You never know who might have walked the same school hallways, streets or neighborhood sidewalks as you.
This week, we’re looking at some well-known actors, athletes, authors, musicians, entertainers and public figures who were born, raised or spent important years in the Northwest Suburbs. Got some big names here!
Harrison Ford - Park Ridge
Before he became Han Solo, Indiana Jones and one of the most recognizable actors in the world, Harrison Ford spent part of his youth in Park Ridge and attended Maine East High School.
Hillary Clinton - Park Ridge
The former First Lady, U.S. Senator, Secretary of State and 2016 presidential nominee grew up in Park Ridge and graduated from Maine South High School.
Sebastian Maniscalco - Arlington Heights
One of today’s biggest stand-up comedians, Sebastian Maniscalco grew up in Arlington Heights and graduated from Rolling Meadows High School before turning everyday family moments into sold-out comedy shows.
Vince Vaughn - Buffalo Grove
Before starring in movies like Wedding Crashers, Dodgeball, Old School and Swingers, Vince Vaughn spent part of his childhood in Buffalo Grove before later attending high school in Lake Forest.
Marlee Matlin - Arlington Heights/Morton Grove
Academy Award-winning actress Marlee Matlin grew up in nearby Morton Grove and graduated from John Hersey High School in Arlington Heights. She later became the youngest Best Actress Oscar winner at the time for Children of a Lesser God.
Veronica Roth - Barrington
The bestselling author behind the Divergent series was raised in Barrington and attended Barrington High School before her dystopian Chicago-inspired books became a major global franchise.
Jimmy Garoppolo - Arlington Heights
NFL quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was born and raised in Arlington Heights and played football at Rolling Meadows High School before going on to win two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots.
Max Christie - Arlington Heights / Rolling Meadows
NBA guard Max Christie grew up in the area and starred at Rolling Meadows High School, where he became one of the top high school basketball players in the country before playing at Michigan State and entering the NBA.
Steve Chen - Arlington Heights
YouTube co-founder Steve Chen immigrated to the U.S. as a child and spent part of his early life in Arlington Heights, including time at Thomas Middle School and John Hersey High School.
Sherri Shepherd - Hoffman Estates
Comedian, actress and daytime TV host Sherri Shepherd spent part of her childhood in Hoffman Estates before building a career that included The View, 30 Rock, her own talk show and a Hollywood Walk of Fame honor.
Haley Reinhart - Wheeling
Singer and songwriter Haley Reinhart was born in Wheeling and attended Wheeling High School before becoming a fan favorite on American Idol and building a career that blends pop, jazz, soul and rock.
Jalen Brunson - Lincolnshire
New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson became one of the top high school basketball players in the country at Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire before winning two national championships at Villanova and becoming one of the NBA’s biggest names.
John Francis Daley - Wheeling
Actor, writer and filmmaker John Francis Daley was born in Wheeling and went on to star in Freaks and Geeks and Bones, later co-writing films like Horrible Bosses and co-directing major studio projects.
Billy Corgan - Elk Grove Village
The Smashing Pumpkins frontman was born in Elk Grove Village before becoming one of the defining voices of 1990s alternative rock with songs like “1979,” “Today” and “Tonight, Tonight.”
Brian McBride - Arlington Heights / Buffalo Grove
U.S. soccer legend Brian McBride was born in Arlington Heights and attended Buffalo Grove High School before becoming one of the most important American soccer players of his generation.
Ted Nugent - Palatine / Arlington Heights
Rock musician Ted Nugent lived in the Palatine and Hoffman Estates area as a teen and attended St. Viator High School in Arlington Heights before becoming known for songs like “Cat Scratch Fever” and “Stranglehold.”
Lee DeWyze - Mount Prospect
Singer-songwriter Lee DeWyze was born in Mount Prospect and became a national name after winning Season 9 of American Idol. Before the show, he attended Prospect High School and Forest View Alternative School.
Kirk Cousins - Barrington
NFL quarterback Kirk Cousins was born in Barrington and spent part of his early childhood there before becoming a four-time Pro Bowler and one of the more recognizable quarterbacks of his era.
Robert Reed - Des Plaines
Best known as Mike Brady on The Brady Bunch, Robert Reed grew up in Des Plaines before becoming one of TV’s most recognizable sitcom dads.
Daryl Hannah - Long Grove
Actress Daryl Hannah grew up in Long Grove before becoming a major Hollywood star, best known for roles in Splash, Blade Runner, Wall Street, Steel Magnolias and Kill Bill.
