Often grouped along with New York and New Jersey as a part of the tristate area, Connecticut occupies the southernmost area of the New England region among the northeastern United States. It is named after River Connecticut, whose name traces back to a word meaning ‘long tidal river’. With Hartford as its capital and Bridgeport as its most populous state, it is often referred to as ‘The Constitution State’ or even ‘The Nutmeg State’. Although it is 3rd smallest by area, it is the fourth most densely populated state. Many famous ‘Connecticuters’ have made it huge internationally, in several spheres of life. Famous authors and writers such as Suzanne Collins, Stephenie Meyer and Noah Webster all were born in the state of Connecticut. The state is well-known for creating athletes such as Walter Camp, Rajai David, Ryan Gomes, Matt Harvey and Willie Pep. So many famous entertainers and actors such as Meg Ryan, Seth MacFarlane, Christopher Llyod, Katherine Heigl and Richard Belzer are originally from Connecticut. We are quite certain that you will be surprised to know all the other prominent legends who were born in and who started their journey to success from Connecticut.
Vote for Your Favourite People From Connecticut
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1
Seth MacFarlane(Known for Creating the Television Series Family Guy, American Dad, the Cleveland Show, and the Orville)
Birthdate: October 26, 1973
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Seth MacFarlane is best known as the creator of animated television series Family Guy and American Dad. He won many awards for Family Guy, including couple of Emmys. He also created and starred in the sci-fi comedy-drama television series The Orville. He’s worked in films too and acted in and directed Ted and Ted 2. He is also an accomplished singer.
Birthdate: May 12, 1907
Sun Sign: Taurus
Died: June 29, 2003
Katharine Hepburn served as the leading American actress for over six decades. She is regarded as aninfluential cultural figure and was included in the popular book Women Who Changed The World. Katharine Hepburn is also named in lists like 300 Women Who Changed the World, 100 Icons of the Century, and 200 Greatest Pop Culture Icons of All Time.
3
P. T. Barnum(Mayor of Bridgeport, Connecticut from 1875 to 1876)
Birthdate: July 5, 1810
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: April 7, 1891
P. T. Barnum was an American politician, showman, and businessman. He is credited with founding the famous Barnum & Bailey Circus, which ran for 146 years. He is also credited with co-founding the Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company, which is one of the oldest American ferry companies. His life and work have inspired many films, including The Greatest Showman.
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Meg Ryan(One of the Top Actresses of 1990s & Early 2000s)
Birthdate: November 19, 1961
Sun Sign: Scorpio
The Queen of American romantic comedy movies in 1990s, Meg Ryan is best recognised for her role in When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail, all of which earned her prestigious award nominations. After proving her mettle in romantic comedies Meg Ryan showed her versatility as actress by acting in other genre movies. She made her directorial debut with Ithaca.
Recommended Lists:5
Karen Carpenter(Singer & Drummer Known for Her Distinctive Three-Octave Contralto Vocal Range)
Birthdate: March 2, 1950
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: February 4, 1983
One half of the popular musical duo The Carpenters, Karen Carpenter was an American drummer and singer. Her death at age 32 and life-long struggles with eating disorders led to increased awareness of conditions like anorexia and body dysmorphia, which were little-known at the time. In 2010, Carpenter was named on Rolling Stone's 100 greatest singers of all time list.
Birthdate: March 19, 1947
Sun Sign: Pisces
Regarded as one of the best actresses of her generation, Glenn Close holds the record for the most Academy Award nominations without a win for a female actor. Also an activist, she has campaigned for issues like mental health, women's rights, and gay marriage. In 2019, she was named in Time magazine's 100 most influential people in the world list.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: April 17, 1837
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: March 31, 1913
J.P. Morgan was an iconic figure of the economic boom of the Gilded Age and established the investment banking firm J.P. Morgan & Co. He also controlled companies such as U.S. Steel, General Electric, and AT&T. He prevented the American economy from collapsing during the Panic of 1907.
8
Robert Mitchum(One of the Greatest Male Stars of Classic American Cinema)
Birthdate: August 6, 1917
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: July 1, 1997
Robert Mitchum is best known for his film noirs, such as Undercurrent, and for defining the antihero in movies of the 1950s and 1960s. Fans loved him in The Story of G.I. and Joe and as U.S. Navy Captain Victor Henry in The Winds of War and its sequel.
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Gaten Matarazzo(Best Known for Playing ‘Dustin Henderson’ in the Netflix Hit Series ‘Stranger Things’)
Birthdate: September 8, 2002
Sun Sign: Virgo
Gaten Matarazzo is best known for his SAG Award-winning performance as Dustin Henderson from the Netflix series Stranger Things. He has also hosted the show Prank Encounters and has been part of the Broadway shows Priscilla and Les Misérables. He has cleidocranial dysplasia and helps raise awareness about the condition.
Birthdate: October 22, 1938
Sun Sign: Libra
Christopher Lloyd's popularity as an actor increased after he played Dr. Brown in one of the most popular film trilogies of all time - Back to the Future. The trilogy, which revolves around a time travel device, was responsible for stirring the imagination of many. With four failed marriages, Christopher might've hoped for a time machine in real life!
Recommended Lists:11
John Mayer(Pop-Rock Singer Known for His Albums 'Room for Squares' and 'Heavier Things')
Birthdate: October 16, 1977
Sun Sign: Libra
John Mayer went from working at a gas station to producing the multi-platinum albums Room for Squares and Heavier Things and winning multiple Grammys. He has worked with bands such as the John Mayer Trio and Dead & Company. He has written for Esquire, donates to charities, and collects watches.
12
Jenna Dewan(Actress, Dancer)
Birthdate: December 3, 1980
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Height: 5'2" (157 cm)
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: July 6, 1946
Sun Sign: Cancer
The 43rd president of the United States, George W. Bush served two consecutive term in the top office beginning 2001 and led his country post the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He later ordered the invasion of Iraq. Before this, he was twice elected as the governor of Texas and had even helped his father, George H. W. Bush—the 41st president, in his presidential campaigns.
Birthdate: April 13, 1976
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: November 12, 2003
Jonathan Brandis began as a child actor/model and made his acting debut with One Life to Live. He was best known for his Saturn Award-nominated performance in The Never Ending Story II and for his role of Lucas Wolenczak in seaQuest DSV. He eventually committed suicide due to depression.
Recommended Lists:15
Justin Long(Know for His Roles in 'Jeepers Creepers', 'Dodgeball', 'Accepted')
Birthdate: June 2, 1978
Sun Sign: Gemini
Justin Long is an American actor and comedian. He is best known for playing the boy next door characters, thanks to his looks and physique. Long was applauded for his courage when he shared his story of being victimized of drugging and abduction by a group of local individuals in Michigan. His story encouraged others to share their own stories.
16
Dylan McDermott(Actor known for his role as lawyer and law firm head Bobby Donnell on the legal drama series The Practice)
Birthdate: October 26, 1961
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
Recommended Lists:17
Laura Ingraham(Conservative Television Host of ‘The Ingraham Angle’ on Fox News Channel)
Birthdate: June 19, 1963
Sun Sign: Gemini
Laura Ingraham is a well-known American journalist and television host. She holds a conservative position, is called a nationalist and has often generated controversy for her stand on various issues. She is the host of The Ingraham Angle on Fox News television channel, which is a high-rated opinion-based show. She hosted The Laura Ingraham Show on radio from 2001 to 2018.
18
Stephanie McMahon(Retired Professional Wrestler, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chairwoman of WWE)
Birthdate: September 24, 1976
Sun Sign: Libra
Stephanie McMahon is an American businesswoman. As the chief brand officer of WWE, McMahon contributes immensely to the development of the entertainment company. Also a popular wrestling personality, she often appears on WWE's SmackDown and Raw brands. She is considered one of the most powerful women in wrestling business around the world.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: June 6, 1967
Sun Sign: Gemini
Paul Giamatti is an American actor known for playing important roles in popular films like The Illusionist and The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Paul Giamatti became the subject of a famous campaign called Wax Paul Now, which inspired a short film. The short film was premiered in October 2019 at the Virginia Film Festival.
Birthdate: July 9, 1938
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: April 15, 2020
Brian Dennehy was a prolific stage actor with two Tony Awards under his belt. He is credited with exploring playwright Eugene O'Neill’s works and bringing his popular characters to life at Chicago's Goodman Theatre. Also an acclaimed television and film actor, Brian Dennehy appeared in more than 180 films and several TV series.
Recommended Lists:21
Candace Owens(Conservative Author, Political Commentator & Activist)
Birthdate: April 29, 1989
Sun Sign: Taurus
A political activist of color, Candace Owens first gained visibility as an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump and the Republican Party. Having changed her political stance since then, she is now known for her increasingly pro-Trump activism. Her support for Trump and criticism of Black Lives Matter have made her a controversial figure.
22
Annie Leibovitz(Portrait Photographer Who is Known for Her Engaging Portraits of Celebrities in Intimate Settings)
Birthdate: October 2, 1949
Sun Sign: Libra
Anna-Lou Leibovitz is an American portrait photographer whose career is defined by intimate photographs of celebrities, as exemplified by her famous portrait of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, hours before the English musician’s murder. The Rolling Stone magazine provided the platform for her photographic talent during the early years of her career. She was involved in a controversy over an apparent topless photo of Miley Cyrus.
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Benedict Arnold(American Military Officer Who Served During the Revolutionary War)
Birthdate: January 14, 1741
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Died: June 14, 1801
Benedict Arnold was an American military officer who betrayed his country when he joined the British forces in 1780. Because of his betrayal, his name became synonymous with traitory in the United States. His story of betrayal has been depicted in popular culture and he has been portrayed by actors like Owain Yeoman and Ciarán Owens.
Birthdate: December 6, 1972
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Sarah Rafferty is best known for her performance as Donna in the series Suits. She has also been part of series such as Bones, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, and Six Feet Under. She has appeared in the movies Speakeasy, Soccer Dog: European Cup, and Falling for Grace.
Recommended Lists:25
Brooke Burke(Host of the 'E! Network' Travel Show 'Wild On!')
Birthdate: September 8, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
Birthdate: May 15, 1982
Sun Sign: Taurus
Alexandra Breckenridge is best known as Sophie from the series This Is Us. The tattoo-loving actor has also voiced a number of characters in Family Guy. Other notable projects featuring her are the series Dirt, Virgin River, and True Blood, and the movies The Bridge to Nowhere and Broken Vows.
Recommended Lists:27
Ernest Borgnine(Actor Best Known for His Gruff Voice and Gap-Toothed Cheshire Cat Grin)
Birthdate: January 24, 1917
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: July 8, 2012
Ernest Borgnine was an American actor well-known for his Cheshire cat grin and gruff but calm voice. An Academy Award winner, Borgnine's film career spanned over 60 years. Also known for his work on television, Ernest Borgnine voiced Mermaid Man, an important character in the popular series SpongeBob SquarePants. Ernest Borgnine's hometown Hamden, Connecticut named a street in his honor.
28
Allison Williams(American actress)
Birthdate: April 13, 1988
Sun Sign: Aries
Recommended Lists:29
Linda Kozlowski(American Former Actress Best Known for Her Role in the 'Crocodile Dundee' Film Series)
Birthdate: January 7, 1958
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Former actress Linda Kozlowski made her debut as a stage actress and eventually ventured into films. She gained international popularity with her role in the Australian film Crocodile Dundee, during the filming of which she also met her future husband. She retired in the early 2000s after a career spanning two decades.
30
Jeff Porcaro(Former Drummer best known for his work with the rock band Toto, but is one of the most recorded session musicians, working on hundreds of albums and thousands of sessions)
Birthdate: April 1, 1954
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: August 5, 1992
Height: 5'7" (170 cm)
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Jocko Willink(Author, Podcaster and Former Member of US Navy SEAL Team 3)
Birthdate: September 8, 1971
Sun Sign: Virgo
Jocko Willink is an American podcaster, author, and retired US Navy officer. Willink, who served in the Navy SEALs, played an important role in the Iraq War. He served as the commanding officer for Task Unit Bruiser, which fought the Iraqi insurgents in Ramadi. He was honored with the Bronze Star and Silver Star Medal for his service.
32
James Van Der Beek(Actor)
Birthdate: March 8, 1977
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
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Dana White(Entrepreneur)
Birthdate: July 28, 1969
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'11" (180 cm)
34
Michael Bolton(Member of the Rock Band 'Blackjack' Who Became Known for His Series of 'Pop Rock Ballads')
Birthdate: February 26, 1953
Sun Sign: Pisces
Michael Bolton is an American singer-songwriter who has sold over 75 million records so far. Apart from recording several top 10 albums on the Billboard charts, Bolton also has several prestigious awards under his belt, such as Grammy Awards. Also known for his charity work, Bolton set up the Michael Bolton Foundation in order to aid children and women.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: August 26, 1986
Sun Sign: Virgo
Singer, songwriter, model, actress, and dancer Cassie Ventura is a multifaceted lady. Beginning her career as a model at the age of 14, she didn’t take long to venture into singing and dancing as well. After enjoying considerable success as a singer, she made her acting debut in a dance film in 2008.
Birthdate: August 4, 1944
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: February 19, 2023
Richard Belzer is best known as John Munch from the series Homicide: Life on the Street and Law & Order: SVU. He continued to play the role in several other series and a TV movie. He has also written several books on conspiracy theories, of which two became bestsellers.
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: June 23, 1943
Sun Sign: Cancer
Birthdate: July 13, 1928
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: June 29, 1978
Bob Crane was a radio show host before soaring to fame with his portrayal of Colonel Robert Hogan in the two-time Emmy-nominated series Hogan's Heroes. In his later career, he hosted The Bob Crane Show and performed in dinner theater. He was a victim of an unsolved homicide in 1978.
Recommended Lists:39
John Ratzenberger(Actor who portrayed Cliff Clavin on the comedy series Cheers, for which he earned two Primetime Emmy nominations)
Birthdate: April 6, 1947
Sun Sign: Aries
Height: 5'10" (178 cm)
40
Titus Welliver(Best Known for His Roles in the TV Series: ‘Lost’, ‘Deadwood’, ‘Sons of Anarchy’ and ‘Bosch: Legacy’)
Birthdate: March 12, 1962
Sun Sign: Pisces
Titus Welliver, son of painter Neil Welliver, is best known for his roles of Jimmy O’Phelan in Sons of Anarchy, Silas Adams in Deadwood, and Hieronymus "Harry" Bosch in Bosch. He has also appeared in films such as Argo and Transformers: Age of Extinction and has narrated several audiobooks.
Recommended Lists:41
Gary Burghoff(Best Known for His Role as ‘Radar O'Reilly’ in the TV Series ‘M*A*S*H’)
Birthdate: May 24, 1943
Sun Sign: Gemini
Gary Burghoff is an American actor who is credited with originating the popular role of Charlie Brown in the 1967 Broadway musical You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. He is also known for originating the role of Walter Eugene O'Reilly in the 1970 black comedy war movie MASH and the popular TV series of the same name.
42
Linda Evans(Known primarily for her roles on television)
Birthdate: November 18, 1942
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Recommended Lists:Birthdate: August 26, 1988
Sun Sign: Virgo
Evan Ross, son of singer Diana Ross and mountaineer Arne Næss Jr, gained prominence with his roles in ATL and The Hunger Games films. He is also an R&B singer. Fans loved him as Charlie Selby in 90210, Angel Rivera in Star, and Dre in 96 Minutes.
Birthdate: June 22, 1964
Sun Sign: Cancer
Amy Brenneman is an American actress best known for playing Detective Janice Licalsi in the police procedural drama TV series NYPD Blue, for which she received two Primetime Emmy Award nominations. She is credited with creating a legal drama television series titled Judging Amy where she also played the title role. She is also credited with co-founding Cornerstone Theatre Company.
Recommended Lists:45
Glenne Headly(Best Known for Her Roles in the Films: ‘Dirty Rotten Scoundrels’, ‘Dick Tracy’ and ‘Mr. Holland's Opus’)
Birthdate: March 13, 1955
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: June 8, 2017
Glenne Headly is best remembered for her Emmy-nominated roles in the TV film Bastard Out of Carolina and the series Lonesome Dove. She also won a CFCA Award for the film Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. She had also delivered award-winning stage performances. She died midway while filming for Future Man.
46
Hope Hicks(American Counselor to the President from 2020 to 2021)
Birthdate: October 21, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra
A former model for Ralph Lauren, Hope Hicks was Donald Trump’s press secretary and the White House communications director. She has been Trump’s longest-serving political aide and is now his senior counselor. She owns a PR firm, has worked for Fox, and has been on Forbes’s 30 under 30 list.
47
Bijou Phillips(Actress)
Birthdate: April 1, 1980
Sun Sign: Aries
Height: 5'6" (168 cm)
48
Norman Lear(Writer and Producer Known for His Popular Sitcoms: ‘All in the Family’, ‘Sanford and Son’ and ‘The Jeffersons’)
Birthdate: July 27, 1922
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: December 5, 2023
TV writer and producer Norman Lear is best known for producing hit sitcoms such as All in the Family, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, and Sanford and Son. He is also part of the Malibu Mafia and a liberal activist. He also established People for the American Way.
Birthdate: March 5, 1970
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: August 15, 2013
Lisa Robin Kelly was an American actress best known for playingLaurie Formanin the popular sitcom, That '70s Show. Troubled by legal issues and alcohol addiction throughout her life, Lisa Robin Kelly died atPax Rehab Housein California due to multiple drug intoxication.
50
Nancy Dow(American Actress and Mother of Actress Jennifer Aniston)
Birthdate: July 22, 1936
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: May 25, 2016
Nancy Dow was an American actress known for appearing in TV series like The Beverly Hillbillies and The Wild Wild West. She got married to actor John Aniston in 1965 and gave birth to their daughter Jennifer Aniston in 1969. Dow's relationship with Jennifer was estranged for nine years before reconciling with her after the latter's divorce from Brad Pitt.
