Massachusetts Notables
| Artist | Known For |
| Casey Affleck Actor, Falmouth | Casey Affleck followed in the footsteps of older brother Ben. He had small roles in movies like "Good Will Hunting" (1998), "American Pie" (1999) and all of the "Ocean's Eleven" movies (2001,2004,2007). He can now be seen starring in main roles in films like "Gone Baby Gone" (2007) and "The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" (2007). |
| Ben Affleck Actor/Screenwriter, Cambridge | Ben Affleck began acting at a young age but wasn't cast in a feature film until Dazed and Confused in 1993. Since then he has gone on to star in major films including "Chasing Amy" (1997), "Armageddon" (1998) and "Daredevil" (2003). He took home an Oscar with childhood friend Matt Damon in 1998 for Best Original Screenplay for "Good Will Hunting." He continues to act and in 2007 made his major debut as a Director in "Gone Baby Gone." |
| Jack Albertson Actor, Malden | This talented actor won an Emmy for his role in "Chico and the Man" (1974), and an Oscar for "The Subject Was Roses" (1968). He can also be seen in movies including "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972), "Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory" (1971) and "How to Save a Marriage and Ruin Your Life" (1968). |
| Jason Alexander Actor, Boston University Alumni | Seinfeld star Jason Alexander hit the big screen in films such as "Pretty Women" (1990), "Shallow Hal" (2001) and his voice can be heard in the animated "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" (2002). |
| Ed Ames Actor, Malden | Ames is best known for his role as Mingo on "Daniel Boone" (1964-1968) but he has also starred on Broadway in shows including "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" and "The Crucible." |
| Cleveland Amory Writer, Nahant | This writer is known for writing for two television series, "O.K. Crackerby!" (1965) and "Robert Montgomery Presents" (1950). |
| Chris Angel Director/Editor, Newton | This Emmy-nominated editor is also responsible for directing films including "The Fear: Resurrection" (1999), "A Twist of Faith" (1999) and "This is Not a Test" (2008). |
| John Ashton Actor , Springfield | Ashton has landed roles in movie including "Borderline" (1980), "Little Big League" (1994) and most recently "Gone Baby Gone" (2007). |
| Hank Azaria Actor, Tufts Alumni | Azaria voice can be heard on "The Simpsons" and he can be seen in major films including "Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story" (2004) and "Along Came Polly" (2004). |
| Elizabeth Banks Actress, Pittsfield | This Pittsfield native is known for her roles in Seabiscuit, Heights, the Spider-Man films, and the cult comedy Wet Hot American Summer. She quickly gained widespread exposure through movies like The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Slither. Most recently, Elizabeth stepped behind the scences to executive produce "The Surrogates", a sci-fi thriller filmed in Boston that will hit theaters fall 2009. |
| Russell Banks Writer, Newton | This talented writer has penned novels including The Sweet Hereafter and The Affliction which were both turned into films in 1997. His novel The Darling is now going to be made into a film directed by Martin Scorese. |
| Susan Batson Actor/Producer, Roxbury | This Emerson College graduate has produced "East Broadway" (2006) and "A Raisin in the Sun" (2008). She has also starred in movies including "Bamboozled" (2000) and "Running Out of Time in Hollywood" (2006). |
| Tom Bergeron Producer/TV Personality, Haverhill | This funny man has been the host and producer of "America's Funniest Home Videos" and is now hosting "Dancing with the Stars" |
| Leonard Bernstein Composer/ TV/radio Host, Lawrence | This Harvard grad is responsible for composing for "West Side Story" (1961), "On The Town" (1949) and "Candide" (1989). |
| Jessica Biel Actor, Tufts Alumni | Biel only spent a year and a half at Tufts University before pursuing her acting career. She starred on the television series "7th Heaven"(1996-2006) and then in films including "Summer Catch" (2001), "Elizabethtown" (2005) and "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" (2007). |
| Anna Boden Filmmaker, Newton | Anna Boden has collaborated with friend Ryan Fleck to complete documentaries and Indie films including "Have You Seen This Man?" (2003) and "Half Nelson" (2006). |
| Eric Bogosian Actor/Writer, Woburn | Woburn native Eric Bogosian has starred as Captain Danny Ross on "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" but he has also hit the big screen in movies like "Blade: Trinity" (2004), "Wonderland" (2003) and "Talk Radio" (1989), which he also wrote. A gifted author, playwrite, and performance artist, his other works include; "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll", "Pounding Nails Into The Ground With My Forehead", and "Wake Up and Smell The Coffee". |
| Ray Bolger Actor, Dorchester | This actor may be best known for his role as the scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) but he also had roles in "Sweethearts" (1938), "Four Jacks and a Jill" (1942) and "That?s Dancing!" (1985). |
| Kate Bosworth Actor, Cohasset | Bosworth was first cast in "The Horse Whisperer" (1998) when she was just 14. After finishing high school she found fame by starring in movies like "Remember the Titans" (2000), "Blue Crush" (2002) and "Beyond the Sea" (2004). In 2007 she retuned to Boston to film the movie "21" and continues to star in leading roles. |
| Walter Brennan Actor, Swampscott | This diverse actor won 3 Oscars for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for "Come and Get It" (1936), "Kentucky" (1938) and "The Westerner" (1940). He was also very well known for his role as Amos McCoy in "The Real McCoys" (1957-1963). |
| Bobby Brown Singer/Actor, Boston | Bobby Brown found stardom as part of the musical group New Edition, he later became a solo artist. After marrying Whitney Huston he went on to become a controversial reality TV star on his show "Being Bobby Brown" (2005). |
| Mario Cantone Actor, Boston | This talented actor can be seen in television shows including "Sex and the City" (2000-2004) and "Men in Trees" (2006-2008). |
| Steve Carell Actor, Concord | Carell may be best known for his role on the television show "The Office" (2005-2008) but he has proved to be a talented movie star as well. Some of his films include "The 40 Year Old Virgin" (2005), "Little Miss Sunshine" (2006) and "Dan in Real Life" (2007). |
| Topper Carew Producer/Director/Writer, Boston | Not only does this Boston native writer and produce he also directs. Some of his movies include "Talkin' Dirty After Dark" (1991) and "We Don't Die, We Multiply: The Robin Harris Story" (2006). |
| Susie Castillo Actor, Methuen | After becoming Miss Massachusetts in 2003, Castillo went on to win the title of Miss USA. Since she returned her crown she has starred on MTV as the newest VJ on TRL. |
| John Cazale Actor, Boston | Cazale was only in five feature films before dying from bone cancer, but he proved to be a memorable actor. His films include "The Godfather" (1972), "The Godfather" Part II" (1974), "The Conversation" (1974), "Dog Day Afternoon" (1975) and "The Deer Hunter" (1978). |
| John Cena Actor, West Newbury | After graduating from Springfield College, this tough guy went on to become the Champion in the WWE. He did star in one film called "The Marine" in 2006 but his main priority is remaining king in the ring. |
| John Cheever Writer, Quincy | This gifted writer won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1979 for The Stories of John Cheever. He also wrote The Way Some People Live (1943), Bullet Park (1969) and Falconer (1977). |
| Michael Chiklis Actor, Lowell | This BU Alum can be seen in the television show "The Shield" (2002-2007) and movies including "Fantastic Four" (2005). |
| David Chokachi Actor, Plymouth | The Baywatch Hawaii star is also known for his performances in "Witchblade" (2000), "Psycho Beach Party" (2000) and "The Unspeakable" (1996). |
| Lenny Clarke Actor/Comedian, Boston | Clarke can be seen in "Fever Pitch" (2005) and the TV show "Rescue Me" (2004-2007) but he can also be found doing stand up all over Massachusetts. |
| Dane Cook Comedian/Actor, Arlington | Dane Cook is most widely known as a comedian but he has recently found success in the movie industry as well. Some of his films include "Waiting" (2005), "Employee of the Month" (2006) and "Mr. Brooks" (2007). In 2007 he returned to Boston to film "My Best Friend's Girl." |
| Jennifer Coolidge Actor, Norwell | Coolidge has been acting since the mid 1990's and has starred in films including "Legally Blonde" (2001) "Best in Show" (2000), "American Pie" (1999) and "For Your Consideration" (2006). |
| Chris Cooper Actor, Current Kingston resident | Although born in Kansas City, this Oscar winning actor now resides in Kingston. He received his Oscar for his performance in "Adaptation" (2002) but is known also for "American Beauty" (1999) "The Bourne Identity" (2002) and "Breach" (2007). |
| Rob Corddry Actor, Weymouth | This actor became one of the most popular correspondents on "The Daily Show." He also has appeared in films including "Failure to Launch" (2006), "Blades of Glory" (2007) and "Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay" (2008). |
| Chick Corea Composer, Chelsea | Corea has worked on films including "Flor Cosmica" (1977), "A Picasso on the Beach" (1988) and "Cat Chaser" (1989). |
| Wendell Corey Actor, Dracut | This actor appeared on plenty of television shows in the 1950's and 60's but he also starred on the big screen. His movies includes "The Astro-Zombies" (1968), "Blood on the Arrow" (1964), "Alias Jesse James" (1959) and "Rear Window" (1954). |
| Marcia Cross Actor, Marlborough | Marcia Cross has appeared in many television shows including "Knots Landing" (1991-1992), "Melrose Place" (1992-1997) and "Everwood" (2003-2004). Today she stars as Bree Van De Kamp on the hit show "Desperate Housewives" (2004-2008). |
| Todd Dagres Producer, Boston | This founding face of Angel Foundation that raises money for children, splits his time between film and his career as the General Partner of Spark Capital producing "Pretty Persuasion" (2005), "I Never" (2003) and "Transsiberian" (2008). |
| Matt Damon Actor, Cambridge | Matt Damon's first movie role was in 1988 and he has since become a major movie star and Oscar winner for "Good Will Hunting." His other films include "Saving Private Ryan" (1998), "The Bourne Identity" movies (2002, 2004, 2007), "The Departed" (2006) and "The Good Shepard" (2006). |
| Emily Deschanel Actor, Boston University Alumni | This Boston University Professional Actor's Training Program graduate can be seen in films such as "Spider-Man 2" (2004), "Cold Mountain" (2003). and "Boogeyman" (2005). She also graces the small screen in "Bones" (2005-2008). |
| Denise Di Novi Producer, Simmons College Alumni | This Simmons College graduate has produced many films including "Edward Scissorhands" (1990), "Practical Magic" (1998), "A Walk to Remember" (2002) and "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" (2005). |
| Jeffrey Donovan Actor , Amesbury | Nominated for a Primetime Emmy for his performance in "Another World" (1997) Donovan got his chance on the big screen in movies such as "Book of Shadows: Blair Witch II" (2000) and "Hitch" (2005). |
| Rachel Dratch Actor/Comedian, Lexington | Dratch is best known as a cast member on "Saturday Night Live" (1999-2007) but she can also be seen in movies including "I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry" (2007) and "My Life in Ruins" (2008). |
| Olympia Dukakis Actress, Lowell | This Oscar winning actress graduated Boston University and went on to star in "Look Who's Talking" (1989), "Away from Her" (2006), "Moonstruck" (1987), and many more. |
| Eliza Dushku Actor, Boston | Dushku started her acting career at the Watertown Children's Theater. She went on to act in films such as "Bring it On" (2000), "True Lies" (1994) and "Wrong Turn" (2003). |
| Richard Dysart Actor, Boston | This Emerson College alum won an Emmy for his role in "L.A Law" (1986). He has also starred in films including "The Hospital" (1971), "The Hindenburg" (1975) and "Wall Street" (1987). |
| John Enos Actor, Boston | This actor can be seen in television shows including "Melrose Place" (1995-1996) "The Young and the Restless" (2003-2005) and "Sex and the City" (1999). |
| Chris Evans Actor, Sudbury | Evan's made his acting debut on "The Fugitive" in 2000. A year later he landed his first major motion feature "Not Another Teen Movie" (2001). Since then he has appeared in movies such as "Just Married" (2003), "The Perfect Score" (2004), both "Fantastic Four" films (2005, 2007) and "Push" (2009). |
| Peter Farrelly Director/Screenwriter/Producer, Attended Umass Amherst | Farrelly lived in Boston and Cape Cod before beginning his career as a writer/producer/director with brother Bobby. Their films include "Dumb & Dumber" (1994), "There's Something About Mary" (1998), "Shallow Hal" (2001) and "Fever Pitch" (2005). |
| Bobby Farrelly Director/Screenwriter/Producer, | Farrelly began his career as a writer/producer/director with his older brother Peter. Their films include "Dumb & Dumber" (1994), "There's Something About Mary" (1998), "Shallow Hal" (2001) and "Fever Pitch" (2005). |
| Colm Feore Actor, Boston | This Boston native can be seen on the big screen in movies such as "The Chronicles of Riddick" (2004), "Chicago" (2002) and "Face/Off" (1997). |
| Spike Feresten Writer, West Bridgewater | Voted "Most Wild and Crazy" of his senior class at West Bridgewater High School, Spike Feresten went on to write the screenplay for "Bee Movie" (2007). |
| Elizabeth Flaherty Art Department, Milton | This Art Directors Guild nominee for Excellence in Production design for "The Last Samurai" (2003) also worked on "City of Angels" (1998), "Wayne's World" (1992) and "The Siege" (1998). |
| Michael Flaherty President/co-founder of Walden Media, Arlington | Tufts University Alumni and Arlington native Michael Flaherty is not only the co-founder and president of Walden Media which is responsible for the production of both "The Chronicles of Narnia" films (2005,2008,2010), "Charlotte's Web" (2006) "Holes" (2003) and "How to Eat Fried Worms" (2006). Flaherty is also the Executive President of the Anschutz Film Group. |
| Ben Foster Actor, Boston | Foster was born in Massachusetts and lived in Boston until his family moved to Iowa. He is best known for his performances in "3:10 to Yuma" (2007), "30 Days of Night" (2007) and "X-Men: The Last Stand" (2006). |
| Tony Gilroy Writer/Director, Boston University Alumni | Gilroy wrote, directed and played the role of the Taxi Driver in "Michael Clayton" (2007). He is also known for writing the "Bourne" trilogy (2002, 2004, 2007) and "Armageddon" (1998). |
| Paul Michael Glaser Director/Actor, Cambridge | Glaser, a BU alum is known for his role as Starsky in "Starsky and Hutch" (1975-1979). He can also be seen in films including "Something's Gotta Give" (2003), "Starsky & Hutch" (2004) and "Live!" (2007). |
| Tony Goldwyn Actor/Director, Brandeis University Alumni | Although born in Los Angeles, Goldwyn chose to relocate to Massachusetts for college at Brandeis University. As an actor, his resume includes "Ghost" (1990) and "The Last Samurai" (2003). His voice can be recognized as that of Tarzan's in the animated film (1999). He also directed "The Last Kiss" (2006). |
| Nick Gomez Director/Writer, Somerville | Gomez wrote and directed "Laws of Gravity" (1992), "New Jersey Drive" (1995) and "Illtown" (1996). He has also directed a number of television shows. |
| Brian Goodman Director/Writer/Actor, South Boston | Goodman used his experience growing up in Southie to make his latest movie "Real Men Cry" (2008) of which he wrote, directed, and acted in. |
| Ginnifer Goodwin Actor, Boston University Alumni | With her BFA in acting from Boston University, Goodwin went on to land roles in films like "Walk the Line" (2005), "Mona Lisa Smile" (2003) and "He's Just Not that Into You" (2008). |
| Dana Gould Producer/Actor/Writer, Hopedale | Gould won two Emmys for Outstanding Animated Program in 2006 and 2003 for "The Simpsons" (1989). He can also be seen in small roles in movies including "Dumb and Dumberer: When Harry Met Lloyd" (2003) and "The Love Bug" (1997). |
| Robert Goulet Actor, Lawrence | Goulet has starred in films including "Honeymoon Hotel" (1964), "I Deal in Danger" (1966) and "Beetle Juice" (1988). |
| Clark Gregg Actor/Director/Screenwriter, Boston | Best known for his performances in "The Usual Suspects" (1995) "Artificial Intelligence: AI" (2001) and "Iron Man" (2008). |
| Scott Grimes Actor, Lowell | This actor is well known for his role as Will on "Party of Five" (1994-2000) and Dr. Archie Morris on "ER" (2003-2008). |
| Peter Guber Producer, Boston | Guber has been a producer for major movies including "Batman" (1989), "Flashdance" (1983) and "The Jacket" (2005). |
| Paul Guilfoyle Actor, Boston | Guilfoyle has starred in films including "3 Men and a Baby" (1987), "Air Force One" (1997) and "Anywhere But Here" (1999). He has also mastered the small screen in "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" (2000-2008). |
| Jack Haley Actor, Boston | Haley is best known as the Tin Man in "The Wizard of Oz" (1939) but he has starred in over thirty other movies. |
| Anthony Michael Hall Actor/Director, West Roxbury | In the 1980's Anthony Michael Hall was the nerd in movies like "The Breakfast Club" (1985) and "Sixteen Candles" (1984). However he has proved that he can play many different roles and can be seen in the television show "The Dead Zone" (2002-2007) and movies including "Funny Valentine" (2005) and "The Dark Knight" (2008). |
| J Todd Harris Producer, Pittsfield | Harris has produced many movies including "Dudley Do-Right" (1999), "Jeepers Creepers" (2001) and "Bottle Shock" (2008). |
| Elisabeth Hasselbeck TV Personality, Boston College Alumni | "The View"(2003-2008) co-host recently made her debut on the big screen in "Made of Honor" (2008). |
| Marin Hinkle Actor, Boston | This actress can be seen in television shows including "Once and Again" (1999-2002) and "Two and a Half Men" (2003-2008). She can also be seen in films including "Friends with Money" (2006), "Fast Track" (2006) and "Rails and Ties" (2007). |
| Lynn Hoffman Actor, Boston | Hoffman became a tv personality when she hosted "VH1 Classic's All Request Hour" (2004) she is now hosting a show called "Private Sessions." |
| William Hurt Actor, Tufts University Alumni | This talented actor can be seen in movies including "The Village" (2004), "A History of Violence" (2005) and "Mr. Brooks" (2007). |
| Sebastian Junger Writer, Belmont | Junger is the talented writer responsible for the book "The Perfect Storm" (2000). |
| Mindy Kaling Actor/Writer/Producer, Cambridge | Not only Kaling write and produce the show "The Office" (2005-2008) she also stars in it. She can also be seen in films including "License to Wed" (2007) and "The 40 Year Old Virgin" (2005). |
| Jon Krakauer Writer, Brookline | This writer penned the book "Into the Wild" (2007). |
| John Krasinski Actor, Newton | Krasinski, most commonly recognized as Jim Halpert from "The Office" (2005-2008) has recently had his try on the big screen accompanying George Clooney and Renee Zellweger in "Leatherheads" (2008). His voice can be heard in "Shrek the Third" (2007), and he makes an appearance in "Dreamgirls" (2006). His debut film as writer/director, "Brief Interviews With Hideous Men", premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. |
| Michael Landers Director, Boston | Landers has directed "Ten Lives" (2004) and "Stalk Footage" (2003). |
| Denis Leary Screenwriter/Actor/Producer, Worcester/Emerson College | This Worcester native continued his education in writing and acting at Emerson College. Leary received a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in "Rescue Me" (2004-2007). He wrote "Two if by Sea" (1996) and is the voice of Diego in both "Ice Age" films (2002, 2006). |
| Matt LeBlanc Actor, Newton | LeBlanc is best known as Joey on "Friends" (1994-2004) but he can also be seen in movies like "Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle" (2003) and "Lost in Space" (1998). |
| Dennis Lehane Writer, Dorchester | This writer is responsible for writing three stories which brought movies to Boston. He wrote the novels that inspired "Mystic River" (2003), "Gone Baby Gone" (2007) and "Shutter Island" (2009) of which he is also the executive producer. |
| Jack Lemmon Actor/Director, Newton | This two time Oscar winner is no longer with us but graced the big screen in films "The Apartment" (1960), "Some Like it Hot" (1959) and "Glengarry Glen Ross" (1992) to name a few. |
| Kasi Lemmons Director/Actress, Newton | Lemmons works both in front of and behind the cameras. She is known for directing "Talk to Me" (2007) and acting in "Silence of the Lambs" (1991). |
| Jay Leno Comedian/TV Host, Andover | Jay Leno is the host of "The Tonight Show" (1992-2008) and also an Emmy award winner. |
| Jojo Levesque Singer/Actor, Foxboro | Jojo first became popular because of her vocal talent but she can also be seen in movies including "Aquamarine" (2006) and "RV" (2006). |
| Elinor Lipman Writer, Lowell | Lipman has written 8 novels about American society and won the New England Book award for fiction in 2001. Three of her novels are now going to be made into films. |
| Donal Logue Actor, Harvard Alumni | Born in Canada, Logue chose to spend his college years in Cambridge. The star of "Grounded for Life" (2001-2005) also hit the big screen in films such as "Blade" (1998), "Ghost Rider" (2007) and "The Patriot" (2000). |
| Bill Macy Actor, Revere | Macy has appeared in films including "Mr. Woodcock" (2007), "The Holiday" (2006) and "Me, Myself and I" (1992). |
| John Malkovich Actor, Current Cambridge Resident | The two time Oscar nominee is known for his performances in "Con Air" (1997), "In the Line of Fire" (1993), "Shadow of the Vampire" (2000) and "Being John Malkovich" (1999). He also produced "Juno" (2007) and "Ghost World" (2001). |
| John McAveeney Producer, Boston | This Massachusetts native has just signed on to be executive producer for the new movie "Conrail" (2008). |
| Thomas McCarthy Actor/Writer/Director, Boston College Alumni | This BC Alum is best known for his acting in "Michael Clayton" (2007), "Meet the Parents" (2000) and "Goodnight, and Good Luck" (2005). He also writes, directs, and edits. |
| Neal McDonough Actor, Dorchester | Hitting both the big and small screens in his time, McDonough is known for his participation in titles such as "Minority Report" (2002), "Band of Brothers" (2001) and "Flags of Out Fathers" (2006). |
| Joey McIntyre Actor/Singer, Needham | The youngest member of New Kids on the Block proved his acting abilities on small roles in television shows like "Boston Public" (2002-2003) and on Broadway in 2007. |
| Maria Menounos Actress, Medford | Menounos represented Massachusetts in Miss Teen USA in 1996 and went on to host "Entertainment Tonight" (2002-2005), "Access Hollywood" (2005-2008) and then landed the role of Jules on "One Tree Hill" (2004-2005). |
| Debra Messing Actress, Brandeis University Alumni | Known on the small screen as Grace from "Will and Grace" (1998-2006), Debra Messing had her shot at the big screen in films such as "Along Came Polly" (2004), "The Wedding Date" (2005) and the Lifetime mini-series "The Starter Wife" (2007). |
| Ben Mezrich Writer, Harvard Alumni | Mezrich wrote the best selling novel Bringing Down the House which became the basis for the film "21" (2008). |
| William Monahan Screenwriter, Boston | This Bostonian's pen turned out the amazing stories of "The Departed" (2006), "Kingdom of Heaven" (2005) and "Jurassic Park IV" (2009). |
| Julianne Moore Actor/ Producer, Boston University Alumni | Although not born in Massachusetts, Julianne studied acting at Boston University. She has been nominated for four Oscars. She is best known for her performances in "Magnolia" (1999), "The Big Lebowski" (1998) and "The Hours" (2002). |
| Bridget Moynahan Actor, Longmeadow | This Longmeadow native ranked #86 in Stuff Magazine's "102 Sexiest Women in the World" in 2002. She can be seen in the films "I, Robot" (2004), "Lord of War" (2005) and "The Recruit" (2003). |
| Mira Nair Director/ Producer, Harvard Alumni | Born in India but educated at Harvard, Nair has directed and produced films such as "The Namesake" (2006) and "Monsoon Wedding" (2001). |
| Julianne Nicholson Actor, Medford | This actress has mastered the small screen in television shows including "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (2005-2008) and "Conviction" (2006). |
| Leonard Nimroy Actor/Director, Boston | This actor is best known as Mr. Spock on "Star Trek" (1966-1969) but he can also be seen in other television shows. He has directed films including "Body Wars" (1989) and "Holy Matrimony" (1994). |
| Edward Norton Actor/Director/Producer, Boston | Two time Oscar nominee Edward Norton is best known for his performances in the films "Fight Club" (1999), "American History X" (1998) and "The Illusionist" (2006). |
| B.J. Novak Actor/Writer/Producer, Newton | Best known as Ryan Howard from "The Office" (2005-2008), Novak not only acts in the TV series, but also produces and writes. On the big screen he can be seen in "Reign Over Me"(2007), and "Knocked Up" (2007). |
| Conan O'Brien Writer/Producer/Actor, Brookline/ Harvard Alumni | Two time primetime Emmy winner Conan O'Brien can be watched late night on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" (1993-2008). He had a chance to practice his jokes at Harvard when he was the president of the Harvard humor Magazine the "Harvard Lampoon." |
| Lawrence O'Donnell Producer/Writer, Dorchester | Previously a small screen producer and writer, this Primetime Emmy winner got to try his hand in writing for the big screen with "The Crusaders" (2009). |
| Mike O'Malley Actor/Writer/Director, Nashua | Most commonly seen on the small screen in a number of sitcoms, O'Malley can also be found on the big screen in the films "The Perfect Man" (2005), "28 Days" (2000), "Pushing Tin" (1999) and "Leatherheads" (2008). |
| Victoria Pearman Producer, Current Martha's Vineyard resident | Although she lives a ferry ride away, Martha's Vineyard resident Victoria Pearman managed to produce "Enigma" (2001), "Shine a Light" (2008) and "The Women" (2008). |
| Erik Per Sullivan Actor, Worcester | This young actor is best known for his role on "Malcolm in the Middle" (2000-2006) but he as also had small roles in movies like "Unfaithful" (2002) and "Finding Nemo" (2003). |
| Tom Perrotta Writer, Current Boston Resident | This Oscar nominated writer received the honor for his screenplay "Little Children" (2006). He also wrote the novel the became the film "Election" (1999). |
| Matthew Perry Actor, Williamstown | This Golden Globe Nominee most commonly known as Chandler Bing from "Friends" (1994-2004) appeared on the big screen in the films "The Whole Nine Yards" (2000), "Fools Rush In" (1997) and "Three to Tango" (1999). |
| Rebecca Pidgeon Actor, Cambridge | This actress is married to director David Mamet and can be seen in films including "Shopgirl" (2005) and "Edmond" (2005). |
| Oliver Platt Actor, Tufts Alumni | Golden Globe Nominee Oliver Platt, appeared in TV series such as "Nip/Tuck" (2007-2008),"Huff" (2004-2006) and "The West Wing" (2001-2005). He landed roles on the big screen in "Doctor Dolittle" (1998) and "A Time to Kill" (1996). |
| Amy Poehler Actor/Comedian, Burlington | This Boston College Alumni is famous for her impressions on "Saturday Night Live" (2001-2008). On the big screen, she brings laughs in "Mean Girls" (2004), "Baby Mama" (2008) and "Blades of Glory" (2007). |
| Joe Pokaski Writer, Randolph | Pokaski is a writer for the television show "Heroes" (2006-2007). |
| Ellen Pompeo Actress, Everett | Best known as Meredith Grey of "Grey's Anatomy" (2005-2008). Pompeo has also graced the big screen in titles such as "Old School" (2003), "Daredevil" (2003) and "Catch Me If You Can" (2002). |
| Natalie Portman Actor, Harvard Alumni | Natalie Portman was born in Israel and moved around quite a bit but chose Harvard University for her education. She is best known for her acting in "V for Vendetta" (2005) and three of the "Star Wars" films (1999, 2002, 2005) and was nominated for an Oscar for her performance in "Closer" (2004). |
| Clifton Powell Actor, Emerson College Alumni | After graduating from Emerson College Powell landed roles in movies such as "Ray" (2004) "Norbit" (2007) and "Rush Hour" (1998). |
| Sendhil Ramamurthy Actor, Tufts University Alumni | This Tufts graduate has made small appearances in a variety of TV shows but he is now cast on the hit show "Heroes" (2006-2008). |
| Alex Rocco Actor, Boston | Known for his portrayal of a tough mobster, in" The Godfather" (1972), Alex Rocco made a name for himself in the entertainment business and went on to appear in "Smokin' Aces" (2006) "The Wedding Planner" (2001) and "The Job" (2003). He also thrives on the small screen where he earned an Emmy for his role in "The Famous Teddy Z" (1989). Other television series he appeared in were "The Facts of Life" (1981-1988) and "Sibs" (1991). |
| Michael Roiff Producer, Boston/Harvard Alumni | This producer has worked on films including "Waitress" (2007) and "American Son" (2008). |
| Scott Rosenberg Writer, Needham | Nominated for BAFTA Film Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for "High Fidelity" (2000) Rosenberg also wrote the screenplays for "Con Air" (1997) and "Gone in Sixty Seconds" (2000). He also wrote for the small screen series "October Road" (2007-2008). |
| Eli Roth Actor/Producer/Writer/Director, Newton | This Newton native started making films at age eight! He does it all: acts, writes, produces, and directs in the films "Cabin Fever" (2002) and "Hostel" (2005). |
| Victoria Rowell Actor, Cambridge | Although Rowell was originally born in Maine she spent part of her childhood in Massachusetts where she was enrolled in the Cambridge School of Ballet. She has since gone on to become a well-known soap star and founder of the "Rowell Foster Children Positive Plan." |
| Kurt Russell Actor, Springfield | Kurt Russell began his career at the early age of ten years old when he appeared in " It Happened at the World's Fair" (1963) He continued his career with many movies including "Grindhouse: Death Proof" (2007). "The Thing" (1982) and "Tombstone" (1993). During his career, he has been nominated for an Emmy for "Elvis" (1979) and a Golden Globe for "Silkwood" (1983). |
| Steven Samuels Producer, Boston | Part-time producer, part-time developer produced his first film "Half Light" (2006) from his office on Newbury Street. He went on to produce "Michael Clayton" (2007) and executive produce "Running with Scissors" (2006). |
| Nell Scovell Writer, Newton | Former writer for the Globe, Nell Scovell wrote the "Honey, We Shrunk Ourselves" (1997). |
| Josh Seftel Producer/Director/Writer, Tufts Alumni | Director of the hit series "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" (2003) this director also had has shot at the big screen directing the 2008 political satire "War Inc" (2008). |
| Bruce Sinofsky Documentarian/Editor, Boston | His documentary "Brother's Keeper" (1992) won him a Director's Guild of America Award, and "Paradise Lost 1 and 2" (1996,2000) brought home two Emmys. He is also known for his films "Paradise Lost: The Child Murders at Robin Hood Hills" (1996) and "Metallica: Some Kind of Monster" (2004). |
| John Slattery Actor, Boston | This Boston Native has made a name for himself in television shows such as "Desperate Housewives" (2007), "Mad Men"(2007-2008). His big screen accomplishments include "Flags of our Fathers" (2006), "Charlie Wilson's War" (2007) and "Mona Lisa Smile" (2003). |
| James Spader Actor, Boston | His role in "Boston Legal" (2004-2008) won him an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.His big screen accomplishments include "Secretary" (2002), "Stargate" (1994) and "Sex, Lies, and Videotape" 1989). |
| Donna Summer Singer, Boston | Summers has contributed to over thirty-one film soundtracks and twenty-one small screen soundtracks. |
| Julie Taymor Director/Costume Designer/Songwriter, Newton | Julie Taymor has directed movies such as "Across the Universe" (2007) which she also wrote, "Frida" (2002) and "The Tempest" (1986). She was nominated for an Oscar for best original song in "Frida" (2002) and won an Emmy for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Costume Design for "Oedipus Rex" (1993). |
| Callie Thorne Actress, Lincoln/ Wheaton Alumni | A regular on the TV Series "Rescue Me" (2004-2007), this Lincoln born, Wheaton Grad, also acted in "Next Stop Wonderland" (1998), "Hysterical Blindness" (2002) and "David and Lela" (2005). |
| Uma Thurman Actor, Boston | Uma Thurman is best known for her roles in "Pulp Fiction" (1994) in which she was nominated for an Oscar, "Kill Bill Vol. 1 and 2" (2003, 2004), "Batman and Robin" (1997) and "The Avengers" (1998). |
| Maura Tierney Actor/Producer, Boston | Born and raised in Boston, "ER" fave Maura Tierney is the daughter of former city councilor Joe Tierney. She grew up in Hyde Park, attended Notre Dame Academy and studied at NYU before leaving to pursue stage work. Emmy nominated for "ER" (1999-2009), her film credits include Liar Liar (1997), Primary Colors (1998), Forces of Nature (1999), Semi-Pro (2008), and Baby Mama (2008). After "ER", Tierney joined the cast of television???s "Rescue Me". |
| Peter Tolan Writer, Scituate | Tolan's writing has won him two Primetime Emmys for "The Larry Sanders Show" (1992-1998) and "Murphy Brown" (1991-1993). For Television he also wrote for "Home Improvement" (1991) and for the big screen he wrote "Analyze This" (1999) and "Analyze That" (2002). |
| Nancy Travis Actor, Boston | Travis lived in Boston before starting her acting career. She is currently acting on the TV show "The Bill Engvail Show" (2007) but she can be seen in films including "The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants" (2005) and "3 Men and a Baby" (1987). |
| Jonathan Moss Tucker Actor, Boston | This young actor starred on the TV show "The Black Donnellys" (2007) as well as films like "Cherry Crush" (2007) "Hostage" (2005), and "Texas Chainsaw Massacre" (2003). |
| Steven Tyler Singer, Marshfield | Tyler is the main singer for the Boston-based band Aerosmith. They have been making music for more than thirty years and are still extremely popular in the music industry. |
| Donnie Wahlberg Actor, Boston | Once a teen pop star in "New Kids on the Block," he crossed-over into film with roles in "The Sixth Sense" (1999), "Band of Brothers" (2001) and "Saw II, III, IV" (2005, 2006, 2007). |
| Mark Wahlberg Actor/Producer, Boston | Known for his films "The Departed" (2006), "We Own the Night" (2007) which he also produced, and "Boogie Nights" (1997). He also created and produced the hit HBO series "Entourage" (2004-2008). |
| Barbara Walters Host, Boston | Walters is known for playing one character: herself, on shows like "20/20" (1984-2004), "The View" (2002-2008) and many others. |
| Sam Waterston Actor/Producer, Cambridge | This "Law and Order" (1994-2008) star was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for "The Killing Fields" (1984). He is also known for his performances in "Serial Mom" (1994) and "The Man in the Moon" (1991). |
| Sam Weisman Director/Producer, Newton | This three time Primetime Emmy nominee directed "Moonlighting" (1985). He also directed the films "George of the Jungle" (1997), "D2: The Mighty Ducks" (1994) and executive produced "Shuttle" (2008). |
| Rainn Wilson Actor, Tufts University Alumni | Best known as Dwight Shrute of "The Office" (2005-2008), Rainn Wilson found his place on the big screen in the films "Juno" (2007), "The Rocker" (2008) and "Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen" (2009). |
| Henry Winkler Actor, Emerson College Alumni | "The Fonz," graduated from Emerson College. His happy days continued long after the television show "Happy Days" (1974-1984) ended. More recently he played Coach Klein in "The Waterboy" (1998) and the less than helpful lawyer Barry Zuckercorn on "Arrested Development" (2003-2005). |
| Scott Wolf Actor, Boston | Scott has had a successful career in television acting with roles in "Everwood" (2004-2006), "The Nine" (2006-2007) and "Party of Five" (1994-2000). As far as film, he has appeared in "Go" (1999), "Emmett's Mark" (2002) and his voice can be heard in "Lady and the Tramp II" (2001). Scott has also produced for the show "Picking Up and Dropping Off" (2003). |
- IS THAT HARVARD ON THE SILVER SCREEN? (This new slide show from Boston.com shows how Hollywood has depicted Harvard over the years.)
- HOLLYWOOD CELEBS HIT HUB (Another slide show from Boston.com with the most recent pictures of actors working in Massachusetts.)
- Cool Pix (Boston.com's online slide show featuring interesting pictures from movies made in Massachusetts courtesy of the Boston Globe.)
Local Interest
