1. Betty White – Illinois
Though she spent most of her life in California, Betty White was born in Oak Park, Illinois. She never made a huge fuss about her Midwestern roots, but fans from the state sure did. Her wit, warmth, and longevity made her a national treasure, but Illinois always claimed her first. Especially later in life, she embraced the affection with Midwestern charm.
Oak Park residents celebrated her centennial even after her passing, showing how deep the pride runs, according to Clint Cargile from Northern Public Radio. For many, she represented the best of the Midwest—resilient, funny, and down-to-earth. She may have been Hollywood royalty, but she started as Illinois gold. And honestly, who wouldn’t want Betty White as their unofficial state symbol?
2. Red Hot Chili Peppers – California
Few bands scream “California” louder than the Red Hot Chili Peppers, according to Chuck Arnold from The New York Post. Formed in Los Angeles in the early ’80s, the band soaked up the sun, surf, grit, and glam of the Golden State and turned it into music. Songs like “Californication,” “Under the Bridge,” and “Dani California” aren’t just hits—they’re love letters to the state’s highs and lows. Their blend of funk, punk, and psychedelic rock mirrors the cultural mash-up that is L.A.
More than just their sound, the band has always lived California out loud. Frontman Anthony Kiedis and bassist Flea are both vocal about their upbringing in L.A., and their music captures the contradictions of the state—beauty and decay, fame and struggle. They’ve stayed loyal to their California roots through decades of fame and global tours. If you had to put the state’s soul to a beat, chances are it’d sound like a Chili Peppers track.
3. Dolly Parton – Tennessee
Dolly Parton isn’t just a country music icon—she’s basically Tennessee royalty, according to Emily Bootle from The I Paper. Born in a one-room cabin in Sevier County, her love for the Smoky Mountains runs deep. She’s poured that love into Dollywood, her theme park in Pigeon Forge, which draws millions every year. Her philanthropy, like the Imagination Library, has further cemented her as a beloved figure throughout the state.
Tennessee has a lot of stars, but few embody the state’s culture and warmth like Dolly. Her twang, her big heart, and her even bigger hair make her unmistakably tied to her roots. Whether it’s giving back after wildfires or repping Appalachian pride, she’s more than an entertainer—she’s a symbol. Just say “Tennessee,” and most people will think “Dolly.”
4. Matthew McConaughey – Texas
Matthew McConaughey is Texas through and through, with the cowboy boots and charm to prove it, according to Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli from the Houston Chronicle. Born in Uvalde and raised in Longview, he’s never strayed far from his Lone Star roots. He teaches at the University of Texas at Austin and is often seen cheering on the Longhorns from the sidelines. His catchphrase “alright, alright, alright” is practically a state motto at this point.
McConaughey’s laid-back swagger, charitable work, and political flirtations make him a modern Texan archetype. After the Uvalde school shooting, he returned to his hometown to speak out, showing he’s more than just a face on screen. He blends cool with conviction in a way that resonates statewide. Texans don’t always agree on politics, but many can agree on McConaughey.
5. Bill Nye – Washington
Bill Nye the Science Guy grew up in Washington and remains one of the state’s nerdiest treasures. Though he was born in D.C., he moved to Seattle early and worked at Boeing before becoming a TV icon. His quirky humor and science advocacy match Seattle’s brainy, offbeat vibe. In many ways, he helped put the Pacific Northwest’s curiosity-driven culture on the map.
Even as he gained national fame, Nye has stayed involved with environmental causes in the state. His public support for climate action feels right at home in eco-conscious Washington. He’s both nostalgic and still relevant, which keeps his influence strong. Washingtonians see him as the fun uncle who made learning cool.
6. Anthony Bourdain – New York
While Anthony Bourdain traveled the globe, he never stopped representing New York City. Raised in Leonia, New Jersey, he spent most of his adult life living and working in NYC. His no-nonsense tone, grit, and passion for multiculturalism screamed “New Yorker.” From hole-in-the-wall joints to Michelin-star restaurants, he told the story of the city through food.
Bourdain’s love for New York went beyond cuisine—it was about attitude. He captured its edge and diversity, often romanticizing its imperfections. Even in his globe-trotting shows, he made NYC the emotional home base. In a city of millions, few voices were as distinctly New York as his.
7. Paul Rudd – Kansas
You might not peg Paul Rudd as a Midwest guy at first glance, but he’s Kansas born and bred. Raised in Overland Park, he’s kept close ties with his home state, even co-owning a candy shop in the area. Despite his Hollywood fame, he frequently returns for charity events and small-town festivals. His humility and likability are classic Midwestern traits.
Kansans love Rudd because he never acts like he’s too big for them. He’s the kind of star who’d rather crack a dad joke than demand a spotlight. His success feels like a win for the whole state. And honestly, who wouldn’t want Ant-Man as their state’s unofficial mascot?
8. Stephen King – Maine
Maine’s dark forests and small-town eeriness are practically characters in Stephen King’s books. Born in Portland and still residing in Bangor, King has set many of his most famous stories in his home state. From It to Pet Sematary, Maine is both his muse and his legacy. Tourists visit just to catch a glimpse of his gothic house or explore Derry stand-ins.
He’s not just a literary figure—he’s a cultural landmark in the state. King also supports local libraries, fire departments, and social causes. His presence is so ingrained that Maine sometimes feels like King’s personal haunted playground. And for horror lovers, that’s a major draw.
9. Drew Brees – Louisiana
Drew Brees didn’t start out in Louisiana, but after Hurricane Katrina, he became one of its biggest heroes. Signing with the New Orleans Saints in 2006, he brought both hope and a Super Bowl title to a city desperate for good news. He threw records and touchdowns with equal flair, but it was his leadership that made him beloved. For many, he helped stitch New Orleans back together.
Off the field, Brees has invested heavily in local schools, parks, and businesses. His foundation has poured millions into state-wide efforts. He’s retired now, but his impact lives on in Saints lore and beyond. In Louisiana, he’s not just a quarterback—he’s family.
10. Garrison Keillor – Minnesota
For decades, Garrison Keillor was Minnesota’s voice, quite literally. Through A Prairie Home Companion, he painted a picture of Midwestern life that was both satirical and sincere. Lake Wobegon might be fictional, but its values—modesty, quiet humor, deep roots—were all Minnesota. His stories helped outsiders understand the state’s unique cadence.
Though controversy later clouded his legacy, his impact on Minnesota’s cultural identity is undeniable. He turned folksy tales and Lutheran quirks into national storytelling gold. His voice—dry, warm, unmistakable—sounded like the state itself. For better or worse, he gave Minnesota a tone.
11. Kristen Bell – Michigan
Kristen Bell might be Hollywood-famous now, but she never shies away from her Michigan roots. Born and raised in the Detroit suburb of Huntington Woods, she grew up in the heart of the Midwest and still talks fondly about her childhood there. She’s proud of her upbringing, often shouting out her home state in interviews and on social media. Whether she’s talking about Detroit pizza or the Lions, she reps Michigan with warmth and humor.
Bell’s mix of approachability and activism reflects a lot of what Michiganders value—being grounded while giving back. She’s raised money for Detroit-based charities and partnered with organizations helping schools and clean water initiatives in the state. Her role in The Good Place made her nationally beloved, but in Michigan, she’s always been “one of us.” If you ask around Metro Detroit, she’s a hometown hero with a Hollywood glow.
12. Larry the Cable Guy – Nebraska
You may know him for the “Git-R-Done” catchphrase, but Larry the Cable Guy is a Nebraska institution. Born Daniel Whitney in Pawnee City, he’s never strayed too far from his rural roots. He’s donated millions to Nebraska causes, including a children’s hospital in Lincoln that bears his name. His humor may not be for everyone, but in his home state, he’s a beloved son.
Nebraskans appreciate how he’s stayed connected to the community. He makes rural life funny without punching down, and that’s no small feat. He’s proudly blue-collar in a state that values that mindset. For many, he’s a reminder that success doesn’t mean forgetting where you came from.
13. Chance the Rapper – Illinois
Chicago is as much a part of Chance the Rapper’s identity as his trademark “3” hat. Born and raised in the Windy City, he’s used his platform to shine a light on its communities, challenges, and beauty. He’s donated millions to Chicago schools and frequently calls out systemic issues in his music and speeches. His activism goes hand-in-hand with his artistry.
He doesn’t just rep Chicago—he lives it. Whether it’s through hosting open mic nights or engaging in local politics, Chance embodies the city’s potential and passion. He’s become a cultural ambassador for a new generation of Illinoisans. And in a city that loves its hometown heroes, Chance has earned his place among the greats.
