If you’ve spent any time in St. Louis, you know the drill. You meet someone new, and within thirty seconds, they ask the question: "Where’d you go to high school?" It’s a local obsession. But here’s the thing—if you were asking that question to some of the biggest names on your TV screen, the answers would actually be pretty legendary.
St. Louis isn't just the Arch and toasted ravioli. For some reason, this city has a habit of churning out an absurd number of A-list stars. We aren't just talking about people who "lived there for a summer." We’re talking about actors from St. Louis MO who grew up in the suburbs, ate at the same Imo's Pizza as you, and still show up at Blues games.
It’s a weirdly deep roster. From the dry wit of Dunder Mifflin to the high-stakes drama of 1960s ad agencies, the "St. Louis mafia" in Hollywood is real.
The John Burroughs Connection: Jon Hamm and Ellie Kemper
Honestly, the most "only in St. Louis" story in Hollywood involves a private school in Ladue. You’ve probably seen Jon Hamm looking suave in Mad Men or Top Gun: Maverick. Before he was Don Draper, though, he was a regular guy living in Creve Coeur and later Normandy. After he graduated from the University of Missouri, he actually moved back home to teach drama at his alma mater, John Burroughs School.
Guess who one of his students was? Ellie Kemper.
✨ Don't miss: Why ASAP Rocky F kin Problems Still Runs the Club Over a Decade Later
You can't make this up. The woman who played Erin on The Office and the titular Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was literally taught acting by Jon Hamm in a St. Louis classroom. Kemper’s family is about as St. Louis as it gets—her grandmother is the namesake of the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum at WashU.
The Office has a lot of St. Louis Roots
If you’re a fan of The Office, you’re basically watching a St. Louis reunion most of the time. Jenna Fischer, aka Pam Beesly, grew up in Manchester and went to Nerinx Hall in Webster Groves. Before she was the world’s most famous receptionist, she was working the "Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre" at the Lemp Mansion.
Then you have Phyllis Smith. Her backstory is wild. She didn't even start out as an actress; she was a professional cheerleader for the St. Louis Cardinals (the football team, back when they were still in town) and a burlesque dancer. She was actually working in casting for The Office when the producers realized she was exactly the person they needed for the role of Phyllis Lapin Vance.
Sterling K. Brown: The Pride of Olivette
You can't talk about actors from St. Louis MO without mentioning the man who makes everyone cry on This Is Us. Sterling K. Brown is a powerhouse. He grew up in Olivette and went to MICDS (St. Louis Country Day School).
🔗 Read more: Ashley My 600 Pound Life Now: What Really Happened to the Show’s Most Memorable Ashleys
Back then, he actually went by the name "Kelby." He didn't start using "Sterling" until he was 16. Even with three Emmys and a Golden Globe on his shelf, he’s still incredibly vocal about his hometown. He’s the kind of guy who can transition from a deep discussion about his family’s genealogy in the 1870 census to talking about St. Louis culture without missing a beat.
The Legends: John Goodman and Kevin Kline
If you head over to the St. Louis Walk of Fame in the Loop, you'll see stars for the heavy hitters. John Goodman is basically the unofficial king of Affton. He was a football player who got injured, shifted to the theater program at Missouri State (then Southwest Missouri State), and the rest is history. From The Big Lebowski to Roseanne, he’s got that specific, blue-collar St. Louis energy that feels authentic because it is.
Then there’s Kevin Kline. He’s an Oscar winner, a Tony winner, and a graduate of the Saint Louis Priory School. He’s often called the "American Olivier," which is a long way from the classrooms of West County.
The New Guard and the Unexpected Names
It’s not just the established veterans, either. The pipeline is still wide open.
💡 You might also like: Album Hopes and Fears: Why We Obsess Over Music That Doesn't Exist Yet
- Evan Peters: Before he was winning Emmys for Dahmer or zipping around as Quicksilver in X-Men, he was a kid in Ballwin. He attended Catholic school and lived a pretty standard suburban life before his family moved to Michigan for his dad's job.
- Matt Bomer: Most people associate him with White Collar or Magic Mike, and while he's often linked to Texas, he was actually born in Webster Groves.
- Sean Gunn: Known for Guardians of the Galaxy and Gilmore Girls, he grew up with Jenna Fischer. They actually went to the same acting workshop as kids.
- Jenifer Lewis: The "Mother of Black Hollywood" is from Kinloch. She’s a legend who has been in everything from Black-ish to The Princess and the Frog.
Why is St. Louis such a talent hub?
There’s no single "secret sauce," but the city has a very strong theater culture. Between The Muny (the oldest and largest outdoor musical theater in the country) and the St. Louis Repertory Theatre, kids in the Lou grow up around high-quality stage productions.
There’s also just something about the Midwest "work ethic" that seems to stick. Whether it's Scott Bakula (Kirkwood's own) or Jennifer Coolidge (who has family ties to the area), there’s a sense of groundedness. These actors don't usually lead with their "Hollywood-ness." They lead with being from the Midwest.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re interested in the local arts scene or want to follow in the footsteps of these actors from St. Louis MO, here are a few ways to engage with that history:
- Visit the St. Louis Walk of Fame: Head to the Delmar Loop. It’s the best way to see the full list of entertainers, including stars like Vincent Price and Agnes Moorehead, who helped put the city on the map.
- Check out The Muny: If it's summer, catch a show. A lot of these stars grew up watching—or even performing—on that massive stage in Forest Park.
- Support Local Theater: Groups like STAGES St. Louis or the Fox Theatre keep the pipeline alive. You might be watching the next Sterling K. Brown or Jenna Fischer before they ever buy a plane ticket to LA.
Basically, next time you're watching a big-budget movie and a character says something that sounds suspiciously like a St. Louis accent, check the credits. There's a decent chance they know exactly where to find the best toasted ravioli in town.