West Virginia boasts notable comedians, Hollywood stars, country singers, and basketball legends. A number of them were born in small Appalachian communities, eventually becoming successful in their fields on a national and even international level.
The list of famous celebrities from West Virginia includes recognizable faces on TV screens as well as successful people whose hometowns may not be obvious at first glance. The following famous personalities are linked with the Mountain State by birth, childhood, or both.
Steve Harvey turned a West Virginia beginning into television fame
Steve Harvey is a comedian, radio personality, author, businessman, and TV presenter best known for hosting the television game show Family Feud. The funny actor was born in Welch, southern West Virginia, on January 17, 1957.
Source: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com
As Broderick Stephen Harvey, he was the son of coal miner Jesse Harvey and homemaker Eloise Harvey. Steve and his family moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where he pursued his dreams of stardom.
In the mid-80s, Harvey started his career as a stand-up comedian and later ventured into television, radio, writing, and business.
Don Knotts made television audiences laugh for decades
Jesse Donald “Don” Knotts was born on July 21, 1924, in Morgantown, West Virginia. He became one of television’s best-known comic actors through his portrayal of Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show.
Knotts won five Emmy Awards for his work on the series, including three during his regular run and two for later guest appearances. From 1979 to 1984, he also played landlord Ralph Furley on Three’s Company.
Interestingly, the actor’s legacy lives on in Morgantown, where the legendary actor remains popular. The city is waiting for you to explore the place of the famous actor or try some local specialties.
Jennifer Garner grew up in the Charleston area
Jennifer Garner is best known for starring in the TV series Alias and the film 13 Going on 30. What many people do not know is that Jennifer was born in Houston, Texas, and not in West Virginia, as one might expect.
Source: Image Press Agency/Depositphotos
Garner moved with her family to the Charleston area as a child and attended George Washington High School in nearby Kanawha County. She graduated from Denison University in Ohio and later moved to New York City to pursue acting.
Before becoming a household name, Garner appeared in television shows such as Time of Your Life. The accomplished actress has also been recognized for her philanthropic efforts, notably in supporting children’s education and famine relief.
Conchata Ferrell became a familiar face on American television
Conchata Ferrell was an American actress best known for her role as Berta in the sitcom Two and a Half Men. The legendary performer was born on March 28, 1943, in Loudendale, Kanawha County, West Virginia.
She had an extensive TV and film career, with some of her notable works including the movies Network and Mystic Pizza. Ferrell received two Primetime Emmy nominations for her work on Two and a Half Men, in which she played a sharp-tongued housekeeper for 12 years.
For those who enjoy character roles in film and television, Conchata Ferrell is a must-follow actress
Brad Paisley brought West Virginia roots to country music
Brad Paisley is a Grammy-winning country music singer, songwriter, and actor. He was born on October 28, 1972, in Glen Dale, West Virginia, a small city near Wheeling. By the age of 12, he was already singing in the church and at local venues.
Source: L Paul Mann/Shutterstock.com
Paisley rose to fame in the country music scene in the late 1990s with the release of his debut album, Who Needs Pictures. His first Grammy win came in 2008.
Paisley’s contributions to country music have earned him a membership in the Grand Ole Opry. Fans of Brad Paisley, as well as those interested in the history of country music, will enjoy a visit to the Ohio River communities of Glen Dale and Wheeling, West Virginia, where the singer began his musical journey.
Fun fact: He has a dog named Hollar. The name comes from the part of Nashville he was found in.
Jerry West became a basketball legend with a West Virginia connection
Jerry West was a legendary basketball player and executive, best known for his work with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was born on May 28, 1938, in Chelyan, West Virginia, and received his early basketball education in the state.
West was selected as an NBA All-Star in all 14 of his seasons and helped the Lakers win the 1972 NBA championship. He also became the first NBA Finals MVP in 1969 and remains one of the most celebrated guards in league history.
Fans of the NBA can take a trip to West Virginia to follow in the footsteps of the basketball legend. They can view the famous NBA logo at the Art Museum of West Virginia University in Morgantown or take a basketball-themed walking tour of Morgantown.
TL;DR
-
Steve Harvey – comedian and television presenter born in Welch, West Virginia.
-
Don Knotts – actor and comedian best known for The Andy Griffith Show, born in Morgantown, West Virginia.
-
Jennifer Garner – Hollywood actress born in Texas who grew up in Charleston, West Virginia.
-
Brad Paisley – country singer and songwriter born in Glen Dale, West Virginia.
-
Conchata Ferrell – character actress known for her work on Two and a Half Men, born in Kanawha County, West Virginia.
-
Jerry West – basketball legend and executive born in Chelyan, West Virginia, who won the 1972 NBA championship with the Lakers.
If you liked this, you might also like:
The post Famous celebrities from West Virginia who might surprise you appeared first on When In Your State.
