In the entertainment world, there are many celebrities who became famous because of where they’re from — “Jersey Shore,” anyone? In other cases, there are celebrities who jump start their career based on where they’re from (“In West Philadelphia / born and raised,” as Will Smith would say.) But as AU students, we only care about those that happen to represent D.C. Here are a few legends, celebrities and up-and-comers who are the pride of the nation’s capital.
Dave Chappelle
Of all the comedians of the new millennium, arguably none are more famous than Dave Chappelle. From his hilarious sketch-comedy show “Chappelle’s Show” to his famed HBO comedy special “Killin’ Them Softly” — filmed in D.C. — Chappelle represents the District in the best way possible. While his career is on hiatus for now, fans everywhere wait with bated breath for the funnyman’s next move.
Goldie Hawn
The actress, singer and dancer is well known for her comedic films and golden tresses, but it’s a little-known fact that she was born and raised in D.C. However, it’s a well-known fact by AU students that Hawn attended our illustrious school before dropping out to pursue her career — and what an illustrious career it has been. Hawn has won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and countless Emmy, Oscar and BAFTA nominations.
Wale
One of the most promising up and coming rappers of today — if you can still consider him up-and-coming — Wale is a D.C. native who mixes district style go-go music with modern day hip-hop. He continues to expand his sound, working with all different kinds of artists ranging from people like Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga to Gucci Mane and K’Naan. Wale is a D.C. local on the fast track to worldwide success.
Sandra Bullock
Right across the Potomac River is Arlington, Va., hometown of Oscar-winning actress Sandra Bullock. Although it’s not technically in D.C., it’s a safe bet that Bullock knows the nation’s capital like the back of her hand. Bullock is a chameleon, going from light, comedic films such as “Ms. Congeniality” and “The Proposal” to emotional dramas like “The Blindside,” for which she won a Best Actress Oscar.
Marvin Gaye
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Gaye is an R&B legend, to put it mildly. After hundreds of hit singles (many of which he produced), 19 albums and a posthumous induction to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Gaye is an inimitable force in the R&B world. To this day, Gaye’s estate makes millions of dollars annually, and generations to come will still be able to instantly recognize the opening notes to “Let’s Get It On.” Today, there are three films currently in the works to focus on Marvin Gaye’s life, with rumors of Common, Usher and Will Smith fighting for the lead role.
Taraji P. Henson
After acting just short of a decade, Henson received critical acclaim when she was nominated for a Best Supporting Actress for 2009’s “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.” Born and raised in Southeast D.C., Henson is a true District native, even attending and graduating from Howard University. Since kicking off her acting career, Henson has been in such notable films as “Four Brothers” and “Hustle and Flow,” for which she was nominated for a slew of awards, including a nod from the Screen Actors Guild. Henson’s next big project is “Larry Crowne,” a film directed by and starring Tom Hanks.
Ian MacKaye
A punk rock legend in his own right, MacKaye is most famous for founding the hardcore bands Minor Threat and Fugazi, as well as being a pioneer for the straight-edge movement. MacKaye grew up in Glover Park, the son of a Washington Post reporter and was close friends with another hardcore punk artist, Henry Rollins. Today, MacKaye is considered an influential artist for future hardcore punk artists. In 1980, MacKaye co-founded Dischord Records, an independent record label here in D.C. that has since seen a lot of success, releasing hundreds of albums.
Lissy Trullie
Though the name might not ring a bell, Trullie is the next big thing in pop-rock. Having already worked and toured with hipster fixtures like The Virgins and Anya Marina, Trullie is already quite an ingénue in the indie world.
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Her appeal has also crossed over to the fashion realm — she’s the new face of Chloë Sevigny’s fashion line, as well as Max Azria’s. (This is probably due to her personal style resembling a modern cross between a punky Jean Seberg and La Roux). Trullie has released an EP titled “Self-Taught Learner,” and is already working on her anticipated debut album.
Honorable Mentions
Ben Stein doesn’t exactly seem like your average actor, but rather your misplaced college professor. Well, that’s exactly what he is. After graduating with honors from Columbia University and Yale Law School, Stein went on to become an adjunct professor of political and social mass culture at AU — yes, that’s right, American University. And even though his political career far outweighs his acting one, he’ll still always be remembered as the monotone professor from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and a member of the D.C. community.
ydesta@theeagleonline.com
