Famous People From Illinois & Celebs Born In Illinois. (2024)

Birthdate: July 21, 1951

Sun Sign: Cancer

Died: August 11, 2014

One of the finest comedians of all time, Robin Williams began his career as a stand-up comedian and soon moved to act in television and films. Though widely recognised for his comedic skills, the immensely talented Williams proved his versatility by taking up and successfully performing more serious roles in films like Good Will Hunting and The Fisher King.

Birthdate: February 6, 1911

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Died: June 5, 2004

An actor turned union leader turned politician, Ronald Wilson Reagan served as the 40th president of America. Hailed for his public speaking and communication skills, Reagan is one of the most popular Presidents of USA, mainly due to his ‘America First’ economic policies which led to a decrease in inflation and unemployment rates during his tenure.

Birthdate: January 17, 1922

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Died: December 31, 2021

Betty White, American actress and comedian, is considered as the pioneer of television and has had the longest television career of any entertainer, straddling more than 80 years. She’s known for her award-winning performances in shows like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Golden Girlsand Hot in Cleveland.

Birthdate: December 2, 1998

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Died: December 8, 2019

Rapper Juice Wrld is best remembered for his tracks Lucid Dreams and All Girls Are the Same. He was also part of the collective Internet Money. He died due to a drug-induced seizure at the age of 21. His posthumous album Legends Never Die topped the Billboard 200 chart.

Birthdate: July 13, 1942

Sun Sign: Cancer

With an extensive career spanning six decades, veteran actor Harrison Ford is a major figure in Hollywood. The recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Cecil B. DeMille Award, he is one of the highest-grossing domestic box office stars of all time. Besides acting, he is a licensed pilot of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

Birthdate: December 5, 1901

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Died: December 15, 1966

Walt Disney is considered to be the forerunner of the American animation industry. He has won 22 Oscars and holds the record for most Academy Awards earned by an individual as a film producer. His The Walt Disney Company‍ has produced many successful animation films. He later established amusement theme park, Disneyland, in 1955, which has since grown manifold.

Birthdate: September 21, 1950

Sun Sign: Virgo

Famous American actor, Bill Murray, began as a comedic performer and gained fame with the variety show,Saturday Night Live, and movies,Caddyshack and Ghostbusters. Later, his seriocomic roles in movies like Rushmore, Lost in Translation and St. Vincent earned him rave reviews. The actor has also lent his voice to many animation movies like Garfield and The Jungle Book.

Birthdate: July 21, 1899

Sun Sign: Cancer

Died: July 2, 1961

Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist and short-story writer whohad a strong impact on 20th-century fiction. He published seven novels and six short-story collections and won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1954. A Farewell to Arms, For Whom the Bell Tolls and The Old Man and the Sea are some of his classic works. He ended his own life in July 1961.

Birthdate: January 17, 1982

Sun Sign: Capricorn

With an Olympic gold medal and three NBA championships, Dwyane Wade is one of the most decorated former American basketball players of the 21st century. Also a well-known philanthropist, Dwyane Wade founded The Wade's World Foundation in 2003; the foundation helps community-based organizations promote education and social skills for children. He also supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Birthdate: December 1, 1940

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Died: December 10, 2005

Considered one of the greatest stand-up comedians of all time, Richard Pryor entertained his audience and influenced generations of stand-up comedians with his pointed observations and skilful art of storytelling. He began by performing at clubs and gained immense fame with his third comedy album,That Nigger’s Crazy. He also became an acclaimed actor and an award winning writer.

Birthdate: March 14, 1933

Sun Sign: Pisces

Regarded as one of the most popular and influential jazz musicians of the previous century, Quincy Jones is known for his work with other legendary artists like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra. As the first African-American to find success at the Academy Awards ceremony, Quincy has influenced a host of black musicians and songwriters.

Birthdate: October 5, 1902

Sun Sign: Libra

Died: January 14, 1984

Ray Kroc was the man who helped expand McDonald's into a global franchise, eventually turning it into the most successful fast food corporation. Not surprisingly, he was mentioned in Time magazine's Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century list. He was also the owner of the popular baseball team San Diego Padres.

Birthdate: August 26, 1982

Sun Sign: Virgo

Former SNL writer John Mulaney is best known for his Comedy Central special New in Town and his Fox series Mulaney. The Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian plays George St. Geegland in a comedy duo. He has also voiced Peter Porker/Spider-Ham in the Oscar-winning movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

Birthdate: March 9, 1943

Sun Sign: Pisces

Died: January 17, 2008

Bobby Fischer began as a chess prodigy in his teens and went on to become the youngest "grandmaster," at 15. His participation in a politically controversial match in Yugoslavia led to the revocationof his U.S. passport and his arrest. He spent the final years of his life in Iceland.

Birthdate: October 26, 1978

Sun Sign: Scorpio

CM Punk is an American retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. CM Punk is one of the first independent wrestlers to have achieved tremendous success in WWE; his success served as a precedent for other independent wrestlers. Over the years, CM Punk hasinfluenced and inspiredpopular wrestlers like Seth Rollins, Adam Cole, and Rhea Ripley.

Birthdate: February 20, 1966

Sun Sign: Pisces

Supermodel Cindy Crawford ruled the fashion industry in the 1990s. Her trademark mole and the red Versace dress she wore at the Oscars set fashion trends. She has endorsed scores of products, appeared in all top-notch magazines, hosted a TV show, and owns a make-up line and a furniture line.

Birthdate: September 11, 1977

Sun Sign: Virgo

Three-time Grammy-winning rapper Ludacris soared to fame with his second album, Back for the First Time. Fans also loved him as Tej Parker in The Fast and the Furious franchise. He owns a label, a line of headphones, and a restaurant. His Ludacris Foundation is associated with many youth initiatives.

Birthdate: November 5, 1943

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Died: July 27, 2017

Ten-time Obie Award-winning playwright, author, director, and actor Samuel Shepard had also won a Pulitzer Prize for the play Buried Child. He was also the drummer of the rock band The Holy Modal Rounders. Fans remember him for his Academy Award-nominated performance as Chuck Yeager in The Right Stuff.

Birthdate: October 4, 1923

Sun Sign: Libra

Died: April 5, 2008

Charlton Heston was an American actor whose cinematic legacy became the subject of an 11-film retrospective titled Cinematic Atlas: The Triumphs of Charlton Heston. Also a political activist, Charlton Heston was one of the few Hollywood actors to criticize racism in the 1950s and 1960s; he was also a supporter of the Civil Rights Movement.

Birthdate: December 23, 1964

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Pearl Jam lead singer and guitarist Eddie Vedder went from being a hotel security guard to being ranked 7 on Rolling Stone’s list of the Best Lead Singers of All Time. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has been a vocal supporter of environmental initiatives and abortion rights.

Birthdate: March 11, 1993

Sun Sign: Pisces

American professional basketball player, Anthony Davis plays, for the National Basketball Association’s Los Angeles Lakers. He is the youngest player to score at least 59 points in a NBA game. He was a member of the US men’s national basketball team which participated in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The team was undefeated in London and won the gold medal.

Birthdate: October 26, 1946

Sun Sign: Scorpio

Pat Sajak went from being a weatherman to the host of the cult game show Wheel of Fortune. His long stint on the show fetched him three Emmy Awards. He has also hosted The Pat Sajak Show and The Price Is Right, and has written columns for Human Events.

Birthdate: March 13, 1972

Sun Sign: Pisces

Height: 6'0" (183 cm)

Birthdate: August 26, 1970

Sun Sign: Virgo

American actress, Melissa McCarthy, became famous when she starred in the television series,Gilmore Girls, which ran from 2000 to 2007. The sitcom,Mike & Molly, which ran from 2010 to 2016, further brought her accolades. She hasalso been part of films like This is 40, Identity Thief, The Heat, The Boss, Bridesmaids, Tammy, Spy and Can You Ever Forgive Me.

Birthdate: March 23, 1953

Sun Sign: Aries

Ten-time Grammy-winning funk/R&B/disco artist Chaka Khan, or the Queen of Funk, soared to fame as the frontwoman of the band Rufus. Known for her hit track I Feel for You, Khan has sold 70 million records and has ranked 17th on VH1’s 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll list.

Birthdate: August 9, 1968

Sun Sign: Leo

Height: 5'3" (160 cm)

Birthdate: January 17, 1964

Sun Sign: Capricorn

Wife of the former U.S President, Barack Obama, and one of the most popular First Ladies of the United States, Michelle Obama is a celebrity in her own right. She is still very popular and is a sought-after speaker around the globe and often lends her voice to issues like poverty awareness, education, nutrition, women’s rights, immigration andracism.

Birthdate: April 17, 1918

Sun Sign: Aries

Died: November 12, 1981

William Holden is best known for his Academy Award-winning performance in Stalag 17 and his Emmy-winning role in the TV film The Blue Knight. He also appeared in the films Sunset Boulevard and The Bridge on the River Kwai, and on Lux Radio Theatre. He was also a wildlife conservationist.

Birthdate: December 10, 1957

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Died: September 3, 2012

Michael Clarke Duncan was one of the most popular actors best known for his portrayal of John Coffey in the fantasy drama film The Green Mile. Apart from acting in films and TV series, he was also featured in several video games, such as SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone, and The Suffering: Ties That Bind.

Birthdate: January 24, 1949

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Died: March 5, 1982

One of the original cast members of the popular TV show Saturday Night Live, John Belushi was known for his great comic skills. Unfortunately, he struggled in his personal life with drug addiction and eventually died of combined drug intoxication at the age of 33. He posthumously received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Birthdate: June 23, 1957

Sun Sign: Cancer

Frances McDormand has earned the "Triple Crown of Acting," with two Academy Awards, a Tony, and two Primetime Emmys. She is best known for her roles of headstrong women in Coen brothers’ films, such as Fargo. She has also been vocal about the Me Too and Time's Upmovements.

Birthdate: September 5, 1940

Sun Sign: Virgo

Died: February 15, 2023

Raquel Welch is best known for appearing in atrendsetting bikiniinOne Million Years B.C.She also delivered a Golden Globe-winning performance in The Three Musketeers. A trained ballerina, she later launched her beauty and fitness book and videos, and her own line of wigs, jewelry, and skincare products.

Birthdate: March 19, 1848

Sun Sign: Pisces

Died: January 13, 1929

A policeman and a gunfighter, Wyatt Earp is most known for his role in one of the most famous gunfights in the American West history - the Gunfight at O.K. Corral against a group of cowboys. The incident inspired numerous films and books that elevated his heroic status. During his life, he also worked as a truck driver and saloonkeeper.

Birthdate: October 22, 1962

Sun Sign: Libra

Bob Odenkirk began his career as an SNL writer but shot to fame only after starring as Saul Goodman in Breaking Bad and its spin-off, Better Call Saul. He has also been part of critically acclaimed movies such as Nebraska and The Post, and has directed and produced several shows.

Birthdate: June 28, 1966

Sun Sign: Cancer

John Cusack started his career as a teen actor. He isknown for his unconventional choice of films. Grosse Pointe Blank, Being John Malkovich, High Fidelity, The Raven and The Grifters are some of his notable films. He is also known as an activist and has often taken a strong stand on issues like war, drone usage, civil liberties, press freedom and whistleblowers.

Birthdate: August 3, 1992

Sun Sign: Leo

Former Victoria's Secret Angel Karlie Kloss was declared one of the top 30 models of the 2000s by Vogue Paris. Known as “the panther,” for her signature style of catwalk, Kloss has also hosted Project Runway. She supports STEM education through Kode with Klossy and also aids underprivileged children.

Birthdate: April 16, 1993

Sun Sign: Aries

Chance the Rapper is best known for his Billboard-charting mixtape Coloring Book, which was the first streaming-only album to earn a Grammy. An avid social activist in Chicago, he owns the non-profit SocialWorks. He is known for his signature style of wearing a cap with the number "3" on it.

Birthdate: September 25, 1930

Sun Sign: Libra

Died: May 10, 1999

Shel Silverstein was an American writer, playwright, songwriter, and cartoonist. Renowned for his children's books, songs, and cartoons, Silverstein's works have been translated into over 30 languages. The recipient of many prestigious awards, such as Grammy Awards, Shel Silverstein was posthumously inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.

Birthdate: October 4, 1988

Sun Sign: Libra

Derrick Rose is a basketball player who became the youngest player to receive the NBA Most Valuable Player Award; he received it at the age 22. Despite struggling with knee injuries throughout his career, Rose has managed to stay focused and is currently playing for the Detroit Pistons. In 2018, he came up with a scholarship program called The Rose Scholars to help students.

Birthdate: August 22, 1920

Sun Sign: Leo

Died: June 5, 2012

Ray Bradbury is best remembered for his writings in the science-fiction, mystery, and horror genres, the most notable being the short story anthology Martian Chronicles and the novel Fahrenheit 451. He also contributed to the screenplays of various series and films, and won an Emmy for writing The Halloween Tree.

Birthdate: May 21, 1952

Sun Sign: Gemini

Mr. T is best known as A. Baracus fromThe A-Team and Clubber Lang from Rocky III. Fans love his signature hairstyle and his gold jewelry, which he stopped wearing after Hurricane Katrina. His catchphrase “I pity the fool!" inspired a reality show. He has previously been a celebrity bodyguard.

Birthdate: February 17, 1971

Sun Sign: Aquarius

Denise Richards is an actress,television personality and a former fashion model. Some of her well known films are Starship Troopers, Wild Things, The World Is Not Enough and Love Actually. She’s also worked in many television sitcoms and has made it to top 50 and top 100 ‘Sexiest Women’ list of several magazines. She supports numerous charities.

Birthdate: June 23, 1927

Sun Sign: Cancer

Died: September 23, 1987

Legendary dancer, choreographer, and director Bob Fosse is best remembered for his Academy Award-winning direction in the musical film Cabaret. Renowned for his signature “jazz hands” style, he also earned the Palme D'Or for All That Jazz and nine Tony Awards for various stage productions, eight of them for choreography.

Birthdate: September 12, 1981

Sun Sign: Virgo

Jennifer Hudson shot to fame after reaching the finals of the third season of American Idol. She is known for her Academy Award-winning role of Effie White in Dreamgirls. She also won the Grammy twice, one for her self-titled debut album and the other for the musical The Color Purple.

Birthdate: August 26, 1993

Sun Sign: Virgo

Keke Palmer is an American actress, television personality, and singer. In 2019, she was recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 celebrities who are shaping the future of health, entertainment, business, politics, and more. Palmer, who has been open about her struggle with depression and anxiety, supports movements, such as Black Lives Matter.

Birthdate: June 26, 1970

Sun Sign: Cancer

Nick Offerman, best known for his award-winning performance as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation, is also a professional wood craftsman. He has voiced characters in films such as Hotel Transylvania 2 and Ice Age: Collision Course, hosted a Netflix documentary and a reality series, and written three semi-autobiographical books.

Birthdate: December 16, 1928

Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Died: March 2, 1982

Philip K. Dick was an American writer who wasknown for his work that explores varied social and philosophical themes. Dick's novels have inspired films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report, and The Adjustment Bureau. In 2005, his novel Ubik was included in Time magazine's list of 100 greatest novels published in English since 1923.

Birthdate: May 26, 1926

Sun Sign: Gemini

Died: September 28, 1991

Jazz trumpeter and composer Miles Davis was a pioneer in the bepop and jazz fusion genres. His work also had electronic, African, and Spanish influences. His album Kind of Blue sold 5 million copies in the U.S. and was termed a national treasure by the House of Representatives, years later.

Birthdate: July 23, 1973

Sun Sign: Leo

Height: 5'5" (165 cm)

Birthdate: July 30, 1984

Sun Sign: Leo

American actress Gina Rodriguez, who portrayed Jane Villanueva in the popular TV series Jane the Virgin, is also known for her involvement with charities and philanthropic efforts; in 2016, she was named in Oprah Winfrey's SuperSoul 100, a list of influential leaders and visionaries. Rodriguez also serves as an inspiration to several young Latina actresses.