It’s simple to admire and feel envious of the greatest stars in the world on social media. There is no lack of proof of how wonderful the high life can be, from A-list actors and well-known artists to professional ball players and comedians who have their own comedies.
However, the great majority of these superstars grew up outside of Hollywood, rising from modest beginnings in typical little towns or cities throughout the nation to the bright lights and large bucks of superstardom. Our friends from igamingwv.com have compiled a list of famous actors from West Virginia, so let’s take a look.
- 1. Brad Dourif
As one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, Brad Dourif is well-known for his roles in both television and movies. Dourif, who was born in Huntington, West Virginia, began his acting career in the late 1960s and established himself as a very talented character actor. This talented actor has won several accolades for his remarkable ability to play a variety of characters. In 1975, Dourif had his big break as Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. His reputation as a performer of extraordinary depth and passion was cemented by this portrayal, which also brought him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. - 2. Lou Myers
Myers, the son of Dorothy Jeffries, was born in Cabin Creek, West Virginia. Despite being often portrayed as a cranky old guy, he made appearances in a number of dramas, comedies, and stage plays in addition to films. His first role was as an understudy for Reverend Mosley in the Broadway production of The First Breeze of Summer. His most well-known role was perhaps that of the brash Mr. Vernon Gaines from the comedy A Different World. Myers was a skilled pianist as well. - 3. Don Knotts
Born in Morgantown, West Virginia, on July 21, 1924, as Jesse Donald Knotts, Don Knotts became a well-known personality in the entertainment industry. Knotts came from modest origins as the youngest of four boys in a poor household. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II and then pursued his acting career, beginning in the late 1940s with small appearances on radio and television. But it was his portrayal of the endearing and hilarious Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show that shot him to fame and brought him five Emmy Awards. - 4. Steve Harvey
Steve Harvey has been a prominent player in the entertainment industry for more than thirty years. He was born Broderick Stephen Harvey on January 17, 1957, in Welch, West Virginia. Raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Harvey began his career in comedy in the middle of the 1980s, initially finding success as a stand-up comic before moving on to television. Harvey’s versatile skill has allowed him to do quite a lot throughout his career. He is an acclaimed novelist, a prominent TV presenter, and a well-known comedian. Harvey’s tenure, which started in 1993, as the host of Showtime at the Apollo marked a significant turning point in his career. - 5. John Corbett
John Corbett is well-known for having had a great acting career and leaving his mark on Hollywood history. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia, on May 9, 1961, he had a difficult upbringing. Despite these difficulties, Corbett was able to turn hardship into strength, turning himself into a role model and a living example of willpower. Corbett’s breakout performance was in the 1990s television series Northern Exposure, playing Chris Stevens. He received widespread acclaim from viewers for his captivating depiction of the reflective DJ, which led to an Emmy nomination. He went on to excel in a number of TV and movie roles after this early triumph.
