While it seems like nearly all celebrities are born and raised on the West or East Coast, there is a good portion that actually hails from right here in Colorado! While several of the more prominent names come from Denver or Boulder (a la Kristin Davis, Don Cheadle, and Jessica Biel), there are still plenty of famous people from Colorado who come from small towns:
1. Trey Parker
Born in Conifer, Trey Parker is a writer, producer, director, and actor best known for co-creating the animated television series South Park with his friend and collaborator Matt Stone (who just so happens to come from Littleton). The duo has also worked on other projects, including the Broadway musical The Book of Mormon.
2. Amy Adams
Castle Rock isn't the smallest of towns (but compared to other cities, it sure is!), but it is where Amy Adams calls home! Born in Vicenza, Italy, Amy Adams moved to Castle Rock with her family when she was a child. Adams is a talented Academy Award-nominated actress known for her roles in movies like Enchanted, American Hustle, Arrival, and Vice. She's one of the most famous celebrities from Colorado.
3. Danielle Panabaker
Castle Ro - just kidding! Born in Augusta, Georgia, and raised in Durango, Danielle Panabaker is an actress known for her roles in TV series like The Flash and Necessary Roughness. Panabaker has also appeared in various films, such as Sky High, Mr. Brooks, and The Crazies.
4. Taryn Manning
Born in Falls Church, Virginia, and raised in Crested Butte, Taryn Manning is an actress, singer, and songwriter best known for her role as Tiffany "Pennsatucky" Doggett on the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black. Manning has also appeared in films like 8 Mile, Hustle & Flow, and Crossroads. Who knew there were some Crested Butte famous residents once upon a time?
5. Missy Franklin
She may have been born in California, but hometown hero Missy Franklin considers the Denver suburb of Centennial her home. Franklin is a retired competitive swimmer who won five Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records. Franklin's success in the pool also made her a household name and a role model for young swimmers worldwide.
6. Laura Bell Bundy
Raised in La Junta, Laura Bell Bundy is an actress and singer who has appeared in numerous stage productions, television shows, and films. She is best known for her roles in Broadway musicals like Hairspray, Legally Blonde, and Wicked, and she has also released country music albums and guest-starred in various TV shows.
Now that we have talked about national-scale famous people from Colorado, let's talk about local celebrities! (How many do you recognize?)
Want to take a road trip to one of the above small towns in Colorado? Check out the vacation rentals in Colorado for places to stay along the way!
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