Connecticut is a small state in the New England area of the United States. Don’t let its size fool you, however, as over the years it has produced a wealth of culture as well as a litany of famous figures. Though it’s best known for its financial services industry, The Constitution State has also produced a wealth of famous actors. Let’s meet the 10 biggest movie stars from Connecticut.
(If you live in a more southern state, meet the 10 biggest movie stars from Louisiana.)
To compile a list of the 10 biggest movie stars from Connecticut, 24/7 consulted a range of celebrity databases and news site affiliates including The Famous People and WTNH. Next, we selected a range of movie stars from different eras. After that, we consulted sites like Biography and Britannica for specific biographical information and achievements.
Katharine Hepburn
- Hometown: Hartford
One of the biggest movie stars from Connecticut is actress Katherine Hepburn. Born as Katharine Houghton Hepburn, she first rose to prominence for her work on Broadway, which drew the attention of Hollywood. After that, she starred in classic films like “Bringing Up Baby,” “The African Queen,” and “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.”
A leading lady in the Hollywood machine for over six decades, Hepburn gained a reputation for refusing to conform to society’s expectations of women at the time. Her unconventional lifestyle included dressing in what was considered men’s clothing as well as living independently. For her success, Hepburn won four Academy Awards.
Paul Giamatti
- Hometown: New Haven
Another one of the biggest movie stars from Connecticut is actor Paul Giamatti. Born Paul Edward Valentine Giamatti, his father was the commissioner of Major League Baseball. He first rose to prominence as a character actor, before establishing himself as a leading man in films like “American Splendor,” “Sideways,” and most recently, “The Holdovers.”
In recent years, Giamatti has also made a name for himself as a leading television actor. Some of his major roles include “John Adams,” “Too Big to Fail,” and “Billions.” For his acting success, Giamatti has received three Golden Globe Awards, two Critics Choice Awards, four Screen Actors Guild Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
Meg Ryan
- Hometown: Fairfield
Another well-known star to hail from Connecticut is actress Meg Ryan. Born Margaret Mary Emily Anne Hyra, Ryan first rose to prominence with her acting debut in the film “Rich and Famous.” From there, she went on to star in several hit films including “When Harry Met Sally…,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “You’ve Got Mail.”
In recent years, Ryan has taken to directing, with her directorial debut being the 2015 film “Ithaca.” For her acting success, Ryan has earned numerous awards and accolades. These include two American Comedy Awards, a Bambi Award, and a Blockbuster Entertainment Award.
Glenn Close
- Hometown: Greenwich
Another one of the biggest movie stars from Connecticut is actress Glenn Close. She first rose to acting prominence with roles on the stage, including the play “Barnum,” which earned Close her first Tony Award nomination. After that, she transitioned to film, scoring roles in hit films like “The World According to Garp,” “Fatal Attraction,” and “101 Dalmatians.”
In addition to her acting career, Close is also a noted philanthropist and activist. Some of her work in this arena includes campaigning for same-sex marriage and women’s rights issues, as well as being a trustee of The Wildlife Conservation Society. Considered one of the best actresses to never win an Academy Award, Close has won three Golden Globe Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Tony Awards.
Christopher Lloyd
- Hometown: Stamford
Another well-known actor from Connecticut is Christopher Lloyd. Born Christopher Allen Lloyd, he first rose to prominence with his stage-acting work, which earned him a Drama Desk Award and an Obie Award. After that, Lloyd transitioned to film, starring in popular films like “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” “The Addams Family,” “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” and most notably, the Back to the Future film trilogy.
In recent years, Lloyd has expanded his repertoire to include various types of media including television, video games, and even theme park attractions. Some of these include the cult-classic television show “Firefly” and the video game “Kingdom of Hearts III.” For his acting success, Lloyd has also won a Primetime Emmy Award, an Independent Spirit Award, and a NAVGTR Award. (For other actors who worked well into life, explore the best movies starring senior citizens.)
Katherine Heigl
- Hometown: New Canaan
Another prominent actor to hail from Connecticut is Katherine Heigl. Though she was born in Washington D.C., she spent most of her adolescence in New Canaan, Connecticut. As an actress, she first rose to fame for her role in the hit television show “Grey’s Anatomy,” earning her a Primetime Emmy Award in the process.
After that, Heigl transitioned to film, starring in pictures like “Knocked Up,” “27 Dresses,” and “Life As We Know It.” Besides acting, Heigl is known as a cover model as well as a philanthropist, including notable collaborations with the Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA. For her acting success, Heigl has won two People’s Choice Awards, two CAMIE Awards, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Justin Long
- Hometown: Fairfield
Another one of the biggest movie stars from Connecticut is actor Justin Long. Born Justin Jacob Long, he first rose to acting prominence with roles in movies like “Jeepers Creepers,” “Dodgeball,” “Idiocracy,” and “Zach and Miri Make a Porno.” Some of his other notable roles include “Tusk,” “Waiting,” and “Live Free or Die Hard.”
In addition to movies, Long has also had a noted television acting career. Some of his prominent roles are in shows like “Portlandia,” “Inside Amy Schumer,” “Punk’d,” and “That 70’s Show.” For his acting success, Long has been nominated twice for a Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor.
James Van Der Beek
- Hometown: Cheshire
Another one of the biggest movie stars from Connecticut is actor James Van Der Beek. Born as James William Van Der Beek, he first rose to acting prominence with roles in various off-Broadway stage productions. His breakout role, however, was that of Dawson Leery on the massively popular television show “Dawson’s Creek.”
In addition to television, Van Der Beek has had notable roles in films like “Varsity Blues,” “The Rules of Attraction,” and “Bad Hair.” Most recently, Van Der Beek returned to television with a role on the 28th season of “Dancing with the Stars.” For his acting success, Van Der Beek has won two MTV Movie Awards, a Teen Choice Award, and a NewNowNext Award.
John Ratzenberger
- Hometown: Bridgeport
John Ratzenberger is an American actor from Connecticut. Born John Dezso Ratzenberger, he first rose to acting prominence as part of a comedy duo based in London, England. His breakout role, however, would come with his addition to the cast of the long-running comedy television show “Cheers.”
After that, Ratzenberger made a name for himself with a series of voiceover acting roles. Some of these include “Monsters, Inc.,” “Cars,” “The Incredibles,” and most notably, the Toy Story film series. In recent years, Ratzenberger has returned to television, with roles in hit shows like “Bones,” “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” and “That 70’s Show.”
Ernest Borgnine
- Hometown: Hamden
Another one of the biggest movie stars from Connecticut is actor Ernest Borgnine. Born Ermes Effron Borgnino, Borgnine first rose to acting prominence in the 1950s, with roles in films like “From Here to Eternity,” and “The Wild Bunch.” An actor with a career spanning nearly six decades, Borgnine starred in countless films, television shows, and even video games.
Some of his other notable roles include “Marty,” “McHale’s Navy,” and “Spongebob Squarepants.” Throughout his career, Borgnine earned numerous accolades for his acting abilities. Some of these include an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. He died in 2012 at the age of 95. (If you’re looking for other popular actors, discover why Morgan Freeman is the most well-liked actor in America.)