Virginia might seem inconspicuous, but something is definitely in the water when it comes to making famous people. Here are some famous celebs you may not have known who were born or bred right here in the Commonwealth!

Patton Oswalt

Stand-up comedian and actor Patton Oswalt is a 1987 graduate of Broad Run High School in Ashburn, Virginia. He's also an alum of The College of William & Mary. Oswalt is known for so many things, it's hard to know where to start!

Sandra Bullock

Best known for ... everything. Just kidding! But seriously. Miss Congeniality, The Blind Side (for which she won an Academy Award), and Gravity are some of Sandra Bullock's more recent works that should ring a bell. Also, Speed.

Katie Couric

One of the most well-known female journalists in America, Katie Couric has been an anchor for NBC, CBS, and ABC. We see you, girl!

Pharrell Williams

Virginia actor, producer, musician, singer, co-host, fashion designer … Basically, Pharrell Williams has done more than most ever will.

Wanda Sykes

Winner of a Primetime Emmy Award for her work on The Chris Rock Show, comedian Wanda Sykes has gone on to star in several movies, including Evan Almighty and Monster-in-Law.

Missy Elliot

Missy Elliott has four Grammy Awards. Four. She is hip-hop’s first female mogul and worked with the likes of Aaliyah, Janet Jackson, and Jay-Z. All hail the queen.

Shirley MacLaine

The Terms of Endearment actress was born in Richmond. She actually attended the same high school as Sandra Bullock—though years before. Both were cheerleaders. 

June Carter Cash

The love of Johnny Cash’s life and the reason he wrote his last song “Still Loving You,” June Carter Cash also had her career as a singer and performer.

Taryn Manning

Orange Is the New Black. Need we say more?

Steve Harvey

Many know Steve Harvey as the host of Family Feud and The Steve Harvey Talk Show, and others know him as the guy who announced the wrong Miss Universe 2015. Sorry, Steve, you’re never gonna live that one down.

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