15 Top Celebrities That Live in Minnesota
Prince
One of the most iconic musicians of all time, Prince Rogers Nelson, was a native Minnesotan. Born in Minneapolis in 1958, the Purple One, as he was fondly called, maintained strong ties to his home state throughout his life.
Paisley Park, his famous recording studio and residence, is located in Chanhassen, a suburb of Minneapolis. Prince's impact on the global music scene is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to thrive in the very state where it all began.
Garrison Keillor
Renowned radio personality, author, and humorist, Garrison Keillor is best known for creating and hosting the popular radio show "A Prairie Home Companion."
Born in Anoka, Minnesota, Keillor's unique storytelling and wit have captivated audiences for decades. Although he has retired from hosting the show, his influence on Minnesota's cultural landscape remains significant.
Bob Dylan
A folk and rock music legend and Nobel laureate in literature, Bob Dylan was born in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1941. His career has spanned over six decades, and his impact on the world of music is immeasurable.
While Dylan has spent much of his life on the road, he maintains connections to his Minnesota roots. In 2016, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first musician to receive the prestigious honor.
Winona Ryder
Winona Ryder, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films like "Beetlejuice" and "Stranger Things," was born in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Despite achieving Hollywood success, Ryder has kept her Minnesota connection strong. Her upbringing in a small town in Minnesota has been a grounding influence on her life and career.
Chris Pratt
Known for his roles in blockbuster films like "Guardians of the Galaxy" and "Jurassic World," Chris Pratt spent a significant part of his childhood in Lake Stevens, Washington. However, he was born in Virginia, Minnesota.
Though he moved to Washington at a young age, Pratt often speaks fondly of his Minnesota roots and the impact they had on his upbringing.
Jessica Lange
Academy Award-winning actress Jessica Lange was born in Cloquet, Minnesota, in 1949. Known for her versatile performances in films like "Tootsie" and "Blue Sky," Lange is also recognized for her work in television, particularly her roles in the anthology series "American Horror Story."
Despite her success in Hollywood, Lange has maintained a connection to her Minnesota roots and occasionally reflects on her upbringing in the Midwest.
Josh Hartnett
Actor and producer Josh Hartnett, known for his roles in films such as "Pearl Harbor" and "Black Hawk Down," hails from Saint Paul, Minnesota. Hartnett, who started his career in the late 1990s, has often spoken about his love for his home state and the impact it has had on his life.
Amy Klobuchar
Moving from the entertainment industry to politics, Amy Klobuchar is a prominent figure in American politics and a U.S. Senator from Minnesota. Born in Plymouth, Minnesota, in 1960, Klobuchar has been serving in the Senate since 2007.
Known for her pragmatic approach and dedication to public service, she has become a respected figure not only in Minnesota but on the national political stage as well.
Terry Gilliam
Renowned filmmaker and Monty Python member Terry Gilliam was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1940. While he spent much of his career in the United Kingdom, Gilliam's Minnesota roots have influenced his unique and imaginative approach to filmmaking.
Known for classics like "Brazil" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas," Gilliam's creative vision reflects the diverse and vibrant spirit of his birthplace.
Rachael Leigh Cook
Actress and producer Rachael Leigh Cook, famous for her roles in films like "She's All That" and "Josie and the Pussycats," was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1979.
Cook has consistently worked in the entertainment industry since her debut in the 1990s, and her Minnesota origins remain a significant part of her identity. In addition to her acting career, Cook has been an advocate for various charitable causes.
Lizzo
Born Melissa Viviane Jefferson in Detroit, Michigan, Lizzo later moved to Houston, Texas, but her career blossomed when she found her musical home in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Grammy-winning singer and rapper is celebrated for her empowering lyrics and vibrant stage presence.
Lizzo's connection to Minnesota is evident in her references to the local music scene and her time spent honing her craft in the Twin Cities. She is not only a musical powerhouse but also a proud representative of Minnesota's diverse and thriving cultural scene.
Lea Thompson
Actress and director Lea Thompson, known for her roles in iconic '80s films like "Back to the Future" and "Some Kind of Wonderful," was born in Rochester, Minnesota, in 1961. Thompson's successful career in film and television has seen her become a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
Her Minnesota roots are an integral part of her identity, and she has fondly spoken about her upbringing in the Midwest in various interviews.
Kelly Carlson
Actress Kelly Carlson, best known for her role as Kimber Henry on the TV series "Nip/Tuck," was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1976. Carlson's career has included both television and film, and she has often credited her Midwestern upbringing for instilling in her the values of hard work and perseverance. Her success in Hollywood has not diminished her connection to her Minnesota roots.
Vince Vaughn
Actor and comedian Vince Vaughn, recognized for his roles in hit comedies like "Wedding Crashers" and "Old School," was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1970. Vaughn's career has spanned various genres, showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Despite spending much of his time in Los Angeles, Vaughn has maintained a connection to Minnesota and has occasionally returned to his birthplace for various projects and events.
Adam Young
Adam Young, born in Owatonna, Minnesota, in 1986, is a singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist best known as the creative force behind the musical project Owl City. Young gained international fame with his breakout single "Fireflies" in 2009, which topped charts worldwide.
Despite his success and global recognition, Adam Young has remained connected to his Minnesota roots, often drawing inspiration from the serene landscapes and small-town charm that characterize his hometown of Owatonna.