20 Best Actors Born in Chicago

Chicago is known for launching the careers of many successful actors, from famous leading stars to supporting players who consistently make films and shows better. These performers have starred in popular comedies and serious dramas, and have even been key in developing sketch and improv comedy on television. Many have won major awards and have been featured in memorable films and TV shows for years. Here’s a look at twenty actors born in Chicago who have made a significant impact on the entertainment world.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford, a Chicago native, became one of the biggest movie stars in the world thanks to unforgettable roles in films like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’. He successfully led popular franchises such as ‘Indiana Jones’ and ‘Blade Runner’, and also starred in acclaimed dramas like ‘Witness’ and ‘The Fugitive’. Throughout his career, his movies have earned over a billion dollars, and he’s been nominated for both Academy Awards and Golden Globes for his acting in dramatic roles.

Robin Williams

Robin Williams began his career in Chicago with stand-up comedy and the TV show ‘Mork and Mindy’. He later won an Oscar for ‘Good Will Hunting’ and became known for memorable roles in films like ‘Dead Poets Society’ and ‘Good Morning, Vietnam’. His voice performance as the Genie in ‘Aladdin’ is still considered one of the best in animated movies. Throughout his career, Williams skillfully combined humor and heartfelt drama, appearing in films for both families and adults.

Gillian Anderson

Gillian Anderson, originally from Chicago, first gained fame for her role in ‘The X Files’. She’s since proven her versatility by taking on diverse roles in both historical dramas like ‘Bleak House’ and ‘The Crown’, and the modern series ‘Sex Education’. Throughout her career in film, television, and theatre, she’s received numerous awards, including Emmys, Golden Globes, and an Olivier Award, and continues to consistently deliver highly praised performances.

Bernie Mac

Bernie Mac, originally from Chicago, became famous through stand-up comedy and then transitioned to acting with his own show, ‘The Bernie Mac Show’. He was part of popular movies like ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and ‘Bad Santa’, and starred in comedies such as ‘Mr. 3000’. His show received a prestigious Peabody Award and was nominated for several Emmys. He continued to be a prominent actor in both film and television until his death in 2008.

John Belushi

Born in Chicago, John Belushi was a major force in shaping modern sketch comedy, most notably through his work on ‘Saturday Night Live’. He starred in the hit film ‘National Lampoon’s Animal House’ and later combined music and film in ‘The Blues Brothers’. Belushi’s energetic physical comedy and musical talents inspired many future SNL performers, and his career highlights the strong connection between Chicago’s Second City improv troupe and national television success.

Jim Belushi

Born and raised in Chicago, Jim Belushi became a well-known actor in movies and TV after starting his career with the Second City comedy troupe. He’s best known for starring in the sitcom ‘According to Jim,’ and he’s also appeared in films like ‘About Last Night’ and ‘Red Heat.’ Beyond live-action roles, Belushi has lent his voice to animated movies like ‘Hoodwinked,’ and continues to appear in guest spots on television and in ensemble films.

Dennis Farina

I always admired Dennis Farina. Growing up in Chicago, he actually was a police officer before becoming an actor, and you could really feel that authenticity in everything he did. He was perfect in gritty crime dramas like ‘Crime Story’ and ‘Law & Order’, and he made memorable appearances in films like ‘Get Shorty’, ‘Saving Private Ryan’, and ‘Manhunter’. He often played detectives or tough guys, and you could always hear that unmistakable Chicago accent in his delivery – it really made his characters feel real.

Joe Mantegna

Born and raised in Chicago, Joe Mantegna is a celebrated actor with a career spanning stage, film, and television. He won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Glengarry Glen Ross’ and has appeared in films like ‘The Godfather Part III’ and ‘House of Games’. Many also know him as the voice of Fat Tony on ‘The Simpsons’ and for his long-running role as David Rossi on ‘Criminal Minds’. Mantegna is also a dedicated supporter of Chicago’s thriving theatre scene.

John C. Reilly

John C. Reilly, a Chicago native, is a remarkably versatile actor known for his roles in films like ‘Magnolia’, ‘Gangs of New York’, and ‘Step Brothers’. He earned an Academy Award nomination for ‘Chicago’ and later played a key role both in front of and behind the camera in ‘Winning Time’, portraying a racing icon. Reilly is also celebrated for his musically-driven performance in ‘Walk Hard’, and he seamlessly transitions between comedic and dramatic roles.

Terrence Howard

Terrence Howard is a Chicago-born actor who gained recognition with an Academy Award nomination for his role in ‘Hustle and Flow.’ He’s known for appearing in popular films like ‘Crash’ and ‘Iron Man,’ and for starring in the successful TV series ‘Empire.’ Throughout his career, he’s worked on both independent and big-budget movies, often playing characters connected to the music world. He continues to act in both films and television, taking on leading and supporting roles.

Jennifer Beals

As a lifelong movie fan, I first really noticed Jennifer Beals in ‘Flashdance’ – what a breakout role! She’s been consistently working ever since, and I’ve enjoyed seeing her on shows like ‘The L Word’ and its sequel, ‘The L Word: Generation Q’. She’s also popped up in some really interesting films, like ‘Devil in a Blue Dress’, and seems to effortlessly move between big studio projects and smaller, independent ones. It’s great to see an actor with such a diverse career, taking on both regular roles on TV and streaming, and still appearing in films.

Raquel Welch

Born in Chicago, Raquel Welch rose to fame as a movie star in films like ‘One Million Years B.C.’ and ‘Fantastic Voyage’. She later earned a Golden Globe Award for her role in ‘The Three Musketeers’. Throughout her career, she also appeared in television movies, variety shows, and on stage. Welch remained a popular and glamorous figure, often remembered for her work in adventure films.

Michael Clarke Duncan

As a film buff, I was really saddened to hear about Michael Clarke Duncan’s passing. He was a Chicago native who truly made a mark on the industry. Most people probably remember him from ‘The Green Mile’ – he even got an Oscar nomination for that role! But he was so much more than that. I enjoyed seeing him in everything from big blockbusters like ‘Armageddon’ to comedies like ‘The Whole Nine Yards’ and the visually striking ‘Sin City’. And his incredible, booming voice meant he was constantly in demand for voice work in animation and video games. He really tackled all kinds of genres and brought a presence to every role, right up until 2012.

Harold Ramis

Harold Ramis, a Chicago native, was a talented writer, director, and actor known for comedies like ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Stripes’. He co-wrote and directed popular films including ‘Groundhog Day’ and ‘Caddyshack’. While often contributing strong supporting performances, his work as a director had a significant influence on the development of modern comedy. Throughout his career, he remained connected to the improvisational comedy community in Chicago.

Bonnie Hunt

Bonnie Hunt began her career in Chicago, initially working as a nurse and doing improvisational comedy before transitioning to television and film. She’s known for creating and starring in her own show, ‘The Bonnie Hunt Show,’ and for memorable roles in movies like ‘Jumanji,’ ‘Jerry Maguire,’ and ‘The Green Mile.’ She’s also a talented voice actress, lending her voice to popular Pixar films like ‘Cars’ and ‘Monsters, Inc.’, and has directed and written feature films, including ‘Return to Me.’

Marilu Henner

Marilu Henner, originally from Chicago, first gained fame for her role in the TV show ‘Taxi’. She’s had a long and successful career on stage and in television, appearing in shows like ‘Evening Shade’ and numerous made-for-TV movies. She’s also been in films such as ‘L.A. Story’ and ‘Johnny Dangerously’, and continues to work as an actress, host, and author.

Tom Bosley

Tom Bosley, a Chicago native, is best known for his role on ‘Happy Days’. Before becoming a television star, he actually won a Tony Award for his performance in ‘Fiorello!’. He continued to work steadily in TV shows like ‘Murder, She Wrote’ and ‘Father Dowling Mysteries’, successfully balancing stage, film, and television roles throughout his long career.

Bob Balaban

Bob Balaban is a Chicago-born actor known for roles in films like ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’ and ‘Gosford Park’. He often works with Christopher Guest on comedic films featuring large casts, such as ‘Best in Show’. Balaban has also appeared on television shows like ‘Seinfeld’ and ‘The Chair’, and he extends his talents behind the camera as a director and producer.

George Wendt

As a lifelong movie and TV fan, I’ll always remember George Wendt. He’s a Chicago native who really became a household name playing Norm on ‘Cheers’ – honestly, that show is a classic! Beyond that, he popped up in films like ‘Fletch’ and did tons of guest spots on other sitcoms. He’s a true stage actor too, with experience on Broadway and in regional theater. Even now, he’s instantly recognizable, and for so many of us, he’s forever linked to that amazing ‘Cheers’ cast.

Aidan Quinn

Aidan Quinn is a Chicago-born actor known for his work in films like ‘Desperately Seeking Susan’, ‘Legends of the Fall’, and ‘Michael Collins’. He also starred as a lead in the long-running TV show ‘Elementary’. Throughout his career, he’s appeared in both independent films and large-scale historical dramas, and continues to take on diverse roles in movies and television.

Let us know in the comments which performances by Chicago natives are your favorites, and who else you think should be included!

2025-10-28 04:18