Famous actresses from Connecticut
Anyone who wants to admire and envy the world's biggest stars needs only to look on Instagram. From A-list movie stars and major musicians to pro ball players and comedians who landed their own sitcoms, there's no shortage of evidence of just how good the good life is. They post pictures of themselves with other big shots on rooftop bars, at exclusive clubs, at backstage parties, and at restaurants where regular people can't get a reservation.
But the vast majority of these celebrities were born and raised outside of Hollywood, finding their way to the bright lights and big money of superstardom from obscure beginnings in regular small towns and cities across the country.
Stacker compiled a list of actresses that were born in Connecticut from IMDb's most popular list. Movie poster images are from OMDb. Keep reading to see which of your favorite actresses are from your home state.
Meg Ryan
- Known for:
--- Sally Albright in "When Harry Met Sally..." (1989)
--- Kathleen Kelly in "You've Got Mail" (1998)
--- Annie Reed in "Sleepless in Seattle" (1993)
Alexandra Breckenridge
- Known for:
--- Melinda Monroe / Mel Monroe in "Virgin River" (2019-2022)
--- Sophie / Sophie Larson in "This Is Us" (2017-2021)
--- Young Moira O'Hara / Kaylee in "American Horror Story" (2011-2013)
Madeline Zima
- Known for:
--- Mia Lewis in "Californication" (2007-2011)
--- Tracey in "Twin Peaks" (2017)
--- Rachel in "You" (2019)
Amy Brenneman
- Known for:
--- Amy Gray in "Judging Amy" (1999-2005)
--- Eady in "Heat" (1995)
--- Laura Walker in "Fear" (1996)
Jenna Dewan
- Known for:
--- Nora Clark in "Step Up" (2006)
--- Sasha in "Take the Lead" (2006)
--- Molly Taylor in "The Jerk Theory" (2009)
Anika Noni Rose
- Known for:
--- Tiana in "The Princess and the Frog" (2009)
--- Lorrell Robinson in "Dreamgirls" (2006)
--- Tiana in "Ralph Breaks the Internet" (2018)
Sarah Rafferty
- Known for:
--- Dr. Casey Matthews in "Tremors" (2003)
--- Donna Paulsen in "Suits" (2011-2019)
--- Kayla Kaminski in "Samantha Who?" (2008)
Gretchen Mol
- Known for:
--- Jane Fuller / Natasha Molinaro / Jane in "The Thirteenth Floor" (1999)
--- Alice Evans in "3:10 to Yuma" (2007)
--- Elise Chandler in "Manchester by the Sea" (2016)
Camille Kostek
- Known for:
--- Bombshell in "Free Guy" (2021)
--- Hostess in "I Feel Pretty" (2018)
--- Meg in "Monsters of California" (2021)
Mariette Hartley
- Known for:
--- Dr. Carolyn Fields in "The Incredible Hulk" (1978)
--- Mrs. Morgan in "Encino Man" (1992)
--- Elsa Knudsen in "Ride the High Country" (1962)
Glenn Close
- Known for:
--- Alex Forrest in "Fatal Attraction" 1987
Glenne Headly
- Died: 6/8/2017
- Known for:
--- Janet Colgate in "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels" (1988)
--- Angela in "Don Jon" (2013)
--- Tess Trueheart in "Dick Tracy" (1990)
Kari Wuhrer
- Known for:
--- Sheriff Samantha Parker in "Eight Legged Freaks" (2002)
--- Denise Kalberg in "Anaconda" (1997)
--- Gina Lempke in "Thinner" (1996)
Katharine Hepburn
- Died: 6/29/2003
- Known for:
--- Eleanor of Aquitaine in "The Lion in Winter" (1968)
--- Tracy Lord in "The Philadelphia Story" (1940)
--- Rose Sayer in "The African Queen" (1951)
Lauren Ambrose
- Known for:
--- Claire Fisher in "Six Feet Under" (2001-2005)
--- Florence 'Chicklet' Forrest / Ann Bowman in "Psycho Beach Party" (2000)
--- KW in "Where the Wild Things Are" (2009)
Allison Williams
- Known for:
--- Marnie Michaels in "Girls" (2012-2017)
--- Rose Armitage in "Get Out" (2017)
--- Charlotte in "The Perfection" (2018)
Becki Newton
- Known for:
--- Amanda Tanen / Fey Sommers / Ruthie in "Ugly Betty" (2006-2010)
--- Jennifer in "August Rush" (2007)
--- Amanda Tanen in "Mode After Hours" (2008-2009)
Linda Kozlowski
- Known for:
--- Sue Charlton in "Crocodile Dundee" (1986)
--- Sue Charlton in "Crocodile Dundee II" (1988)
--- Jill McGowan in "Village of the Damned" (1995)
Christy Carlson Romano
- Known for:
--- Poppy Blu in "Kim Possible" (2019)
--- Gabby in "Deadly Daycare" (2014)
--- Kim Possible / Miriam 'Mim' Possible in "Kim Possible" (2002-2007)
Diane Venora
- Known for:
--- Justine in "Heat" (1995)
--- Valentina Koslova in "The Jackal" (1997)
--- Gloria Capulet in "Romeo + Juliet" (1996)
Aarti Mann
- Known for:
--- Nurse Nikita in "Danny Collins" (2015)
--- Priya Koothrappali in "The Big Bang Theory" (2010-2011)
--- Director in "Augury"
Linda Purl
- Known for:
--- Dr. Ruth Young in "Mighty Joe Young" (1998)
--- Sarah Novelli in "First Monday" (2002)
--- Sheila Munroe in "Visiting Hours" (1982)
Linda Evans
- Known for:
--- Krystle Carrington / Rita Lesley in "Dynasty" (1981-1989)
--- Audra Barkley in "The Big Valley" (1965-1969)
--- Self - Contestant in "Hell's Kitchen" (2009)
Emma Greenwell
- Known for:
--- Caroline Bingley in "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" (2016)
--- Catherine DeCourcy Vernon in "Love & Friendship" (2016)
--- Charlotte in "Holy Ghost People" (2013)
Bijou Phillips
- Known for:
--- Estrella Starr in "Almost Famous" (2000)
--- Ali Willis in "Bully" (2001)
--- Whitney in "Hostel: Part II" (2007)
Illeana Douglas
- Known for:
--- Janice Maretto in "To Die For" (1995)
--- Lisa in "Stir of Echoes" (1999)
--- Kiki Pierce in "The New Guy" (2002)
Hope Lange
- Died: 12/19/2003
- Known for:
--- Joanna Kersey in "Death Wish" (1974)
--- Mrs. Walsh in "A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy's Revenge" (1985)
--- Mrs. Williams in "Blue Velvet" (1986)
Sheryl Lee Ralph
- Known for:
--- Rita in "Oliver & Company" (1988)
--- Florence Watson in "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" (1993)
--- Dee Mitchell in "Moesha" (1996-2001)
Heather Thomas
- Known for:
--- Jane Mitchell in "Zapped!" (1982)
--- Teri Marshall in "Cyclone" (1987)
--- Jody Banks in "The Fall Guy" (1981-1986)
Jocelin Donahue
- Known for:
--- Lucy Stone in "Doctor Sleep" (2019)
--- Samantha in "The House of the Devil" (2009)
--- Young Lorraine in "Insidious: Chapter 2" (2013)
Jenna von Oÿ
- Known for:
--- Six LeMeure in "Blossom" (1990-1995)
--- Stacey in "A Goofy Movie" (1995)
--- Stevie Van Lowe in "The Parkers" (1999-2004)
Pamela Sue Martin
- Known for:
--- Susan Shelby in "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972)
--- Fallon Carrington Colby / Fallon Carrington in "Dynasty" (1981-1985)
--- Lillian Weller in "Torchlight" (1984)
Rachel Sennott
- Known for:
--- Danielle in "Shiva Baby" (2020)
--- Actress in "Stuck in the Mall" (2019)
--- Actress in "Brooke & Sam"
Rachael MacFarlane
- Known for:
--- Hayley Smith / Barb Hanson / Hayley Smith as Ms. Peacenickel / Reshma / Actress / Barbra Streisand / Carol / Convention Attendee / Deborah / Gertie / Guest #2 / Gypsy Woman / Hailey Smith / Hayley Shape-shifting Alien / Headmistress Mahoney / Infomercial Lady / Jewellery Clerk / Judy Panowitz / Lady Carolyn Gilbert-Lawson / Lisa Collins / Melanie Hanson / Pandora / Refugee Woman / Roberta / Sarah MacLachlan / Sheila / Shirley / Softball Player #2 / Steve in Old Lady's Disguise / Tammy / Tatiana / Ugly Stepsister #1 / Waitress in "American Dad!" (2005-2022)
--- Mindy / Eris / Girl #2 / Boy #2 / Child / Coop / Girl #2 & #4 / Kid / Kid #3 / Mary Frances / Mom #3 / Monster Bug / Nurse Bully / Ramona / Serisue / Singer / Snake / Unicorn #1 / Velma's Mom / Woman #2 in "The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy" (2002-2007)
--- Miss Tammy / Barbara / Various / Waitress / Woman / Cheerleader / Fangirl / Nurse / Olivia / Prostitute / Student / 1920s Woman / 911 Operator / Alexa / Amelia Bedelia / Animatronic Irish Woman / Baby Elisabeth Hasselbeck / Beauty Academy Secretary / Beverly / Black Widow / Blonde Sitcom Mom / Bo Peep / Booze Cruiser / Brandy / Brian's Fan / British Woman / Britney Spears / Carrie / Catherine the Great / Club Girl / College Girl / Decapitating Nun / Demagorgon's Wife / Dognapper / Dorothy Gale / Drug Den Announcer / Emma Stone / Farting Women / Female Bat / Female Mouse / Firehouse Girl / Focus Group Tester / Front Desk Clerk / Future Quahog Mother / Girl / Girl #2 in Commercial / Girl #3 / Girl Jumping From the Tree / Girl in Commercial / Girlfriend / Hudson Comics Shopkeeper / Human Resources Manager / Ivanka Trump / Jacqueline / Jaimee / Jane Austen / Jayna / Jennifer / Jennifer Love Hewitt / Jill / Joan of Arc / Kate / Kate Moss / Katie / Kim Kardashian's Friend / Kitchen House Narrator / Lois Lane / Luke's Wife / Mad Men Producer / Madonna / Maid Madelaine / Mall Shopper / Marie Osmond / Mary Steenburgen / Meat Customer / Meg Griffin / Meg's Friend / Minnie Mouse / Monica / Mother / Mother of Young Boy / Mrs. Friendston / Mrs. Hollander / Mummy Pig / Newport Heiress / Norwegian Girlfriend / Olivia Fuller / Paula's Friend #2 / Peaches / Porsche Cayenne Driver / Professor Knockers / Quagmire's Mistress / R / Rape Victim / Reporter / Roller Derby Girl / Room Service / Roxane / Sarah / Savannah Guthrie / School Board Woman / Secretary / Shelley Duvall / Sonja / Stewie's Mistress / Tanya / Teacher / Teenage Girl / Tracy Flannigan / Veterinarian Nurse / Wanda / Wife / Woman in Lab Coat / Woman in Restaurant / Woman on Plane in "Family Guy" (1999-2021)
Kerri Kenney
- Known for:
--- Deputy Trudy Wiegel / Jackie the Hooker / Hippie Van Driver / Jackie the Pickle Throwing Hooker in "Reno 911!" (2003-2020)
--- Deputy Trudy Wiegel in "Reno 911! Miami" (2007)
--- Various in "The State" (1993-1995)
Ellen Muth
- Known for:
--- Young Selena in "Dolores Claiborne" (1995)
--- Georgia 'George' Lass in "Dead Like Me" (2003-2004)
--- George Lass in "Dead Like Me: Life After Death" (2009)
Rosalind Russell
- Died: 11/28/1976
- Known for:
--- Mame Dennis in "Auntie Mame" (1958)
--- Hildy Johnson in "His Girl Friday" (1940)
--- Rose Hovick in "Gypsy" (1962)
Lydia Hearst
- Known for:
--- Pandora in "Z Nation" (2018)
--- Mary Majors in "Between Worlds" (2018)
--- Tess in "Condemned" (2015)
Katie Stevens
- Known for:
--- Harper in "Haunt" (2019)
--- Jane Sloan in "The Bold Type" (2017-2021)
--- Karma Ashcroft in "Faking It" (2014-2016)
Sarah Holcomb
- Known for:
--- Maggie O'Hooligan in "Caddyshack" (1980)
--- Clorette DePasto in "National Lampoon's Animal House" (1978)
--- Judith Hastings in "Happy Birthday, Gemini" (1980)
Caitlin Hale
- Known for:
--- Marta in "School of Rock" (2003)
--- Kathy in "Grimmerson Manor" (2022)
--- Sydney in "Max & Wrigley"
Valerie Azlynn
- Known for:
--- Damien's Assistant - Vietnam Crew in "Tropic Thunder" (2008)
--- Julie in "Schooled" (2019-2020)
--- Gorgeous Model in "Bewitched" (2005)
Danielle Ferland
- Known for:
--- Cassandra in "Mighty Aphrodite" (1995)
--- Child Star in "Radio Days" (1987)
--- Birthday Party Guest in "Wonder Wheel" (2017)
Karen Kopins
- Known for:
--- Robin Pierce in "Once Bitten" (1985)
--- Margaret Winston in "Jake Speed" (1986)
--- Kay Lloyd in "Dallas" (1988-1989)
Jennifer Westfeldt
- Known for:
--- Jessica Stein in "Kissing Jessica Stein" (2001)
--- Julie Keller in "Friends with Kids" (2011)
--- Abby Willoughby in "Ira & Abby" (2006)
Katherine Cannon
- Known for:
--- Barbara Beck in "The Hidden" (1987)
--- Evelyn Clancy in "JAG" (1998)
--- Nurse Dottie Dixon / Capt. Dottie Dixon / Dottie Dixon / Lt. Cmdr. Dottie Dixon in "Black Sheep Squadron" (1977-1978)
Lisa Robin Kelly
- Died: 8/15/2013
- Known for:
--- Laurie Forman in "That '70s Show" (1998-2003)
--- Cheerleader #2 in "Jawbreaker" (1999)
--- Terri Roberts in "The X-Files" (1996)
Kim Greist
- Known for:
--- Jill Layton in "Brazil" (1985)
--- Molly Graham in "Manhunter" (1986)
--- Beth in "Throw Momma from the Train" (1987)
Melanie Chartoff
- Known for:
--- Maureen Finn in "Alexander IRL" 2017
--- Producer in "Switched at Birth" 2015