackle in some situations. Sports Illustrated named him its Sportsperson of the Year in 2017. He is regarded as one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. Besides sports, he co-hosts the Fox game show, Ultimate Tag.
2
Orson Welles(One of the Greatest Filmmakers of All Time and Director of 'Citizen Kane')
Birthdate: May 6, 1915
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: October 10, 1985
American filmmaker, Orson Welles, acted in and directed the 1941 film, Citizen Kane, which is considered to be one the greatest movies ever made. Though hailed as a genius, many of his films didn’t work at the box office. The Stranger, Macbeth, Chimes at Midnight, Touch of Evil and The Trial are some of the other films that he directed.
3
Danica Patrick(The Most Successful Woman in the History of American Open-Wheel Car Racing)
Birthdate: March 25, 1982
Sun Sign: Aries
Danica Patrick, the first female driver to clinch an IndyCar series win, became the Rookie of the Year at the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and the 2005 IndyCar Series and later joined stock-car racing with the NASCAR Nationwide Series. She owns a wine brand and an athleisure line, and supports DRIVE4COPD.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: June 8, 1867
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: April 9, 1959
Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect who designed over 1,000 structures in a career spanning 70 years. A pioneer of organic architecture, Wright influenced three generations of architects by playing a critical role in the 20th century's architectural movements. His structure Fallingwater is called America's best architectural work and Wright is considered the greatest architect America has ever produced.
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Georgia O'Keeffe(American Modernist Artist Known for Her Flowers and New York Skyscrapers Paintings)
Birthdate: November 15, 1887
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: March 6, 1986
Artist Georgia O'Keeffe enriched American modernism and precisionism with her artwork, mostly water color and charcoal paintings. She was the first female artist to have a retrospective at New York’s MOMA. Her paintings focused on the cityscapes and landscapes of New York and New Mexico, and abstract flowers.
6
Spencer Tracy(One of the Greatest Actors of Hollywood's Golden Age)
Birthdate: April 5, 1900
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: June 10, 1967
One of the most popular actors of classical Hollywood cinema, Spencer Tracy was known for his versatility, which helped him win two successive Oscars for Best Actor. In 1999, he was ranked the ninth greatest male star of Hollywood's Golden Age by the American Film Institute. Tracy is widely regarded as one of the finest actors of the 20th century.
Recommended Lists:7
Mark Ruffalo(Best Known for His Role of 'Bruce Banner/Hulk' in the Marvel Cinematic Universe SuperHero Films)
Birthdate: November 22, 1967
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
An actor best known for playing Bruce Banner / Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe superhero films, Mark Ruffalo has been active in Hollywood for over three decades. Even though he began acting in the late 1980s, he started getting noticed for his skills only in the 2000s. He has been nominated for numerous awards, including an Academy Award.
Birthdate: June 11, 1933
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: August 29, 2016
Perhaps the most loved Willy Wonka of them all, Gene Wilder was one of the main reasons for the popularity of the iconic character, which he played in the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. Apart from acting and writing, Gene was also instrumental in promoting cancer awareness through his organization Gilda Radner Ovarian Cancer Detection Center.
Recommended Lists:9
Willem Dafoe(American Actor Who is Known for Portraying Several Real-Life Figures)
Birthdate: July 22, 1955
Sun Sign: Cancer
Much loved for his distinct gravelly voice, Willem Dafoe is one of the most popular American actors. Thanks to his incredible performance as Norman Osborn in Spider-Man (2002), Willem instilled fear in the hearts of many Spider-Man fans, especially children. Willem, who holds American and Italian citizenship, is a pescatarian and practices ashtanga yoga.
Birthdate: February 15, 1964
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: December 18, 1997
A popular actor and comedian, Chris Farley's struggle with alcohol and drug addiction led to his suspension from the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) on many occasions. He eventually died of a drug overdose at the age of 33, much like his idol John Belushi, who too died of a drug overdose at the same age!
Recommended Lists:11
Heather Graham(American Actress Known for Portraying Characters With Sex Appeal)
Birthdate: January 29, 1970
Sun Sign: Aquarius
American actress Heather Graham gained recognition with her performance in the movie Drugstore Cowboy and Boogie Nights. She further appeared in movies like Lost in Space, Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me and The Hangover. Her television credits include Law & Order True Crime and Bliss. The beautiful actress also backs numerous charitable causes, especially those related to children.
Birthdate: November 3, 1987
Sun Sign: Scorpio
An American professional football quarterback, Colin Kaepernick began playing for 49ers’ as a backup quarterback and later played a pivotal role in them reaching the 2013 NFL championship. Also a civil rights activist, he attracted a lot praise and criticism when in 2016, he refused to stand for the US national anthem as a form of protest against racial injustice.
Recommended Lists:13
Ava Max(Singer-Songwriter)
Birthdate: February 16, 1994
Sun Sign: Aquarius
14
Tony Shalhoub(best known for playing Adrian Monk in the USA Network television series Monk)
Birthdate: October 9, 1953
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: February 9, 1954
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Chris Gardner is an American motivational speaker and businessman. After struggling with homelessness, Gardner went on to establish Gardner Rich & Co, a brokerage firm, in 1987. His rags to riches story inspired the film The Pursuit of Happyness. Also a well-known philanthropist, Gardner has been playing a major role in creating low-income housing and employment opportunities for the homeless.
Birthdate: July 12, 1990
Sun Sign: Cancer
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
Recommended Lists:17
Les Paul(Jazz Guitarist: One of the Pioneers of the Solid-body Electric Guitar)
Birthdate: June 9, 1915
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: August 12, 2009
Jazz and country guitarist Les Paul developed his version of the solid-body electric guitar, which he named the Log. He is also credited with pioneering innovations such as multitrack recording, the eight-track tape recorder, and overdubbing. He won the Special Merit/Technical Grammy Award for his achievements.
18
Laura Ingalls Wilder(American Author Known for Her Children's Book Series ‘Little House on the Prairie’)
Birthdate: February 7, 1867
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: February 10, 1957
Laura Ingalls Wilder authored the iconic Little House children’s book series, including the novel Little House on the Prairie, based on her family’s life in Wisconsin, which was later adapted for many stage and screen versions. She is also known for her autobiography, Pioneer Girl, and many posthumously published books.
Recommended Lists:19
Liberace(Pianist, Actor, Singer and the Highest-Paid Entertainer in the World From the 1950s to 1970s)
Birthdate: May 16, 1919
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: February 4, 1987
Known as “Mr. Showmanship,” pianist, singer, and actor Liberace shot to fame with The Liberace Show, which he ended regularly with his theme song I'll Be Seeing You. The highest-paid entertainer from the 1950s-1970s, he performed in concerts and tours frequently. He also released several autobiographies and cookbooks.
20
T. J. Watt(American football player)
Birthdate: October 11, 1994
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
Recommended Lists:21
Chris Noth(American Actor Known for His Role as Detective Mike Logan in the TV Series ‘Law & Order')
Birthdate: November 13, 1954
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Chris Noth is best known as Mike Logan from Law & Order. Fans also loved him in his Golden Globe-nominated roles in Sex and the City and The Good Wife. He co-owns the New York music venue The Cutting Room. He has also been part of Broadway and off-Broadway plays.
Birthdate: February 21, 1946
Sun Sign: Pisces
Tyne Daly won four of her six Emmys for her portrayal of Mary Beth Lacey in Cagney & Lacey. She is known for her roles in Judging Amy and Christy, too. She is also a Tony-winning stage actor, known for her works in the Broadway productions Gypsy and Rabbit Hole.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: October 5, 1917
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: June 9, 1981
TV personality, actor, emcee, and game show host Allen Ludden is best remembered for hosting various incarnations of the game show, Password, for almost two decades. He also hosted other game shows and wrote a series of books for young readers. A much-beloved personality, he was the recipient of the 1961 Horatio Alger Award.
Birthdate: July 3, 1943
Sun Sign: Cancer
Kurtwood Smith is an American actor known for playing important roles in popular films and TV series, such as RoboCop and That '70s Show. Also known for his work on stage, Smith has won three Drama-Logue Awards. Also a renowned voice actor, Kurtwood Smith has voiced popular characters in TV series like Men in Black: The Series and Batman Beyond.
Recommended Lists:25
Bradley Whitford(Best Known for His Role as ‘Josh Lyman’ on the Series 'The West Wing')
Birthdate: October 10, 1959
Sun Sign: Libra
Best known as Josh Lyman from The West Wing, Bradley Whitford is a Juilliard-trained and Primetime Emmy-winning actor. Also known for his roles in series such as The Mentalist and movies such as Billy Madison, he also launched the charity Clothes off Our Back, which mostly donates to children’s non-profits.
26
Anthony Pettis(Mixed Martial Artist)
Birthdate: January 27, 1987
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
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Jordan Poole(Basketball player)
Birthdate: June 19, 1999
Sun Sign: Gemini
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
28
Dan Harmon(Creator of the Sitcoms 'Community', 'Rick and Morty' and The Podcast 'Harmontown')
Birthdate: January 3, 1973
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Dan Harmon is best known for writing the comedy series Community. He co-created Channel 101, hosted the podcast Harmontown, and wrote the animated series Rick and Morty. He also invented a storytelling method known as the Story Circle. His work on the 81st Annual Academy Awards won him an Emmy.
Recommended Lists:29
John Matuszak(American Football Defensive End and Actor)
Birthdate: October 25, 1950
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: June 17, 1989
Height: 6'7" (201 cm)
Birthdate: June 24, 1947
Sun Sign: Cancer
Peter Weller is best known as Robocop from the film RoboCop and its sequel. He also earned an Academy Award nomination for his 1993 short film Partners. He starred in the series 24, hosted a History Channel show, and voiced Bruce Wayne/Batman in the miniseries The Dark Knight Returns.
Recommended Lists:31
Jane Kaczmarek(Best Known for Her Roles in the TV Series: ‘Malcolm in the Middle’ and ‘Equal Justice’)
Birthdate: December 21, 1955
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Jane Kaczmarek is an American actress known for her portrayal of Lois in the popular television sitcom Malcolm in the Middle. A registered Democrat, Jane Kaczmarek is also a renowned voice actress, voicing such characters as Judge Constance Harm in the famous animated sitcom The Simpsons. Along with her ex-husband Bradley Whitford, Jane Kaczmarek was also involved in charity work.
32
Gena Rowlands(Retired American Actress)
Birthdate: June 19, 1930
Sun Sign: Gemini
Gena Rowlands had an expansive screen and stage career spanning over six-decades. Her remarkable performances won her several accolades including four Emmy and two Golden Globe awards and an Honorary Academy Award. Two of her memorable performances includes in films A Woman Under the Influence and Gloria, both written-directed by her late-husband John Cassavetes and earned her Academy Award nominations.
Recommended Lists:33
George Kittle(American football player)
Birthdate: October 9, 1993
Sun Sign: Libra
Height: 6'4" (193 cm)
Birthdate: January 26, 1934
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 6'1" (185 cm)
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Tyler Herro(Basketball player)
Birthdate: January 20, 2000
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Height: 6'5" (196 cm)
36
Andrea Anders(Best Known for Her Roles in the TV Sitcoms ‘Better Off Ted’, ‘The Class’ and ‘Joey’)
Birthdate: May 10, 1975
Sun Sign: Taurus
Andrea Anders is an American actress who started her career on TV, appearing in a commercial for Dannon. She then went on to play important roles in series, such as Joey and The Class. Also known for her work in theatre, Anders was part of the Broadway production of Proof where she was Mary-Louise Parker's understudy.
Recommended Lists:37
Skylar Grey(Singer-Songwriter Known for Her Albums ‘Like Blood Like Honey’ and ‘Don't Look Down’)
Birthdate: February 23, 1986
Sun Sign: Pisces
Skylar Grey initially gained recognition as part of the folk duo Generations, with her mother. She co-wrote Eminem and Rihanna’s chartbusting track Love the Way You Lie and made her way to the U.S. charts with the album Don't Look Down. She has also collaborated with Nicki Minaj and Diddy.
Birthdate: October 1, 1924
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: September 3, 2005
William Rehnquist had a 33-year career at the U.S. Supreme Court: as an associate justice for 14 years and as a chief justice for 19 years. He had served under Nixon and Ronald Reagan. He presided over Bill Clinton’s impeachment and was associated with cases such as Roe v. Wade.
Recommended Lists:39
Derek Watt(American football player)
Birthdate: November 7, 1992
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 6'2" (188 cm)
40
Don Ameche(Actor and Comedian Best Known for His Leading Man Roles in 1930's and 40's)
Birthdate: May 31, 1908
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: December 6, 1993
Don Ameche started as a comedian and vaudeville performer. He later gained fame on radio, too, appearing in the sketch comedy The Bickersons. He also earned a 20th Century Fox contract, appeared in movies such as Trading Places, and won an Academy Award for his role in Cocoon.
Recommended Lists:41
Jidenna(Known for The Singles 'Classic Man' and 'Yoga')
Birthdate: May 4, 1985
Sun Sign: Taurus
Jidenna is a Nigerian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Interested in music from an early age, he co-founded the rap group Black Spadez when he was in high school. As a young man, he worked full-time as a teacher before becoming a popular rapper. He is also a founding member of the social club Fear & Fancy.
42
Trixie Mattel(Drag Queen Known for Winning the Third Season of 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars')
Birthdate: August 23, 1989
Sun Sign: Virgo
Drag queen Trixie Mattel won Season 3 of RuPaul's DragRace All Stars and ranked sixth in Season 7 of RuPaul's Drag Race. She has also co-hosted UNHhhh and The Trixie & Katya Show. Mattel has also released several music albums, hosts a podcast, and is a bestselling author.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: June 18, 1980
Sun Sign: Gemini
David Giuntoli is best known as Nick Burkhardt from the supernatural series Grimm. He has also starred in the films 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi and Buddymoon. An avid animal lover, he once adopted an elephant in Kenya. He is married to his Grimm co-star Bitsie Tulloch.
Birthdate: April 22, 1926
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: August 5, 2018
Height: 5'0" (152 cm)
45
Ellen Corby(Actress and Screenwriter Known for Her Role in Film ‘I Remember Mama’ and the TV Series 'The Waltons')
Birthdate: June 3, 1911
Sun Sign: Gemini
Died: April 14, 1999
Actress and screenwriter, Ellen Corby, is best known for her role in the TV series The Waltons, for which she won three Emmy Awards. In a long and productive career that spanned over six decades, she appeared in over two hundred films and TV shows. In her later years, she also trained as a teacher of transcendental meditation.
46
Steve Miller
Birthdate: October 5, 1943
Sun Sign: Libra
47
Paris Berelc(Actress and Model Known for Her Role as ‘Skylar Storm’ in the ‘Disney XD’ TV Series ‘Mighty Med’)
Birthdate: December 29, 1998
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Paris Berelc is an American model and actress who successfully transitioned from being a teen star to an actress. Three years after gracing the cover page of American Girl magazine, Berelc's parents decided to move to Los Angeles, which helped her establish a career in acting. Paris Berelc has not looked back since moving to Los Angeles.
48
Al Jarreau(Musician)
Birthdate: March 12, 1940
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: February 12, 2017
49
Sean Duffy(Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Wisconsin's 7th District (2011 - 2019))
Birthdate: October 3, 1971
Sun Sign: Libra
Politician, prosecutor, and former sports commentator Sean Duffy is currently a Fox News contributor. He earned a J.D. degree from William Mitchell College of Law and practiced law for several years before entering public life. He has been both a competitor and commentator on ESPN's Great Outdoor Games. As a politician, he is a member of the Republican Party.
50
Butch Vig(Musician)
Birthdate: August 2, 1955
Sun Sign: Leo
