Top Hollywood Stars and Actors Born in Mississippi | 2023 Guide

The Rise of Hollywood Stars from Mississippi

Mississippi may be known for its rich literary history and being the birthplace of blues music. But the Magnolia State has also produced many celebrated TV and film stars who have gone on to achieve great fame and success in Hollywood and beyond.

Morgan Freeman

Legendary actor Morgan Freeman was born in Memphis, Tennessee but grew up in Charleston, Mississippi from an early age. Some of his most acclaimed roles have included:

• Narrator for March of the Penguins
• God in Bruce Almighty and Evan Almighty
• Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in The Shawshank Redemption
• Lucius Fox in the Batman trilogy

Freeman has won an Academy Award, Golden Globe Award, and Screen Actors Guild Award in his over 50 year career in film. He has many iconic and unforgettable roles across dramas, comedies and more.

James Earl Jones

Although James Earl Jones was born in Mississippi, he was raised largely in Michigan. Still, Mississippi can lay claim to his birth before he became internationally famous. Highlights of his legendary acting career include:

• Voice of Darth Vader in Star Wars film franchise
• Mufasa in The Lion King animated films
• Terence Mann in Field of Dreams
• Thulsa Doom in Conan the Barbarian

With his iconic voice and commanding presence, James Earl Jones has played truly legendary roles across television and cinema over nearly seven decades acting.

Parker Posey

Known for often portraying eccentric characters, actress Parker Posey was born and raised in Laurel, Mississippi. Some most notable performances include:

• The title role in the cult hit Josie and the Pussycats
• A supporting part in Best in Show by Christopher Guest
• Appearing in Richard Linklater's films Dazed and Confused and Waking Life
• Portraying Aunt Pennylane on Louis CK's show Louie

Posey studied drama at the State University of New York at Purchase and launched her acting career in the early 90s. She's known for bringing unique charm and presence to both comedies and dramas.

Oprah Winfrey

One of the most famous and influential TV personalities grew up impoverished in rural Mississippi before making it big. Oprah Winfrey is best known for accomplishments like:

• Hosting the top-rated Oprah Winfrey Show for 25 seasons
• Portraying Sofia in the 1985 film The Color Purple
• Featuring books on Oprahs Book Club often resulting in best-seller status
• Academy Award nomination for her role as producer of the 2013 film Selma

Born in Kosciusko, Oprah has donated millions to provide education opportunities for women internationally. She overcame difficulties in her own early life to achieve wild success in media and entertainment.

Prominent Character Actors from Mississippi

In addition to blockbuster movie stars, Mississippi has produced numerous successful character actors known for supporting roles across TV and film:

Fred Thompson

Well before becoming a politician, Fred Thompson acted in many films often playing roles in legal thrillers and dramas:

• Portraying District Attorney Arthur Branch on Law & Order shows from 2002-2007
• Starring in 1990's blockbusters Days of Thunder and The Hunt for Red October
• Featuring in action films like Die Hard 2 and Aces: Iron Eagle III earlier in his career

Born in Sheffield, Alabama, Fred Thompson later moved to Mississippi where his acting career began before entering politics in the mid-1990s.

Mary Donnelly Haskell

A character actress who often played the part of warm, nurturing women, Mary Donnelly Haskell was featured in movies like:

• Supporting role in Oliver Stones 1991 film JFK
• One of Burt Reynolds girlfriends in the comedy Striptease
• Portraying Paul Newmans housekeeper in Nobody's Fool

Haskell had numerous small roles across her decades-long acting career after getting her start in community theater in her home state of Mississippi.

Wayne Rogers

Before his most famous role on TV, Wayne Rogers served in the US Navy and lived in Mississippi doing stage acting:

• Playing Trapper John McIntyre on CBS series M*A*S*H from 1972-1975
• Featuring in classic films like Cool Hand Luke and Odds Against Tomorrow
• Appearing on television shows ranging from Murder, She Wrote to House Calls

Known for bringing humor and charm to his roles, Rogers worked consistently in film and television over five decades after getting started in his home state.

Mississippi-Born TV Stars Who Made it Big

In addition to big screen actors, Mississippi has produced many stars of popular television shows over the years:

Sela Ward

Actress Sela Ward spent her early childhood in Meridian, Mississippi prior to her family relocating to Alabama. Some career highlights include:

• Starring role alongside George Clooney on NBCs drama ER
• Lead actress in hit primetime soap opera Sisters from 1991-1996
• Portraying First Lady forged Reagan in The Day Reagan Was Shot

Ward studied acting and performed in plays at the University of Alabama. She was soon noticed by Hollywood and landed major network TV roles.

Robert Hogan

The actor Robert Hogan, born in Chicago, moved to Mississippi when he was only two years old. Noteworthy roles include:

• Air Force Colonel Henry Blake in first season of M*A*S*H
• Lead hero Major John Kirby in 1960s WWII show Combat!
• Supporting part in HBOs series G-Men from Hell
• Guest appearances on TV classics like Perry Mason and The Twilight Zone

In addition to acting, Hogan served as soldier in the US Army helping pioneer television and film projects early in his long career in show business.

Gerald McRaney

Originally from Collins, Mississippi, Gerald McRaney became widely known for playing several roles:

• Lead character Angus MacGyvers best friend Pete Thornton in hit series MacGyver
• Starring as family patriarch John Walton, Sr in The Waltons
• Title role in 1990s TV drama Simon & Simon for over 150 episodes
• Recurring part as main villain Mason Wood in season 4 of Deadwood

Nominated for several Emmys, McRaney is still active playing a wide range character roles on television today.

Modern Mississippi Born Movie and TV Stars

The latest generation of actors from Mississippi entertaining audiences today include:

Lakeith Stanfield

Born in San Bernardino, California, Lakeith Stanfield grew up primarily in Mississippi. His roles include:

• Breakout part as tragic heroin addict in Short Term 12
• Comedic role in popular FX Atlanta series created by Donald Glover
• Supporting part alongside Tessa Thompson in indie hit Sorry to Bother You
• Portraying civil rights pioneer Stokely Carmichael in Judas and the Black Messiah

Known for both comedic and serious roles, Stanfield studied acting growing up in Mississippi before relocating to Los Angeles pursue his career.

Charlbi Dean

Although born in South Africa, Charlbi Dean spent most of her childhood in Mississippi before becoming an actress. Some career highlights:

• Breakthrough role as Syonide on DC comics series Black Lightning
• Supporting part in acclaimed 2022 film Triangle of Sadness, which earned her a posthumous Gotham Award
• Portraying young version of Zendayas character in Spider-Man: No Coming Home

Dean tragically died at age 32 from an unexpected illness shortly before the release of Triangle of Sadness in 2022, cutting short her promising career.

Chase Wainscott

A native of Tupelo, Mississippi, Chase Wainscott moved to Los Angeles in 2012 to pursue acting and has appeared in shows like:

• Recurring role on informative series The Truth About
• Guest starring parts on TV crime drama Animal Kingdom
• Featured actor in AwesomenessTVs streaming series Guidance
• Supporting film role in thriller Sound of Violence released 2021

Still early in his career, this rising young Mississippi born actor continues scoring roles in film and episodic television.

Mississippi has cultivated impressive acting talents ranging from Hollywood icons and star power TV personalities all the way to promising young performers just getting their start in Los Angeles and New York. The Magnolia State will likely keep producing brilliant new entertainers into the future.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.