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
Justin Wilson’s Shrimp and Macaroni Casserole features bold, Cajun spice and big flavors—you’ll love this easy, crowd-pleasing dish.
Slow-simmered Cajun beans cooked in corned beef stock for rich, Southern flavor—just like Justin Wilson used to make.
A rich, flavorful stock made by simmering corned beef with Cajun seasonings. Justin Wilson’s Eazy Corned Beef Stock recipe adds depth to beans, stews, and classic Southern dishes.
Cheesy, shrimp-stuffed, and full o’ Cajun flavor— Justin Wilson’s Asparagus and Shrimp Casserole recipe will have you sayin’ “I’m glad to eat you, I garontee!” with every bite.
I gar-on-tee this berry cobbler’s so good, it’ll have ya grinnin’ like a possum eatin’ a sweet tater!

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

House lawmakers are expected to vote late this afternoon to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The bill they are voting on includes some big priorities for Rural America.
A Reuters report shows China has a soybean “glut,” finding stockpiles at Chinese ports are at record levels, with crushers there holding the most supplies since 2017.
Once a year, Army crew chiefs and Black Hawk mechanics undergo live aerial gunnery training—loading, firing, and practicing the teamwork they’ll need in real missions.
The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) says recent wins in markets like Malaysia and Cambodia help farmers focus on production rather than trade barriers.
Kubota President Alex Woods discusses the “Geared to Give” program, the company’s commitment to those who served, and how the initiative continues to grow and impact veterans.
Today, we honor the courage, dedication, and service of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces by taking a closer look at their commitment and teamwork in action.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
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!
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.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.