Acclaimed SC Actors & Entertainers

Actors

Kristin Davis

Davis moved to Columbia as a small child, where her stepfather taught at the University of South Carolina. She began her acting career at age 10 in a community theater production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. A graduate of A.C. Flora high School, she attained stardom in HBO's Sex and the City and subsequent movies based on the series.

Viola Davis

Born in St. Matthews in 1965, Viola Davis won a Tony Award in 2001 for her role in Broadway's King Hedley II. She was nominated for an Academy Award and a Golden Globe in 2008 for her performance in the movie Doubt, which also starred Meryl Streep.

Andy Dick

Born in Charleston in 1965, Andy Dick starred in the TV series News Radio and also appeared in his own MTV show for three years. His film credits include Zoolander, Dude, where's my Car, Inspector Gadget and Old School.

Thomas Gibson

At age 10, Charleston native Thomas Gibson began acting with the Dock Street Theater. His films include Eyes Wide Shut and Far and Away, both starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. He has appeared as a regular in the TV series Chicago Hope and Dharma and Greg and currently stars in the CBS drama Criminal Minds.

Lauren Hutton

This Charleston native was a well-known model before finding stardom in American Gigolo. She now has her own line of cosmetics.

Eartha Kitt

Born on a cotton plantation in South Carolina, Eartha Kitt 's enduring career spanned theater, cabaret, television, and the recording industry. This international star has given new meaning to the word 'versatility.'

Andie McDowell

Andie McDowell, a model and actress from Gaffney, is most noted for her role opposite Hugh Grant in Four Weddings and a Funeral. She also starred with John Travolta in the film Michael.

Mary Louise Parker

The star of HBO's Weeds was born in 1964 in Columbia while her father was stationed at Fort Jackson. Parker starred in the motion picture Fried Green Tomatoes and was a regular on the hit TV series The West Wing.

Entertainers

Stephen Colbert

Although born in Washington, D.C., Colbert moved to Charleston at a young age and grew up in the Holy City. He was the youngest in a family of eleven children. Today, Colbert is the host of Comedy Central's The Colbert Report.

Leeza Gibbons

A native of South Carolina, Leeza Gibbons is best known for her role as a host for Entertainment Tonight and her own talk show, Leeza. She graduated from the University of South Carolina's School of Journalism and has worked nationally as a reporter, television host, radio personality and producer.

Chris Rock

Born in Andrews, Rock's family moved to Brookland, New York when he was a small child. His comedic talents landed him on Saturday Night Live and in the movies, as well as numerous comedy specials.

Vanna White

Vanna White, Wheel of Fortune game show hostess since 1982, hails from North Myrtle Beach, SC.