Top 10 Celebrities You Didn’t Know Were From Pennsylvania
This article highlights ten celebrities who were born in Pennsylvania, showcasing the state’s rich contribution to the entertainment industry.
Pennsylvania has long been a melting pot of talent, producing some of the most recognizable celebrities in entertainment today. From the streets of Philadelphia to the quiet suburbs, this state has birthed a remarkable array of actors, musicians, and comedians who have made their mark on the world stage. Whether you’re a fan of comedy, music, or film, you might be surprised to learn that many of your favorite celebrities call Pennsylvania home. Here’s a look at ten celebrities who were born in the Keystone State, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and creative spirit that thrives here.
- Tina Fey – Born in Upper Darby, PA, Fey is a celebrated comedian, writer, and actress, known for her work on Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock.
- Bradley Cooper – The Academy Award-nominated actor was born in Jenkintown, PA. He’s known for films like Silver Linings Playbook and A Star is Born.
- P!nk – Born Alecia Beth Moore in Doylestown, PA, she is a Grammy-winning singer known for her powerful voice and hit songs like "Just Give Me a Reason."
- Will Smith – The actor and musician hails from West Philadelphia and is famous for his roles in The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and blockbuster films like Men in Black.
- Taylor Swift – Born in Reading, PA, Swift grew up in Wyomissing before moving to Nashville to pursue her music career, becoming one of the biggest pop stars in the world.
- Sabrina Carpenter – The actress and singer was born in Lehigh Valley, PA, and gained fame through her role on Girl Meets World and her successful music career.
- Jim Croce – The legendary singer-songwriter was born in South Philadelphia, known for his folk-rock hits like "Time in a Bottle" and "Bad, Bad Leroy Brown."
- John Legend – Born in Springfield, PA, Legend is an acclaimed musician and actor known for hits like "All of Me" and his work in film and television.
- Meat Loaf – Born Marvin Lee Aday in Dallas, Texas, he later moved to Pittsburgh, PA, where he became a prominent rock singer and actor.
- M. Night Shyamalan – The acclaimed filmmaker, known for movies like The Sixth Sense and Signs, was born in Mahé, India, but grew up in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania.
10 Celebrities You Didn't Know Were From Pennsylvania
These ten celebrities exemplify the diverse talent that has emerged from Pennsylvania, each bringing their unique flair to the entertainment industry. From groundbreaking films to chart-topping hits, these stars not only represent their home state but also inspire countless fans around the world. As we celebrate their accomplishments, it’s a reminder of how Pennsylvania continues to be a breeding ground for creativity and passion. So the next time you enjoy a movie or listen to a hit song, remember the impressive talent that originated from the Keystone State!
10 Classic Ben & Jerry’s Flavors Inspired by Celebrities
Ben & Jerry's has been a freezer section staple for decades and rightfully so. The ice cream brand has stood out among its competitors thanks to its unique flavors and pint packaging designs.
Ben & Jerry's has also been at the forefront of partnering with and honoring a number of celebrities over the years. In fact, the first celebrity-inspired flavor they ever launched was Cherry Garcia in 1987. Cherry Garcia, of course, was a nod to legendary Grateful Dead co-founder/singer/songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Jerry Garcia.
Most of the Ben & Jerry's celebrity collaborations have had charity partnerships, which further supports the brand's reputation for activism. Many charities have benefitted from these partnerships, which we explore below.
In honor of Jerry Garcia's birthday today (August 1), here are ten classic Ben & Jerry's flavors inspired by celebrities. Grab a spoon and dig into our list!
Jerry Garcia
Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty ImagesBen & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia flavor was first launched in 1987. It remains one of the brand’s biggest-selling flavors of all time. Since Jerry Garcia was diabetic, profits from the sale of Cherry Garcia have gone to various Diabetes charities.
Stephen Colbert
Scott Wintrow/Getty ImagesStephen Colbert’s AmeriCone Dream was first introduced in 2007 when the comedian was still hosting ‘The Colbert Report.’ The ice cream flavor gets its name from having fudge-covered waffle cone pieces. Since its launch, all profits have gone to the Stephen Colbert AmeriCone Dream Fund, which benefits a number of charities assisting veterans, children in need, environmental causes and more. So far, this flavor has raised over $4 million for charity.
Ron Burgundy
Frank Micelotta/Getty ImagesOkay, so Ron Burgundy is a character and not a celebrity, but how could we not mention his flavor Scotchy Scotch Scotch? This flavor was a limited release to coincide with the release of ‘Anchorman 2.’ And no, the ice cream didn’t taste like Burgundy’s favorite spirit; it was a butterscotch ice cream with ribbons of butterscotch swirl.
Elton John
Erika Goldring/Getty ImagesSir Elton’s flavor of Goodbye Yellow Brickle Road was also a limited edition flavor. When it was released in 2008, the flavor was described as “an outrageous symphony of decadent chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle and white chocolate chunks.” Like with many celebrity collaborations, profits from the sale of Goodby Yellow Brickle Road went to charity. In this instance, the profits went to the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Willie Nelson
Taylor Hill/Getty ImagesWillie Nelson’s Country Peach Cobbler flavor features cinnamon-sugar shortbread pieces and a peach swirl mixed in with peach ice cream. Profits from its sale went to Farm Aid, which provides assistance to family farmers in the United States.
Monty Python
Evan Agostini/Getty ImagesThe flavor honoring the legendary comedy group was aptly named Vermonty Python, which is a nod to the home state headquarters of Ben & Jerry’s. On sale from 2006-2008, Vermonty Python is one of many flavors that rests in the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard, with its epitaph noting its flavor profile being “Coffee liqueur ice cream with chocolate cookie crumb swirl & fudge cows.”
John Lennon
Evening Standard/Getty ImagesBen & Jerry’s love of classic rock grew with the launch of the John Lennon-inspired flavor Imagine Whirled Peace. The flavor has a caramel and sweet cream ice cream base with toffee cookie pieces and chunks of fudge in the shape of peach signs. Sales of Imagine Whirled Peace benefitted Peace One Day, a non-profit organization that aims to spread peace around the world.
Queen
Ian Tyas/Keystone/Getty ImagesAnother limited edition flavor, Bohemian Raspberry was released in 2006 in honor of Queen with profits benefitting the Mercury Phoenix Trust, the organization founded by the members of Queen in honor of their late singer Freddie Mercury. The organization provides aid and support to AIDS charities and other efforts around the world. As the name would suggest, the vanilla based ice cream features a raspberry swirl and fudge brownie chunks.
Phish
Stephen Lovekin/Getty ImagesOne of Ben & Jerry’s most iconic celebrity flavors, Phish Food is a chocolate ice cream with marshmallow, caramel swirls and fudge pieces shaped like fish. Proceeds from the sale of Phish Food go toward environmental efforts supported by Vermont’s Waterwell Foundation.
Jimmy Fallon
Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images for American Museum of Natural HistoryThis Ben & Jerry’s flavor honoring ‘Tonight Show’ host Jimmy Fallon is cleverly called The Tonight Dough. (Get it?!) The flavor features a caramel and chocolate ice cream base with a chocolate cookie swirls and chunks of chocolate chip cookie dough and peanut butter cookie dough. Proceeds from sales of The Tonight Dough benefit SeriousFun Children’s Network, which provides support to camps around the world for children with serious illnesses.
