10 Famous People From Connecticut

You might know Connecticut as one of the country’s first states, home to a rich section of early American history. However, you may not know how many famous people are from Connecticut. In this article, we dig a little deeper into what the state is known for and see which famous people call it home. 

What Is Connecticut Famous For?

Nicknamed the Constitution State, Connecticut is famous for being one of the 13 original colonies and among one of the first states to ratify the Constitution.

In addition, Connecticut is famous for its fall foliage and as the birthplace of the Polaroid camera. And many believe the hamburger was also invented there.

In 1979, father-son duo Bill and Scott Rasmussen created the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network. ESPN has been the primary spot for sports news ever since. It still has its base in Bristol, Conn. 

Is Connecticut Beautiful?

Connecticut is easily listed as one of the most beautiful states in America. This is especially true in autumn as it becomes a hot spot for travelers worldwide to see the changing colors in the leaves. Year-round, its parks and waterfalls draw in hikers and tourists to experience the state’s natural beauty. 

When Is the Best Time to Visit Connecticut?

The best time to visit Connecticut depends on your purpose for visiting. More often than not, autumn ranks as the best time to visit any of the New England states, Connecticut included.

However, the summer offers much to those who choose to visit. Many suggest the best time to visit Connecticut is from May to June and from September to October.

Traveler’s Tip: While exploring Connecticut Take a Dip at Bigelow Hollow State Park.

10 Famous People From Connecticut

Now that we know a little more about a few things the state is known for, let’s look at some of the most famous people from Connecticut. Below we have constructed a list that includes actors, musicians, authors, and politicians from the Constitution State. Let’s dive in to see if one of your favorite celebrities has made the list.

Katharine Hepburn

Starting off our list is 12-time Academy Award nominee Katharine Hepburn. Hepburn, born in 1907 in Hartford, Conn., got her start in the movie business in 1932 in the film “A Bill of Divorcement.”

Her illustrious career spanned over 60 years and included acting credits in films such as “Bringing Up Baby,” “The Philadelphia Story,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,” and “On Golden Pond.” In 2003 Hepburn passed away at her home in Fenwick, Conn. 

Michael Bolton

The next name on our list is Michael Bolton, a multi-award-winning singer and performing artist from New Haven, Conn. He began his music career at the age of 22 with the release of his self-titled album. And shortly after wrote and recorded one of his most well-known songs, “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You?”

From there, Bolton solidified his status as a singer/songwriter and enjoyed several months on the Billboard Music Charts throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s. He continues to write and perform to this day.

Suzanne Collins

While the name Suzanne Collins may not be as familiar to you as some of the other names on this list, you are probably familiar with her work. Collins is most known for her series “The Hunger Games,” a wildly successful young adult fiction series.

She hails from Hartford, Conn., and originally began her career as a writer for children’s television. From there, she went on to write a series of children’s fiction books until the publication of the first Hunger Games book in 2008.

Lions Gate Entertainment then bought the rights for the books, and a series of highly successful movies put Collins’ name on the map. Today she continues writing fiction books and publishes journalistic pieces.

J.P. Morgan

Like several others on this list, J.P. Morgan was born in the town of Hartford, Conn., in 1837. He is best known for becoming a prominent figure on Wall Street in corporate finance during the Gilded Age.

His financial expertise prevented the United States monetary system from collapsing. Though he passed in 1913, his legacy lives on through many corporations and institutions he funded, including Western Union and General Electric. 

Christopher Lloyd

Christopher Lloyd, a well-known face from the ’80s and ’90s, calls Stamford, Conn., home. Before his famous role of Dr. Emmett “Doc” Brown in the “Back to the Future” trilogy, Lloyd performed on the American stage for several years.

He got his first film role in 1975 when he played opposite Danny Devito and Jack Nicholson in “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Lloyd continues to act to this day, mostly making guest appearances in popular television series.

Traveler’s Tip: Visit the famous Glass House in Connecticut while searching for celebrities.

George W. Bush

Famous people from Connecticut don’t stop at investors and movie stars; it is the birthplace of a few politicians as well. Perhaps the most well-known politician is the 43rd President of the United States, George W. Bush. He served from 2001 to 2009.

Though the Bush family at large claims Texas as their home, George W. was born in New Haven, Conn., while his father was a student at Yale University. Later, Bush would return to Connecticut as a student of Yale himself.

This return came after a busy childhood spent between Texas and Massachusetts. He began his political career in 1978 and eventually moved to Washington to aid in his father’s presidential campaign.  

John Mayer

John Mayer was born in Bridgeport, Conn., in 1977. The 19-time Grammy Award nominee grew up in Fairfield, Conn., and began taking guitar lessons at 13. His love of music grew, and he released his first EP, “Inside Wants Out,” in 1999.

Mayer’s musical career has spanned decades and genres, and he has gained great respect and notoriety for his musical abilities. His reputation as a guitar player has earned him spots on stage with the likes of B.B. King, Eric Clapton, and The Grateful Dead. Mayer continues writing and performing today. 

Meg Ryan

Meg Ryan, queen of the ’80s and 90’s romantic comedies, is another famous person from Connecticut. She was born in 1961 and grew up in Fairfield, Conn.

Her parents were both teachers who raised her in a devoutly Catholic household. Ryan began her acting career in 1981 at the age of 20 in the TV soap opera “As the World Turns.”

She is best known for her performances in films like “When Harry Met Sally,” “Sleepless in Seattle,” and “You’ve Got Mail.” She has taken on a more directorial role with her debut film premiering at the Middleburg Film Festival in 2015.

P.T. Barnum

You’ve likely heard of our next famous Connecticut native, even if you’ve never visited the circus. P.T. Barnum was born in 1810 in Bethel, Conn. He is most remembered for founding the Barnum and Bailey Circus with James Anthony Bailey in 1871.

Before which, Barnum ran for political office in Connecticut and served for three years in the Connecticut House of Representatives. In 1975 he became Mayor of Bridgeport.

Though he accomplished much in his lifetime, he is most remembered for the spectacle and shows he created through the circus. 

Paul Lieberstein

The last person on our list is Paul Lieberstein. Paul is most well known for playing the character of Toby on “The Office.”

Born in West Hartford, Conn., Lieberstein got his start in TV when he moved to Los Angeles a year after graduating from college. In 2005, his brother-in-law Greg Daniels invited him to join “The Office” as an actor and writer.

In 2008, he became an executive producer on the show. He was even going to become the showrunner for an upcoming Office spinoff before NBC executives eventually killed it. Today, Lieberstein continues to write for television and acts occasionally.

The Constitution State Is Home to Many Famous Connecticuters

From its stunning natural landscape to the rich tapestry of American history, it’s not hard to see why Connecticut is such an enticing state. While it’s not the first state that comes to mind when thinking of celebrity homes, it is fun to learn of several famous people from Connecticut.

Next time you visit the Constitution state, maybe stop in one of these famous people’s hometowns to see the areas that inspired their work. You never know — you might leave feeling a little inspired yourself.