Notable film and television stars who grew up on farms

Hollywood celebrities may attend movie premieres and other red carpet events filled with big city lights. Still, a few grew up on several acres surrounded by animals and rolling fields. Here are eight notable figures in film and television who grew up on a farm.

midwest sunset farm stock photo_adobe stock.png

Adobe Stock

Melissa McCarthy

McCarthy is a comedian, producer, and actress. Some of her most notable roles are in Bridesmaids, Mike and Molly, and Gilmore Girls. She was born in rural Illinois and grew up on her family’s corn and soybean farm. In an interview, she stated that it was the best way to grow up.

Jennie Garth

This actress was a star on the hit franchise Beverly Hills 90210. She has also appeared on many other television shows, including Dancing with the Stars. She also had her own show on both HGTV and CMT. Garth grew up on a horse farm in Illinois.

Garrett Hedlund

You may know Hedlund from movies such as Friday Night Lights, Georgia Rule, Tron: Legacy, or perhaps Country Strong. Hedlund may be considered country strong in his own right because he grew up and worked on a 400 acre cattle ranch outside of Roseau, Minnesota.

Krysten Ritter

Ritter is a model, musician and an actor, who became a part of the Marvel Universe when she stared in the Netflix series Jessica Jones. She grew up on a 100 acre cattle farm in rural Pennsylvania. On the farm, she helped raise a calf whom she named Jake. As Jake grew, she would ride him around the farm.

Matthew Fox

This Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated actor grew up raising longhorns and horses on a ranch in Wyoming. He is best known for his role as Jack Shephard in the hit drama Lost.

Charlize Theron

Theron was born in Benoni, South Africa. Since she has been in Hollywood, she has won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe; she was also named one of Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People in the World.” Her filmography consists of Mad Max: Fury Road, Monster, The Fate of The Furious, Bombshell, and the American remake of The Italian Job. However, before all of that, Theron grew up on a farm in South Africa, where she loved feeding and taking care of the livestock.

Eva Longoria

Longoria has appeared in shows like Beverly Hills 90210 and General Hospital; she also had a regular role on The Young and The Restless and was a lead in Desperate Housewives. Longoria was born and raised on a ranch near Corpus Christi, Texas, where she was no stranger to the outdoors.

Tom Wopat

Wopat is best known for his starring role as Luke Duke in the series The Dukes of Hazard. This “good ol boy” may not have been from Hazard County, Georgia in real life, but he does know what the farm life is about, as he grew up on a dairy farm in Lodi, Wisconsin.

Also, check out which celebrities wore the iconic blue and gold FFA jacket.

Related Stories
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Team B&W Trailer Hitches delivered a historic performance on Louisiana’s Cypress Bayou, posting a jaw-dropping total of 139 pounds, 15 ounces on 77 scorable bass to win Knockout Match 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni.
Jerry Cosgrove with American Farmland Trust explains why farmers and ranchers should start their estate planning now.
University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold joined RFD-TV to provide the latest insights on diabetes and rural health.
Lower turkey and wheat prices helped ease Thanksgiving costs, but underlying farm-sector pressures remain significant.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig discusses market conditions, policy priorities, and his outlook for agriculture moving forward.
NEFB President Mark McHargue recaps the Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention, producer sentiment in Nebraska, and discusses key issues facing agriculture.
Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
House Agriculture Committee Democrats are calling for action on the Farm and Family Relief Act, warning that proposed SNAP cost shifts to states could reduce food assistance for low-income families amid ongoing tariffs and trade disruptions that continue to strain U.S. farmers.
Expanded school access to whole milk provides modest but reliable demand support for U.S. dairy producers.
StockShowAuctions.com takes us to the Midland County Junior Livestock Show in West Texas, where young producers are showcasing their dedication, skill, and champion livestock.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
This hour-long show explores the trains and locomotives that aided the growth of travel, further settlement, and the development of a variety of American industries and agricultural ventures.
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD-TV! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles produced on location at music festivals from around the country.