20 Best Actors Born in Philadelphia

Philadelphia has launched a remarkable range of performers who shaped film and television across generations. From classic Hollywood icons to creators driving today’s biggest network comedies, these actors span drama, comedy, and everything in between. Many studied or started on local stages, then moved to New York or Los Angeles as their careers took off. Here are twenty standouts who were born in the city and left a lasting mark on screen.

Will Smith

Born in West Philadelphia, Will Smith moved from music to acting with early work on ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’. He earned Best Actor nominations for ‘Ali’ and ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ and later won the award for ‘King Richard’. His filmography includes global hits such as ‘Independence Day’ and ‘Men in Black’. He has also produced projects through Overbrook Entertainment and Westbrook.

Kevin Bacon

Kevin Bacon was born in Philadelphia and trained at the Circle in the Square Theatre School in New York. He drew wide attention with ‘Footloose’ and built a long career in both film and television. He won a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild Award for ‘Taking Chance’. His credits range from ‘Mystic River’ to the series ‘The Following’.

Richard Gere

Richard Gere was born in Philadelphia and grew up in the Northeast before moving to New York for theater work. He became a leading man with ‘American Gigolo’ and ‘An Officer and a Gentleman’. He earned a Golden Globe for ‘Chicago’ as part of the film’s celebrated ensemble. His career also includes ‘Pretty Woman’ and numerous humanitarian initiatives.

Grace Kelly

Grace Kelly was born in Philadelphia and studied at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She starred in Alfred Hitchcock films including ‘Dial M for Murder’, ‘Rear Window’, and ‘To Catch a Thief’. She won the Academy Award for Best Actress for ‘The Country Girl’. She later married Prince Rainier III and became Princess of Monaco.

Kevin Hart

Kevin Hart was born and raised in Philadelphia and started stand up in local clubs before touring nationally. He transitioned to screen roles with films like ‘Ride Along’, ‘Central Intelligence’, and ‘Jumanji’. He has released multiple hit comedy specials and headlined international arena shows. He also founded Hartbeat to produce film, television, and audio projects.

Quinta Brunson

Quinta Brunson was born in Philadelphia and studied at Temple University before pursuing comedy online and at Second City. She created and stars in ‘Abbott Elementary’, a network comedy set in a Philadelphia public school. The series earned her multiple awards, including Primetime Emmys for writing and acting. She also serves as an executive producer shaping the show’s direction.

Rob Mac

Rob McElhenney was born in Philadelphia and waited tables in New York while developing his first scripts. He created and stars in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia’, which became one of the longest running live action sitcoms. He later co created ‘Mythic Quest’ and took a leadership role with Wrexham AFC alongside Ryan Reynolds. His work frequently references his hometown.

Seth Green

Seth Green was born in Philadelphia and appeared in early films before breaking out on television. He played Oz on ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and provided voice work for Chris Griffin on ‘Family Guy’. He co created ‘Robot Chicken’, which won multiple Emmy Awards for animation. His career includes roles in ‘Austin Powers’ and ‘The Italian Job’.

Bob Saget

Bob Saget was born in Philadelphia and attended Temple University, where he won a student film award. He became widely known as Danny Tanner on ‘Full House’ and later as the narrator of ‘How I Met Your Mother’. He hosted ‘America’s Funniest Home Videos’ during its early seasons. His stand up career continued alongside directing and charity work.

Kim Delaney

Kim Delaney was born in Philadelphia and began modeling before moving into acting. She became a key cast member on ‘NYPD Blue’, earning a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actress. Her television work also includes ‘Army Wives’ and ‘CSI Miami’. She trained on daytime drama before shifting into prime time roles.

Kate Flannery

Kate Flannery was born in Philadelphia and studied at the University of the Arts. She is best known as Meredith Palmer on ‘The Office’, appearing across the show’s full run. She performed with the Annoyance Theatre and Second City before landing television work. Her stage credits include national tours and cabaret projects.

Jill Scott

Jill Scott was born in Philadelphia and began as a poet and singer before expanding into acting. She starred in ‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ and appeared in films like ‘Why Did I Get Married’. Her television roles include ‘First Wives Club’ and guest spots on various dramas. She has also earned multiple Grammy Awards for her music career.

Eve

Eve was born in Philadelphia and first gained fame as a rapper before moving into acting. She co starred in the ‘Barbershop’ films and led the sitcom ‘Eve’ for multiple seasons. She appeared in ‘xXx’ and has television credits as a host on ‘The Talk’. Her work spans film, television, and music with awards in hip hop.

Jack Klugman

Jack Klugman was born in Philadelphia and served in the Army during World War II before studying acting. He won two Primetime Emmys for playing Oscar Madison in ‘The Odd Couple’. He later headlined ‘Quincy, M.E.’, which ran for multiple seasons and influenced medical dramas. His stage work included Broadway appearances that preceded his television success.

Frankie Avalon

Frankie Avalon was born in Philadelphia and started as a teen singer before moving into film. He became a face of the beach party cycle with ‘Beach Party’ and its sequels alongside Annette Funicello. He appeared in ‘The Alamo’ and returned for a nostalgic role in ‘Grease’. His recording career produced chart hits that supported his screen visibility.

Robert Prosky

Robert Prosky was born in Philadelphia and spent years on stage at Arena Stage before moving to film and television. He appeared in ‘Thief’, ‘Broadcast News’, and ‘Dead Poets Society’. On television he joined the cast of ‘Hill Street Blues’ in a key role. He earned Tony Award nominations for his Broadway performances.

Larry Fine

Larry Fine was born in Philadelphia and trained as a violinist before joining vaudeville. He became one third of ‘The Three Stooges’ and appeared in hundreds of shorts and features. His work helped define American slapstick on film and television syndication. Memorabilia and fan clubs continue to celebrate his legacy.

John Barrymore

John Barrymore was born in Philadelphia into the Barrymore acting family. He rose to fame on Broadway, then starred in films such as ‘Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ and ‘Grand Hotel’. He was widely sought for Shakespearean roles on stage and screen. His children and grandchildren continued the family’s presence in entertainment.

Paul F. Tompkins

Paul F. Tompkins was born in Philadelphia and began stand up in local venues before moving to Los Angeles. He became a regular on ‘Mr. Show’ and later built an extensive voice acting resume. His credits include ‘BoJack Horseman’, ‘Adventure Time’, and numerous podcasts and live shows. He also appears on panel programs and sketch series.

Joey Lawrence

Joey Lawrence was born in Philadelphia and worked in commercials before landing television roles. He became known to a wide audience with ‘Blossom’ and later starred in ‘Melissa and Joey’. His screen work includes films and guest appearances across network comedies. He has also released music and performed on competition shows.

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