Chicago is a city rich with culture and dripping with talent.
Many people know the city for its architecture, museums, art, and entertainment. In fact, because of improv comedy enterprise The Second City and other entertainment hubs, tons of performers once lived or worked in Chicago. That list includes Stephen Colbert, siblings Joan and John Cusack, Jon Favreau, Tina Fey, and many more.
In fact, the city's influence is still meaningful to some who have since relocated to New York, Los Angeles or other cities. Colbert, for example, took on a new role with The Second City Board of Directors. He said in a press release in June: “As a young comedian, The Second City was my artistic home where I learned my chops and had the freedom to fail with my friends. I want to help keep it that way.”
However, of all of the actors, comedians, singers and other creatives that have left their mark on Chicago, some might not consider them all true Chicagoans. Here’s just a handful of the celebrities born in Chicago:
- Patricia Arquette
- Jim Belushi
- John Belushi
- Chloe Bennet
- Jack Benny
- Walt Disney
- Harrison Ford
- Kathy Griffin
- Hugh Hefner
- Jim O’Heir
- Jennifer Hudson
- Bonnie Hunt
- Bernie Mac
- John Mulaney
- Michelle Obama
- Danny Pudi
- John C. Reilly
- Craig Robinson
- Pat Sajak
- Ben Savage
- Sherri Shepherd
- George Wendt
- Robin Williams
- Billy Zane
- Robert Zemeckis