Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were from Ohio
Nestled along the shores of Lake Erie, Cleveland offers more than just its iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Venture to the Playhouse Square district, a dazzling collection of historic theaters just east of downtown, and you’ll find a hub where stars are born and celebrated. This vibrant arts district is a fitting tribute to the many entertainers with Ohio roots who have lit up stages nationwide. For example, comedians like Drew Carey hail from the nearby suburb of Cleveland Heights, and their early performances often took place in venues like the Allen Theatre, where visitors can soak up not just performances but the stunning 1920s architecture that frames the space. Visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall enhances the experience as the city buzzes with cultural energy but avoids the summer heat.
About an hour south of Cleveland, in the heart of Cincinnati’s Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, the Cincinnati Music Hall stands as a majestic ode to Ohio’s deep musical heritage. Home to the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Cincinnati Opera, this National Historic Landmark also connects visitors to stars like actor Tom Hanks, who grew up in nearby suburbs. The hall’s lavish interior, with its vaulted ceilings and intricate frescoes, invites audiences to revel in world-class performances. A fall evening here offers the chance to experience a symphony under dramatic lighting, or to explore nearby breweries and historic architecture in one of the country’s most well-preserved 19th-century urban districts.
In southwestern Ohio, Dayton’s Carillon Historical Park provides a fascinating glimpse into innovation and history, including the stories of celebrities who made their mark beyond Hollywood. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base lies just a short drive north, but Carillon Park itself celebrates local heroes like the Wright brothers, whose pioneering spirit paralleled the creative leaps of some of Ohio’s famed entertainers. The park’s iconic 151-foot-tall Deeds Carillon tower overlooks engaging exhibits where visitors can explore early inventions. Fall is especially beautiful here, as the tree-lined paths glow with autumn colors, making a walk through the park a scenic journey through invention and inspiration.
Traveling to northeast Ohio, Akron’s Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens—just 40 minutes south of Cleveland—offers a luxurious backdrop to the story of celebrities with Ohio ties. This sprawling estate, once home to the Goodyear Tire Company’s co-founder, reflects the grandeur of the early 20th century with its English Gothic architecture and meticulously designed gardens. Although better known for industrial history, Akron’s claim to fame includes actors like Julia Louis-Dreyfus, who was born in nearby Washington, D.C. but spent formative years in the region. Visiting in late spring or early summer allows guests to enjoy the gardens in full bloom, a perfect setting to reflect on the unexpected origins of some TV comedy royalty.
A short drive southeast of Columbus, the Ohio Theatre in the city center stands as a glamorous beacon of the performing arts and a testament to Ohio’s contribution to film and stage. This lavish 1928 movie palace is where local talents like John Legend, who grew up in Springfield just west of Columbus, might have first dreamed of their big break. The theatre offers guided tours that delve into its Art Deco elegance and cinematic history. Catching a live show or film screening during the winter months adds a cozy charm as the downtown lights glitter through the cold night.
Down in southwestern Ohio, Cincinnati’s Taft Museum of Art provides a quiet but compelling link to Ohio’s artistic celebrity heritage. Just minutes north of downtown, this historic house museum showcases European masterworks alongside American art, connecting the cultural dots to Ohio-born talents like actor Sarah Jessica Parker, who hails from nearby suburbs. The intimate setting of the museum’s period rooms offers a contrast to the glitz of Hollywood, underscoring the state’s deep artistic roots. Visiting during the quieter winter months allows for an unhurried exploration of the collections and occasional special exhibits that highlight American art history.
Northwest Ohio’s Maumee Riverway Trail, near Toledo and about 40 minutes southwest of the city center, offers a refreshing outdoor escape tied to musical heritage. This scenic trail winds alongside the river, passing through parks where local musicians and performers have found inspiration—echoing the roots of rock’n’roll icon Kid Cudi, who grew up in the Toledo area. The trail’s mix of urban and natural landscapes, with views of wetlands and wildlife, makes it a unique place to connect with Ohio’s creative spirit. Early summer, when wildflowers bloom and the air buzzes with birdsong, is the optimal time for hiking or biking this nearly 13-mile trail.
Finally, the serene Hocking Hills State Park, about an hour’s drive southeast of Columbus, provides a natural stage where Ohio’s celebrity connections come into clearer focus. This stunning park, renowned for its waterfalls and dramatic cliffs, draws visitors from around the world—much like Ohio’s stars have drawn audiences everywhere. Musicians like Chrissie Hynde from The Pretenders, who spent part of her youth in the Columbus area, embody the rugged, independent spirit that Hocking Hills’ wild beauty evokes. The park’s Old Man’s Cave Loop, a moderate 3-mile trail, is best enjoyed in the early fall when the foliage is a brilliant tapestry of color, inviting contemplation of Ohio’s rich talent legacy amid nature’s grandeur.