By no means is Charleston the Hollywood of the East Coast, and that's just how we like it, but there are a handful of celebrities who have called Charleston home at some point in their life. Some were born here, and others moved here, but they are familiar faces we have seen on the big screens and big stages.
Here are just a few celebs who have lived or currently live in Charleston:
Bill Murray - Actor and Comedian
While Bill Murray is not originally from Charleston, he currently resides on Sullivan's Island and is extremely proud to call the Lowcountry home. He can always be found supporting local business (peep the Piggly Wiggly hat below), dining at popular restaurants and bars, and he serves as co-owner of Harold's Cabin, and part-owner and "Director of Fun" for the Charleston Riverdogs. The actor and comedian from classics like Ghostbusters and Caddyshack can be spotted all around the Holy City.
Danny McBride - Actor, Comedian, Writer
HBO shows, Vice Principals and The Righteous Gemstones, were both filmed in Charleston (and it's very obvious if you watch them). Another HBO show, Eastbound and Down, was filmed only two hours away in Myrtle Beach. This is all thanks to Danny McBride and his move to the Lowcountry from California. Danny McBride isn't originally from South Carolina either, but chose to call Charleston home. He recently shared details about the move and his time here on Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He told viewers about his crazy shark tooth hunting experience, and a special visit from Kanye West.
Check it out below.
Darius Rucker - Singer
We could never leave this one out. Darius Rucker was born and raised in Charleston, and still calls the Lowcountry home today. He is known around the world as the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish, and his more recent country music career that began in 2008. His second country music album is even titled Charleston, SC 1966. Rucker has had a remarkable music career, but what we love most about him is his philanthropic heart and passion to give back to the community. He serves on the board of MUSC Children's Hospital, volunteers, and performs benefit concerts that have raised millions for the PGA First Tee Program, the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation, and MUSC Children's Hospital. There is not a negative thing you can say about this man.
Stephen Colbert - The Late Show Host
Stephen Colbert no longer resides in Charleston, but he did grow up here with 10 other siblings. His family moved to James Island during his childhood years for his father's new position as the Dean of MUSC. He found his passion for theater at a young age while attending Porter-Guard, where he starred in several school plays. Today, he is widely recognized for being the host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report, and his current role as the host of the CBS program The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Will Patton - Actor
You may remember Will Patton as Coach Yoast from Remember the Titans, and more recently, Colonel Weaver from the TNT series Falling Skies. But did you know Charleston is his hometown? He grew up on a farm in the Lowcountry where his parents ran a foster home for teens. He didn't move back to Charleston after attending North Carolina School of the Arts, but spent his childhood years here.
Shanola Hampton - Actress
Shanola Hampton, also known as Veronica Fisher from Showtime's Shameless also claims the Lowcountry as her hometown. She grew up in Summerville and attended Summerville High School. She even stayed in state for college and attended Winthrop University before moving to Los Angeles. She frequently returns to South Carolina to visit family. Here's a little fun fact about her childhood in Charleston: she impersonated Diana Ross in a local talent show.
Thomas Gibson - Actor
You probably know him as Special Agent "Hotch" from the CBS series Criminal Minds, but Thomas Gibson was also born and raised in Charleston. He even attended College of Charleston for a short period of time before being awarded a scholarship to attend the Drama Division at Julliard. Thomas Gibson currently lives in Texas with his wife and kids, but will make trips back to the Lowcountry to spend days on the water.
📷 Photo: Getty Images