Famous People Born In Chicago

Situated in the state of Illinois is the country’s third most populous city and the most populous in the Midwestern United States – the city of Chicago. With several monuments and landmarks, Chicago is one of the top visited cities in the United States of America. It is often referred to as ‘The Windy City’ and houses a massive population of almost 10 million. Numerous distinguished and celebrated personalities were born and raised in Chicago. From the former first-lady Michelle Obama to Hillary Clinton, Chicago is the birthplace of many celebrities. Individuals such as Walt Disney, Hugh Hefner, Robin Williams, Harrison Ford, Soulja Boy, Cindy Crawford and John Cusack were born in the city of Chicago. Presenting to you, the full-list of celebrities from Chicago.
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 1 
Robin Williams
(Actor & Comedian Best Known for His Roles in 'Mork & Mindy ', 'Popeye' and 'Good Will Hunting')
Robin Williams
191
Birthdate: July 21, 1951
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: August 11, 2014

One of the finest comedians of all time, Robin Williams began his career as a stand-up comedian and soon moved to act in television and films. Though widely recognised for his comedic skills, the immensely talented Williams proved his versatility by taking up and successfully performing more serious roles in films like Good Will Hunting and The Fisher King.

 2 
Harrison Ford
(One of The Highest-Grossing Actors in North America)
Harrison Ford
115
Birthdate: July 13, 1942
Sun Sign: Cancer

With an extensive career spanning six decades, veteran actor Harrison Ford is a major figure in Hollywood. The recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Cecil B. DeMille Award, he is one of the highest-grossing domestic box office stars of all time. Besides acting, he is a licensed pilot of both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.

 3 
Juice WRLD
(Rapper)
Juice WRLD
371
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 2, 1998
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: December 8, 2019
Rapper Juice Wrld is best remembered for his tracks Lucid Dreams and All Girls Are the Same. He was also part of the collective Internet Money. He died due to a drug-induced seizure at the age of 21. His posthumous album Legends Never Die topped the Billboard 200 chart.
 4 
Walt Disney
(Pioneer of the American Animation Industry)
Walt Disney
109
Birthdate: December 5, 1901
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: December 15, 1966

Walt Disney is considered to be the forerunner of the American animation industry. He has won 22 Oscars and holds the record for most Academy Awards earned by an individual as a film producer. His The Walt Disney Company‍ has produced many successful animation films. He later established amusement theme park, Disneyland, in 1955, which has since grown manifold.

 5 
Dwyane Wade
(Former Professional Basketball Player Who Played as a Shooting Guard)
Dwyane Wade
67
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: January 17, 1982
Sun Sign: Capricorn

With an Olympic gold medal and three NBA championships, Dwyane Wade is one of the most decorated former American basketball players of the 21st century. Also a well-known philanthropist, Dwyane Wade founded The Wade's World Foundation in 2003; the foundation helps community-based organizations promote education and social skills for children. He also supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

 6 
Quincy Jones
(Musician and Second Most Oscar-Nominated African American)
Quincy Jones
45
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: March 14, 1933
Sun Sign: Pisces

Regarded as one of the most popular and influential jazz musicians of the previous century, Quincy Jones is known for his work with other legendary artists like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra. As the first African-American to find success at the Academy Awards ceremony, Quincy has influenced a host of black musicians and songwriters.

 7 
John Mulaney
(Stand-Up Comedian and Writer for the TV Show ‘Saturday Night Live’)
John Mulaney
68
Birthdate: August 26, 1982
Sun Sign: Virgo
Former SNL writer John Mulaney is best known for his Comedy Central special New in Town and his Fox series Mulaney. The Emmy Award-winning stand-up comedian plays George St. Geegland in a comedy duo. He has also voiced Peter Porker/Spider-Ham in the Oscar-winning movie Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
 8 
Bobby Fischer
(American Chess Grandmaster and the Eleventh World Chess Champion)
Bobby Fischer
69
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 9, 1943
Sun Sign: Pisces
Died: January 17, 2008

Bobby Fischer began as a chess prodigy in his teens and went on to become the youngest "grandmaster," at 15. His participation in a politically controversial match in Yugoslavia led to the revocation of his U.S. passport and his arrest. He spent the final years of his life in Iceland.

 9 
CM Punk
(American Professional Wrestler and Retired Mixed Martial Artist)
CM Punk
56
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 26, 1978
Sun Sign: Scorpio

CM Punk is an American retired professional wrestler and mixed martial artist. CM Punk is one of the first independent wrestlers to have achieved tremendous success in WWE; his success served as a precedent for other independent wrestlers. Over the years, CM Punk has influenced and inspired popular wrestlers like Seth Rollins, Adam Cole, and Rhea Ripley.

 10 
Anthony Davis
(American Professional Basketball Player Who Plays as the Power Forward and Centre Positions)
Anthony Davis
36
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: March 11, 1993
Sun Sign: Pisces

American professional basketball player, Anthony Davis plays, for the National Basketball Association’s Los Angeles Lakers. He is the youngest player to score at least 59 points in a NBA game. He was a member of the US men’s national basketball team which participated in the 2012 Summer Olympic Games. The team was undefeated in London and won the gold medal.

 11 
Pat Sajak
( Host of the American Television Game Show 'Wheel of Fortune')
Pat Sajak
35
Birthdate: October 26, 1946
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Pat Sajak went from being a weatherman to the host of the cult game show Wheel of Fortune. His long stint on the show fetched him three Emmy Awards. He has also hosted The Pat Sajak Show and The Price Is Right, and has written columns for Human Events.
 12 
Gillian Anderson
(Actress)
Gillian Anderson
75
Birthdate: August 9, 1968
Sun Sign: Leo
Height: 5'3" (160 cm)
 13 
Common
(Rapper)
Common
40
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: March 13, 1972
Sun Sign: Pisces
Height: 6'0" (183 cm)
 14 
Michelle Obama
(First Lady of the United States from 2009 to 2017)
Michelle Obama
329
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: January 17, 1964
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Wife of the former U.S President, Barack Obama, and one of the most popular First Ladies of the United States, Michelle Obama is a celebrity in her own right. She is still very popular and is a sought-after speaker around the globe and often lends her voice to issues like poverty awareness, education, nutrition, women’s rights, immigration and racism.

Michael Clarke Duncan
31
Birthdate: December 10, 1957
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: September 3, 2012

Michael Clarke Duncan was one of the most popular actors best known for his portrayal of John Coffey in the fantasy drama film The Green Mile. Apart from acting in films and TV series, he was also featured in several video games, such as SOCOM II: U.S. Navy SEALs, Forgotten Realms: Demon Stone, and The Suffering: Ties That Bind.

 16 
John Belushi
(Comedian, Actor and One of the Seven Original Cast Members of the Comedy Show 'Saturday Night Live')
John Belushi
36
Birthdate: January 24, 1949
Sun Sign: Aquarius
Died: March 5, 1982

One of the original cast members of the popular TV show Saturday Night Live, John Belushi was known for his great comic skills. Unfortunately, he struggled in his personal life with drug addiction and eventually died of combined drug intoxication at the age of 33. He posthumously received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

 17 
Raquel Welch
(Actress)
Raquel Welch
23
Birthdate: September 5, 1940
Sun Sign: Virgo
Died: February 15, 2023
Raquel Welch is best known for appearing in a trendsetting bikini in One Million Years B.C. She also delivered a Golden Globe-winning performance in The Three Musketeers. A trained ballerina, she later launched her beauty and fitness book and videos, and her own line of wigs, jewelry, and skincare products. 
 18 
Chance the Rapper
(Rapper Known for His Mixtapes "Acid Rap," "10 Day" and "Coloring Book")
Chance the Rapper
23
Listed In: Musicians
Birthdate: April 16, 1993
Sun Sign: Aries
Chance the Rapper is best known for his Billboard-charting mixtape Coloring Book, which was the first streaming-only album to earn a Grammy. An avid social activist in Chicago, he owns the non-profit SocialWorks. He is known for his signature style of wearing a cap with the number "3" on it.
 19 
Derrick Rose
(American Professional Basketball Player)
Derrick Rose
33
Listed In: Sportspersons
Birthdate: October 4, 1988
Sun Sign: Libra

Derrick Rose is a basketball player who became the youngest player to receive the NBA Most Valuable Player Award; he received it at the age 22. Despite struggling with knee injuries throughout his career, Rose has managed to stay focused and is currently playing for the Detroit Pistons. In 2018, he came up with a scholarship program called The Rose Scholars to help students.

 20 
Shel Silverstein
56
Birthdate: September 25, 1930
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: May 10, 1999

Shel Silverstein was an American writer, playwright, songwriter, and cartoonist. Renowned for his children's books, songs, and cartoons, Silverstein's works have been translated into over 30 languages. The recipient of many prestigious awards, such as Grammy Awards, Shel Silverstein was posthumously inducted into the Chicago Literary Hall of Fame.

 21 
Mr. T
(Actor)
Mr. T
27
Birthdate: May 21, 1952
Sun Sign: Gemini
Mr. T is best known as A. Baracus from The A-Team and Clubber Lang from Rocky III. Fans love his signature hairstyle and his gold jewelry, which he stopped wearing after Hurricane Katrina. His catchphrase “I pity the fool!" inspired a reality show. He has previously been a celebrity bodyguard.
 22 
Karlie Kloss
(American Fashion Model and Former Victoria's Secret Angel)
Karlie Kloss
26
Listed In: Fashion
Birthdate: August 3, 1992
Sun Sign: Leo
Former Victoria's Secret Angel Karlie Kloss was declared one of the top 30 models of the 2000s by Vogue Paris. Known as “the panther,” for her signature style of catwalk, Kloss has also hosted Project Runway. She supports STEM education through Kode with Klossy and also aids underprivileged children.
 23 
Jennifer Hudson
(Singer & Actress Known for Her Role in the Musical 'Dreamgirls')
Jennifer Hudson
41
Birthdate: September 12, 1981
Sun Sign: Virgo
Jennifer Hudson shot to fame after reaching the finals of the third season of American Idol. She is known for her Academy Award-winning role of Effie White in Dreamgirls. She also won the Grammy twice, one for her self-titled debut album and the other for the musical The Color Purple
 24 
Bob Fosse
(American Choreographer and Director Known for His Works ‘The Pajama Game’ and ‘Damn Yankees’)
Bob Fosse
16
Listed In: Dancers
Birthdate: June 23, 1927
Sun Sign: Cancer
Died: September 23, 1987
Legendary dancer, choreographer, and director Bob Fosse is best remembered for his Academy Award-winning direction in the musical film Cabaret. Renowned for his signature “jazz hands” style, he also earned the Palme D'Or for All That Jazz and nine Tony Awards for various stage productions, eight of them for choreography. 
 25 
Gina Rodriguez
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Jane Villanueva’ in the TV Series ‘Jane the Virgin’)
Gina Rodriguez
33
Birthdate: July 30, 1984
Sun Sign: Leo

American actress Gina Rodriguez, who portrayed Jane Villanueva in the popular TV series Jane the Virgin, is also known for her involvement with charities and philanthropic efforts; in 2016, she was named in Oprah Winfrey's SuperSoul 100, a list of influential leaders and visionaries. Rodriguez also serves as an inspiration to several young Latina actresses.

 26 
Harold Ramis
(American actor)
Harold Ramis
19
Birthdate: November 21, 1944
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Died: February 24, 2014
 27 
Mandy Patinkin
(Actor and Singer)
Mandy Patinkin
17
Birthdate: November 30, 1952
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
From singing in synagogues as a teenager to winning a Tony Award for his performance as Che in the Broadway play Evita, Mandel Patinkin has come a long way. Fans also loved his portrayal of Inigo Montoya in The Princess Bride and his Emmy-winning performance in Chicago Hope.
 28 
Michael Peña
26
Birthdate: January 13, 1976
Sun Sign: Capricorn
Michael Peña is best known as Kiki Camarena from Netflix's Narcos: Mexico. He has also played significant roles in End of Watch, American Hustle, Ant-Man, and Crash. He delivered an award-winning performance in the HBO film Walkout and also scored a Billboard-charting song, Beast, with his band Nico Vega.
 29 
Kiernan Shipka
(Best Known for Her Role as ‘Sally Draper’ in the TV Series ‘Mad Men’)
Kiernan Shipka
46
Birthdate: November 10, 1999
Sun Sign: Scorpio
Kiernan Shipka is best known as Sally Draper from Mad Men, a role that earned her multiple awards, such as the Young Artist Award and the Screen Actors Guild Award. She also amazed fans with her portrayal of Sabrina in a 2018 remake of the series Sabrina the Teenage Witch
 30 
Daryl Hannah
(Actress Best Known for Her Role in the Films: 'Kill Bill', 'Blade Runner' and 'Splash')
Daryl Hannah
34
Listed In: Activists
Birthdate: December 3, 1960
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Daryl Hannah is best known for her Saturn Award-winning performances as Madison in Splash and Elle Driver in the Kill Bill movies. In 2017, she claimed she had been sexually harassed by Harvey Weinstein in the past. Hannah is a vegan and has struggled with autism in childhood.
 31 
Jennifer Morrison
(Actress and Director, Best Known for Her Role as ‘Dr. Allison Cameron’ in the Film ‘House')
Jennifer Morrison
16
Birthdate: April 12, 1979
Sun Sign: Aries

Former child model turned actress Jennifer Morrison gained international fame for her role in the medical drama series House. After beginning her career as a child model, she developed a love for acting. She studied at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company before taking up acting projects. She eventually ventured into direction, making her directorial debut in 2017.    

 32 
Philip K. Dick
(American Science Fiction Writer)
Philip K. Dick
12
Listed In: Writers
Birthdate: December 16, 1928
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Died: March 2, 1982

Philip K. Dick was an American writer who was known for his work that explores varied social and philosophical themes. Dick's novels have inspired films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report, and The Adjustment Bureau. In 2005, his novel Ubik was included in Time magazine's list of 100 greatest novels published in English since 1923.

 33 
Hugh Hefner
(Founder of 'Playboy' Magazine)
Hugh Hefner
62
Birthdate: April 9, 1926
Sun Sign: Aries
Died: September 27, 2017

As the founder of Playboy magazine, Hugh Hefner changed the way people viewed nudity. Known for his enviable lifestyle, he resided in luxury mansions along with his Playboy Playmates. Also a well-known philanthropist, Hefner made significant donations to various causes. He also supported freedom of expression and sexual liberation.

 34 
Jennifer Beals
(Actress and Former Teen Model)
Jennifer Beals
20
Birthdate: December 19, 1963
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Jennifer Beals is an American actress who received appreciation for her portrayal of Alex Owens in the 1983 romantic drama film Flashdance. Over the years, she has also been an ardent advocate for gay rights; she received the Ally For Equality Award for her support for the LGBT community. She also works closely with charities like the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

 35 
Terrence Howard
25
Birthdate: March 11, 1969
Sun Sign: Pisces
Terrence Howard is best known for his Academy Award-nominated performance as Djay in Hustle & Flow and his SAG Award-winning role in Crash. He also mesmerized audiences as Lucious Lyon in Empire and as Colonel Rhodes in Iron Man. He claims he has invented a language of logic called Terryology.
 36 
Patti Smith
(Known for Her Hit Single “Because the Night”)
Patti Smith
15
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: December 30, 1946
Sun Sign: Capricorn

Patti Smith is an American singer-songwriter. Referred to as the punk poet laureate, Smith became an influential figure of the punk rock movement with the release of her album Horses. Many world-renowned musicians, such as Madonna and Michael Stipe, have cited Smith as their inspiration. Even actresses like Ellen Page and Maria Doyle Kennedy have called Smith a major influence.

 37 
Jason Robards
(Actor)
Jason Robards
6
Birthdate: July 26, 1922
Sun Sign: Leo
Died: December 26, 2000
Height: 5'9" (175 cm)
 38 
John C. Reilly
(Known for His Oscar-Nominated Role in 'Chicago')
John C. Reilly
19
Birthdate: May 24, 1965
Sun Sign: Gemini

American actor and comedian John C. Reilly soared to fame with his role in the war drama Casualties of War and his Academy Award-nominated role in Chicago. A musician, too, he performs with his own band. He was also nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the play True West.

 39 
Maria Shriver
(Former First Lady of California (2003 - 2011) and Ex-Wife of Actor 'Arnold Schwarzenegger')
Maria Shriver
26
Birthdate: November 6, 1955
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Famous American journalist, Maria Shriver, is recognised for her long association with NBC. Her documentary series The Alzheimer’s Project earned rave reviews and she later founded the nonprofit organization, 'The Women's Alzheimer's Movement'. As the former First Lady of California– she was married to Arnold Schwarzenegger when he was the governor of California– she involved herself in numerous charity works.

 40 
Chief Keef
(Rapper, Singer-Songwriter and Record Producer)
Chief Keef
38
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: August 15, 1995
Sun Sign: Leo

Chief Keef is a hip-hop sensation who has revolutionized the drill and trap sub-genres. His track I Don’t Like was remixed by Kanye West and was featured on the Billboard Rap Top 20. He was dropped by the label Interscope for several legal issues and then formed his own label.

 41 
Dan Castellaneta
(Best Known as the Voice of “Homer Simpson” on the Animated Series “The Simpsons”)
Dan Castellaneta
7
Birthdate: October 29, 1957
Sun Sign: Scorpio

Dan Castellaneta is an American actor, screenwriter, comedian, and voice actor. Over the years, Castellaneta has played a major role in the success of the animated sitcom The Simpsons in which he has been voicing one of the main protagonists, Homer Jay Simpson. Unlike Homer Simpson, Dan Castellaneta is a teetotaler and vegetarian and exercises regularly.

 42 
Michael Crichton
(Best Known as the Author of “Jurassic Park” and the creator of the TV Drama “ER”)
Michael Crichton
9
Birthdate: October 23, 1942
Sun Sign: Libra
Died: November 4, 2008

Michael Crichton was an American filmmaker and author. He wrote several science-fiction books, which have sold more than 200 million copies. Many of his books, such as The Andromeda Strain, Jurassic Park, Congo, Rising Sun, and Disclosure, have been adapted into highly successful films. He is also credited with creating the popular medical drama TV series, ER.

 43 
Fred Savage
(Actor and Director Known for His Role as ‘Kevin Arnold’ in the TV Series ‘The Wonder Years’)
Fred Savage
22
Birthdate: July 9, 1976
Sun Sign: Cancer
Fred Savage is best known for his Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated portrayal of Kevin Arnold in the series The Wonder Years. He has also been part of Crumbs and The Grinder, and has directed a few episodes of series such as Phil of the Future and Wizards of Waverly Place
 44 
Sasha Obama
(Daughter of Former US President Barack Obama)
Sasha Obama
85
Listed In: Miscellaneous
Birthdate: June 10, 2001
Sun Sign: Gemini
 45 
Jim Belushi
(Comedian)
Jim Belushi
17
Birthdate: June 15, 1954
Sun Sign: Gemini

The younger brother of iconic comedian and actor John Belushi, Jim Belushi followed in his brother's footsteps to become a comedian and actor. He is also a passionate cannabis cultivator and plans to open a cannabis dispensary in Downtown Portland.

 46 
Anna Chlumsky
(Actress)
Anna Chlumsky
16
Birthdate: December 3, 1980
Sun Sign: Sagittarius

Anna Chlumsky is an American actress best known for portraying Vada Sultenfuss in the 1991 coming-of-age comedy-drama film My Girl. Chlumsky, who started her career as a child artist, went on to establish herself as an actress in the film and TV industry. She contributed immensely to the success of the comedy television series Veep.

 47 
Chloe Bennet
(Actress and Singer Known for Her TV Series ‘Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D’)
Chloe Bennet
24
Birthdate: April 18, 1992
Sun Sign: Aries

Chloe Bennet is an American singer and actress best known for playing Daisy Johnson / Quake in the superhero TV series Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. She serves as an inspiration to those suffering from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and anxiety as she revealed in 2018 that she has been suffering from these conditions since childhood.

 48 
Lil Durk
(Rapper and Lead Member and Founder of the Collective and Record Label 'Only the Family')
Lil Durk
47
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: October 19, 1992
Sun Sign: Libra

Lil Durk is an American singer-songwriter and rapper. He is credited with founding a rap collective and record label called Only the Family (OTF). Over the years, Lil Durk has faced many legal issues, including his arrest for unlawfully carrying a weapon. He has also been involved in feuds with other rappers, such as Tyga, The Game, and Tay600.

 49 
Soulja Boy
(Rapper)
Soulja Boy
42
Listed In: Singers
Birthdate: July 28, 1990
Sun Sign: Leo
Soulja Boy is best known for his Billboard Hot 100-topping track Crank That. Named to the 2010 Forbes list of Hip-Hop Cash Kings, he revolutionized the art of promoting music through social media, especially through YouTube. He is part of a deal with the World Poker Fund.
 50 
Billy Zane
(Best Known for His Roles in the Films: ‘Titanic’, ‘Dead Calm’, and ‘The Phantom’)
Billy Zane
23
Birthdate: February 24, 1966
Sun Sign: Pisces

Billy Zane is an American actor best known for portraying Caledon Hockley in the 1997 epic romance film Titanic. He then went on to play a crucial role in the success of films, such as The Believer, which was showcased at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival where it won the Grand Jury Prize.