Famous actresses from Massachusetts

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July 28, 2022
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Famous actresses from Massachusetts

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 Massachusetts 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.

Julia Jones

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (1/23/1981)
- Known for:
--- Leah Clearwater in "The Twilight Saga: Eclipse" (2010)
--- Kohana in "Westworld" (2018)
--- Wilma in "Wind River" (2017)

Elizabeth Banks

- Born: Pittsfield, Massachusetts, USA (2/10/1974)
- Known for:
--- Effie Trinket in "The Hunger Games" (2012)
--- Effie Trinket in "The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1" (2014)
--- Wyldstyle / Lucy in "The Lego Movie" (2014)

Alicia Witt

- Born: Worcester, Massachusetts, USA (8/21/1975)
- Known for:
--- Alia in "Dune" (1984)
--- Kim Cummings in "88 Minutes" (2007)
--- Natalie Simon in "Urban Legend" (1998)

Paget Brewster

- Born: Concord, Massachusetts, USA (3/10/1969)
- Known for:
--- Emily Prentiss in "Criminal Minds" (2006-2020)
--- Sara / Sara Kingsley in "Grandfathered" (2015-2016)
--- Dodo Bellacourt in "Another Period" (2015-2018)

Callie Thorne

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (11/20/1969)
- Known for:
--- Dani Santino in "Necessary Roughness" (2011-2013)
--- Laura Ballard in "Homicide: Life on the Street" (1997-1999)
--- Pam Mahone in "Prison Break" (2006-2008)

Geena Davis

- Born: Wareham, Massachusetts, USA (1/21/1956)
- Known for:
--- Thelma in "Thelma & Louise" (1991)
--- Samantha Caine (Charly) in "The Long Kiss Goodnight" (1996)
--- Dottie Hinson - Catcher in "A League of Their Own" (1992)

Jennifer Coolidge

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (8/28/1961)
- Known for:
--- Amber Cole in "A Mighty Wind" (2003)
--- Fiona in "A Cinderella Story" (2004)
--- Stifler's Mom in "American Pie" (1999)

Eliza Dushku

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (12/30/1980)
- Known for:
--- Missy Pantone in "Bring It On" (2000)
--- Sissy in "Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back" (2001)
--- Jessie Burlingame in "Wrong Turn" (2003)

Jenny Slate

- Born: Milton, Massachusetts, USA (3/25/1982)
- Known for:
--- Donna in "Obvious Child" (2014)
--- Bellwether in "Zootopia" (2016)
--- Gidget in "The Secret Life of Pets" (2016)

Maura Tierney

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (2/3/1965)
- Known for:
--- Abby Lockhart in "ER" (1999-2009)
--- Audrey Reede in "Liar Liar" (1997)
--- Karen Barbour in "Beautiful Boy" (2018)

Chloë Sevigny

- Born: Springfield, Massachusetts, USA (11/18/1974)
- Known for:
--- Sarah Wilson in "We Are Who We Are" (2020)
--- Nicolette Grant in "Big Love" (2006-2011)
--- Lana Tisdel in "Boys Don't Cry" (1999)

Uma Thurman

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (4/29/1970)
- Known for:
--- The Bride in "Kill Bill: Vol. 1" (2003)
--- Beatrix Kiddo aka The Bride aka Black Mamba aka Mommy in "Kill Bill: Vol. 2" (2004)
--- Mia Wallace in "Pulp Fiction" (1994)

Allison Janney

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (11/19/1959)
- Known for:
--- Charlotte Phelan in "The Help" (2011)
--- Bren MacGuff in "Juno" (2007)
--- Sally Lester in "The Hours" (2002)

Mindy Kaling

- Born: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (6/24/1979)
- Known for:
--- Kelly Kapoor in "The Office" (2005-2013)
--- Disgust in "Inside Out" (2015)
--- Molly Patel in "Late Night" (2019)

Taylor Schilling

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (7/27/1984)
- Known for:
--- Piper Chapman in "Orange Is the New Black" (2013-2019)
--- Beth in "The Lucky One" (2012)
--- Christine Mendez in "Argo" (2012)

Connie Britton

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (3/6/1967)
- Known for:
--- Diane in "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" (2012)
--- Victoria Lasseter in "American Ultra" (2015)
--- Rayna Jaymes in "Nashville" (2012-2018)

Christine Elise

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (2/12/1965)
- Known for:
--- Kyle in "Chucky" (2021)
--- Christine Elise in "BH90210" (2019)
--- Emily Valentine in "Beverly Hills, 90210" (1991-1996)

Ellen Pompeo

- Born: Everett, Massachusetts, USA (11/10/1969)
- Known for:
--- Dr. Meredith Grey in "Grey's Anatomy" (2005-2021)
--- Karen Page in "Daredevil" (2003)
--- Nicole in "Old School" (2003)

Lisa Edelstein

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (5/21/1966)
- Known for:
--- Dr. Lisa Cuddy in "House" (2004-2011)
--- Abby McCarthy in "Girlfriends' Guide to Divorce" (2014-2018)
--- Ali Decker in "Keeping the Faith" (2000)

Jean Louisa Kelly

- Born: Worcester, Massachusetts, USA (3/9/1972)
- Known for:
--- Tia Russell in "Uncle Buck" (1989)
--- Kim Warner in "Yes, Dear" (2000-2006)
--- Rowena Morgan in "Mr. Holland's Opus" (1995)

Peyton List

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (8/8/1986)
- Known for:
--- Cara Coburn in "The Tomorrow People" (2013-2014)
--- Sarah Wallis in "The Greatest Game Ever Played" (2005)
--- Lucy Montgomery / Lucy Montgomery #2 / Lucy Montgomery 2001- in "As the World Turns" (2001-2005)

Anne Dudek

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (3/22/1975)
- Known for:
--- Tiffany Wilson in "White Chicks" (2004)
--- Dr. Amber Volakis in "House" (2007-2012)
--- Francine Hanson in "Mad Men" (2007-2014)

Madeline Kahn

- Born: Chelsea, Massachusetts, USA (9/29/1942)
- Died: 12/3/1999
- Known for:
--- Trixie Delight in "Paper Moon" (1973)
--- Elizabeth in "Young Frankenstein" (1974)
--- Mrs. White in "Clue" (1985)

Julianne Nicholson

- Born: Medford, Massachusetts, USA (7/1/1971)
- Known for:
--- Ivy Weston in "August: Osage County" (2013)
--- Diane Rawlinson in "I, Tonya" (2017)
--- Marianne Connolly in "Black Mass" (2015)

Leslie Parrish

- Born: Melrose, Massachusetts, USA (3/18/1935)
- Known for:
--- Jocelyn Jordan in "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962)
--- Daisy Mae Scragg in "Li'l Abner" (1959)
--- Ev in "The Giant Spider Invasion" (1975)

Ari Graynor

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (4/27/1983)
- Known for:
--- Caroline in "Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist" (2008)
--- Daisy Darling in "What's Your Number?" (2011)
--- Juliette / 'Lisa' in "The Disaster Artist" (2017)

Kara Hayward

- Born: Winchester, Massachusetts, USA (11/17/1998)
- Known for:
--- Suzy in "Moonrise Kingdom" (2012)
--- Silvie Mc Cann in "Manchester by the Sea" (2016)
--- Iris Deerborne in "To the Stars" (2019)

Estelle Parsons

- Born: Marblehead, Massachusetts, USA (11/20/1927)
- Known for:
--- Blanche in "Bonnie and Clyde" (1967)
--- Calla Mackie in "Rachel, Rachel" (1968)
--- Althea Gerber in "Watermelon Man" (1970)

Paige Turco

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (5/17/1965)
- Known for:
--- April O'Neil in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze" (1991)
--- April O'Neil in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III" (1993)
--- Carol Vermeil in "Invincible" (2006)

Amy Poehler

- Born: Burlington, Massachusetts, USA (9/16/1971)
- Known for:
--- Joy in "Inside Out" (2015)
--- Angie in "Baby Mama" (2008)
--- Leslie Knope in "Parks and Recreation" (2009-2015)

Ann Dowd

- Born: Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA (1/30/1956)
- Known for:
--- Sandra in "Compliance" (2012)
--- Joan in "Hereditary" (2018)
--- Olivia in "Garden State" (2004)

Briga Heelan

- Born: Andover, Massachusetts, USA (4/2/1987)
- Known for:
--- Katie Wendelson in "Great News" (2017-2018)
--- Heidi McAuliffe in "Love" (2016-2017)
--- Becca in "Dean" (2016)

Daniela Ruah

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (12/2/1983)
- Known for:
--- Kensi Blye in "NCIS: Los Angeles" (2009-2021)
--- Sofia in "Red Tails" (2012)
--- Kensi Blye in "NCIS" (2009)

Marcia Cross

- Born: Marlborough, Massachusetts, USA (3/25/1962)
- Known for:
--- Bree Van De Kamp / Bree Hodge in "Desperate Housewives" (2004-2012)
--- Dr. Linda Abbott in "Everwood" (2003-2004)
--- Claire Haas / President Claire Haas in "Quantico" (2015-2018)

Susie Abromeit

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (11/15/1982)
- Known for:
--- Cousin Tiffany in "Sex Drive" (2008)
--- Amanda in "Battle Los Angeles" (2011)
--- Pam in "Jessica Jones" (2015)

Bette Davis

- Born: Lowell, Massachusetts, USA (4/5/1908)
- Died: 10/6/1989
- Known for:
--- Margo in "All About Eve" (1950)
--- Baby Jane Hudson in "What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?" (1962)
--- Judith Traherne in "Dark Victory" (1939)

Kathryn Erbe

- Born: Newton, Massachusetts, USA (7/5/1965)
- Known for:
--- Alexandra Eames in "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (2001-2011)
--- Maggie in "Stir of Echoes" (1999)
--- Anna Marvin in "What About Bob?" (1991)

Rachel Dratch

- Born: Lexington, Massachusetts, USA (2/22/1966)
- Known for:
--- Kirsten Brant in "Just Go with It" (2011)
--- Alice / Alan in "Click" (2006)
--- Judi Joskow in "Spring Breakdown" (2009)

Judith Hoag

- Born: Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA (6/29/1968)
- Known for:
--- Denise in "Armageddon" (1998)
--- April O'Neil in "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (1990)
--- Lillian (Studio Head's Wife) in "Hitchcock" (2012)

Erica Lindbeck

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (5/29/1992)
- Known for:
--- Black Cat / Additional Voices in "Spider-Man" (2018)
--- Mera in "DC Super Hero Girls" (2018)
--- Delaryn in "World of Warcraft: Warbringers" (2018)

Jane Curtin

- Born: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (9/6/1947)
- Known for:
--- Dr. Mary Albright in "3rd Rock from the Sun" (1996-2001)
--- Prymatt Conehead / Mary Margaret DeCicco in "Coneheads" (1993)
--- Joyce Klaven in "I Love You, Man" (2009)

Nancy Carell

- Born: Cohasset, Massachusetts, USA (7/19/1966)
- Known for:
--- Health Clinic Counselor in "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" (2005)
--- Linda in "Seeking a Friend for the End of the World" (2012)
--- Helen's Tennis Partner in "Bridesmaids" (2011)

Lee Remick

- Born: Quincy, Massachusetts, USA (12/14/1935)
- Died: 7/2/1991
- Known for:
--- Laura Manion in "Anatomy of a Murder" (1959)
--- Katherine Thorn in "The Omen" (1976)
--- Kirsten Arnesen Clay in "Days of Wine and Roses" (1962)

Jasmine Guy

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (3/10/1962)
- Known for:
--- Dominique La Rue in "Harlem Nights" 1989

Uzo Aduba

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (2/10/1981)
- Known for:
--- Suzanne 'Crazy Eyes' Warren in "Orange Is the New Black" (2013-2019)
--- Queen Novo in "My Little Pony: The Movie" (2017)
--- Detective Kinnie in "Tallulah" (2016)

Sprague Grayden

- Born: Manchester, Massachusetts, USA (7/21/1980)
- Known for:
--- Kristi Rey in "Paranormal Activity 2" (2010)
--- Adult Kristi in "Paranormal Activity 3" (2011)
--- Anita Miller in "Six Feet Under" (2004-2005)

Caitlin McGee

- Born: Boston, Massachusetts, USA (1/9/1988)
- Known for:
--- Sydney Strait in "Bluff City Law" (2019)
--- Emma in "Modern Love" (2019)
--- Liz Brosniak in "Grey's Anatomy" (2018)

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