10 who went from here to Hollywood
It’s one of those fascinating popculture questions: Why did John, Paul, George and Ringo grow up in Liverpool at the same time?
To ask more broadly, what is it about a place that makes it a hotbed as a birthplace for famous people?
Whatever it is, there’s nowhere in Arizona that seems to have it.
Thus, any list of famous actors and directors born here is going to be a little fuzzy around the margins. Maybe someone wasn’t born here, but lived here for a long time — grew up here, spent a lot of time here or, in the case of a surprisingly large number of famous people, went to the University of Arizona. Bear down, and all that. So here are 10 people who have made it big in movies or television with ties to Arizona. Steven Spielberg: He wasn’t born here, but the most successful filmmaker in history spent enough of his formative years here that we can legitimately claim him as our own. So, you know, we win. Spielberg takes heat for being too soft at times, but he’s enormously talented, and he’s one of the few directors whose films are big news no matter what they’re about. Emma Stone: The star of “Easy A,” for which she got a Golden Globe nomination, was born in Scottsdale and is one of the many alums of Valley Youth Theatre. She has gotten good notices in everything she has done, and she’s part of the “Spider-man” reboot. Bright future, much? Garrett Hedlund: Born in Minnesota but moved to Scottsdale in his teens and graduated from Horizon High School before moving on to LA. Scored a much-sought-after role in “Tron: Legacy,” but was much better in “Country Strong” (though the movie wasn’t much). Mare Winningham: Here’s a switch: She was born here but moved away. Spent time as a sort of auxiliary member of the Brat Pack in the ’80s and got a best-supporting-actress Oscar nomination for “Georgia,” but has slowed down her career lately. Andy Devine: Kingman’s favorite son (though he was born in Flagstaff), enough so that one of the main streets there is named for him. He’s best known for being a sidekick in cowboy movies, but also appeared in such films as “A Star Is Born” (1937) and “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Garry Shandling: Grew up in Tucson and went to the University of Arizona. He has been in a ton of stuff; creating and starring in “It’s Garry Shandling’s Show” was almost enough to make him a legend. Creating and starring in “The Larry Sanders Show” sealed the deal, as it is one of the best things ever shown on TV. David Spade: Grew up in Scottsdale. Spade went from stand-up comedy to a stint on “Saturday Night Live” to a thriving TV career to a film career that includes “Tommy Boy” and, more regrettably, “Grown Ups” and “The Benchwarmers.” Barbara Eden: The “I Dream of Jeannie” star was born in Tucson but moved to California early on after her parents divorced. Kind of quaint and cute to think a visible belly button would cause a commotion on network TV, but, in her case, it did. Ted Danson: Grew up in Flagstaff, though he was born in San Diego. Made a mint starring in “Cheers,” then starred in “Becker” and does wellreceived work in “Damages” and “Bored to Death.” Just one of those likable TV presences. Craig T. Nelson: People recognize him because he starred in “Coach” all those years. But he has been in a surprising number of good films, including “Poltergeist,” “Silkwood,” “Born on the Fourth of July” and the recent “The Company of Men.” But most of all he gets an all-time free pass for being the voice of Mr. Incredible in “The Incredibles.” Attended the University of Arizona, which is what gets him here.