1. Julia Roberts – Smyrna, Georgia
Julia Roberts was born in Smyrna, Georgia, a small suburb of Atlanta that had a far more rural feel during her childhood. Growing up, Julia’s parents ran a small theater company, exposing her to acting and storytelling from a young age. Smyrna’s close-knit community provided Julia with a sense of support and belonging, something she carried with her as she pursued her dreams.
Even after becoming one of the most famous actresses in the world, Julia often reflects on the values she learned in Smyrna. Her warm demeanor and ability to connect with audiences—whether in Pretty Woman or Erin Brockovich—are a testament to the small-town charm that remains at her core.
2. Dolly Parton – Sevier County, Tennessee
Dolly Parton is perhaps the most iconic example of small-town beginnings. Born in Sevier County, Tennessee, a tiny rural community, Dolly revealed in an interview with Eating Well that she grew up in a two-room cabin with no electricity or running water. She was the fourth of 12 children, and her family struggled financially. However, they were rich in music, love, and resilience. Dolly often recalls her father paying the doctor who delivered her with a bag of cornmeal.
Her small-town upbringing inspired much of her music, especially songs like “Coat of Many Colors,” which recounts her family’s resourcefulness and strong bonds. Dolly’s rise to fame after moving to Nashville is the epitome of the American Dream, but she’s never forgotten her roots. She’s poured her heart into giving back to the Appalachian region, from creating Dollywood to donating millions of books to children through her Imagination Library.
3. Brad Pitt – Shawnee, Oklahoma
Brad Pitt might seem like the ultimate Hollywood star, but his story begins in Shawnee, Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Historical Society confirms. Brad’s father owned a trucking company, and his mother worked as a school counselor. After spending his earliest years in Shawnee, Brad’s family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where he grew up surrounded by Midwestern values like hard work, humility, and family togetherness.
While Brad didn’t pursue acting until college, his small-town upbringing instilled a charm and relatability that fans love. He’s credited his roots with keeping him grounded even as he rose to become one of Hollywood’s biggest names. His journey from Oklahoma and Missouri to global stardom shows that even the quietest beginnings can lead to extraordinary places.
4. Johnny Depp – Owensboro, Kentucky
Johnny Depp was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, a small town along the Ohio River, his Britannica biography reveals. While his family moved often during his childhood, Owensboro remains the starting point of his story. Depp’s early years were far from glamorous—his family faced financial difficulties, and he has spoken openly about the challenges of his upbringing.
Despite the hardships, growing up in a small-town environment helped shape Depp’s creative mind and rebellious spirit. He often draws on these experiences to bring depth to his characters, whether it’s Captain Jack Sparrow or Edward Scissorhands. Owensboro might not claim him as a lifelong resident, but it’s where one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors first entered the world.
5. Oprah Winfrey – Kosciusko, Mississippi
Before Oprah Winfrey became a global media mogul, she was born in the small town of Kosciusko, Mississippi, according to the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Raised by her grandmother in her early years, Oprah experienced poverty firsthand. She often wore potato sacks as dresses because her family couldn’t afford new clothes, a memory she has shared in interviews to highlight her humble beginnings.
Kosciusko’s tight-knit community and Oprah’s grandmother’s emphasis on education laid the foundation for her future success. Oprah’s journey from small-town Mississippi to becoming one of the most influential figures in the world is a testament to resilience and determination. Today, she remains connected to her roots, often giving back to underserved communities through her philanthropic efforts.
6. Chris Pratt – Virginia, Minnesota
Chris Pratt may be a Hollywood A-lister now, but his roots are firmly planted in Virginia, Minnesota, according to Britannica. Born in this small mining town, Pratt grew up fishing, hunting, and exploring the outdoors. His family later moved to Lake Stevens, Washington, but his early years in rural Minnesota gave him a love of nature and a down-to-earth personality that still shines today.
Pratt’s path to stardom was anything but conventional—he worked odd jobs, including as a waiter at Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., before being discovered. Despite his meteoric rise to fame, he often reflects on his small-town upbringing as a grounding force in his life. His humor, humility, and relatability make it clear he hasn’t forgotten where he came from.
7. Hilary Swank – Lincoln, Nebraska
Hilary Swank was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, a town that boasts Midwestern charm and strong community values. While Lincoln is larger than some places on this list, Hilary’s family faced financial struggles, living in a trailer park on the outskirts of the city. Her parents prioritized hard work and resilience, lessons Hilary carried into her career. The family later moved to Bellingham, Washington, where Hilary began participating in school plays and developing her love for acting.
Hilary’s humble beginnings gave her a unique ability to connect with the roles she plays, particularly those involving perseverance and grit. Her performances in Million Dollar Baby and Boys Don’t Cry—both of which earned her Oscars—resonate deeply because of the authenticity she brings to them. She frequently credits her small-town roots for keeping her grounded, even as she became a Hollywood powerhouse.
8. Matthew McConaughey – Uvalde, Texas
Matthew McConaughey’s trademark Southern charm traces back to his birthplace of Uvalde, Texas. This small town in south-central Texas, with its wide-open spaces and close-knit community, shaped the future Oscar winner’s laid-back personality and love for storytelling. His father was an oil pipe supplier, and his mother was a schoolteacher, instilling in him the values of hard work and education.
Though McConaughey later moved to Longview, Texas, for most of his childhood, Uvalde holds a special place in his heart. He’s spoken fondly of the sense of connection and simplicity that comes from growing up in a small town. His authenticity and relatability, hallmarks of both his acting and his off-screen persona, are direct reflections of his small-town roots.
9. Miranda Lambert – Longview, Texas
Country superstar Miranda Lambert was born in Longview, Texas. Growing up, Miranda’s family wasn’t wealthy, and they even took in strangers in need of shelter, a testament to the tight-knit, giving nature of small-town life. These experiences inspired Miranda’s strong sense of empathy and resilience, which she channels into her music.
Longview wasn’t just where Miranda grew up—it was where she got her first taste of performing. She sang at local festivals and events, honing her craft before heading to Nashville to pursue her dreams. Even now, Miranda stays true to her roots, often returning to Lindale and supporting local causes. Her music, filled with stories of heartbreak, grit, and triumph, reflects the authenticity of her small-town upbringing.
10. Ashton Kutcher – Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Ashton Kutcher may be a Hollywood heartthrob, but he started his journey in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. While the town is larger than some on this list, it still has a quintessential Midwestern vibe that shaped Ashton’s character. His parents worked blue-collar jobs, and Ashton grew up in a modest household, experiencing both the joys and challenges of small-town life.
Kutcher has credited his Midwestern roots for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. Before his big break on That ‘70s Show, he worked various odd jobs, including sweeping floors at a General Mills factory. Even as he’s transitioned into tech investing and philanthropy, Ashton often speaks about how his upbringing in Cedar Rapids taught him to stay grounded and give back.
11. Blake Shelton – Ada, Oklahoma
Blake Shelton was born and raised in Ada, Oklahoma, a small town that plays a big role in his identity as a country music star. Growing up, Blake loved singing and performing, and his talent was evident from an early age. He learned to play the guitar at 12 and wrote his first song soon after, drawing inspiration from the simple, heartfelt experiences of small-town life.
Ada remains close to Blake’s heart. He frequently references his Oklahoma roots in interviews and songs, and he even spends much of his downtime at his ranch in the state. Blake’s charm, wit, and authenticity—qualities that make him a fan favorite on The Voice—are undeniably tied to his upbringing in Ada.
12. Kristen Bell – Huntington Woods, Michigan
Kristen Bell was born and raised in Huntington Woods, Michigan, a small suburban town just outside Detroit. With a population of around 6,000, Huntington Woods gave Kristen a cozy, supportive environment to grow up in. Her father was a television news director, and her mother worked as a nurse, instilling in her the importance of balancing creativity with practicality.
Kristen’s small-town roots helped shape her approachable, “girl-next-door” persona, which has made her a beloved figure in Hollywood. From her breakout role in Veronica Mars to voicing Anna in Frozen, Kristen has brought an authenticity to her work that resonates with audiences. She frequently speaks about her Midwestern upbringing as a grounding influence, even as she’s become a household name.
13. Sam Elliott – Sacramento, California (Raised in Portland, Oregon Suburbs)
Sam Elliott, known for his iconic voice and rugged charm, was born in Sacramento, California, but his formative years were spent in a small suburb outside Portland, Oregon. Growing up in a modest, working-class household, Sam developed an appreciation for hard work and the simpler things in life.
His upbringing in a quiet town heavily influenced his roles in Westerns and dramas, where he often plays stoic, salt-of-the-earth characters. Elliott has often spoken about how his small-town values shaped his career choices and kept him connected to his roots, even as he gained fame in Hollywood.
