You may not know all of these small towns, but you’ll undoubtedly recognize the top celebrities who called them home.
When most people think of the lifestyles of the rich and famous, they picture large cities and glamorous parties. The reality can be a little different. Many celebrities come from humble backgrounds and even choose to shun life in the spotlight in favor of embracing small-town charm.
1. Bloomington, Indiana
Bloomington, Indiana, is a Midwest college town known for its vibrant arts scene and beautiful natural surroundings. It’s also the current home of John Mellencamp and the former home of Steve James, director of Hoop Dreams.
James earned a master’s degree in journalism from Indiana University in Bloomington. He then went on to work at Kartemquin Films, also based in Bloomington, on various projects throughout his early career. Mellencamp currently resides in an even smaller town outside Bloomington, Indiana.
2. Muncie, Indiana
Muncie, Indiana, is the birthplace of the Ball Corporation. As a result, it’s currently home to Ball State University and is known for being the site of the sociological “Middletown” studies.
Ball State University has attracted some big names over the years. David Letterman leads the pack. He was born in Indianapolis but attended University in Muncie. Now, the David Letterman Communication and Media Building honors his legacy on the campus.
3. Missoula, Montana
Missoula, Montana, has the dubious honor of being the childhood home of David Lynch. The avant-garde filmmaker is renowned for employing dark, unsettling imagery and for crafting visually striking, surrealist films.
Lynch has stated in the past that it was Montana’s dreamy landscapes that influenced his overall aesthetics as a filmmaker, so keep a look out the next time you watch Twin Peaks.
4. Schenectady, New York
Schenectady is a small industrial city in upstate New York. It’s nowhere near as well-known as New York City, but the Electric City has earned a place on this list by being the birthplace of actor Mickey Rourke.
Mickey Rourke has starred in many well-known films, including The Wrestler and Sin City. He also spent some time as a professional boxer.
5. Lubbock, Texas
Lubbock, Texas, is a typical West Texas city currently home to Texas Tech University. The school isn’t Lubbock’s primary claim to fame, though. That comes in the form of being the birthplace of Buddy Holly.
Buddy Holly was a rock’ n’ roll legend who inspired generations of musicians. Even The Beatles considered him an influential musician. People still listen to Buddy Holly’s music today and visit Lubbock, Texas, in his honor.
6. Springfield, Missouri
Springfield, Missouri, is the Birthplace of Route 66. It’s also the town where Brad Pitt grew up. Although Pitt was born in Oklahoma, he was raised in Springfield, and that’s the city that now claims him as a famous movie star.
7. Owensboro, Kentucky
Owensboro, Kentucky, also has surprising ties to the movie industry and famous actors. Johnny Depp was born in this small Kentucky town, although he spent more time in Florida.
Depp launched into fame with Edward Scissorhands and 21 Jump Street and has starred in dozens of movies since then.
8. Neenah, Wisconsin
Neenah, Wisconsin, is a small city on the banks of Lake Winnebago. With a small-town vibe and few claims to fame, Neenah is even less well-known than most of the places on this list, but it does boast one stand-out feature.
Neenah, Wisconsin, was home to Danica Patrick, the first female racecar driver to win an IndyCar Series race. Though Patrick now lives in Phoenix, Arizona, her roots will always be traced back to Neenah.
9. Hibbing, Minnesota
Hibbing, Minnesota, is a mining town situated near St. Louis. Its true claim to fame has nothing to do with iron ore, though. People who know Hibbing know it as the birthplace of Bob Dylan.
Bob Dylan is one of the most influential songwriters of all time. He was even awarded the 2016 Nobel Prize in Literature for his poetic expression, marking the first time a songwriter has won the award.
10. Anchorage, Kentucky
Anchorage, Kentucky, is a suburb of Louisville. The town isn’t as well-known as nearby Louisville, but it has one claim to fame. Anchorage, Kentucky, was the childhood home of Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence.
Lawrence is best known for The Hunger Games and Silver Linings Playbook. She is currently the highest-grossing action heroine, and her films have generated over $6 billion worldwide.
