Favorite Chicago celebrities, past and present

Sep 26, 2012 2:45 AM by Maggie Marton

Posted in Entertainment / Television

Famous Chicagoans

Numerous actors and television personalities are from or have been based out of the Windy City. These famous faces have called Chicago home.

Giuliana and Bill Rancic

Bill and Giuliana Rancic

Bill Rancic, winner of the first The Apprentice and reality-TV star, is from the Chicago area. He married E! News anchor, Giuliana, and the couple split their time between Los Angeles and Chicago. Recently, with the arrival of their newborn son, the couple made plans to live in Chicago permanently.

John and Joan Cusack

The brother-and-sister actors are from the Chicago suburb, Evanston. The two of them have appeared in an extensive list of movies and television shows, and Joan even had a stint on Saturday Night Live. While John no longer lives in the area, Joan still lives with her family in Chicago.

Jim Belushi

Comedian Jim Belushi -- and his late brother, John -- are from the Chicago area. Like many well-known comedians, Jim got his start with the Chicago-based troupe, The Second City. Later, he appeared on Saturday Night Live and in dozens of movies.

Bill Murray

Born in a suburb of Chicago, Bill Murray is one of the most famous comedians to come out of the Windy City. Loved for his movies and his stand-up comedy, he is a well-known fan of the Chicago sports teams -- the Bears, the Bulls and the Cubs.

Oprah

Even though she is originally from Mississippi, Oprah is linked to the city of Chicago. Quite possibly the most recognized Windy City celebrity, Oprah filmed The Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago for 25 seasons. Though she now owns homes all over the world, Oprah maintains her Chicago apartment.

Vince Vaughn

Vince Vaughn grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. Though he started acting in the 1980s, he didn’t become as popular as he is today until he starred in the comedy Old School. Vince maintains his presence in Chicago at sporting events, cheering for the Blackhawks, Bears and Cubs.

Image credit: WENN