Skip to main content

An Exploration of Ohio's 

Rich Contributions 

to the 

Entertainment Industry 




Ohio has been a significant contributor to the entertainment industry, producing a plethora of talented actors, directors, and serving as the backdrop for numerous films and television shows. Below is a curated list of 50 celebrated actors and directors from Ohio, followed by 50 notable films and TV shows associated with the state, along with their leading stars and directors.




50 Celebrated Actors and Directors from Ohio:


Ohio has produced numerous distinguished actors and directors who have made significant contributions to the entertainment industry. Here are some notable figures:

Actors:

  • Paul Newman: Born in Shaker Heights, Newman was a celebrated actor known for films like "Cool Hand Luke" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid."

  • Clancy Brown: Hailing from Urbana, Brown is recognized for his roles in "The Shawshank Redemption" and as the voice of Mr. Krabs in "SpongeBob SquarePants."

  • Ed O'Neill: Born in Youngstown, O'Neill is best known for his roles in "Married with Children" and "Modern Family."

  • Dean Martin: A native of Steubenville, Martin was a renowned singer, actor, and comedian, famous for his work in the Rat Pack and films like "Ocean's 11."

  • Dave Chappelle: Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Yellow Springs, Chappelle is a comedian and actor known for "Chappelle's Show" and "A Star is Born."

  • Luke Grimes: From Dayton, Grimes has appeared in "American Sniper" and "Fifty Shades of Grey."

  • Alan Ruck: Born in Cleveland, Ruck is known for his roles in "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and "Spin City."

  • Ted Levine: A native of Bellaire, Levine is recognized for his role as Buffalo Bill in "The Silence of the Lambs."

  • Melina Kanakaredes: Born in Akron, Kanakaredes is known for her roles in "CSI: NY" and "Providence."

  • Brian Stepanek: From Cleveland, Stepanek has appeared in "Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn" and "Young Sheldon."




Directors:




  • Steven Spielberg: Born in Cincinnati, Spielberg is a legendary director known for films like "E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial" and "Jurassic Park."

  • Wes Craven: A native of Cleveland, Craven was a pioneering horror director known for "A Nightmare on Elm Street" and "Scream."

  • Chris Columbus: Born in Spangler, Pennsylvania, and raised in Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Columbus directed "Home Alone" and the first two "Harry Potter" films.

  • Dominic Sena: From Niles, Sena directed films like "Gone in 60 Seconds" and "Swordfish."

  • Marisa Silver: Born in Shaker Heights, Silver is known for directing "The Secret Lives of Dentists" and "Old Enough."

  • Jamie Babbit: A native of Shaker Heights, Babbit directed "But I'm a Cheerleader" and episodes of "Russian Doll."

  • Michael Dougherty: Born in Columbus, Dougherty directed "Trick 'r Treat" and "Krampus."

  • Drew Daywalt: From Cleveland, Daywalt is known for directing "The Scare House" and "The Terrible Two."

  • Steven Caple Jr.: Born in Cleveland, Caple directed "Creed II" and "The Land."

  • Larry Clark: A native of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and raised in Toledo, Clark directed "Kids" and "Bully."

These individuals have significantly contributed to the film and television industries, showcasing Ohio's rich talent pool.



Continuing our exploration of Ohio's rich contributions to the entertainment industry, here are additional celebrated actors and directors from the state, followed by notable films and television shows associated with Ohio, along with their leading stars and directors.





Additional Celebrated Actors and Directors from Ohio:




  1. Floriana Lima (Cincinnati) – Actress known for The Punisher and Supergirl.
  2. Adrianne Palicki (Toledo) – Actress recognized for Friday Night Lights and The Orville.
  3. Isabela Merced (Cleveland) – Actress and singer known for Dora and the Lost City of Gold.
  4. Jim Cummings (Youngstown) – Prolific voice actor famous for voicing Winnie the Pooh and Tigger.
  5. Ted Levine (Bellaire) – Actor known for The Silence of the Lambs and Monk.
  6. Luke Grimes (Dayton) – Actor recognized for Yellowstone and American Sniper.
  7. Luke Kleintank (Cincinnati) – Actor known for The Man in the High Castle.
  8. Melina Kanakaredes (Akron) – Actress recognized for CSI: NY and Providence.
  9. Chris Wedge (Bexley) – Director and animator, co-founder of Blue Sky Studios, known for Ice Age.
  10. Tom Hanks (Cleveland) – Actor, producer, writer, and director who began his acting career in Cleveland with the Great Lakes Shakespeare Festival.


Notable Films and Television Shows Associated with Ohio:




  1. The Shawshank Redemption (1994) – Filmed in Mansfield, starring Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, directed by Frank Darabont.
  2. A Christmas Story (1983) – Set in Indiana but filmed in Cleveland; directed by Bob Clark.
  3. Air Force One (1997) – Partially filmed in Ohio, starring Harrison Ford, directed by Wolfgang Petersen.
  4. American Splendor (2003) – Filmed in Cleveland, starring Paul Giamatti, directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini.
  5. Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014) – Filmed in Cleveland, starring Chris Evans, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.
  6. Carol (2015) – Filmed in Cincinnati, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara, directed by Todd Haynes.
  7. The Deer Hunter (1978) – Filmed in Cleveland and Mingo Junction, starring Robert De Niro, directed by Michael Cimino.
  8. Rain Man (1988) – Partially filmed in Cincinnati, starring Tom Cruise and Dustin Hoffman, directed by Barry Levinson.
  9. Little Giants (1994) – Set in Urbana, starring Rick Moranis and Ed O'Neill, directed by Duwayne Dunham.
  10. The Ides of March (2011) – Filmed in Cincinnati, starring Ryan Gosling and George Clooney, directed by George Clooney.
  11. The Avengers (2012) – Partially filmed in Cleveland, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Chris Evans, directed by Joss Whedon.
  12. The Silence of the Lambs (1991) – Partially filmed in Ohio, starring Jodie Foster and Anthony Hopkins, directed by Jonathan Demme.
  13. The Drew Carey Show (1995–2004) – Set in Cleveland, starring Drew Carey.
  14. WKRP in Cincinnati (1978–1982) – Set in Cincinnati, starring Gary Sandy and Howard Hesseman.
  15. Third Rock from the Sun (1996–2001) – Set in Ohio, starring John Lithgow and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.
  16. Glee (2009–2015) – Set in Lima, starring Lea Michele and Cory Monteith.
  17. Super 8 (2011) – Filmed in Weirton, WV, near Ohio, starring Joel Courtney and Elle Fanning, directed by J.J. Abrams.
  18. Milk Money (1994) – Filmed in Lebanon, starring Melanie Griffith and Ed Harris, directed by Richard Benjamin.
  19. Heathers (1989) – Set in Ohio, starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, directed by Michael Lehmann.
  20. The Kings of Summer (2013) – Filmed in Ohio, starring Nick Robinson, directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts.
  21. The Oh in Ohio (2006) – Set in Cleveland, starring Parker Posey and Paul Rudd, directed by Billy Kent.
  22. Welcome to Collinwood (2002) – Set in Cleveland, starring William H. Macy and Sam Rockwell, directed by Anthony and Joe Russo.
  23. Traffic (2000) – Partially filmed in Cincinnati, starring Michael Douglas, directed by Steven Soderbergh.
  24. The Escape Artist (1982) – Filmed in Ohio, starring Griffin O'Neal, directed by Caleb Deschanel.
  25. The Fortune Cookie (1966) – Set in Cleveland, starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, directed by Billy Wilder.
  26. Harper Valley PTA (1978) – Set in Ohio, starring Barbara Eden, directed by Richard C. Bennett and Ralph Senensky.
  27. **The Prize Winner of Def


Ohio has a rich history in the horror film genre, serving both as a filming location and as the setting for numerous notable movies. Here are some examples:




Horror Films Set in Ohio:




  1. A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984): Directed by Ohio native Wes Craven, this iconic slasher film is set in the fictional town of Springwood, Ohio.

  2. The Silence of the Lambs (1991): Parts of this psychological horror film are set in Ohio, where the protagonist tracks the serial killer Buffalo Bill.

  3. Scream 2 (1997): Also directed by Wes Craven, this sequel is set in the fictional Windsor College in Ohio.

Horror Films Filmed in Ohio:

  1. I See You (2019): Filmed in Chagrin Falls, this thriller stars Helen Hunt and involves a series of mysterious disappearances in a small town.

  2. Wrong Turn (2021): This reboot of the classic horror series was filmed in various locations across Ohio.

  3. Take Shelter (2011): Shot in Lorain County, this psychological horror film follows a man plagued by apocalyptic visions.

  4. The Bye Bye Man (2017): Filmed in Cleveland, this supernatural horror film explores the origins of a mysterious figure known as the Bye Bye Man.

  5. Llamageddon (2015): A horror-comedy about a killer llama from outer space, filmed in various locations in Ohio, including Cincinnati, Dayton, and Cleveland.

These films highlight Ohio's significant role in the horror genre, both as an evocative setting and a versatile filming location.



Ohio has a rich tradition of horror movie hosts who have become local legends, entertaining audiences with their unique personas and presentations. Here are some of the most notable figures:

Ghoulardi (Ernie Anderson): In the 1960s, Ernie Anderson captivated Cleveland viewers as Ghoulardi on WJW-TV's "Shock Theater." Known for his irreverent humor, zany antics, and catchphrases, Ghoulardi became a cultural icon in Northeast Ohio. His influence paved the way for future horror hosts in the region.

The Ghoul (Ron Sweed): A protégé of Ghoulardi, Ron Sweed donned the mantle of The Ghoul in the 1970s. His show featured slapstick comedy, parody songs, and audience participation, maintaining a devoted following in the Cleveland area.

Son of Ghoul (Keven Scarpino): Debuting in 1986, Keven Scarpino became the Son of Ghoul, hosting B-movies interspersed with comedy sketches. His program aired on various Ohio stations and garnered a loyal fan base. In 2020, he was inducted into the Rondo Hatton Classic Horror Awards' Monster Kid Hall of Fame.

Big Chuck and Lil' John: Charles "Big Chuck" Schodowski and "Lil' John" Rinaldi co-hosted a long-running show in Cleveland, blending skits with horror and sci-fi films. Their chemistry and humor made them beloved local celebrities.

Fritz the Nite Owl (Fritz Peerenboom): Starting in 1974, Fritz hosted "Nite Owl Theatre" in Columbus, presenting films with his laid-back style and trademark owl sunglasses. His show had a psychedelic feel, featuring witty commentary and special effects.

The Mummy and the Monkey (Janet Decay and Grimm Gorri): A more recent addition to Ohio's horror host scene, this duo from Cleveland combines classic horror hosting with a modern twist, engaging audiences with their charming and spooky antics.

These hosts have significantly contributed to Ohio's entertainment landscape, offering unique and memorable experiences for horror enthusiasts across the state. 



Yes, Superhost qualifies as a notable figure in Ohio's horror hosting tradition. Portrayed by Marty Sullivan, Superhost was a beloved character on Cleveland's WUAB Channel 43 from 1969 to 1989. Dressed in a baggy suit, cape, and red nose—a clownish take on Superman—Superhost hosted Saturday afternoon monster movies, engaging viewers with humor and skits. His show began with "Supe's On!," featuring comedy shorts, followed by "Mad Theater," where he presented classic horror films. Sullivan's contributions to local television earned him the Horror Host Hall of Fame induction in 2015.



"The Prize Movie" was a popular television game show that aired on WUAB Channel 43 in Cleveland, Ohio, from the early 1970s until 1993. Hosted by John Lanigan, the show featured viewers calling in to answer trivia questions related to film clips, with correct answers earning cash prizes. The format included a spinning wheel adorned with photos of station personalities and film stars; callers would identify the person the wheel landed on to win.

The show was a staple of Cleveland's local television programming, blending entertainment with interactive audience participation. Its unique format and community engagement made it a beloved part of local TV history.



Popular posts from this blog

  Ohio has been home to some of the most iconic moments in film and television history. From Hollywood legends born here to groundbreaking productions filmed in our state, Ohio’s contribution to the entertainment world deserves to be celebrated—and you can help make it happen! The Ohio Movie and TV Hall of Fame is more than just a tribute; it’s a living legacy that honors our state’s cinematic achievements, educates future generations, and inspires creativity. By supporting this project, you’re ensuring that Ohio’s rich film and TV history shines brightly for years to come. Why Your Support Matters: Every contribution brings us closer to: Showcasing iconic props, costumes, and memorabilia from Ohio-connected productions. Hosting exciting events, from movie screenings to celebrity panels. Creating educational opportunities for students and aspiring filmmakers. When you subscribe to one of our tiers, you’re not just donating—you’re becoming part of the story. From exclusive merch to ...
Read more
Love. Marriage. Murder. By Ted Smith  First comes love. Then comes marriage. Then comes murder. Table of Contents The Ring May Come with Diamonds, But It Always Ends in Handcuffs A lavish wedding ends in tragedy. Or was it tradition? He Promised Her the World. She Settled for His Will. When an aging tycoon dies mysteriously, all eyes turn to his young, glowing widow. She Wept for Her Husband—But Didn’t Smudge Her Mascara A televised funeral turns into a trial of tears and lies. They Took ‘Till Death Do Us Part’ a Bit Too Seriously A seemingly perfect couple disappears—only one returns with a story that doesn’t add up. Love Is Eternal. Unless It’s Profitable A celebrity power couple faces a deadly scandal when a prenup goes missing—and a body shows up. Cupid’s Arrow Turned into a Smoking Gun A Valentine’s Day dinner ends with more than just heartbreak. Marriage: The Leading Cause of Fatal Misunderstandings A honeymoon suite. A spilled bottle of wine...
Read more
  Here are ten little-known details about Santa’s operation that keep his whole North Pole setup running smoothly: 1. The North Pole Weather Team – Santa has a dedicated team of meteorological elves who specialize in winter weather patterns. They analyze wind speed, snow density, and cloud coverage to ensure the sleigh travels safely without surprise blizzards. 2. Reindeer Strength Training – Besides flying practice, Santa's reindeer undergo a rigorous strength training regimen to build endurance for the long haul. This includes snow sprinting, wing lifts, and altitude adjustment drills. 3. Magic Dust Warehouse – The “magic dust” that powers the sleigh has its own storage facility, monitored around the clock by specially trained elves. It’s tested regularly for potency to ensure the sleigh can handle the global journey. 4. The Chimney Suit Tailoring Team – Santa’s suit has built-in magic to adjust its size to different chimney diameters. A group of elves works all year on tweaking ...
Read more