25 Celebrities Who Grew Up In Michigan

Michigan, a state in the Great Lakes region of the United States, is known for its automotive industry, scenic landscapes, and cultural heritage. Over the years, it has also produced a number of famous celebrities who have made their mark in various fields of entertainment, sports, and politics. Here are 25 notable celebrities who hail from the state of Michigan:

1. Aretha Franklin

Aretha Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee in 1942 and spent her childhood in Detroit, Michigan. Her father was a Baptist minister and gospel singer, while her mother was a pianist and vocalist. Despite facing tragedy and challenges at an early age, including the separation of her parents and the death of her mother, Aretha honed her singing talents and began performing in local clubs and talent shows as a teenager. She signed her first record deal at 18 and released her debut album, “Songs of Faith,” before transitioning to secular music and becoming one of the most iconic singers of all time.

2. Tom Selleck

Tom Selleck was born on January 29, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan, but grew up in Sherman Oaks, California. His father was a real estate investor and his mother was a homemaker. Selleck attended Grant High School and later enrolled at the University of Southern California on a basketball scholarship. However, he eventually switched his focus to acting and graduated with a degree in business administration. After college, Selleck began modeling and landed small roles in TV shows and movies before achieving widespread success as the lead actor in the hit TV series “Magnum, P.I.” in the 1980s.

3. Eminem

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Bruce Mathers III, was born on October 17, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri. He spent much of his early life in Detroit, Michigan, where he faced a tumultuous upbringing. His parents, both struggling with drug addiction, often moved around and he frequently changed schools. Eminem became interested in rap music at a young age and began performing in local clubs and contests. He released his debut album, “Infinite,” in 1996 and later gained widespread attention with his breakthrough album, “The Slim Shady LP,” in 1999. Eminem has become one of the most successful and influential rappers of all time, known for his unique style, controversial lyrics, and personal storytelling.

4. Diana Ross

Diana Ross was born on March 26, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, and grew up in a housing project with her six siblings. Her mother was a schoolteacher and her father was a former Army soldier who worked as a factory worker. Ross began singing with friends as a teenager, and in 1959, she joined a group called The Primettes, which eventually became The Supremes. The Supremes became one of Motown’s most successful acts in the 1960s, with Ross as the lead singer. She eventually left the group to pursue a solo career and has since become one of the most successful female singers in history, known for her powerful voice, dynamic stage presence, and iconic fashion sense.

5. Michael Moore

Michael Moore was born on April 23, 1954, in Flint, Michigan, where he grew up in a working-class family. His father was an automotive assembly-line worker, while his mother was a secretary. Moore attended a Catholic school and later enrolled at the University of Michigan, where he began his career in journalism as the editor of the student newspaper. After college, Moore worked as a journalist and became a documentary filmmaker, known for his politically charged and socially conscious films, including “Roger & Me” and “Fahrenheit 9/11.” He has since become a prominent political activist and advocate for progressive causes.

6. Kristen Bell

Kristen Bell was born on July 18, 1980, in Huntington Woods, Michigan. She attended Shrine Catholic High School in nearby Royal Oak, where she participated in school plays and musicals. Bell went on to attend New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied musical theater. After college, she landed her first role in the Broadway musical “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.” Bell then transitioned to television and film, gaining widespread recognition for her leading role in the hit TV series “Veronica Mars.” She has since become a prominent actress in Hollywood, known for her comedic timing and versatile range.

7. Jeff Daniels

Jeff Daniels was born on February 19, 1955, in Athens, Georgia, but grew up in Chelsea, Michigan. He attended Central Michigan University and graduated with a degree in English. Daniels began his career in theater and eventually moved to New York City to pursue acting. He landed his breakthrough role in the 1983 film “Terms of Endearment” and has since become a prolific actor, known for his wide range of roles and versatile performances. In addition to acting, Daniels is also a playwright and musician.

8. Dax Shepard

Dax Shepard was born on January 2, 1975, in Milford, Michigan. He grew up in a suburb of Detroit and attended Walled Lake Central High School. Shepard’s parents divorced when he was three years old, and he was raised primarily by his mother, who worked as a saleswoman for General Motors.

Shepard developed an early interest in performing and began taking acting classes at the age of 12. He also became interested in cars and racing, a passion that he would later incorporate into his career. After graduating from high school, Shepard attended Santa Monica College, where he studied anthropology. However, he dropped out after a year to pursue a career in entertainment.

9. Ted Nugent

Ted Nugent was born on December 13, 1948, in Redford, Michigan. He grew up in a suburb of Detroit and began playing guitar at a young age. Nugent’s father was a sergeant in the Army, and his mother was a homemaker. Nugent attended St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights, Illinois, but dropped out in his sophomore year.

Nugent began his music career in the mid-1960s and gained fame as the lead guitarist for the band The Amboy Dukes. He later pursued a solo career and became known for his high-energy performances and controversial views on hunting and gun rights. Nugent also appeared on various television shows and hosted his own radio show.

10. Lily Tomlin

Lily Tomlin was born on September 1, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan. She grew up in a working-class family and attended Cass Technical High School. Tomlin went on to study at Wayne State University, where she majored in biology.

During her college years, Tomlin became interested in performing and began appearing in local theater productions. After graduating, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in entertainment. Tomlin’s big break came in 1969 when she was cast on the sketch comedy show “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.” She quickly became a fan favorite for her quirky characters and comedic timing.

Tomlin went on to have a successful career in television, film, and theater, earning numerous awards and accolades for her performances. She is known for her versatility as an actress, as well as her advocacy for various social and political causes.

11.Gerald Ford

Gerald Ford was born Leslie Lynch King Jr. on July 14, 1913, in Omaha, Nebraska. His parents separated soon after his birth, and his mother moved with him to Grand Rapids, Michigan, where she remarried and he was given the name Gerald Rudolph Ford Jr.

Ford attended the University of Michigan, where he played football and earned a degree in economics. He also studied law at Yale University, where he graduated in 1941. Ford then joined the Navy during World War II and served as a lieutenant commander aboard an aircraft carrier in the Pacific theater.

After the war, Ford returned to Grand Rapids and entered politics, serving in the U.S. House of Representatives for over two decades. In 1973, he was appointed vice president under Richard Nixon and became president in 1974 following Nixon’s resignation. Ford served as president until 1977, and his administration was marked by efforts to heal the country after the Watergate scandal and the end of the Vietnam War.

12. Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun was born on December 21, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, and grew up in Troy, Michigan, USA. His parents immigrated to the United States when he was four years old. Yeun attended Kalamazoo College in Michigan, where he studied psychology and theater.

After graduation, Yeun moved to Chicago to pursue a career in acting. He began performing with the improvisational comedy group Second City and later moved to Los Angeles to further his career. Yeun’s big break came in 2010 when he was cast in the role of Glenn Rhee on the AMC television series “The Walking Dead.”

Since then, Yeun has become a prominent actor in both television and film. He has received critical acclaim for his performances, including a Primetime Emmy nomination for his work on the series “Invincible.” In addition to acting, Yeun is also an activist and advocate for social and political causes.

13. Tim Allen

Tim Allen was born on June 13, 1953, in Denver, Colorado, as Timothy Alan Dick. His father died when he was just 11 years old, and his mother remarried soon after. Allen attended Western Michigan University, where he earned a degree in television production.

After college, Allen began performing stand-up comedy and eventually moved to Los Angeles to further his career. He gained national attention with his appearances on “The Tonight Show” and “Late Night with David Letterman.”

In 1991, Allen landed his own television series, “Home Improvement,” which became one of the most popular sitcoms of the 1990s. Allen also pursued a successful film career, starring in movies such as “The Santa Clause,” “Toy Story,” and “Galaxy Quest.”

Throughout his career, Allen has been known for his comedy and outspoken conservative views. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work in entertainment, including a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

14. Madonna

Madonna Louise Ciccone was born on August 16, 1958, in Bay City, Michigan. She was raised in a Catholic family and attended Catholic schools. Madonna studied dance and theater and earned a scholarship to attend the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. However, she dropped out in 1978 to pursue a career in entertainment.

Madonna moved to New York City and began performing in nightclubs and music venues. In 1983, she released her debut self-titled album, which featured the hit songs “Holiday” and “Borderline.” Madonna’s provocative style and boundary-pushing music videos quickly made her a pop icon.

Throughout her career, Madonna has continued to push the boundaries of both music and popular culture. She has released numerous hit albums and singles, including “Like a Virgin,” “Material Girl,” “Vogue,” and “Ray of Light.” Madonna has also acted in films and on stage, and she has become a cultural icon known for her style, activism, and provocative performances.

15. Casey Kasem

Casey Kasem was born on April 27, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, as Kemal Amin Kasem. His parents were Lebanese immigrants, and he was raised in a Lebanese-American community in Detroit. Kasem attended Wayne State University, where he pursued a degree in broadcasting.

Kasem began his career in radio in the 1950s, working as a disc jockey and announcer for various stations. In 1970, he began hosting the nationally syndicated radio show “American Top 40,” which counted down the week’s top pop songs. The show became a huge success, and Kasem continued to host it for over 30 years.

In addition to his work on the radio, Kasem also did voice-over work for television and film. He was the voice of Shaggy on the animated series “Scooby-Doo” and the host of the television show “America’s Top 10.” Kasem was also a prominent advocate for animal rights and an active supporter of numerous charities.

Kasem passed away on June 15, 2014, at the age of 82, but his legacy in radio and entertainment continues to be celebrated today.

16. Francis Ford Coppola

Francis Ford Coppola was born on April 7, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the son of Italian-American parents and grew up in New York City. Coppola attended Hofstra College, where he studied theater and graduated with a degree in drama.

After college, Coppola moved to California and began working in the film industry. He started out as a writer and directed his first feature film, “Dementia 13,” in 1963. However, he achieved widespread critical and commercial success with the release of “The Godfather” in 1972. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and catapulted Coppola to the top of the film industry.

Coppola went on to direct several other critically acclaimed films, including “The Conversation,” “Apocalypse Now,” and “The Godfather Part II.” He also became a successful producer and was involved in the creation of several major films, such as “American Graffiti” and “The Black Stallion.”

Throughout his career, Coppola has been known for his innovative approach to filmmaking and his commitment to telling compelling stories. He has received numerous awards and accolades for his work, including five Academy Awards and the Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award.

17. David Spade

David Spade was born on July 22, 1964, in Birmingham, Michigan. He grew up in Arizona, where he attended Saguaro High School and later Scottsdale Community College. Spade got his start in comedy by performing stand-up at local clubs in Arizona.

In 1988, Spade moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. He landed a small role on the television series “The Facts of Life” and went on to become a regular cast member on the sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” from 1990 to 1996. During his time on “SNL,” Spade became known for his sarcastic humor and memorable characters, such as the “Hollywood Minute” commentator.

Spade also began to build a successful film career, appearing in movies such as “Tommy Boy,” “Black Sheep,” and “Joe Dirt.” He has continued to work in television and film, hosting his own late-night talk show, “The Showbiz Show with David Spade,” and appearing in the TV series “Just Shoot Me!” and “Rules of Engagement.”

Throughout his career, Spade has remained a popular figure in comedy, known for his dry wit and sharp humor. He has received several award nominations for his work, including an Emmy nomination for his role on “Just Shoot Me!”

18. Charles Lindbergh

Charles Lindbergh was born on February 4, 1902, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up on a farm near Little Falls, Minnesota, where he developed an early interest in aviation. Lindbergh attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison for two years but dropped out to pursue his passion for flying.

In 1924, Lindbergh enlisted in the United States Army Air Service and trained as a pilot. He flew airmail routes across the country, gaining experience and building his reputation as a skilled aviator. In 1927, Lindbergh achieved international fame when he became the first person to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.

Lindbergh’s historic flight from New York to Paris in a single-engine plane, the Spirit of St. Louis, made him an instant celebrity and earned him numerous awards and accolades. He continued to set records and make significant contributions to aviation throughout his career, including flying on numerous expeditions and serving as a consultant and advisor to the U.S. military.

Lindbergh’s later years were marked by controversy, particularly his vocal opposition to U.S. involvement in World War II and his controversial views on race and eugenics. Despite these controversies, Lindbergh remains an important figure in aviation history and a symbol of American courage and innovation.

19. Tom Brady

Tom Brady was born on August 3, 1977, in San Mateo, California. He grew up in a large family and was a standout athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, and baseball.

Brady went on to attend the University of Michigan, where he played football and was the backup quarterback for the first two seasons. He became the starting quarterback in his junior year and led the team to an Orange Bowl victory in 2000.

In 2000, Brady was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the NFL draft. He began his professional career as a backup quarterback but quickly proved himself to be a valuable player, leading the Patriots to their first Super Bowl victory in 2002.

Brady has gone on to become one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, with numerous records and accolades to his name. He has won seven Super Bowl championships, five Super Bowl MVP awards, and three NFL MVP awards. He has also been selected to the Pro Bowl 14 times and holds several NFL records, including most career touchdown passes.

Off the field, Brady is known for his dedication to fitness and health, as well as his philanthropic efforts. He is married to supermodel Gisele Bündchen and has three children.

20. J.K. Simmons

J.K. Simmons was born on January 9, 1955, in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. He grew up in a family of educators and attended the University of Montana, where he earned a degree in music.

After college, Simmons moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting. He landed his first Broadway role in the 1980s and began to appear in television shows and movies in the 1990s.

Simmons is known for his versatility as an actor, appearing in a wide range of roles in film, television, and theater. He has won numerous awards for his work, including an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in the 2014 movie “Whiplash.”

In addition to his acting career, Simmons is also a voice actor, having provided the voice for several animated characters, including J. Jonah Jameson in the “Spider-Man” movies and Tenzin in “The Legend of Korra.”

Throughout his career, Simmons has been praised for his range, depth, and intensity as an actor. He continues to be a prolific performer in film, television, and theater and has become one of the most respected and recognizable actors in Hollywood.

21. Ken Jeong

Ken Jeong was born on July 13, 1969, in Detroit, Michigan, to South Korean immigrant parents. His family eventually moved to Greensboro, North Carolina. Jeong was a gifted student and attended Duke University, where he earned his undergraduate degree in pre-med. He then went on to earn his medical degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed his residency in internal medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. Despite his success in medicine, Jeong had a passion for comedy and acting, and eventually decided to pursue a career in entertainment. He moved to Los Angeles in the late 1990s and began performing stand-up comedy while still working as a physician. His breakout role came in the 2007 film “Knocked Up,” and he has since gone on to become a successful actor and comedian.

25. Courtney B. Vance

Courtney B. Vance was born on March 12, 1960, in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in a middle-class family and was raised in a predominantly African American neighborhood. Vance attended Harvard University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. He then went on to attend the Yale School of Drama, where he received his Master of Fine Arts degree. After graduation, Vance began his acting career on stage, performing in productions such as “Fences” and “Six Degrees of Separation.” He eventually made his way to film and television, appearing in movies such as “The Hunt for Red October” and “The Preacher’s Wife,” as well as TV shows like “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” and “American Crime Story.” Vance has won numerous awards for his acting, including an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Johnnie Cochran in “The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story.”

23. David Alan Grier

David Alan Grier was born on June 30, 1956, in Detroit, Michigan, USA. He grew up in a middle-class family and attended a private school in Detroit. His father, William Henry Grier, was a psychiatrist and his mother, Aretas Ruth Dudley, was a teacher. Grier attended the University of Michigan, where he received a degree in theater and performed in several productions. He then went on to attend the Yale School of Drama, where he studied under renowned acting coach Sanford Meisner. After graduating, Grier moved to New York City and began performing in theater productions and comedy clubs. He later gained national recognition as a cast member on the sketch comedy television show “In Living Color” in the 1990s.

24. Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. was born on February 24, 1977, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. His father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., was a former boxer and his uncle, Roger Mayweather, was also a professional boxer. Mayweather Jr. grew up in a family of boxers and began boxing at a young age. His father trained him and he quickly showed natural talent for the sport. Mayweather Jr. had a successful amateur career, winning the national Golden Gloves championship three times and an Olympic bronze medal in 1996. He then turned professional and went on to become one of the most successful boxers in history, with an undefeated record of 50-0. Mayweather Jr. is known for his defensive skills, speed, and accuracy in the ring, and has been recognized as one of the greatest boxers of all time.

25. Verne Troyer

Verne Troyer was born on January 1, 1969, in Sturgis, Michigan, USA. He was born with a rare genetic disorder called cartilage-hair hypoplasia, which resulted in his small stature, standing at just 2 feet 8 inches tall. Despite his size, Troyer was an outgoing and adventurous child. He attended high school in Centreville, Michigan, where he was a standout athlete, participating in football, wrestling, and track and field. After graduating, Troyer moved to Texas and began working as a telephone operator. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Troyer’s breakthrough role came in 1999 when he played Mini-Me in the movie “Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me.” He went on to have a successful career in Hollywood, appearing in a number of movies and TV shows. Troyer passed away on April 21, 2018, at the age of 49.

Conclusion

These celebrities have made a significant impact in their respective industries and have brought attention and acclaim to Michigan. From the iconic voice of Aretha Franklin to the cinematic genius of Francis Ford Coppola, these individuals have put Michigan on the map in a big way.

Not only have they left their mark on the entertainment industry, but some, such as Gerald Ford and Charles Lindbergh, have also made an impact in politics and aviation. They have become ambassadors for Michigan and have inspired others to pursue their dreams, no matter where they come from.

Michigan has produced an impressive roster of celebrities who have made their mark on the world stage. From music to movies to sports, these individuals have proven that anything is possible with hard work and determination. Whether you are a Michigan native or a fan of these famous faces, they are worth celebrating and remembering for their contributions to popular culture.