8 People from Utah with Academy Awards or Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Kenna Wagner
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When it comes to the performing arts, Utah has its fair share of talent. Here are some iconic Hollywood celebrities who grew up in Utah or made the beehive state their home later in life:
1. Kieth Merrill
Born in Farmington, Utah, Kieth Merrill later became an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, writer, director, and producer. He won an Oscar for the documentary The Great American Cowboy in 1973 and was nominated for another Academy Award in 1997 for Amazon.
2. Leigh Harline
If you are a Disney fan, then you are familiar with Leigh Harline’s work. Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Leigh Harline became a composer who worked on many iconic Disney movies, including Snow White, Dumbo, and Pinocchio. He won an Academy Award for Best Original Music Score for the song “When You Wish Upon a Star.”
3. Frank Borzage
A Salt Lake City native, Frank Borzage won two Academy Awards in his life. He won the Academy Award for Best Director in 1927 for 7th Heaven and later took home a second Oscar in 1931 for Bad Girl.
4. James Woods
Born in Vernal, Utah, James Woods is a man of many talents. His voice has been featured in everything from Disney’s Hercules (Hades) to the Simpsons. He’s been nominated for two Oscars, one for Best Actor for Salvador in 1986 and one for Best Supporting Actor for Ghosts of Mississippi in 1996. He has also won two Emmy Awards.
5. Loraine Day
John Wayne. Cary Grant. Ronald Reagan. Kirk Douglas. Theses are only a few of the Hollywood icons Loraine Day shared the big screen with as an actress. Born in Roosevelt, Utah, she later received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to cinema.
6. Mack Swain
Moroni “Mack” Swain often appeared in early films with infamous silent film actor Charlie Chaplin. He also appeared in the Academy Award-nominated short film Stout Hearts and Willing Hands and later received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
7. Marie Windsor
Know as “the Queen of B movies,” Marie Windsor was born in Marysvale, Utah. Her prolific career on the stage and big screen earned her a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1983.
8. The Osmonds
The Osmonds not only became an international sensation for their vocal talents, they also made their impact on television, film, and the stage. In 2003, the Utah natives were honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
BONUS:
9. Roseanne Barr
Comedian, actress, writer, and producer Roseanne Barr has won an Emmy and Golden Globe for Best Actress on the sitcom that shares her name—Roseanne. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah.
10.Robert Redford
Robert Redford has long made Utah his home and chose it as the location for his famous Sundance Film Festival. He won an Academy Award for Best Director in 1981 for Ordinary People. Throughout his seven-decade career, he has also been nominated for three other Oscars.
11. Jason Bateman
Golden Globe-winning actor Jason Bateman is best known for his role as Michael Bluth in Arrested Development. His family moved to Utah when he was 4 years old.
